Sunday, September 28, 2008

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).

Saturday, September 27, 2008

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.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Fabulista Wants: Sex and the City...

Released 23rd September 2008...

... coming real soon!

Fabulista Found: The Perfect Counter-Reason

As many of one’s readers already know, there is the duplicitous proselytizing activity every morning in one’s workplace (aka WTS). Many would also know of one’s countdown to the departure from this ironically, god-forsaken place.

However, a bitch of a pointer reinforced the ‘official’ reason I’ve been reiterating to those who had been hounding me with the letter ‘y?’ That l’il bitch was talking about loyalty and using the example of ex-wannabe trainees who return to be their trainers.

How wonderfully loyal and conceptually sound, no? But once again, one is sidelined as an outsider and made an ‘other’.

No matter. Because, if that is the case, isn’t it all the more important that one returns to one’s alma mater – The Kampung School of Fabulousness – then?

Thanks L’il Miss Bitch. You’ve just given me the perfect excuse… oops, I mean, ‘reason’.

Fabulista Confirmed: The Air Ticket Home

“Hello…?”

“Hi, is that The Fabulista?”

“Yes, The One.”

“We are pleased to confirm your air ticket home…”

“Oh, how pleasant. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome! Please wait for the physical ticket sometime in October.”

“Sure. Thank you.”

“Once again, you are welcome and we wish you a pleasant flight ahead.”

One does not expect fair weather all the time… just a climate that’s closer to home.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Fabulista Contradicts: Life

The light that shows me the way
Is the same radiance that blinds me with its intensity;
The tide that draws me near to you
Is the same flood that pulls me far away.

The darkness that hides me from my enemies
Is the same cloak that shrouds me in fear;
The temptation that seduces my beating heart
Is the same affection that causes me to start.

Life: in sequential consequence;
Paradox drowning serial breaths.
A crimson hue in ebony;
A pigment dyed in dilemma.

Fabulista At: The September 5th "Stand Up To Cancer" Special


Fabulista Stands: Up to Cancer.

This is where the end of cancer begins: when we unite in one unstoppable movement and Stand Up To Cancer.


How?

Working with the top experts in cancer research, Stand Up To Cancer is forging a new way to develop breakthroughs that will end cancer. We’re putting together the best and the brightest minds in cancer research – those on the edge of accomplishment – investing in their projects and taking the bureaucratic obstacles out of their way. We are building interdisciplinary “Dream Teams” of scientists, clinicians, technicians and other experts, who will focus on a specific cancer problem. We’ll track their progress in real time, so that everyone who invests can see how their participation is creating real change

Click here to donate and support the research and development of cures for cancer, because you can and you know you want to...

Fabulista Considers: Tadao in Damier Graphite by Louis Vuitton

The neat clean lines of the Tadao screams “function!”, “urban!” and “style!”. There is nothing in the design world right now that can contend with the beauty that is the Tadao in Damier Graphite.

The only consideration now is this, taking into account the exchange rates, the sales tax refunds and price differences, should I get the beauteous tote from Germany (900€), France (875€) or London (£725)…?

Friday, September 12, 2008

Fabulista Samples: l'Occitane 20% Shea Butter Hand Cream

Am suffering from extreme dry skin on my hands and require immediate attention.

My usual go-to remedy of Cetaphil hand cream no longer works. La Source (Crabtree and Evelyn) is only useful during peacetime.

I went shopping yesterday and decided to give l'Occitane Shea Butter a try. The hand cream is quickle and readily absorbed into the skin and leaves a moisture barrier around the hands like a glove. The ingredients boast essential oils of Rosemary and a couple of other botanicals as well. Sunflower and grape seed oils provide nourishing vitamin Es, I suppose... will update on how effective it really is in a couple of weeks...

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Fabulista Awaits: The Return Flight

The travel agent called me the other day – my seat has been reserved. All that is required now is for the airline to send me the tickets… it should be arriving soon… the Fabulista is going home, going home in December…

Fabulista Reflects: The Reason for Departure/Returning

Departure:

Useful. There is no sense in that. It just makes one the go to person in times of need. One does not want to be useful; a tool is useful but is chucked in the cabinet and forgotten once the problem is fixed. A tool does not go far… ever seen a hammer hanging around far from a tool shed…?

There is no point in being useful. Usefulness does not get one far.

Returning:

Three simple reasons for that:
  1. There is no place like home.
  2. There is no place like home.
  3. There is no place like home.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Fabulista Updates: Account of events with Challenger (Singapore - United Square)

In the end, the Fabulista dug in the heels from one’s collection of designer shoes and stood one’s ground. The power of insistence and persistence pulled through; a hundred percent refund was granted.

So now, this entry comes fresh from a brand new Axioo Pico (support local brands, yay)! This newly launched UMPC is assembled in Singapore by the OEM of MSI Wind.

The Fabulista is satisfied with this new purchase… :-)

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Account of events with Challenger (Singapore - United Square)

Some of you might remember my previous BAD experience with Challenger - an IT store giant in Singapore. This is an account of my current one... why oh why do I go back to them...?


Acer Netbook: Aspire One AOA110

(Serial Number :LUS020A0258261BD202500)

Date

Incident

22nd Jul

· Enquired with salesman at Challenger (US) about Aspire One AOA110.

· Salesman provided the following information:

o it is a Netbook and the Internet based programs run very well on it;

o other programs run like those in Windows XP environment;

o the files are compatible with XP;

o Windows XP may be installed onto the machine if Linux proofs unsatisfactory;

o RAM may be upgraded on the machine to handle the XP operating system.

23rd Jul

· Collected and purchased said Netbook with the above understanding.

5th Aug

· Realized that Linux is not user-friendly to non-IT person;

o drivers not easily available;

o largely unsupported OS.

· Not all Internet programmes run well – MSN Messenger does not work on provided programme (oppose to salesman’s previous claims);

· Decided to install Windows XP;

· Computer becomes very slowly and hangs after installation.

6th Aug

· Sent to Challenger (US) for RAM upgrade;

· Same salesman:

o checks with colleagues (in shop and other branches) and even ACER (he claims) about RAM upgrade;

o says unit’s RAM cannot be upgraded (oppose to prior claim);

o offers to and reinstalls Linux back onto the Netbook.

· A few days later, on the same week, salesman calls to say the Netbook is ready for collection.

· Upon collection, realize that:

o Linux system is unstable;

o does not recognize memory upgrades and flash memories in the respective card slots.

· Salesman then:

o offers to and sends Netbook to ACER for servicing;

o claims that servicing to delivery will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

o will call and inform for pick up once Netbook is ready for collection from store.

Date

Incident

2nd Sept

· Called Challenger (US).

· Salesman claim that Netbook is still NOT ready for collection.

· Called ACER (S):

o customer service officer, Alfred, checks and updates that Netbook (with a service number: 160808-132) had been ready since 21st August.

· Called Challenger (US), salesman:

o claims ACER did not inform of job status;

o did not know service number of Netbook and asked for it to check status.

4th Sept

· Salesman:

o calls to inform Netbook ready for collection.

o claims motherboard on Netbook has been replaced.

5th Sept

· Visits store to collect Netbook.

· Noticed imperfect button actions on Netbook; especially button on right of trackpad – depresses deeper than normal to register.

· Alignment of buttons also off.

· Internet applications still does not work well on Netbook – MSN messenger does not work (oppose to salesman’s previous claims).

· Spoke with branch manager to pay difference in exchange for XP-preloaded model:

o Netbook is not what was paid for as claimed by salesman prior to purchase;

o Salesman starts retracting claims as issue(s) occur.

· Manager refuses paid exchange/upgrade despite knowledge of the situation.

· Salesman offers to:

o upgrade RAM and install Windows XP on Netbook;

o personally absorb the Netbook if results after upgrade still unsatisfactory;

o get Netbook ready for collection by the next day.

6th Sept

· Called Challenger (US).

· Salesman claims Netbook still not ready and is working on “installations and issues”.

· Called Challenger (FC) main customer service hotline.

· Spoke with Nicholas Nai and Kit.

· Kit follows up with promises that:

o they (Challenger) will try to resolve technical issues as mentioned above and provide satisfaction of service and goods;

o will offer alternative(s) to solution should the above not be reached;

o Challenger (US) will call the next day with regards to collection of Netbook.


the saga continues...

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Fabulista Is: Still Crazy About Jason Donovan!

Remember him? He of the “Too Many Broken Hearts” fame? Of the “Especially For You” with Kylie “I am the Princess of Pop” Minogue fame? It was a sad day when we realized he was struggling with drugs and alcohol. But, wahey! What do you know, marriage and children agrees with our Jase and he’s been on the up and up!

Yup, he’s been around you know, playing the lead character in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, performing live and even his own radio show. Of course, some of the more fortunate amongst us have also seen him on TV as a doctor and on “Echobeach”. And even more recently, the vehicle that threw him back into mainstream stardom, “I’m a Celebrity… Get me out!” reality TV series. Well, before you go and say, “so what’s the big f**king deal…”, here’s the what’s what – are you ready? Dear old Jase is coming out with a new album!

The new album will be called “Let It Be Me” – a cover version project with a 50s/60s theme with 3 new songs. Eager fans can even pre-order it here! Meanwhile, here are some of his oldies (but goodies) for those of you who want to relive the moments…
















Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Fabulista Finds: A New Buzz...

Brussels Beer Cafe is a wonderful place in Petaling Jaya that serves wonderful beer on tap (i.e. Hoegarden, Leffe and Stella Artois…). Happy hours are on the whole day, on Sundays. Sounds like a good reason to get a weekend buzz…

Beer so cold it freezes the taps…

Brussels Beer Cafe
L20G Block L
Jaya One, No 72A, Jalan Universiti.
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Fabulista In: The Human Race

There are the poseurs and the playeurs. There are those who are there to get ahead, there are those who just want to be seen. Of course then, there are those who go to see. It takes all sorts, but I am not talking about the world in general. That would be such a cliché.

I am talking about the Nike+ Human Race, which happened yesterday (and depending on where you are reading this, today). You might remember vaguely my mentioning of the event here. It was to be my first public running event. The city where I ran was one of the first (if not THE FIRST) venues to close application due to full registration.

The event’s venue was akin to a microcosmic view of social types, from the pretenders – those who actually bothered to style and gel up their hair, to the other extreme who would just turn up with their B.O. on full-blast and hair in a ridiculous ponytail.

Nevertheless, the race was a personal event to pit me against myself – I wanted to set my own target – to run the trail without slowing down to a walk. That I did and beyond. According to Tiger Woods, courtesy of my Nike+ iPod nano, I ran my best 10K so far. Yay, me!

At the end of the there was a concert, Nike products giveaways and of course, de rigeur prize presentation fulfilled by the minister who was there. Ever ready to rah-rah the state’s ideology, there was mention of the event as an ideal dating activity. It was even suggested that the event could be made in line with the Youth Olympics in two years’ time. Sheesh, give it a break will you! Party lines were spewing off his mouth like the Merlion’s water jets. It's a sporting event, why make it political?

Still, I enjoyed myself. I am proud of myself.