[kombuchakid]

Its a moot point now as to what a filter is but it scared the bejesus out of HSBC.

My Ho of the day---
Jockey Club seeks BBQ record

Prices of Christmas dining around town have been hovering at historic highs, thanks to the booming stock and property market.

If you are wondering where to get an affordable festive buffet, try the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The club plans to organise Hong Kong's largest outdoor barbecue buffet at its Sha Tin Racecourse on Boxing Day. At HK$99 each, race-goers can enjoy sizzling rack of lamb and home-made German sausages while watching the fillies.

We gather the club is trying its best to borrow wooden tables and benches from various operators to host up to 750 people. There is no free lunch in Hong Kong, but once in a while you can get a cheap lunch courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
---
These idiots at the JC never learn and usually end up with a riot on their hands,

A halfway decent BBQ at the Stable Bend Terrace is $390 so expect fisticuffs on Boxing Day.

--
Can I kiss a nun?

Yes but don't get into the habit!

[kombuchakid]

A democrat silly!
---


Democratic take on Santa

Capitalising on the onset of Christmas, the Civic Party is serving up a thought-provoking session on whether "Santa is/was a democrat" plus festive refreshment at its headquarters in Wan Chai next Monday. It will feature Stuart Wolfendale, who is described as a "wit, raconteur and scurrilous columnist", speaking for the statement, versus Andy Chworowsky, "sage, occasional thespian and restaurateur to the discerning", on the against side.

might just be worth to video the two nutters and youtube it.

[kombuchakid]

A special Ho Ho from the Twilight Zone by the Adams that is Scott.

President George W. Bush will be regarded by historians as among the best presidents ever

To judge the greatness of a president, you are allowed to consider only his top priorities. For example, no one remembers Abe Lincoln’s position on, well, anything except the Cvil War. For the purposes of choosing a greatest president, you can round up all the little issues and toss them away.

For example, while critics might say restricting government funding for stem cell research is boneheaded, history has its own way of evaluating things. If no stem cell breakthrough based on human embryos ever happens, despite all the private funding, President Bush’s position will seem irrelevant to history. If a privately funded research group makes a breakthrough, it will also make Bush’s opposition of public funding seem irrelevant. People might argue that public funding would have made it happen faster, but that issue will seem trivial over time.

The same can be said of all the smaller disagreements President Bush’s critics have with him. In a hundred years, they will not be part of what historians use to judge him. So let’s look at the big stuff.

President Bush famously promised to do something about the Axis of Evil: Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. That was a top priority. How’s he doing so far?

Iraq didn’t have any weapons of mass destruction, but by restricting inspectors, it acted as if it did. That is almost as dangerous as having a nuclear weapon because it causes your neighbor (Iran) to build its own nukes, just to be safe. It turns out they were doing just that.

Recently we learned that Iran stopped its nuclear bomb program in 2003. That’s about the same time the U.S. was disemboweling its next door neighbor based on the suspicion of having a nuclear weapons program. Iran probably noticed. History will credit President Bush for removing the threat of nuclear war from the Middle East.

North Korea has also discontinued its nuke program, thanks in part, history might acknowledge, because when the U.S. invaded Iraq, it went after the leadership first, including sons. That’s the sort of thing that gets your attention if you are a dictator. As with Reagan’s Star Wars defense plan, the U.S. under President Bush seemed crazy enough to attack North Korea. The threat was entirely credible. That, plus China’s pressure, neutralized North Korea.

Meanwhile, Libya surrendered its nuclear ambitions without even being asked. Credit President Bush for that one too.

Terrorism was a priority during the Bush administration. History won’t blame him for the first attack on 9/11, but it certainly might credit him for the fact no other attacks happened during his two terms. That’s a perfect record on homeland security.

Also, as I have argued before, the war in Iraq might turn out to accidentally be the death of Al-Qaeda. By showing a willingness to attack Muslims, any goodwill the organization had gained by attacking the United States began to erode. Iraq became flypaper for terrorists. They came in to Iraq, pissed off the locals, and the locals exterminated them in large numbers. While the number of wannabe terrorists might have increased, you only have to kill the smart ones near the top several times before management is comprised of mostly the dumb ones by default. History might record that Iraq was the turning point in the war on terror. Al-Qaeda bet everything on Iraq, and lost. President Bush did indeed “fight them there so we don’t have to fight them here.” While it didn’t happen exactly the way he envisioned it, history might credit him for moving the fight and winning it.

Then there’s global warming. Assuming it’s real, the only solution is massive improvements in alternative energy. Thanks to oil being over $100 a barrel, every time you read the news another huge corporation is installing solar panels in the desert, or synthesizing algae for biofuels, or harnessing the wind. President Bush is a free market guy, and the free market seems to be stepping up. Success in these alternative energy movements is not assured, but it seems likely, given all the venture capital flowing in that direction. History will record that President Bush and his free market views saved the world from global warming.

The economy isn’t great, but it isn’t bad enough to detract from President Bush’s place in history. The same is true for crime, health, pollution, education, and any number of problems that won’t factor into his legacy one way or the other.

[kombuchakid]

the twelve days of christmas are upon us no no messing about from here on

YouTube - Cold Blooded Christmas

[kombuchakid]

that's the money people to you and me
Their soon to be ex boss aka Yam the Man likes to let his hair down during the silly season, and this year he has come up with a Crossword!!!
who would have thunk?
Ok there are prizes involved so we won't complain unduly

http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/view...uiz_2007_e.htm

[kombuchakid]

A man in Chicago calls his son in New York the day before Christmas and says, "I hate to ruin Christmas this year, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough."

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams. "We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Atlanta and tell her."

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like hell they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this."

She calls Chicago immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Christmas and paying their own way."

[kombuchakid]

Dance of the stars

Your zodiac sign determines your choice of dance, reports Lakshmi Govindrajan

The Salsa revolution in the country brought in various international dances to the Indian dance enthusiast. Yet there is a tendency for people to align close to certain dances, relate to some more and suspect their comfort levels with the remaining others. So how does one decide if a certain form of dance fits their personality? Says celebrity choreographer Sandip Soparrkar, “If people closely study the characteristics of their zodiac signs and the features of any dance form, they will find a link, a connection just as cosmic as the experience of dance itself.”

Aries: (March 21 to April 19)

It is no surprise that the first sign of the zodiac is associated with qualities of leadership and adventure. Persons belonging to this zodiac sign find the need for speed, in almost an aggressive manner, and this is reflected in their choice of dance — the merengue.

Merengue: This dance comes from the Dominican Republic and its neighbouring island Haiti. It is said that Merengue became part of people’s lives after World War II.

Merengue and the Arian:

The dance has bouncy, vigorous and brisk moves, which go well with the aggressive, self-confident and lively nature of the Arian.

While the bouncy movements can be attributed to the dance’s history with war heroes, limping away to success, it adds to the assertive, energetic and confident characteristics of an Arian.

Taurus: (April 20 - May 21)

Taurians are known to spend a lot of thinking time before they make any big decision.

Viennese Waltz: Viennese Waltz originated in Austria and South of Germany in the 17th century. It was then danced almost 10 inches away from the partner. It slowly moved towards France and the French brought Viennese waltz closer (hip below joint together).

Viennese Waltz and the Taurian:

The beauty of the Viennese Waltz is its sheer pace. While Taurians may take time to make up their minds, they make their every stride seem measured and well thought about. Though it is fast-paced, steps are changed so rapidly that the dancer has to be careful not to bump into another dancing couple. Like the alert Taurian, a dancer of this waltz must be agile.

Gemini: (May 22 to June 20)

Geminis are best described by the terms "energetic" and "flirtatious". They are known to be involved with a whole lot of things at the same time and can lose interest in them just as easily.

Cha Cha Cha: The Cha Cha Cha is a rhythmical Latin dance which finds its origin in the 1940s. It is a modified form of the Mambo.

Cha Cha Cha and Gemini:

Geminis are said to be fickle-minded when it comes to love. They generally associate with a partner who is steadier and stronger than they are. Like the Gemini, the music and rhythm for the dance is very addictive. Spend a few minutes with a Gemini and you know you’re catching on infectious joie de vivre. They love excitement and variety in love.

Cancer: (June 22 to July 23)

The "nurturing" tendencies of a Cancerian exemplify the person’s caring nature. Not an impulsive person, the Cancerian is said to be comfortable at his own pace and fits into any situation well, thanks to his rather malleable nature.

English Waltz: Waltz is a smooth progressive dance characterised by long, flowing movements, continuous turns, and rise and fall. Graceful, Waltz dancers glide around the floor almost effortlessly.

English Waltz and the Cancerian:

The waltz music is sweet, melodic and fluid. It is often orchestral music, mostly lacking in heavy percussion or drums, relying more on the melodic instruments to carry the rhythmic progression.

Leo: (July 24 to August 23)

Leo’s are born leaders. Represented by the lion, Leos exude grace and ferocity, combining that with striking muscularity. Ever-confident Leos are also creative, idealistic and have an indefatigable lust for life.

Paso Doble: Paso Doble is a representation of a bullfight, where traditionally the male dancer takes on the role of the Matador (the bullfighter) and the partner takes on the role of his cape. Paso Doble is a traditional folk dance that is commonly performed as an exhibition dance.

Paso Doble and the Leo: The mood of this glitzy dance is that of a "fight". Its rapid and flaming nature goes well with that of the ever so flamboyant and fiery Leo.

Virgo: (Aug 24 to Sept 23)

Virgos are meticulous, practical perfectionists. They are sometimes seen as being far too picky. Virgos have an inner drive to serve others, which must be met for them to be happy.

Jive: Jive is similar to Boogie, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Jive and the Virgo:

It is a fun-filled, carefree and relaxed dance. While performing this dance one needs to me extremely careful, as it’s a high-speed dance. This crazy dance is suits best for Virgos as they are known to be cautious yet fun loving people.

Libra: (Sep 24 to Oct 23)

Librans are known to have a sense of balance, harmony and justice.

Rumba: In the beginning of the 16th century, Rumba was known as the "Dances of Sex".

Rumba and the Libran:

The happy Libran is one whose relationship is not simply a coupling, but the joining of two people to go through life as one.

The Rumba has fascinating rhythms and bodily expressions. Extended long legs and hemlines enhance the romantic mood.

Scorpio: (Oct 24 to Nov 22)

Intuitive, magnetic, sexy and powerful are words that suit the Scorpio best. Scorpios are hard workers and powerful leaders. Scorpios have a dark and mysterious style which, combined with an irresistible personal magnetism, creates a fascination in members of the opposite sex.

Tango: Born in the slum districts of Buenos Aries in the 1860s, the Tango stemmed from dances brought to Argentina by African Slaves and became popular worldwide in the early 1900s as it swept across the ballrooms of Europe.

Tango and the Scorpio:

Displaying a strong lead and follow relationship, the Tango also includes intense eye contact, walking steps and defined turns, close body holds and exaggerated straight posture. The mood and the tempo are defined through the penetrative gaze of the dancers, an attribute most associated with the Scorpio. You want to know what’s going on in the mind of the Scorpio, look into his eyes.

Sagittarius: (Nov 23 to Dec 22)

Sagittarians are an adventurous lot. They have the right mix of optimism and foresight that helps then manoeuvre from one challenge to another.

Samba: Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance of Brazilian origin. The Samba is danced solo on the streets of Brazil during carnivals. It has audacious upper and lower body movements with headgears.

Samba and the Sagittarian:

The Samba is a rhythmic, animalistic, exotic and adventurous dance. It is said to be an "out of the ordinary" dance, characterised by it’s striking poses. The adventurous nature of this zodiac sign is a quality that plays a crucial role.

Capricorn: (Dec 23 to Jan 20)

The ambitious Capricorn is capable of delivering the goods despite the fact that the steps taken towards it are cautious and calculated.

Bossa Nova: This dance form comes from Bahai. The word Bossa Nova means "new beats" or "new styles". Its music is a mix of Brazilian rhythms to cool American Jazz beats. It is danced on soft knees that allows for sideways sways with hip motions. It could be danced both solo and in pairs.

Bossa Nova and the Capricorn:

Bossa Nova is a mix of cool beats and rapid moves. It is natural that the Capricorn would warm up to this form of dance, as it brings together the hyperactive nature, which is masked by the superficial composed demeanour. This style is like a livewire, very splendid, impressive and grand, danced with fresh and calm attitude.

Aquarius: (Jan 21 to Feb 19)

Aquarians tend to be entrancing, exciting and unpredictable. Adventurous Aquarians combined with idealism and optimism.

Salsa: Salsa is very popular in social settings as it works to bridge the gap between cultural divides and individual dance styles by combining them into one common form. It is characterised by loose hip movement and the use of turns and dips.

Salsa and the Aquarian:

This dance style is the most erratic and unpredictable of all the dances. Only a whimsical and wise Aquarian will understand the method in the madness. The erratic nature, combined with the need to experiment makes Salsa an extension of the Aquarian.

Pisces: (Feb 20 to Mar 20)

Pisceans are a dreamy lot. Usually in touch with their spiritual selves, Pisceans have the ability to shut out the cacophony around, and instead tread towards some soul-searching.

Quickstep: Quickstep is the dance of Europe. After World War I, the mood in the 1920s was that of liberation, making people wanting to perform faster dances.

Quickstep and the Piscean:

This is a very imaginative and an artistic dance. It is danced in a very pensive and wistful mood, just like the dreamy and highly creative Piscean.

Fast tempo yet in complete harmony, Quickstep with its syncopated hops and swings is filled with loads of creative yet original impressive moves which are the typical traits of a Piscean. The nimble-footed dancers resemble the Piscean who is always on the lookout for a more satisfying and calm experience irrespective of the chaos around.

[kombuchakid]

I stand corrected-This is dancing with a star..etcetera

YouTube - Yul Brynner, Shall We Dance - The King...

[DrinkDrankDrunk]

Probability of Hemlock alias:

kombuchakid: 37% (up 11% from last week)
PDLM: 19%
KIA: 14%
Boris: 11%
lammarite: 9%
texasaxel: 8%
hkchigger: 1.9%
drinkdrankdrunk: 0.1%

I'm forgetting someone...

[kombuchakid]

Here is a letter to Santa

Dear Santa,
I am amazed at how virtuous I have been, even by my standards, during 2002. Sobriety has been the norm. So has goodwill towards those parts of mankind that deserve it (if only there were more of them). And of course chastity (to the extent that it's any of your business). Please leave:
- one dozen cases of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1961
- a Rickenbacker 360 12-string
- the plump girl with dyed ginger hair who works the night shift at 7-11 on Caine Road
- a decent 20th century artwork of your choice – preferably a Dali or a Picasso, otherwise something by Ed Hopper
- a large framed photo of Regina Ip in a 1-piece swimsuit reclining by the side of a pool at night during a full moon

Have a good 2003
Hemlock
----
and the man speaking in tongues

Gaudete! Christus est natus ex Maria Virgine. And all the gwailos are in their homes with hangovers, which they will attempt to cure with turkey. I agree with the Cantonese that turkey is too bland and dry. Why bother when the world is full of chickens, ducks and geese? What I hate most about festivals is that they disrupt the normal routines of life. Lan Kwai Fong last night was infested with rabble that would never normally set foot in the place. Today, there are no newspapers. All because some single girl 2,000 years ago managed to get away with the most breathtakingly outlandish explanation for her pregnancy.