Rebecca Black - A Rocky Debut

Son and co has again stumbled upon a new You Tube celebrity who is taking the cyberspace world by storm for both good and bad reasons. Son finds the song catchy and cannot understand the nasty brickbats hurled at her.

Even Simon Cowell, the dreaded ex-American Idol jury is enamored by this latest singing teen. Her video has, to date, garned more than 35 million viewers.

My verdict - a courageous young teen with a strong vocal daring to take on the big boys; an album in the pipeline perhaps.

Watch and decide if she deserves bouquet or more brickbats....

Teen Issues - Homey Duel

Everyday new teen issues war erupts in my house, er.. correction, in my car, in the shopping complex, in the restaurant, in the swimming pool, anywhere where my two teens present themselves. Those parenting teenagers know that I am not being overdramatic! A perennial teenage issue every parent has to tackle.


Son takes delight in badgering Daughter, teasing her relentlessly at every opportunity. Daughter, of course, will never take the onslaught lying down, she too has her own ammunition up her sleeves, ever ready for battle!

They know they are not allowed to engage in physical fights, only verbal which I usually don't interfere. I find it infuriating when they dragged me in to their duel. They tend to forget that I'm no refree armed with a whistle nor do I favour one over the other in this sibling rivalry or play mediator over triviality.

However, when the fight gets too intense, I shoo them into a room to finish off their clash, away from my earshot. Then, such peace..........
                                                                               

Judge Messy

We just cannot tolerate the dishevelled hair of Steven Tyler, judge for American Idol season 10.  Next to the ever immaculate Jennifer Lopez, Steven's messy look scores extremely low points from us.

Son directed me to this link, Steven Tyler, before American Idol.

Driving Commentary

Often times, when I am driving, Son is also driving. I drive a car, he on the other hand, drives me up the wall in my car!

Especially so when the car ahead of me slows down or when another car overtakes me, though 50m away! He generously rattled on and on his displeasures though the driver, his mom, me, isn't flustered a nary bit (err, sometimes...).

Once on a narrow road, we ended up behind a super slow car, which showed no sign of hurrying. The driver was clearly enjoying a slow cruise. As expected, Son wasted no time in volunteering his input, same time, straining his neck trying to catch a glimpse of the driver ahead.

Another minute passed, we were still at a snail's pace, overtaking was risky.  Son's commentary chalked up a decibel higher with exasperation to match. Frankly, I too have reached the end of my tether!

I sighted an opportunity to overtake, Son adjusted himself so he'll directly face the driver fully. I'm sure he has contortorted his face to show much annoyance.

As we passed the driver, we were greeted with a toothless, bashful smile and an apologetic wave. The driver's wrinkly face was one of embarrassment as she mouthed 'sorry'. From the corner of my eye, I saw Son instantly slumped back in his seat and then slowly he broke into a smile.........


Drive at your own (and family's) risks!

More To Treadmill Run

When Son managed to achieve his goal by completing a-10 km run on the treadmill, he was exhilarated. In the past there were several near misses, 8km, 9km but never 10 km as fatigue got the better of him that left him clearly exasperated.

A few years ago, Son wasn't really into running. He was contented with a 4-5 km run and doesn't see the need to strive further. I pushed him to go beyond this comfortable distance but he vehemently conceded enough is enough.  I was disappointed, I know his stamina wasn't optimized fully and he was capable of greater challenges.

Once, Son was on a treadmill next to a petite teenage girl. He towers over her. They started almost the same time. I caught Son glancing over at her display panel intermittently, checking on the distance she covered, I reckon. When the distance neared 4 km, the girl didn't show any sign of weariness and lethargy.  I could see Son toiling to maintain his pace but determination was written all over his face. I cheered him on mentally.

6 km, the girl was still keeping a steady pace but Son was clearly struggling and shortly, gave up. He shot the girl a side-glance as he alighted from the treadmill, unbelief showing in his eyes.

That was a turning point for him. Guess somebody's ego was badly bruised.....