2005-2006

Happy New Year!!

If you are expecting some philosophical -intense - psychological - wise - crack - personal - revelations, you are out of luck, aka you are on the wrong site.

I fulfilled all but 1 resolution for 2005. Still locating the GPS for 2006.

Going to drink to the new year - BEER, ROOT BEER, in my living room if I am still awake.
Thanks for worrying Fred.

Watching/listening to the New Year Countdown on the tele. Duran Duran is still cool. Those people are soooo lucky! They got to eat from the Canoli King. Someday.

SALUT!
To family,
To new friends, (R. and R. interesting)
old (aged) friends, (wax that head Fred!)
friend in a strees-free place, (going to miss you Paul)
Those who are still talking to me, (long list, you, you and you)
Those I have never met (hmmm scary list, this dude, that dude),
Those who will be and used to be,

May you look back and smile at 2005.
Learnt something in the past year to help meet the new challenges of 2006.

What almost broke me in 2005, made me stronger to face 2006.
Find your strength (and your own therapy).
I rekindled my passion for writing, (my therapy), you readers put up with me.
I am proud to write about something more important than me,
LIBERTY!
SALUTE!

Now listenining to: Bon Jovi (on the tele),
Okay Jerzey dont sound that bad, they just smell bad!
Sorry Luigi!!
Going to do laundry too.



I'm worn out.

Cool

Courtesy of Soldier's Angels, Wall of Honor.
This site will also provide information on sending care packages overseas.
What else can you do in 2005?
Begin 2006 with kindness?

Now listening to: Madonna, Hung Up (it is on repeat).

Stopped in my tracks.

Surfing, reading, digesting.
Awww..... this picture stopped me in my tracks/mouse clicks.

"U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard Long holds up a little Iraqi girl at the Dar Al Zando Kindergarten and Orphanage in Mosul, Iraq, Dec. 22, 2005. Long is assigned to Alpha Troop, 4th Battalion, 14th Regiment, Mortar Platoon. The soldiers distributed school supplies and toy stuffed animals during their visit to the kindergarten and orphanage.

U.S. Army photo Spc. Clydell Kinchen"

Read more...

Now listening to: Madonna, Hung Up (Note: very addicting song)

For the other record

Answers to the burning questions today:

Question: Where did you hide that bottle of Wild Turkey? (From Mr M. and Ms C S.)
Answer: I do not have a bottle of Wild Turkey. The edible contents in my office drawer are 1 can of Spaghetti and Meatballs, 1 can of sliced peaches, 1 Cup-o-Noodle, 1 packet of instant macaroni & Cheese, some instant oatmeal, instant coffee, tea leaves, 1 cup of green jello snack and a bottle of Maggi Seasoning.

Question: Why did you blog your wild turkey adventure? (From F.)
Answer: I was still burping bourbon at 1:30am, sadly. At least I will not have to regret not writing about it. Should have, could have, DID IT.

Question: Were you still under the influence when you cut that hair? (From Mr B.)
Answer: Nope. I was very sober 3 days later. A therapy, perhaps more psycological, 12 inches of hair for 12 months of events (anguish) that I am parting with. Making room for the new growth and the new frontier.
Imagine Jean-Luc Picard, aka Patrick Stewart,

Space the final frontier.

These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.

It's continuing mission,

To explore strange, new worlds,

To seek out new life, and new civilization.

To boldly go where no one has gone before.

Sorry to those who lack the resources for this therapy. Get your own therapy!

Now listening to: Nina Simone, Break Down and Let it All Out.

For the record.

For the record, I was NOT drinking alot as Kevin depicted.
It was my first shot in 15 years, in addition, the boss was buying.
I am not a drunk.
I am not in denial.
I have been misunderstood.
Well the guys had a good chuckle this morning, when I stepped into my office.

Allow me to repeat:
I was NOT drinking a lot!
Only 1 shot of Wild Turkey Bourbon.

At least my co-workers have chocolate cheesecake pie today. I wonder, why I am feeding them while snickering/burst of laughter occurs.

Now listening to: Matt Dusk, 2 Shots of Happy.

Organization, too little or too much?

"Read before you click", my motto on the pc.
I have organized my address book according to "Circles". The circles despict the level of trust/intimacy/familiarity/confidentiality on my address book. There are only a few in the sacred TOPCIRCLE, then Circle1, Circle 2, etc, down to Unfiled.
Save your own embarrassment, check your lists often, to avoid addresses in the wrong circle. I sent a personal email to the correct Circle, with incorrect recipients.

"Your mail has been sent to:
1. x
2. y
3. z"

Oh dear, there was 1 extra person on the list!
At least no incriminating evidence was sent.
Organization gone overboard.
I did read before I clicked!

Now listening to: Bonnie Raitt, Something to talk about.

I win first prize!!

3 PVC pipes, 2 yards of materials, twine from the garage, a few binder clips from bags of old chips (eww), throw in a rideable pony. I win the coverted "most played with present"!

And you guys thought it required Advanced Differential Equations for this project!

The satisfaction of giving.

Now listening to: Madonna & Babyface, Take a Bow, followed by Something to Remember

1 AM Christmas morning

It is Christmas morning, At 1 am.
I am up preparing gimmicks for the little ma'ams.
Presents and cookie crumbs by the fireplace,
Last minute gift-wrapping,
And ensuring all the surprises are in place.

Then I settled down to this pc,
To read what others are saying about me.
The mouse wanders to other blogs,
Laughing at how others think this warm spell is a cold slog!

Then the poem, Semper Fi!
That still brings tears to my eyes,
No matter how many years I have read it,
Posted by this guy.

Thoughts stray to family & friends,
Where ever they are now, Where ever they are heading to.
The world will be smaller if we have Star Trek Transporters.
Cool! We can zip around in a minute or two.

Minute or two?
Maybe locally;

But somewhere in America , elsewhere overseas or Singapore,
Where ever they are, I cannot wish for more,
Merry Christmas, stay alive & well (esp F), Safe trips (esp R), so we can chat some more.
Or at least laugh at my pathetic jokes and rhymes.

A fitting close,
May I quote,
This is part of what James M. Schmidt wrote:

"But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight."

Merry Christmas to all,

And to all,

A good night.

buh humbug. (courtesy to Mr M.)
I survived Walmart today, do I get Garth Brook's hat?

Update: In honour of Paul Berkley.
Now listening to: Madonna, I'll Remember.

Season for sharing

Watch out for little trolls and drool buckets.

At least I did it outside!

Pent up frustrations interfere with diet.
A granola bar, 3 rice crispies treats,
Out of food! Dont have to riot.
Searching for comfort food was a pure defeat.

Needless to say,
Since I was freed at half-day,
To the place where the troop were to meet,
Was where I parked my Jeep.

Wiping the face for incriminating trace,
I smoothly walked into the place.
Planted my rear onto the stool,
I tried to keep my cool.


Barkeep asked for my keep,
"The strongest shot you have"
Said this (she)knave,
Wild turkey bourbon, arrived in a peep.


Has it been that long since my last shot?
Well 15 years is not a life time.
The opportunity arrived to drink or not.
Afterall it was on the boss' dime.


Oh dear, where have I left my inhaler?
Somehow everyone at the table got paler.
Uh-Oh, hello to the table,
There I laid my head, until I was stable.

Time to go,
Dont feel my legs,
Gave the keys away to a fellow,
Oh man, I think I have to "GO".

Out in the snow,
May I introduce my drink,
Filled with stomach acid,
And the junk I ate not long ago.

Did I just puke before my boss,
I am sure it wasnt his loss.
There, I found my seat!
While some fellow, started the Jeep.

Yeap! It is 5 in the afternoon.
Dinner have to be started soon.
A wonderful nap I had,
I can still taste the double shot the boss paid.


Thanks to those who saved my day.
Apologies to the establishment I chucked at today.
(At least I did it outside!)


The moral of this story,
1. dont drink if you have been dry for years,
2.Chucking outside is less embarrassing
3.Make sure it was good coming up too.

What we take for granted.

The oxymoron "mixed blessings", define the events for the week.

The serene weekend emerged to news of loss & possible therapy.

The close of this week is ironic, Christmas. Season of the grinch, scrooch & humbug.

Thanks for the giving presents & actually receiving my presents.

Uh-Oh! You guessed it, time for.....Moment of reflection! (mirror shatters)

A hot-chocolate drinker friend (yes, you have been upgraded from the ground coach class), says he is thankful for HEALTH. Deep thoughts mixed with lubricating fluid, an engine's piston and cam, differential equations, recipe for the ultimate chicken enchilada, kitchen counter, etc cleared to an open mountain range with a broomstick smacked right in the middle, ooops screen-saver. Sheesh, my brain needs to slow down and quit over-compensating.

Health and family and friends, without one the others are incomplete.

To health; I shall drink my coffee, eat my ribs and raise the chicken drumstick. Followed by a salad, 20 push-ups & sit-ups.

Here are kisses, hugs, high-fives, wet-willies, wedgies, low-fives, on the side to my little clan.

To friends in all the places, high, low and in-between, (pick your spot)
you must be bored to read this
you still owe me a lunch
I did not do it
what did I do to you?
payback for that virus-laden email
I thought I was special until that bad joke
*#$&#@!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

bah humbug

Have to see.

Congratulations to Michael Yon!
A soldier cradling a child. A tribute to servicemen and family members.
The picture, Time Magazine Picture of the Week.
(Picture number 2)
You are in the big league now Michael!
Congratulations!

While you are on Michael Yon's site, take in the news on the elections in Iraq.
The pictures! Those pictures tell it all.

Eat your heart out Anderson Cooper.

Rethink

Mr. J. called me up about my entry on Dec 18th about reflections. Yeah he picked up the phone and jingled questions about my accomplishments and lack of.

Of course he does not know my answers!

Monday morning began with the news on the loss of Paul B., dispelling my delirium from the weekend.

Mr J.'s conversation sparked a mental analysis of the reflections for the year.
What did I do in 2005?

2005 is a challenging year, especially on a personal platform (no details will be released on this matter). Support from friends, distant or local, steered my over-compensating mentality to simplicity, thus clearing the clutter of confusion into clarity.

An achievement I must commend myself, especially when the tables were turned, I listened. Or may I quote George Michael, Listen without Prejudice. In some cases, read without prejudice, including Paul B.'s blog. Reading a blog may constitute listening to a person's thoughts, digesting the words in mental narration.

I am proud that I listened just as my friends listened to my trivial pursuits.

Some friends are just priceless.

They were weird strangers until given a humane chance, a chance of touch.
They are those whom I have never met or slapped a high-five.
They are proud of me as I of them, regardless of the length
of hair, personalities, Ma'am or Sir!
My strength is strangely gathered from wisdom of patient
minds.
Their experiences and patience brought more variables into the equation, which defined the solution.

On to those who have generously bestowed such gifts, I raise
my coffee cup or Salute proudly, a big Thank you.

Look at what a phone call did!!

Made me rethink!

Oops the last brain cell.

TAPS

In honorable memory.
SALUTE!
LEGIBLE TROUT.

I am at a loss of words here.
Regardless of the tragedy, I hope the members of the blogosphere respect his children's privacy and Paul's life. Celebrate his accomplishments, glory and honour. Paul will be remembered for his eccentricity, friendship, hardwork, love for country and liberty, interesting choice of music and goldfish crackers.

I am glad that you are proud of me, the respect is mutual.

Sir! Salute! Sir!

Reflections

So did you set any resolutions for 2005? Did you fulfill them?

Well, take some time to reflect on 2005.
What achievements are you proud of?
What would do differently?
What did you forget to do?
What would you take with you to 2006?

I took some time off to a quiet place today.
I have my answers. Do you have yours?

From Riches to Rags

The title is correct, From "Riches to Rags". Time Magazine People of the Year, are the Gates and Sonny Bono from U2.
I dont care too much for Sonny Bono, he needs to shave and get a haricut more often .
The Gates on the other hand, have my utmost respect and admiration. Well, I have to admit I am a closet Bill Gates admirer for over 20 years, disappointed that he married, but happy when Melinda grounded him to humility and reality.
Okay... I think Bill Gates is COOL!
Go ahead make fun of me, remember that pay back is "you-know-what".

This other dude is cool too!
He was transported in a cargo plane. A CARGO PLANE!
Powerful yet humble. Admirable.

On a side note, I have held as draft entries, an email and a blog entry. Writing under the influence of "anger-at-ignorance" creates controversy. The cycle has to end somewhere. Thus the mental debate continues if I should blast this reporter.

Tis the season..

Tis the season to be "hehehe".
Yeaaahhh!!! Time for surprises.
In my schedule, Christmas is April Fools Day in December.
Bring out the gag gifts and duct tape!!
Shhh! I am working on one for a co-worker at the moment.
Items needed:

Actual gift broken up into many many parts,
Newspaper,
Gift wrap,
More newspaper,
Magazine pages (too bad I cant find one with a burnt turkey)
Duct tape,
Nice box.

Alternative layers of paper with the aid of duct tape and rest gift in nice box.
Spray some perfume for good measure. Top with bow and a humorous card.
Then wait for the phone call.
I know, I am so so so bad; learnt from the best and I thank the good company that I am in. Muahahaha!

(May have to use masking tape instead, running low on duct tape.)

Caveat Lector

December 14, 2005.
As I begin this entry, history is written. Long in the works and overdue, Iraq begins their first democratic elections. Hopefully 15 million ink stained fingers will wave to the world, celebrating their future, resolve and most of all their LIBERTY.

Wave those fingers with pride.
Wave off the insurgents who are at this moment dissuading you via violence.
Wave at the security forces whose blood and sweat made this happen.
Wave something else at the terrorists and the tyrant who is sobbing away in solitude, watching the liberation of Iraq.


To all who made this happened, SALUTE!

Correction, Mr D.

A previous post credited NASA for the invention of Velcro. Well Mr D. was the source of that information. I hereby correct that statement (and Mr D. in person today).
Velco is a trademark, but the product, Hook and Loop was invented by a Swiss, George De Maestral. NASA's extensive use brought public awareness to this product. They even have a Velcro man, 40 feet of 1 inch square hook and loop.

Mr J. and Mr M., please express your thoughts to Mr D. if you see him, hopefully his special lights are not on during the encounter. D'oh!

Just curious

All the latest commotion that President Bush does not have a Victory Plan or a timetable on Iraq sparked bonfire. (from experience, the length of my hair is harzardous near open flames, very harzardous)

So I dwelled into history, since I wasn't born when history was written by Sir Winston Churchill and his mighty alliance. To my surprise, he did not have a time table or a victory plan. NOOOO!
Okay lets check his nemisis, Hitler. Ahhh... not fluent in German besides bratwurst. Translated information did not show any time table either. Further reading required. *cracking fingers, going to dust off my Russian dictionary.

Jokers.

By the way... I am in search of a skating instructor. Erhm... unfortunately my pair of legs is not equipped with 4-wheel drive. Services needed within 4 days. Will feed. Be ready for plenty of falling debris. D'oh!

Steelers

Steelers: 21, Bears: 9

Weather condition: Cold and snowy.
Visibility: what visibility?

Overall good game, mistake free on both teams, except they forgot to pack their winter gear.

Salute!

What is this all about??

Please spread the word:

American soldiers in Iraqi homes.... It is true!

Salute!

Back to bizness

Back to bizness of the day.
Snow day: a day where school is cancelled because of excessive amount of snowfall rendering dangerous travel conditions.
Snow day: good for the kids, but hazardous to parents who have to figure out a routine between 7am and 5pm.
Snow day: so you took a vacation day, but you are still working from home.
Snow day: forget about catching up with daytime tele. programming, Blue's Clues is running ALL DAY LONG!
Snow day: a Level 2 snow emergency has been declared, why are you out in the cold shoveling the snow? A snow blower will be handy. Correction: A functional snow blower will be handy.
Snow day: You think the city will realize that residents realized the street was plowed by the kind-hearted dude with the plow up the street? In short: we know when our tax-dollars are not used where they should. You cannot fool us.



Introduction: Someone you should read. He won by the beautiful picture at the bottom of the page.

The news over the last few days fall into 3 categories, "Worth my time", "Huh, interesting" and "you must be kidding me, you stupid".

- still trying to categorize a few headlines.

Yeah!! World Cup!

Alrighty then! I miss football!! No, not American (full-protection-armour-play-with-your- hands) football. The most popular sport in the world FOOTBALL.

I watched the last World Cup on a 2 day delay!!

The 8 finalists for next year's world cup has been released:
Argentina, Brazil, Spain, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico and France (why?).

Yippee!! The best of the best of the best!!
Fortunately the USA is not on that list, the embarrassment is lighter than being crushed by Zizou. (Sorry, but the Americans need more work on their football skills). Salute!

It is Freeeeeeezzzziiiing cold outside, sunny, at a temperature of 5F or -15C, colder with the wind chill factor.

Steelers

Steelers play the Bengals today.
1st quarter, TD by Pittsburgh.

Argh!! NFL just gave way to Blue's Clues!! Oh!!
A little troll just popped in a tape!

Cheering now, "Blue's Clue, Blue's Clue."
Time out!! Looking for paw prints.

Salute!

How Cold is your Winter?

Current Conditions
Updated: 10:53 AM EST on December 03, 2005
Observed At: cold place (edited for content)
Elevation: 810 ft / 247 m
25 °F / -4 °C
Mostly Cloudy
Windchill: 16 °F / -9 °C
Humidity: 69%
Dew Point: 16 °F / -9 °C
Wind: 9 mph / 15 km/h from the SE
Pressure: 30.16 in / 1021 hPa
Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers

Brrr!!! Good thing this entry is posted from a warm table INDOORS!!
I'll take a picture, but it is too cold outside. D'oh!!

That's alot of work!

So I spent hours last evening moving entries from my previous blog to this site. When this mammoth task is complete, Mr. J will understand the Fried Chicken Theory.
Mammoth, 73 entries in a 3 month span. Can't believe I can yak that much, even in cyber space.

Some of the entries, well, they are still funny. Mistaken identity is humorous, especially when I am the crux of the joke. (Salute!!)

The Fried Chicken Chronicles will appear here soon, just for your reading pleasure, Mr J.

Barbaric?

The death penalty imposed on the Australian trafficker is barbaric?
Hmm... a non-scientific survey was conducted amongst fellows. Which is a worse sentence: hanging or waiting in line for the lethal injection or the electric chair?
As a parent I angst with his mother at her loss.
Anger, on the other hand, has consumed me over the last few weeks. Anger over the entire misunderstanding and conscrewed opinions on Singapore and her judicial system. Please, the apparent scholars of human rights, get off your moral high horses and do not suffocate the world with your obvious ignorance.

more to rant.... going to check cnn now.