... article and why the roles of men & women are getting "screwed up" due to an ever changing expectation of the roles that men & women 'should' play.
I remember coming from a 'macho' culture [Philippines] to Sydney in the mid-eighties; 'gallantly' giving up my bus seat to a young lady only to be stared at [no 'nothank you' just a cold stare]! One of my first tastes of feminism... from then on I only offer my seat to pregnant and old ladies [making sure they are pregnant or old enough to appreciate my chauvenistic gesture!].
Excerpt from Josephine Asher's "Confessions of a young anti-feminist."
""As a 29-year-old single woman, many of my peers don’t appreciate my traditionalist views. I’d rather dodge a flying pair of high heels thrown at me in anger than pin a man under a pair of mine.
Feminism has achieved victories for women, but could it be at the expense of femininity, chivalry and attributes of the opposite sex that instinctively attract us to each other?
In his book The Way of the Superior Man, David Deida describes attraction between the masculine and the feminine as “sexual polarity”, referring to varying degrees of strength and vulnerability.
“This force of attraction is the dynamism that often disappears in modern relationships. If you want real passion, you need a ravisher and a ravishee. Otherwise you just have two buddies who decide to rub genitals in bed,” he writes."
Read the lively comments as well...
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Reading Leibovitz
Hopefully I can go and visit Annie Leibovitz's photographic exhibiton during the Christmas break. Below is an excerpt on Ashleigh Wilson's take on Leibovitz [at The Punch].
"In her book, Annie Leibovitz At Work, she tells how she came to reluctantly accept the truth about some of her subjects: some people just have an innate sense of charisma.
Nicole Kidman is one. Johnny Depp and Cate Blanchett are others. Marilyn Monroe, definitely.
This week, ahead of a retrospective exhibition in Sydney of her work, Leibovitz laughs when asked about the elusive art of being photogenic.
"When I was younger I used to think they were lucky to be in my photographs," she said. "But then of course as I got older I guess I was lucky to be taking their picture."
Her show, opening at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday, contains a deeply personal series of images. It’s called A Photographer’s Life: 1990-2005, and it takes us far beyond the glamour and beauty of Hollywood."
"In her book, Annie Leibovitz At Work, she tells how she came to reluctantly accept the truth about some of her subjects: some people just have an innate sense of charisma.
Nicole Kidman is one. Johnny Depp and Cate Blanchett are others. Marilyn Monroe, definitely.
This week, ahead of a retrospective exhibition in Sydney of her work, Leibovitz laughs when asked about the elusive art of being photogenic.
"When I was younger I used to think they were lucky to be in my photographs," she said. "But then of course as I got older I guess I was lucky to be taking their picture."
Her show, opening at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday, contains a deeply personal series of images. It’s called A Photographer’s Life: 1990-2005, and it takes us far beyond the glamour and beauty of Hollywood."
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Steve Tucker Lesson
"Lying uses emotional energy."
This was me saying: "Society you always have ripped my dignity away as soon as I attain it. I've had enough. If you're threatening to totally cut off my balls, I'm fighting you tooth and nail for what's left. I dare you. F---ing bring it on."
During the period of time before I sent that message on Facebook to the first girl I mentioned, I realised how cold and empty I was inside and how isolated my disability had made me feel. I wasn't giving any warmth to others because I wouldn't let people get close enough to me. I thought I was a man and didn't need anybody to lean on. I had minimised my torment and pushed it down. This is why I never spoke about my disability.
What I learned from this is that if you're lacking something on the inside, you need to give it out to others. Even if it isn't returned in kind, it will make you feel happier inside.
I felt like I had to do what I did. Otherwise, skydiving would be forever tarnished and my mates would constantly refer back to Olivia and make me feel like shit.
-------------
I am a person that is different from the majority. I look at the world differently. I've had a different life with much adversity thrown in my path from a very young age. I listened to what other people told me I was worth. This shaped me into a very timid adult.
I have been going through a personal transformation the last three months. I learned that I was an unhappy person inside with many demons I had not come to terms with. Thus, I started a process to face these and kill them off.
This revolves around me living my life as honestly as I can. People are too unsure of themselves today; especially men. I've had enough of peer pressure and the media stereotypes brainwashing males into submission. I'm as loathing of it as you are.
--------------
These messages had controlled me for long enough so I threw a punch at it. Society is cold and most people have to always wear a mask. This disgusts me.
People want acceptance but they aren't doing anything to get it. Instead, they walk around staring at the ground, unsure of themselves. I injected some warmth back into the place.
--------------
My story is not about "Romeo & Juliet", it is about every kid being bullied in the school yard. It is about teenage kids committing suicide because they feel worthless.
It is about people dealing with disability; those who cannot communicate their suffering and the families that care for these people tirelessly.
It is about telling peer pressure to go f--- itself. It's childish behaviour and it impacts our adult lives in ways we don't see.
It is about gender stereotypes (both of them) and social conditioning. It is about mental health and getting help if needed.
It is about telling people what they mean to us while life is good. Not when a personal crisis hits. Tomorrow isn't a guarantee for any of us.
It is about standing up to society and illustrating that it has lost its way. We live in a culture of fear. Society had dimmed my spirit for long enough.
I didn't expect to get in the news, Sam, but the fact is I have. This has been my journey. I have dealt with all of these elements. I have endured this and come out the other side.
I'm telling my side to stop the bullshit and telling disadvantaged people: "You can win. I am proof of this. But you must have a go to give yourself a fighting chance at a happy life."
There are no shortcuts. Happiness is not handed to you. Capability is developed by simply having a go. If you're "outcome orientated" you won't do the things you really want. If you believe in something enough, go and get it in the right way.
Excerpts from Steve Tucker email to Sam de Brito & was published on Sam's blog.
This was me saying: "Society you always have ripped my dignity away as soon as I attain it. I've had enough. If you're threatening to totally cut off my balls, I'm fighting you tooth and nail for what's left. I dare you. F---ing bring it on."
During the period of time before I sent that message on Facebook to the first girl I mentioned, I realised how cold and empty I was inside and how isolated my disability had made me feel. I wasn't giving any warmth to others because I wouldn't let people get close enough to me. I thought I was a man and didn't need anybody to lean on. I had minimised my torment and pushed it down. This is why I never spoke about my disability.
What I learned from this is that if you're lacking something on the inside, you need to give it out to others. Even if it isn't returned in kind, it will make you feel happier inside.
I felt like I had to do what I did. Otherwise, skydiving would be forever tarnished and my mates would constantly refer back to Olivia and make me feel like shit.
-------------
I am a person that is different from the majority. I look at the world differently. I've had a different life with much adversity thrown in my path from a very young age. I listened to what other people told me I was worth. This shaped me into a very timid adult.
I have been going through a personal transformation the last three months. I learned that I was an unhappy person inside with many demons I had not come to terms with. Thus, I started a process to face these and kill them off.
This revolves around me living my life as honestly as I can. People are too unsure of themselves today; especially men. I've had enough of peer pressure and the media stereotypes brainwashing males into submission. I'm as loathing of it as you are.
--------------
These messages had controlled me for long enough so I threw a punch at it. Society is cold and most people have to always wear a mask. This disgusts me.
People want acceptance but they aren't doing anything to get it. Instead, they walk around staring at the ground, unsure of themselves. I injected some warmth back into the place.
--------------
My story is not about "Romeo & Juliet", it is about every kid being bullied in the school yard. It is about teenage kids committing suicide because they feel worthless.
It is about people dealing with disability; those who cannot communicate their suffering and the families that care for these people tirelessly.
It is about telling peer pressure to go f--- itself. It's childish behaviour and it impacts our adult lives in ways we don't see.
It is about gender stereotypes (both of them) and social conditioning. It is about mental health and getting help if needed.
It is about telling people what they mean to us while life is good. Not when a personal crisis hits. Tomorrow isn't a guarantee for any of us.
It is about standing up to society and illustrating that it has lost its way. We live in a culture of fear. Society had dimmed my spirit for long enough.
I didn't expect to get in the news, Sam, but the fact is I have. This has been my journey. I have dealt with all of these elements. I have endured this and come out the other side.
I'm telling my side to stop the bullshit and telling disadvantaged people: "You can win. I am proof of this. But you must have a go to give yourself a fighting chance at a happy life."
There are no shortcuts. Happiness is not handed to you. Capability is developed by simply having a go. If you're "outcome orientated" you won't do the things you really want. If you believe in something enough, go and get it in the right way.
Excerpts from Steve Tucker email to Sam de Brito & was published on Sam's blog.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Wish list: Bantayan Island, Cebu
It seems there is no shortage of islands to go to in this 7,000 plus islands... Bantayan is one of them near the northern part of the island of Cebu.
To get there, here is a direction from Wow Bantayan web site, from Manila, fly to Mactan Airport in Cebu, take a taxi or bus to the City of Cebu north terminal and take a 2.5 to 3-hour bus going up north to the port of Hagnaya and then a 75-minute ferry to the port of Santa Fe on Bantayan Island.
-----------------
Post wish: A colleague at work who from Cebu said that there is a very much better attraction south of the island... so I'll most likely plan for a tour of the whole island of Cebu!
But how about Sorsogon from this blog...
To get there, here is a direction from Wow Bantayan web site, from Manila, fly to Mactan Airport in Cebu, take a taxi or bus to the City of Cebu north terminal and take a 2.5 to 3-hour bus going up north to the port of Hagnaya and then a 75-minute ferry to the port of Santa Fe on Bantayan Island.
-----------------
Post wish: A colleague at work who from Cebu said that there is a very much better attraction south of the island... so I'll most likely plan for a tour of the whole island of Cebu!
But how about Sorsogon from this blog...
Friday, 5 November 2010
Red Album: Chicago, America: 5 Nov
Am crossing out another must see bands on my list: Chicago and America with Peter Frampton to boot in one concert tonight. I was a bit worried because it was raining, but found out the Big Top venue at Sydney's Luna Park is a covered auditorium. So wish me luck for a great night out!
Below is a spiel of what is coming and info for those young enough not knowing these iconic bands:
"...America, Chicago and Peter Frampton will now play two (2) shows in Sydney this October, with the second show taking place at the Big Top Sydney within Luna Park on Friday 5th November.
Grammy Award winning group, America, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band this year are excited to perform a mix of greatest hits, such as A Horse With No Name, Sister Golden Hair and You Can Do Magic plus selected songs from their plethora of recorded music for their Australian fans.
"We are excited to be returning once again to Australia, one of our all-time favorite places to play! Touring with our old friends, Chicago and Peter Frampton. We are presently celebrating our 40th Anniversary as "America" and the show will highlight songs from our 1st album to the present, and where possible include an acoustic set and video enhancement. We will perform all of our greatest hits, as well as selected songs from our forty years of recorded albums. We look forward to bringing our music back to Australia this year!”
Chicago will headline alongside America who have a lifetime of achievements include a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Record sales top the 100,000,000 mark and include 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 32 albums have been certified platinum and the band has a total of 47 gold and platinum awards. The line-up on tour will include original band members Robert Lamm on keyboards, vocals, Lee Loughnane on trumpet, James Pankow on trombone and Walt Parazaider on woodwinds, as well as Jason Scheff on bass, vocals, Tris Imboden on drums, Keith Howland on guitar, Lou Pardini on keyboards, vocals and Drew Hester on percussion.
“We are really stoked about our upcoming tour of Australia. We are happy to bring our very best music, including '30 plus' of our biggest hits to the Aussie audiences. Our band has never looked or sounded better!” Robert Lamm, speaking on behalf of Chicago.
Also touring in Australia with America and Chicago is the legendary Peter Frampton who remains one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. Fans can look forward to hearing Frampton’s biggest hits such as, Baby I Love Your Way, Show Me The Way and Do You Feel Like I Do. Peter Frampton released his new album, Thank You Mr Churchill in Australia on the 9th July through Shock Records. Thank You Mr Churchill is Frampton’s first collection since his innovative Grammy-winning instrumental album, Fingerprints.
"I can't wait to get back down under and visit with my Aussie fans and play some oldies as well as some new music. It's been too long and I promise to make this a habit for the future. It will be fantastic playing shows with Chicago and America” Peter Frampton."
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Redang Island, Malaysia
I've been reading this mX article: Red hot Redang, obviously a play of words on rendang, the Malaysian dish. Apparently a developer will turn this island into a more upmarket and for wealthy resort with accommodation not costing less than AU$500.00. So the mantra is 'Go to Redang while you still can!'
Where: Redang Island, is a about an hour's boat ride from the capital Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
This is not a pristine off the beaten track island, but similar to a more commercialise resort island like Boracay.
Where: Redang Island, is a about an hour's boat ride from the capital Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
This is not a pristine off the beaten track island, but similar to a more commercialise resort island like Boracay.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Mirage: a conversation in poems.
"The sunset is overrated. The colors, the atmosphere, it all gives you an illusion of how sadness is beautiful; that in that beauty, the sky grieves with you; that you aren't alone. But that's all it is: an illusion. After those minutes, you're bathed in darkness again." - Ike Tilly
-------------------------------------
"...a darkness which the stars and the brightly shining moon will illuiminate with haunting beauty...I'd love a sunset to introduce that..one beautiful sight after another...a lot to celebrate in this world... Gigs Patanao
-------------------------------------
"The darkness brings a sweet silence where you can see and hear your soul..." Nanette Imperial Wood
-------------------------------------
"Twilight, the hushed moment as a mother starts her lullaby of gazing stars and wispy clouds. Nighttime...the way, our baby-minds starts our journeys to infinity then back to daybreak finite worlds." Bernadette Wolf
Thursday, 15 July 2010
After a while....
By Veronica Shoffstall
| After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security, And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises, And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child, And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans. After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring your flowers. And you learn that you really can endure... That you really are strong,And you really do have worth. |
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Feather duster
'Feather duster' - Will clean your woes away.
Info: Taken whilst inside a car on the way to Intramuros. This is a typical scene in Manila depicting vendors selling all kinds of things from flower leis [mostly Sampaguitas or jasmine] to binoculars!
Manipulated on an Apple Mac using iPhoto.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Waylaid
Yep, you can say that I was waylaid on the way to this blog... I haven't been updating for months considering I have so many photos to post and experiences to share.
But I must confess that in order to survive my 'addiction' to blogging, I am substituting my addiction to Facebook. I find that FB is more interactive & suits a busy lifestyle, with mini-blogs [or if one wished, the notes provide a blog-like space & capability] and quick postings & response from one's readership [if there's any!]. The only thing is; because of the so many traffic old posts are buried into net black hole! It's like normal conversations that you don't worry about keeping tabs of what was said by who & when... unlike blogs' comments and emails.
I have reconnected with a captive audience [Heheheee...] as well as old friends and acquiantances. They post their pictures, I get to see them and vice-versa. The best thing is I can use my mobile [cell phone] phone to update & post what I am thinking or feeling at the time. But I still miss blogging. I am sure I will be back again [actually I've been running a couple of BloGazines for organisations I belong to - great way to have a free net presence!]!
Note about the image: No, it's not me that flagellating myself. On the way home from Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan; we saw this guy self-flagellating after the traditional cut-off time of 3 PM.
Another link for Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, click here.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
