EXCUSE ME, THERE IS A LINE!!!

Who needs to be educated in the etiquette of queuing?

Queue barging is a very offensive thing to do and it normally leads to trouble, badmouthing, grumbling, dispute, low muttered complaints, and oftentimes shuffling to close gap on anyone looking to barge ahead. In simple language, it is rudeness!

We may not seem to realize, but the absence of proper queuing is a big issue, especially in places where an orderly queue is an indication of social decency. As one writer says, the root of the problem lies in more than one person wanting the same thing at the same time. In some places, the convention of standing in a nice, orderly line is absent.

Proper queuing is about fairness and impartiality and things that prevent resentment. It is the most sensible thing one can do when in a queue. Are you equal if I say, taking turns is the only reasonable answer?

DAME JOAN SUTHERLAND

Finally, I was able to get a CD copy of Dame Joan Sutherland’s 1959 recording of Lucia di Lammermoor, a magnificent addition to my collection of grand opera records.

It was in 1959 when Dame Joan Sutherland was invited to sing Lucia at the Royal Opera House, and as soon as she finished singing the final note of the famous mad scene, she was a star, the beginning of her international career.

The CD record displays perfectly her effortless coloratura abilities and high notes, as well as her perfect trill.

Dame Joan Sutherland retired from singing in 1990, but for me, she will always remain a great diva, La Stupenda.

PIANO MUSIC - Part 1

To my adult piano students, Mr. King Palmer, who has had a rich and varied career in music has this to say, "..... given the desire and will to learn, it is never too late to start .....".

It is very true, however, if one is older it may take longer to learn the art of piano music. Taking lessons from a professional piano teacher or learning from the so many available materials now, there are certain objects and skills that you will need before you can make a good start.

Mr. Palmer added that "..... practice becomes worthwhile when undertaken willingly, and for many good reasons--to improve technique and interpretation, to prepare for performance and examination, to measure progress, and to provide encouragement to go further..... ".

Given real desire to learn to play, the necessary self-discipline follows.

I LOVE PARIS IN SPRINGTIME!

This is dedicated to my ever faithful, ever thoughtful, ever loving friend, Jazmin,

who loves to travel. Hope she remembers this one --

A wonderful week in Paris was awesome! This would be our second visit to the place, and one of the best trips James, and I had ever taken. We had a marvelous time.

It was kind of a package arrangement, an exciting deal and saved us time from searching for cheap flights and decent hotels. Our hotel was cozy, bright, clean, and comfortable. The hotel we chose was very well located, a significant walking distance from major city attractions, yet easily accessible by any transport. Service in general was excellent, and served a great breakfast each day. The staff was very friendly, accommodating, and with great hospitality. It is very commendable.

Everything went well and smoothly from day first till we left the City of Love. There’s so much to see with so little a time. Tourist spots were so worth seeing. We looked for many points of interest and took lots of pictures.

Paris is a fabulous city at night, there are lights everywhere. A dinner at Altitude 95 of Eiffel Tower was overwhelming. It is the most romantic place we’ve ever seen... the magic of love is in the air. One can’t simply take a trip to Paris and miss it. What a magnificent sight.

Musee d’Orsay houses spectacular collection of masterpieces, such as the works of Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and many other great works of artistic giants.

We marveled at the one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in the world, Notre Dame de Paris, considered as the spiritual center of Paris.

Louvre is a must-see! Famous collections in this museum include da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. It also houses other famous works, such as the Venus de Milo and the Coronation of Napoleon. You need more hours to be able to fully appreciate the halls of the Louvre.

One of Paris' most famous streets is Champs-Elysees! Widely known to be final leg of the Tour de France bicycle race. Shops are irresistible. At one end of the Champs-Elysees is the spectacular Arc de Triomphe.

We enjoyed the famous Palace at Versailles. This is one of France's most interesting and historic sites, residence of the kings of France. Behold the palace's famous Hall of Mirrors. We took time to stroll around the magnificent serene gardens.

The famous Egyptian obelisk at Place de la Concorde is an interesting sight. The nearby Musee de l'Orangerie is a much smaller museum, less crowded than the better known Louvre and Musee d'Orsay. Still, though, the l’Orangerie houses Monet's famous "Water Lilies" paintings, as well as many Renoirs and Picassos. This is a great little museum and a fun way to spend a few hours.

Lastly, we didn’t miss the most important leg of our trip, a visit to the Basilica of Lourdes to pray and experience the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We felt that the signal graces she promised were outpouring. It was an indescribable and incredible experience.

Parisians were warm, welcoming, and delightful. The trip overall was amazing. We look forward for another great hassle-free trip in the future.

I just love Paris!!!

MOBILE PHONE!!!

Here's one very interesting article about mobile phone shared by a Saudi friend. I don't know about this until now --

4 Things You Never Knew Your Mobile Phone Could Do

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a lifesaver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

1. Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

Also in Australia, the Australian emergency number 000 can be dialed whilst your mobile phone keyboard is locked. This is another reason why 000 receives so many false emergency calls!

2. Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their mobile phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

Editors Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a mobile phone!"

3. Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your mobile battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#, your mobile will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your mobile next time.

4. How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone:
star-hash-zero-six-hash * # 0 6 #

A15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

Not only the above, but also in Australia your stolen phone is added to a "Stolen Mobile Phone" database, so if your phone is found later on it can be returned to you.

YO-YO

Ting, did you know that the word YO-YO may have been derived from the Filipino word, ta-yo-yo, which means, "to spin".

LEAP YEAR

Here's a brief answer to your Q, Jeff --

Leap years are years with 366 days, instead of 365 days. The actual length of a year is 365.242 days. Leap years occur every four years, and years that are evenly divisible by 4 (2004, for example) have 366 days. This extra day is added to the calendar on February 29th.

For a detailed explanation, please browse Wikipedia.

Good luck!

Welcome to My New WebPage!!!

May this new webpage reach far and wide, renew friendships, meet new friends, stir new ideas, brainwavings, exchange pleasantries, learn new ways and things, promote goodwill, nurture spirituality ..... welcome!!!