 | Lost | Nov 9, '09 8:50 AM
for everyone |
I have literally lost track of days gone by. It's been a protracted blogging break as I hardly had any time to sit down to even read The Straits Times (yeah, I'm still a Singapore news-leech).
So far I had the two toilets and two basins replaced in the 2 bathrooms. The master bedroom had its protruding wardrobe torn down. The expensive task is reinstating new timber panel as the whole of the 2nd storey is timber-panelled (think of a log-cabin in Aspen, Colorado). The exterior house wash is happening tomorrow and the painter is zooming in this weekend for the exterior work. With the cruel summer heat beating on the west-facing weatherboards, it may not be long that a couple of them needs to be changed. Not a good sign for the shallow pockets.
Oh yeah, the tree removal guys lopped off 4 cypress tress and many medium trees and fruit trees. Tomorrow the tree-stump man will finish off the job with his incredible machine.
Internally, we've painted one bedroom all window and door frames. Still quite a bit more to go.
This mega-project has been quite interesting yet time-consuming. Getting in and out for tradesmen appointments, better than a UN assembly. I have talked to Vietnamese, French, Turkish, English, Yugoslav (now he's Serbian), Scottish, Italian (cute sounding name of Peppi) and the quintessential Aussie. Mostly, 99% of them are friendly and easy to talk to. There was this incident where we contacted a consultant (we didn't know until we saw his calling card) who abruptly decided that he could not do anything for us, just because I mentioned that if possible, save some costs by skipping the windows. Other than that, it was quite a breeze.
I must say that advertising on the vehicle is good value. We actually called a painter when we passed his vehicle on the road and saw him answering the phone illegally! That was quite humorous when he was trying to explain as quickly that he was driving along some busy road. Almost like a reality show! We certainly didn't let him know that we're just next to him.
At the other end of the rainbow, the pool has been sold for much more than I started and that'll certainly relieve some financial pressure.
The weather is heating up again. Since 2 days ago, we had to turn on the aircon unit to cool down a little. The days are up to mid 30's. I'm already a shade darker from that little gardening I did. I usually have to wait till 7.30pm before stepping out for a run. Sun sets at 8pm and by the time I'm back, it's just the twilight. Enough light to see me through.
Counting the blessings we have ..... counting the runs I can do....... counting the days before year ends .......
A ball was thrown into my juggling act last week throwing me in a knitted schedule. With the plan of moving into the new house before year end, there is no greater need than to get the tradies (tradesmen). With Spring, these tradies are in great demand. I see my neighbours getting their roof repaired or retiled. One is selling their manicured house just 3 houses away from mine. All are preparing for summer thus the 'spring' cleaning.
My house couldn't come at a better or worse time depending on one's vista. It was interesting last week with a potpourri of tradies; there's this old French handyman whom I threw in a smackering of my limited 'pourquoi'. I think I must have amused him with it with a Chinese speaking some French in Down Under. Learning an extra language came in useful for some 'guanxi' in such situation where the ice is easily broken. Monsieur Gerard (Depardieu) will be doing some repairs tomorrow morning.
Met an "Englishman" (great grandma was a convict sent to Oz in the 18th century) whose son just joined the Victorian police and we had a chat on police enforcement and general politics. Seems all the mature folks I spoke with all agree that Aussies are a complacent lot. I still wonder where is that Voice of Reason to spruce up this country. The only thing that politics agree is the matter of a pay rise for both the opposition and the ruling.
Anyway, I have detoured. Another interesting project is being a virgin ebay seller of a pukka item - an above-ground swimming pool. Rather than paying to dismantle it, we may as well sell it. More interestingly is the potential bidders who popped in for a view. That confirms what is already known - that Oz men are good lookers or maybe zoom it to Melburnian guys.
Until the time to move, I'll be a shrewd juggler. Nevertheless, cleaning the house is therapeutic if the dust doesn't get to you. Time to move on....
 4x100m Relay
There's something ironical about this sporting country. Why are there just as many magnificently opulent people around?  Really a connundrum when sports is ever so eagerly embraced by kids and promoted in primary schools, somehow, many fell through the gap and ended up being so unfit and dangerously treading on diabetic ice in adulthood. I would summarily conclude initially, that no matter how much exercise you think you do and if you do not actually expend more than you ingest, the unhealthy fats still gotta end up somewhere and you very well know where. Secondly, this nation is a huge fan of chocolate. Everywhere you turn, there's always chocolate cafes, bulk chocolate bars, chocolate desserts. I'm even drawn to get the Kit Kat Dark Chocolate Family Size and I actually devoured that within 5 outings. Thankfully, I run, and after a chocolate treat, I run harder! Having said all that, sporting parents do have a higher chance of their kids in sports and continuing it as part of their lifestyle, as I've come across a couple of school parents who are quite avid sports people including one Commonweath Games woman swimmer.
The 100m sprint (see that he's wearing his uniform, not sporting attire!)
The recent Friday was the School District Athletics where again, the 7 primary schools meet. The kids' school did pretty well at 4th placing. I had just said 'pretty well' considering that there are no athletic coach in school unlike a couple of other schools who really take track & field seriously. Next is that the kids actually wear their jumpers and run. You know that is not exactly the wise choice to sail with the wind. Aww, well, just for the fun of sports. Their team relays were better as a few of their teams were in 3rd placings. Not too bad for no training at all. 
Iceman was requested to take the spot of a sick classmate for the discus throwing and 4-x100m Relay events in addition to his favourite 100m dash. His house captain was so pleased of his sportsmanship and teamwork that he was awarded with a certificate from the House Captain during Monday's school assembly. Shucks! I missed that glorious moment. During the same assembly, Little Gem was awarded Distinction in Maths from the Year 3 University of NSW Test. Grrr!
 That's the name of this morning breakfast place we were at before moving further uphill to Skyhigh. Sounds like the movie "Sky High". This is no superpower place though but again, if you are a nature person, no doubt the visual rewards are aplenty.
Thought we stopped by this cute little English Tudor pancake house for some yummy hot food. It was cold and wet the Sunday we went. This couldn't come in at a better time.
Traditional pancakes with ice-cream and maple syrup. Can't go wrong with that! 
Wow, this chair belongs to Igor
 The entrance to SkyHigh is A$5.00 per car. For the maze exploring (was quite disappointed it wasn't big enough to get lost), a family of four pays A$16.00.
"Yay, one more square to go!"
Kids were excited as there are four ink stampers to hunt and to stamp the motifs on their paper. THere are two other big mazes which we may visit later, Arthur's Seat at Mornington Pensinsula and Hedgend at Healesville.
There are so many attractions at Mt Dandenong that once or twice is certainly insufficient. That's also the wonderful part about spending some time up the mountain. So refreshing and you can't help feeling good especially on a fair-weathered day.
A-maze-ing
Stopped by a Y-junction. I like this view.
We stopped here for a while for a breathtaking view. The camera can't capture all of its beauty. The naked eye can.
Strolled in one of the art galleries along the way. I happen to come across this artist, Robert Young, who does very humorous paintings of yonder years.
On the way back through a different route, we spotted this cute little Morris Minor 1929. Isn't it adorable with a toy dog at the side of it?
The Spring advent changes the landscape dramatically. Brings Life and Brings smiles. The term break ends today and the start of Term 4 in Spring/Summer. Only grouse I have about Nov/Dec is the extra kau UV rays. Iceman looks like kopi boy, all toasted. There is a couple of freckles on Little Gem's smooth skin (what a waste!). Finally she has gotten her long-awaited haircut before school re-commences. Hey, we are now a family of aspiring bikers (;-0) with the recent purchase of 4 MTB in the course of one week. Recommended by a friend, this website is a great place to browse the used bicycles for the whole family and is budget-catalogued. I haven't been on a bicycle for ages and I really need to have some practice before going to the trails. The forest trails are really great and Melbourne is one of the best cycling cities one can ask for.
It was impressive that Little Gem took about half hour to master her balancing and cycling skills. With this new found activity, they have been going cycling in the reserve for 2 consecutive days. To transport 4 bikes, the car will have to get a rack at the rear before we can go further for some weekend fun.
The Devil-May-Care Cyclist
| Ballarat | Sep 27, '09 4:55 AM
for everyone |
Ballarat is where you find an interesting place, Sovereign Hill Historic town, and located around 130km northwest of Melbourne. The drive is interesting as you head west. 
Passing by fields of 'gold'
Less dense and the pasture is almost picture-perfect in some areas. As the route is undulating and hilly, the ears do feel the pressure and at some places, high wind danger.
Today's weather is not spared of wind and showers. Occasionally, a spread of sunshine comes through.
The period costumes remind me of Little House on the Prairie. Candle making process Redcoat soldiers on march
Australia’s foremost outdoor museum – Sovereign Hill recreates Ballarat’s first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851 when thousands of international fortune-hunters rushed to the Australian goldfields in search of riches. By day, Sovereign Hill is where Australia’s history comes to life! It's just like stepping back in time – from the hustle and bustle of Main Street where costumed ladies and gents parade their new-found wealth, to the excitement of the Red Hill Gully Diggings where you can pan for REAL gold. Gold smelting where the goldsmith explains the works of melting gold into a big chunky gold bar   This is worth A$114,000 today!
. 
The Bowling alley in yonder days. The pins are re-arranged by the men at the end of the alley.
Pee-stop at one of the many vineyards/wineries along Yarra Valley.
Lucky us that we stopped at one of the bigger and more scenic vineyards. Even the restrooms are welcoming.
One day, I may just buy an old cadillac and offer the wine tours around Yarra Valley. Driving along the Yarra Glen is never boring. We saw two re-con cadillacs doing just that.
Classy cafe overlooking the green green miles of vines. C'est la vie!
Many Oenephiles would probably be drinking their cellar off with the wide selection of wines to be offered and at a reasonable price as well. Yet my teetotalling trait has not seen a change to embrace what is on my plate.
 That's how Little Gem first spelt Dam. Incidentally, we were at the Maroondah Reservoir near Healsville for our little lunch stop and what a scenery we were treated.
Picnic grounds
The stairway to Heaven
The other side of the wall, the breathtaking view awaits its visitors.
The Dam wall is huge and high and we practically puffed our way up the endless steps leading to the walk along the dam.
Thankfully, no artistic graffiti on the wall.
Top of the wall
To Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary where all native animals gather. Now that we've seen them all, there are many, not just the typical koala and kangaroo. I've quite enough of zoos everywhere and to have seen Taronga zoo in Sydney many moons ago with my mum was a treat since it is one of the more renown zoos in the world. Just zoom in to the native animals sounds like a good place to go. 
Emu, Tasmanian Devil, Platypus, Dingo, Echidna, Wombat, birds of prey and venomous reptilians.
The Sanctuary's Wildlife Hospital where vets were in action putting a possum under for some injuries. Injured wildlife is usually sent here from the public for treatment. During the bushfire season, the hospital runs like a mad house.
The Australian Dingo - wild dog. I wouldn't have known the difference just by the look.
Cute fluffy wombat. Certain sitting angle resembles a koala
The Wildlife Hospital. Looks futuristic and more advanced than a human hospital!
Talking about the Devil 
The Devil itself. Population is endangered due to various reasons, like roadkill and tumours that seem to bedevil them. Scientists are working frantically on a cure and prevention to save them.
The start of the school break is also the most jittery time for me. The kids are experiencing their first public piano performance. Organised by the Knox Community Arts Centre, the sponsors include a dedicated classical radio station, 3MBS (23% of their listeners stream from US!) and an established piano company which lent its Grand Piano for the performances of the young musicians.
Arabesque
On Broadway
Iceman remarked, after his performance, that it was the best piano touch he ever felt. Well, that is a grand piano we are talking about. Very sensitive and crisp sounding.
I didn't give much thought about today, the Big Day, as my head was so tied up with shuttling up and down that I totally forgotten about attire. It was a sartorial faux pas as I later realised when the adjudicator (almost equivalent to a judge) commented on several topics, one of which was outfit. The seasoned performers were all dressed to their nines. Upon the completion of the first section in which Little Gem was the second last performer in the list of 20, I had Iceman changed out of his jeans whilst we still have time.
Warming-Up session
Incidentally, there were more girls (almost 90%) and you may think you have not left Asia as 95% were Asians!
When you have Asian players, you can imagine the intense practice these young pianists had undergone. Au contraire, Iceman and Gem were practising enough to feel comfy with their pieces. Almost all played classicals. Little Gem played a Broadway tune, On Broadway (George Benson) which did lift up the mood to a jazzy level. I was happy that she chose this tune as I had foreseen all others would have chosen classicals which is the norm since many kids undertake exams. As this is an annual affair, it'll be more interesting to do some pop or other pieces. Classicals are nice but can be boring if you are going to sit through hours of performance. We sat for 5 hours as we registered for 2 sections - age 10 and under; age 12 and under.
You may not be surprised that the top 3 pianists were all girls in the first 2 age-group sections. Then again, there were only 2 or 3 boys in each category.
With a tick off this activity, the kids came out learning more about performing etiquette and confidence whilst for me, enjoying the mere pleasure of more classical music as well as benchmarking the Asian musical talents.
Sometimes, I wonder if we were packing too much physical activities in a day relative to a more sedentary school routine.
Saturday was the beginning of a 2-week break. We went to Lilydale to fish again. The kids liked the thought of casting the line more than anything else as they have yet tasted the joy of hooking a fish. The event on Saturday was an unusual one as it was organised by the Primary Industries of Fisheries - the government sector that looks after the ports and rivers. What I did enjoy was the insight of fishing technique and with the kids learning how to, what to and what not to. It was more like a science lesson in learning about the eco-system. There is a 'ruler' in our goodie bag that determines the size of the fish the angler is allowed to keep. If the particular species falls short of the given length, it has to be released into the river. And you'll be amazed the different ways of measuring different species of fish. For sharks, the starting point is after the last gill to the tail, unlike the regular fish that starts from the snout to the tail. Well, we all learnt something about angling and how to treat a fish right as well as how to protect ourselves when unhooking the fish. I am astounded that the dorsal fins of some fish may be venomous. I never knew that!
All kids are taken to the side of the lake to cast their lines after the lesson. The volunteers are from the Victorian Fly Fishing association. It was so kind and patient of them to help the kids hook up the nuggets. Iceman and Gem managed to 'lure' their trouts to the lines after some time. We released the fish as one was a tad undersize whilst the other - erm, I didn't want to do all the descaling and cleaning work. thus was also released.
The weather was topsy turvy. It was pouring one moment and thankfully, by fishing time, it was all sunny and bright. I was also contemplating to run around the lake in the near future and found that it has a 2.5km dirt track.
The goodie bags included a neat tackle box as well as magazines for anglers. Good idea for novices like us.
Is it me or just part of body straining that gardening really gives me a quite a sore back from all that bending for 1.5 hours.
I remember what Homer Simpson did for himself and his fellow friends when they were unable to stretch their back or too painful to do so. The accidental discovery of falling back on the good ol' garbage bin. Springfield's chiropractors were seeing red for what was Homer's quack technique was robbing their patients.
When you hear 'pitter patter' of feet, it's not about babies, it's the feet massage on my back. My relief is the muscle easing tension whenever the balls of the feet go deep tissue.
I think I'm going have some tonight!
On a pleasant note, I am extremely delighted to have finally conquered the hills in this particular route which I have not done for weeks. The thought actually 'scares' me. What happened today then? The bright sunny skies were a little damper as I was afraid it might be too warm. Divinity sometimes put me to that test; I gritted my teeth and disarmed all cautions to just run for the sake of a scenery change. Ha! Once again, it just shows that if I don't think too much about certain tough tasks, it is much easier. Likewise for anything to do with life. I applied the same technique for my several surgeries and injections. Just go through it no matter how painful (pre or post). But please, don't even think of getting me to the tattoo parlour. No way Jose!
First time we were actually at the house/property for an auction. We were passing by after visiting a garage sale in the neighbouring street. Thought, why not just to look at another house since it was open for inspection.
Guess what, the house was just about to be auctioned off at 12.30pm and the real estate agents were from the company we're familiar with, especially the same George Draskos who's always very quick with words with a hyper personality. I like to listen to him talk (whatever he's saying).
It was also a chance for the kids to witness the auction real-time. There were many visitors and onlookers surrounding the house. My dear George urged us to just start the bid. In this auction, there is no minimum price to start with, so any interested buyer will kick off with a number. Of course, not to be ridiculously low. Prior to this, the vendor (the house owner) and the real estate agent would have discussed what the reserve price is. However, it was not disclosed in public. They normally use the properties just sold along the street as a guideline. More of a 'feel' pricing.
So there we go, our maiden bid of A$600k. There were about 3 bidders excluding us, and they were rather conservative in driving the bid up. Coincidentally, all were Asians. The successful bidder was an Indian man who didn't bid till it was closer to the higher budget. The property was sold at A$765k, if you're wondering how high it went.
A corner house with 5 bedrooms, a study, 3 bathrooms and neat front and backyards with an area of 670sqm.
It's almost midnight and I'm still not asleep. Perhaps it was the cup of strong coffee at 9.30pm and that was also due making a mug of Milo for the kids to share. Iceman can't drink too much before bedtime. Was ever so tempted to give myself a reason to have a cuppa. And I succumbed. After all, I had a skinny latte this morning at a chocolate cafe while the kids had their piano sessions. This cafe which in fact is a chocolate paradise serves coffee/tea with some boutique sweets (read as desserts like little cute and sinful cheesecake or something that will beckon your taste buds) as well as a chocolatier. They offer you a piece of hand-made chocolate (from their tray of more than 10 types) with every cup of coffee.
Wind is whipping outside the windows. I had the warmest run since summer, it was around 22 degC and you believe that I mentioned "warm". Yes relative to all the cool days we have had. It is tough to run again in warm weather. My throat was dry midway and it's been months since I felt that way.
I ran today with the happy notion of watching 'UP' at a new movie theatre in a shopping mall. New as in the venue not a just-erected structure. I have not been to this place except that this is the only place where they keep their ticket prices at A$9.90 for all movies. Whereas it would have been about A$17 for a regular movie elsewhere.
I had high expectations of UP and so did the kids. I guess all the rave reviews spoilt the fun. Just underline the fact that movie critics should not express their approval in superlatives. Monster House was a much more entertaining movie and uncannily, the animation are quite similar.
Looking forward to tomorrow as well as we will be at a cafe again for breakfast, just the two of us, whilst kids are attending Mandarin school. That's 3 hours of pure relaxation in our terms. I've more or less planned what the kids will be doing during the 2-week break from 21st. Just so mentally satisfying to have a plan. Not easy to think of a plan when anything goes.
Guess it's time to sign off as I'm feeling a little doozy.........
Started mapping my runs only from April.
April - 180 km May - 254 km Jun - 213 km Jul - 207 km Aug - 196 km
All the runs above are mainly 10k runs. No LSD's at all and I reckon I'm clocking more than my runs in KL with LSDs on a regular basis. The anomalies usually arose from preparing for the full marathons of which mileage can be as crazy and bottomless. Then again, as eccentric as our KL running group is, I thoroughly enjoyed those 5am 30k and 5.30am 20k+ mileage. How on earth did I torture my poor legs to that extent!
I guess the pedometer of one LSD may be just equivalent to a sedentary person's lifestyle of a month.
LSD - Is a kind of endorphinic drug that hauls you in for a Long, Steady Distance or Long Sleepy Distance in ungodly hours.
Not me, but the new big babe we swapped last week. I'm now quite accustomed to the length and size of it. It is the multi-storey parking that will see my parking mettle.
Looking mean and mighty   Naturally I still prefer the previous ML (SUV cum 4WD) series. The 7-seater GL (MPV cum 4WD) differences are the length and possibly the height since it comes with an added step. What I miss most is the rear camera whenever the gear is in Reverse. In fact I wonder why this is not featured in the bigger version as parking this Titanic takes a lot of calculated guessing.
The ML and GL series feature your gear stick on the right behind the steering. Very user-friendly feature.
Remember an old car ad which the passengers could hear their own echo. This is a good example.
The extra step for little tots and shorties like me!
The car boot has a red button on the cover to automatically close. Very useful indeed. Likewise for opening, either remote or a button on the driver's side. I think the Boot Open feature is common in all the Benz models.
Seemingly like a diesel guzzler, this big babe holds 100 litres of diesel and you'll be surprised that the consumption is low. About 8 litre per 100km.
This big babe will certainly see more adventures in the months to come on top of giving us plenty of room to store our stuff for house-moving.
| Oil-Ful | Sep 3, '09 7:49 PM
for everyone |
Every morning, I look forward to the One - a bowl of almonds, walnuts topped with cranberries and/or sultanas. It's becoming a little addictive and all the more with my fave mug of hot white coffee. Whether or not to run earlier takes a back seat as my craving has to be satiated. But do remember that nuts are packed with fibre and omega oils, and that holds back my thought to run as the food require some 'settlement' period.
I've been caught twice having the strongest urge to 'go' while on the run. That's one of the most awful feeling and experience that any runner should not bear.
With spring appearance, I must say the skin did very well in the dry winter and I believe it is mostly the nuts that have been lubricating my dermis.
Oh well, now that I have just consumed yet another bowl of nuts, just gotta wait a while before heading out the door.
 Lo and Behold what I found in the mailbox this morning.
A money order of A$2.00 for the refund of a pack of chips which never quite fallen off the vending machine. With a call, the Smith's Snackfood Company, got on its wagon to do the very necessary - to retain the customer's interest and loyalty. There is no delay in despatching a simple refund. This is exemplary customer service. Does that happen anywhere else?
The kiddoes were registered at the last minute for the Lightning Round tournament since their badminton game was off. This is different from the previous week with Time as a big factor.
Just a little explanation here on the format. Last week's tournament was 7 rounds of 15 mins per player per round (2 players can max out the 30 minutes). The Lightning Rounds are allegro paced - 5 minutes per player per round. Many adults especially seasoned players shy away from this chess nature as it is about quick advance thinking. In short, the blood pressure reading on the sphygmomanometer will not delight you.
Looks like I'm discovering more new places with chess and other kids activities without having to travel to race. Thank Goodness for GPS - a great invention for drivers besides the automobile.
Iceman did better - conquering 5 wins out of 9. Little Gem only managed to sweep 2 victories. The nature of chess reveal the nature of its players (like golf); Iceman is in fact less patient and thoughtful than Little Gem. Thus Lightning Rounds suits him perfectly. Oh, I must also not forget to add that he did think more than a step ahead in this speed test. Little Gem is a thinker, and it shows in her previous challenge.
The thing about tournaments are that an Under-10 player may be electronically matched with an Adult or stronger player. There is no handicap given. You either win or lose on absolute grounds. Sometimes they are David, sometimes they are Goliath - all depends on a switch of the computer. It is not uncommon to see a pint-size boy (like a 5 year old) sitting opposite a burly adult. Quite an adorable sight!
The next Lightning Round of the same will be held in November. As many chess clubs are non-profit, all funds have to be disbursed via prizes through tournaments. So I hope the year-end tournament will see more trophies and more encouragement rewards.
As I was telling hubs, that such activities lure them away from their computer game time. Each chess challenge is a performance booster for them as well, as they learn from mistakes (silly or stupid) of their moves. When the next challenge approaches, they are more experienced and hopefully wiser.
On my personal mileage, I did a 9.30am run so to tick this off my To-Do list since the afternoon will be taken up by the above event. I'd say it was a poor 8k run, I'm not happy about my running shape. Less than midway, my anterior shin splint was so stiff that I couldn't stretch further than I should. Each time as it tightens, I had to walk a little to stave the discomfort off. All these due to running on hard surfaces (concrete) for months. I'm now learning to run on grass, though more challenging, but softer on the knees and shins.
From one political and geographical landscape to another, some things remain quite the same. Or so - if you wish to split hair.
Whilst Malaysia is mired in a political wild card - frankly, when will it ever have political peace? - I am observing from afar, so close yet so far. I'm the least politically interested person. In my 5+ years living and breathing KL, I learnt quite a number of names and usually they are in Santa's "Naughty" list. I have learnt not to be too critical of certain politicians who think they walk the talk. Perhaps they have lived in a different world altogether.
At the same time, I'm rather ashamed to admit that I know little of Singapore politics. As I mentioned before, I am hardly a political animal. Perhaps living a pretty stable and good life there contributed to my blatant complacence and nonchalance. Au contraire, Malaysian politics are interesting to the point of watching a circus with different ring masters. Nevertheless, the old lion still bites behind the cage.
In my slightly over 6 months here, the political system is established and mature. There are always 2 parties in check and parliament sessions are exactly what they should be - behave and ask rational questions. Of course there are no perfect system in the world. The gravy train is always there to feed the greedy, powerful and corrupt. Only difference is whether the rest of the country is taken care of.
I've detoured a little away from my topic above. Just the other day, a friend asked if I have encountered 'racism'. You know, there is a thin fragile thread of what racism is. The recent months of violence in the CBD and in train stations brought this euphemism to surface. Indians in the western suburbs were targets of robberies and bashing. Whether it was random or not, it was coincidental that the majority of Indians were living in those areas.
I had a slightly close encounter of this at a major supermarket two nights ago. I was going to to the check-out with my basket of goods and at the same time, another male customer with a cart of goods was doing likewise and being a gentleman, he let me have the first go. The cashier there then ask me 'if' I would like to proceed to the Express Lane as I had only less than 15 items. She further added that it would be faster. I was like "What?". My brain was quite frazzled during that late night that I didn't think to tell her that I was already first in line, how fast can the check-out get? If only I had not been too slow to think of this, I would have given her a piece of my fried mind. I will certainly bear in mind to be more alert to such situations. This you may either think as racism or just another episode of a moronic cashier and customer service. (makes me no lesser than a moronic customer by letting her get away with that remark).
The outright discrimination in black and white is when a special race gets 5-7% off property prices and a minister saying 'outrightly' that racisim does not exist in that country. He must think the citizens are plain dumb and dumber. Then again, I never read any reacting response to that remark. Hmm.....
Discrimination occurs in our daily lives whether we knowingly are conscious of it and in different degrees, we laugh at racial jokes (does that make us any more hypocrites than the politicians?). Only kids do not colour their judgement.
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