My tuition kid and I are playing Hangman.
He is a 14 year old, who is as slack as slack can get. Out of the seven deadly sins, he would be sloth.
So together, we are Lazier and Laziest.
There were several times, he almost "hung" in the game.
But there was one time where I wanted to "hang" myself....
The clue was Historical figure.
As you can see below, he had guessed most of the letters.
__ A P O L E A __
But somehow, he got stuck there for a very long while. His brain refused to think even though I gave him many hints.
Me: He is a war general
Previn: Dunno la.. Haven learn.
Me: He is French and is short.
Previn: Alot of people are short what... but ya they may not be French.
Me: He fought his last battle at Waterloo.
Previn: Oh near Bugis huh??
Me: (Silently cursing) No..... Think harder.... (Must always be positive and encourage young budding minds)
Previn: Is he dead??
Me: Yes... (Sighs)... Anyway... its also a famous alcohol in India.
Previn: Oh Napolean huh?
At that juncture, I started searching for a rope.
At that instant, he told me he could do a solid scout's knot.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Choices.. choices... choices...
When Thailand chose HIM as PM (the dude with his own cooking programme)
Over HIM (The Queen's English speaking Oxford graduate with First class honours in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and a Master’s degree in Economics; and a bachelor’s degree in law from Ramkamhaeng University)
I was dumbfounded. I couldn't quite comprehend their decision . They chose Samak, SAMAK!! over ABHISIT!!!! Look at Samak!!! Just look at him...
So Now.... I really wish the Americans would get it right and choose HIM
over Her....
On a less political note, I have chosen this
Over this
And I know the choice is right.
On the same less political note, I hope the Singaporeans don't choose poor Chomel as the ambassador of the zoo. Given she is Ah-Meng's grand daughter, she is under pressure to perform exceptionally. People would constantly compare her to her iconic grand mother. The last thing I want is for Chomel to die of inferiority complex. So do consider Chomel's future emotional state before choosing.
The polar bear, to me at least, seems to be the best choice. It captures this country perfectly. With our Alaska like climate and intimate relationship with the Straits of Malacca, we provide the perfect natural habitat for the polar bear.. so much so that I insist it represents us! It could be taught a little table/pool etiqutte. And before you know it, the polar bear will be sharing its fish with the celebrity visitors who would flock to dine with it. The Singapore education system can force anyone to learn ya....
The tiger, I think, really can't give a shit.
To be honest, there are many Human animals around who would make good ambassadors of the zoo. Off the top of my head, I can name three. But no I wouldn't name my friends, not on a blog... right, Sara?
Over HIM (The Queen's English speaking Oxford graduate with First class honours in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and a Master’s degree in Economics; and a bachelor’s degree in law from Ramkamhaeng University)
I was dumbfounded. I couldn't quite comprehend their decision . They chose Samak, SAMAK!! over ABHISIT!!!! Look at Samak!!! Just look at him...
So Now.... I really wish the Americans would get it right and choose HIM
over Her....
On a less political note, I have chosen this
Over this
And I know the choice is right.
On the same less political note, I hope the Singaporeans don't choose poor Chomel as the ambassador of the zoo. Given she is Ah-Meng's grand daughter, she is under pressure to perform exceptionally. People would constantly compare her to her iconic grand mother. The last thing I want is for Chomel to die of inferiority complex. So do consider Chomel's future emotional state before choosing.
The polar bear, to me at least, seems to be the best choice. It captures this country perfectly. With our Alaska like climate and intimate relationship with the Straits of Malacca, we provide the perfect natural habitat for the polar bear.. so much so that I insist it represents us! It could be taught a little table/pool etiqutte. And before you know it, the polar bear will be sharing its fish with the celebrity visitors who would flock to dine with it. The Singapore education system can force anyone to learn ya....
The tiger, I think, really can't give a shit.
To be honest, there are many Human animals around who would make good ambassadors of the zoo. Off the top of my head, I can name three. But no I wouldn't name my friends, not on a blog... right, Sara?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday Times
Sunday Times Feb 10 2008: Snippets that caught my spectacle-less blind eyes
On the not so bright side :
" Ah Meng, the Singapore icon, left behind five children and six grandchildren when she died last Friday morning after eating her breakfast of fruits." - Nur Diana Suhaimi ST journalist
My interpretation:
Ah Meng died after eating her breakfast of fruits.
Ah Meng's cause of death : Consumption of fruits.
Ah Meng could still be alive if she hadn't eaten those fruits.
Will I die if eat Ah-Meng's breakfast of fruits ?
Fruits are not actually good for the slightly devolved human race!! It kills primates!!
My suggestions :
She died last Friday morning after having her daily breakfast.
She died last Friday morning after breakfast.
She died last Friday morning soon after breakfast.
Somehow the "after eating her breakfast of fruits" doesn't bode well with me. The word "eating" sticks out like a pus filled, disgustingly gross sore thumb.
Oh well, maybe its just me.
On the bright side:
A Democratic official, on Hilary Clinton, "Whenever Obama picks up steam she seems to open the waterworks."
And finally a Newspaper item with Poonaam's name on it: Will morons mar silence? (Sports section, Sunday Times Feb 10)
Cooool....
On the not so bright side :
" Ah Meng, the Singapore icon, left behind five children and six grandchildren when she died last Friday morning after eating her breakfast of fruits." - Nur Diana Suhaimi ST journalist
My interpretation:
Ah Meng died after eating her breakfast of fruits.
Ah Meng's cause of death : Consumption of fruits.
Ah Meng could still be alive if she hadn't eaten those fruits.
Will I die if eat Ah-Meng's breakfast of fruits ?
Fruits are not actually good for the slightly devolved human race!! It kills primates!!
My suggestions :
She died last Friday morning after having her daily breakfast.
She died last Friday morning after breakfast.
She died last Friday morning soon after breakfast.
Somehow the "after eating her breakfast of fruits" doesn't bode well with me. The word "eating" sticks out like a pus filled, disgustingly gross sore thumb.
Oh well, maybe its just me.
On the bright side:
A Democratic official, on Hilary Clinton, "Whenever Obama picks up steam she seems to open the waterworks."
And finally a Newspaper item with Poonaam's name on it: Will morons mar silence? (Sports section, Sunday Times Feb 10)
Cooool....
Monday, February 11, 2008
Inauguration continued
I got distracted almost immediately, hence, I detracted from my gung-ho "Unleash the inner Karunguni" attitude. My mind went wandering. I started thinking about the complexity of being a 5 yr old child in a barbaric Indian family.
It was almost strange to envision that I would embrace death at a young age of 5. I had many dreams and desires that would go unfulfilled and I was not really into the whole " unappeased souls return as ghosts" afterlife propaganda. So I sat there contemplating my future, when I saw my mummy.
"Mummy!" my eyes widened with anticipation and relief. Maybe she could save me from this painful torture! But by now, most of you would have guessed that my mom would or should I say COULD never be my possible saviour. "Where is the hangbao(money) your uncle gave you?" she demands. I point to my small miserable bag in the hall. "How many times have I told you to pass me the money once you get it?" she snaps angrily. "Sorry," I whisper, utterly shattered.
She leaves me, trapped in the chair and never comes back until my ordeal is over. I felt insignificant, angry and totally incompetent. My own mummy was oblivious to my fear. I was alone in this cruel world. No one to back me up or catch me when I fall and break my baby tooth. I had to either catch myself or pray I fall only on cushions. Whatever the case, its all up to me. I cannot rely on anyone! This sadistic family of mine would probably leave me in the streets to beg and die of leprosy.
"Its Karanguni time, " I assure myself yet again. Its now or never. I took a quick look at the bloody red prawn sambal in the bowl infront of me and unleashed my inner karanguni at optimal capacity. I grabbed the spoon and gulped mouthfuls. I was tearing from the intensity of the chillies. I was sweating from the heat of the flavour. I was burning from the continual fast gulps. I was reeling from the lack of feeling on my tongue. I was preparing for a half dead liver. I was proving I could do it. I was showing my family I belonged. I was being inaugurated.
Its my family tradition to take really spicy food. So the adults of the family usually train the kids at a tender age to be able to stomach hot food stuff. And they do not stop there. When the kids fail or refuse to eat, they resort to name calling. "Baby", "wuss", "wimp" are some of the implicit examples.
The two culinary dishes used for our inauguration are chicken or prawn sambal. The adult sadists generally do a taste test first before qualifying it eligible. After the inauguration, the kid is usually addressed lovingly by the family members who then go on to show their approval and satisfaction by
(a) patting the child on the head
(b) giving the child a thumbs up or a high five
(c) saying "I knew you were my blood"
These methods are generally preferred over giving water to the child.
The child, on the other hand, goes on to flaunt her/his maturity to the younger punks who are awaiting inauguration. With a boosted ego, the inaugurated older kid tells horror stories about the "ordeal" to frighten the younger ones. The child then mocks the younger kid in a similar name calling manner.
Its a field day for the older child if the younger kid awaiting inauguration is a sibling. But its an earth shattering day for the older child when the mum turns up for the sibling's inauguration :(
"The family is the nucleus of civilization" said some guy whose name slips my memory.
Well, mine was probably the nucleus of the spice route.....
It was almost strange to envision that I would embrace death at a young age of 5. I had many dreams and desires that would go unfulfilled and I was not really into the whole " unappeased souls return as ghosts" afterlife propaganda. So I sat there contemplating my future, when I saw my mummy.
"Mummy!" my eyes widened with anticipation and relief. Maybe she could save me from this painful torture! But by now, most of you would have guessed that my mom would or should I say COULD never be my possible saviour. "Where is the hangbao(money) your uncle gave you?" she demands. I point to my small miserable bag in the hall. "How many times have I told you to pass me the money once you get it?" she snaps angrily. "Sorry," I whisper, utterly shattered.
She leaves me, trapped in the chair and never comes back until my ordeal is over. I felt insignificant, angry and totally incompetent. My own mummy was oblivious to my fear. I was alone in this cruel world. No one to back me up or catch me when I fall and break my baby tooth. I had to either catch myself or pray I fall only on cushions. Whatever the case, its all up to me. I cannot rely on anyone! This sadistic family of mine would probably leave me in the streets to beg and die of leprosy.
"Its Karanguni time, " I assure myself yet again. Its now or never. I took a quick look at the bloody red prawn sambal in the bowl infront of me and unleashed my inner karanguni at optimal capacity. I grabbed the spoon and gulped mouthfuls. I was tearing from the intensity of the chillies. I was sweating from the heat of the flavour. I was burning from the continual fast gulps. I was reeling from the lack of feeling on my tongue. I was preparing for a half dead liver. I was proving I could do it. I was showing my family I belonged. I was being inaugurated.
Its my family tradition to take really spicy food. So the adults of the family usually train the kids at a tender age to be able to stomach hot food stuff. And they do not stop there. When the kids fail or refuse to eat, they resort to name calling. "Baby", "wuss", "wimp" are some of the implicit examples.
The two culinary dishes used for our inauguration are chicken or prawn sambal. The adult sadists generally do a taste test first before qualifying it eligible. After the inauguration, the kid is usually addressed lovingly by the family members who then go on to show their approval and satisfaction by
(a) patting the child on the head
(b) giving the child a thumbs up or a high five
(c) saying "I knew you were my blood"
These methods are generally preferred over giving water to the child.
The child, on the other hand, goes on to flaunt her/his maturity to the younger punks who are awaiting inauguration. With a boosted ego, the inaugurated older kid tells horror stories about the "ordeal" to frighten the younger ones. The child then mocks the younger kid in a similar name calling manner.
Its a field day for the older child if the younger kid awaiting inauguration is a sibling. But its an earth shattering day for the older child when the mum turns up for the sibling's inauguration :(
"The family is the nucleus of civilization" said some guy whose name slips my memory.
Well, mine was probably the nucleus of the spice route.....
Monday, February 4, 2008
Inauguration
With eight adult family members surrounding my table, I sat rooted to the chair.
A single drop of sweat trickled down my eyebrow.
Their intense stares and penetrative mantra, "Come on. Do it," boggled my five year old fully developed highly intellectual brain.
I searched for a more familiar face amongst my relatives. My mom, as usual, was no where near me. I stopped looking for her when I was three actually.
With a quick peripheral scanning, I spotted the pleasant face of my dad.
"Why must I do this?" I asked him, not with words but with a sympathetic look.
"You have to. Its our culture, " he answered(I assumed) not with words but with a blank look... which could have meant anything.... Oh well, my interpretation is all that matters.
Minutes flew by. The "Tamil word exchange" between my relatives heated in agitation and diminished in patience.
My hesitation waned their confidence in me.
I heard my aunt telling my uncle, "I don't think she can. So old already still act like baby..."
Baby is a taboo word for a 5 yr old.
Especially for me, since I was reading advanced Enid Blyton... Babies don't read that kinda stuff, you know.
I wanted to tell my aunt that I was not a baby and that my parents had thrown away my pacifier and milk bottle a long time ago.
But my dad always told me, "Prove people wrong with your actions, not with words. Actions are LOUD, like karanguni men, everybody will get to know about it."
So, I mustered my resolve and told myself, "You CAN'T lose face in front of your family members. You would be scarred for life."
I HAD to prove them wrong.
I psyched myself......
It was time to unleash my inner Karanguni.
To be continued....
A single drop of sweat trickled down my eyebrow.
Their intense stares and penetrative mantra, "Come on. Do it," boggled my five year old fully developed highly intellectual brain.
I searched for a more familiar face amongst my relatives. My mom, as usual, was no where near me. I stopped looking for her when I was three actually.
With a quick peripheral scanning, I spotted the pleasant face of my dad.
"Why must I do this?" I asked him, not with words but with a sympathetic look.
"You have to. Its our culture, " he answered(I assumed) not with words but with a blank look... which could have meant anything.... Oh well, my interpretation is all that matters.
Minutes flew by. The "Tamil word exchange" between my relatives heated in agitation and diminished in patience.
My hesitation waned their confidence in me.
I heard my aunt telling my uncle, "I don't think she can. So old already still act like baby..."
Baby is a taboo word for a 5 yr old.
Especially for me, since I was reading advanced Enid Blyton... Babies don't read that kinda stuff, you know.
I wanted to tell my aunt that I was not a baby and that my parents had thrown away my pacifier and milk bottle a long time ago.
But my dad always told me, "Prove people wrong with your actions, not with words. Actions are LOUD, like karanguni men, everybody will get to know about it."
So, I mustered my resolve and told myself, "You CAN'T lose face in front of your family members. You would be scarred for life."
I HAD to prove them wrong.
I psyched myself......
It was time to unleash my inner Karanguni.
To be continued....
Friday, February 1, 2008
O-Bah- Mah!
Obama quotes....
I cannot swallow whole the view of Lincoln as the Great Emancipator.
I don't oppose all wars. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war.
Money is not the only answer, but it makes a difference.
My first job is to say thank you to those who voted me. Those who didn't, I'm going to get your vote next time.
I'm so over exposed I'm making Paris Hilton look like some recluse.
Three months in politics is a lifetime.
I didn't go for lunch today because I had to stay back to finish up my work. I abandoned/neglected/left it to rot coz my priority was to catch the Hilary-Obama debate.
Hilary's defining moment: "It did take a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and I think it might take another one to clean up after the second Bush."
Obama's clincher: When Hilary emphasized that the nation needed a President ready to go to work on "Day One." Obama responded: "Part of the argument that I'm making in this campaign is that it is important to be right on Day One."
Obama wants to shut down the Guantanamo prison camp in Cuba and end the war in Iraq.
Obama tried drugs when he was younger. Who knows he might just legalize weed!
Obama Barack is quite a funky name. Reminds me of arrack.
Obama Barack, I WANT to be there in the crowds shouting O-BAH-MAH! O-BAH-MAH! when you win the presidential election.
I do know its a bit tough. But still... I hope you win....
Coz....
YOU ARE KINDA CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*Giggles and swoons after screaming O-BAH-MAH! passionately*
I cannot swallow whole the view of Lincoln as the Great Emancipator.
I don't oppose all wars. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war.
Money is not the only answer, but it makes a difference.
My first job is to say thank you to those who voted me. Those who didn't, I'm going to get your vote next time.
I'm so over exposed I'm making Paris Hilton look like some recluse.
Three months in politics is a lifetime.
I didn't go for lunch today because I had to stay back to finish up my work. I abandoned/neglected/left it to rot coz my priority was to catch the Hilary-Obama debate.
Hilary's defining moment: "It did take a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and I think it might take another one to clean up after the second Bush."
Obama's clincher: When Hilary emphasized that the nation needed a President ready to go to work on "Day One." Obama responded: "Part of the argument that I'm making in this campaign is that it is important to be right on Day One."
Obama wants to shut down the Guantanamo prison camp in Cuba and end the war in Iraq.
Obama tried drugs when he was younger. Who knows he might just legalize weed!
Obama Barack is quite a funky name. Reminds me of arrack.
Obama Barack, I WANT to be there in the crowds shouting O-BAH-MAH! O-BAH-MAH! when you win the presidential election.
I do know its a bit tough. But still... I hope you win....
Coz....
YOU ARE KINDA CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*Giggles and swoons after screaming O-BAH-MAH! passionately*
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