On Thinking About Atonement With a Parent
By: Jan Goldman
Acknowledgement: On Thinking About Atonement With a Parent was written when I was in a poetry writing course. There was an assignment to write a poem on the subject of atonement in relation to a parent. My first reaction was that I had nothing to say. I had been the “good child” who was responsible and brought home the bacon. This poem than came out of that “nothing to say.” It surprised me with its depth of feeling.
How does the good child atone
the one with no regret
whose small shoulders ached
with the weight of responsibility placed
early, early, early.
The one who put before you
a banquet table of accomplishment
for your feasting, for your portion.
The one who stilled her own heart's music
and filled her nostrils with
the acrid smell of caution
for your name's sake.
No, I owe you no atonement.
Better to atone for myself
for the lost path in the wilderness
for the wanderlust not indulged
for the lovers never taken.
Now in the late October of my years
with the harvest mostly gathered,
it's your turn.
It's your turn to atone for me.
Source: Families, Systems, & Health. Vol.25 (3) pp. 354-354.
I think this is one of the most amazing poems ever written. How does a good child atone? Hasn't he already done his penance by being the good child?
For all you good boys and good girls out there.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Do you think it gives me an orgasm?
Went back for a second acupuncture treatment for the bust back yesterday. The second time in two days.
And after the acupuncturist nagged at me that I am visiting too frequently, when I went to collect my meds, the pharmacist gave me another earful about not coming twice in two days for meds and acupuncture, should at most visit twice or thrice a week for such treatment yah dah yah dah yah dah.
Hello! First, the physician on the first visit gave me flu meds, which if you do not know, will not address the bust back. Anyway, the meds you had dispensed are 2/3 done, since I went last night. You know - 3 days' med contains 9 doses. By last night, I'm 5 doses done. Ok, I'm 6 doses done. I took a double for my first dose, as I usually do for Chinese meds. And the remaining meds are going to run out today - don't worry, I won't waste any medicine - so, what's your problem?
It's not as though I am such a pain seeker that getting jabbed, electro-stimulated through needles and a harsh post acupuncture massage is going to give me an orgasm!
* * *
The Age, 27 June 2008
Craig Platt
European budget carrier Ryanair has taken its cheeky reputation to new levels, with chief executive officer Michael O'Leary suggesting business class passengers would receive free oral sex on flights.
O'Leary made the saucy remarks during a press conference in Germany about Ryanair's Trans-Atlantic flights.
Explaining that Ryanair's long-haul flights would feature a business class that went against Ryanair's typical low-budget ethos, O'Leary remarked that "in economy it will be very cheap fares, say 10 Euros, and in business class it will be bed and blowjobs".
While O'Leary's remark was obviously a joke, he repeated the controversial comment and wanted it translated for the journalists.
"In business class," he said, "it will all be free - including the blowjobs."
He then asked the translator the German word for oral sex. After being told there wasn't one, he remarked "terrible sex life in Germany".
I recall the European airlines I've flown before. I'm going to claim that I suffer from a serious bout of amnesia here about my experience but I am going to conclude that I don't think I will be excited at all to fly on Ryanair's business class, much less get me an orgasm.
* * *
More things that won't hit the mark:
- Oil hits US$140 as Libya warns of production cuts.
- E. Coli in tomatoes, beef; salmonella in other things, except money in my pocket.
- Singapore raises pump prices the third time in a month despite respite in oil prices.
- Rates for electricity going up.
There, go figure.
"Some days the balls don't bounce where you want them to bounce or they don't land where you want them to land." - Maria Sharapova, after being beaten 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of Wimbledon by the 20-year-old Alla Kudryavtseva, who is ranked 152 places beneath her and has previously won only four matches this year.
And after the acupuncturist nagged at me that I am visiting too frequently, when I went to collect my meds, the pharmacist gave me another earful about not coming twice in two days for meds and acupuncture, should at most visit twice or thrice a week for such treatment yah dah yah dah yah dah.
Hello! First, the physician on the first visit gave me flu meds, which if you do not know, will not address the bust back. Anyway, the meds you had dispensed are 2/3 done, since I went last night. You know - 3 days' med contains 9 doses. By last night, I'm 5 doses done. Ok, I'm 6 doses done. I took a double for my first dose, as I usually do for Chinese meds. And the remaining meds are going to run out today - don't worry, I won't waste any medicine - so, what's your problem?
It's not as though I am such a pain seeker that getting jabbed, electro-stimulated through needles and a harsh post acupuncture massage is going to give me an orgasm!
* * *
The Age, 27 June 2008
Craig Platt
European budget carrier Ryanair has taken its cheeky reputation to new levels, with chief executive officer Michael O'Leary suggesting business class passengers would receive free oral sex on flights.
O'Leary made the saucy remarks during a press conference in Germany about Ryanair's Trans-Atlantic flights.
Explaining that Ryanair's long-haul flights would feature a business class that went against Ryanair's typical low-budget ethos, O'Leary remarked that "in economy it will be very cheap fares, say 10 Euros, and in business class it will be bed and blowjobs".
While O'Leary's remark was obviously a joke, he repeated the controversial comment and wanted it translated for the journalists.
"In business class," he said, "it will all be free - including the blowjobs."
He then asked the translator the German word for oral sex. After being told there wasn't one, he remarked "terrible sex life in Germany".
I recall the European airlines I've flown before. I'm going to claim that I suffer from a serious bout of amnesia here about my experience but I am going to conclude that I don't think I will be excited at all to fly on Ryanair's business class, much less get me an orgasm.
* * *
More things that won't hit the mark:
- Oil hits US$140 as Libya warns of production cuts.
- E. Coli in tomatoes, beef; salmonella in other things, except money in my pocket.
- Singapore raises pump prices the third time in a month despite respite in oil prices.
- Rates for electricity going up.
There, go figure.
"Some days the balls don't bounce where you want them to bounce or they don't land where you want them to land." - Maria Sharapova, after being beaten 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of Wimbledon by the 20-year-old Alla Kudryavtseva, who is ranked 152 places beneath her and has previously won only four matches this year.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Actual call centre conversations
Customer: 'I've been ringing 0800 2100 for two days and can't get through to enquiries, can you help?'.
Operator: 'Where did you get that number from, sir?'.
Customer: 'It was on the door to the Travel Centre'.
Operator: 'Sir, they are our opening hours'.
Samsung Electronics
Caller: 'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about'.
Caller: 'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I think you mean the telephone point on the wall'.
RAC Motoring Services
Caller: 'Does your European Breakdown Policy cover me when I am travelling in Australia ?'
Operator: ' Doesn't the product name give you a clue?'
Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while travelling in France ):
'If I register my car in France , do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?'
Directory Enquiries
Caller: 'I'd like the number of the Argoed Fish Bar in Cardiff please'.
Operator: 'I'm sorry, there's no listing. Is the spelling correct?'
Caller: 'Well, it used to be called the Bargoed Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off'.
Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven.
Operator: 'Woven? Are you sure?'
Caller: 'Yes. That's what it says on the label; Woven in Scotland '.
On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a phone box told a worried operator:
'I haven't got a pen, so I'm steaming up the window to write the number on'.
Tech Support: 'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop'.
Customer: 'OK'.
Tech Support: 'Did you get a pop-up menu?'.
Customer: 'No'.
Tech Support: 'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?'
Customer: 'No'.
Tech Support: 'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'.
Customer: 'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click''.
Tech Support: 'OK. In the bottom left hand side of the screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?'
Customer: 'Wow. How can you see my screen from there?'
Caller: 'I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realised that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?'.
There's always one. This has got to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the Word Perfect organization for 'Termination without Cause'.
Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations!):
Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'
Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect.'
Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'
Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'
Operator: 'Went away?'
Caller: 'They disappeared.'
Operator: 'Hmm So what does your screen look like now?'
Caller: 'Nothing.'
Operator: 'Nothing??'
Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'
Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??'
Caller: 'How do I tell?'
Operator: 'Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??'
Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'
Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'
Caller: 'There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'
Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'
Caller: 'What's a monitor?'
Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??'
Caller: 'I don't know.'
Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'
Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'
Operator: 'G reat. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall.
Caller: 'Yes, it is.'
Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.'
Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'
Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.'
Caller: 'I can't reach.'
Operator: 'Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??'
Caller: 'Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark.'
Operator: 'Dark??'
Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window.
' Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light the n.'
Caller: 'I can't.'
Operator: 'No? Why not??'
Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'
Operator: 'A power.......... A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now.
Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??'
Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'
Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.'
Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'
Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'
Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??'
Operator: 'Tell them you're too f --- ing stupid to own a computer!!!!!'
Operator: 'Where did you get that number from, sir?'.
Customer: 'It was on the door to the Travel Centre'.
Operator: 'Sir, they are our opening hours'.
Samsung Electronics
Caller: 'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about'.
Caller: 'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I think you mean the telephone point on the wall'.
RAC Motoring Services
Caller: 'Does your European Breakdown Policy cover me when I am travelling in Australia ?'
Operator: ' Doesn't the product name give you a clue?'
Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while travelling in France ):
'If I register my car in France , do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?'
Directory Enquiries
Caller: 'I'd like the number of the Argoed Fish Bar in Cardiff please'.
Operator: 'I'm sorry, there's no listing. Is the spelling correct?'
Caller: 'Well, it used to be called the Bargoed Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off'.
Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven.
Operator: 'Woven? Are you sure?'
Caller: 'Yes. That's what it says on the label; Woven in Scotland '.
On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a phone box told a worried operator:
'I haven't got a pen, so I'm steaming up the window to write the number on'.
Tech Support: 'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop'.
Customer: 'OK'.
Tech Support: 'Did you get a pop-up menu?'.
Customer: 'No'.
Tech Support: 'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?'
Customer: 'No'.
Tech Support: 'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'.
Customer: 'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click''.
Tech Support: 'OK. In the bottom left hand side of the screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?'
Customer: 'Wow. How can you see my screen from there?'
Caller: 'I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realised that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?'.
There's always one. This has got to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the Word Perfect organization for 'Termination without Cause'.
Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations!):
Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'
Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect.'
Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'
Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'
Operator: 'Went away?'
Caller: 'They disappeared.'
Operator: 'Hmm So what does your screen look like now?'
Caller: 'Nothing.'
Operator: 'Nothing??'
Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'
Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??'
Caller: 'How do I tell?'
Operator: 'Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??'
Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'
Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'
Caller: 'There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'
Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'
Caller: 'What's a monitor?'
Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??'
Caller: 'I don't know.'
Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'
Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'
Operator: 'G reat. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall.
Caller: 'Yes, it is.'
Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.'
Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'
Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.'
Caller: 'I can't reach.'
Operator: 'Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??'
Caller: 'Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark.'
Operator: 'Dark??'
Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window.
' Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light the n.'
Caller: 'I can't.'
Operator: 'No? Why not??'
Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'
Operator: 'A power.......... A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now.
Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??'
Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'
Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.'
Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'
Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'
Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??'
Operator: 'Tell them you're too f --- ing stupid to own a computer!!!!!'
Case in point
The New Paper Headline today:
SINGAPORE MOTORIST DIES IN CRASH
He beats red light while fleeing from police.
Sister says: He has no licence but he loves to speed
He rides like he wants to die
And I think he's only 17.
I suddenly feel a teeny weeny bit smarter already!
SINGAPORE MOTORIST DIES IN CRASH
He beats red light while fleeing from police.
Sister says: He has no licence but he loves to speed
He rides like he wants to die
And I think he's only 17.
I suddenly feel a teeny weeny bit smarter already!
One after another
It started with the larynx inflamation and then I sprained my back when I cleared the kitchen to welcome the new fridge and washer.
Now I am limping cos my back is killing me.
And last year at this time, I was battling a terrible bout of tonsilitis while preparing for the Montreal Convention submissions.
One year apart but both times, I am coughing my lungs out, trying to clear up my passages and attempting to expel "macha mochi".
I need something that works. Fast!
Now I am limping cos my back is killing me.
And last year at this time, I was battling a terrible bout of tonsilitis while preparing for the Montreal Convention submissions.
One year apart but both times, I am coughing my lungs out, trying to clear up my passages and attempting to expel "macha mochi".
I need something that works. Fast!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Open Letter to Singaporean Drivers
Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Madam Driver,
I know your car is cheap. By your standards, the damned thing must be cheap.
I know your life is cheap. By the insurance companies' estimate, you probably don't have much life insurance.
I know your car insurance is cheap. Since your car is cheap, then the insurance, which costs a minute fraction of the car price must be like a microscopic speck of dust in your eyes.
I know your licence is cheap. You probably got it while you were overseas and then converted to the Singapore licence, which is notoriously difficult to achieve.
I know petrol is cheap. Despite the hikes and all, your car is bigger than your brains and your car's petrol consumption is faster than a battalion of thirsty soldiers at a water parade, you simply think nothing of it.
I know your brake pads are cheap. That's why you can afford to speed up and brake suddenly so often.
I know you think your judgement is impeccable. That's why you tailgate the cars like an bootlicking ass sniffer who has literally shoved his/her/its nose into the ass he/she/it is sniffing and actually *believe* you can brake in time in case of sudden slowdowns.
I know you think your driving skills are over the top. That's why you weave in and out of traffic with no care for the lesser drivers on the road.
My biggest hope for you is to be involved in some major road accident that leaves you maimed, hopefully hand-and-leg amputee, your brain damaged enough for you to lose your ability to speak but not your ability to feel pain, frustration and most importantly, your pelvis smashed so you need a colon-bag sticking out by your side - you have a hand to change your own! - and may you outlive your caregivers! And what else can I wish upon you that you did not try to inflict upon us through your senseless driving.
I know you have already bought your one-way ticket to hell, but the saner of us have not bought ours. We probably don't know that such a ticket exists, except for the brief realisation that on your attempt to take trip there, you would have had the ability to bring us along for free. (Did you pay with your Mastercard?)
I wish you all success in your death seeking pursuits,
A law-abiding driver
I know your car is cheap. By your standards, the damned thing must be cheap.
I know your life is cheap. By the insurance companies' estimate, you probably don't have much life insurance.
I know your car insurance is cheap. Since your car is cheap, then the insurance, which costs a minute fraction of the car price must be like a microscopic speck of dust in your eyes.
I know your licence is cheap. You probably got it while you were overseas and then converted to the Singapore licence, which is notoriously difficult to achieve.
I know petrol is cheap. Despite the hikes and all, your car is bigger than your brains and your car's petrol consumption is faster than a battalion of thirsty soldiers at a water parade, you simply think nothing of it.
I know your brake pads are cheap. That's why you can afford to speed up and brake suddenly so often.
I know you think your judgement is impeccable. That's why you tailgate the cars like an bootlicking ass sniffer who has literally shoved his/her/its nose into the ass he/she/it is sniffing and actually *believe* you can brake in time in case of sudden slowdowns.
I know you think your driving skills are over the top. That's why you weave in and out of traffic with no care for the lesser drivers on the road.
My biggest hope for you is to be involved in some major road accident that leaves you maimed, hopefully hand-and-leg amputee, your brain damaged enough for you to lose your ability to speak but not your ability to feel pain, frustration and most importantly, your pelvis smashed so you need a colon-bag sticking out by your side - you have a hand to change your own! - and may you outlive your caregivers! And what else can I wish upon you that you did not try to inflict upon us through your senseless driving.
I know you have already bought your one-way ticket to hell, but the saner of us have not bought ours. We probably don't know that such a ticket exists, except for the brief realisation that on your attempt to take trip there, you would have had the ability to bring us along for free. (Did you pay with your Mastercard?)
I wish you all success in your death seeking pursuits,
A law-abiding driver
Crazy crazy roads
Yesterday, there were three road incidents that I saw on the Pan Island Expressway. Incredible.
In the first incident, a pick-up careened suddenly three lanes (from middle right all the way to the extreme left lane), and then past the road shoulder hit against the roadside fences along the shoulder lane and richocheted off. The pick-up then came to a stop in the road shoulder. Amazingly, no other car was involved despite there being cars before and following the pick-up all the way. Incredibly, no one had to brake or take evasive actions! Go figure. Right after I passed the pick-up, not more than 100 m later, there was a loud bang.
(A change in plans led me right back to the opposite side of the expressway). There, I saw the source of the loud bang. A lorry's back tyre has exploded. Go figure. It rests in the traffic island right after the exit to the expressway.
And late in the evening, after my shopping and dinner, on the way home, we saw a 12 car pile-up although the newspapers said that there were two separate incidents involving 10 cars in all. I counted and there were 12!
So exciting. Except there were no deaths. We could increase our IQ by a lot if these folks voluntarily removed themselves from the gene pool!
In the first incident, a pick-up careened suddenly three lanes (from middle right all the way to the extreme left lane), and then past the road shoulder hit against the roadside fences along the shoulder lane and richocheted off. The pick-up then came to a stop in the road shoulder. Amazingly, no other car was involved despite there being cars before and following the pick-up all the way. Incredibly, no one had to brake or take evasive actions! Go figure. Right after I passed the pick-up, not more than 100 m later, there was a loud bang.
(A change in plans led me right back to the opposite side of the expressway). There, I saw the source of the loud bang. A lorry's back tyre has exploded. Go figure. It rests in the traffic island right after the exit to the expressway.
And late in the evening, after my shopping and dinner, on the way home, we saw a 12 car pile-up although the newspapers said that there were two separate incidents involving 10 cars in all. I counted and there were 12!
So exciting. Except there were no deaths. We could increase our IQ by a lot if these folks voluntarily removed themselves from the gene pool!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Treasure Trove of Useless Tests
I thought I want to share with you my latest discovery - a treasure trove of useless tests. Then I decided against it. Believe you me that you are better off without them. After all, as these tests are written for the Oprah audiences; regardless of your responses, therapy would be recommended to address your "inadequacies".
I think I have just found a way to get rich!
I think I have just found a way to get rich!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tarragon-e
Sigh! When I went on my Taiwan trip, I asked my neighbour to help water my herbs.
When I came back, I saw my tarragon in a worse than terrible shape. It looks like it was wilting. The leaves were dark though the tips were still fresh.
It was late in the night and I didn't take a close look until the next day when I realise the entire plant was enveloped in some web. Darn! It must have been attacked by pests.
Sadly, I threw the entire plant away. I don't think I could save it given how advanced the scourge was and I was so not going to use pesticide on the plant since I intend to use the herbs. I wrapped the plant in a plastic bag together with the pot it was planted in and sent it down the rubbish chute.
Felt sad but what to do? That's part and parcel of gardening. And if these pests spread...
Now my basil are drying up. I wonder why... Is it because the weather had been too hot or if my pots had been too small or the soil levels are too low or... what?
I think one important lesson learnt is to go for the large mature plants straightaway from the nurseries. I am so not a good father to the plants since they need more attention than my work would allow me to give them. I can manage the two waterings a day but I certainly can't talk to them, prune them (except when I rob them for their leaves for my food) or sayang them.
I'm getting replacements for sure.
When I came back, I saw my tarragon in a worse than terrible shape. It looks like it was wilting. The leaves were dark though the tips were still fresh.
It was late in the night and I didn't take a close look until the next day when I realise the entire plant was enveloped in some web. Darn! It must have been attacked by pests.
Sadly, I threw the entire plant away. I don't think I could save it given how advanced the scourge was and I was so not going to use pesticide on the plant since I intend to use the herbs. I wrapped the plant in a plastic bag together with the pot it was planted in and sent it down the rubbish chute.
Felt sad but what to do? That's part and parcel of gardening. And if these pests spread...
Now my basil are drying up. I wonder why... Is it because the weather had been too hot or if my pots had been too small or the soil levels are too low or... what?
I think one important lesson learnt is to go for the large mature plants straightaway from the nurseries. I am so not a good father to the plants since they need more attention than my work would allow me to give them. I can manage the two waterings a day but I certainly can't talk to them, prune them (except when I rob them for their leaves for my food) or sayang them.
I'm getting replacements for sure.
Monday, June 16, 2008
A little respite from the heat
Took a trip up Yangming Mountain to escape the heat in Taipei. Still, the endless climbing and walking kept me dripping with sweat throughout the entire trip. Despite the 18 deg C cool air, that is.
It was good to revisit the mountain. It was my third visit up its slopes, just as it was my third visit to the island. During my past two trips, the wintry air greeted me. The fragrance of the camilias filled the air as I walked on the mountainous path.
This time, there was little fragrance. The camilias were no longer in bloom. The hillside was devoid of famous flowers. Of course, there were common flowers in bloom, showing off their resilience in the summer heat. And taking the opportunity of the respite offered by their better known counterparts, showed the world their glorious blooms.
The many bouts of passing showers turned the mountain into a drippy water fall; everything was dripping with rain but nothing was in torrents. It was like crossing a stream underneath a water fall who's source is too small to provide enough water to spread the full length of the curtain.
The climb was indeed arduous, the additional kilos showed. Still, I went to the newer parts of the mountain, parts which I had never visited before. And I was duly rewarded with its glorious sights.
It was good to revisit the mountain. It was my third visit up its slopes, just as it was my third visit to the island. During my past two trips, the wintry air greeted me. The fragrance of the camilias filled the air as I walked on the mountainous path.
This time, there was little fragrance. The camilias were no longer in bloom. The hillside was devoid of famous flowers. Of course, there were common flowers in bloom, showing off their resilience in the summer heat. And taking the opportunity of the respite offered by their better known counterparts, showed the world their glorious blooms.
The many bouts of passing showers turned the mountain into a drippy water fall; everything was dripping with rain but nothing was in torrents. It was like crossing a stream underneath a water fall who's source is too small to provide enough water to spread the full length of the curtain.
The climb was indeed arduous, the additional kilos showed. Still, I went to the newer parts of the mountain, parts which I had never visited before. And I was duly rewarded with its glorious sights.
Everyone has an opinion
On politics that is.
The Taiwanese are about the most politically sensitive people on earth and it is no wonder. There is a vocal group who fights for independence and there is a more moderate group who is happy with status quo. The independent, nationalistic sentiments for the former is very strong while the latter group is more concerned about materialistic enjoyment and staying rich.
There is no correct or wrong in this little island province. Everyone just speaks of the need for an identity, each manifestation different from the other.
The Taiwanese are about the most politically sensitive people on earth and it is no wonder. There is a vocal group who fights for independence and there is a more moderate group who is happy with status quo. The independent, nationalistic sentiments for the former is very strong while the latter group is more concerned about materialistic enjoyment and staying rich.
There is no correct or wrong in this little island province. Everyone just speaks of the need for an identity, each manifestation different from the other.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I'm back
After a good 9 days in Taiwan trodding through Taipei, Hualien and Taitung, I am back.
It had been a most wonderful time and I'll be blogging more about it in the coming days.
It had been a most wonderful time and I'll be blogging more about it in the coming days.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Tantalizing Taiwan
I'll be in Taiwan from 6 to 14 Jun. Depending on what I manage to find there, I may or may not be able to update this blog.
The Glammer Police Strike
Ok, I know. It should be the Grammar Police strikes, but I'm so conscious of the constant raids on bad grammar that I begin to feel embarrassed.
I believe this feeling would get worse when I start teaching college writing classes.
But someone has to be the baddie. Well, if not me, then who? I am after all the one guarding the gates to Grammar Heaven.
"He is one of the actors who is/are well-paid".
If you get it correct, welcome to grammar heaven where you will spend all your time teaching others in grammar hell who can't get it. If you can't get it, welcome to grammar hell. And for what Chomsky is worth, some people do not have any semblance of grammar entrenched in their subconsciousness. I bet Chimpsky would probably beat them hands-down on the correct grammar usage.
I believe this feeling would get worse when I start teaching college writing classes.
But someone has to be the baddie. Well, if not me, then who? I am after all the one guarding the gates to Grammar Heaven.
"He is one of the actors who is/are well-paid".
If you get it correct, welcome to grammar heaven where you will spend all your time teaching others in grammar hell who can't get it. If you can't get it, welcome to grammar hell. And for what Chomsky is worth, some people do not have any semblance of grammar entrenched in their subconsciousness. I bet Chimpsky would probably beat them hands-down on the correct grammar usage.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Now go and do some housework!
It's Quinsy's fault. I took the Love Language test and I am effectively bilingual. My someone needs to be the one to perform all the acts of service so that I get to spend my quality time.
Score Love Language
4 Words of Affirmation
10 Quality Time
0 Receiving of Gifts
10 Acts of Service
6 Physical Touch
How to interpret your Profile Score:
Your highest score indicates your primary love language. Your second highest score indicates your secondary love language. If two scores are identical, you are bilingual (you have two primary love languages). If the scores of your primary and your secondary language are close (for example, 10 & 9 respectfully), it indicates both are important to you. Whatever a significant other does to express love in either of these languages will get emotional points with you.
The highest possible score for any language is 12.
Having a clear picture of your primary & secondary love languages will explain much of your past behavior Think back over the past and ask yourself "What have I most often requested from significant others?" Chances are your answer will lie within the scope of your primary & secondary love languages. You have been requesting that which would meet your deepest need for emotional love.
Score Love Language
4 Words of Affirmation
10 Quality Time
0 Receiving of Gifts
10 Acts of Service
6 Physical Touch
How to interpret your Profile Score:
Your highest score indicates your primary love language. Your second highest score indicates your secondary love language. If two scores are identical, you are bilingual (you have two primary love languages). If the scores of your primary and your secondary language are close (for example, 10 & 9 respectfully), it indicates both are important to you. Whatever a significant other does to express love in either of these languages will get emotional points with you.
The highest possible score for any language is 12.
Having a clear picture of your primary & secondary love languages will explain much of your past behavior Think back over the past and ask yourself "What have I most often requested from significant others?" Chances are your answer will lie within the scope of your primary & secondary love languages. You have been requesting that which would meet your deepest need for emotional love.
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