Fabulista Adores: A Valediction Forbidding Mourning

AS virtuous men pass mildly away,
And whisper to their souls to go,
Whilst some of their sad friends do say,
"Now his breath goes," and some say, "No."

So let us melt, and make no noise,
No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move ;
'Twere profanation of our joys
To tell the laity our love.

Moving of th' earth brings harms and fears ;
Men reckon what it did, and meant ;
But trepidation of the spheres,
Though greater far, is innocent.

Dull sublunary lovers' love
—Whose soul is sense—cannot admit
Of absence, 'cause it doth remove
The thing which elemented it.

But we by a love so much refined,
That ourselves know not what it is,
Inter-assurèd of the mind,
Care less, eyes, lips and hands to miss.

Our two souls therefore, which are one,
Though I must go, endure not yet
A breach, but an expansion,
Like gold to aery thinness beat.

If they be two, they are two so
As stiff twin compasses are two ;
Thy soul, the fix'd foot, makes no show
To move, but doth, if th' other do.

And though it in the centre sit,
Yet, when the other far doth roam,
It leans, and hearkens after it,
And grows erect, as that comes home.

Such wilt thou be to me, who must,
Like th' other foot, obliquely run ;
Thy firmness makes my circle just,
And makes me end where I begun.

Fabulista Has: So Much to Say...

 
So much
Lying out there
Lying in the wind
Lying in the dessert, barren land
Tried to reach out
Swept and scorched by the merciless sun
Eyes seared by the brightness
Blinded by the light
With too much to see

Absence of light
Tried to say
How much is appreciated
But the wind swept it away
Buried in the dessert, blizzard snow
Tried to stay
Frozen and lost in the unending cold
Mouth bitten and numb
With nothing left to say

- fabulista

Fabulista Wishes: The Newly Weds Well

for the beautiful couple

turning to a new page

stepping into a new chapter

for a beautiful journey ahead

congratulations...!

Fabulista Cannot: Sleep

Can't sleep. Am totally freaking out. Is now 1:30 in the morning and am supposed to get up at 6:30. Is no joke going to a new place of work. Experts have claimed is absolutely one of most stressful event in person's life - second only to death of a close one and moving house. So am totally entitled to be in freak mode.

Am suppose to wake up in 5 hours time... but am too nervous even to shut my eyes. Am so totally unsure of what is going to happen next... aurgh... what can't everyone be clairvoyant or whatever ability it is that allows one to peer into the future...

Right, am being paranoid, but it doesn't mean I am wrong... maybe everything will turn out fine... maybe... fingers crossed.

Fabulista : The ACM Wallet

Finally, a wallet to help those who perennially overstuff their wallets into a chiropractor's nightmare...

 

 

Fabulista Discusses: Layering

As promised in a previous post, this is a discussion with tips on how to layer scents. Why do we need to layer our scents? Layering, as the term suggests, reveals the subtle but important layers of a fragrance. It is what separates the sophisticated urban fragrance user to the generic one who simply splashes on the aftershave or cologne that’s on the bathroom shelf. More importantly, layering a scent extends the tenacity of a fragrance, reducing the need to lug a glass bottle around even when one is on a half-day-about-town trip.

First, we start with clean skin. In the shower, preferably warm, as it opens the pores for better infusion of scents, use a fragrance-neutral shower gel or perfumed shower gel to gently exfoliate with a buff or sponge. Dead skin cells hinder the infusion of the actual EDT and should be eradicated as much as possible. Also, if one is using a perfumed shower product, it should be the same as the EDT. Complementary scented showers are for the experts only. You don’t want to risk the possibility of smelling like a hospital – imagine pine soap with sweet geranium notes. Not a good thing.

Next, moisturise thyself. Fragrance products adhere best and last longest on hydrated skin. In fact, there are oil based perfumes available for people with severe dry skin. For the rest of us who stick to alcohol based products, keep the body moisturised with unscented or same-line perfumed body lotion. As with before, complementary scented lotions are for experts only.

Finally, your body is ready to wear the fragrance. Remember, you are supposed to wear the scent, NOT the other way around. It is not ideal when people know you are in the midst... from a mile away. To make sure the latter does not occur, use this two-step method:

1. Cloud: produce a fragrance cloud with three to four spritz of the EDT into air and walk into it, allowing the vapours to douse itself on your body.
2. Pulse points: spritz on ONE of these two areas, neck OR wrist.

Resist the urge to spritz fragrance on clothes. Perfume evaporates quickly from fabric and without any skin chemistry reaction, the resulting sillage can be a dull, one-dimension fragrance. Besides, some fabric reacts with the alcohol carrying the fragrance to leave an ugly stain – not desirable.

Here’s a final tip. Most fragrances fade and do not last a whole day. Recharge if necessary after every 6 – 8 hours depending on tenacity of fragrance. Do this well (it really is simpler than it sounds) and you’d have people turning heads as you walk; the greatest compliment is when some stranger comes up to you and asks, “You smell great! What are you wearing…?” without a hint or sarcasm.

Fabulista On: The Rise of the A-Gay

They're smarter, sexier, and far more successful than you'll ever be. And they definitely don't speak with a lisp. Meet America's new ruling class—the Alpha Gays.

by Mike Albo
(abstract from Details)

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Last month, sailing off the southern tip of Capri, a group of men including a prominent Manhattan gallerist and a former pro soccer player made for quite the postcard. In fact, the scene was more like a glossy advertisement for an expensive chronographic timepiece: As the 42-foot Norwegian yacht tacked into the wind, the rugged master-of-the-universe types scrambled to adjust the jib. To the casual observer, they appeared to be active men of means on some kind of luxury bonding excursion. And they were. But they also happened to be homosexual.

Make way for the A-gays. Moneyed, successful, educated, and comfortable in their own skin, they're fast becoming the new archetype of cosmopolitan masculinity. The urban man's man. They don't own yappy miniature dogs or time-shares in Fort Lauderdale; they own Labradors and four-bedroom summer homes in Sag Harbor. Instead of cruising in gay clubs, they jet to Gstaad or the TED conference, and party at Sundance with Zooey Deschanel. They don't want to be part of any kind of closeted group or velvet mafia. Their Savile Row suits are impeccable (A-gays tend to go custom rather than buying off the rack), and they furnish their homes with collectible pieces by designers like Claude Lalanne. They drive to Krav Maga class in Lexus hybrids and read four newspapers a day, including the Wall Street Journal, because they're bosses and entrepreneurs, not employees. Often athletic, they're never steroid queens. And they can pull off having much-younger boyfriends without looking creepy. Artists and photographers approach them with new works. Charity committees beg them to cohost their benefits and sit on their boards—and they have portfolios of philanthropic interests that aren't just gay- or AIDS-related. Some, like one couple in New York City, a lawyer and a chef, aren't just avid operagoers, they're benefactors. Others travel in Wasp circles.

What they're not are the guys running around in torn jeans and leopard-print tops telling women what not to wear. "They have actual power that even straights can't deny," says one veteran of the New York-Los Angeles power-gay media scene, "and usually an imposing sense of style and grooming." A-gays supplant the prevailing media cliché: those irrepressible reality makeover icons, style experts, and fashion minions who have thrived throughout the naughts. They are the antitheses of the Carson Kressleys and Steven "Kojo" Cojocarus—they don't want to talk about how to hide your chunky sister's hips or brighten up a bedroom with colorful pillows. They will never say "Just wear it with a belt!" They own the company that manufactures the belts.

Even those A-gays with kids are able to find the time to perfect themselves, becoming the healthier, more stylish, more popular version of you that might have been. The cultural barriers that once held them back have largely eroded, but instead of waving rainbow flags, they maintain a subtle privacy about their sexuality. Out but not loud, proud but discreet, they transcend gayness in much the same way that Barack Obama is said to have transcended race.

"A-gays mark measurable societal progress," says Laura Gilbert, editor of the pop-culture website lemondrop.com. "People can now be out without being expected to swish. It's the Neil Patrick Harris/Portia de Rossi brand of gay."

Those of a certain pedigree have a tendency to stick together, and A-gays are no different. While they don't shun B-gays or C-gays, they tend to move in rarefied circles, and are apt to be found at upscale restaurants among their straight peers—not at bars with names like Rawhide. For the most part, they have opted out of the gay scene and its social networks and eschew the theme parties and bathhouses of the lower castes. They also steer clear of the typical pink vacation destinations; you will not catch an A-gay shirtless in South Beach or at a foam party in Mykonos.

"My favorite A-gay has to be dragged to gay bars," says Gilbert, adding that she sees the breed as a unique torment to straight women: "At first when we meet one, we feel a glimmer of hope for the existence of funny, charming, debonair, clean-shaven men. Soon, though, the reality sinks in."

But for straight men, the A-gay is even more confusing. The average guy might have a gay friend or two, but they rarely represent a challenge to his heterosexuality. The A-gay's success—with personal style, in business, with friends—has a gravitational pull. Often straight guys hope that some of that A-gayness will rub off on them and, before you know it, they've developed a man crush. And that's when their wives start giving them looks.

Fabulista Gets: Insomnia

Craig's latest single Insomnia receives a wonderful production with an updated sound. Although, I have to admitted it does sound a lot like Ne-Yo's Closer (especially at the chorus). Nevertheless, a thoroughly enjoyable song...

Fabulista Thinks: She's None the Wiser...

Fabulista Yays: McAvoy, Blunt Are Gnomeo & Juliet

As my regular readers know from my previous posts here and there, I am such a fan of James McAvoy! With The Last Station in post-production, read on to find out what the beautiful actor is up to these days...

---

E! Online - What's in a name? Well, James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are about find out, as they're in talks to lend their voices to the title roles of Gnomeo and Juliet, a 'tooned-up version of the Bard's tragedy from Miramax and Elton John's Rocket Pictures.

Even with its comic, computer-generated spin, Gnomeo is a garden-variety adaptation of Shakespeare...sort of.

McAvoy and Blunt will play two star-crossed gnomes, whose love for each other is complicated by the fact that they're from opposite sides of the veggie patch.

Kate Winslet was tapped two years ago to voice Juliet, but she was forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.

Producers originally hoped to secure Oscar-winning lyricist Tim Rice, who teamed with Sir Elton on the score for The Lion King, to write original tunes for Gnomeo. But now, per the Hollywood Reporter, it looks like the film will mainly feature a number of John's classic tunes ("Don't Go Breaking My Heart," "Sad Songs" or "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues," perhaps?). John might still write a couple of new tracks for the flick.

The Rocket Man will also coproduce the film, which his company originally pitched to Walt Disney Feature Animation and later Pixar, both of which passed. Disney chairman Dick Cook saved the day, however, resurrecting Gnomeo for the studio's Miramax specialty division last year. It's now slated for a 2010 release.

Fabulista Hisses: About 'The Hobbit' postponed until 2012.

Digital Spy - Lord Of The Rings prequel The Hobbit has been postponed until 2012, WENN has claimed.

The movie, to be released in two parts, was due to shoot in New Zealand this winter but has reportedly had its start date shifted to 2010, resulting in the release being pushed back to 2012.

Guillermo del Toro will direct the fantasy epic, with Lord Of The Rings trilogy helmer Peter Jackson serving as producer.

Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis are expected to reprise their roles as Gandalf and Gollum respectively.

---

Fabulista is thinking, "what!? no pretty gay elves...?!" *exasperated, indignant...*

Fabulista Wonders: What on Earth...?

I know the Japanese are avant garde and all that, but the description of this product is just BEYOND me...

What on earth are you suppose to make of this...

"It's a cupping in the anxious part. Let's beautifully tighten the body."

 

 

I don't know about  you, but I do not want to cup anything, anywhere on my body... ESPECIALLY when it is or I am anxious, no matter how beautiful the results promise to be... eee...

Fabulista Considers: About Dreams and Reality...

At the WTS, I was once asked, "You are so fabulous...". My trainees understand that a flattery is mandatory before I even consider acceding to their request. It's terrible when it falls flat; I can sense insincerity from a mile away. In this case, it's true, I am fabulous beyond words... mortal ones anyway.

"You must know what it's like to be in love." I glared at the enquirer, incensed at the possible  insinuations, daring an exposition before I decide on a suitable death ray.

"I mean... how do you know when you are...?".

Tchee! Such trivia, such... silliness!

But on reflection, there is some validity to the question even if it is trivial. Indeed, how does one know...? So many people go through life without ever searching for it. Some try to philosophise about it. Others write songs about it.

I know of some who hope to find it, thinking about how it could be, should be or even might be for them. Some of them end up spending their lives ever thinking, dreaming about it. Perhaps then, for these thinkers and dreamers, the answer to knowing when they find it, lies within their search for it.

In their ever searching and ever dreaming, perhaps they know that they have found their love when they find it difficult to fall asleep, or even unwilling to fall asleep.

They feel so because for the first time, their reality is much better than what they've been dreaming about...

---

Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd a way!

Beautifil dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng,
Beautiful dreamer awake unto me!

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea
Mermaids are chaunting the wild lorelie;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.

Beautiful dreamer, beam of my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Stephen Foster (1826-64)

Fabulista Refuses: Her Mess...

I have often stressed to my circle of fabulous friends, how important it is to speak properly. This is especially so if you represent a particular organisation. What's worse than an inability to communicate fluently in the service (or indeed, any) line? In my opinion , it's actually mispronouncing that particular organisation's name...

As mentioned in an earlier blog, I have fallen in love with Hermes fragrances. Terre d'Hermes is one of them and Orange Verte being the other. After shopping around town for the product, I thought I'd see if I can get it at a shop, famous for selling discounted toiletries. For ease of reference, let's call it Zaza.

"My I hep chew..."

I ducked, thinking that someone was going to sneeze into my face. Instead, what I saw was an earnest, albeit heavily made up visage in front of me. Talk about a rude shock! Isn't there a convention or guideline on how much makeup a person can put on before it hits the legal limit? If there is, I am sure it is way before the product starts to cake.

"Oh... erm... do you have Hermes fragrances...?"

Blank stare from the promoter...

"Hermes...?"

"Huh...?". Pause. "Oh, you mean her mess...?

My turn to get wide eyes.

"No sorry, we don't carry her mess..."

Faster than you can make up a toilet joke, I was out of the shop, stifling an all out laugh fest.

Fabulista Inspired: By Dr Seuss...

A person’s a person

No matter how small

A person’s a person

No matter how tall

A person’s a person

No matter what they do

A person’s a person

Even when they’re not like you!

Fabulista Awed: Not Sure How to React... *snigger snigger*

Here's the raw footage of the incident (AP)

Here's Bush trying to give it a spin...

Oh please! Georgie, give it a rest already, YOU are the one getting dizzy trying to make a positive spin out of that one. The world on the other hand is sniggering...

But honestly, I think it is waste of a pair of good shoe... I certainly hope it wasn't a pair of Ferragamo or Tod's... the cow would have died in vain...

Fabulista Enjoys: A Good Laugh...

Here's Justin and Beyonce hamming it up on SNL... farh-nee...!

Fabulista Loves: People who Makes Scents...

Ever since I discovered Terre d'Hermès, I have fallen in love with it. Then I discovered the creator of the scent is behind the exclusive range of fragrances in Hermès - the Hermessences as well as the garden series "Un Jardin".

I have always loved Hermès newer fragrances. A whiff of it and you can immediately tell; they are quiet sophistication bottled. It is subtle yet present, beautiful and elegant, minimalist but rich. In a word - marvelous.

You know the fragrances, now meet the man; or as they are known in the industry, le nez, Monsieur Jean Claude Ellena...

Fabulista Congratulates: The Fabulous Couple

It's the culmination of one chapter of their lives and the beginning of another.

All the best dah-links! Even if the road ahead is a roller coaster ride, remember the ups will always be worth it while the downs make the journey a thrill!

Congratulations!!

Fabulista Forgot: To Ask...

It was wonderful - the fun, the laughter, the joy and everything else. But in the midst of all the jollity, something slipped all our minds - what happens when the laughter stops and we run out of jokes and the lights go out when the party's over?

We should've asked those questions, we should have considered them. Now that the lights are out and the fun is over, there is nothing to say and do. Nothing more to say to each other.

We forgot to ask...and now it's too late.

Even for goodbye...

Fabulista Loves: Phonography.

Not gonna mince my words. I love phonography, the technology that sends vibrations up and down my spine. I love the heat, I love the buzz of the fabulous fax, the tweeter of senseless violins and gratuitous sax. I love it on a platter, spinning round and round and round.

Not gonna apologise for my fetish, obsession, addiction; whatever you may call it. I love the different intensity, vibrate mode, jingle mode, extended *69. Whatever it is, just gimme a buzz.

Fabulista Zones: At Kwala...

Breeze. Light. Friends. Laughter.

Fabulista Says: It All Came True with You

"I wish you a happy birthday, baby", Yan said.

"Thanks, baby..." Bren replied and turned towards Yan.

They held each other, foreheads touching and under a midnight sky, accompanied by a million sparkling celestial diamonds.

"Make a wish!" Yan encouraged and continued chirpily "It's customary...!"

Bren looked up at Yan and recounted a memory from childhood, "I've always had a list of ten wishes I carried with me while growing up..."

Bren unfolds a yellowed piece of paper from his jacket. On the paper, was a list in handwriting that ranged from childish to mature script:

1. always be happy;
2. always choose wisdom;
   
3. have something to look forward to every new day;
4. have something to look forward to every night;
5. hold something pure at least once;
6. behold the most breathtaking view in the world;
7. to know what's real and what's not;
8. always be able to tell the difference;
   
9. find contentment in life;
10. find the love of a lifetime.
    

"Then I found you..."

"You are my number ten that helps me find all my other nine..."

Yan understood.

They held each other tight, embrace by the night, warm with the radiance of streetlights, cloaked by a sky with a million sparkling delight.

Their lips found each other as their hearts found each other.

Fabulista Adores: Terre d'Hermès for Men

I can tell you about the component fragrance of Hermès' latest eau de toilette for men - vegetable and mineral juice, orange (specifically for Hermès by Albert Vieille), grapefruit, flint, pepper, bay rose, geranium, patchouli, benzoin and vetiver with Atlas cedar as its central note.

But that is underselling this fine product.

Each breath of Terre is pure terracotta - the colour and the element. Layers of fruity spicy and woody scents reveal themselves progressively and simultaneously to create the ultimate fragrance that is at once clean and crisp as it is enveloping and sophisticated.

It transports you to an orchard of Seville oranges with cedar wood smoldering in the background. It is as delicious as it is smoky. The scent is a wonderfully earthy masculine concoction for the modern, urban male - sexy; sensual; confident.

Terre d'Hermès televsion campaign

Fabulista Feels: Confused.

Went down to a private preview of Zegna sale in town today in the shopping heart of the sunny island set in the sea.

There was a massive, if short lived jam, caused by a ridiculously proportioned limousine, which raised both temperatures and cab fares. I was told by my driver that the king of the state up north is paying the mall a visit. Apparently, he is being driven in that aforementioned crazy vehicle.

Strange... I thought.

If your kingdom is "Truly Asia" and "bagus" (bahasa for 'good' or 'excellent') as you put it, why come down here for your shopping? I am sure the small island is grateful to you for stimulating its economy, but shouldn't you be helping yours first (Fabulista in an altruistic mode)?

Unless, hmm, dare I venture, being truly Asia means there are no western designer goods available (except Jim Thompson and Jimmy Choo?) or perhaps being 'bagus' does not include descent shopping places?

But I am just truly guessing, of course...

Fabulista Discusses: Fragrancing

Do not ignore this. It is a vital part of refine grooming. Fragrance may be the last bit of accessory one puts on before meeting the world at large, but it is the world's first impression of you. And this happens on a daily basis.

Therefore, the point that is being driven here is; one does not want to the world to meet you gushing with the redolence of antiseptic pine soap. Not that there is anything wrong with pine as an aroma; apart from the friendly GP a the family clinic down the street, one does want to layer that singularly astringent note (perhaps with cedar and a touch of bergamot and geranium).

Selecting a fragrance suitable for the self is not rocket science. However, it is critical to choose the right one; also remember this - every individual skin chemistry is unique. What smells like the air of spring after a shower on your best mate might be the pong of dead rat on you. Fragrances are highly personal, so DO NOT buy one without trying it on your skin or worse, because someone tells you to do so (girlfriend, boyfriend, promoter at the mall, mum, dad... you get the picture).

An artist always start on a clean canvas in a room with good light; one should begin one's selection in the day, preferably morning, when your olfactory senses are at its sensitive and selective peak. Do so only after a good (non-fragranced) shower. You do not want any residual smell on your skin that may affect the ACTUAL smell of the fragrance on you.

Decide on the mood/impression/feeling you want the fragrance to speak about you. That is usually the impression you want to deliver about yourself. Communicate this with the sales person where necessary and possible.

Patience is a virtue. Smell the one's that appeal to you; either by name, design of bottle, description of fragrance etc, etc. Pick up the cap and have a whiff. DO NOT spray first. Chances are, if you do like the scent as it is on the cap, you would not like the fragrance. Period. Spraying the perfume then would affect the rest of the choices one may sample later and it is wise to minimise that.

When you come across a particular concoction that stands a chance ask for a sprayed sample on a stick of paper. They are readily available at the counter. If they do not even stock that, walk away immediately, do not look back. However, if you like what you smell on the sample blotter, it is still important to have it on your skin and see how the fragrance reacts to your skin chemistry - remember the unique skin chemistry theory? Your skin is DEFINITELY different to the paper.

Let the fragrance have a chance to work with you. This is a good time to talk about the layers of a fragrance. A typical fragrance begins with the head note; this is what you smell the first thing the fragrance is released. It is usually the lightest and lasts the shortest time.

As it warms to your skin, the heart note is released. Depending on your skin chemistry, temperature and metabolism, this might take 10 to 15 minutes to develop.

Finally, when all the layers have been exposed and revealed, we are left with the base notes; this is the layer that reveals itself last and will be the one that stays with you throughout the rest of the day. So it is important that one is REALLY comfortable with it.

From the head note to the base, it may a couple of hours, factor dependent (skin temperature, ambient temperature, metabolic rate, etc) for the fragrance to fully develop and bloom on you, so in reiteration, patience is a virtue.

Greed, on the other hand, is not. As mentioned earlier, our impression of a fragrance is influenced by the ones we experienced earlier. So, less is more - do not try more than two at once (three if you have no choice). Also, do not be shy to ask for coffee grounds to help you neutralise your olfactory senses - you breathe (not drink) in the coffee aroma. This has a cleansing effect on your nasal palate.

Finally, you've made you choice. Next comes the dilemma of purchasing. Should we go for bulk order or retail portions? Fragrances, preserved in alcohol will lose its potency within six months to a year. In hot and humid climate, this is reduced considerably. So decide based on the amount you'd use within that time frame. The smaller denomination is usually a wiser choice, so is storing the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight - all enemies of fragrances. That makes the bathroom the worse place to store them and the closet one of the best.

There you go! You are now ready to hit the mall to select a fragrance that announces to the world, "GET READY FOR ME!!". Have fun!

Next instalment: how to layer your fragrance.

Fabulista Supposes: Culture can be Ordinary

Culture is both a product and a way of life. It surrounds us and is us from the moment we open our eyes. Since is such an intrinsic part of us, it makes sense that it should be ordinary. In that sense, Williams is right, it should be ordinary in the sense that it should be accessible to all and everyone.

However, one cannot discount the relevance of Leavis' comments. He is most prophetic in the sense that he had talked about the mass-ification of the population and the distinct lack of ‘taste’ so to speak and thus critical judgment of what is essential ‘good culture’ in his view. The consumeristic culture of today’s generation does appear as his apocalyptic vision.

With the advent of mass-media and thus mass-production of ‘cultural merchandise’ as churned out by the so-called ‘cultural industry’, the world’s population, including Singapore’s, is under such constant bombardment.

Engaging both William and Leavis’ ideas about culture and education of the so-called masses, we apply it to the Singapore context. As a developed country, with an advance info-comm infrastructure, we would appear as the ideal consumerists of this mass-ification of the crowds. Everything and anything, material, intellectual or otherwise, does literally appear to be at our very fingertips. Without any discernment or critical ‘taste’, it would seem that such a generation, brought up in such a climate of consumerism is doomed to be the ‘faceless crowd’.

Nevertheless, this is where we can propose the power and empowerment of education. With quality education, instead of mass production of ‘units’ to be fed into the ‘industry’, we can instead re-mold the factory that is for mass-dissemination of knowledge and ideas into an institution for the exposure of young, moldable minds to the variety of ‘cultural products’ now so easily available to all. Then, without prejudice, introduce the contents of such products, be it culture or the cultural. For example, we teach young learners the basic skills of reading and slowly introduce the basic elements of a story; characters, plot, settings, etc. Through such introduction and ideally discussion, we infuse the ideas of how a ‘good’ story should look/read like.

In the process of sharing such skills and knowledge, we thus impart the capabilities choosing and judgment to these learners, that they acquire the skills to be critical and selective about the choices they make of the cultural products they consume that is mass-produced by the cultural industry, thus necessarily avoiding the dreaded path of being massified.

Fabulista Breathless: Over Boyzone's Latest Video

The video that accompanies their latest video is pure porcelain; transparent, fragile… beautiful.

Just listen... without prejudice.

Now the making of...

Fabulista Remembers: The Sands of Time.

Yes. I remember you.

Sitting at the usual café where we used to hang out all the time, I recall images of you and us. Your order of an ice-cold latte is unforgettable. Your diabetes-worthy load of sugar syrup still causes cringes – albeit only in the memory of the mind.

Sometimes I gasp when someone lanky walks into the café, wearing jeans and carrying a bag the same way you do. That careless (or is it apathetic) way of the gait. I gasp. Then I realize it’s not you, it’s just someone with some semblance of you. Then I am caught in a dilemma, am I disappointed or relieved?

I am disappointed because I did not get the chance to say hello again. I am relieved because I don’t have to figure out how to say hello. Do we hug each other like long lost friends? Or do we shake hands? I don’t think I will need to figure this out; most probably not in this lifetime anymore, anyway.

You always made me laugh. I can be terribly upset with you (our mutual friends present would say an egg might fry on my forehead) but you always manage to make me forget my anger and laugh with you (or sometimes, at you). Come to think of it, I can never be upset with you.

Your patience has always been a godsend. You do not mind being the clown just so that we can make peace. Of course, sometimes we’d have or verbal matches; but you are always willing to back down so that we can go on. I love the way you’d hold me against your shoulders as assurance that we’re fine. It always made me feel safe and happy and appreciated.

Our usual café has changed. Twice. We have not met since the concave wall and the coffee table. We thought we might meet again two years ago, but somehow, it didn’t come through. I am not sure what happened. I am not sure why I am writing this.

I guess it’s the season.

I guess it’s the momentary lapse of reason.

I guess I still miss you.

Fabulista Laments: The Only Good Thing...

It’s just not a good day today. It all started when I forgot that it is a public holiday today. I packed my bag to go out to my usual café, hoping to get some work done. When I arrived, not only did I discover that I had not brought the notes for my paper, I realized it’s a holiday today. This meant that I’d be caught in the city, a crowded one at that without even the alternative choice to go shopping since it’s going to be crowded everywhere!

Damn! To think that I especially dressed up and styled up for the occasion. That was actually the saving grace of the day – the weather. At a frigid 24°C (in local terms), I could actually layer my clothes, something that I can’t usually do.

So that was about the only good thing...

Fabulista N-ticipates: Nokia N97

If you remember my previous post, Fabulista had anticipated the arrival of touch screen mobiles from Nokia's N-series. Well, here it is - the N97. It's the latest flagship model for the N-series of phones from the Finnish maker that runs of Symbian. It will be unleashed upon the Asian world on the first half of 2009. Here's the review from CNetAsia:

Unveiled at the recent Nokia World event in Barcelona, the N97 is touted as the latest flagship model in the Nseries lineup. In fact, Nokia calls its new handset the "most advanced mobile computer". While we are still reluctant to agree with the company's concept of equating a phone to a mobile computer, we can most certainly concur with the "advanced" tag. From GPS and Wi-Fi to a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and 32GB onboard memory, the N97 has just about everything you can find on a mobile phone today, and more.

Upside:
As advanced as the N97 may be, the most distinctive features of the handset are its slideout keypad and tilting touchscreen display, a design combination which shares an uncanny resemblance to the HTC TyTN II. According to a Nokia spokesperson, the 35-degree tilt of the display is designed such to make it easy to view the screen while typing.

During a quick hands-on with the demo unit of the N97, we found the keypad relatively easy to type on. The longish design of the N97 was also quite comfortable for one-handed operation when the keypad is retracted.

While having a generous 3.5-inch, 640 x 360-pixel display is always great for Web surfing or GPS navigation, the screen's 16:9 aspect ratio makes it ideal for watching widescreen movies on-the-go, too. The use of widgets on the large touchscreen display also seems fairly intuitive, though we'll have to test this out further when we get the review set.

What's also noteworthy about the N97 is its onboard memory which, at 32GB, is probably one of the largest storage capacities available in mobile handsets today. Adding to that is a built-in microSD slot which can support up to the largest 16GB cards. This means the phone can potentially store a whopping 48GB of data, a feature that would definitely appeal to those planning to use the N97 as a mobile entertainment device.

As the flagship model in Nokia's Nseries lineup, it didn't come as a surprise to find an arsenal of wireless capabilities on the N97, including GPS, Wi-Fi, HSDPA and Bluetooth with AD2P. Also onboard are useful features such as a 3.5mm audio jack, VGA video capture at 30fps, an electronic compass, and a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens and dual LED lights. The N97 runs on the latest Series60 5th Edition operating system.

Downside:
One of the major concerns over a device with so many wireless radios and a large touchscreen display is battery life. It will be interesting to see how the N97, with its high-capacity 1,500mAh battery, copes with daily usage.

Sadly, due to the beta firmware, we were unable to test the responsiveness of the touchscreen user interface, though the N97 will face an uphill task matching up to the iPhone's seamless multitouch UI.

Unlike the TyTN II which allows users to view the display tilted or flat when the keypad is slid open, the N97 doesn't have the option of not tilting the screen. Depending on how you hold the device, some users may not find the tilted orientation of the screen as comfortable to view when typing.

Outlook:
Whichever way you look at it, the N97 is a truly impressive handset that's already creating quite a buzz among mobile users. On paper, it has all the features you can expect from a top-of-the-line cellular offering. Its success in the market will, however, depend largely on the implementation of the touchscreen interface and the ease of use of the onboard software. The N97 is expected to be priced around 550 euros (without subsidy and taxes), or roughly US$699, when it starts shipping worldwide in the first half of 2009.

Model name

In a nutshell

Nokia N97

Notable features: Tri-band HSDPA/quad-band GSM Sliding QWERTY keypad and touchscreen display 3.5-inch TFT (16:9 widescreen); 640 x 360 pixels 32GB onboard memory + microSD card slot Series60 5th Edition 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss Tessar optics MPEG-4 VGA video recording at 30fps Multiple music, video and image formats supported 802.11b/g; USB; Bluetooth with A2DP; GPS with A-GPS 3.5mm audio jack 117.2 x 55.3 x 15.9mm; 150g Availability: Worldwide, first half of 2009; 550 euros (before tax, subsidies)

Fabulista Considers: Madonna.

She (Madonna) is a style icon. But elegance and taste, she is not. This is why I thought Louis Vuitton might have made a better choice on the celeb-spoke for its SS09 collection. Marc chose her to reinforce the boldness of the latest collection. However, there is always an element of elegance and taste (except for the last collaboration with Richard Prince and the ‘mistake’). Louis Vuitton has engaged her to launch its next collection in a series of six shots set in a mid-twentieth century French café.

If the intention of the choice was for boldness and individuality, there are so many others in pop culture:

Music:

- Annie Lennox;

- David Bowie;

- Kylie Minogue;

- etc.

Art:

- Damien Hirst;

- Gilbert and George;

- Andres Serrano;

- etc...

amongst many, many others who can be considered iconoclasts with taste.

Fabulista Laments: The Loss of Leisure.

I can’t remember how long it took me to complete my last paper. I certainly hope it wasn’t too long. I am in serious need of a holiday. I have been slogging non-stop for the past whole year.

It’s no joke training future wannabes and that is not including the management of the wannabes’ parents. Those people make too many assumptions – the responsibilities of parenthood; the abilities of their offspring and even the trainers’ role in the development of the wannabes.

Now, I am assumed to be on a holiday from all that nonsense. However, due to the nature of my training to be a master fashionista/fabulista/urbanista, my break is usurped by the lessons that continue into the holiday.

I have been told by well-meaning people that it is for the long-term good that I should be doing this. I am aware of that; I chose to take this up for crying out loud. I just need to vent the loss of a breathing period – give me at least that little amount of freedom and choice.

Fabulista Thinks: About Kindness...

I ventured into Starbucks™ doing some charity tie-in … with the Salvation Army. Oh yes, don’t we all need some saving every once in a while. Me from the financial crisis that is going on with my insatiable need for bags, shoes and bags and shoes… oh, I’ve mentioned them already.

What anyone worth their salt (or coffee bean in this case) would notice is that the setup in Starbucks™ at the chosen publicity store is not in its original getup. The seats have been removed, tables shifted and reconfigured and hey (in the light of the whole charity thing and the season) we even have a decorated pine tree. I bet you in a month’s time, the sacrifice of the tree’s poor young life is going to be forgotten. That’s commercialism for you – everything and everyone is dispensable.

But at least, it is for a good cause (and I am probably going to get my complimentary drink). So if you are reading this today (Thursday), go down to ANY Starbucks™ found on the sunny island set in the sea, between the hours of 5 and 7 in the evening and get your complimentary tall drink from the barista. You may even make a little cash contribution to the Salvation Army this season. But remember, kindness is and should be a way of life, not just restricted to this over-commercialised festive season.

...winter

And so again winter came
Ends the cycle of the year
Ever so the same
Culling sadness of days gone by
A voice that calls both far and near
A kiss a sigh we say goodbye
The falling snowflakes’ silent call
Quiescence for a crystal tear
Mourns for those whom the bell does toll
Lies forlorn the winter cold
A silent cleansing from the shear
The weary the tired the very old

-- Fabulista'08

Fabulista Announces: Tadao is Here.

My personal Tadao is finally here!!

Fabulista Says: Goodbye

Tried to write a farewell letter to my current colleagues to day...

"Hey all, I'll be leaving soon and it is sad for me because I have really enjoyed my time here. I will miss a lot of people here that have become good friends. I could mention names but I think (hope) you know who you are.

I'm writing this email from the windowsill outside of my cubical because someone liked me so much that they felt it necessary to grab my chair before it got cold (It's probably an "in memory of" type of thing). But I know they will miss me as much as I will miss them. (There goes my monitor now) I know it's tough to keep in touch (well, my favorite pen is gone now) but (oops, now my power strip is making it's way to another cube) I hope we cross paths again in the future. (I really didn't need that calendar anymore).

I'm leaving because it's time to go back home. (Pardon me, If I drop off before I finish this email, it's because someone took my laptop power supply yesterday and my battery is getting low) Thank you all, for the times you have helped me out when I needed it. (There goes my coffee cup, and stapler). And I sure hope I help each of you in some small way while I was here. (I don't understand why nobody is taking any of my Steeler stuff)
 
I sincerely wish everyone the best and may we meet again.


I hate good bye messa"

Fabulista Techs: On Mobiles

Motorola's sends out its Aura - Remember the last time you purchased a phone because it possessed 700+ individual components, a stainless steel housing or a front plate that takes a fortnight to create?

Motorola is hoping you would start caring about that kind of minutiae right about now. The admittedly gorgeous AURA (previously coined V70) is the world's first handset with a 16-million color circular display, and aside from making / receiving calls with the utmost clarity, it also boasts a Swiss-made main bearing, 62-carat sapphire crystal lens, a 2-megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, microUSB port, quad-band GSM connectivity, a microSD card slot, multimedia player and up to 7.3-hours of talk time (400-hours in standby).

The 4.97-ounce handset is available exclusively from the MOTO STORE for USD1,999.99, with pre-orders shipping out beginning December 4th.

Who's in?

---

Nokia keeps N-Touch - According to Nokia India’s Devinder Kishore, “We will have lot of touchscreen phones coming up, including an N-series device very soon.” This is some pretty good news in light of the warm reception of the XpressMusic 5800. The N96 model number is already spoken for, so this new one might come to market as an N97 due in early 2009.

We had also seen some pipe dreams of an E-series communicator concept with a touchscreen, so it sounds like it’s on Nokia’s mind these days. The XpressMusic 5800 will likely pave the way and help them work out the kinks of the S60 Touch OS before Nokia starts porting it to new devices. With the advent of the touchscreen 5800 and the N96, some tech over enthusiast have kindly assisted Nokia with a possible proto-type of the new N-Touch.

N-Touche moi?

Fabulista Anticipates: Evian by Jean Paul Gaultier

Extracted from FOODBEV.com - Less than two weeks after the Christian Lacroix Evian bottle won the Best bottle in glass category in the 2008 water innovation awards, Evian launched its latest designer bottle – this time from Jean Paul Gaultier.

Evian has once again partnered with an internationally acclaimed French designer to produce two unique and exclusive creations for 2009, the Evian Pret-a-Porter Bottle and the Evian Haute Couture Bottle by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Both bottled made their global debut in Paris, France, during one of the world's most glamorous events – Paris Fashion Week. Hosted by Jean Paul Gaultier himself, the extravagant aquatic fashion fete took place on 4 October at the historical Piscine Pontoise in the Latin Quarter.

The Evian Pret-a-Porter, or ready-to-wear, Bottle by Jean Paul Gaultier possesses a style that is: “classic, yet modern all at once”. Adorned with a pattern of interlocking snowflakes, the bottle recalls the crisp, icy mountain tops of the French Alps from which Evian Natural Spring Water is derived. Magnified by a unique colour so much known to Gaultier, the majestic blue of the oversized logo and the understated print of the designer's name offers a subtle reminder of a stylish mariner, a mariner that could so easily be found on the shores of Lake Geneva, which the town of Evian borders.

In addition to the Evian Pret-a-Porter Bottle, Gaultier introduced the Evian Haute Couture Bottle, made from Baccarat crystals. Only seven of these bottles will be released worldwide, with these few exclusive carafes travelling around the globe to be exhibited at select locations.

"Jean Paul Gaultier has consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion. He is revolutionary in his craft, yet always maintains an air of elegance and class in his designs," said Jeff Caswell, Vice President of Marketing for Evian North America. "In this regard, Gaultier was the perfect fit for Evian. Gaultier has transcended the runways of France to become a household name worldwide, much in the same way that Evian has expanded its presence throughout the globe, ascending from a natural spring water in the French Alps enjoyed by the locals to being one of most favoured drinking waters on earth."

Fabulista Considers: Stupid People…

I am not talking about people with special needs – they are the ones whom society needs to really consider, especially when it come to catering to their needs.

I am talking about people who have all their mental and physical capacities working in proper order, but simply refuse to use the brain for proper thinking and processing purposes. This lot of sad excuses of the human species should not breathe – they are a perfect waste of oxygen. And now with the global warming issue at hand, it is even more atrocious that they should be hanging around.

They are the REAL STUPID PEOPLE! This bunch of sick and sad sods should not breathe! They are the real scum of the earth who are simply wasting our precious and quickly depleting resources.

Quite simply put…

“STEW-PEED PEA-PEARL SHOOT NUT BREEZE!”

Fabulista Awaits: Arrival of Tadao in Damier Graphite

Nope. I am not talking about some VIP guest coming to my party in some fancy custom made vehicle with some fancy name. I am talking about my latest sac d’courier from one of my favourite in-laws, Louis Vuitton.

Welcome Tadao! You are about to discover how intensely one can love one’s in-law…

Fabulista Knows: It is not the same everywhere.

You hear the chant of concern ad nauseam – “it’s the same everywhere”.

They make the person saying it sound sagely and wise; the truth is, it doesn’t and it isn’t. Things are not the same everywhere and human dynamics are just that – it is dynamic; they are not the same everywhere.

I have been working for the past 10 years of my life and have seen enough to know that they can be offices that run like heaven on earth and others a scene out of Dante’s apocalyptic vision.

Those people who tell you “it’s the same everywhere” are not giving you advice. They are convincing themselves of their belief that the status quo cannot be changed and consoling themselves of their decision to settle for the second (third? fourth? fifth?) best was not a mistake or error of judgment on their part.

They are not speaking to you or for your sake; they are reminding and convincing themselves. For you, believe in yourself – no one can live your life for you; only you can. You only have one life to live – make it the best one and never settle for the second best.

Fabulista Learns: Life Goes On.

IT KEEPS MOVING, this strange phenomenon called ‘life’. Even when you are celebrating your birthday, it continues to beat with the steady rhythmic hum of the heart. It takes the most mundane of tasks to remind you of that.

Woke up this morning after a night of drinking and came to the realization while doing laundry. How humbling…

Am assessing the model trainees after their six-year training. Some of their standards are appalling – in ability to fulfill the simplest of requirements of being on the catwalk is simply not acceptable. Being a klutz is NOT an option.

What is more exasperating is the incredible demand of the chief assessor, insisting that all shall continue from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening to rush through the assessment of the model-candidates. This is simply crazy - on a Friday night, one has better things to do. Even if its watching paint dry (which of course, it isn't) one would rather that than work.

Madness. How would assessment be fair when one is frustrated and exhausted? Of course, being the ultimate Queen Bitch, one made legal enquiries into the incident and the chief had no choice but to retain authoritative rights and play the legalistic game of ceasing all activities only at 5.

Slut… no match for The Bitch.

Anyway, no time for trivial entertainment… The Fabulista needs to churn out an assignment paper.

Fabulista Finds: No Reason to Sigh

Wanted to analyse reason for sudden attack of grief and reluctance on previous occasion after receiving news of transfer. Could find none. Was just a ridiculous phase.

Faith and determination to leave renewed. Conviction to return recovered. There is no reason to stay in a godforsaken place with no apparent prospects. Might as well leave and leave for good.

“No regrets, don’t look back”, she said. I nodded, smiled and… flew.

Fabulista Finally: Coming Home

The letter, voiceless, screaming, “it’s real!”

I’m coming home after wandering a score and one year.

Fell asleep to the voice of James – he carries me home.

A pillow wet with tears

(Of joy? Of sorrow? Or both?).

If things were different, I’d be happier.

If things were different, I wouldn’t have to go.

She said, "don't look back..."

But sadness is the lot of my life – with a fistful’s thrust upon my face, I picked the shortest strand.

Happiness is not my forte.

As strong as you were; tender you go

I'm watching you breathe here for the last time

A song for your heart, but when it is quiet I know what it means… I'll carry you home

Perhaps Joy would not elude me now.

Fabulista Senses: The Loss

SINGAPORE, Oct 5, 2008 (AFP) - The death of revered opposition figure J.B. Jeyaretnam has deprived Singapore's struggling pro-democracy groups of a leader in their lopsided battle against the ruling party, analysts say.

With no other politician on the horizon having Jeyaretnam's stature and charisma, Singapore's divided opposition parties are unlikely to make major inroads on the People's Action Party (PAP)'s uninterrupted dominance, they said.

Jeyaretnam, fondly known by his initials "JBJ", died of a heart attack last Tuesday at the age of 82.

The grand old man of the opposition, Jeyaretnam was one of the rare few to speak out against the PAP and he suffered for it, facing jail and libel suits.

He made political history in 1981 when he became the first opposition politician elected to parliament, which has been dominated by the PAP since 1959. He was declared bankrupt in 2001 after failing to pay libel damages to PAP members.

The British-educated lawyer this year formed his Reform Party after clearing the bankruptcy status that had prevented him from running for political office.

"JBJ would have made a difference as a potential rallying point for the opposition if he had remained alive," said Seah Chiang Nee, who operates the popular political website www.littlespeck.com.

But Seah and other analysts said that even a unified opposition could do little to challenge the PAP, which has all but two of the 84 elected seats in parliament.

This is because "the politics of the day is such that the ruling party is in overwhelming control and I doubt that any one man can make a difference," Seah said.

"The system is weighed heavily in the government's favour."

He added that election results in Singapore depended more on whether voters were happy with the PAP than on what the opposition did.

Alan Chong, assistant professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, agreed that the political opposition had lost a charismatic leader with Jeyaretnam's death.

He said, however, that economic issues had traditionally defined election results in Southeast Asia's wealthiest economy, and the opposition is unlikely to make major gains because Singaporeans are generally satisfied with the government.

"The fortunes of the opposition in Singapore are often directly correlated to the level of economic dissatisfaction with the ruling PAP," Chong said.

"Singaporeans are very pragmatic people. They want opposition only when their wallets are hit very hard," he said, noting that the government has been managing the economy well.

"Human rights issues will matter up to a point, and no more," he added, referring to issues often raised by Jeyaretnam and other opposition figures.

"So I think the future of the opposition after JBJ will remain more or less the same."

Ho Khai Leong, a political scientist at the Nanyang Technological University, said that while Jeyaretnam was a "legend" in the political opposition, his demise would not be a severe blow.

The impact of his death would have been greater if it had happened at the height of his popularity in the 1980s, Ho said.

"We will miss him. He made history. He made his mark on Singapore's democratisation process but I don't think it is a terrible blow to the political opposition," Ho said.

A massive outpouring of support during his wake and on the Internet led some observers to suggest Jeyaretnam's long battle against the government could help raise awareness of his causes -- human rights, a free press and freedom of assembly.

Jeyaretnam had also recently spoken of "a widening gulf between the rich and poor" in Singapore.

While praised for its open economy, tough approach against crime, efficient civil service and corruption-free bureaucracy, Singapore has been criticised for its lack of tolerance toward dissent.

"I'm sure his memory will continue to inspire Singaporeans to leave their fear behind. So in that respect, I think his death will not be a loss," Seah said.

In an online tribute to Jeyaretnam, one writer, Tan Ah Kow, said: "My greatest shame is not having even a minuscule amount of JBJ's courage and conviction."

Fabulista Might: Miss the Kwala2 nights.

After a day of sashaying, strutting and posing – and that’s only the trainees’ lessons, Fabulista was spent. There’s nothing else to do but pack up, make like a tree and leave. For the day, that is.

Went for dinner with the Kwala-ists and numbed myself with a couple of shots and a jug of Margaritas. It’s amazing how alcohol is such a catalyst for happiness and joy – ha ha. However, one might not want to head out to Café Iguana for such happiness shots – the prices there are exhorbitant!

I left, sufficiently boozed up and joyous, as the sky opened up in a roaring downpour. As the hems of my trousers got drenched by the heavy showers, I took a good look at the place and its patrons. I left the place roaring into the night and drowning in shots of happiness, surrounded by friends. The place was alive with the sound of alcohol induced buzz!

In contrast, I wonder what I’d feel on the last day at Wannabe Training School. I wonder what I’d feel as I throw it a last glance and feel the distance forever growing wider, forever losing its demonic clutches on the Fabulista and fabulousness.

Oh, what the heck! I am so not going to miss it. Just make like a hockey and get the puck out of there! Good luck to the nepotists!

Fabulista Registers: For the tickets to come home.

I went to confirm the tickets home the other day. It’s still pending the airline’s approval to issue the ticket. At the travel agent’s office though, before putting the signature on the papers, there was a pause from the agent, I responded with a curious stare…

“No second thoughts…?” came the question.

“Oh… no…” was the sure and firm reply, “I’m already back” was the next line echoing in my head.

“Okay then…” and the ink was put on paper.

Now it’s just the airline to issue the tickets. I should be getting it in a few weeks’ time.

Fingers crossed.

Fabulista Reminded: Of Humanity and Hope

Grey’s Anatomy is back with season 5. Through the first episode, the storytelling brought me back to life. I could feel the heart pumping again; pumping warmth, pumping life, pumping feeling. The liquidinous flow delivering senses back into my limbs, back into my life.

For a long time, I have been out of touch with myself. The busyness of everyday hardened my senses. I made myself numb so that I can face whatever the day throws at me. With my senses down, I can handle the situation without breaking down, without my emotions getting the best of me, then solve the problem, straight-faced and dull.

But I am not dull. This is not the real me – something is eating the humanity and soul out of my system and I know who and what that carnivore is. I don’t need to elaborate it here, I know what it is.

I embody passion, life and sparks. I am the effervescence in a bottle of champagne.

I know what I need to do. My travel agent should be delivering my air tickets soon. I am going to sign the papers the next day.

Faublista Loves: A Good Pun

Fabulista senses: Cracks at the Fault Lines

I saw them. And then I see it – the cracks are forming. It won’t be too long when the Kwala2 Company will be one person short. The Friday evenings that we are so familiar and comfortable with is going to experience some changes soon.

It’s a scene and scenario that I am too familiar with – being the only and last single person in many a social group that I had been in. Things change, the dynamics of friendship change in the midst and introduction of romance. Usually, it means seeing less or a complete no show. Unless one belongs to a group of devout singletons, there is no such thing as a perpetual circle (ironic as it may sound).

Fabulista Drunk: On Life and Happiness :-)

Am in a lulled mode from last evening’s dinner cum drinks party at Kwala2. Was completed wasted – the party ended at about 4, but that was because everyone fell asleep then *grin*. Anyway, it is just me, or is everything beautiful in the bright summer sunshine of the day as I sip my coffee at my usual Starbucks™ ?

Anyway, received a call from the travel agent again the other day. I need to go to their office and sign a confirmation slip on my acceptance of the tickets and assure them I will turn up at the flight (of course, I will, in fact, I can’t wait, I am already there)!

Fabulista Comments: On Feminist Texts.

Her language is a-rational (if not irrational), contra-logical (if not illogical), resistant to hierarchies and circular.



- Diane Price Herndl





Write, let no one hold you back, let nothing stop you...



I write woman: woman must write woman.



- Helene Cixous



A woman’s text does not have to be rational. It is non-hierarchical and contra-logical. It is circular and multi-directional. An authentic woman’s writing is a text in and as a whole. It speaks with its body and is both a physical and mental experience[1].



In this respect, the selected articles by Cixous’ and Cisneros’, both women’s and Feminist texts, would not fare well summarized or interpreted. It however, may be understood when related.



Here then, is the experience of both texts related.

I will write because my wholeness must be heard. I will write with a disregard for the past. The past is his-tory; a cultural, manmade construct of the oppressive patriarchy (pp. 334[2]). I am too romantic, too clever for this construct[3]. Religion, marriage and other such structures of cultural materialism have failed me[4].



I will tell my story. Not as the witch, the bitch or the weak one relegated to the hearth, but as a multiverse of personality; rich, diverse and whole. I will not write “because of my father”[5]. I am one and whole, I do not lack. I am capable of anything. I will write with the procreative and nourishing white ink of my milk (pp.339). I have this creativity that is not controlled and cannot be bought by any imbecilic capitalist machinery[6] (pp. 335).



My story will reveal my true self. It does not repaint (pp. 335). I am not the dark, the mysterious nor the other (pp. 341). I am not ashamed; I will scream and shout. I can be aggressive if I want. I will not be silent. I am not that pretty thing whom, culture forbids, should be without propriety (pp. 336).



I am comfortable with who I am. I can be bold and brash; or soft and warm if I want to. I am lovely and lovable to myself and the ones around; people like me to be around. I make my own decisions and I will subvert with the tools of authority. I am amphibious, ambiguous; I will not be categorized[7].



I am your social mindfuck.



I speak with my body. My words war and struggle against the old for the new. It is the anti-logos of the new language. It challenges the old; the pervasive infatuation of the phallic social and material. It is the language to reclaim my body and give me my self as myself (pp. 338 - 339). My story shall reconstruct and reveal the body. It will no longer be the dissected object but the whole subject.



I am my text. I am the procreator, the nourishment and the healer. There will always be the mother in my text; the one to make everything all right. It will not cut you out; it wants to make you whole again (pp. 339). But it will freak you. It will put you in its mouth to be masticated and then give you milk and toast. It wants to reach out to the vast landscape of humanity to stroke and comfort[8].



My text does not speak of the words and language of the authority. It does not and will not perpetuate the falsehood of existing (male) texts. It does not pander to the familiar and comfortable ideologies (pp. 341). But my text will ridicule the existing ideologies with its own tools of authority. It will question existing structures and create awareness of the pseudo-egalitarian, repressive system with subversion. My text may see the boy as it he is deconstructed and objectified; into skin, into pale blue veins, into little cells[9].



My story is my body. It is not one of the individual roles as dictated by the patriarchs. I am not just the bitch or lady; the whore or virgin; the mistress or the mother; the monster or the Madonna. I am wholly all of them at once and more. I do not belong to any class and I cannot be categorized.[10] I am the Medusa and I am laughing. I am not the ugly monster relegated into the eerily dark and inexplicable labyrinth. I am the lovely and the beautiful who questioned authority, the woman whose body spoke against the voice of authority[11].



My story is the voice in flight. It steals away in the narrow passage ways and hidden crossovers. It emerges from the gaps and cracks (pp. 343). My story, my woman’s text is whole. It is not written in envy or in lack. It is a multiverse of personalities and they are all whole.

References:



Cisneros, S. (1992). Never Marry A Mexican.

In Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories (68-83).

New York: Random House.



Cixous, H. (1991; original French, 1975). The Laugh of the Medusa.

In Robyn R. Warhol and Diane Price Herndl (Eds.), Feminisms: An anthology of literary theory and criticism (334-349).

New Brunswick: Rutgers UP.



Herndl, D. P. (1991). Body.

In R. R. Warhol and D. P. Herndl (Eds.), Feminisms: An anthology of literary theory and criticism (331-333).

New Brunswick: Rutgers UP.



[1] As interpreted from Herndl’s article ‘Body’.



[2] Three-digit page references from this point on in paper refers to Cixous’ article; two-digit page references in footnotes refer to Cisneros’ short story.



[3] Romance as an archaic notion with its roots in masculine notions of chivalry. Clemencia is “too romantic” or too smart for it (pp. 69).



[4] Religion, marriage, etc as tools of a phallocentric authority; a social construct that has failed (pp. 69).



[5] The new woman, in the form of Clemenicia, no longer does things “because of [man]”, but makes decisions of her own for herself when she chose to “stop listening” (pp. 73).



[6] Capitalism and the social economy as part of the patriarchal construct – Cixous argues that the ‘antilogos’, that new woman’s language and its text should have nothing to do with it; unlike other previously published male texts.



[7] Throughout Cisneros’ text, Clemencia is obviously confident and comfortable with herself. She presents her self and people like her to be around (pp.71). She subverts authority by resisting classification and later when she objectifies the masculine characters in her life (pp. 77).

[8] Clemencia reveals that she is struggling between being the old woman and the new when she recounts her desire to belong to another man; to find value in her by being the “expensive jewel brilliant in the light of day” (pp. 68). Her multiverse role as a woman is revealed with her ability to “put [patriarchal world] in her mouth” (pp. 82) and “reach out to [humanity] and stroke” (pp. 83) and comfort. The latter reinforces Cixous’ argument that nuances of the mother are always inherent in all woman’s text.



[9] Cisneros objectifies the boy, a symbol of the immature patriarchy, through the female voice of Clemencia as a demonstration of subversion using the tools of authority.



[10] Clemencia straddles all the various roles of a woman in her stride. She is all of them at once. She takes on the various personalities (mistress, lover, mother, daughter, monster, etc) and fulfills each character as a whole, not in lack, need or envy. This mode of subversion resists the male view of relegating one female character to and with a single one-dimensional personality.



[11] In one version of the Medusa myth, either the Goddess Artemis (a huntress) or Athena (warrior; both female figures in masculine roles) destroyed the Gorgon’s beauty because they felt Medusa challenged them in terms of beauty and wisdom. In another, the Gorgon was made to suffer the torment of physical hideousness because Poseidon raped her in the deity’s temple. Out of rage, the furious deity transformed Medusa’s beautiful hair to serpents and she made her face terrible to behold. Both version of the myth demonstrates feminine roles as repressed by the obviously hypocritical patriarchal authority.