Maple, Caustic Soda, and Earthquakes

It's the Olympics! We're cheering with Sugar Shaktinis and poutine!

In other news, I got underarm whitening soap, which should change my life! It did not help my photography skills though, since the flash blocked the brown armpit "before" picture.

Since dark underarms "cram" (sic) your style, you use this to get them to "absorb key nutrients" like caustic soda! Brilliant!

Since Mark got me this, I've been thinking of what to get him in return. Perhaps a very special orange?

We went to the Starry Place for View Cocktail and Consultancy to seek advice.

We considered the Taro fish promotion.

And wondered what Chuck Norris would do.

But in the end, a Japanese product provided the answer. Do you feel the ground shaking? Quick, grab your fuzzy earthquake-proof slippers!

And since Mark is a foodie and likes to eat things, these are great because they're non-toxic and tasteless slippers!

Finally, the healing properties are nearly endless!

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The Phases of Chili

I have been known to make excellent decisions in what I eat. Above, I'm rehydrating with coconut. Where I go wrong, is that sometimes I look like a jaundiced ostrich, below.

Barry, however, sometimes makes bad decisions. In 2009, he did not learn the hot pepper lesson, and thought he was "tougher and more Asian" now. I call this first phase Foolish Optimism.

The second phase, like with many of life's decisions is Fear and Doubt.

The unsurprising third phase of chili is Ugly Shock. I'm sorry you had to see that.

Phase 4: Anger.

Fifth Phase of Chili: Grief and Burning.

Phase 6: Blaming Others. (The insensitive photographer who may have said "I told you so" is a likely target here).

Phase 7: Chili Regret. Will it be enough to prevent future episodes?

Phase 8: Flashbacks. Yes, there are 8 phases!

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Happy Thaipusam 2014

It's the most wonderful time of the year, Thaipusam!

2014 is a big year for this guy, so he went with bigger puncture hooks!

The man below is indicating that one of the sharp bits smarts a little.

This man, on the otherhand, has achieved perfect zen.

Does this piercy Kavadi make me look chubby?

I prefer limes arranged in rows, myself.

Thaipusam requires a lot of support from your friends. This is a back-tug rope/train holder.

Small muppet deities lended support.

This man, I think, is not quite in the devoted, non-indulging spirit, with his cigar. And I don't know if he's noticed that his coconut's on fire.

Barry got really into taking coconut bashing pictures. As you can see, this fascinated one other man in the crowd, too.

And to close, here is the smallest milk jug devotee.

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