What am I trying to say?
What words will express it?
What image or idiom will make it clearer?
Is this image fresh enough to have effect?
Can I put it more succinctly?
Have I said anything that is unavoidably ugly?
Friday, February 24, 2006
Monday, February 06, 2006
The Hargreaves Have Landed
Sarah’s folks (Pete and Pam) arrived on Weds 18 Jan for their annual visit. To date, their stay has gone something like:
19.01: ??
20.01: Took them to a (great) Chinese restaurant (Hua Zhu) in Farrer Rd
21.01: Took them to a (disappointing) Brazilian restaurant in 6th Avenue
22-24.01: Jan Took (and left) them to Desaru, Malaysia. [Played golf with Pete on the Sunday and shot a 96 – my first sub*century game]
25.01: Jan Eats at ours as Sarah was back from Japan & Korea
26.01:??
27.01: Took them to Coolies in the afternoon and back to Hua Zhu in the evening
28.01: Had a bbq at ours and met up with Kev & Jayne, Nicole and Sandy
29.01: Took Spent the day and night at the Ritz-Cartlton for Pam’s B’day – and to watch the (great) Chinese New Year fireworks
30.01: ??
31.01: Took Pete to Batam for some golf with some of the Coolies boyz. [Normal service was resumed with Pete shooting 90 and me 103]
01.02: ??
02.02: Met Pete and Pam at Coolies to pay for golf and had a couple of beers
03:.02: Sarah had the day off and took her folks to Johor Bahru (across the causeway in Malaysia) for a visa run for her mum and to do some shopping. In the evening they went to the Chingay Festival.
04.02: Pete cam to his first Coolies’ golf day and ended up strolling in at 3 am! [After the golf we went to Est and Andrew’s for some eats and vino, and watched the rugby at 1am]
05.02: We all went down to Tanglin for some 9*hole pitch and putt fun. After a quick beer at Demspey’s Hut, it was back to chez nous for some nice eats with Gary and Fiona, and Mark.
06.02: Bad start to the day with Liverpool losing to Chelsea – despite having the better of the first half. Doesn’t help that all the Hargreaves are Blues fans!
19.01: ??
20.01: Took them to a (great) Chinese restaurant (Hua Zhu) in Farrer Rd
21.01: Took them to a (disappointing) Brazilian restaurant in 6th Avenue
22-24.01: Jan Took (and left) them to Desaru, Malaysia. [Played golf with Pete on the Sunday and shot a 96 – my first sub*century game]
25.01: Jan Eats at ours as Sarah was back from Japan & Korea
26.01:??
27.01: Took them to Coolies in the afternoon and back to Hua Zhu in the evening
28.01: Had a bbq at ours and met up with Kev & Jayne, Nicole and Sandy
29.01: Took Spent the day and night at the Ritz-Cartlton for Pam’s B’day – and to watch the (great) Chinese New Year fireworks
30.01: ??
31.01: Took Pete to Batam for some golf with some of the Coolies boyz. [Normal service was resumed with Pete shooting 90 and me 103]
01.02: ??
02.02: Met Pete and Pam at Coolies to pay for golf and had a couple of beers
03:.02: Sarah had the day off and took her folks to Johor Bahru (across the causeway in Malaysia) for a visa run for her mum and to do some shopping. In the evening they went to the Chingay Festival.
04.02: Pete cam to his first Coolies’ golf day and ended up strolling in at 3 am! [After the golf we went to Est and Andrew’s for some eats and vino, and watched the rugby at 1am]
05.02: We all went down to Tanglin for some 9*hole pitch and putt fun. After a quick beer at Demspey’s Hut, it was back to chez nous for some nice eats with Gary and Fiona, and Mark.
06.02: Bad start to the day with Liverpool losing to Chelsea – despite having the better of the first half. Doesn’t help that all the Hargreaves are Blues fans!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
Raining geckos and bull-frogs
It has rained everyday since we got back from Oz (Mon 2 Jan). So much so, that the so-called IT super highway was flooded and so I was unable to update my blog. Well, the truth was that I have been busy with other things (like a new job, footy, entertaining etc) but thought that the above excuse sounded better. Besides, there must be something about Seasonal Affective Disorder 'cos when its dark, miserable and wet, you don't fancy doing much.
Anyway, the sun has got its hat on in Singapore today (for the first time since Dec 23 apparently) so thought that was worth shouting about.
Tonight am off to some Chivas Regal bash at the Esplanade (Singapore's attempt to mimic the Sydney Opera House). A free entry and free flow alcohol usually secures my attendance at most places. Tomorrow its golf with Coolies and Sunday, we are mtg up with Fiona and Gary (who we went to W.Australia with) for some local eats and Margaret River vinos.
And on Sunday, I will stick some pix from Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock up on the site. May even stick a pick of Sarah's new rock up here too!
Which reminds me, we need to decide on where to get married. And when. And how....
Anyway, the sun has got its hat on in Singapore today (for the first time since Dec 23 apparently) so thought that was worth shouting about.
Tonight am off to some Chivas Regal bash at the Esplanade (Singapore's attempt to mimic the Sydney Opera House). A free entry and free flow alcohol usually secures my attendance at most places. Tomorrow its golf with Coolies and Sunday, we are mtg up with Fiona and Gary (who we went to W.Australia with) for some local eats and Margaret River vinos.
And on Sunday, I will stick some pix from Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock up on the site. May even stick a pick of Sarah's new rock up here too!
Which reminds me, we need to decide on where to get married. And when. And how....
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Be sure to visit TamaHouse !
Check out Elaine's site, www.tamahouse.com.
[Elaine is my colleague at Grip and helps to keep me sane when all that yucky stuff starts to hit the crowds]
It's all Elaine's work and if you need a quirky multi-media designer, drop her a line!
[Elaine is my colleague at Grip and helps to keep me sane when all that yucky stuff starts to hit the crowds]
It's all Elaine's work and if you need a quirky multi-media designer, drop her a line!
Sporting Quotes of the Fortnight
"If you take the scrum out of the equation, we played well."
Former Australia coach Eddie Jones, defending the Wallabies' defeat by England.
"If you take the assassination out of the equation, the President and Mrs Kennedy quite enjoyed the drive from Dallas to the airport."
Mike Carlton (Australian broadcaster) disagrees.
Former Australia coach Eddie Jones, defending the Wallabies' defeat by England.
"If you take the assassination out of the equation, the President and Mrs Kennedy quite enjoyed the drive from Dallas to the airport."
Mike Carlton (Australian broadcaster) disagrees.
Keeping a diary / blog is easy…
It’s remembering to update it that’s the tricky bit!
In the past month since my last entry, I have omitted to add stuff about:
- the Coolies Golf Tour to Chiang Mai (three days of golf, art galleries and water-painting classes with the lads);
- my birthday weekend (spent a night at the luxurious Sentosa hotel and ate some great seafood at The Cliff);
- Jaffy being spayed at the vets – and recovering very well;
- my resignation from Grip as I start at Tequila on Tues 3 Jan – which I am v. excited about; and
Our trip to Darwin over Xmas / New Year.
But will do at some stage.
Plus, for the first time ever, I will actually publish my New Year’s resolutions – in a half attempt at helping me to actually reach / keep them!
And while I recall, thanks to Holly and Hugh for the posh notebook that arrived in the post last week. Though there was no covering note so am assuming it was you guys! [I also rec’d a Stereo MCs CD through the post – that had no covering note but was signed ‘Peace - Rob’ on the case. After asking around to see who sent it, I found out that I had won it after registering at their site and that the scrawls on the front were the band’s signatures!]
In the past month since my last entry, I have omitted to add stuff about:
- the Coolies Golf Tour to Chiang Mai (three days of golf, art galleries and water-painting classes with the lads);
- my birthday weekend (spent a night at the luxurious Sentosa hotel and ate some great seafood at The Cliff);
- Jaffy being spayed at the vets – and recovering very well;
- my resignation from Grip as I start at Tequila on Tues 3 Jan – which I am v. excited about; and
Our trip to Darwin over Xmas / New Year.
But will do at some stage.
Plus, for the first time ever, I will actually publish my New Year’s resolutions – in a half attempt at helping me to actually reach / keep them!
And while I recall, thanks to Holly and Hugh for the posh notebook that arrived in the post last week. Though there was no covering note so am assuming it was you guys! [I also rec’d a Stereo MCs CD through the post – that had no covering note but was signed ‘Peace - Rob’ on the case. After asking around to see who sent it, I found out that I had won it after registering at their site and that the scrawls on the front were the band’s signatures!]
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Perth, WA
While I recall, our trip to Oz went something like this:
On Saturday, we flew to Perth, took a short mini-bus journey and arrived at our (Comfort!) hotel 1:30am
On Sunday, we were up for brekky by 9 and then strolled around Perth and its shops. [For hours!]. Though must say that King’s Park – which overlooks the Swan River and Perth – is a great spot for a picnic, beer and the Sunday papers. Back to our hotel to collect our bags and then took the free tram to the train station to catch the train to Fremantle (30 min ride). After dropping our bags off at our B+B, we strolled around the seaside town and was glad to have packed a fleece and a baseball cap, as it got a bit chilly at night! Ate at a posh Indian.
On Monday, we took the ferry over to Rottnest Island – where we cycled around, stopped off at some beaches, Sarah took some pix, had some wine and pasty for lunch, Sarah took some more pix and saw some cute quokkas (2 foot long marsupials – that are half-responsible for the island’s name as some Dutch explorer thought that they were rats – well he was two miles off shore at the time!).
We aught the ferry back and met up with Gary and Fiona (two Melbournites that live in Singapore) – for a drive down to Rockingham (about an hour or so drive away).
Rockingham is a proper seaside town – with small pier, promenade, etc – and I think it’s where the oldies go to retire as the whole place was deserted and practically closed up by 9pm! We managed to squeeze into an Italian – run by a guy from Jersey – and while the gals ordered, Gary and I snuck in a couple of Aussie ales in a Pub/TAB - where you can drink and place a bet at the same time.
Tuesday – up at 7 to go swimming with dolphins! Basically you get on a small boat, sail out to the middle of the bay / Indian Ocean, slip on a wet suit (ok ‘slip’ may not be the best term to use when trying to squeeze into a wet suit but it will do for now) and when our guides saw a pod of dolphins, they’d tell us all to ‘Go,Go,Go’. And then we’d all scramble into the water (which was f…f…f….f….. freezing by the way) with our snorkel and goggle and hang onto the belt of the person in front of you, while at the head of each crocodile of would-be snorkels and dolphin-spotters, was a trained guide with a handy device that would propel us along in the water.
The dolphins – which were all wild – would then appear beside you, underneath you, behind you – and almost at touching distance. It was liking watching some Attenborough sea-life program – though with the odd jet of frozen water squirming down your back to make you realise that you weren’t watching the dolphins through a state-of-the-art flat-screen TV. That and the fact that you occasionally swallowed some sea water.
On the ride back to shore – with some hot drinks inside us –the dolphins zipped in and out of the water, showing off as they tried to race us back.
Absolutely awesome experience. Especially as our guides did not feed the dolphins – and that it was simply up to the dolphins if they wanted to play.
That afternoon, we drove off to Dunsborough, which is in the heart of the Margaret River wine region. We booked a seaside cottage through the very helpful Tourist Office, grabbed some provisions and headed off to our home for the next four nights.
The place was very nice – just two minutes from the sea – and was equipped with everything you need – barbie, cooker, microwave, two bathrooms, TV, sofas, open fire…Gary was on fire-duty every evening, while I volunteered for the cooking role.
The next day we drove out to around a dozen local vineyards – will have to ask Sarah for a list of their names as they all kind of blended into one after a while. Especially after all the wine-tasting we did along the way. [Though, must admit, I prefer the term ‘wine-drinking’ to ‘wine-tasting’ as the latter implies swirling the stuff around in your glass and mouth, and then usually spitting it out!]
On, Thursday we gave Gary a day off from driving and went on a BushTucker Tour of some different vineyard. Basically we climbed aboard a mini-bus, got off at loads of vineyards, a cheese producer, a chocolate maker… Anyway, needless to say we drank loads, brought loads and had a good day.
On the way home, Sarah had still to see any kangaroos – apart from the one that was served up for lunch – so our driver, Stevo, went out of his way to find some. And I showed by bush tucker skills by whistling to get a ‘roo (just one of many ‘technical’ terms I collected along the trip) to stand up and look towards us so that Sarah could take a snap of him
Friday was supposed to be golf for the boys and whale-watching for the gal but the stormy weather soon put paid to our plans. So the boys hit the pub, while the girls went shopping.
Saturday was an early start as we drove back to Perth. Gary and Fiona stayed on another night, whilst we flew back home. [And, I must say, Qantas looked after us on the way back as they must have given me alone like 6 quarter bottles of wine!]
Overall, a nice, relaxing trip and we have loads of pix (which I'll stick up shortly), vino and other nice gourmet bits and bobs to remind us.
On Saturday, we flew to Perth, took a short mini-bus journey and arrived at our (Comfort!) hotel 1:30am
On Sunday, we were up for brekky by 9 and then strolled around Perth and its shops. [For hours!]. Though must say that King’s Park – which overlooks the Swan River and Perth – is a great spot for a picnic, beer and the Sunday papers. Back to our hotel to collect our bags and then took the free tram to the train station to catch the train to Fremantle (30 min ride). After dropping our bags off at our B+B, we strolled around the seaside town and was glad to have packed a fleece and a baseball cap, as it got a bit chilly at night! Ate at a posh Indian.
On Monday, we took the ferry over to Rottnest Island – where we cycled around, stopped off at some beaches, Sarah took some pix, had some wine and pasty for lunch, Sarah took some more pix and saw some cute quokkas (2 foot long marsupials – that are half-responsible for the island’s name as some Dutch explorer thought that they were rats – well he was two miles off shore at the time!).
We aught the ferry back and met up with Gary and Fiona (two Melbournites that live in Singapore) – for a drive down to Rockingham (about an hour or so drive away).
Rockingham is a proper seaside town – with small pier, promenade, etc – and I think it’s where the oldies go to retire as the whole place was deserted and practically closed up by 9pm! We managed to squeeze into an Italian – run by a guy from Jersey – and while the gals ordered, Gary and I snuck in a couple of Aussie ales in a Pub/TAB - where you can drink and place a bet at the same time.
Tuesday – up at 7 to go swimming with dolphins! Basically you get on a small boat, sail out to the middle of the bay / Indian Ocean, slip on a wet suit (ok ‘slip’ may not be the best term to use when trying to squeeze into a wet suit but it will do for now) and when our guides saw a pod of dolphins, they’d tell us all to ‘Go,Go,Go’. And then we’d all scramble into the water (which was f…f…f….f….. freezing by the way) with our snorkel and goggle and hang onto the belt of the person in front of you, while at the head of each crocodile of would-be snorkels and dolphin-spotters, was a trained guide with a handy device that would propel us along in the water.
The dolphins – which were all wild – would then appear beside you, underneath you, behind you – and almost at touching distance. It was liking watching some Attenborough sea-life program – though with the odd jet of frozen water squirming down your back to make you realise that you weren’t watching the dolphins through a state-of-the-art flat-screen TV. That and the fact that you occasionally swallowed some sea water.
On the ride back to shore – with some hot drinks inside us –the dolphins zipped in and out of the water, showing off as they tried to race us back.
Absolutely awesome experience. Especially as our guides did not feed the dolphins – and that it was simply up to the dolphins if they wanted to play.
That afternoon, we drove off to Dunsborough, which is in the heart of the Margaret River wine region. We booked a seaside cottage through the very helpful Tourist Office, grabbed some provisions and headed off to our home for the next four nights.
The place was very nice – just two minutes from the sea – and was equipped with everything you need – barbie, cooker, microwave, two bathrooms, TV, sofas, open fire…Gary was on fire-duty every evening, while I volunteered for the cooking role.
The next day we drove out to around a dozen local vineyards – will have to ask Sarah for a list of their names as they all kind of blended into one after a while. Especially after all the wine-tasting we did along the way. [Though, must admit, I prefer the term ‘wine-drinking’ to ‘wine-tasting’ as the latter implies swirling the stuff around in your glass and mouth, and then usually spitting it out!]
On, Thursday we gave Gary a day off from driving and went on a BushTucker Tour of some different vineyard. Basically we climbed aboard a mini-bus, got off at loads of vineyards, a cheese producer, a chocolate maker… Anyway, needless to say we drank loads, brought loads and had a good day.
On the way home, Sarah had still to see any kangaroos – apart from the one that was served up for lunch – so our driver, Stevo, went out of his way to find some. And I showed by bush tucker skills by whistling to get a ‘roo (just one of many ‘technical’ terms I collected along the trip) to stand up and look towards us so that Sarah could take a snap of him
Friday was supposed to be golf for the boys and whale-watching for the gal but the stormy weather soon put paid to our plans. So the boys hit the pub, while the girls went shopping.
Saturday was an early start as we drove back to Perth. Gary and Fiona stayed on another night, whilst we flew back home. [And, I must say, Qantas looked after us on the way back as they must have given me alone like 6 quarter bottles of wine!]
Overall, a nice, relaxing trip and we have loads of pix (which I'll stick up shortly), vino and other nice gourmet bits and bobs to remind us.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
A Big IOU
Apologies - but have been pretty slack in updating this blog but will do so by the weekend. Among other things, I need to ceover:
- Perth (vineyards, swimming with the dolphins, vineyards and more vineyards)
- A Day At The Races (Sarah's top tipster)
- The Ballet (Romeo & Juliet by the Imperial Russian Ballet)
- Chelsea lose a game (or two!)
And other stuff and nonsense. Honest!
- Perth (vineyards, swimming with the dolphins, vineyards and more vineyards)
- A Day At The Races (Sarah's top tipster)
- The Ballet (Romeo & Juliet by the Imperial Russian Ballet)
- Chelsea lose a game (or two!)
And other stuff and nonsense. Honest!
Reader, we kept her!
In the end, despite all the wise words and wisdom proffered, we decided to keep young Jaffy.
The logic being .. that there was no logic but that it was hard to turn away a cute, furry thang - especially one with a long tail (which is quite a rare thing in Singapore) and one that likes company. And, which I discovered the other day, is not impartial to the odd basil and tomato sausage and certainly has never said no to any pan-fried salmon. Besides, it's nice to have a fellow meat/fish eater in the house - even though she does have more legs than me and gets away with hogging the bed more than I'd ever be allowed to!
Anyway, will place some pix of Jaffy here soon. Along with some of 'Before Jaffy, After Jaffy' pictures of our furniture, the flat, etc
The logic being .. that there was no logic but that it was hard to turn away a cute, furry thang - especially one with a long tail (which is quite a rare thing in Singapore) and one that likes company. And, which I discovered the other day, is not impartial to the odd basil and tomato sausage and certainly has never said no to any pan-fried salmon. Besides, it's nice to have a fellow meat/fish eater in the house - even though she does have more legs than me and gets away with hogging the bed more than I'd ever be allowed to!
Anyway, will place some pix of Jaffy here soon. Along with some of 'Before Jaffy, After Jaffy' pictures of our furniture, the flat, etc
Saturday, October 08, 2005
What to do with Jaffy? You decide...
As you may be aware, we have spent the past week looking after Jaffy, a stray cat found near the Thai Embassy in Orchard Rd.
And this is the afore-mentioned Jaffy:
At first the plan was just to look after her (or I think it's a her) while the person who 'found' her, Pete, returned from his trip to Malaysia and found a full-time home for her.
[Now Pete has a habit of picking up all sort of strays (cats, dogs, snakes... you name it, he's probably had them) - which is a pretty noble / samaritan thing to do, I agree. But when he realises that he has no more room to extend his zoological collection, and invariably has to use,to quote a popular 4-piece combo, aka Oasis, "some might say", emotional blackmail to off-load his new-found furry (and, sometimes, scaly) friends to others, then maybe he should have left them where they were.]
The thing is, that Sarah, on her travels, went to the Thai Embassy and not only saw Jaffy's mum but all her (as in Jaffy's and not Sarah's) siblings too. [They all have similar markings and, unusually for Singaporean cats, full length tails]. Sarah also gleaned from the Thai Embassy security guard that the cats there were fed and well looked after by all the staff at the Embassy.
Sarah then decided, quite righly in my book, that the best thing to do was to return Jaffy back to her family (once again, I mean Jaffy's and not Sarah's).
That was until, Pete (ditto: Jaffy's side of the house rather than Sarah's) had heard of our plans to reacquaint Jaffy with her family and said that he would take Jaffy back, pronto.
Now, if Jaffy was an abandoned stray and one that would have a rough life if returned back to her home, then Pete taking her back (or us keeping her) would not be a problem. But when you know that Jaffy had a nice place to cat-nap (the Thai Embassy has nice gardens, is staffed 24/7 and is mighty handy for the shops in Orchard Road), then maybe the best thing is to return her to the Thai Embassy.
Or should we? Cast your vote - and leave your comments below. The poll will close on Wednesday and whatever you decide will determine the fate of Jaffy.
[Despite my web/html background, I cannot for the life of me sort out the gap that appears between here and the poll, so, until some bright spark gives me a clue, you'll have to scroll down a tad. Soz. D]
And this is the afore-mentioned Jaffy:
At first the plan was just to look after her (or I think it's a her) while the person who 'found' her, Pete, returned from his trip to Malaysia and found a full-time home for her.
[Now Pete has a habit of picking up all sort of strays (cats, dogs, snakes... you name it, he's probably had them) - which is a pretty noble / samaritan thing to do, I agree. But when he realises that he has no more room to extend his zoological collection, and invariably has to use,to quote a popular 4-piece combo, aka Oasis, "some might say", emotional blackmail to off-load his new-found furry (and, sometimes, scaly) friends to others, then maybe he should have left them where they were.]
The thing is, that Sarah, on her travels, went to the Thai Embassy and not only saw Jaffy's mum but all her (as in Jaffy's and not Sarah's) siblings too. [They all have similar markings and, unusually for Singaporean cats, full length tails]. Sarah also gleaned from the Thai Embassy security guard that the cats there were fed and well looked after by all the staff at the Embassy.
Sarah then decided, quite righly in my book, that the best thing to do was to return Jaffy back to her family (once again, I mean Jaffy's and not Sarah's).
That was until, Pete (ditto: Jaffy's side of the house rather than Sarah's) had heard of our plans to reacquaint Jaffy with her family and said that he would take Jaffy back, pronto.
Now, if Jaffy was an abandoned stray and one that would have a rough life if returned back to her home, then Pete taking her back (or us keeping her) would not be a problem. But when you know that Jaffy had a nice place to cat-nap (the Thai Embassy has nice gardens, is staffed 24/7 and is mighty handy for the shops in Orchard Road), then maybe the best thing is to return her to the Thai Embassy.
Or should we? Cast your vote - and leave your comments below. The poll will close on Wednesday and whatever you decide will determine the fate of Jaffy.
[Despite my web/html background, I cannot for the life of me sort out the gap that appears between here and the poll, so, until some bright spark gives me a clue, you'll have to scroll down a tad. Soz. D]
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
And it’s goodnight from him
Ronnie Barker died yesterday – which is a massive shame / loss. The guy was a pure comic genius – both in his acting and in his writing.
Here are just a few of his pearls - c/o the Guardian:
"The search for the man who terrorises nudist camps with a bacon slicer goes on. Inspector Lemuel Jones had a tip-off this morning, but hopes to be back on duty tomorrow."
"Have you heard the one about the retired general who said he had not had sex since 1956? His friend said, 'That's a long time ago.' 'I don't know,' the general replied. 'It's only 20.27 now."
A famous Spoonerism from Open All Hours: "Don't just crit their siticising".
To his assistant Granville (David Jason) who is toying nervously with the cash register in Open All Hours: "Come on, you aren't there to play the Warsaw Concerto."
As Fletcher in Porridge, when playing monopoly: "Would you Adam and Eve it? Go to jail!"
Again from Porridge: "What have I learned, Mr Mackay? Three things. One - bide your time. Two - keep your nose clean. And three - don't let the bastards grind you down."
"There was a strange happening during a performance of Elgar's Sea Pictures at a concert hall in Bermuda tonight, when the man playing the triangle disappeared."
"Next week we'll be investigating rumours that the president of the dairy council has become a Mason, and goes around giving his colleagues the secret milkshake."
"We'll continue our investigation into the political beliefs of nudists. We've already noticed a definite swing to the left."
"The man who invented the zip fastener was today honoured with a lifetime peerage. He will now be known as the Lord of the Flies."
"The toilets at a local police station have been stolen. Police say they have nothing to go on."
"In a packed programme tonight we will be talking to an out-of-work contortionist who says he can no longer make ends meet."
"The prime minister held a meeting with the cabinet today. He also spoke to the bookcase and argued with the chest of drawers."
"Following the dispute with the domestic servants' union at Buckingham Palace today, the Queen, a radiant figure in a white silk gown and crimson robe, swept down the main staircase and through the hall. She then dusted the cloakroom and vacuumed the lounge."
"The West Drayton man who has kept himself awake every night for 17 years by snoring has at least found the answer. He's going to sleep in another room."
Here are just a few of his pearls - c/o the Guardian:
"The search for the man who terrorises nudist camps with a bacon slicer goes on. Inspector Lemuel Jones had a tip-off this morning, but hopes to be back on duty tomorrow."
"Have you heard the one about the retired general who said he had not had sex since 1956? His friend said, 'That's a long time ago.' 'I don't know,' the general replied. 'It's only 20.27 now."
A famous Spoonerism from Open All Hours: "Don't just crit their siticising".
To his assistant Granville (David Jason) who is toying nervously with the cash register in Open All Hours: "Come on, you aren't there to play the Warsaw Concerto."
As Fletcher in Porridge, when playing monopoly: "Would you Adam and Eve it? Go to jail!"
Again from Porridge: "What have I learned, Mr Mackay? Three things. One - bide your time. Two - keep your nose clean. And three - don't let the bastards grind you down."
"There was a strange happening during a performance of Elgar's Sea Pictures at a concert hall in Bermuda tonight, when the man playing the triangle disappeared."
"Next week we'll be investigating rumours that the president of the dairy council has become a Mason, and goes around giving his colleagues the secret milkshake."
"We'll continue our investigation into the political beliefs of nudists. We've already noticed a definite swing to the left."
"The man who invented the zip fastener was today honoured with a lifetime peerage. He will now be known as the Lord of the Flies."
"The toilets at a local police station have been stolen. Police say they have nothing to go on."
"In a packed programme tonight we will be talking to an out-of-work contortionist who says he can no longer make ends meet."
"The prime minister held a meeting with the cabinet today. He also spoke to the bookcase and argued with the chest of drawers."
"Following the dispute with the domestic servants' union at Buckingham Palace today, the Queen, a radiant figure in a white silk gown and crimson robe, swept down the main staircase and through the hall. She then dusted the cloakroom and vacuumed the lounge."
"The West Drayton man who has kept himself awake every night for 17 years by snoring has at least found the answer. He's going to sleep in another room."
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Furry Friends
Tonight we pick up a little house guest. She’s 3-months old, called Jaffy (due to her jaffa cake markings) and was ‘found’ in Orchard Road by Pete, who’s a friend of our neighbour, Nicole.
Pete has ‘found a number of animals on his travels – from cats to dogs, snakes to rabbits. Which is very charitable and noble – but he usually picks up too many for his place and then asks if anyone else wants a cat!
The thing is, is that there are loads of stray cats around Singapore if you want to go looking for them. [Eg By the post office or Cold Storage in Holland Village. They are fed by locals and all have a semi-decent place to live in and run around.
So am not really sure that turning a semi-feral cat into a domesticated moggy (and one that is kept in a flat all the time ) is really the right thing to do.
Anyway, we’ll look after Jaffy and I will have to make sure that Sarah does not get too attached to her – especially as we are off to Perth for a week on the 15th!
Pete has ‘found a number of animals on his travels – from cats to dogs, snakes to rabbits. Which is very charitable and noble – but he usually picks up too many for his place and then asks if anyone else wants a cat!
The thing is, is that there are loads of stray cats around Singapore if you want to go looking for them. [Eg By the post office or Cold Storage in Holland Village. They are fed by locals and all have a semi-decent place to live in and run around.
So am not really sure that turning a semi-feral cat into a domesticated moggy (and one that is kept in a flat all the time ) is really the right thing to do.
Anyway, we’ll look after Jaffy and I will have to make sure that Sarah does not get too attached to her – especially as we are off to Perth for a week on the 15th!
Re Sunday
Re: Sunday’s game. I don’t think that the scoreline (1-4) was a true reflection of the game. Just that Chelsea did not really put a foot wrong and bided their time until Liverpool did!
Jimmy Trarore’s lunge on Drogba was very clumsy and an obvious penalty. But then I thought that there were two deffo penalties for Liverpool in the game on Weds. Still they’re not a penalty until the ref gives them. And the goal from a throw-in was schoolboy stuff.
Still – we get to play them again at least twice more this season and hopefully we can defend a bit better, while getting some breaks at the other end of the pitch.
[If there’s a future’s betting market – Carvalho must be a good bet to concede the first pen as he has gotten away with a few against Liverpool to date]
Jimmy Trarore’s lunge on Drogba was very clumsy and an obvious penalty. But then I thought that there were two deffo penalties for Liverpool in the game on Weds. Still they’re not a penalty until the ref gives them. And the goal from a throw-in was schoolboy stuff.
Still – we get to play them again at least twice more this season and hopefully we can defend a bit better, while getting some breaks at the other end of the pitch.
[If there’s a future’s betting market – Carvalho must be a good bet to concede the first pen as he has gotten away with a few against Liverpool to date]
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Referee!
Cannot believe that the ref this am failed to award Liverpool at least one penalty.
Drogba’s ‘challenge’ on Hypia in the first half would have merited a free-kick anywhere else on the pitch; as would have Gallas’ ‘ball-to-hand’ antics in the second.
Still a point is a point and, hopefully, both teams will have qualified for the next phase by the time that they meet in the CL again. Otherwise, the game (which is the last one in the Group) will be v.interesting!
Drogba’s ‘challenge’ on Hypia in the first half would have merited a free-kick anywhere else on the pitch; as would have Gallas’ ‘ball-to-hand’ antics in the second.
Still a point is a point and, hopefully, both teams will have qualified for the next phase by the time that they meet in the CL again. Otherwise, the game (which is the last one in the Group) will be v.interesting!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Game On...
On paper, you’d have to say that Chelsea were clear favourites to win tonight’s game against Liverpool in the Champions League (and probably again in the Premiership game on Sunday).
With their keeper, defence, midfield, wingers and attack – they have quality and consistency all over the park. And the way that they have continued from last season – with 7 straight wins and only 1 goal conceded – you’d think that they only need to turn up to win.
However, as we all know, the game is not played on paper and, what with the ball being round and the officials being human(ish), the best teams does not always win on the day.
My head says that Chelsea will nick it 1-0; while the heart says 2-0 to Liverpool. Should be a cracking game all the same – and here’s to the heart winning over the head!
With their keeper, defence, midfield, wingers and attack – they have quality and consistency all over the park. And the way that they have continued from last season – with 7 straight wins and only 1 goal conceded – you’d think that they only need to turn up to win.
However, as we all know, the game is not played on paper and, what with the ball being round and the officials being human(ish), the best teams does not always win on the day.
My head says that Chelsea will nick it 1-0; while the heart says 2-0 to Liverpool. Should be a cracking game all the same – and here’s to the heart winning over the head!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Horse-some
It's the Dog's Mate!
If you get a moment, take a look a this site. The 'Speed Date' one is funny but the one that takes the (doggie) biscuit is the 'Keep it Pure' one.
And, this short film from the BBC website is absolute quality too.
And, this short film from the BBC website is absolute quality too.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden*
I pretty much had a golf-tastic weekend. And also introduced my brother, Ivor, to the game.
On Saturday, I took Ivor to Tering Bay in Batam, Indonesia, with the rest of the Coolies Centurions Golf Club.
Not only was it his first trip to Asia but it was also his first ever round of golf. He played well – hit some good shots and, I think that by the end of the day, he was hooked by the sport.
And on Sunday, Sarah managed to blag some VIP Hospitality passes to the Singapore Open. So the three of us popped over to Sentosa and followed the likes of Adam Scott and Lee Westwood around the course. Before we took full advantage of the free eats and drinks in the World Sports Group Hospitality tent!
*An old wife’s (or should that read husband’s?) tale that ‘golf’ is an acronym for 'Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden'. In fact, the word is derived from a medieval Dutch word 'kolf' or 'kolve' which meant 'club', which was passed on to the Scots, who, with their dialect/brogue, transformed into "golve," "gowl" or "gouf."
On Saturday, I took Ivor to Tering Bay in Batam, Indonesia, with the rest of the Coolies Centurions Golf Club.
Not only was it his first trip to Asia but it was also his first ever round of golf. He played well – hit some good shots and, I think that by the end of the day, he was hooked by the sport.
And on Sunday, Sarah managed to blag some VIP Hospitality passes to the Singapore Open. So the three of us popped over to Sentosa and followed the likes of Adam Scott and Lee Westwood around the course. Before we took full advantage of the free eats and drinks in the World Sports Group Hospitality tent!
*An old wife’s (or should that read husband’s?) tale that ‘golf’ is an acronym for 'Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden'. In fact, the word is derived from a medieval Dutch word 'kolf' or 'kolve' which meant 'club', which was passed on to the Scots, who, with their dialect/brogue, transformed into "golve," "gowl" or "gouf."
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Another Busy Fortnight Ahead
Holly’s been staying with us for the past fortnight, which has been nice. Though having pals in town does invariably mean late nights and eating & drinking far too well, plus there’s the small matter of trying to fit school in as well.
After brunching it at the Ritz Carlton on Sunday, Sarah and Holly flew up to KL yesterday: Sarah to attend the Global Leadership Forum (where the speakers range from the first man on the moon to the first winner of the Apprentice) and Holly to shop and crash on Sarah’s floor.
And today, my brother, Ivor, arrives in town for a fortnight. So not much rest for the wicked, eh? Am pretty sure that he’ll be happy as Larry sunning himself by the pool during the day, while I’m at work. Then come the evening, I will have to drag him around the island sampling the odd local beer and dish as we go. [Though, on Saturdy, we’ll both be off on a Centurions’ Golf Day at Tering Bay – so at least Sarah will get the place to herself – until Holly gets back from Vietnam on the Sunday!]
And on top of that, I am busy looking for a new job – so will have to be on the ball on as well!
Still, all good fun all the same. And am sure that it will be worth in the end!
After brunching it at the Ritz Carlton on Sunday, Sarah and Holly flew up to KL yesterday: Sarah to attend the Global Leadership Forum (where the speakers range from the first man on the moon to the first winner of the Apprentice) and Holly to shop and crash on Sarah’s floor.
And today, my brother, Ivor, arrives in town for a fortnight. So not much rest for the wicked, eh? Am pretty sure that he’ll be happy as Larry sunning himself by the pool during the day, while I’m at work. Then come the evening, I will have to drag him around the island sampling the odd local beer and dish as we go. [Though, on Saturdy, we’ll both be off on a Centurions’ Golf Day at Tering Bay – so at least Sarah will get the place to herself – until Holly gets back from Vietnam on the Sunday!]
And on top of that, I am busy looking for a new job – so will have to be on the ball on as well!
Still, all good fun all the same. And am sure that it will be worth in the end!
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