Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Men....Men....Men....

The story below came in an email to me this morning. A good friend of mine @ work sent it to me. Upon reading it, I started questioning myself: "How well do I listen to my better half?" Or in fact to make things clearer, do I actually listen? Check it out....
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her birthday. "I'd like to be six again", she replied, still looking in the mirror;
On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big Bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags themepark. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster and everything there was.
Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure!
Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again?" Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed.
She said, 'I meant my dress size, you dumb ass'
The Moral of the Story: Even when a man is listening, he still gets it wrong!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Biographies....

One of my favourite Presidents of the United States of America is President Bill Clinton and the other is none other than the great President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (hereafter referred to as JFK). I have done quite a bit of research on the man. I have included some of the sites [at the bottom of the article] from which one can read and know more about the 35th President of the United States of America, who sadly only served 3 years of his 5 year term. This is almost a full biography of JFK - but I'd like to call it a summarised yet comprehensive version.

35th President of the United States of America


Presidential Term: 1961-1963
Born: May 29, 1917 in Brookline, MA
Died: Nov 22, 1963. Killed by an assassin's bullet in Dallas, TX
Alma Mater(s):
London School of Economics, Harvard College & Stanford Graduate School of Business
Religion: Roman Catholic
Spouse: Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy
Children:
Caroline (only surviving member of the Kennedy family), John Jr. (died in a plan crash in 1999), Arabella (died a stillborn in 1956) and Patrick Bouvier Kennedy (died after 2 days being born in 1963)

Kennedy was born at 83 Beals Street in Brookeline, Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 29th, 1917 at 3:00 p.m., the second son of Joseph P Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald; Rose, in turn, was the eldest child of John ‘Honey’ Fitzgerald Kennedy, a prominent Boston political figure who was the city's mayor and a three-term member of Congress. Kennedy, who was to be the first U.S. president born in the twentieth century, lived in Brookline for his first ten years of life. He attended Brookline's public Edward Devotion School from kindergarten through the beginning of 3rd grade, then Noble and Greenough Lower School and its successor, the Dexter School, a private school for boys, through 4th grade. In September 1927, Kennedy moved with his family to a rented 20-room mansion in Riverdale, Bronx, New York City, then two years later moved five miles (8 km) northeast to a 21-room mansion on a six-acre estate in Bronxville, New York, purchased in May 1929.

He graduated from Choate in June 1935. Kennedy's superlative in his yearbook was "Most likely to become President". In September 1935, he sailed on the SS Normandie on his first trip abroad with his parents and his sister Kathleen to London with the intent of studying for a year with Professor Harold Laski at the London School of Economics (LSE) as his older brother Joe had done, but after a brief hospitalization with jaundice after less than a week at LSE, he sailed back to America only three weeks after he had arrived. In October 1935, Kennedy enrolled late and spent six weeks at Princeton University, but was then hospitalized for two months observation for possible leukemia at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston in January and February 1936. He recuperated at the Kennedy winter home in Palm Beach in March and April, spent May and June working as a ranch hand on a 40,000 acre (160 km²) cattle ranch outside Benson, Arizona, then July and August racing sailboats at the Kennedy summer home in Hyannisport.

In September 1936 he enrolled as a freshman at Harvard College, residing in Winthrop House during his sophomore through senior years, again following two years behind his older brother Joe. In early July 1937, Kennedy took his convertible, sailed on the SS Washington to France, and spent ten weeks driving with a friend through France, Italy, Germany, Holland and England. In late June 1938, Kennedy sailed with his father and his brother Joe on the SS Normandie to spend July working with his father, recently appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James by President Roosevelt, at the American embassy in London, and August with his family at a villa near Cannes.
In 1940, Kennedy completed his thesis, "Appeasement in Munich," about British participation in the Munich Agreement. He initially intended his thesis to be private, but his father encouraged him to publish it as a book. He graduated cum laude from Harvard with a degree in international affairs in June 1940, and his thesis was published in July 1940 as a book entitled Why England Slept, and became a bestseller.
From September to December 1940, Kennedy was enrolled and audited classes at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. In early 1941, he helped his father complete the writing of a memoir of his three years as an American ambassador.
After World War II, Kennedy had considered the option of becoming a journalist before deciding to run for political office.
Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on September 12, 1953. He underwent several spinal operations over the following two years, nearly dying (in all he received the Catholic Church's "last rites" four times during his life), and was often absent from the Senate.
Kennedy ran for the seat, beating his Republican opponent by a large margin. He was a congressman for six years but had a mixed voting record, often diverging from President Harry S. Truman and the rest of the Democratic Party. In 1952, he defeated incumbent Republican Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. for the U.S. Senate.
On January 2, 1960, Kennedy officially declared his intent to run for President of the United States.
In September and October, Kennedy debated Republican candidate and Vice President Richard Nixon in the first televised U.S. presidential debates in U.S. history. During these programs, Nixon, nursing an injured leg and sporting "five o'clock shadow", looked tense and uncomfortable, while Kennedy appeared relaxed, leading the huge television audience to deem Kennedy the winner. Radio listeners, however, either thought Nixon had won or that the debates were a draw. Nixon did not wear make-up during the initial debate, unlike Kennedy.

JFK at the White House

John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President at noon on January 20, 1961. In his inaugural address he spoke of the need for all Americans to be active citizens, famously saying, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." He also asked the nations of the world to join together to fight what he called the "common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself." In closing, he expanded on his desire for greater internationalism: "Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you

On November 22, 1963, when he was hardly past his first thousand days in office, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was killed by an assassin's bullets as his motorcade wound through Dallas, Texas. Kennedy was the youngest man elected President; he was the youngest to die. President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, at 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on November 22, 1963, while on a political trip to Texas. He was shot twice in the neck and head, and was pronounced dead at 1:00 p.m. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested at a movie theater at about 1:50 p.m. He denied shooting anyone, claiming he was a patsy, and was killed by Jack Ruby on November 24, before he could be indicted or tried.

This picture was taken minutes before he was assasinated

On March 14, 1967, Kennedy's body was moved to a permanent burial place and memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, a right he earned by serving as an officer in the United States Navy. The funeral was said by John J Cavanaugh. Kennedy is buried with his wife and their deceased minor children, and his brother, the late Senator Robert Kennedy is also buried nearby. His grave is lit with an "Eternal Flame," a last minute request of Jackie Kennedy that was powered by propane during the funeral service but has since been attached by several hundred feet of underground pipe to a natural gas main. In the film The Fog of War, then Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara claims that he picked the location in the cemetery — a location which Jackie agreed was suitable. Kennedy and William Howard Taft are the only two U.S. Presidents buried at Arlington.


Kennedy came in third (behind Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mother Teresa) in a Gallup list of the most admired people of the twentieth century.

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country"
– John F Kennedy

Bibliography:-

Monday, May 12, 2008

We've Got The 17th....And We're Not Far Off!


What a cruncher it was @ the JJB! I was watching the game @ Bulldogs with my mates - to see how the Devils persevered and stuck by their game plan in such a crucial match of the season was awesome. The squad of Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park JS (substituted with Giggs), Carrick, Scholes (later substituted with Hargreaves), Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney showed what differentiates the MEN from the boys.

Ronaldo penalty in the 33rd

A penalty scored by Ronaldo in the 33rd and a beautifully placed shot by Giggs in the 80th sealed the 17th title for the Devils. It is the 10th title under the eyes and leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson and the 17th for the Manchester United Football Club. Giggsy marked his record-equalling 758th appearance for the Devils in style by taking the throughball from Rooney on his stride before slotting it home.

It was a cruncher I say, because throughout the game, the home team controlled possession for long periods and enjoyed the majority of chances. Heskey, Koumas and M. Bent all failed to convert the half chances they had. It was huge relief when Ronaldo converted the penalty when Rooney was brought down in the box. However, it was a something else when Giggsy did it in the 80th. I was practically jumping and screaming in Bulldog. Of course, we had a legion of fans present - Kash, Surin Sir, Ross (who will be in Moscow to watch the Devils take on the Blues in the UEFA Final) and of course our dear Alison.


No one else deserves to lift it up more than the MAN himself - Superb play Giggsy


Congratulations my dear Red Devils and lets keep the flag flying high as we approach the UEFA Champions League Final match in Moscow against the Blues.

I will end this post with a few messages that were sent before and after the game. Some of which are totally original and brilliant:-

No.1
Time Received: 11th May, 9.25pm (Before The Game)
Author: Surin Murugiah
To: All Man Utd fans

Message:
To ALL Devils - for 90 minutes tonight we shall hold our breath, knowing greatness beckons. For 90 minutes, lets give Fergie's boys the support they need. may we take the first of two tonight, and put celebrations on hold till we crush the other in Moscow in ten days. Be UNITED, be REAL DEVILS tonight.

No. 2
Time Sent: 12th May, 12.23am (After The Game)
Author: Devanandan Batumalai
To: All Chelsea Fans

Message:
It was a hard fought season. The Champions won but the Pretenders drew

No.3
Time Sent: 12th May, 12.12am (After The Game)
Author: Devanandan Batumalai
To: All Liverpool Fans (Btw, Liverpool have won the league 18th times)

Message:
We've got the 17th and we're not far away

With that, ladies and gentlemen - GLORY GLORY MAN UTD!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

New Housemate....

The tenants of house No.36 have a new housemate. Yup, Mr. Vikhram Krishnan (hereafter referred to as 'd'playa, oops, sorry machi, I think I'll call him VK), has joined us. He was staying around here, but his tenancy agreement has expired and he did not wish to extend his stay in the old place he was staying in, so he moved in with us.
It was one of the happiest moments for Tasha and myself (not forgetting Jam), because all this while it was just the 3 of us. Now, with VK around, we have almost a nice cute family. We have the missing link already. In Jam's words, we have now, the Musician (me'self), the Snoozer (Jam), the Chef (Tasha) and thankfully now, the Bar Tender (who else but VK). He is the best person one should have in organising a party. He gets the booze and the women organised. So for all those who want to have your stags, call me, I'll sort you'll out. Of course there will be a introduction fee from me, LOL.
It was also very nice to have met VK's parents at home in Kepong. They are a very nice couple. Hope to have them over for our house warming barbeque party soon. I will keep the other informed of the date once it is confirmed. Tentatively, it should be on the last week of May, but once we confirm it, I'll keep all of you informed.
To our new family member - Welcome To Our Home VK!

Friday, May 02, 2008

Golden Retrievers....Caesar Boy

Having had Caesar for more than 3 years (Damn! I can't believe Caesar will be turning 4 this 31st August. Yup, as most of you know Caesar is a Merdeka Baby) I have never written about the breed he hails from. I have always loved dogs (in fact all animals), but the Golden Retrievers (GRs hereafter) have always had a special place in my heart. So, Caesar Boy, this is for you! "Caesar, bark?" "Woof woof!"

Here are some of the attributes of a GR:
Life Span: 10-13 years.
Litter Size:8
Group: Sporting
Recognized By: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC

Color:
The coat color of a GR can range from a light cream color, into the yellows, or even into darker golden or copper shades.

Hair Length: Long
Size: Large
Shedding: Moderate Shed
Male Height:23-24 inches
Male Weight:65-75 pounds
Female Height:21.5-22.5 inches
Female Weight:55-65 pounds

Living Area:
The GR does well in different living situations as long as their family takes the time to make sure they are well exercised. While a large fenced yard or a secure area that provides room to run and play is ideal, a GR can also thrive in an apartment environment. In this situation, it is important to check with local parks and public areas to determine what their rules are in regards to dogs and other pets, and see what would be most suitable for taking your dog to for play and exercise time.

Before I go into the description of GRs, let me give you a slight history about them. This highly intelligent and social dog has a history that traces back to the late 1800's, where written records indicate that Lord Tweedmouth of developed them. His desire was to produce a dog that was skillful in hunting and tracking, as well as retrieving waterfowl. In addition, he wanted a hunting partner that was beautiful to watch work. It is believed that the breed began by crossing a yellow dog with the now-extinct water spaniel, and through the years, the breed has evolved into a dog with popularity that has stood the test of time. GRs are not believed to have been brought to until the 1890's, and they were not presented in dog shows until the 1920's.

Are There Only One Type Of GRs?
Well, the GR is divided into two groups, primarily based on their appearance. The first group is the English, and they are shorter, bigger-boned, and tend to have longer coats that are lighter in color. The American group tends to be lanky with longer limbs, and have characteristics that are more similar to the origins of their breed.Their broad heads are connected to wide muzzles. They have brown expressive eyes and a black nose, and as they mature, their chests become broad and their bodies become muscular, and their tails are always wagging. Generally, a GR is filled with confidence and that comes through by the way they carry themselves. They appear strong and athletic, and their body is symmetrical. Their peaceful attitude and affectionate personalities are apparent in their posture and in the way they interact with their humans.

I have always wondered if Caesar only has one layer of fur coat. But I am come to realise that all GRs have double coats. The outer coat is soft, feathery, and can be straight or wavy. The undercoat allows the Golden to repel water and stay warm in extreme cold, and then will shed throughout the year, but more in the spring. This gives the GRs coat a versatile quality, since the coat allows for the Golden to be comfortable in virtually any season of the year. Shedding can be managed by putting some time aside throughout the week to keep up on grooming, and if your dog is likely to spend the majority of it's time indoors, it may be a good idea to invest in a good vacuum cleaner to clean up any hair missed in your grooming routine.

Looking at how huge Caesar is, everyone has asked me if he bites. Caesar, bites? No way! We wrestle all the time and most often, I win. LOL! Well, I presume it is just because he gets fed-up and just moves away.

What Is The Temperament Of GRs?
Outgoing and social, the Golden Retriever makes a loyal family pet. Their sweet dispositions make them patient and gentle with children and they are generally tolerant of other pets. It is important to remember that they are excitable as pups, and can accidentally knock children over while playing. Aggressiveness in well-bred GRs is not common, but improper breeding can raise the chances of aggression issues. Instead, these dogs are people lovers who prefer to have as much human contact as possible, and can tend to get themselves into trouble if they are frequently left alone. Being forced from their family members for long periods can result in a very unhappy GRs that could suffer from separation anxiety. GRs do not make the best of guard dogs. They will bark at strangers, but seem to be more interested in meeting and making friends with them than they are defending their family against them. They are affectionate, loving and loyal, and try hard to please their people.

GRs have a high energy level. These fun loving dogs enjoy nothing more than to play fetch or retrieve a stick during play, and their love for water makes for not only interesting play, but also plays a part in their strong hunting skills.Their high level of intelligence enables them to excel in obedience training. They are often trained and used as service dogs to the blind and disabled. Their friendly and affectionate personalities also make them ideal visitors for retirement homes and allow them to be effective therapy dogs. GRs are also very good with children. I remember, when I used to stay in Sec.14, PJ, there used to be this young mum who used to take her baby girl on walks around the housing area. They would always stop by at our house and the cute lil' girl will just put her hand through the gate. Caesar, will sit at the gate and continuously lick the girl's fingers. But if any other adults come by the house, he will bark initially. But of course, if he gets used to you, then he is your best friend.

Was Caesar Easy To Train?
Of course he was. GRs are known for being an easy breed to train. They are excited to learn, eager to please, and their high intelligence allows them to learn behaviors and tricks quickly. Most dogs from this size benefit from obedience training, and a good program that allows them to socialize with other dogs is an added bonus. GRs are easy to train to do jobs. GRs have been trained to work with Police to locate drugs, excel in agility training and enjoy learning how to perform tricks. GRs are popular candidates for training to become aid dogs. Their quick minds make them ideal for guiding the blind, and the training for this job begins when they are puppies. They are also trained to do other wonderful things for people such as uplifting the sick, and entertaining the aging. It is important to begin teaching basic commands such as sit, come, stay and heel. The sooner these basic commands are mastered, the easier it will be to manage your dog as it grows and as you are training progresses.

Is It Easy To Maintain A GR?
Caesar loves to bathe - in fact most GRs love the water. Whenever, I take him to the back tap of the house, he knows he going to have his bath. He will be jumping and spinning round and round.

The GR's double coat is important to brush on a daily basis. Many GR owners complain about how much their dogs shed, particularly in the spring months. A strong brush will be your most prized tool when combating dog hair on your furniture, clothes and carpeting. Trimming can be done on occasion.

Their nails should be trimmed on a regular basis. Long nails can be very uncomfortable for the dog, and painful if your dog happens to jump on someone. In addition, regular nail care can prevent uncomfortable issues with the shape of their feet. Sometimes a dog owner is lucky and has a dog with clear nails, making it easy to determine where the quick is. The quick helps you know how short the nail should be cut. If you are one of the many pet owners that have dogs with dark nails, the rule of thumb is to cut the nail even with the pad of the foot, and it is never a bad idea to make sure you have styptic in your first aid kit, just in case there is bleeding. If you are intimidated by nail trimming, make sure you ask your vet to do it for you.

GRs have floppy ears that fold over. This as well as the activity level of the dog can allow it to be susceptible to yeast and bacterial ear infections. Because of this, it is important to be on the watch for any signs indicating an infection, such as head shaking or scratching, and know how to clean their ears carefully. Be prepared to visit your vet for a diagnosis when an infection is suspected as this can be an uncomfortable condition that, if untreated, could cause long term issues with the ears or the hearing.

Shampooing with a mild shampoo is a great way to combat "doggy" odor. If you have a GR with sensitive skin or allergies, chances are, your vet can recommend a shampoo that can clean effectively yet prevent your dog's skin from being irritated. In fact, it is possible that there are shampoos available that can improve allergy discomfort!

What Are The Common Health Problems Found In GRs?
1. Hip Dysplasia
2. Cataracts
3. Elbow Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a skeletal issue that leads to extreme discomfort, swelling, arthritis and even lameness. The high demand for this breed has often led to poor and unhealthy

Recent studies and surveys have indicated that cancer is rapidly becoming the most common cause of death for GRs, the most common types being hemangiosarcoma and Lymphosarcoma. While genetic factors also play a role in cancer illnesses in GRs, environmental causes are also a big cause of different cancers.It is imperative that you find a trustworthy vet in your area and be active in the health care of your dog. Keep up on the immunizations that are recommended, as well as any shots that are required by your community. Establish a strong relationship with your vet and good communication skills, and talk about changes that you can make in regards to care, lifestyle and diet that can help your dog live a long and happy life. Be informed as to warning signs of illness, as well as what steps you should take in case of an emergency with your GR.

Ratings Of A GR:
Energy Level: * * *
Exercise Needs: * * *
Playfulness: * * * * *
Affection: * * * * *
Training: * * * * *
Watchdog: * * *
Protection: * *
Grooming: * * *
Other Dogs: * * * * *
Cold Weather: * * *
Hot Weather: * * *

I have described in detail all that one needs to know if he/she plans to have a GR. Take it from me, you need a lot of time in your hands to be a 'parent'. During the early years, I did not realise it, but as Caesar grew older, I realised that he needs more love, more attention and more play. So, please think carefully before you even think of having a GR, in fact a pet for that matter. I'd rather have the pet go to a nice and loving home instead of going to a home where people merely buy pets for the sake of buying them - for showing off. When they grow older, they realise that they can't handle them anymore and then give them poor dogs up for adoption or worst send them to the pounds. In my eyes, these people should be stoned. The poor dogs get so attached to the family and then you just get rid of them. Remember, they are lives as well.

God bless you both Caesar and Vasco!

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Talent @ The Attic....

We (Vessel of Worship) were invited by Llew Marsh the owner of the Attic to participate in the Talent competition. This is a competition which is held every 2 weeks over a period of 6 months. This competition attracts all musicians - soloist, duo, group or even a band. So, Vessel of Worship (VW hereafter) took upon itself the challenge of doing this. Let me briefly tell you the composition of our band:-

Devan (me'self) - Lead Vocals & Piano
Rufus - Lead Guitar & Back-up Vocals
Risberg - Drums
Vincent - Percussions
Mark - Bass
As - Rhythm
Hari - D'Walkman (Beatbox)

We have never took part in a competition before. It has always been one gig after the other, impromptu performances and playing in the Church most of the time, for we are a Christian pop rock & funk outfit.

Anyway, we were very focused in getting through the heats (Heat #3) which was held on Tuesday, 29th of April 2008. There were 6 acts who took part in the heat. There were 3 soloists and 3 bands. The competition was divided into 2 sets. For each set a group is to sing one song. VW did Psalm 23 (our own song) and for the second set we did Long Train Running by the Doobie Brothers - this was a killer. In fact, even the boys had a blast performing it.

We were very happy when we were declared winners of the heat. In fact, this was the first time in the history of the competition the winners were tied. We were tied with Suzie (the soloist who plays the piano and sings - very good I must say). We have qualified for the semi finals which will be on the 17th of June 2008 (Tuesday). Please come and watch us for we have a nice line up for the night.

For all those who would like to sing and be heard, check out Attic's Got Talent. We would love to have you join us as we make sweet sweet music.

Here are some of the pictures taken that night:-

Me, chillin' as the band sets up and tunes up

I started off the 1st set with a piano solo

Rufus, interacting with the crowd

Psalm 23, ya'll

Hari & Rufus doing their thing

Vincent Palmer (another Palmer from the family) on percussions and Risberg on drums

As and me'self getting ready before our 2nd set

Vessel of Worship jamming away

More action from VW

Introducing the band

All the contestants (only 5 were there, the other outfit left the scene)

The WINNERS of Heat #3, Suzie & Vessel of Worship