I was sitting in my friend's car. We were talking about this and that. Suddenly she asked me if I know the shortest way home from where we were at that moment. I actually know where we were. We were a road away from Elizabeth's piano teacher's residence. But since she has been driving herself to piano lessons for at least two years, I cannot remember the way we normally drive home from there. But please note I was not lost, perhaps I would take a circuit around the entire housing area, I would be able to get home after burning a little extra gas.
She could relate to that. After all, when I encouraged her to take up driving again and buy herself a car to get around in, she claimed that she has the world's worst sense of direction. This is like two years later, she has come a long way. She gets around on her own. When she is not confident about going to certain places, she uses the GPS. After all, neither of us need to earn a living as taxi drivers. We can certainly survive pretty well with our limited sense of direction.
That was when she confessed that although she has lived in the same apartment for the past four years, she still knocks her shin or her elbow against her bedroom door frame. Now that was an interesting piece of information! I can't say I have the problem now. But for years and years I would have to contend with blue blacks (bruises) that I have no idea when I hurt myself. My deceased grandma used to laugh and say that I got pinched by ghosts in my dreams. No! I have no hematological problems. I see Elizabeth rubbing her unexplained bruises with Counterpain just two nights ago, it is almost a weekly event. If she is stressed and has a full schedule, it happens more often.
My husband, my brothers, my parents and Elizabeth's siblings do not have this problem. Since Elizabeth was seven, we have been having her friend, Cassandra, home with us often. Cassandra used to be much worse at that point of time, she knocked into furniture, door, cars, and even walls if the passage way is narrow. Over time Cassandra improved. I must ask her about this the next time I see her. Wonder if she is like Elizabeth, now and then having the same problem, or has gotten over it like me. Or Cassandra suffers it in a chronic way like my friend. I know it is not funny. But what can one do when she has this kind of funny problem, other than having a good laugh over it! I don't think anyone would go to the hospital and look up the relevant specialist over a mundane and non-threatening problem like this. I do know that it indicates that one part of the brain is not functioning as it should. Well! My friend is already in her forties. She actually earns very well teaching students weak in English. We both know that she has made a strong point out of her weaknesses. If she had not suffered in school over whatever difficulties over all subjects except English, she would not end up being such a good tutor to all types of students.
I am an armchair special education hobbyist. I think my friend, Cassandra, Elizabeth and I all display one specific symptom of dyslexia. I might have been blessed with a brain wired for the Chinese language, but I was and still is foolhardy enough to keep working on my shadow area(weakest subject). My friend has been taken for a fool by her beloved. She has been taken for a ride as well as he divorced her when she stopped obeying him and fought back. Cassandra is very blessed as her current boy friend (very first and hopefully they would marry) loves her enough to take over all cleaning duties. You see, her skin breaks up after coming into contact with detergent. I have skin almost as bad but it still tolerates certain brands after dilution. Elizabeth is having a whale of a time: she is shouldering a normal college load while juggling a few hats in church, she just signed up for a major role in the Christmas play that would entail many hours of practice. Boy friends are pretty far from the normal list of things on her mind.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
(521) Upbringing 54
Remember Elizabeth's applications to universities? She was accepted into my old university with partial financial aid. She was rejected by the university in China. And she was accepted by a local university less than 50 Km from where we live.
Actually, if we were to scrape together every dollar we own we can afford to send her to USA this year. But if we do that, there is no certainty that we could raise the required amount for the next three years. After all, the main part of our contribution came as an outright gift which would not be repeated. So what my brother commented about USA came true: the financial melt down did affect foreign scholarships. If Elizabeth is a decisive and quick to adapt person, I may send her with the intention of transfer to a state university within one year. But as it is, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. It is prudent to take the local offer which costs a fraction of what we have to pay in USA. Here the government subsidized the students heavily. The entire degree would cost only a fifth of what we were to pay for the first year of a USA education.
Despite the rejection of the university in China, Elizabeth was still on the waiting list when she checked the web site. Now I wonder if she would go if the late offer does come, once she settles down. Of course the chance of being selected in the second or third intake is slim. After all, there were fourteen hundred applications for limited places. But I suppose all things are possible if God is willing.
We will wait and see what happens next. I am still holding a suitcase full of winter clothing, wondering why God gave it to us so providentially three years ago when we prayed about a scholarship which would enable her to study pre-university abroad. She did not win the scholarship but the lovely cloths remained. I am still waiting to see why the clothes came, surely there must be a good reason. God never make mistakes.
Actually, if we were to scrape together every dollar we own we can afford to send her to USA this year. But if we do that, there is no certainty that we could raise the required amount for the next three years. After all, the main part of our contribution came as an outright gift which would not be repeated. So what my brother commented about USA came true: the financial melt down did affect foreign scholarships. If Elizabeth is a decisive and quick to adapt person, I may send her with the intention of transfer to a state university within one year. But as it is, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. It is prudent to take the local offer which costs a fraction of what we have to pay in USA. Here the government subsidized the students heavily. The entire degree would cost only a fifth of what we were to pay for the first year of a USA education.
Despite the rejection of the university in China, Elizabeth was still on the waiting list when she checked the web site. Now I wonder if she would go if the late offer does come, once she settles down. Of course the chance of being selected in the second or third intake is slim. After all, there were fourteen hundred applications for limited places. But I suppose all things are possible if God is willing.
We will wait and see what happens next. I am still holding a suitcase full of winter clothing, wondering why God gave it to us so providentially three years ago when we prayed about a scholarship which would enable her to study pre-university abroad. She did not win the scholarship but the lovely cloths remained. I am still waiting to see why the clothes came, surely there must be a good reason. God never make mistakes.
(520) The perfect mate for Zelda
There is a friend whom I have been listening and encouraging for the past five years. She prayed for a husband and has a long list of criteria. I never consciously take notes as I am not a trained staff. But I can certainly rattle off her list off hand.
1. The guy must be tall, at least five nine.
2. He must have a clear missionary call.
3. He must be obedient to God.
4. He must be single, or divorced with no woman claiming him, or widowed
5. Preferably be musically inclined.
6. Preferably be gifted with tongues and spiritual gifts, presently serving in his local church.
7. He is to lead, not to follow her
8. He should not be over weight
9. She would be pleased with his appearance.
10. He should not be more than five years older than her
Out of a tough list of ten, I must say that her present intended whom she got to know through the internet has nine of her criteria. The only one not perfectly matched is number eight. Yet looking at his photo, I cannot say that he is fat. If he loses 5-8 kilo, he should have an acceptable B.M.I. for a six footer with a big frame.
Looking at the situation, I am of the opinion that there can be perfect candidates, but I think both husband and wife have to work at being the perfect mates for each other. There is no such thing as the perfect husband that is born for a particular woman.
Please read (749),(361), (383), (401), (487), (994), (9)
1. The guy must be tall, at least five nine.
2. He must have a clear missionary call.
3. He must be obedient to God.
4. He must be single, or divorced with no woman claiming him, or widowed
5. Preferably be musically inclined.
6. Preferably be gifted with tongues and spiritual gifts, presently serving in his local church.
7. He is to lead, not to follow her
8. He should not be over weight
9. She would be pleased with his appearance.
10. He should not be more than five years older than her
Out of a tough list of ten, I must say that her present intended whom she got to know through the internet has nine of her criteria. The only one not perfectly matched is number eight. Yet looking at his photo, I cannot say that he is fat. If he loses 5-8 kilo, he should have an acceptable B.M.I. for a six footer with a big frame.
Looking at the situation, I am of the opinion that there can be perfect candidates, but I think both husband and wife have to work at being the perfect mates for each other. There is no such thing as the perfect husband that is born for a particular woman.
Please read (749),(361), (383), (401), (487), (994), (9)
(519) Morning sickness
A young wife is in the family way. She was often sick. One moment she was talking in a most lethargic way, the next she was running to the rest room to throw up.
One day she commented how her friends never throw up throughout the nine months. I happened to disagree that it was a good thing, this nauseous feeling: it indicated that the foetus was digging deeper and getting a firmer hold onto the lining of the womb. The one pregnancy I had had no vomiting almost ended in a miscarriage.
The first trimester passed very fast. She is once again healthy and herself. She related to Elizabeth how she was fed up with many people who told her she imagined the whole nauseous business. Others told her she did not eat the right things, or she did the wrong things. I was the only one who could explain to her nature's way of ensuring that this particular pregnancy would result in a lively, lovely baby. Thank God that there is a logical explanation if we look for it.
One day she commented how her friends never throw up throughout the nine months. I happened to disagree that it was a good thing, this nauseous feeling: it indicated that the foetus was digging deeper and getting a firmer hold onto the lining of the womb. The one pregnancy I had had no vomiting almost ended in a miscarriage.
The first trimester passed very fast. She is once again healthy and herself. She related to Elizabeth how she was fed up with many people who told her she imagined the whole nauseous business. Others told her she did not eat the right things, or she did the wrong things. I was the only one who could explain to her nature's way of ensuring that this particular pregnancy would result in a lively, lovely baby. Thank God that there is a logical explanation if we look for it.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
(518) Immigration
A few days ago my daughter, Elizabeth, went to a farewell meal to send off a young friend. The girl and her family were going to migrate to Canada.
I had a few idle thoughts about this family. I wonder where exactly they are migrating to. If it is to Vancouver, property prices are sky high. Elsewhere, it must be pretty cold most of the year. As I saw this teenager grows, she seems to be dressing in clothing that requires less and less cloth to make. Perhaps she would have to try a different tack to be fashionable in a temperate climate. After all, in our tropical weather, it is really advantageous to expose more skin. It is truly more sensible to wear a pair of micro mini shorts and a tank top than the Muslim hijab ensemble.
Her parents were both successful business people. Her mum owns a chain of eight stores. Her dad also runs a chain of restaurants. When they pull up their stake and venture to half the globe away, they would have to start all over again. It must be quite a challenge to deal with a completely different set of climate, geography, people, culture, custom, languages ...
What I remember about the girl's mum is that she was impressed by Elizabeth's skills and charm in dealing with her and her daughter as a youth leader. She asked and was pointed out to me as Elizabeth's mum. I could see that she was visibly disappointed. And of course she could detect no resemblance between us, Elizabeth takes after her dad's family. I was dressed in such a way that no fashion conscious person would notice me nor would anyone look at me a second time. I could have been outstanding once as a student. Now you would wonder if I have slaved in the kitchen all of my life.
What attracted her most to Elizabeth was the respect and esteem my daughter exudes while talking to her. While you may think that could be in born, I have personally experienced that most of what was found in my children took years to cultivate. I can't just issue orders and expect to be obeyed. It takes "modeling", I must display equal respect to people from all walks of life in order for her to catch it. For little quirks I don't like, it took years to chip away. It was in reading "The Little Prince" that finally caused Elizabeth to realize that after everything was taken away: gold, ruby and diamonds, he was just an ordinary statue. Similarly, if youth, beauty and being witty are taken away, Elizabeth would be an ordinary person. Youth passes very fast, beauty fades, wit actually comes from God. What endures are qualities like kindness, love, mercy, compassion, faith, loyalty ... One day in her fifteenth year she decided that she better develop those qualities while she was young and popular. As her inborn God given qualities would not last into old age. And she did not want to be like our neighbour who was once pretty but was fading away fast in her forties. What remained was a rather self-centered person who would rather die young than to be old and ugly.
The young girl we have been discussing is rather rebellious and think that her parents are her kill joys. She pouts, she sulks, she hides things from her family and think they do not want her to be happy. Despite all their wealth and success, she is not a happy nor contented person. I am surprised that she likes Elizabeth and wants to spend time with my daughter. Interestingly both mother and daughter agree about Elizabeth. Both like and trust Elizabeth.
I certainly hope that in going to another country, the difficulty in adjusting will turn out to be a blessing for this young girl. Maturity will find her faster in the midst of change. May she become self-assured in the process. Adjustment can bind the family closer together. Difficulties breed character. May she find her centre in the new world and be happy and contented.
I had a few idle thoughts about this family. I wonder where exactly they are migrating to. If it is to Vancouver, property prices are sky high. Elsewhere, it must be pretty cold most of the year. As I saw this teenager grows, she seems to be dressing in clothing that requires less and less cloth to make. Perhaps she would have to try a different tack to be fashionable in a temperate climate. After all, in our tropical weather, it is really advantageous to expose more skin. It is truly more sensible to wear a pair of micro mini shorts and a tank top than the Muslim hijab ensemble.
Her parents were both successful business people. Her mum owns a chain of eight stores. Her dad also runs a chain of restaurants. When they pull up their stake and venture to half the globe away, they would have to start all over again. It must be quite a challenge to deal with a completely different set of climate, geography, people, culture, custom, languages ...
What I remember about the girl's mum is that she was impressed by Elizabeth's skills and charm in dealing with her and her daughter as a youth leader. She asked and was pointed out to me as Elizabeth's mum. I could see that she was visibly disappointed. And of course she could detect no resemblance between us, Elizabeth takes after her dad's family. I was dressed in such a way that no fashion conscious person would notice me nor would anyone look at me a second time. I could have been outstanding once as a student. Now you would wonder if I have slaved in the kitchen all of my life.
What attracted her most to Elizabeth was the respect and esteem my daughter exudes while talking to her. While you may think that could be in born, I have personally experienced that most of what was found in my children took years to cultivate. I can't just issue orders and expect to be obeyed. It takes "modeling", I must display equal respect to people from all walks of life in order for her to catch it. For little quirks I don't like, it took years to chip away. It was in reading "The Little Prince" that finally caused Elizabeth to realize that after everything was taken away: gold, ruby and diamonds, he was just an ordinary statue. Similarly, if youth, beauty and being witty are taken away, Elizabeth would be an ordinary person. Youth passes very fast, beauty fades, wit actually comes from God. What endures are qualities like kindness, love, mercy, compassion, faith, loyalty ... One day in her fifteenth year she decided that she better develop those qualities while she was young and popular. As her inborn God given qualities would not last into old age. And she did not want to be like our neighbour who was once pretty but was fading away fast in her forties. What remained was a rather self-centered person who would rather die young than to be old and ugly.
The young girl we have been discussing is rather rebellious and think that her parents are her kill joys. She pouts, she sulks, she hides things from her family and think they do not want her to be happy. Despite all their wealth and success, she is not a happy nor contented person. I am surprised that she likes Elizabeth and wants to spend time with my daughter. Interestingly both mother and daughter agree about Elizabeth. Both like and trust Elizabeth.
I certainly hope that in going to another country, the difficulty in adjusting will turn out to be a blessing for this young girl. Maturity will find her faster in the midst of change. May she become self-assured in the process. Adjustment can bind the family closer together. Difficulties breed character. May she find her centre in the new world and be happy and contented.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
(517) A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf
Being familiar with the book of Esther in the bible, I must say that this historical fiction is some what different from the biblical account. As the author puts it, it is "the love story of Esther".
The story was set in the city of Susa, where Mordecai worked in the King's treasury. Esther was his orphaned niece. After Queen Vashti was deposed, beautiful virgins were taken into the palace to be prepared as candidates to take her place. Out of many formidable rivals, Esther was chosen as the new Queen. Meanwhile, Haman (the Jews' enemy) was plotting to annihilate the Jews. Esther courageously went before the King to plead for her people. The Jews were saved and Haman was executed.
This book provided a glimpse into the daily life in the palace that one cannot get from reading the scripture. I find it entirely believable that Esther did fall in love with her royal husband. And it is certain that she won the favour of her husband. I know it was probably naive to believe that a great King can be satisfied with bedding one woman exclusively. But it is wonderful to believe love does conquer all in some cases.
I like the chapters devoted to the less formal life the royal family spent in the summer hill resort. In that setting, I see the warring and conquering abilities of the victorious race. Without the horses, they would not be controlling such a great empire stretching from India to Ethiopia.
After conquering many nations and taking captives, the city of Susa must have been a most cosmopolitan place. Seeing that Mordecai was placed in a literate position in the treasury, this government obviously utilized the many talents of their captives.
Another interesting fact is that the conquering race counted the blood line from the father side. But the Jews counted it from the mother side. If Esther's mother did not marry her husband who was not a Jew, there would be no Queen Esther. (And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.) It is obvious that Esther is the one called to save her race.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The story was set in the city of Susa, where Mordecai worked in the King's treasury. Esther was his orphaned niece. After Queen Vashti was deposed, beautiful virgins were taken into the palace to be prepared as candidates to take her place. Out of many formidable rivals, Esther was chosen as the new Queen. Meanwhile, Haman (the Jews' enemy) was plotting to annihilate the Jews. Esther courageously went before the King to plead for her people. The Jews were saved and Haman was executed.
This book provided a glimpse into the daily life in the palace that one cannot get from reading the scripture. I find it entirely believable that Esther did fall in love with her royal husband. And it is certain that she won the favour of her husband. I know it was probably naive to believe that a great King can be satisfied with bedding one woman exclusively. But it is wonderful to believe love does conquer all in some cases.
I like the chapters devoted to the less formal life the royal family spent in the summer hill resort. In that setting, I see the warring and conquering abilities of the victorious race. Without the horses, they would not be controlling such a great empire stretching from India to Ethiopia.
After conquering many nations and taking captives, the city of Susa must have been a most cosmopolitan place. Seeing that Mordecai was placed in a literate position in the treasury, this government obviously utilized the many talents of their captives.
Another interesting fact is that the conquering race counted the blood line from the father side. But the Jews counted it from the mother side. If Esther's mother did not marry her husband who was not a Jew, there would be no Queen Esther. (And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.) It is obvious that Esther is the one called to save her race.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
(516) Outcasts United by Warren St. John
Quoting the author: "it's the story of a soccer team for young refugees, of the remarkable woman who founded that team, and of the town where these people came together."
It is also remarkable that a successful reporter would pull up stake from New York city to relocate to Clarkston, Georgia to write this story. Until I read this book, I have never thought about where all the refugees go to after they enter the United States. In just one team of soccer players, we have boys from Sudan, Congo, Kosovo, Gambia, Burundi, Afghanistan, Liberia, Bosnia, and Iraq.
The first thing that Elizabeth thought about was sending a small sum to support such a meaningful enterprise. I have noted the film deal and the commercial support as well as financial support from a National newspaper. I am glad that Luma, Tracy and the Fugees players do not have to struggle on their own anymore in a land of plenty.
For my daughter who hardly follow the different conflicts around the world, this book opened her eyes. She particularly likes the fact that the author did not assume every reader would know what happened when in those war torn countries, he just explained enough so that readers like Elizabeth would get enough back ground information to appreciate what was being related.
Like those who voluntarily and continue to work with the refugees in Georgia, my family and I have experienced the gracious generous ways of dirt poor subsisting farmers in Thailand and Borneo. Folks in my present church continue to work with the poor and the marginalized in Myanmar. There is something refreshing about those who are untouched by the unrelenting materialism in modern society.
It is also remarkable that a successful reporter would pull up stake from New York city to relocate to Clarkston, Georgia to write this story. Until I read this book, I have never thought about where all the refugees go to after they enter the United States. In just one team of soccer players, we have boys from Sudan, Congo, Kosovo, Gambia, Burundi, Afghanistan, Liberia, Bosnia, and Iraq.
The first thing that Elizabeth thought about was sending a small sum to support such a meaningful enterprise. I have noted the film deal and the commercial support as well as financial support from a National newspaper. I am glad that Luma, Tracy and the Fugees players do not have to struggle on their own anymore in a land of plenty.
For my daughter who hardly follow the different conflicts around the world, this book opened her eyes. She particularly likes the fact that the author did not assume every reader would know what happened when in those war torn countries, he just explained enough so that readers like Elizabeth would get enough back ground information to appreciate what was being related.
Like those who voluntarily and continue to work with the refugees in Georgia, my family and I have experienced the gracious generous ways of dirt poor subsisting farmers in Thailand and Borneo. Folks in my present church continue to work with the poor and the marginalized in Myanmar. There is something refreshing about those who are untouched by the unrelenting materialism in modern society.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
(515) Satelite Imaging
Having access to digital TV, I enjoyed a program made possible by satelite imaging. It was like an aerial journey made for armchair travelers.
I actually watched one that shows me parts of South Africa which includes Johansburg. The journey started from the east coast, transverse to the west and ended at a spectacular mountain range. For the first time I have a close look at what an old diamond mine was left to look like.
Then I really like the one on New York state which ended with a grand view of the Niagara Falls. I was treated to the beautiful scenery of the acres and acres of forest preserve in New York state. Those lakes, big and small, are just so serene and peaceful to look at.
There was one that shows those expensive and exclusive get away towns like Martha's Vineyard. There were many islands, seaside quaint little towns, famous names like the Kennedy's home base. Massachusetts may be small, but the Atlantic side certainly seems like it was millionaires' playground.
No wonder one of my friends said she rather watch one of these programs from the comforts of home than to take long flights to be there!
I actually watched one that shows me parts of South Africa which includes Johansburg. The journey started from the east coast, transverse to the west and ended at a spectacular mountain range. For the first time I have a close look at what an old diamond mine was left to look like.
Then I really like the one on New York state which ended with a grand view of the Niagara Falls. I was treated to the beautiful scenery of the acres and acres of forest preserve in New York state. Those lakes, big and small, are just so serene and peaceful to look at.
There was one that shows those expensive and exclusive get away towns like Martha's Vineyard. There were many islands, seaside quaint little towns, famous names like the Kennedy's home base. Massachusetts may be small, but the Atlantic side certainly seems like it was millionaires' playground.
No wonder one of my friends said she rather watch one of these programs from the comforts of home than to take long flights to be there!
(514) Politeness
I have an old school friend who often gives expensive treats to Elizabeth and I. Being a conscientious mom, I would make sure Elizabeth sends appreciative notes after the events.
One day, I was in her palatial home. She received a sweet thank you note from her friend who came for lunch just an hour ago. I have noted that the lady in question came with a little something in hand too. To me, it was really good manners. But to my friend, she would rather those whom she sees regularly not follow Miss Manners to the dot. She reasons it this way, she merely cooks a little more and have some delightful company to share it with. It was a win-win situation and nobody loses.
After analyzing it, I realised that my friend's husband is in business. Her friend's husband is a banker. Could it be that the banker's wife is being circumspect and not wanting to owe any favours. Otherwise, it would be hard for her husband to turn down a loan application from my friend's husband.
One day, I was in her palatial home. She received a sweet thank you note from her friend who came for lunch just an hour ago. I have noted that the lady in question came with a little something in hand too. To me, it was really good manners. But to my friend, she would rather those whom she sees regularly not follow Miss Manners to the dot. She reasons it this way, she merely cooks a little more and have some delightful company to share it with. It was a win-win situation and nobody loses.
After analyzing it, I realised that my friend's husband is in business. Her friend's husband is a banker. Could it be that the banker's wife is being circumspect and not wanting to owe any favours. Otherwise, it would be hard for her husband to turn down a loan application from my friend's husband.
(513) Happily ever after?
I have been hibernating in my brother's house for many days. Just yesterday I heard my mum talking on the phone with her old friend who was her co workers from her early twenties. Now I know from whom I have inherited my listening skills.
It was a kind of one-sided conversation. Apparently my mum's friend was lonely and needed sympathy. Her husband left her alone in their house. He went on one of his many do-good trips to Thailand. Why was it that a healthy and active old lady not follow her husband there? Oh! He seemed to walk too fast and each time she was left behind, she was terrified of being lost in a foreign country. When she complained about it, her children told her not to go with him unless there is another person who would wait for her.
We are talking about a couple who have celebrated their golden anniversary. I wonder if there are any really happily married couple who are both above seventy years old in town? I have met a few in America. Lately, I haven't come across any in this mega city.
It was a kind of one-sided conversation. Apparently my mum's friend was lonely and needed sympathy. Her husband left her alone in their house. He went on one of his many do-good trips to Thailand. Why was it that a healthy and active old lady not follow her husband there? Oh! He seemed to walk too fast and each time she was left behind, she was terrified of being lost in a foreign country. When she complained about it, her children told her not to go with him unless there is another person who would wait for her.
We are talking about a couple who have celebrated their golden anniversary. I wonder if there are any really happily married couple who are both above seventy years old in town? I have met a few in America. Lately, I haven't come across any in this mega city.
(512) Collectors?
I have a cousin who collects guitars. My husband asked how many guitars does he own? His answer was interesting: "Officially twenty three." Apparently he invariably kept that number at home but keeps the rest away from his wife's eyes.
My girl friend collects shoes. At last count she has sixty three pairs. Another collects hand bags. At her death, there were forty five. A third one collects books. She owns a few thousands stored safely in boxes with moth balls in her spare room.
My husband's friend is a geek. He kept buying the latest gadgets. In order to find room for the new items, he gave away the not so old ones to brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. I suppose it is better than gambling or taking drugs. But one can imagine the thousands he spent chasing after the latest technology. It is just as well that he has a high income.
Here I want to bring in a New York celebrity chef: Marc Samuelsson. He was born and orphaned in Ethiopia. His sister and him were adopted and brought up in Sweden. His adoptive parents obviously spent their hard earned money transforming these two orphans' lives. I wonder if they still find the time and money to collect items. No, don't get me wrong! I am not really against collecting beautiful and meaningful items. I am merely pointing out that those with great resources are responsible for the wise disposal of it.
My girl friend collects shoes. At last count she has sixty three pairs. Another collects hand bags. At her death, there were forty five. A third one collects books. She owns a few thousands stored safely in boxes with moth balls in her spare room.
My husband's friend is a geek. He kept buying the latest gadgets. In order to find room for the new items, he gave away the not so old ones to brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. I suppose it is better than gambling or taking drugs. But one can imagine the thousands he spent chasing after the latest technology. It is just as well that he has a high income.
Here I want to bring in a New York celebrity chef: Marc Samuelsson. He was born and orphaned in Ethiopia. His sister and him were adopted and brought up in Sweden. His adoptive parents obviously spent their hard earned money transforming these two orphans' lives. I wonder if they still find the time and money to collect items. No, don't get me wrong! I am not really against collecting beautiful and meaningful items. I am merely pointing out that those with great resources are responsible for the wise disposal of it.
(511) Stowaway by Karen Hesse
It took me many weeks to wade through a journal-like book. I can't say it is badly written. The only thing is that it makes tedious reading. Yet I am not willing to let it go as I know I am learning new facts about sailing round the world centuries ago.
I am amazed that the author actually accessed journals kept by sea captain and naturalist in order to gather materials to write a fictional account of the journey through the eyes of a stowaway. I may be willing to struggle through hundreds of pages to learn new facts, but I have no great love for the sea. And I won't dream of going through reams of decaying documents to sieve through historical data.
If you are interested to find out how it is like to be on Captain Cook's first journey which he discovered Australia, this is a good book to read. It was a by gone age where a boy in his early teen could be signed on to work on such a ship. Many able body sea men died of tropical diseases while Nicholas Young lived to join Joseph Banks on a journey to Iceland.
I am amazed that the author actually accessed journals kept by sea captain and naturalist in order to gather materials to write a fictional account of the journey through the eyes of a stowaway. I may be willing to struggle through hundreds of pages to learn new facts, but I have no great love for the sea. And I won't dream of going through reams of decaying documents to sieve through historical data.
If you are interested to find out how it is like to be on Captain Cook's first journey which he discovered Australia, this is a good book to read. It was a by gone age where a boy in his early teen could be signed on to work on such a ship. Many able body sea men died of tropical diseases while Nicholas Young lived to join Joseph Banks on a journey to Iceland.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
(510) Crime Zero by Michael Cordy
This is a book that I read quite a number of years ago. I read it again the last few days and found that I have actually forgotten everything in it except the scene that we found thirteen nude bodies of teenagers preserved in aquariums filled with formalin.
With genetic therapy at a very advanced state now, it is possible that there is technology here today to do what was claimed in the book. Suppose if there are experts with sufficient finance, I can see in my mind's eye that a pathogen could be released in major airports through the air filters targeted at any group predetermined by the designer.
It is one thing to test gene therapy on death row convicts that bring them to death sooner. It is another to kill off all adult male universally within three years. This idea brought to mind one of the countries described in Journey to the West: a country made up of females only. The only difference between the two books is: in Crime Zero, boys before puberty would be allowed to live and pass on their modified genes to their offspring.
It seems that we are too clever by half. A lone gun man who may be insane could massacre between sixty to seventy people within an afternoon. Sorry I did not keep up to date with the much revised number of casualty in Norway. Our fire power far out stripped our security and justice systems. I simply cannot equate that number of lives to no death penalty and a maximum of 21 years in jail, really I don't care if some psychiatrists diagnose him as insane. Suppose if those countries with such technology do not find a way to safe guard the use, then a few key individuals could be the cause of millions of deaths.
With genetic therapy at a very advanced state now, it is possible that there is technology here today to do what was claimed in the book. Suppose if there are experts with sufficient finance, I can see in my mind's eye that a pathogen could be released in major airports through the air filters targeted at any group predetermined by the designer.
It is one thing to test gene therapy on death row convicts that bring them to death sooner. It is another to kill off all adult male universally within three years. This idea brought to mind one of the countries described in Journey to the West: a country made up of females only. The only difference between the two books is: in Crime Zero, boys before puberty would be allowed to live and pass on their modified genes to their offspring.
It seems that we are too clever by half. A lone gun man who may be insane could massacre between sixty to seventy people within an afternoon. Sorry I did not keep up to date with the much revised number of casualty in Norway. Our fire power far out stripped our security and justice systems. I simply cannot equate that number of lives to no death penalty and a maximum of 21 years in jail, really I don't care if some psychiatrists diagnose him as insane. Suppose if those countries with such technology do not find a way to safe guard the use, then a few key individuals could be the cause of millions of deaths.
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