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The word is derived from the Latin verb aperire which means “to open.”
Source: Wikipedia
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Apéritif
An apéritif (also spelled aperitif) is an alcoholic drink that is usually served to stimulate the appetite before a meal. It is often served with something small to eat, such as crackers, cheese, pâté, olives, and various kinds of finger food.
The word is derived from the Latin verb aperire which means “to open.”
The word is derived from the Latin verb aperire which means “to open.”
Monday, November 24, 2008
ap⋅par⋅el
/əˈpærəl/ [uh-par-uhl]
noun, verb, -eled, -el⋅ing or (especially British) -elled, -el⋅ling.
–noun 1. clothing, esp. outerwear; garments; attire; raiment.
2. anything that decorates or covers.
3. superficial appearance; aspect; guise.
4. Nautical. the masts, sails, anchor, etc., used to equip a vessel.
5. Ecclesiastical. a piece of embroidery, usually oblong, on certain vestments, esp. on the alb or amice.
–verb (used with object) 6. to dress or clothe.
7. to adorn; ornament.
8. Nautical. to equip (a vessel) with apparel.
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Origin:
1200–50; ME appareillen < OF apareillier to make fit, fit out < VL *appariculāre, equiv. to ap- ap- 1 + *paricul(us) a fit (see par, -cule 1 ) + -ā- thematic vowel + -re inf. suffix
noun, verb, -eled, -el⋅ing or (especially British) -elled, -el⋅ling.
–noun 1. clothing, esp. outerwear; garments; attire; raiment.
2. anything that decorates or covers.
3. superficial appearance; aspect; guise.
4. Nautical. the masts, sails, anchor, etc., used to equip a vessel.
5. Ecclesiastical. a piece of embroidery, usually oblong, on certain vestments, esp. on the alb or amice.
–verb (used with object) 6. to dress or clothe.
7. to adorn; ornament.
8. Nautical. to equip (a vessel) with apparel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin:
1200–50; ME appareillen < OF apareillier to make fit, fit out < VL *appariculāre, equiv. to ap- ap- 1 + *paricul(us) a fit (see par, -cule 1 ) + -ā- thematic vowel + -re inf. suffix
scur⋅ril⋅ous
/ˈskɜrələs, ˈskʌr-/ [skur-uh-luhs, skuhr-]
–adjective 1. grossly or obscenely abusive: a scurrilous attack on the mayor.
2. characterized by or using low buffoonery; coarsely jocular or derisive: a scurrilous jest.
–adjective 1. grossly or obscenely abusive: a scurrilous attack on the mayor.
2. characterized by or using low buffoonery; coarsely jocular or derisive: a scurrilous jest.
cog⋅ni⋅zant
/ˈkɒgnəzənt, ˈkɒnə-/ [kog-nuh-zuhnt, kon-uh-]
–adjective 1. having cognizance; aware (usually fol. by of): He was cognizant of the difficulty.
2. having legal cognizance.
–adjective 1. having cognizance; aware (usually fol. by of): He was cognizant of the difficulty.
2. having legal cognizance.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Battlefield Tour photo essay
The poppies are a symbol of the war dead. Rubble created by sustained bombing began to leach lime into the soil, coincidentally conducive for this blood-red flower to bloom in unprecedented quantities. After the lime was absorbed deeper into the ground, the poppies disappeared just as mysteriously as they had arrived. They now symbolise the blood shed for the noble cause.
The cross, a Christian symbol of salvation, stands resolutely over the cemetery, a pleasant reassurance of Christian soldiers eternal destination.
Our first stop - Changi War Museum. Photography was not allowed inside the museum so most of the photos are of the replica chapel found inside the old Changi Prison.
The Battlefield Tour photo essay is out. Here are some selections, but view it in its entirety at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60336&l=46f7d&id=524401104.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
SMRT removes seats so we can be "more comfortable"
SMRT is removing at least 30% of seats from some trains so that, wait for it, "commuters can have a more comfortable travel experience".
Did I miss something? How does taking away the seat I sit on make it MORE comfortable. Last I checked, my legs needed a rest, and my butt wasn't complaining about sitting down too long.
If the issue is about overcrowding, I'm sure there remain other options that SMRT has considered before getting to this drastic step. It seems we've reached saturation point during peak hours.
I hope SMRT considers the needs of all people. Some elderly folks do need seats and this would deprive them not just of comfort, but cause them pain from standing.
When we get on a train, we know we are playing the lottery. We might get a seat, or we won't. If we don't, we stand like sardines. That's fine. Nice old ladies will still get their seats.
With this new scenario, where's the risk? I've got more space to stand (though I doubt it, as they'd just white-glove me into packed trains), but I've got a zilch chance of getting a seat, as little old ladies would be head of the queue. Where's the fun if I can't play the game of "Where do I stand so I might get a seat?"
Already I know to wait near the foreign workers when the train nears Little India & Farrer Park. Please don't take the fun out of train travel.
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Sent to tnptalk@sph.com.sg
Did I miss something? How does taking away the seat I sit on make it MORE comfortable. Last I checked, my legs needed a rest, and my butt wasn't complaining about sitting down too long.
If the issue is about overcrowding, I'm sure there remain other options that SMRT has considered before getting to this drastic step. It seems we've reached saturation point during peak hours.
I hope SMRT considers the needs of all people. Some elderly folks do need seats and this would deprive them not just of comfort, but cause them pain from standing.
When we get on a train, we know we are playing the lottery. We might get a seat, or we won't. If we don't, we stand like sardines. That's fine. Nice old ladies will still get their seats.
With this new scenario, where's the risk? I've got more space to stand (though I doubt it, as they'd just white-glove me into packed trains), but I've got a zilch chance of getting a seat, as little old ladies would be head of the queue. Where's the fun if I can't play the game of "Where do I stand so I might get a seat?"
Already I know to wait near the foreign workers when the train nears Little India & Farrer Park. Please don't take the fun out of train travel.
----------
Sent to tnptalk@sph.com.sg
Suri Cruise
OMG! She's the spitting image of mummy Katie Holmes! Supposedly a good thing, cos you'll end up with a husband who looks like Tom Cruise. =]
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Flixster Plot: DreamWorks is back in franchise mode with Madagascar. The talent roster is ridiculous, and no doubt the animated cinematography will be nuts as those wacky New York Zoo animals are still stuck on a big, far away island.
My take: Disappointing and sometimes plain irritating.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Quantum of Solace
Flixster Plot: Seeking revenge for the death of his love, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country's water supply.
My take: Casino was better, but this was not too shabby at all. Bumped up to 3.5 because Olga Kurylenko has short hair and did not die. Makes such a change from all the usual Bond girls who die with long tresses.
Pick-up lines you must avoid! by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, Match.com
1. “What’s your sign?”
The epitome of cheese, this line, which has been around since the Beatles came to America, ranks as the very worst line in dating history. The fact that it’s still in use says a lot about the decay of our society’s standards and the glaring desperation of some singles.
2. “Pardon me, I seem to have lost my phone number, can I borrow yours?”
Maybe this was funny around 1910 or 1915—back when the telephone was a novel appliance. It does not inspire smiles now, only scared and doomed looks.
3. “You must be a broom because you’re sweeping me off my feet.”
Maybe your dad used this one on your mom and for nostalgia’s sake, you’re bringing it out again. Nostalgia does not get you dates, only pity. “I actually had a guy say this to me during happy hour,” says Kim, a vivacious flight attendant who gets her share of pick-up lines. “I didn’t hold it against him because I don’t know how much he’d had to drink and he was cute. But if he hadn’t been cute, I would have dodged him.”
4. “Do you have a license? Because you’re driving me crazy.”
Caution! Watching too many stupid teen movies impairs your judgment. This probably sounded clever to the person who swiped it from an Annette and Frankie beach party flick.
5. “I gotta thirst and baby, you look like my Gatorade.”
Generally, comparing potential dates to food or drinks is not a winning move. “I had a guy use this one on me and I rolled my eyes and walked way,” says Susan, a marketing representative who doesn’t usually go for lines. “But a couple of weeks later, I saw this hot guy at the gym and I used that same line and it worked! I guess there are gender preferences when it comes to lines. He was really flattered, where I was insulted when it was used on me.”
6. “Are you lost? Because heaven’s a long way from here.”
Maybe angels like this one, but real women don’t.
7. “Are you religious? Because you’re the answer to all my prayers.”
Prayer is something that anyone who uses this tacky line desperately needs.
8. “Can I take your picture? I want Santa to know exactly what I want for Christmas.”
This line is popular with both men and women who think references to Santa are cute and charming, which are qualities that they never possess personally.
9. “Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?”
“A stunning woman I had been staring at used this on me,” says Mark, a tawny-haired, gregarious copywriter. “I know it’s an old one but it took guts to say it. I’m afraid I happily fell for it.”
10. “Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?”
A personal favorite, this one takes a certain amount of arrogance, as well as delusion, to pull off.
The epitome of cheese, this line, which has been around since the Beatles came to America, ranks as the very worst line in dating history. The fact that it’s still in use says a lot about the decay of our society’s standards and the glaring desperation of some singles.
2. “Pardon me, I seem to have lost my phone number, can I borrow yours?”
Maybe this was funny around 1910 or 1915—back when the telephone was a novel appliance. It does not inspire smiles now, only scared and doomed looks.
3. “You must be a broom because you’re sweeping me off my feet.”
Maybe your dad used this one on your mom and for nostalgia’s sake, you’re bringing it out again. Nostalgia does not get you dates, only pity. “I actually had a guy say this to me during happy hour,” says Kim, a vivacious flight attendant who gets her share of pick-up lines. “I didn’t hold it against him because I don’t know how much he’d had to drink and he was cute. But if he hadn’t been cute, I would have dodged him.”
4. “Do you have a license? Because you’re driving me crazy.”
Caution! Watching too many stupid teen movies impairs your judgment. This probably sounded clever to the person who swiped it from an Annette and Frankie beach party flick.
5. “I gotta thirst and baby, you look like my Gatorade.”
Generally, comparing potential dates to food or drinks is not a winning move. “I had a guy use this one on me and I rolled my eyes and walked way,” says Susan, a marketing representative who doesn’t usually go for lines. “But a couple of weeks later, I saw this hot guy at the gym and I used that same line and it worked! I guess there are gender preferences when it comes to lines. He was really flattered, where I was insulted when it was used on me.”
6. “Are you lost? Because heaven’s a long way from here.”
Maybe angels like this one, but real women don’t.
7. “Are you religious? Because you’re the answer to all my prayers.”
Prayer is something that anyone who uses this tacky line desperately needs.
8. “Can I take your picture? I want Santa to know exactly what I want for Christmas.”
This line is popular with both men and women who think references to Santa are cute and charming, which are qualities that they never possess personally.
9. “Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?”
“A stunning woman I had been staring at used this on me,” says Mark, a tawny-haired, gregarious copywriter. “I know it’s an old one but it took guts to say it. I’m afraid I happily fell for it.”
10. “Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?”
A personal favorite, this one takes a certain amount of arrogance, as well as delusion, to pull off.
The worst pick-up lines... that ever worked! by Matt Christensen, Match.com
The Corniest Line Ever Award
“This guy who was so not my style came over to me and my friends and asked: ‘Do you happen to know how much a polar bear weighs?’ We said no and kept walking, and then he said, ‘Well, it’s enough to break the ice. Hi, I’m Brian.’ We all cracked up and kept talking to him.”
– Charity, 29, Cincinnati, OH
The Artistic License Award
“I was shooting pool with friends, and some guys offered us a friendly challenge. Midway through the game, one of them looked at me and said, ‘Do you remember Crayola crayons? Well, they used to have this color called Blizzard Blue. It was my favorite color, and your eyes are actually Blizzard Blue.’ I thought it was so cute—he had me right there.”
– Erica, 21, Brunswick, OH
The Balls of Steel Award
“I was at an office party when a guest of a co-worker introduced himself and said, ‘Blueberries or strawberries?’ Confused, I asked what he meant, and he replied, ‘I just want to know what kind of pancakes to make you in the morning.’ He said it with such a straight face that it was like a scene in a funny movie. I didn’t eat breakfast with him, but I did give him my number.”
– Jan, 33, Cleveland, OH
The Dumb and Dumber Award
“This random guy came up to me at a party, looked me straight in the eyes and said, ‘Baby, you’re sexier than socks on a rooster.’ I had absolutely no idea what he meant, but I thought it was funny and I liked how unusual it was. It got us talking, trying to figure out what that line meant!”
– Holly, 19, Milford, OH
The Mama’s Boy Award
“I was at a local bar one night, and this guy sat next to me and said, ‘Would it freak you out if I said that I’ve already told my mother about you?’ I said, ‘No, why?’ Then he told me that he’d actually stepped outside, called his mother and asked her how to approach me. I thought it was adorable that he was a mama’s boy.”
– Michelle, 25, Erie, PA
The Oddest Use of a Parking Space Award
“I fought tooth and nail with a guy over a parking space and won. When I came back out to my car, there was a note on it that said, ‘I like your style. Call me.’ It was very unexpected, and I loved the approach. See, it pays to be a lover and a fighter.”
– Lynn, 36, Boston, MA
“This guy who was so not my style came over to me and my friends and asked: ‘Do you happen to know how much a polar bear weighs?’ We said no and kept walking, and then he said, ‘Well, it’s enough to break the ice. Hi, I’m Brian.’ We all cracked up and kept talking to him.”
– Charity, 29, Cincinnati, OH
The Artistic License Award
“I was shooting pool with friends, and some guys offered us a friendly challenge. Midway through the game, one of them looked at me and said, ‘Do you remember Crayola crayons? Well, they used to have this color called Blizzard Blue. It was my favorite color, and your eyes are actually Blizzard Blue.’ I thought it was so cute—he had me right there.”
– Erica, 21, Brunswick, OH
The Balls of Steel Award
“I was at an office party when a guest of a co-worker introduced himself and said, ‘Blueberries or strawberries?’ Confused, I asked what he meant, and he replied, ‘I just want to know what kind of pancakes to make you in the morning.’ He said it with such a straight face that it was like a scene in a funny movie. I didn’t eat breakfast with him, but I did give him my number.”
– Jan, 33, Cleveland, OH
The Dumb and Dumber Award
“This random guy came up to me at a party, looked me straight in the eyes and said, ‘Baby, you’re sexier than socks on a rooster.’ I had absolutely no idea what he meant, but I thought it was funny and I liked how unusual it was. It got us talking, trying to figure out what that line meant!”
– Holly, 19, Milford, OH
The Mama’s Boy Award
“I was at a local bar one night, and this guy sat next to me and said, ‘Would it freak you out if I said that I’ve already told my mother about you?’ I said, ‘No, why?’ Then he told me that he’d actually stepped outside, called his mother and asked her how to approach me. I thought it was adorable that he was a mama’s boy.”
– Michelle, 25, Erie, PA
The Oddest Use of a Parking Space Award
“I fought tooth and nail with a guy over a parking space and won. When I came back out to my car, there was a note on it that said, ‘I like your style. Call me.’ It was very unexpected, and I loved the approach. See, it pays to be a lover and a fighter.”
– Lynn, 36, Boston, MA
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Mr Bean's Holiday
Flixster plot: Plot: In his latest misadventure, Mr. Bean - the nearly wordless misfit who seems to be followed by a trail of pratfalls and hijinks - goes on holiday to the French Riviera and becomes ensnared in a European adventure of cinematic proportions. Tired of the dreary, wet London weather, Bean packs up his suitcase and camcorder to head to Cannes for some sun on the beach. Ah... vacation. But his trip doesn't go as smoothly as he had hoped when the bumbling Bean falls face first into a series of mishaps and fortunate coincidences, far-fetched enough to make his own avant-garde film. Wrongly thought to be both kidnapper and acclaimed filmmaker, he has some serious explaining to do after wreaking havoc across the French countryside and arriving at his vacation spot with a Romanian filmmaker's precocious son and an aspiring actress in tow. Will Bean be arrested by the gendarmes or end up winning the Palme d'Or? It's all caught on camera as Atkinson again applies his awkward athleticism to a comedy of errors in Mr. Bean's Holiday.
My take: It's just a lengthier version of the TV series really. Nothing really new. Just a schmaltzy waltz revisiting his age-old antics and his copious quantities of good and bad luck. The fact that I find the 'oui, non & gracias' joke the funniest tells you that this isn't the funniest thing in the world.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!
JOHN MCCAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because it recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure -- right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me...
GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing the road together, in peace.
BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This new platform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^(% .......... reboot.
BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?
AL GORE: Chicken shall not shit while crossing the road. This is for a green environment.
LEE KUAN YEW: We have installed crossing lights at all traffic junctions. All chickens should follow instructions while crossing the road.
SAMY VELLU: Gantry points have been set up. All chickens wanting to cross the road are advised to top up their cash cards first.
SHAHRIR: All foreign chickens are welcome in Malaysia but they must not cross over the road within 50km of the border.
NAJIB RAZAK: What chickens? I don't know any chickens - especially those from Mongolia.
ABDULLAH BADAWI: We have to be fair to all chickens. Some want to cross over the road, some do not. ...zzz...zzz... Now what were we talking about? Ah yes, chickens. We will form a Royal Commission to decide whether it is right for them to cross the road.
MAHATHIR: Now even non-bumi chickens want to cross the road! How can they disrespect and disregard apa nama bumi chickens? We must be allowed to cross over first. It is our special privilege and no one can challenge that!
Toh Puan Rosmah (Deputy PM - Najib Razak's Wife): What chicken? I don't see any on the road. I thought they were all bombed and sent to the forest.
ANWAR: We have enough chickens waiting to cross over in September.
JOHN MCCAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because it recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure -- right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me...
GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing the road together, in peace.
BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This new platform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^(% .......... reboot.
BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?
AL GORE: Chicken shall not shit while crossing the road. This is for a green environment.
LEE KUAN YEW: We have installed crossing lights at all traffic junctions. All chickens should follow instructions while crossing the road.
SAMY VELLU: Gantry points have been set up. All chickens wanting to cross the road are advised to top up their cash cards first.
SHAHRIR: All foreign chickens are welcome in Malaysia but they must not cross over the road within 50km of the border.
NAJIB RAZAK: What chickens? I don't know any chickens - especially those from Mongolia.
ABDULLAH BADAWI: We have to be fair to all chickens. Some want to cross over the road, some do not. ...zzz...zzz... Now what were we talking about? Ah yes, chickens. We will form a Royal Commission to decide whether it is right for them to cross the road.
MAHATHIR: Now even non-bumi chickens want to cross the road! How can they disrespect and disregard apa nama bumi chickens? We must be allowed to cross over first. It is our special privilege and no one can challenge that!
Toh Puan Rosmah (Deputy PM - Najib Razak's Wife): What chicken? I don't see any on the road. I thought they were all bombed and sent to the forest.
ANWAR: We have enough chickens waiting to cross over in September.
London Times Obituary of the late Mr. Common Sense
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
why the early bird gets the worm;
Life isn't always fair;
and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place...
Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate;
teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch;
and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student;
only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
If you still remember him, pass this on.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
why the early bird gets the worm;
Life isn't always fair;
and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place...
Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate;
teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch;
and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student;
only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
If you still remember him, pass this on.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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