11.28.2008

New toy!

I finally got a working blue tooth that works with my phone! One that charges too! That's the main part that had to work. It was pretty easy to set up. Those that I spoke with couldn't tell I was on blue tooth. I'm happy. It's like I have speaker phone with me without having to stand at one spot. It was a good deal for about $6.50 after rebate.


Horoscope:If you can force yourself to take care of the details today, then everything should go well for you. It may be hard to handle distractions and interruptions, but your focus can help you get past them.

11.22.2008

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World

OK this one's for Gabby
Ooooo oooooo ohoohohoo
Ooooo ohooohoo oooohoo
Ooooo ohoohooo oohoooo
Oohooo oohoooho ooooho
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby ii ii iii
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh ooooh
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me ee ee eeh
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me oh
Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to,why, oh why can't I? i iiii

Well I see trees of green and
Red roses too,
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark and I said to myself
What a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, I...I love you
I hear babies cry and I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more
Than we'll know
And I said to myself
What a wonderful world (w)oohoorld

Someday I'll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top that's where you'll find me
Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I? I hiii ?

Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo

10.21.2008

Clueless?


This morning I''m getting into the car with my Giants jacket on. See picture. My mom asks me, "Are you going to the game?" In my head I was going, "WTF? Are you kidding me?" I replied, "No."

What would cause her to think I was going to a baseball game in October? I'm sure the news would report that the Giants are in the playoffs and there are games. I think it has to be one of those generation things and the fact that my parents live in their own world and not in the 21st century.

I have to begin to wonder if culture is a major part of it. My mom went to one (1) Giants game and that was in 1995 and read a romance novel and thought the game was boring. She tried to learn the game during the season, but never followed through. I don't think she understands why I like baseball.

I'll explain why: it allows me to leave the house. It lets me meet other people. It gives me something to look forward to during the summer and allows me to see the country. Since I've been getting back into baseball it has allowed me to go to places I don't think I would have ever gone to. I've been to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Illinois, Arizona, Maryland, and a couple of other states. Mostly, it allows me to see things that I've always wanted to see in other cities. When I went to New York, I was able to see the Empire State building and to see the Statue of Liberty, although from a distance, I was still able to see it. I went to the United Nations center. I've been to more Chinatowns around the states that my mom has. Granted I'd rather be going overseas, but seeing this country and what it has to offer has helped me understand why certain cities are bitter and what their main focus is sports. Sports in general bond people together. Baseball, football, basketball, etc. allow people to come together to cheer for a team or a person.

There are cities that I know I will never go back to after being treated a certain way unless it was for business or something. There are those that I would go back to see more and experience more because the time that I was there wasn't enough. I know that I'll be going back to New York because I didn't get to see Shea Stadium. I know I'll be back to Minneapolis because they're getting a new ballpark and I want to see it.

I digressed and now back to the point. Why can't parents pay attention to the news and figure out what's going on? My mom watches her Chinese soap operas and doesn't really know what's going on. I understand that she does a lot of the housework and I try to help out when I can, but she should watch more American shows. Another example would be last week Monday. There was a shooting at 17th and Noriega. She thought it was Sunday. She also wondered why she didn't hear it nor my dad. They were both watching TV and it was a block away. There is also noise from 19th Avenue as well. She asked me if I knew about it and I said no. When I have on the TV the only time I hear any sort of siren is a fire truck. My other thing is would you like to know there was a shooting just up the street from you? I wouldn't. Sometimes it's better to be ignorant that to know the truth.

I think I'm done ranting now.

Horoscope: People are awfully full of themselves today and might make totally unreasonable demands that they think are perfectly normal. Push back as much as you can, but you still may have to cater to them.

9.26.2008

What I learned today...



Birds scratch themselves like dogs.

Horoscope:

9.03.2008

Worn Me Down - Rachael Yamagata

Gone, she's gone
How do you feel about it
That's what I thought
You're real torn up about it
And I wish you the best
But I could do without it
And I will, because you've worn me down
Oh, I will, because you've worn me down

Worn me down like a road
I did everything you told
Worn me down to my knees
I did everything to please
But you can't stop thinking about her
No, you can't stop thinking about her

And you're wrong, you're wrong
I'm not overreacting
Something is off
Why don't we ever believe ourselves
And I, oh, I feel that word for you
And I will, because you've worn me down
Oh, I will because you have worn me down

Worn me down like a road
I did everything you told
Worn me down to my knees
I did everything to please
But you can't stop thinking about her
No, you can't stop thinking about her

She's so pretty; she's so damn right
But I'm so tired of thinking
About her tonight

Worn me down like a road
I did everything you told
Worn me down to my knees
I did everything to please
But you can't stop thinking about her
No, you can't stop thinking about her

Worn me down like a road
I did everything you told
Worn me down to my knees
I did everything to please
Worn me down like a road
I did everything you told to me to do
But you, you can't stop thinking about her
No, you can't stop thinking about her
No, you can't stop thinking about her
No, you can't stop thinking about her

8.31.2008

Why is there the pressure from parent to get married??

I went to my grandpa's birthday yesterday and my mom was talking with my step grandmother's sister (not sure the correct term is) and her daughter. Why is it such a fascination with others to ask why isn't your daughter dating?

Last time I checked it was the person who is single that was the one finding a boyfriend and then getting married. Anyway back to my story, the daughter was saying you can't force someone to find someone to get married to. Honestly, I totally agree. It's like why can a guy be a bachelor and why can't a girl be a bachelorette? Her mother was saying all she does is go out and have fun. My mom was saying well at least she meets other people. Then my mother goes, all she does it go to baseball games with old people. Um, excuse me. There aren't "OLD" people there.

There are many people there. Hell I could have gone to a singles night event which is a giant hook up party with alcohol, but I choose not to because the guys there are only after some loving and not a real person.

I think sometimes you meet the person in the strangest places and under the strangest circumstances. I bet my mom doesn't know how her coworker who's getting married next month met. It was through Craigslist. People can meet people and if they get along it's great. If they don't get along then that's another story.

If anything my mother should just give up on me finding someone to be with. Honestly, I haven't done everything I wanted to do yet. Why would I want to be married and have a family if I haven't done everything I wanted when I was single? I mean there are places I want to see either with friends or just alone so that maybe I can hope that the one special person is out there for me. It's not like my mother hooks me up with people. She doesn't go, oh so and so's son is single. Goodness, if you want me to meet someone either do it the old fashion way of a blind date or by introduction.

Just because you got married young and had kids, doesn't mean I will do the same. The times are different and you fail to recognize that. I do want to get married and have children someday, but not right now. I like going on vacations to other places I haven't been before. Because once you have children, you'll have to wait until they're old enough to take care of themselves before you can go. Who knows what you'll be like later on in life. I'd rather do the carpe diem (seize the day) now.

When and if I meet the perfect guy and if I think he's totally the one for me, I'm sure you'll be so happy that you won't even care what he looks like or anything. God, my family is not normal at all, and I don't think others are either.

Horoscope: Today should bring quite a few accomplishments your way and set you up for even greater success in the future! It's a great time for you to slow down and take everything as it comes. You've gotten a lot achieved recently, but don't get too hung on being productive.

8.17.2008

1. You look like you are 18. *True.
2. You like to eat chicken feet. *True.
3. You suck on fish heads and fish fins. *False, but my mom does.
4. You have a Chinese knick-knack hanging on your rear view mirror. *Yes, my mom's car.
5. You sing karaoke. *True.
6. Your house is covered with tile. *Only the kitchen and bathroom. Hong Kong is a yes.
7. Your kitchen is covered by a sticky film of grease. *False, but a little before when I was in an apartment.
8. Your stove is covered with aluminum foil. *True, when it was electric.
9. You leave the plastic covers on your remote control. *True.
10. You've never kissed your mom or dad. *True.
11. You've never hugged your mom or dad. * True.
12. Your unassisted vision is worse than 20/500. *False.
13. You wear contacts, to avoid wearing your "coke bottle glasses". *True, only if I am in the sun.
14. You've worn glasses since you were in fifth grade. *6th grade.
15. Your hair sticks up when you wake up. *True only certain parts. My brother yes.
16. You'll haggle over something that is not negotiable. *True. Sometimes, but my mom always.
17. You love to use coupons. *True.
18. You drive around looking for the cheapest petrol. *True. Well, now it's on the internet.
19. You drive around for hours looking for the best parking space. *False. Whatever is free.
20. You take showers at night. *True.
21. You avoid the non-free snacks in hotel rooms. *True.
22. You don't mind squeezing 20 people into one motel room. *False.
23. Most girls have more body hair than you, if you are male. *N/A.
24. You tap the table when someone pours tea for you. *True.
25. You say "Aiya!" and "Wah!" frequently. *True.
26. You don't want to wear your seatbelt because it is uncomfortable. *False.
27. You love Las Vegas, slot machines, and blackjack. *True. Not really blackjack.
28. You unwrap Christmas gifts very carefully, so you can reuse the paper. *True.
29. You only buy Christmas cards after Christmas, when they are 50% off. *True.
30. You have a vinyl tablecloth on your kitchen table. *False, but in Hong Kong yes.
31. You spit bones and other food scraps on the table. That's why you need the vinyl tablecloth. *True only in Hong Kong.
32. You have stuff in the freezer since the beginning of time. *False.
33. You use the dishwasher as a dish rack. *True.
34. You have never used your dishwasher. *True.
35. You keep a Thermos of hot water available at all times. *True.
36. You eat all meals in the kitchen. *False.
37. You save grocery bags, tin foil, and tin containers. *True.
38. You have a piano in your living room. *False.
39. You pick your teeth at the dinner table (but you cover your mouth). *True if I did.
40. You twirl your pen around your fingers. *True, but don't really know how.
41. You hate to waste food. *True.
42. You have Tupperware in your fridge with three bites of rice or one leftover chicken wing. *True.
43. You don't own any real Tupperware - only a cupboard full of used but carefully rinsed margarine tubs, takeout containers, and jam jars. *True. Well, not really do have the Gladware.
44. You also use the jam jars as drinking glasses. *True.
45. You have a collection of miniature shampoo bottles that you take every time you stay in a hotel. *True. Guilty of this.
46. You carry a stash of your own food whenever you travel (travel means
any car ride longer than 15 minutes). These snacks are always dried and include dried plums, mango, ginger, and squid. *True.
47. You wash your rice at least 2-3 times before cooking it. *True, but I don't because I learned in nutrition that it's the nutrients washed away.
48. Your dad thinks he can fix everything himself. *True.
49. The dashboard of your Honda is covered by hundreds of small toys. *False.
50. You don't use measuring cups. *False.
51. You beat eggs with chopsticks. *True.
52. You have a teacup with a cover on it. *True.
53. You always look phone numbers up in the Phone book, since calling information (*69) costs 50 cents. *True.
54. You only make long distance calls after 11pm. *True.
55. If you are male, you clap at something funny and if you are female, you giggle whilst placing a hand over your mouth. *False.
56. You like Chinese films in their original undubbed versions. *True.
57. You love Chinese Martial Arts films. *False.
58. You've learnt some form of martial arts. *True. Tai-Chi.
59. Shaolin actually means something to you. *True.
60. You like congee with thousand-year-old eggs. *True. Sometimes.
61. You prefer your shrimp with the heads and legs still attached. *False. Don't like shrimp.
62. You never call your parents just to say hi. *True.
63. If you don't live at home, when your parents call, they ask if you've eaten, even if it's midnight. *True. They would.
64. When you're sick, your parents tell you not to eat fried foods or baked goods due to yeet hay. *True.
65. You know what yeet hay is. *True.
66. You e-mail your Chinese friends at work, even though you only 10 feet apart. *True.
67. You use a face cloth. *True.
68. You starve yourself before going to all you can eat places. *True.
69. You know someone who can get you a good deal on jewelry or electronics. *True.
70. You save your old Coke bottle glasses even though you're never going to use them again. *True.
71. You own your own meat cleaver and sharpen it. *True.
72. Your toothpaste tubes are all squeezed paper-thin. *True.
73. You know what moon cakes are. *True.
74. When there is a sale on toilet paper, you buy 100 rolls and store them in your closet or in the bedroom of an adult child who has moved out. *True.
75. Your parents know how to launch nasal projectiles. *True.
76. You iron your own shirts. *True.
77. You play a musical instrument. *True.
78. Even if you're totally full, if someone says they're going to throw away the leftovers on the table, you'll finish them. *True.
79. You've eaten a red bean popsicle. *True.
80. You bring oranges (or other produce) with you as a gift when you visit people's homes. *True.
81. You fight over who pays the dinner bill. *True.
82. You majored in something practical like engineering, medicine or law. *False.
83. You live with your parents and you are 30 years old (and they prefer it that way). Or if you're married and 30 years old, you live in the apartment next door to your parents, or at least in the same neighborhood. *True.
84. You don't tip more than 10% at a restaurant, and if you do, you tip Chinese delivery guys/waiters more. *False.
85. You have acquired a taste for bitter melon. *False.
86. You eat every last grain of rice in your bowl, but don't eat the last piece of food on the table. *True.
87. You know why there are 88 reasons. *True.
88. You see the truth in this and then send it to all your Chinese friends. *False.

8.10.2008

88 Ways to Know If You're Chinese

1. You look like you are 18.
2. You like to eat chicken feet.
3. You suck on fish heads and fish fins.
4. You have a Chinese knick-knack hanging on your rear view mirror.
5. You sing karaoke.
6. Your house is covered with tile.
7. Your kitchen is covered by a sticky film of grease.
8. Your stove is covered with aluminum foil.
9. You leave the plastic covers on your remote control.
10. You've never kissed your mom or dad.
11. You've never hugged your mom or dad.
12. Your unassisted vision is worse than 20/500.
13. You wear contacts, to avoid wearing your "coke bottle glasses".
14. You've worn glasses since you were in fifth grade.
15. Your hair sticks up when you wake up.
16. You'll haggle over something that is not negotiable.
17. You love to use coupons.
18. You drive around looking for the cheapest petrol.
19. You drive around for hours looking for the best parking space.
20. You take showers at night.
21. You avoid the non-free snacks in hotel rooms.
22. You don't mind squeezing 20 people into one motel room.
23. Most girls have more body hair than you, if you are male.
24. You tap the table when someone pours tea for you.
25. You say "Aiya!" and "Wah!" frequently.
26. You don't want to wear your seatbelt because it is uncomfortable.
27. You love Las Vegas , slot machines, and blackjack.
28. You unwrap Christmas gifts very carefully, so you can reuse the paper.
29. You only buy Christmas cards after Christmas, when they are 50% off.
30. You have a vinyl tablecloth on your kitchen table.
31. You spit bones and other food scraps on the table. That's why you need the vinyl tablecloth.
32. You have stuff in the freezer since the beginning of time.
33. You use the dishwasher as a dish rack.
34. You have never used your dishwasher.
35. You keep a Thermos of hot water available at all times.
36. You eat all meals in the kitchen.
37. You save grocery bags, tin foil, and tin containers.
38. You have a piano in your living room.
39. You pick your teeth at the dinner table (but you cover your mouth).
40. You twirl your pen around your fingers.
41. You hate to waste food.
42. You have Tupperware in your fridge with three bites of rice or one leftover chicken wing.
43. You don't own any real Tupperware - only a cupboard full of used but carefully rinsed margarine tubs, takeout containers, and jam jars.
44. You also use the jam jars as drinking glasses.
45. You have a collection of miniature shampoo bottles that you take every time you stay in a hotel.
46. You carry a stash of your own food whenever you travel (travel means
any car ride longer than 15 minutes). These snacks are always dried and include dried plums, mango, ginger, and squid.
47. You wash your rice at least 2-3 times before cooking it.
48. Your dad thinks he can fix everything himself.
49. The dashboard of your Honda is covered by hundreds of small toys.
50. You don't use measuring cups.
51. You beat eggs with chopsticks.
52. You have a teacup with a cover on it.
53. You always look phone numbers up in the Phone book, since calling information (*69) costs 50 cents.
54. You only make long distance calls after 11pm.
55. If you are male, you clap at something funny and if you are female, you giggle whilst placing a hand over your mouth.
56. You like Chinese films in their original undubbed versions.
57. You love Chinese Martial Arts films.
58. You've learnt some form of martial arts.
59. Shaolin actually means something to you.
60. You like congee with thousand-year-old eggs.
61. You prefer your shrimp with the heads and legs still attached.
62. You never call your parents just to say hi.
63. If you don't live at home, when your parents call, they ask if you've eaten, even if it's midnight.
64. When you're sick, your parents tell you not to eat fried foods or baked goods due to yeet hay.
65. You know what yeet hay is.
66. You e-mail your Chinese friends at work, even though you only 10 feet apart.
67. You use a face cloth.
68. You starve yourself before going to all you can eat places.
69. You know someone who can get you a good deal on jewelry or electronics.
70. You save your old Coke bottle glasses even though you're never going to use them again.
71. You own your own meat cleaver and sharpen it.
72. Your toothpaste tubes are all squeezed paper-thin.
73. You know what moon cakes are.
74. When there is a sale on toilet paper, you buy 100 rolls and store them in your closet or in the bedroom of an adult child who has moved out.
75. Your parents know how to launch nasal projectiles.
76. You iron your own shirts.
77. You play a musical instrument.
78. Even if you're totally full, if someone says they're going to throw away the leftovers on the table, you'll finish them.
79. You've eaten a red bean popsicle.
80. You bring oranges (or other produce) with you as a gift when you visit people's homes.
81. You fight over who pays the dinner bill.
82. You majored in something practical like engineering, medicine or law.
83. You live with your parents and you are 30 years old (and they prefer it that way). Or if you're married and 30 years old, you live in the apartment next door to your parents, or at least in the same neighborhood.
84. You don't tip more than 10% at a restaurant, and if you do, you tip Chinese delivery guys/waiters more.
85. You have acquired a taste for bitter melon.
86. You eat every last grain of rice in your bowl, but don't eat the last piece of food on the table.
87. You know why there are 88 reasons.
88. You see the truth in this and then send it to all your Chinese friends.

6.23.2008

I Wanna Get Next To You - Rose Royce

Sittin' here in this chair waitin' on you
Ah baby, to see things my way
But not a word do you say
You won't even look my way
Boy, I'm spending my dimes, wasting
My time, talking till I'm black and blue
Ah, can't you see I wanna get next to you

Dreams of you and I go sailing by
Whenever your eyes meet mine
(You're so fine)
And boy you make me feel so insecure
You're so beautiful and pure,
Why must you be unkind
(And tell me I'm not your kind, blowin my mind)
Boy, my, my money is low and I know
That I can't take you to the
Fancy places you might wanna go
Still I wanna get next to you
I wanna get next to you

Boy, you can bend me, shake me, make me
Whatever it takes to please you
I'm willing to do
'Cause you're my dream come true
And I wanna get next to you

I wanna get next to you
I wanna make you mine (for all the time)
I wanna get next to you
I promise I'll never make you blue
I wanna get next to you
I wanna get next to you

Sweet Things - Chaka Khan

I will love you anyway
Even if you cannot stay
I think you are the one for me
Here is where you ought to be
I just want to satisfy ya
Though youre not mine
I cant deny ya
Dont you hear me talking baby?
Love me now or Ill go crazy

Chorus:
Oh sweet thing
Dont you know youre my everything?
Oh sweet thing
Dont you know youre my everything?
Yes, you are

I wish you were my lover
But ya act so undercover
To love you child my who life long
Be it right, or be it wrong
Im only what you make me, baby
Dont walk away, dont be so shady
Dont want your mind, dont want your money
These words I say, they may sound funny, but...

Chorus

You are my heat
You are my fire
You make me weak with strong desire
To love you chile my whole life long
Be it right, or be it wrong
I just want to satisfy ya
Though youre not mine
I cant deny ya
Dont you hear me talking baby?
Love me now or Ill go crazy

Vamp:
Youre my heat, you are my fire
Youre not mine, I cant deny ya
Dont you hear me talking, baby?
Love me now, or Ill go crazy

Grow Old With You - Adam Sandler

Billy idol (speaking): good afternoon everyone. we're flying at 26,000 feet,
Moving
Up to thirty thousand feet, and then we've got clear skies
All the way to las vegas, and right now we're bringin you some in-flight
Entertainment. one of our first-class passengers would like to sing you a song
Inspired by one of our coach passenger, and since we let our first-class
Passengers do pretty much whatever they want, here he is.

Robbie hart (singing):
I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad

Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All i wanna do is grow old with you

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you

I'll miss you
I'll kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold

I'll need you
I'll feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you've had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you

6.20.2008

Oh What A Night - Four Seasons

Oh, what a night.
Late December back in '63.
What a very special time for me,
'Cause I remember what a night.

Oh, what a night.
You know, I didn't even know her name,
But I was never gonna be the same.
What a lady. What a night.

Oh, I. I got a funny feeling when she walked
In the room and I,
As I recall it ended much too soon.

Oh, what a night,
Hypnotizing, mesmerizing me.
She was everything I dreamed she'd be.
Sweet surrender, what a night!

I felt a rush like a rolling bolt of thunder
Spinnin' my head around and taking my body under.
Oh, what a night!

Oh, I. I got a funny feeling when she walked
In the room and I,
As I recall it ended much too soon.

Oh, what a night.
Why'd it take so long to see the light?
Seemed so wrong, but now it seems so right.
What a lady, what a night!

I felt a rush like a rolling bolt of thunder
Spinnin' my head around and taking my body under.
Oh, what a night!
(Do, do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do, do, do.)
Oh, what a night!
(Do, do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do, do, do.)
Oh, what a night!
(Do, do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do, do, do.)
Oh, what a night!
(Do, do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do, do, do.)
Oh, what a night!
(Do, do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do, do, do.)
Oh, what a night!
(Do, do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do, do, do

You Are So Beautiful To Me - Joe Cocker

You are so beautiful
To me
You are so beautiful
To me
Can't you see
You're everything I hoped for
You're everything I need
You are so beautiful
To me


You are so wonderful
To me
You are so wonderful
To me
Can't you see
You're everything I hoped for
You're everything I need
You are so wonderful
To me


You are so beautiful
To me
You are so beautiful
To me
Can't you see
You're everything I hoped for
You're everything I need
You are so beautiful
To me

6.16.2008

Study: Chimps calm each other with hugs, kisses

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, AP Science Writer Mon Jun 16, 9:16 PM ET

WASHINGTON - For most folks, a nice hug and some sympathy can help a bit after we get pushed around. Turns out, chimpanzees use hugs and kisses the same way. And it works. Researchers studying people's closest genetic relatives found that stress was reduced in chimps that were victims of aggression if a third chimp stepped in to offer consolation.

"Consolation usually took the form of a kiss or embrace," said Dr. Orlaith N. Fraser of the Research Center in Evolutionary Anthropology and Paleoecology at Liverpool John Moores University in England.

"This is particularly interesting," she said, because this behavior is rarely seen other than after a conflict.

"If a kiss was used, the consoler would press his or her open mouth against the recipient's body, usually on the top of the head or their back. An embrace consisted of the consoler wrapping one or both arms around the recipient."

The result was a reduction of stress behavior such as scratching or self-grooming by the victim of aggression, Fraser and colleagues report in Tuesday's edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Frans de Waal of the Yerkes Primate Center at Emory University in Atlanta said the study is important because it shows the relationship between consolation and stress reduction. Previous researchers have claimed that consolation had no effect on stress, said de Waal, who was not part of Fraser's research team.

"This study removes doubt that consolation really does what the term suggests: provide relief to distressed parties after conflict. The evidence is compelling and makes it likely that consolation behavior is an expression of empathy," de Waal said.

De Waal suggested that this evidence of empathy in apes is "perhaps equivalent to what in human children is called 'sympathetic concern.'"

That behavior in children includes touching and hugging of distressed family members and "is in fact identical to that of apes, and so the comparison is not far-fetched," he said.

While chimps show this empathy, monkeys do not, he added.

There is also suggestive evidence of such behavior in large-brained birds and dogs, said Fraser, but it has not yet been shown that it reduces stress levels in those animals.

Previous research on conflict among chimps concentrated on cases where there is reconciliation between victim and aggressor, with little attention to intervention by a third party.

Fraser and colleagues studied a group of chimps at the Chester Zoo in England from January 2005 to September 2006, recording instances of aggression such as a bite, hit, rush, trample, chase or threat.

The results show that "chimpanzees calm distressed recipients of aggression by consoling them with a friendly gesture," Fraser said.

Consolation was most likely to occur between chimpanzees who already had valuable relationships, she added.

The research was supported by the Leakey Trust.

Horoscope: The situation at work seems impossible, but if you keep hammering away at it, you should find a good answer. It may take a while, but today's efforts should pay off quite handsomely!

6.11.2008

Fantasy - Mariah Carey

Oh, when you walk by every night
Talking sweet and looking fine
I get kinda hectic inside
Mmm, baby I'm so into you
Darling, if you only knew
All the things that flow through my mind

Sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
When I close my eyes
You come and you take me
So deep in my daydreams
But it's just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
Fantasy

Images of rapture
Creep into me slowly
As you're going to my head
And my heart beats faster
When you take me over
Time and time and time again

Sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
When I close my eyes
You come and you take me
So deep in my daydreams
But it's just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby

Sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
When I close my eyes
You come and you take me
So deep in my daydreams
But it's just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
Fantasy

I'm in heaven
With my boyfriend
My laughing boyfriend
There's no beginning
And there is no end
Feels like I'm dreaming
But I'm not sleeping

Sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
When I close my eyes
You come and you take me
So deep in my daydreams
But it's just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
Fantasy

Sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
When I close my eyes
You come and you take me
So deep in my daydreams
But it's just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
Fantasy

Sweet, sweet fantasy baby
Sweet, sweet fantasy baby

Picture of You - Boyzone

Didn't they say that I would make a mistake
Didn't they say you were gonna be trouble
People told me you were too much to take
I could see it, I didn't wanna know
I let you in and you let me down
You pushed me up and you turned my whole life around
I could feel that I had no where to go
I was alone, how was I too know that..
You'll be there, when I needed somebody
You'll be there, the only one who can help me

I had a picture of you in my mind
never knew it could be so wrong
Why'd it take me so long just to find
the friend that was there all along.

Who'd believe that after all we've been through
I'd be able to put my whole trust in you
Goes to show you can't forgive and forget
looking back, I have no regrets cause..

You will be there, when I needed somebody
You will be there, the only one to help me

I had a picture of you in my mind
Never knew it could be so wrong
Why'd it take me so long just to find
the friend that was there all along

You will be there, when I needed somebody
You will be there, the only one to help me

I had a picture of you in my mind
never knew it could be so wrong
Why'd it take me so long just to find
the friend that was there all along
[Repeat to fade]

All That I Need - Boyzone

I was lost and alone
Trying to grow, making my way down that long winding road
Had no reason, no rhyme
Like a song out of time
And there you were, standing in front of my eyes
How could I be such a fool
To let go of love and break all the rules
Girl when you walked out that door
left a hole in my heart
And now I know for sure

You're the air that I breathe
Girl you're all that I need
And I wanna thank you, lady
You're the words that I read
You're the light that I see
And your love is all that I need

I was searching in vain
Playing a game
Had no-one else but myself left to blame
You came into my world
No diamonds or pearls
Could ever replace what you gave to me girl

Just like a castle of sand
Girl, I almost let love slip right out of my hands
And just like a flower needs rain
I will stand by your side through the joy and the pain

[CHORUS X 2]

You're all that I need, girl
You're the air that I breathe, yeah
And I want to thank you
(and I want to thank you, lady)

You're the words that I read, girl
You're love is all I need, yeah
And I want to thank you
(and I want to thank you, lady)

You're all that I need, girl
You're the air that I breathe, yeah
And I want to thank you..
[to fade]

Baby Can I Hold You Tonight - Boyzone

"I'm sorry,"
It's all that you can say
Years gone by and still
Words don't come easily
Like "sorry" (like "sorry"..like "sorry"..)
"Forgive me,"
is all that you can say
Years gone by and still
Words don't come easily
Like "forgive me" ("forgive me"..."forgive me"..)
Forgive me..

But you can say, baby
Baby can I hold you tonight?
Baby, if I told you the right words
oooh, at the right time
You'll be mine

I love you
is all that you can say
Years gone by and still
Words don't come easily (words don't come easily..)
Like "I love you", I love you..

But you can say, baby
Baby can I hold you tonight?
Baby, if I told you the right words
oooh, at the right time
You'll be mine

(Baby can I hold you...)
But you can say, baby
Baby can I hold you tonight?
Baby, if I told you the right words
oooh, at the right time
You'll be mine

(Baby, if I hold you..)
(Baby, can I hold you..) You'll be mine..
(Baby if I told you..)
(Baby, can I hold you..)
You'll be mine..
(Baby if I told you..)
Baby, can I hold you.

No Matter What - Boyzone

Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
No matter what they tell us
No matter what they do
No matter what they teach us
What we believe is true

No matter what they call us
However they attack
No matter where they take us
We'll find our own way back

I can't deny what I believe
I can't be what I'm not
I know our love forever
I know, no matter what

If only tears were laughter (ooh)
If only night was day (ooh)
If only prayers were answered (hear my prayers)
Then we would hear God say (say)

No matter what they tell you (ooh)
No matter what they do (ooh)
No matter what they teach you
What we believe is true

And I will keep you safe and strong
And shelter from the storm
No matter where it's barren
A dream is being born

(Ooh)

No matter who they follow
No matter where they lead
No matter how they judge us
I'll be everyone you need

No matter if the sun don't shine (sun don't shine)
Or if the skies are blue (skies are blue)
No matter what the end is
My life began with you

I can't deny what I believe (what I believe, yeah)
I can't be what I'm not
(I know, I know) I know this love's forever
That's all that matters now
No matter what

No matter what (no, no matter, no)

No, no matter
That's all that matters to me
[Repeat X 7]

6.10.2008

Oh Girl - Chi-Lites

Oh girl, I'd be in trouble if you left me now
'Cause I don't know where to look for love
I just don't know how
Oh girl, how I depend on you
To give me love when I need it
Right on time, you would always be

All my friends, call me a fool
They say "let the woman take care of you"
So I tried to be hip, and think like the crowd
But even the crowd can't help me now, oh

Oh girl, tell me what am I gonna do
I know I've got a guilty face
Girl I feel so out of place
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah

Don't know where to go, who to see, yeah

Oh girl, I guess I better go
I can save myself a lot of useless tears
Girl I gotta get away from here

Oh girl, pain will double if you leave me now
'Cause I don't know where to look for love
And I don't, I don't know how, oh yeah, mm

Oh girl, why do I love you so, yeah

Hmmm, better be on my way, I can't stay, yeah
Have you ever seen such an empty face.