Later tonight, UK and former British colonies New Zealand, Canada and Australia will be celebrating Guy Fawkes Night or sometimes known as Bonfire Night. It commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of November 5, 1605 wherein a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the House of Parliament in London, England. His target was King Janes I of England, his family and most of the Protestant aristocrats. The Parliament at that time persecuted the local Catholics in England. He and other conspirators were caught and consequently tortured before executed.
It became mandatory in the UK to celebrate the night of November 5 every year as Guy Fawkes Night. It became a day of thanksgiving for the failed plot. Lighting bonfires and street festivities mark the events. They would usually make effigies of Fawkes to be burnt on the November 5 bonfire.
While Obama’s race should not be an issue, I am afraid it is. Racists do exist, and many will not vote for Obama just because of his race. There have been rumours of attempts for Obama’s life (reminds me to watch 24 Season 1). This is very unfortunate because the man is very talented and I feel he will bring change. He believes in global cooperation and development, and not dominance through bullying. He wants peace, and he wants to talk to nations that do not agree with the US policies rather than go to war with them.
Today Americans decide on who will be the next president of the United States of America. It is a big responsibility because they elect one of the most powerful men on Earth: the leader of a superpower, the president of the US.
The opinion polls puts Obama ahead of McCain, but it is foolhardy for Obama to be overconfident at this stage. The results of the election will be revealed soon, but in the meantime, the financial crisis is not waiting for the results. Bush still needs to foresee the US until the announcement of the winning candidate. The new president will then have to take the reins of a nation facing difficult times ahead. The alarming rise in unemployment, climate change and the housing slump are a few pressing issues that the new president will face.
I personally prefer Obama to McCain, because I feel McCain will just continue the same government that Bush started (being both Republicans). It was the Bush administration that invaded Iraq in response to the September 11 attack when clearly there is no connection. The Iraq war that continually bleeds millions of dollars that should have been used for the restoration of the economy.
Osaka Restaurant is an excellent value for money restaurant. The average price for a set meal is $10.00, now how can you top that? A set meal consists of rice, miso soup (made of fermented soybeans & salt), Japanese salad and your chosen mains. You get to choose from a whole range of yummy Japanese mains from the pork tonkatsu to the Japanese-style Chicken Barbecue. There are some set meals where the rice, soup and salad are unlimited (or bottomless, whichever you call it). Given the generous servings for the meals, you would be sure to be full. The soup is exceptional, the salad fresh and the dressing exquisite.
For the price that you will pay, do not expect a posh venue though. This is not the place for a formal dinner. The place is very homely and you really feel that you are in a restaurant in Japan when you step in. There are heaps of Japanese eating there so that will tell you that they serve authentic Japanese dishes.
The staffs are very helpful and friendly. Food is prepared fast. Tables are clean. Awesome place :)
Oishi des ne!
Osaka Restaurant is located 129 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central, New Zealand. Call (03) 377 7377 for reservations or takeaways.
Being a multilingual has heaps of advantages. You get to exercise your brain and you get to learn new stuff. Here are some common Nihongo phrases that may be useful:
Nice to meet you! Hajimemashite!
Good morning ohayou.
Hello konnichiwa.
Good evening konbanwa.
Good night O yasumi nasai.
Good bye sayonara.
I am (really) sorry Gomen nasai
Excuse me/Pardon sumimasen.
How are you? (polite) O genki desu ka.
I am fine Genki desu
Yes Hai
No iie
Thank you Arigatou
Wait a moment, please Chotto Matte kudasai
Thank you for this delicious meal! Gochiso sama deshita
I am hungry Onaka (ga) suita!
I am thirsty Nodo (ga) kawaita
How much is it? Ikura desu ka?
I missed the turtles. Growing up in the 80’s, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (now that is a mouthful of a name) are one of my favourite cartoon characters. It seems the trend in the movie industry today is reviving the 80’s icons. They resurrected the Transformers to the big screen (with great success if I may add); and Knight Rider, 90210, etc in the TV’s.
In this movie, they used the latest technology in CGI to create a fast and modern update of the hit TV show. The CGI is absolutely breathtaking; the fight-scenes, though non-violent (for the kiddie audiences), are amazing. The turtles still deliver a few funny lines occasionally, but overall humour was toned down a bit in this movie.
Verdict: Rent it.
I chanced upon the news last night in NZ TV3 where they featured illegal horse fighting in Mindanao, Philippines. A British news correspondent posed as a tourist in order to document this barbaric “tradition” in North Cotabato. Let me tell you that there is nothing more appalling than people training gentle horses to become fierce animals just for the sake of betting and entertainment. As many as 40 horses were maimed and injured in this three-day “event”. The video showed throngs of people betting and cheering in the stands.
Horse fighting is illegal and in violation of Republic Act 8485 otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines. The irony of the matter is that the event was organized and sanctioned by none other than the town Mayor. The video also showed a police officer right in front of the arena condoning the event. The mayor contested that horse fighting is a long-standing tradition in North Cotabato. He appealed to everyone to respect this custom and to try to understand it rather than impose their own. He also claimed that the horses’ owner cared for their horses like people in Manila who care for their Mercedes Benz.
I think this backward “tradition/custom/culture” has no place in today’s modern world. A custom that encroaches on the welfare of others, be it humans or animals, should be scrapped at once. Horses are such beautiful and peaceful animals, and for someone to corrupt nature and turn horses into ferocious beasts are disgusting. The Philippines have a dismal record in animal welfare; and I hope and pray it changes soon. We must put to an end any form of animal cruelty. The animal kingdom is here to share this planet with us humans equally. We are the custodians of God’s creations. Earth is supposed to be shared in partnership, not ownership.
I know, I know, condemn the act, not the offender. Nevertheless, does it make you angry that this is still happening and has NO signs of stopping? A civilization is judged by the way the people treat their animals.
(Photo from Sky News)
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