Yes, the Year of the Water Dragon is upon us. And with little pomp and ceremony, I woke up early, got dressed, ate my daily toast and and bowl of cereal, and took the bus to work. The only celebratory effort I made was to wear y red jacket and scarf today. The day was filled with mindless meetings that go nowhere (nothing new there). And with some fortuity (maybe it’s a lucky day after all), I managed to leave somewhat early. Went to the gym and mucked around the spin bike (for just a bit; my left knee’s not very cooperative these days).

Came home and made a piping hot bowl of noodles for dinner. Was about to do my laundry when I balked; on the principle that it was the first day of Chinese New Year, I decided against doing chores. (Yes, I’m still superstitious like that. I’m Chinese, after all.) To my chagrin, after the last dish was washed up, I couldn’t sweep the floor either. It may be a Swifter (MagicClean) and the technology is new, but the age-old “no sweeping” rule still stands. Call me weird.

It’s at this point that I shall call it a night and go to bed early. Like before midnight early. Very unusual, but my eyes can barely stay open. I suspect it’s the remnants of jet lag screwing up my system because I wake up early too, like before 6 a.m. early. On my own body clock, which is even more unusual. Could this be the end of 2 a.m. nights and the start of a new habit? Some 早睡早起身体健康 thing? Hmm. I guess dragons need enough sleep too.

May it be a healthful and prosperous year for everyone.

I could not make these things up. Get your Wait Wait… podcast here.

No mood to write (not to mention that I’ve apparently sunk to Singlish; my brain really is mush these days), especially not after I’ve stumbled on and been stumped into flabbergastation (plus I’m making up words now) by such beautiful words, and even more beautiful pictures, presented by the comforting voice of Sir David Attenborough.

I see trees of green… skies of blue…

Frustrated smartphone game player unable to complete Level 16-3? Rioting ornithologists? Occupy MRT Stations? Well, with all the breakdowns that’s happening, people sure ain’t going anywhere.

While it’s common knowledge that politicians overseas, whether in Europe, U.K, or here, run advertising campaigns to promote themselves as well as inform and warn the masses about their rivals, it’s still interesting and an eye opener to watch and see all that’s happening around me first-hand.

For starters, it’s amazing how much effort and money is being poured into the whole process of choosing the Republican candidate. Meaning: these guys are all on the same side and yet there’s so much debate and arguing and back-and-forthing. And the unfolding drama… wow.

I don’t know when it all began but I do remember the time Trump was considered to be possibly, potentially, seriously (?) in the game, when he cast doubt on Obama’s birth certificate. Because, really, that’s the important thing you want to launch your campaign on, questioning the current President’s place of birth (even though the issue has technically been resolved ages ago).

Paul. Pawlenty. Palin. Bachmann. Santorum. Christie. And Perry, who jumped in, guns firing, quickly rising to be the favorite, until that Oops. And Cain, 9-9-9, which could be his solution to the economy or his indiscretions, I’m not sure. (You’re running for the highest office in the nation and don’t think major events in your past might surface? I’m all for buying lottery tickets, but something like this is too much wishful thinking even to me.)

Sheesh.

There was Perry’s ad that made the rounds on the social media front. Also making the rounds on the same front, including on Fail Blog, Perry’s unfortunate choice in wardrobe in said ad, all things considered.

And there’s also the Romney story that goes something like this:

Romney steps into a diner in New Hampshire and sees two elderly guys wearing veteran’s caps having a meal. He sits down with them and they start chatting. One of the gentlemen asks Romney where he stands on gay marriage. Looking at the old guys at the diner in veteran’s caps, Romney replies, oh, of course I’m against it. And the guy goes, well, my husband and I disagree. (via NPR)

Ah, Romney, Mr I’ll-Make-A-Bet-On-National-TV-With-What-The-American-Common-Takes-More-Than-Two-Months-To-Make.

I could not make this stuff up. It’s going to be an interesting 2012.

(Sidenote: my views on these things are generally mine alone, but please, please, just don’t foster intolerance…)