I am the walrus

[austin_dern]

Every instructor believes some of his students are from another dimension. My current example is the one who -- permitted to turn his assignment in late -- didn't put it in my mailbox or slide it under my door, but folded it, tucked it in the door handle, and left it all weekend. Who thinks like that?

At least 2,500 people have been caught trying to smuggle eggs into Singapore since poultry imports from Malaysia were banned when bird flu was detected in northern provinces about a month ago. The ban blocks about two-thirds of the three million eggs consumed daily. Oscar, the Food Safety Otter, will review the ban and will possibly allow poultry from southern Malaysia soon.

My supermarket has a dozen (Australian) eggs for S$6.20, about a Big Mac Meal's cost. The Western food kiosk suspended their omelette, French toast, and pancake breakfasts; that was all their breakfasts. So now they sell ... a grilled cheese sandwich, hash brown and sausage, S$1.50. I wonder if you can get maple syrup. The Japanese kiosk suspended chawan mushi, but still has chicken-intensive dishes like oyako don (teriyaki chicken with egg gravy).

To date the poultry shortage hasn't changed my lifestyle. Just lucky, I guess.

Trivia: Henry II, King of England and Normandy, in 1168 suppressed a rebellion (partly) lead by Robert of Silly. Robert was executed, but his brother (and another ringleader) Hugh of Silly survived. Source: Henry II: The Vanquished King, John Tate Appleby.

Currently Reading: The Decline and Fall of the Ottoman Empire, Alan Palmer.

Comments

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

Given how many food items can be economically imported from around the world, it seems a little odd that eggs can't also. Ah well. This is why I'm not an egg millionaire yet, I suppose.

Are the authorities considering a mascot dealing with sexual harassment? Still, at least Oscar's pretty cute (reminds me a little of the pooka in Chynna Clugston-Major's Blue Monday series, come to think of it, but much less flatulent. One supposes), and they're able to vaguely explain his role in the grander scheme of things. And his employment's not limited to the current worries, so he should have a good future in front of him. Have there been any in-person appearances?

Are egg substitutes available locally, or processed eggs? Seems there'd be an instant audience for such. But, as above.

[austin-dern.livejournal.com]

I'm a bit surprised the egg shortage is so severe; we've been hearing about supplemental shipments from Australia and Brazil and the U.S. for weeks now. I can only guess that the worldwide transportable egg market (egg liquidity?) is a lot smaller than one would think, which maybe makes sense ... eggs and milk seem to be dominated by local brands rather than continent-wide chains, for example.

There are egg substitutes, and the supermarkets are trying to direct people toward liquid or powdered eggs, but people seem to be taking them on reluctantly if at all. I'd expect for things like egg gravies it doesn't make a difference, but if one is trying to get a fried egg side to their other dish, it does.

As for Oscar -- unfortunately I think that's the only image of him the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority's had made yet. I haven't seen any actual animations or pictures of him in a different pose. But he gets posters, at least, particularly at shops trying to reassure people they don't have infected chicken for sale.

[chahala.livejournal.com]

Otters, keeping the worlds food supply safe. ":)

Chahala

[terrycloth.livejournal.com]

...by peeing on anything that isn't fit to eat.

[austin-dern.livejournal.com]

Mmmwa! Goodnight, everybody.

Also in questionable animal metaphors is Smiley Squirrel, mascot for the Post Office Savings Bank, which they say they want children to pick up the squirrel's habits of saving. I can think of other squirrel habits they likely do not want children to pick up.

[chefmongoose.livejournal.com]

I've done mailbox and under-the-door slide. But I've seen taped-to-the-door, as well. I suppose the door handle fellow didn;t want it to be missed accidentally. After all, he hasn;t seen in your office, maybe it'd be inditinguishable for papers to slide on the floor inside.

--Chiaroscuro

[austin-dern.livejournal.com]

Taped to the door would make sense, but this was just left loose in the handle. A strong breeze would have knocked it over. I always just slid stuff under the door, maybe in an envelope if it absolutely had to stand out.

There's a nice window in the office door; he couldn't put the thing on my door handle without seeing that my floor, for a wonder, is nice and clear, and I couldn't miss something slid under. I just don't get people.

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

Sorry I can't help ya in the egg department... ^v^
*hugs and wingpatpats yer fur*

[austin-dern.livejournal.com]

Ah, it's all right. I'd feel so weird taking the eggs of a guy I knew anyway.

[chefmongoose.livejournal.com]

I'd feel strange taking the eggs of any guy. I thought the hens did that.

--Chiaroscuro

[austin-dern.livejournal.com]

Exactly; when it comes to male's eggs I take a hens-off policy.

Oh!

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

*chuckles n wags*
Okay then... if I can find some for ya from someone you *don't* know, you'll be gettin' a call ^v^

Re: Oh!

[austin-dern.livejournal.com]

Exactly! That's a good birdie.