Lish and Josh (good idea tuan) tribute.

Would just like to briefly give God credit for two of the nicest people I know. Nice is a bland word and doesn't do them justice. Let me try again:
Try to imagine a guy who somehow embodies personal authority with real modesty and intelligence and playfulness. Now try to imagine a woman with the same personal authority, along with a godly lovely empathetic spirit and the same sense of humour. God truly is a quality craftsman. God, bless their union! Give them a life that overflows with blessing! Amen!!!!

Beautiful Bodies and English Culture.

Are you happy with your appearance?
How important is it for you to look good?
Do you spend time and money on trying to look better?

Today, Neil takes an irreverent, off centre, out of the box, almost hilarious look at the thorny issue of **'self image'**. In order to maintain some personal distance and detatchment, he has chosen to write entirely in the 'third person'

Well, its certainly true, neil has gained a few pounds since washing up in the fragrant harbour. Siu mai + fish balls + fatty sushi, devided by desk job = love handles. Here are the cold statistics:
Before: weight=140lbs (10stone) waist=30ins.
Now: 160lbs (11 3/4 stone) waist =35ins.

The preocupation out here with looking good has not left him unaffected however and, as a representative of the caucasian peoples of the world, he has been trying to build up his muscles. Come on Sam, catch up mate! (hoho)

Neil wonders about how others feel on this topic. He is aware that, in the past, some have accused him of being vain and would like to scotch this slander once and for all by reminding people that he is merely following in the English tradition of making fun of himself. Self-satire is at the heart of what it is to be English! The world might laugh at the English, but not as much as the English themselves do. Its the only way we have left of feeling superior.

As many of you know, Neil is a traditionally pasty skinned English guy, disarming, loyal, sometimes charming, usually fake with an undercurrent of something nasty.
Most white English people certainly admire the golden skinned and shiny haired Chinese. He admired the white teeth, white socks and perfect fingernails of his BBC friends as a teenager and freely admits that the personal hygiene habits of Hong Kong Chinese families are way ahead of anything dreamed of by the 'one bath a week' brits. White people are dirty!

Neil doesn't want to get offensive, so he's going to stop here.

The fat lady. . .

. . .has not yet sung, both for the four teams at the bottom of the table, and for the 3 teams that still have a chance at 7th. She might not have sung yet, but, for my beloved Tottenham, she's gargling and practising her scales. The scenario we need to qualify is unlikely to come about. Not impossible, but unlikely. Manchester city must win, narrowly, and Spurs must win by a margin greater than that of Man C. to the tune of 2 goals.
e.g: Mancity 1, Middlesbro 0. Tottenham 3, Blackburn 0. Could happen.

Coming into the time of year when I get to play host to visiting friends here at my "luxury" apartment. I think Tuan, Sam and family, but first my amiga numero uno Wai Yin might all honour me with a brief stay this summer. I enjoy hosting. Since I've been here, Mike and james, Esther and Sam, Waiyin and Pak Kin, My dad and sis., Daniel from sheffield, a friend called Peony that some of you know, and one or two others ? have stayed and it is certainly something I enjoy...(if it doesn't last for too long!) I know this city is quite expensive to stay in.

I have a mountain of marking that I MUST do before Tuesday so. . .Here's hoping that the scenario comes true, bye for now dear friends.