May 20, 2009 at 7:51 am (Uncategorized)
Tags: Elmo, Sesame Street
According to Wikipedia, did you know that this furry little red monster was created because there was an extra puppet lying around the cast on Sesame Street? The cast would pick him up sometimes and try to create a personality, but nothing seemed to materialize.
It was not till talented pupeteer, Kevin Clash gave it a go that it became the Elmo we all love today. Found this on YouTube today, not an original Sesame Street production but made me split my sides. Enjoy!
May 19, 2009 at 6:02 pm (Musings)
Last weekend, in a little park on a tiny island called Singapore, around a thousand-odd people gathered to commemorate love in all forms and between people of every orientation.
Big fucking deal you might think.
Actually, it fucking is. At least to me and the rest of the people who’ve attended the event. I didnt manage to make it, for geographical reasons but I would have given anything to have been there (well…anything but my Manolo Blahniks).
Singaporeans pride themselves as a “rojak” nation – ethnic races like the Chinese, Malays and Indians have coexisted harmoniously since it gained its independence from the British. When Singaporeans read about racial riots and religious persecutions in other countries, they shake their heads in disbelief because it is just beyond their comprehension, having lived side-by-side with someone of a different ethnic group in their high-rise apartments some time in their lives. They dont blink an eye when their children have Chinese, Tamil and Muslim friends and they celebrate religious holidays that are not really relevant to them but to their friends from that particular ethnic group – I know I can never say no to all the home-cooked food and snacks during Hari Raya and Deepavali!
Like the Swiss, Singaporeans are able to speak at least 2 to 3 different languages and in addition, any army boy worth his salt can cuss in at least 3 other different dialects.
However, beneath this religious harmony, it remains a narrow minded conservative and closed society. The government recognises that homosexuality is part of the society, but ironically, criminal under the law. The norm is still the 3-screaming-ill-mannered-kids-parents-in-tow hetrosexual family. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles of gay friends who were afraid to come out of the closet, for fear of shaming or hurting their parents.
Also, till the year 2000, we were repressed there was no Speakers Corner unlike the infamous London’s Hyde Park.
So yes, to me, this is a landmark event. It is the first ever official public gathering for a lesbian-gay-bi-transgendered cause on the island. It is an event to show anyone who is struggling with their feelings of confusion regarding their sexuality at the moment, (because society is filing your head with bigotry gunk) that they are no longer alone. There are people out there who will accept you for what you are regardless of whether they are straight or gay.
Who knows, its pledge might be amended one day to:
We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people. Regardless of race, language (sexuality) or religion, to build a democratic society…..blah blah blah.
Baby steps.
Well done, Pink Dot!!!!
May 19, 2009 at 9:28 am (Dogs)
Tags: breeder, Norwich terrier, puppy mills
Ever since my father brought home a pug when I was 5 years old, I have had dogs all my life. From the pug we named Fifi, to a rescue Pomernarian my parents named Mei, our family was never short of a furry 4 legged friend in our lives. It might be the lack of education in Asia or simply cultural difference on how we view animals, but we never questioned how our dogs were bred or where they came from. We usually took them off someone who didnt want the dog anymore for ridiculous or behavioural reasons like “we are having a baby”, “this dog barks too much and he pees everywhere!”
Only until I went to study in the West in my late teens did I learn about puppy mills. When I first heard of the term, I had the misconception that it is a place full of cute little puppies and their parents running in big, open fields and waiting to go to new homes.
I was so wrong. The shock, when I first watched a television program about puppy mills was, well….indescribible. I felt revulsion, pain and so much hatred for these people who keep dogs in inhumanely small cages and terrible conditions just to breed them for profit. In turn, chain pet stores sell them to the unsuspecting and largely uneducated public. When you see a puppy in the pet store and you look into its eyes, you never once question its origin because you are just overwhelmed by how cute it is.
I always wondered what an individual like me and many passionate advocates around the world can do, when our own governments always have other things higher on their agenda. I mean, what is getting rid of puppy mills compared to recovering the economy and foreign policy yea? I often feel helpless and frustrated whenever I see new reports on puppy mills and dogs being put down or given up to the shelters because of behavioural problems stemming from how they were bred without being properly socialised.
But, I am heartened that so many rescue groups around the world, especially in the US and Europe, are tireless in their crusade in shutting down puppy mills.
I guess just like saving sharks who are killed just for their fins predominantly in Asia and elephants for their tusks: “when the buying stops, the killing will too”.
We can all do our part. No matter how small. Educate (without sounding like a over zealous Christian preacher) your friends and family who are thinking of getting a dog about adopting rather than buying a puppy from the pet store. If breeders are preferred, I cannot stress the importance of getting it from a reputable breeder. The American Humane Society has a great article about this and it might look really extensive and intimidating, but just think of how an individual like us, can make a difference.
We recently got a Norwich terrier from a breeder here in Switzerland. We felt like prospective adoptive parents. When I first placed a call to enquire about the puppies, I was grilled about our lifestyle, energy level, whether both of us work and basically, how the dog is going to be cared for. After visiting the puppies in their home (and mentally running the checklist of a good breeder that the American Humane Society posted through my head), our home was then inspected to ensure that it was suitable for the puppy and my chosen pup was even brought over for a day before he was due to go home with us, just to have a sniff around.
On the day we were supposed to bring him home, we had to sign a contract with the breeder on how she had the first right to get the dog should we fail to carry on taking care of him for any reason. We were given a huge folder of information which we spent three long hours, painstakingly going through every detail with her on our new puppy’s diet, exercise requirements, grooming and potential health risks. I was also given the green light to call her at ANY time of the day if I am worried or just needed advice on our new dog.
That to me, is a mark of a responsible breeder who clearly cares for the welfare and future of her dogs. So yes, I am very happy. I have done my part boycotting puppy mills.
I am enjoying the challenges of bringing up a puppy, now a young dog. He is officially 6 months old today, entering the adolescent phase, which is the most challenging to many dog owners. Many dogs are given up during this period due to the lack of proper rules, boundaries and limitations on their owners part but… I have been up on my high horse enough for the day. Stepping off the soap box now.
Oskar’s book
Extensive care information
She even conscientiously recorded his growth progress!
Pictures of what we, the new parents missed when he was growing up.
May 18, 2009 at 7:36 am (Musings)
Tags: Musings
So much has happened in the last year that I really dont know where to start.
Somehow, my old blog doesnt seem as appropriate for this weird, new life that I am experiencing. Hence, a new blog, a new beginning.
I have never been consistent in updating my old blog. I am going to make a conscious effort to update this as much as possible – probably because I now have all the time in the world. Dont be jealous. Be happy for me for I am blessed. Blessed that I’ve said “I do” in August last year to the most wonderful man who feels the same way about what we want in life together. After 9 years of ups and downs, we are finally in sync.
Blessed that I finally have time to myself to do what I always wanted to do - Sleep late. learn to cook like Gordon Ramsay, learn a new language, volunteer and basically learn patience and be less critical and judgmental of people around me.
Blessed that I found a wonderful new dog, Oskar, after my Australian silky terrier, Winnie has finally crossed the rainbow bride after 18 human years.
Finally, blessed that I am living in one of the best cities in the world, Zurich – I am not bragging, even Forbes agrees with me. My quality of life has definitely improved. Nothing to do with the non-existence of work stress but I am eating much healthier (the fish and chips last night was in a moment of weakness!), caring more for the environment and basically loving life.
Have I become a better person? I would like to think so.
