racial harmony
came across this joke on a friend's msn nick. no intention to be racist, just thought it was rather funny.
How do you make a Malay panic?
Send him to a round room.
Because he cannot relac 1 corner.
Anyway, one thing I really like about our little multi-racial society is that we are able to share racist jokes about each other. I recall this 2 guys from my jc, an indian and a chinese, who used to tell each other jokes about their own race. Of course, not everyone can take these jokes without getting too personal and there are still a some discrimination beneath the surface, but at least most jokes are told in a good-humoured way and most sterotypical criticisms are mild and harmless compared to what i've seen in other countries.
though we are not the only multi-racial nation, not many can boast to be as harmonious as us. the best perks are PLENTY of national holdays and a wide variety of delicious food to satisfy your palate. i can't imagine how boring it will be to live in countries where 99% of the people you meet are of the same race. there will be no roti pratas and nasi lemaks.
by the way, i totally support inter-racial relations. it is intune with the government's racial harmony policy, and is a great way to have those beautiful mixed-race babies. Maybe if we have more inter-racial couples, we might be able to win the next Miss Universe. hah!
cheerios to racial harmony day!
you were jaxed at 4:40 AM
Random News Flash
The Statisticians Start to Wonder
A University of Chicago sex survey found that the average man has six partners in his lifetime and the average woman has two. If most men and women are heterosexual, as the study claims, then mathematically the average number of sex partners for men and women must be roughly the same. Where, then, do men get these four additional sex partners? Are they farm animals? Inflatable dolls? The researchers admit they "have no good answer" for the conundrum.
taken from The Essentials of Hip Mama
you were jaxed at 1:02 AM
"An eye for an eye, makes the whole world go blind." - Ghandi
you were jaxed at 11:46 PM
Banana Nut Crunch
have you recently bought a box of Post's Banana Nut Crunch cereal? if you have, turn it around to read the words at the back.
"We should all aspire to live like bananas. They are on permanent vacation, living in lush, tropical rainforest."
Have the manufacturers gone banana nuts or what?
you were jaxed at 11:39 AM
youtube still rocks
check out these 2 hilarious clips.
japanese tv tetris game
why asian guys can't get white girls
you were jaxed at 12:25 AM
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley (Val de Loire) is a region in central France famous for its numerous magnificant castles (chateaux). It was highly favoured by nobles due to its clement weather - neither too hot in summer like the south nor too cold in winter like the north. Chateaux sprung everywhere in the Loire during the French Renaissance, and an era of pomp reigned until Henri IV moved his court to Paris, marking the Loire's decline.
When visiting the Loire, it is advisable to choose the chateaux wisely, unless you plan to spend a whole month there. The most notable few are Chambord, Chenonceaux, Cheverny and Amboise. Visitors usually use the near by cities, Tours and Blois, as platforms to visit the chateaux, as cheap accommodations might hard to find in the town of the chateau itself.
Chambord
Chambord is magnificant. I've never seen anything quite like it in other parts of France. The Loire is definitely a must-see region for those who want to discover the different facets of France. The château is in a park of more than 5,260 hectares, enclosed by a wall stretching some 32km. (Note: distance from woodlands to Cityhall is approx 40+km) Four monumental towers dominate Chambord's facade. The three-story keep has viewing terrace from which the ladies of the court used to watch the return of their men from the hunt. The keep also encloses 2 intertwining staircases, superimposed upon itself so that one person may descend and a second ascend without ever meeting.
the stairwell
view of the park from the terrace
you were jaxed at 12:15 PM
Alsace-Lorraine
Strasbourg, captial of Alsace
"488km (303 miles) SE of Paris, 217km (135 miles) SW of Frankfurt
The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is one of France's greatest cities and the birthplace of pâté de foie gras. Here Rouget de Lisle first sang "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem.
Strasbourg is one of France's major ports, only 3km (1 3/4 miles) west of the Rhine. In addition to being the site of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament, which convenes at the Palais de l'Europe.
In 1871, Strasbourg was absorbed by Germany and made the capital of the territory of Alsace-Lorraine. It reverted to France in 1918. One street is a perfect illustration of the city's identity crisis: More than a century ago it was avenue Napoléon. In 1871, it became Kaiser-Wilhelmstrasse, then boulevard de la République in 1918. In 1940, it became Adolf-Hitler-Strasse, and it ended up as avenue du Général-de-Gaulle in 1945.
One of the most happening cities in France, Strasbourg is home to the University of Strasbourg, once attended by the likes of Goethe, Napoléon, and Pasteur. Today, some 40,000 students follow in their footsteps."
A little too tired to blog, as it is already 1am.
As you've already guessed, Strasbourg changed hands many times between Germany and France, and it is not uncommon to hear German spoken on the streets. Before the Euro was introduced, it was said that the most financially ideal situation for a French man is to live in Strasbourg and work in Germany. (the currency in the latter was much stronger).
When I stepped out of the train station, I was most severely disappointed as what greeted me was a huge construction site of a new tram way. This spreaded out into a few tight alleys cramped with kebab stalls, cheap hotels and dodgy beer pubs. Nothing remotely touristic in site. I had also made the mistake of not booking my hostel bed in advance nor printing out the direction map. Topped it off with searching aimlessly under chilling winds at 10 degrees and my way-too-thin jacket, I almost wanted to board the next train back to Paris.
It took me almost 3 hours to locate my hostel and checked into my room. I was so relieved. Fortunately, the hostel Ciarus, was fantastic, and I felt things might turn out well after all. It was new and very well maintained, spacious and had lifts for transportion between floors (no more struggling thru' narrow stairwells with oversized backpacks). The receptionists were friendly and the breakfast (included in the price) was satisfying. It is one of the hostels I would definitely highly recommend.
Armed with the tourist map from the hostel, I managed to find the old town and the shopping district tucked away far from the train station. The old town was rather pretty, with a spectacular cathedral and many half-timbered houses. (Forgive me if I didnt sound too enthusiatic. I had been to qt a lot of cathedrals and 'old towns' in France and they are all starting to seem the same after a while. I can't describe the town as observantly as a pair of fresh eyes). The shopping street was tempting, unfortunately it was a Sunday and most of them were closed.
old town square
the grand cathedral
The highlight of my trip was a boat ride around the river which surrounds the old town. It took us around the old town and the tip of the new area where the European Council was located. There was commentary via headphones and plenty of time to take photos while resting those weary legs. Moreover, it was only 3.50euros (student price).
the boat ride
la Petite France
a historical neighbourhood that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale book with its half-timbered houses accented by colorful flower boxes.
the courthouse (palace de justice) and a small church
a smaller cathedral
the European Council Building
strasbourg is famous for its many local delights like the Kougelhopfs, Strasbourg Sausages and Flammekuechen. there are many others which I didn't have time to try. pity.
Kougelhopfs, pastry with walnuts.
Flammekuechen, rather like an extremely thin crusted and crispy pizza with just lotsa cheese and ham
the sign says '(cooked in) Grandmother Style'
Nancy
captial of Lorraine. my 5-hr stop on the way back to Paris. nothing really much to see there, except the Place Stanislas, a plaza bordered by gold-embellished gates, most stunningly at midday when the Sun is at its brightest. you'll be dazed by the amount of light reflected by the golden ornaments.
There is also a huge park which is nice to have a summer stroll in, but other than that, it is probably only worth a visit if you're around the vicinity. oh, and i forgot to try the Quiche Lorraine here!
Place Stanislas
locals and tourists alike just hanging out at the plaza. the french generally enjoy being outdoors much more than us. i would too if i only get a few months of good sunny days like this in a year
the Triumphant Arc of Nancy
you were jaxed at 1:06 AM