daronloo

There are about 6 more weeks before the end of the semester at AIU.  I'm teaching two history classes this semester.  One class with the word 'history' in it, while the other has an indirect historical reference in the course title.  Nevertheless, two history classes.  Fun much?  You tell me.  My class just finished talking about the Renaissance.  Really, we have the Renaissance because of the rise of the middle class.  The bubonic plague literally wiped out all the laborers, and those who survived ascended the social ladder.  Yay?  Then, we have the explosion of knowledge, thanks to Caxton who introduced the printing press.  Before long, everyone had a copy of something.  Everyone was translating something into English.  Everyone then realized that everyone was borrowing words from everywhere else.  Everyone, and I mean the English people, began to complain.  "Why do we have to borrow from Latin/French? Ain't ...

As I approached Muak Lek, the van driver turned back and asked to confirm with us two passengers that we REALLY are going to AIU.  I said yes, but the other passenger whose name or gender or nationality I will not reveal said, "No."  The driver then said, "But you said at Victory Monument that you were going to Mi-Chan (Thai pronunciation of Mission).  The passenger clearly did not understand Thai because the driver's statement was followed by silence.  I translated for the driver and the passenger said, "Yes, I told them Mi-Chan but I need to get off at Australia Village."  I told the driver, who had driven past the entrance to the residential area.  He said that the passenger had to pay an extra 20 baht to drive into Australia Village.  The passenger said, "asshole" very quietly, but loud enough that my ears perked up and the driver turning to us wondering what was said.  The problem is, curses are gradually losing its 'umph' because it...

Saturday with Kids and a Hike Spent the afternoon donkeying around with my neighbor's kids.  Truly a bundle of joy.  The highlight of the day: Caleb (in the toilet): Excuse me, I have to poop. [Silence] Caleb (still in the toilet): I counted two! We went on a hike, I told them stories about Fred and Frank the frogs, they told me stories about poop and underwear.  They bit my hands and arms, and crawled all over my thighs/legs without the remotest knowledge that that is inflicting pain on a fully grown man.  Honey I lost the kids! We don't need so much space. Caleb :)

A music history book I read two years ago talked about how simplified music composition has become.  Trust me, it only sounds complex because of the myriad of instruments thrown in together. Don't talk to me after teaching piano because I am still burning with annoyance. I have two more piano students left, whom I meet once a week.  They just did their first piano exam from an external examination school based in London.  They did fairly well. But I'm starting to think that what I am teaching, and what they are assessed on does not quite fit in with today's music scene.  Yes, this external music examination school which I have faithfully kept up with has tried to incorporate more contemporary music by revamping the third section of the performance pieces to reflect more modern composition, but that substitution alone, I think, is not sufficient. The piano student who came for lesson today LOVES One Direction.  A Boy Band.  They must look like Justin...

Please do not let the title mislead you.  My level of shopping is not that extravagant.  I go loco at the malls only on special occasions, like Christmas and the sorts.  However, the costly damages compels my mother to label me as one.  This, and a Starbucks addict.  But I only have a cup every fortnight! Regardless, some of you may know how "unfriendly" I can be with other people.  Some of you have called me a __________ - which I have no objection to.  Having been in Bangkok for a number o years, I have had many encounters with Chinese tourists.  Two of which I distinctly remember are: 1.  I was getting out the Sky Train at National Stadium and walked past a Chinese couple.  The lady was wearing skinny jeans and her fly was wide open.  2.  I was sitting at McDonald's in Paragon and a group of Chinese were trying to order in CHINESE.  I felt sorry for the Chinese tourists, and for that McDonald's employee.  T...