TJ Beary Hurt

As it turns out, my son is a huge Jackie Chan fan. Although I've not witnessed it personally, my wife has told me that he is usually transfixed when good ol' Jackie does his stuff on TV.

As a Daddy, it is quite the relief to know that he is into the "macho" stuff. It is a bigger relief to know that I wouldn't have to deal with a massive coronary worrying about him showing interest in Barbie dolls over GI Joe action figures.

Anyway, for his first Christmas (in 2006), I came across a loveable toy called TJ Bearytales and having seen it in action, I decided that this was something I must get for our little boy. This is a bear which tells stories and sings in a cute, slightly raspy child-like voice. To make the little fella appear real, TJ (short for Theodore James) Bearytales has some really impressive animatronics - just like the cute, yet life-like characters that are created in Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Here's a video of TJ performing "The Story Box Song".

Since Christmas, TJ became so much a part of our little boy's playtime that he became quite real to us too. We'd watch with facination how TJ would tell stories with so much expression and excitement with our little boy sitting and listening intently. I have even found myself unconsciously asking "How are you today, TJ?" as I pass the toy with his switch in the "off" position.

Last week, my wife brought TJ to me and said that TJ wasn't responding correctly. His mouth no longer moved, his ears no longer wiggled and he started taking his time telling stories with long pauses in between. Suspecting weak batteries, we got new ones and popped them in. It didn't work. I later learnt that our son had put some Jackie Chan moves on the poor little bear and, in my "medical" opinion, has most likely "broken his neck or spine". I felt sad for TJ because he was no longer the same fella we knew and loved.

In my son's defense, TJ was meant to be for kids 3 years or older. So, I guess it is my fault for getting TJ "hurt".

I think our boy sensed that there is something not quite right with his "friend" and these days, appears to be more gentle with him. Over the last few days, I have seen him gently leaning forward and giving TJ a kiss on his nose as TJ goes on about going on a safari or his adventures with a ladybug.

To the guys at Hasbro and Playskool, my hats off to you for making such an adorable toy that always puts a smile on everyone's faces - both young and old.

And I guess I should be grateful that my son hasn't become a fan of the high-pitched, quick talking Chris Tucker - as seen playing Jackie Chan's sidekick in the Rush Hour movie and sequels.

Shutdown Day - The (Horror) Movie

As we cruise into the month of March and the big day gets closer, I am beginning to feel a slight tinge of panic. How do I go a day without my computer and gadgets? They are so much a part of my daily life that the thought of going one whole day (that's 24 whole hours!) without them is daunting.

If you're like me and suffer from separation anxiety, here's some fun things you can do with your laptop without even powering it up.

This video is rated PG - Pitiful Gadgets.

Tears are rolling down my face as I watch this video. *sniff*

Perspective

This is a brilliant video. Enjoy.

The "Ladoo" Shop

For all ya home boys (and home gals?) out there who like kickin' it with 50 cent (that's read "fitty cent" - yeah, get it right if ya wanna hang with The Premsta!), here's a video made by a couple of bruthas out there.

Check it out, dudes and dudettes....



Word...

His Heart Will Go On (Hopefully)

Here's the deal. This young man, after going on a first date, had fallen head over heels for the young lady. And as a sign of his affection, he made this video for her.

Watch (and be severely irked) at your own risk.

Love does make a man do silly things but this fella definitely takes the cake.

Wonder how the damsel of his desire reacted. My guess would be to relocate, beg to be on the witness protection programme and... upload the video on YouTube for the world to see.

Classic Lefty

If you can't remember who Lefty from Sesame Street is, you've got to check this video out.



I love this guy!

Tickle Me Pink

Come on, admit it. We all love Elmo. He's that cute red fuzzy character with the orange nose on Sesame Street. I love Sesame Street. "Can you tell me how to get... how to get to Sesame Street." Don't be shy... sing along.... "Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away...."

Believe it or not, I even have a Tickle Me Elmo toy that was a gift from a friend for my 24th birthday! It is a battery operated plush toy that giggles and laughs when you press his tummy and ends off saying "Oh boy, that tickles!" I can't help laugh along with it. I know... I'm weird.

The "Tickle Me Elmo" designers have taken Elmo a few notches higher. Introducing the Tickle Me Elmo Extreme - TMX. Check this out.



Have I mentioned my birthday is around the corner? *hint*

Year Of The Dog?

Recently, my son has developed a strange "habit". He reaches for his head, grips a clump of his hair and tugs at it really hard. This is, of course, followed by his loud screams. I don't think he knows that he is pulling on his own hair and keeps doing it until one of us moves his hand away.

This dog seems to have a similar "habit".



2006 is the year of the dog, isn't it? Hmmm....

Japanese "Technology"

The Japanese are well known for innovative technology. They are, after all, the first to bring us portable music players like the infamous "Walkman" back in the 70s. This evolved into portable disc players and today, portable MP3 and video players. So, I was not too surprised when I came across this video.

Why was I looking for something like this on the Internet? I've been doing quite a bit of my own ironing these days and I realised that while my ironing skill is average, I am hopeless when it comes to folding t-shirts... and that is putting it mildly.

The video is in Japanese and I am no Pat Morita. But it seems easy enough to follow.

Try it out and let me know how it works out for you. Have fun!!

Cool, isn't it?? I thought so too! :)