Monday, January 31
Just like first day of school, Part III
I did my enquiry calls to several listed groomers here. Almost all of them were offering similar packages. I did what I had to do; I shut my eyes and did a random pick, justified by no other reason other than I didn't know any better, the differences (if any) between them.
I ended up giving the Canada certified groomer another ring. They picked him up early in the morning the very next day, in their yellow school bus.
I crossed my fingers and waited with baited breath.
*
The yellow school bus drove up and gave the courtesy honk before coming to a rest in front of the house. The "hi! I'm back!" honk!
It was the Return of the Rascal.
*
The contrasting red harness on his back. That boyish bark. The untidy bush of a tail, wagging frantically. There, the familiarity ended.
The Little One was all bald. Bald like the eagle symbol of his birth country, and more exposed than the naked one little pig whose house got blown down.
He was all G.I. Bob for CNY, and we were horrified.
That was his first cut, more than a year ago. None as exciting as it was amusing. The little boy was now in Singapore, with hair overgrown like a punkster, and perpetually panting under his black winter coat in the summer heat.
I did my enquiry calls to several listed groomers here. Almost all of them were offering similar packages. I did what I had to do; I shut my eyes and did a random pick, justified by no other reason other than I didn't know any better, the differences (if any) between them.
I ended up giving the Canada certified groomer another ring. They picked him up early in the morning the very next day, in their yellow school bus.
I crossed my fingers and waited with baited breath.
*
The yellow school bus drove up and gave the courtesy honk before coming to a rest in front of the house. The "hi! I'm back!" honk!
It was the Return of the Rascal.
*
The contrasting red harness on his back. That boyish bark. The untidy bush of a tail, wagging frantically. There, the familiarity ended.
The Little One was all bald. Bald like the eagle symbol of his birth country, and more exposed than the naked one little pig whose house got blown down.
He was all G.I. Bob for CNY, and we were horrified.
Sunday, January 30
Just like first day of school, Part II
That morning a week later, I scooped up the furry bundle from his favorite spot and set out for the groomer's at six-plus in the morning, navigating through the roads on scribbled directions copied from MapQuest.
It was a long way, a half hour (no traffic) drive from our apartment. It got especially sleepy during the last stretch of the dusty road of wilderness. Deloach's WS Kennels was like one of the lands atop the Faraway Tree: far and away, though not exactly exotic.
We dropped Lecter off at Deloach's like a FedEx package, and zombied back into the Camry. Dee and I were feeling dopey like hell, so we were pretty much oblivious to the struggling black fur ball in the groomer's expert hands.
I couldn't remember much of what happened after that; I (we) totally conked out. We were due to pick Lecter up at five, but we woke up late, lost our way a little, and finally reached there when all the rest of the kids were gone.
When we saw Lecter scuffing his feet on the counter top, we just stood there guffawing for more than five minutes.
He was like a shaven lamb with a really big head. We almost couldn't recognize him. His tail fanned wildly once he spotted us. And I just hugged him coz I missed him so much.
He, the little lamb who lost his mink coat, and had a big beard.
That was his first, and our first. We called him Kam Gong for the rest of the week.
It was Fall, when we dialed the number on the name card. It was time overdue for Lecter's virgin haircut.
That morning a week later, I scooped up the furry bundle from his favorite spot and set out for the groomer's at six-plus in the morning, navigating through the roads on scribbled directions copied from MapQuest.
It was a long way, a half hour (no traffic) drive from our apartment. It got especially sleepy during the last stretch of the dusty road of wilderness. Deloach's WS Kennels was like one of the lands atop the Faraway Tree: far and away, though not exactly exotic.
We dropped Lecter off at Deloach's like a FedEx package, and zombied back into the Camry. Dee and I were feeling dopey like hell, so we were pretty much oblivious to the struggling black fur ball in the groomer's expert hands.
I couldn't remember much of what happened after that; I (we) totally conked out. We were due to pick Lecter up at five, but we woke up late, lost our way a little, and finally reached there when all the rest of the kids were gone.
When we saw Lecter scuffing his feet on the counter top, we just stood there guffawing for more than five minutes.
He was like a shaven lamb with a really big head. We almost couldn't recognize him. His tail fanned wildly once he spotted us. And I just hugged him coz I missed him so much.
He, the little lamb who lost his mink coat, and had a big beard.
That was his first, and our first. We called him Kam Gong for the rest of the week.
Saturday, January 29
Just like first day of school, Part I
It was his first time, and our first time here. We had to tell the driver that the boy would be feisty and to keep an extra eye on him. He assured us that he would.
Waking up before the alarm went off, rousing the sleepyheads, feeding the little boy his breakfast, telling him to be good there, packing him up and sending him off at the gate, to the bright yellow school van that had come to fetch him.
It was his first time, and our first time here. We had to tell the driver that the boy would be feisty and to keep an extra eye on him. He assured us that he would.
Friday, January 28
Being on wheels
That was partly why I loved skating. I loved the wind in my face, and the distance that I could never cover if I was running / jogging instead of skating.
A hiatus of almost a year, with rare breaks in between, had rendered me completely paralyzed on wheels. Couldn't stand on my own, having to take baby steps sideways going down an almost non-existent slope, being paranoid of narrow spaces etc. But this had, at least, had me feeling a little accomplished today when I held my own for some extended distance without doing it as precariously as I had did previously.
The skating was good, and the big fat wind was a bonus. I was doing to do it again.
The wind was more willful there, like it was, when it was blowing by the sea. It was strong enough to nudge me along on my skates, while I stood there feeling it in my face. Before whipping strands of hair across my face, as I made a turn for the opposite direction under the last block of the row.
That was partly why I loved skating. I loved the wind in my face, and the distance that I could never cover if I was running / jogging instead of skating.
A hiatus of almost a year, with rare breaks in between, had rendered me completely paralyzed on wheels. Couldn't stand on my own, having to take baby steps sideways going down an almost non-existent slope, being paranoid of narrow spaces etc. But this had, at least, had me feeling a little accomplished today when I held my own for some extended distance without doing it as precariously as I had did previously.
The skating was good, and the big fat wind was a bonus. I was doing to do it again.
Thursday, January 27
The idol
We walked out (well I strolled, and he, being he, dashed out) of the Gates of the Green Mordor. In that twenty seconds that I had to lock the gate, the rascal made a little detour into the Uptight Neighbors' house, and (!!!) peed on their superbly well tended lawn. Mrs Uptight Neighbor was talking on her cordless phone, and saw the whole frigging incident. I was hoping she would not call the police after that. Dee was convinced that she would though.
Roaming without his harness and leash apparently made him an attractive candidate of an impromptu abduction by the kids in the Park. The girls (and couple of boys) were following him, sneaking up on him, trying to carry him, ride on him, and basically scaring the hell out of him with their loud open discussions of the best tactic to tackle him. I stood a distance away, chuckling at the commotion. Reluctantly as he was, he'd just unconsciously acquired for himself another fan club.
By the time we left the Park, his fans had tattooed his name into their memories, in the same folder as his likes and dislikes, and his ability to catch any ball that bounced and sticks that he deemed good enough for fetch. They also clamored onto avan bike to track down the exact location of the house, and efficiently gotten his schedule of appearances at the Park.
Such was the adoration for being small and black in an estate of yellow labradors and retrievers.
Such was the birth of a reluctant idol.
Minutes before six in the evening. I looked up from the C-pen that Dee was showing me, to the little boy at my feet. He hadn't been out today yet. He looked up at me, and then towards the gate. Oh well why not, I thought. The little bugger was just eager for any chance to be out of the house. The areas around were his territories and I usually would not use the leash on him. Esp. when the Park which he and all the kids and canines of the estate often frequented, was barely two minutes away. Plus he always followed me well enough.
We walked out (well I strolled, and he, being he, dashed out) of the Gates of the Green Mordor. In that twenty seconds that I had to lock the gate, the rascal made a little detour into the Uptight Neighbors' house, and (!!!) peed on their superbly well tended lawn. Mrs Uptight Neighbor was talking on her cordless phone, and saw the whole frigging incident. I was hoping she would not call the police after that. Dee was convinced that she would though.
Roaming without his harness and leash apparently made him an attractive candidate of an impromptu abduction by the kids in the Park. The girls (and couple of boys) were following him, sneaking up on him, trying to carry him, ride on him, and basically scaring the hell out of him with their loud open discussions of the best tactic to tackle him. I stood a distance away, chuckling at the commotion. Reluctantly as he was, he'd just unconsciously acquired for himself another fan club.
By the time we left the Park, his fans had tattooed his name into their memories, in the same folder as his likes and dislikes, and his ability to catch any ball that bounced and sticks that he deemed good enough for fetch. They also clamored onto a
Such was the adoration for being small and black in an estate of yellow labradors and retrievers.
Such was the birth of a reluctant idol.
Wednesday, January 26
Meet the twixters
*
So now I am betwixt and between. 2X years old, struggling with financial independence, and none brighter than I was a couple of years ago. Even Lecter learns, quickly too. I probably oughta shoot myself. But I'm too tied up at the moment, it's a crazy period, only to get crazier. I'll get down to the shooting once I am done with the rubbish on hand.
*
Looks almost surreal. Though I probably wouldn't wanna be living in one of them right now.
Tuesday, January 25
Like the wind, he goes
When he was only as big as Dee's palm, we had him run up a gentle slope and down to the other side at 3 am in the morning, scooping him up before he reached the finish line and had him planted back at the starting point again. As he grew, we raced him against college kids, where he would fall a mile behind, but would always finish the race like a true athlete.
Nowadays as sudden bursts of energy grips him from time to time, he would just sprint down a whole length of distance in a matter of seconds, outrunning many his human counterparts, and most amateur inline skaters.
Now he may not be the cutest amongst the superbly well-groomed yelpers in a canine toy breed competition, but I am betting my money where it matters: on him winning the crown (and hearts of the bitches) in a toy breed race.
For Lecter may be bow-legged, but he's an arrow when he runs. All I have to do now is to get him to run in a straight line without wandering off to pee at some tree, and you're looking at the new 100-meters dash toy breed champion.
*
Wouldn't the bugger feel gan kor, being carried around like this ?
via pamperedpuppy
Lecter is a sprinter.
When he was only as big as Dee's palm, we had him run up a gentle slope and down to the other side at 3 am in the morning, scooping him up before he reached the finish line and had him planted back at the starting point again. As he grew, we raced him against college kids, where he would fall a mile behind, but would always finish the race like a true athlete.
Nowadays as sudden bursts of energy grips him from time to time, he would just sprint down a whole length of distance in a matter of seconds, outrunning many his human counterparts, and most amateur inline skaters.
Now he may not be the cutest amongst the superbly well-groomed yelpers in a canine toy breed competition, but I am betting my money where it matters: on him winning the crown (and hearts of the bitches) in a toy breed race.
For Lecter may be bow-legged, but he's an arrow when he runs. All I have to do now is to get him to run in a straight line without wandering off to pee at some tree, and you're looking at the new 100-meters dash toy breed champion.
*
Wouldn't the bugger feel gan kor, being carried around like this ?
FurBerry Puppy Purse
via pamperedpuppy
Monday, January 24
Fat babe (wanna be) slim
If only the rage refers to our real girls here, I wouldn't have a headache finding clothes that actually fit.
(links via tien mao's little read book)
This may not be the most interesting read, but the accompanying pictures are weirdly appealing, in a there-is-a-gory-car-accident-and-I-don't-want-to-look-but-I-can't-help-it way, especially when it's linked with this.
If only the rage refers to our real girls here, I wouldn't have a headache finding clothes that actually fit.
(links via tien mao's little read book)
Whilst the venerable Mr. Miyagi Sensei puts up pictures of (rich and famous) slim babes, I'm posting those of the underrated. You go, sisters.
Sunday, January 23
Hello Grandma, Byebye Grandma
I would love to wake up at those times, I love dawns (but not mornings), but I have a rather inverted sleeping schedule, regardless of my geographical location. So needless to say, that isn't very possible.
We drove half an hour via the expressways to spend less than five minutes with Grandma Gambit today. The old folks at St. Luke's Hospital have a sleeping time at 8 pm, and probably wake up at 4, 5 am the following morning.
I would love to wake up at those times, I love dawns (but not mornings), but I have a rather inverted sleeping schedule, regardless of my geographical location. So needless to say, that isn't very possible.
Saturday, January 22
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Lecter became a pekingese (!), and all giant breeds of dogs were german shepherds. All dogs caused asthma, and anyone, especially kids, within a certain radius of contact would get it from the dogs.
Who-and-who had a dog, just like that ! (pointed to Lecter, who looked on puzzlingly.) A fat lion-dog (pekingese) ! * He gave it up for adoption within a couple of months.
Aiya no surprise, larh. My who-and-who also, marh. She gave up TWO of them (shoved the two-finger victory sign in front of the rest). Dogs cause asthma, leh. And they are dirty smelly and stupid too.
Yah yah, very smelly and stupid. Their fur makes you asthmatic too.
I looked at Lecter sitting quietly by my side, and I looked at them. And then I decided who were actually the stupid ones.
-
* Most pekingese are not fat. They are just fluffy. Like Lecter is now.
I almost died, having my breakfast at a table where old wives' tales and labeling (by the older folks) became the Truths of the Day.
Lecter became a pekingese (!), and all giant breeds of dogs were german shepherds. All dogs caused asthma, and anyone, especially kids, within a certain radius of contact would get it from the dogs.
Who-and-who had a dog, just like that ! (pointed to Lecter, who looked on puzzlingly.) A fat lion-dog (pekingese) ! * He gave it up for adoption within a couple of months.
Aiya no surprise, larh. My who-and-who also, marh. She gave up TWO of them (shoved the two-finger victory sign in front of the rest). Dogs cause asthma, leh. And they are dirty smelly and stupid too.
Yah yah, very smelly and stupid. Their fur makes you asthmatic too.
I looked at Lecter sitting quietly by my side, and I looked at them. And then I decided who were actually the stupid ones.
-
* Most pekingese are not fat. They are just fluffy. Like Lecter is now.
Blurbs
I personally haven't tried drunk dialing, but cw makes it seems almost fun to do so ... 'til you become sober, that is.
*
Knowing ID
What if God is a lobster? Or a totally, like, super-smart cherry pie?
*
Not that this would ever happen here
Just as I began to rave to my friends how absolutely heavenly my meal was, the front door of the restaurant swung open and in trotted 4 cows, all walking on their hind legs, covered in blood.
from Ramblings of a Wallflower
*
Rooting for your President ...
Just as Bush takes his 2nd oath of office,
[click to enlarge]
not.
The series
I personally haven't tried drunk dialing, but cw makes it seems almost fun to do so ... 'til you become sober, that is.
*
Knowing ID
What if God is a lobster? Or a totally, like, super-smart cherry pie?
*
Not that this would ever happen here
Just as I began to rave to my friends how absolutely heavenly my meal was, the front door of the restaurant swung open and in trotted 4 cows, all walking on their hind legs, covered in blood.
from Ramblings of a Wallflower
*
Rooting for your President ...
Just as Bush takes his 2nd oath of office,
[click to enlarge]
not.
Saturday, January 15
On being free
- Lecter, aged 17 months (- 7 days)
Freedom knows no harness or leash. It also tastes like chicken bones.
- Lecter, aged 17 months (- 7 days)
Friday, January 14
Sometimes I wonder why people donate
Page six on the Straits Times today (yesterday), is an article on some of the findings of a national survey commissioned by the NVPC (National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre). Lower-income Singaporeans are reportedly more generous in their donations to religious organizations and charitable causes than their richer compatriots. Statement is made based on proportion of income donated.
I don't suspect that the findings of this 'landmark national survey' are going to create much buzz in the community. Any amount from a person earning peanuts would be likely to translate into a large percentage of the income anyway. I did not contribute a scholarship amount to the tsunami funds, but it sure is a substantial percentage of my financial possession.
Although certainly, there are those amongst us ordinary folks whose hearts are far bigger than some of the more recognized names in certain industries. People like 56-year-old Agnes Boo, a clothes seller, who earns $800 a month, and gives $1,000 to help the tsunami victims, on top of the 1900 calls she dialed in to the (circus/stunt) shows put up by the local glitterati, are worth more than our respect. For donating 125% of her monthly pay and then some: I salute her.
Apologies for the rather fragmented entry earlier on today (or yesterday, since it's passed midnight now). That's what happens when you wake up at some unearthly hour and then put to screen what you've read previously. Debt relief is too huge a topic to be attempted by hazy minds at dawn.
Page six on the Straits Times today (yesterday), is an article on some of the findings of a national survey commissioned by the NVPC (National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre). Lower-income Singaporeans are reportedly more generous in their donations to religious organizations and charitable causes than their richer compatriots. Statement is made based on proportion of income donated.
I don't suspect that the findings of this 'landmark national survey' are going to create much buzz in the community. Any amount from a person earning peanuts would be likely to translate into a large percentage of the income anyway. I did not contribute a scholarship amount to the tsunami funds, but it sure is a substantial percentage of my financial possession.
Although certainly, there are those amongst us ordinary folks whose hearts are far bigger than some of the more recognized names in certain industries. People like 56-year-old Agnes Boo, a clothes seller, who earns $800 a month, and gives $1,000 to help the tsunami victims, on top of the 1900 calls she dialed in to the (circus/stunt) shows put up by the local glitterati, are worth more than our respect. For donating 125% of her monthly pay and then some: I salute her.
Will debt relief work ?
While donations pour in from governments and individuals in the wake of the Asian tsunami disaster, greater financial relief might come in form of a freeze offered by the Paris Club of nineteen creditor nations, on interest payments and debts owed to them by the tsunami-affected nations.
Even then, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles are the only three of the countries affected who have taken up the offer. Thailand turned it down, not wanting to affect its credit ratings. India, too, has said it will rely on its own resources rather than international aid.
The Indonesian central bank has previously accepted a possible condition of debt relief that the money should be spent on reconstruction in Aceh, prior to the current no-conditions-attached debt moratorium.
The fact that the central government has been fighting separatist rebels in Aceh for several years could cast doubt on the sincerity of their intention to spend the money there.
How to ensure that the debt payments would be directed specifically to Aceh and not be diverted by corrupt officials ?
*
*
Total external debt
Source: World Bank
Resources: BCC NEWS | Business
While donations pour in from governments and individuals in the wake of the Asian tsunami disaster, greater financial relief might come in form of a freeze offered by the Paris Club of nineteen creditor nations, on interest payments and debts owed to them by the tsunami-affected nations.
Even then, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles are the only three of the countries affected who have taken up the offer. Thailand turned it down, not wanting to affect its credit ratings. India, too, has said it will rely on its own resources rather than international aid.
The Indonesian central bank has previously accepted a possible condition of debt relief that the money should be spent on reconstruction in Aceh, prior to the current no-conditions-attached debt moratorium.
The fact that the central government has been fighting separatist rebels in Aceh for several years could cast doubt on the sincerity of their intention to spend the money there.
How to ensure that the debt payments would be directed specifically to Aceh and not be diverted by corrupt officials ?
*
Debt relief might bring in the cash in the short term but can make it more difficult for countries to borrow money in the longer term.
The tsunami debt relief is expected to be confined to official government debt, a move which should protect Indonesia from the possibility of a credit rating downgrade, ratings agency Standard & Poor's said.
Forcing a restructuring of private debt would be well intentioned but ill conceived, it said - "inducing a default by Indonesia may well be a serious impediment to future private investment and lending to Indonesia."
Concerns about corruption, questionable political intent, economic sovereignty and the dangers of encouraging reckless spending surround the debate on debt relief.
Even with the best of intentions, it can be difficult to absorb the cash and turn it into real improvements on the ground.
*
Total external debt
- Indonesia $132.2bn
- India $104.4bn
- Thailand $59.2bn
- Malaysia $48.6bn
- Sri Lanka $9.6bn
- Somalia $2.7bn
- Seychelles $560m
- Maldives $270m
Source: World Bank
Resources: BCC NEWS | Business
Monday, January 10
How strong is your love ?
(in no order of preference)
一。 One gigantic pot of tang yuan
二。 Sonic
三。 A sushi treat
四。 SwatchTypical-Square* OR Bunnysutra**
五。 Salomon Inline TR gel 3 pack
六。 One-of-a-kind tees from one of the Far East Plaza shops.
七。 Something nice from Puma (exclu. wallets & wrist bands).
八。 Any books from my Amazon wish list.
九。 A mouse / case for the lonely guy.
十。 MNG vouchers.
There, took me all of ten minutes to come up with that. Be nice, I'll be waiting eagerly on my side.
updated
*I am allergic to plastic straps.
**the Sister's fiancé just got her that for V-day. Maybe as a hint or something. Haha. Okay okay, I am just joking (about the hint).
Under two weeks to that-day-of-the-year-when-I-can-ask-for-anything-like-a-spoilt-brat (well ... almost anything). I like pleasant surprises, but I prefer not to waste well-intended gifts which I have no use for, more. So for those who are thinking of getting me something to console me on wasting yet another one full year of my life, this is the list to look out for:
(in no order of preference)
一。 One gigantic pot of tang yuan
二。 Sonic
三。 A sushi treat
四。 Swatch
五。 Salomon Inline TR gel 3 pack
六。 One-of-a-kind tees from one of the Far East Plaza shops.
七。 Something nice from Puma (exclu. wallets & wrist bands).
八。 Any books from my Amazon wish list.
九。 A mouse / case for the lonely guy.
十。 MNG vouchers.
There, took me all of ten minutes to come up with that. Be nice, I'll be waiting eagerly on my side.
updated
*I am allergic to plastic straps.
**the Sister's fiancé just got her that for V-day. Maybe as a hint or something. Haha. Okay okay, I am just joking (about the hint).
Drowning opportunities
Even in this part of the world, so close to the disaster, not everyone sees only the tragedy in the tsunami disaster that claimed more than a hundred thousand lives. Post-disaster, I was talking to Dee, and our conversation drifted to Nassim Taleb and his ruminations about black swans (or rare events), which might tie in pretty well with that which happened to South Asia on the morning of Boxing Day.
What dee said about not mourning as much as he should, partly coz' 'more people die in much slower ways each year from a range of silent killers' and partly coz' 'natural disasters tend to be agents of change' are ringing much more truth than most people care to admit.
In this case, agents of change could come in the form of reconciliations between the government and the rebels in the two countries worst hit by the disaster.
In Indonesia (Aceh), the government and rebels / pro-independence fighters have declared a ceasefire in the aftermath of the disaster. Even then, both sides have accused each other of attacks, none of which could be independently verified. We are crossing our fingers that relief effort for disaster might change the dynamics of the long-running conflict between the antagonists. If not, we could all be back to square one.
In Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels are thrown together to bring aid to hundreds of thousands of tsunami victims. A situation where many hope would offer a chance to mend fences. Then the former decided to bar UN Secretary General Kofi Annan from visiting tsunami-hit north-eastern areas under rebel Tamil Tiger control. The Tigers were furious. They (the tigers) have also protested against the government's decision to send soldiers to manage relief camps in their territories, and have accused the government of discriminating against them in distributing aid.
This, that and a couple more accusations from both sides. Such tensions are threatening to overshadow the aid effort, and the disaster now looks likely to exacerbate ethnic grievances in Sri Lanka rather than help overcome them.
There is really no easy way out, especially of any political situation. But it is more likely for an age old feud to be settled in the face of disaster than for an internal illness to cure itself. This disaster has created opportunities for conflict resolution. The ball is in their courts, if they want to seize them.
Resources: BCC NEWS | South Asia
Even in this part of the world, so close to the disaster, not everyone sees only the tragedy in the tsunami disaster that claimed more than a hundred thousand lives. Post-disaster, I was talking to Dee, and our conversation drifted to Nassim Taleb and his ruminations about black swans (or rare events), which might tie in pretty well with that which happened to South Asia on the morning of Boxing Day.
What dee said about not mourning as much as he should, partly coz' 'more people die in much slower ways each year from a range of silent killers' and partly coz' 'natural disasters tend to be agents of change' are ringing much more truth than most people care to admit.
In this case, agents of change could come in the form of reconciliations between the government and the rebels in the two countries worst hit by the disaster.
In Indonesia (Aceh), the government and rebels / pro-independence fighters have declared a ceasefire in the aftermath of the disaster. Even then, both sides have accused each other of attacks, none of which could be independently verified. We are crossing our fingers that relief effort for disaster might change the dynamics of the long-running conflict between the antagonists. If not, we could all be back to square one.
In Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels are thrown together to bring aid to hundreds of thousands of tsunami victims. A situation where many hope would offer a chance to mend fences. Then the former decided to bar UN Secretary General Kofi Annan from visiting tsunami-hit north-eastern areas under rebel Tamil Tiger control. The Tigers were furious. They (the tigers) have also protested against the government's decision to send soldiers to manage relief camps in their territories, and have accused the government of discriminating against them in distributing aid.
This, that and a couple more accusations from both sides. Such tensions are threatening to overshadow the aid effort, and the disaster now looks likely to exacerbate ethnic grievances in Sri Lanka rather than help overcome them.
There is really no easy way out, especially of any political situation. But it is more likely for an age old feud to be settled in the face of disaster than for an internal illness to cure itself. This disaster has created opportunities for conflict resolution. The ball is in their courts, if they want to seize them.
Resources: BCC NEWS | South Asia
Saturday, January 8
I'm hooked
A depressed young woman from a Manhattan finishing school was so desperate that she decided to end her life by throwing herself into the ocean.
When she went down to the docks, a handsome young sailor noticed her tears, took pity on her and said, Look, you've got a lot to live for. I'm off to Europe in the morning, and if you like, I can stow you away on my ship. I'll take care of you and bring you food every day. Moving closer, he slipped his arm around her shoulder and added, I'll keep you happy, and you'll keep me happy. The girl nodded. What did she have to lose?
That night, the sailor brought her aboard and hid her in a lifeboat.
From then on, every night he brought her three sandwiches and a piece of fruit, and they made passionate love until dawn.
Three weeks later, during a routine search, she was discovered by the captain. What are you doing here? he asked. I had an arrangement with one of the sailors, she explained. He's taking me to Europe, and every night he comes and screws me.
He sure did, lady, said the captain. This is the Staten Island Ferry.
More, from Johann-
A depressed young woman from a Manhattan finishing school was so desperate that she decided to end her life by throwing herself into the ocean.
When she went down to the docks, a handsome young sailor noticed her tears, took pity on her and said, Look, you've got a lot to live for. I'm off to Europe in the morning, and if you like, I can stow you away on my ship. I'll take care of you and bring you food every day. Moving closer, he slipped his arm around her shoulder and added, I'll keep you happy, and you'll keep me happy. The girl nodded. What did she have to lose?
That night, the sailor brought her aboard and hid her in a lifeboat.
From then on, every night he brought her three sandwiches and a piece of fruit, and they made passionate love until dawn.
Three weeks later, during a routine search, she was discovered by the captain. What are you doing here? he asked. I had an arrangement with one of the sailors, she explained. He's taking me to Europe, and every night he comes and screws me.
He sure did, lady, said the captain. This is the Staten Island Ferry.
And then hell freezes over
Sweet Tooth
The other day April and I took off to do a little window-shopping. I didn’t care that much for the merchandise in the windows, but every now and again, a female sales clerk would catch my eye.
April caught me at it. “You’re like a kid in a candy store!”
“Yeah, well, since I’m married to you, I’m like a kid with diabetes in a candy store.”
*
Redneck Graves
Three rednecks, Bubba, Earl and Jeb, were stumbling home late one night and found themselves on the road that led past the old graveyard.
“Come have a look over here,” says Bubba, “It’s Zeb Jones’ grave, God bless his soul, he lived to the ripe old age of 87.”
“That’s nothing,” says Earl, “here’s one named Butch Smith. It says here that he was 95 when he died.”
Just then, Jeb yells out, “But here’s a fella that died when he was 145 years old!”
“What was his name?” asks Bubba.
Jeb lights a match to see what else is written on the stone marker, and exclaims, “Miles, from Georgia.”
*
Unlikely Events
I saw on an internet news site this morning that some towns in Texas just had a white Christmas for the first time in 86 years. And I thought, well, that’s appropriate: first the Red Sox win the World Series, and then hell freezes over.
After the unexpected closure of g.a.d, Etan's stuff just cracks me up again. His site here, and only for the sexy. He is after all, (more than) your average sexy New Yorker.
Sweet Tooth
The other day April and I took off to do a little window-shopping. I didn’t care that much for the merchandise in the windows, but every now and again, a female sales clerk would catch my eye.
April caught me at it. “You’re like a kid in a candy store!”
“Yeah, well, since I’m married to you, I’m like a kid with diabetes in a candy store.”
*
Redneck Graves
Three rednecks, Bubba, Earl and Jeb, were stumbling home late one night and found themselves on the road that led past the old graveyard.
“Come have a look over here,” says Bubba, “It’s Zeb Jones’ grave, God bless his soul, he lived to the ripe old age of 87.”
“That’s nothing,” says Earl, “here’s one named Butch Smith. It says here that he was 95 when he died.”
Just then, Jeb yells out, “But here’s a fella that died when he was 145 years old!”
“What was his name?” asks Bubba.
Jeb lights a match to see what else is written on the stone marker, and exclaims, “Miles, from Georgia.”
*
Unlikely Events
I saw on an internet news site this morning that some towns in Texas just had a white Christmas for the first time in 86 years. And I thought, well, that’s appropriate: first the Red Sox win the World Series, and then hell freezes over.
Thursday, January 6
Paper farm, 2005
A while before last Christmas, some emotional wires that connected my girlfriend and I short-circuited, and all communications ceased abruptly. Christmas came and went. We spent a rare holiday season without our usual exchange of crazy warm wishes. Thank goodness, New Year came and fixed up one of the wires; girlfriend sent me the first of her latest yshwer-pets: the three square pigs (one of them is supposedly a gay. No prizes for guessing which.), wishing me a happy new ear and taking at least 49% of the rust off our static sistahood with that.
So my girlfriend is a cartoonist-on-whim. That means, she can draw you any animal, alive or extinct, anytime anywhere as long as she has the pen. She drew me a reindeer over-wrapped in scarves on the back of a receipt once, two Christmases back, while waiting for our main courses to arrive. I think I might still have that slip somewhere.
Like the seasonal collections of designer outfits, there are seasonal changes of her main characters. Last season, she gave me the sheep, and the very next day, she gave me those pigs. She hasn't really given me the cows yet, but I'm positive they'll come sooner or later. It's a paper farm out there.
My real animal barked me into giving him an extra run today. The first place he ran to, was to his best friend's, the Golden Retriever's, just a couple of houses down. The two are the best of friends-foes. They bark at each other as furiously as I would to my fishmonger if I discover that he tries to shortchange me on my fish. But then again, both of their tails would also be wagging just as madly at the same time. So perhaps, all that ferocity is actually their canine way to communicate in an extremely manly manner, you know, like an ego thing, to see who barks louder.
"Hello !! " Bark bark.
"Hola ! " Bark bark louder.
"How's your day ?! " Bark even louder
"Very well thank you !!! " Barking at top of his lungs.
Well anyway, Goldie was not at his compound, or his Little Tikes kennel today. Lecter was sniffing around and poking his head thru' the gates looking for him and he wasn't there. He (lecter) then leaped over a canal and onto a huge grass patch to the steep slope by the side of the house, walked the whole length of it a couple of times while sniffing and poking his head thru the railings several times before jumping back to the front gates again. I thought I saw him lay down by the side of the gate, looking rather deflated for a moment.
I thought he missed his friend. Either that, or he was just feeling darn sian, not finding his friend where he usually finds him. Either way, I'd felt the same way. Now, my friend and I just need to work on that 51% of rust.
So my girlfriend is a cartoonist-on-whim. That means, she can draw you any animal, alive or extinct, anytime anywhere as long as she has the pen. She drew me a reindeer over-wrapped in scarves on the back of a receipt once, two Christmases back, while waiting for our main courses to arrive. I think I might still have that slip somewhere.
My real animal barked me into giving him an extra run today. The first place he ran to, was to his best friend's, the Golden Retriever's, just a couple of houses down. The two are the best of friends-foes. They bark at each other as furiously as I would to my fishmonger if I discover that he tries to shortchange me on my fish. But then again, both of their tails would also be wagging just as madly at the same time. So perhaps, all that ferocity is actually their canine way to communicate in an extremely manly manner, you know, like an ego thing, to see who barks louder.
"Hello !! " Bark bark.
"Hola ! " Bark bark louder.
"How's your day ?! " Bark even louder
"Very well thank you !!! " Barking at top of his lungs.
Well anyway, Goldie was not at his compound, or his Little Tikes kennel today. Lecter was sniffing around and poking his head thru' the gates looking for him and he wasn't there. He (lecter) then leaped over a canal and onto a huge grass patch to the steep slope by the side of the house, walked the whole length of it a couple of times while sniffing and poking his head thru the railings several times before jumping back to the front gates again. I thought I saw him lay down by the side of the gate, looking rather deflated for a moment.
I thought he missed his friend. Either that, or he was just feeling darn sian, not finding his friend where he usually finds him. Either way, I'd felt the same way. Now, my friend and I just need to work on that 51% of rust.
Monday, January 3
An American breakfast
Speaking of kickass fast food, I had some nice waffle at the SMU café, after I brought Lecter for a walk at the Botanic Gardens (where he plopped into the lake chasing his black swan friend). Nice, but small. The 6 inches by 4 inches plain waffle with one egg and two greasy sausages was twice as expensive as Dee's huge packet of Chinese noodles with his favorite luncheon meat and fish biscuits. But I thought his noodles looked greasier. So there. I paid more for less grease. Haha.
<< Lecter, asleep in my arms on our way home from the Gardens. That smelly boy.
Tien wrote about his drive-in at Doumar's in Norfolk and said it was sorta like Sonic. Gosh. Sonic! My favorite fast food chain yet. I am in love with at least 90% of what's on their menu. It's a tremendous bonus that they have those killer tater tots. As Tien wrote, you can't lose with tater tots.
Speaking of kickass fast food, I had some nice waffle at the SMU café, after I brought Lecter for a walk at the Botanic Gardens (where he plopped into the lake chasing his black swan friend). Nice, but small. The 6 inches by 4 inches plain waffle with one egg and two greasy sausages was twice as expensive as Dee's huge packet of Chinese noodles with his favorite luncheon meat and fish biscuits. But I thought his noodles looked greasier. So there. I paid more for less grease. Haha.
<< Lecter, asleep in my arms on our way home from the Gardens. That smelly boy.
Sunday, January 2
My own cocktail mix
Now if I could get the ears to stop hurting so much, I could at least plug in my iPod while corpsing around. But no such luck; they come in a Happy Meal set.
*
Monet and I finally caught the National Treasure. Yes, we were some latecomers for this one, and I was even watching it after reading it on themoviespoiler. Which I was glad I did (watch it), coz the posted spoiler was rather crap. This did not usually happen, crap spoilers I mean, though I couldn't be sure since I'd only read spoilers of shows which I did not intend to watch. NT was an exception. I was desperate for junk material then. But I digress.
NT was surprisingly good. SOP: sprinkled inconsistencies, older hero, younger babe (left insert), cuter sidekicks (I do think sidekicks are getting to be more eye candy. Ryan Reynolds was, in Blade Trinity.), clumsy bad guys, plus this time, a Washington DC attractions menu disguised. Which did make me tempted to return to the DC for at least a week. But that could wait.
I'd also never watched Nicholas Cage smiled so much onscreen. Must be that Troy babe larh. Guys.
With a cough, and a cold, and a friggin' throat infection, I am starting the new year with a big bang of my own. Fever would be served in a moment.
Now if I could get the ears to stop hurting so much, I could at least plug in my iPod while corpsing around. But no such luck; they come in a Happy Meal set.
*
Monet and I finally caught the National Treasure. Yes, we were some latecomers for this one, and I was even watching it after reading it on themoviespoiler. Which I was glad I did (watch it), coz the posted spoiler was rather crap. This did not usually happen, crap spoilers I mean, though I couldn't be sure since I'd only read spoilers of shows which I did not intend to watch. NT was an exception. I was desperate for junk material then. But I digress.
NT was surprisingly good. SOP: sprinkled inconsistencies, older hero, younger babe (left insert), cuter sidekicks (I do think sidekicks are getting to be more eye candy. Ryan Reynolds was, in Blade Trinity.), clumsy bad guys, plus this time, a Washington DC attractions menu disguised. Which did make me tempted to return to the DC for at least a week. But that could wait.
I'd also never watched Nicholas Cage smiled so much onscreen. Must be that Troy babe larh. Guys.
In the year 2005
*
Lecter smells delicious after his bath, much like a walking piece of black pepper steak. With fur. That is until he chases the pigeons and the big black swan, and falls into the pond with a big flat plop. And then, there goes the steak.
*
New Year Resolutions blog entries never make any good reads. Why the need / want to broadcast resolutions which are most likely to be neglected by the end of the month ? In fact, why make them at all ? If people are as resolute as they should be when they make the resolutions, we might just have more millionaires, models, and star performers in every field than we could possibly handle. The standards are already high enough. Don't need to perform Olympics on daily basis liao larh.
Fresh start for the new year. Let's see how '05 will measure up.
*
Lecter smells delicious after his bath, much like a walking piece of black pepper steak. With fur. That is until he chases the pigeons and the big black swan, and falls into the pond with a big flat plop. And then, there goes the steak.
*
New Year Resolutions blog entries never make any good reads. Why the need / want to broadcast resolutions which are most likely to be neglected by the end of the month ? In fact, why make them at all ? If people are as resolute as they should be when they make the resolutions, we might just have more millionaires, models, and star performers in every field than we could possibly handle. The standards are already high enough. Don't need to perform Olympics on daily basis liao larh.
