and as such again...

Then there is the instant chat messaging, one that has indeed revolutionized the way communication is today. Conversations takes place in a real-time environment, where thoughts and feelings is conveyed through typefaces and fonts. How has that taken away the true meaning of communication, conversation and emotions? "Emoticons" are varying and come in a vast variety today, that in order to communicate a more effective way of typing, or simply just saying that i am "sad", or "really happy", and even "really really frustated". How's that for one to emote?

I have had my fair share of instant communications with peers and strangers alike over the internet, all that did well, of course, in sending and conveying real-time information. But i went through a hiatus of not using the instant messaging programs for over a month just recently, and slowly i began to see again, "communication" in the true sense of the word, that indeed communication has more value, and that it's real. You would spend time calling up someone to talk over the phone, and ending up having a better conversation, because you can hear the other person smile, you can hear the other person laugh, or you can even tell whether the person is having a good day or not. It surely has not been counter-intuitive like many of these communication programs have done for us. You find more pride in calling your friends now, because you know these friends didn't exist on your "MSN" buddies list, nor your email address book, but simply because they are your friends, and you actually bothered to call them, or vice versa.

But of course, nothing should beat a face-front conversation over a good cup of tea or an evening beer over a meal. Lately nobody sends flowers to anyone's house anymore, because you can now send a real-time 2kb red red flower that comes out prettier than a rose itself, or park an alien in front of your face. So really while at the same time, all these technologies serves a great purpose, i think communication has moved in another direction, contradicting itself in the very least. Then of course, you know the friends you see on a regular basis, are friends to stay. Take out all the emailing, take out the instant messenger, take out the chat-rooms, and the mobile sms and you will know what i mean.

and as such

Of course, there are some things we cannot do without, any days these days, as some businesses are running almost entirely on electronic communications. From real-time face to face conversation with anyone who has a computer and a webcam, to some of these technologies that is shrinking too, as you can virtually do most anything with just a state-of-the-art mobile phone, with integrated music, email, cam, chat and browsing functionalities. But something that just came upon me a little while ago, while reflecting on my daily course of work is that, while all these electronic capabilities seeks to enhance our mobile communication capabilities whereever we go. From a business point of view, it's great. We save a great amount of time, hassle and manpower. But at the same time, on a much deeper social level, i think while it's great having conversations with anyone anytime, or even to send a sms note just saying "i love you". I think that relationships has exists on a much higher but superficial level, as do alot of friendships can be simply based out of convenience. You meet a friend, simply because it's convenient. There wouldn't be a need for a verbal invitation, just text someone when you're bored, and soon an answer will come from someone, "sure, let's meet up!", and there you go, off to meet someone simply because it was "convenient". You wonder if you really wanted to see that person in the first place, and does good old charm still exists in asking someone out for even a cup of coffee. But of course, i cannot debase any honest to goodness friendships and relationships that still exists out there as we speak.

let's move on

Well enough about displeasures about these folks from nowhere. Let us come to something more interesting. Let's perhaps talk about how Singapore is slowing transforming itself into a wider culture. We have come from a very humble beginning, from a small little port-of-call to today's thriving, robust economy. While all that is happening, our society at large begins to transcend itself too. From a grazed, conservative culture, that once frowns upon frivolity of any sorts, have come to contradict itself in many different ways, as we are definitely spoilt for choices, whether when it comes to leisure likeeating, drinking, shopping, travel and dating any members of the opposite sex. I say, in many ways we are truly privileged to be living in this land we call home, but at the same time, it's transmuting the younger generation. Of course, when we come to talk about how the younger generation has evolved from our then old days, where communications were effective just as if the girl gave you a time to call her home when her parents were not home, and the gleams on our faces when we got our first pager our parents bought for us. We had power then. Being pagered(can anyone still remember their first pager number), and returning calls from public phones was just a cool thing to do. Still then, communication then was effective and pleasurable. It never broke anyone up(although some couples did). Then came "Zone Phones", to mobiles phones, came into play. The world becomes more connected. Anyone was just a ring away, where-ever you are. Come dial-up modems and Windows NT technology that has brought the world even closer together, and now with broadband at ever-increasing speeds, i must say, the world has never been so inter-connected together before, and even as we speak, we are still getting closer. But, but have we ever realise, or even come to contemplate whether there is any backlash from all these technologies impending?

nouveau lah

I'm sorry, but i simply do not bear any respect for these snots (save for the man who brings the bread and butter home), who's got no social grace, courtesy nor candor. The traditionally rich knows discretion, they believe in humility, and they look just like us, amongst us and is comfortable with who they are (or is just simply distinct without trying so), and just as do the lesser-endowed classes. But it's often these earlier folks(their wives) i spoke about, that often are seen in the public or overseas as the degrading Singaporeans who often looks down on others less fortunate, and it's obvious. Tell me, how many of us out there truly know the virtues of wearing a plain white t-shirt? (okay, fair enough, it's a Gap t-shirt)

nouveau or not?

contd......

With their newfound wealth and status, you realize their voice volume jumps fivefold, and gold trinkets with diamonds flashing from every parts of their bodies conceivable (their wives). Mercedes (mistress car) and loud hand-phones becomes indispensable. Credits cards aplenty. Complaints abound, and they are the ones trying to get the best and often the most ridiculous discounts in, say... a thrift shop? (the wives) Also forever trying to get their kids into the best schools, and comparing overseas education. All these forms the new class of our society, where face value takes the most importance. But sure, as long as i remain unmarried, i do look forward to red packets on Chinese new year from these folks. I don't have anything to complain about. Their daughters do "look" better too, simply if not just pretentious. Well there we go of course, in order to date girls from these "nouveau-riche" class, one must not take the bus, or shouldn't have the food-court as an ideal venue for a dinner date. (and while i say all these, i am referring to the wives, leave the men aside, they worked hard. It is the wives, only the wives i am talking about here)

Nouveau?

On the other hand, as the economy grows better and more robust year by year. We are faced with a new class of socialites. Let's just call them the "nouveau-riche'. A new class of folks (whose wives) emerged from the stigmas and strangles of their own previous middle or minimum class group into a better class, with their newfound wealth and status, who some, from either marriage into the upper-class, or from struggling businesses. Or even a deceased insurance's payout. Now this "very special" group of folks (their wives) will largely be the ones you see complaining at hotel buffets, airliners and new condo showrooms. Shoving a heck whenever possible. I'm not discriminating against anybody in particular, but really, if you know who these "nouveau-riche" are(the quiet ones aside), you agree with me that they are in fact, who everyone has been talking about, Singaporeans behaving unruly overseas (their wives), and even here in our own little land-space.
To be contd....

as it is...

So perhaps, we come now to our society at large. As not being a adept sociologist myself, i still do enjoy people-watching from all walks of life, whereever i am, and saying unembarassed greetings to overworked, and home-remininscing foreign workers from third world countries randomly. Previous attempts in writing humor has led me to a greater understanding of myself, that i can indeed be a vile young little asshole. But vileness aside, i think we do need to show more respect towards the less fortunate. Being all blessed and pampered in our Singaporean society, we nevertheless do take things for granted sometimes. We become more selfish, and calculative towards our very own disposition very often.

10 rejection lines given by Women (and what they actually mean) i think we all heard this one

10. I think of you as a brother.
(You remind me of that inbred banjo-playing geek in "Deliverance.")

9. There's a slight difference in our ages.
(You are one Jurassic geezer.)

8. I'm not attracted to you in 'that' way.
(You are the ugliest dork I've ever laid eyes upon.)

7. My life is too complicated right now.
(I don't want you spending the whole night or else you may hear phone calls from all the other guys I'm seeing.)

6. I've got a boyfriend.
(Who's really my male cat and a half gallon of Ben and Jerry's.)

5. I don't date men where I work.
(Hey, bud, I wouldn't even date you if you were in the same 'solar system', much less the same building.)

4. It's not you, it's me.
(It's not me, it's you.)

3. I'm concentrating on my career.
(Even something as boring and unfulfilling as my job is better than dating you.)

2. I'm celibate.
(I've sworn off only the men like you.)

1. Let's be friends.
(I want you to stay around so I can tell you in excruciating detail about all the other men I meet and have sex with.)

Things you can only say on Christmas

1. I prefer breasts to legs.
2. If I don’t undo my trousers, I’ll burst.
3. Spread the butter all over the breasts.
4. I’ve never seen a more inviting spread.
5. I’m in the mood for a little dark meat.
6. Are you ready for seconds yet?
7. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.
8. Just wait your turn, you’ll get some.
9. It’s a little dry, but still edible.
10. Don’t play with your meat.
11. Stuff it up between the legs as far as it will go.
12. Do you think you’ll be able to handle all these people?
13. You still have a little bit on your chin.
14. I didn’t expect everyone to come at the same time.
15. How long will it take after you put it in?
16. You’ll know it’s ready when it pops up.
17. Just pull the end and wait for the bang.
18. That’s the biggest bird I’ve ever had.
19. I’m full already. I’ve been gobbling nuts all morning.
20. Wow! I didn’t think I could handle all that and still want more.

A lust for love

So my point in making all these statements, i have a vision of this world growing with a fervour for true love, while at the same time, not dispensing away with our lust. It could be a very contradictory statement to make, if not idealistic, but let's try think on that note. For this has, in certain ways made me the person that i am today. (albeit a people-loving, tree-hugging and grass-rolling keen inquisitor sometimes) Spread all that good loving with a lust for it!

on certain proclivities...

A little bit on sexual proclivities, as we all know that the proverbial rule-of-thumb saying that goes "sex always sells", no matter where you are. Well as a healthy virile young man, all those sordid fantasies still remains in my head 90 times a day? But still i don't believe there's anything bad with it, unless of course, we cross the lines with our morals and actions. But i still reckon that such sexual endurances and pervasion does bring us a certain kind of energy that we sort of make use of in our daily lives. On that note perhaps, i think if we are able to clearly define lust, only then should we pronounce love. While some's trying to make sense of that, perhaps let's just say we cannot simply use love as an excuse for lust. As many would have already known, many modern relationships these days fail simply because there wasn't a foundation of friendship to begin with. Many have began with lust, as a metaphor for love. For the other partner, if we are able to furnish ourselves with lust for lust, and love for love, i still think less hearts will be broken, if they knew on what note they begin form, and not to confuse the latter for the former. So as one could always try, is simply identifying love and lust to be two separate entities, as i think it helps us form better relationships as a whole, whether it's simply desire for a member of the opposite sex, or actually getting down to loving someone better. I feel we can improve ourselves and our bearings towards others. But sure, if one can find love through lust, then of course, there's no one but only yourself to stop you.

so it is...

Perhaps i could start off a little about myself. Just your typical day-to-day average Singaporean, a quarter century of age, battling compulsive problem-drinking, and useless hours on the internet. But as always finding it delightful in the company of pleasurable female counterparts, but of course still maintaining a healthy cohort of testosterone-driven mates, always on the hunt for a good meal with good company, am just largely a gin drinker, a pipe-smoker measured with some healthy amounts of beer drudgery, while still trying to work on an online publication for a wow-ing someone, that teaches men etiquette in dating members of the opposite sex. With that, i often think myself as being every lady's man out there, but also a people's person of course. But these days i really still find myself deviating from my course of writing this publication, as i put my theory into practice. (look who's talkin')

one small lick

To see the World in a grain of sand


And Heaven on a wild flower


To hold Infinity on the palm of your hand


And Eternity in an hour

the question still follows..

I am a freelance copywriter, as well as a language counsellor for a local education group, but that in no way left me with any answer as to how this blogging expedition should begin. Of course, i'm not looking for any claim to fame, i have had my very own fair share of that in my personal and social life, and i'm not one who's going to be sharing every details of my daily routines, what i did, who pissed me off and how i shat brown today. Let's see

it follows again

Then looking at popular food-bloggers like Chubby Hubby himself, one could be impelled to start reviewing our culinary tastebuds and expeditions, as one could really be popular that way too. But then again, i think he does it so good, so i'm not going to walk that way. So that leaves me back to my own question, in what context should i begin my blogging expedition?

as it follows...

So, here i am, wondering about my first blog entry. Wondering in what context should it be. But of course, i blog to entertain myself, as well as those who would take interest in my otherwise belligerent rantings. But in any case, i endeavor to blog as conservatively as possible, as well as wanting to present different facets on the ever-changing world of the Internet. I would stay out of local goverment's politics, as one would have learned, that it will not really get us anywhere in this country, for it serves us nothing but perhaps futility at its best judiciously. Well, for any "politically-correct" statements i could make inadvertently along the way, sure, i could make some fellow supporters who shares the same views, or otherwise i could make enemies along the way. It could go both ways, but the endpoint is square.

as it is...

I have heard of a few local popular bloggers, namely Wendy Cheng, a.k.a Xiaxue, Miss Izzy and Mia, just to name a few. I was watching some quiet TV at home one night, when the television series took place, titled "GirlsOutLoud". Largely a series made of a few mediocre I.T introductions, and lessons on picking up girls like themselves, which really leaves much to be desired. After watching two episodes so far, i must say it certainly needs more "brain" value in enriching this show, for otherwise it simply is quite rather mindless, in its unequivocal attempt in freshening up our otherwise drab local television programs. For it's just about two girls making their way out there, introducing us random little snippets of dating etiquettes, I.T technology and trends, as well as a few mindless banters about what's hot, and what's not. Let's just say, it's little girls out there going about their ways, and making caustic remarks about each and other's personal appearances, also coming from remarks set about in their daily bloggings, and now on local television. So at the same time it also led me to wonder about the quality and the "blog" value of their curious mindsets. If not, simply their personal rants on local politics, fashion, rivals and trends. While at the same time, trying to reflect on their own uncanny ways of looking at this society. So i guess that largely painted a picture for me as to what blogging is really all about. There really is not an endpoint in blogging. While some rather more incensed bloggers take it upon themselves to furnish every single little details about their daily on-abouts. Wa-wa-wee...interesting innit? Do we really want to know?

My first drop

This shall my very first attempt in blogging. Come this date, I still haven't figured out the point of blogging at all. But guess it's a way for us lonely writers to be heard out there in this virtual world. I have had encouragements and support from friends for me to actually start blogging on the web, as many have read some of my mindless banters and writings in the journal of my thoughts-logging, as well as a literary respite to get away from the ordinary. Some of them humorous, and some on a more serious note, either which way, i do take upon a serious self-view to further improve my literary soul with an old-nosed will.