Speaking in Tongues

Whenever I go to new country I always try to learn a few basics of the language, like "Hello", "Goodbye", "Thankyou" and "Excuse me". I remember the first time I worked in Thailand back in 1998, I lived in Bangkok. Well, some of my Thai friends from work helped me to learn a little so I can use them when I'm outside the office. They said my accent at the time was pretty awful because Thai is a very tonal language (44 consonants, 12 vowels, and 5 tones). I did the best I could at the time.

So I'd walk around Bangkok, or go shopping, or to movie and always I say "excuse me" if I bump into someone. And always they would laugh and tell me "mai pen rai" (nevermind), or just laugh and walk away. For almost 1 year this happened everytime I'd tell someone "excuse me" in Thai.

Then someone finally laughed and stopped me, and asked me in English what am I trying to say? I told her I said "excuse me" because it's polite, like saying "sorry" when you bump into someone. The girl laughed at me. When she finally stopped laughing she told me "no" that's not what you say. Then she taught me the correct way to say "Kaw tawt".

For ONE YEAR living in Bangkok I was walking around telling people "Kaw toot"!!! (in English: My Ass) instead of excuse me! I was so embarrassed!

Thats just one of many stories of how I learned to speak Thai. And the girl that helped me with the mistake? We dated for about 8 months after meeting that day. :-)

Obama beneath the surface

Here's a real eye-opener for you on Obama... really watch the whole thing. Don't turn it off midway through. Watch it, and then make up your mind.

www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=2036

You sure you still want to vote for him after watching that?

Vive la difference!!!!

The Difference

John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barak Obama were walking down a Washington DC street when they came upon a homeless man.

John McCain gave the man his business card and told him to come to his office for a job. He then took $20 out of his pocket and gave it to the man.

Hillary was very impressed. So, when they came upon another homeless person, she decided to help also. She walked over to him and gave him directions to the welfare office. She then reached into John McCain's pocket and took out $20. She kept $15 for her administrative handling fees and gave the homeless man $5.

When they came upon yet another homeless person. Barak told him to "have hope... change is coming..." and gave him nothing.

Now do you understand the difference?
;-D

Moms, Mums, Ma'ams and More

In preparation for Mother's Day, I offer the following fond remembrances. And in case I don't get to talk to you before the date... for all you wonderful Mothers out there... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!


25 REASONS I LOVE MY MOTHER

1. My mother taught me: TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'

2. My mother taught me: RELIGION.
'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

3. My mother taught me: TIME TRAVEL.
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'

4. My mother taught me: LOGIC.
' Because I said so, that's why.'

5. My mother taught me: MORE LOGIC.
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me.'

6. My mother taught me: FORESIGHT.
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'

7. My mother taught me: IRONY.
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

9. My mother taught me: CONTORTIONISM.
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'

11. My mother taught me: WEATHER.
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. My mother taught me: HYPOCRISY.
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

13. My mother taught me: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE.
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
'Stop acting like your father!'

15. My mother taught me: ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
'Just wait until we get home.'

17. My mother taught me: RECEIVING.
'You are going to get it when you get home!'

18. My mother taught me: MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.'

19. My mother taught me: ESP.
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. My mother taught me: DENTAL HYGENE.
'Don't you talk to me like that or I'll wash your mouth out with soap.'

21. My mother taught me: HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22. My mother taught me: GENETICS.
'I swear you're just like your father.'

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'

24. My mother taught me: WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25. And my favorite: My MOTHER TAUGHT ME ABOUT JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you! '

What did your mother teach you? :-)