Oh, totally worth every penny. NOT. FYI- It's from the YSL estate auction by Christie's last week.
Friday, February 27, 2009
$28.3 Million Chair
Oh, totally worth every penny. NOT. FYI- It's from the YSL estate auction by Christie's last week.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Perniciousness of Religion
I'm gonna stick to Christianity alone for this one. But all religions except Buddhism and it's derivatives (e.g. Taoism, Zen), to me, are pernicious (i.e. dangerous).
Firstly, what is the core dogma of religion? Faith. What is faith? It's the suspension of reason and it's stead, belief becomes fact. What happens when belief triumphs over reason? Well, for one thing, you get appx. 700 years of the Dark Ages when human progress actually stopped and people went back to the stone age and later, people who said that the Earth rotated around the Sun were burned at the stakes or excommunicated. You also get the Taliban who will not allow girls to goto schools and behead those who are infidels. [You also get George W.]
Second, this whole Christianity business is NOT new. Horus, an Egyptian god (centuries before Christ), was born in Dec. via virgin birth, had 12 disciples, had his trials in the desert, died and was resurrected on the 3rd day. The same for Mithra, a god (a derivative of Sol) that the Romans worshipped right before Jesus came on the scene. It goes on and on. Btw, none of the New Testament gospels (aka God-spells) were written by an actual eyewitness and all of the gospels are different from eachother. The earliest one having been written roughy 30 years after the death of Jesus, and the rest, about a hundred years after. Continuing on... Why do we have bunnies for Easter? It's because the Persians celebrated the Goddess of fertility named Ishtar and the bunnies represent the fertile return of Spring during their Spring festivals. It goes on and on. I once took Graeco-Roman religion class at college and the professor kept saying, "during the Jesus movement..." so and so happened. I was offended by his description of the only son of god. But then after a few years of my own personal study and research, I realized that he was right. This whole resurrection and salvation business came long before and many many times before Jesus.
Third, can anyone in their right mind believe in a talking snake, putting on all of the animals on a boat before God wiped out the human race?, a man inside a big fish, bringing down the walls of a fortress by blowing on bugles, etc. What's the difference between these stories vs. mother goose, jack and the beanstalk, and Santa Clause.
Forth, many of our founding fathers thought that religion was pernicious as well. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, etc. all considered religion to be dangerous institution that stunted the minds of men. They even wrote about it. Heck, even George Washington, when he was sworn in laid his hands on the Masonic Bible vs. the King James Version.
I heard the most shocking survey recently that most Americans (about half) do not believe in evolution because God created Adam and Eve, not monkeys that became human. We were one of the very few industrialized nations that has such high percentage of people who reject a scientific fact such as evolution.
Fifth, there is no concept of the original sin in the Bible (anywhere). It was created by the Catholic church to scare people into joining the church so that they can have more people to control and to collect more revenues for their pompous institutions including for their wardrobes, palaces, ceremonies, lifestyles, etc. Btw, the Pope, there's nothing in the Bible that requires a Pope. Peter was 'the rock,' the foundation for the movement (per the Book of Acts). But that's it. The ten commandments: the first 3-4 commandments are to love the Biblical god and no one else, "for I am a jealous God." What a jealous God? I don't get it.
Anyway, I understand why people need to believe in a God. It makes life simpler for them (they don't have to think. The Church can think FOR them). Plus, afterall, is this life all that we have? Surely, there must be something beyond this life! Something more sublime, meaningful, and just! So, it's comforting as well.
So, a Jew, 2000 years ago comes to Earth on a suicide mission and dies for our sins so that we can goto heaven if we believe in him (and no one else) and if we are 'born again' through Baptism. Hmmm. Well, I was Baptised twice. So, I guess I'm good. My name is on the list when the door guy up on the pearly gate (I think his name is Jesus or Michael? Don't know who'll be working the door that nite) asks me, "You on the list?" I can say, "Yup. Frederick Kwon. I RSVPd twice!" Response: "Yes, I see your name. Come right in." I'll ask, "How is it in there?" He'll say, "It's awesome! You get to pray and sing to the Almighty all day and nite forever. Believe me, the whole virgin pussy thing that the Muslims get at their place... way over-rated."
P.S. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't discount the slim possibility of a deity of some sort or conscious energy that organizes life and death and the Physics of 'sin' (i.e. one's bad deeds eventually come due for payment and bites one on the ass) and I don't believe that everything is coincidence, afterall, the universe is so vast (actually, infinite) and at the same time, so infinitesmal, that there has to be some room for, dare I say, even 'intelligent design.' Moreover, I do love what Jesus stood for, that is, compassion and love, and I especially like the Surmon on the Mound. But all the rest of it... the fish stories (i.e. Jonah, multiplying fish and bread for the masses), Armageddon, talking snake, a god who makes a bet with satan and makes his follower suffer through murder of all his children, gives him boils then says, "hey kimosabe, we're chill now, OK?" (Book of Job), etc. etc.
... please.
Firstly, what is the core dogma of religion? Faith. What is faith? It's the suspension of reason and it's stead, belief becomes fact. What happens when belief triumphs over reason? Well, for one thing, you get appx. 700 years of the Dark Ages when human progress actually stopped and people went back to the stone age and later, people who said that the Earth rotated around the Sun were burned at the stakes or excommunicated. You also get the Taliban who will not allow girls to goto schools and behead those who are infidels. [You also get George W.]
Second, this whole Christianity business is NOT new. Horus, an Egyptian god (centuries before Christ), was born in Dec. via virgin birth, had 12 disciples, had his trials in the desert, died and was resurrected on the 3rd day. The same for Mithra, a god (a derivative of Sol) that the Romans worshipped right before Jesus came on the scene. It goes on and on. Btw, none of the New Testament gospels (aka God-spells) were written by an actual eyewitness and all of the gospels are different from eachother. The earliest one having been written roughy 30 years after the death of Jesus, and the rest, about a hundred years after. Continuing on... Why do we have bunnies for Easter? It's because the Persians celebrated the Goddess of fertility named Ishtar and the bunnies represent the fertile return of Spring during their Spring festivals. It goes on and on. I once took Graeco-Roman religion class at college and the professor kept saying, "during the Jesus movement..." so and so happened. I was offended by his description of the only son of god. But then after a few years of my own personal study and research, I realized that he was right. This whole resurrection and salvation business came long before and many many times before Jesus.
Third, can anyone in their right mind believe in a talking snake, putting on all of the animals on a boat before God wiped out the human race?, a man inside a big fish, bringing down the walls of a fortress by blowing on bugles, etc. What's the difference between these stories vs. mother goose, jack and the beanstalk, and Santa Clause.
Forth, many of our founding fathers thought that religion was pernicious as well. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, etc. all considered religion to be dangerous institution that stunted the minds of men. They even wrote about it. Heck, even George Washington, when he was sworn in laid his hands on the Masonic Bible vs. the King James Version.
I heard the most shocking survey recently that most Americans (about half) do not believe in evolution because God created Adam and Eve, not monkeys that became human. We were one of the very few industrialized nations that has such high percentage of people who reject a scientific fact such as evolution.
Fifth, there is no concept of the original sin in the Bible (anywhere). It was created by the Catholic church to scare people into joining the church so that they can have more people to control and to collect more revenues for their pompous institutions including for their wardrobes, palaces, ceremonies, lifestyles, etc. Btw, the Pope, there's nothing in the Bible that requires a Pope. Peter was 'the rock,' the foundation for the movement (per the Book of Acts). But that's it. The ten commandments: the first 3-4 commandments are to love the Biblical god and no one else, "for I am a jealous God." What a jealous God? I don't get it.
Anyway, I understand why people need to believe in a God. It makes life simpler for them (they don't have to think. The Church can think FOR them). Plus, afterall, is this life all that we have? Surely, there must be something beyond this life! Something more sublime, meaningful, and just! So, it's comforting as well.
So, a Jew, 2000 years ago comes to Earth on a suicide mission and dies for our sins so that we can goto heaven if we believe in him (and no one else) and if we are 'born again' through Baptism. Hmmm. Well, I was Baptised twice. So, I guess I'm good. My name is on the list when the door guy up on the pearly gate (I think his name is Jesus or Michael? Don't know who'll be working the door that nite) asks me, "You on the list?" I can say, "Yup. Frederick Kwon. I RSVPd twice!" Response: "Yes, I see your name. Come right in." I'll ask, "How is it in there?" He'll say, "It's awesome! You get to pray and sing to the Almighty all day and nite forever. Believe me, the whole virgin pussy thing that the Muslims get at their place... way over-rated."
P.S. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't discount the slim possibility of a deity of some sort or conscious energy that organizes life and death and the Physics of 'sin' (i.e. one's bad deeds eventually come due for payment and bites one on the ass) and I don't believe that everything is coincidence, afterall, the universe is so vast (actually, infinite) and at the same time, so infinitesmal, that there has to be some room for, dare I say, even 'intelligent design.' Moreover, I do love what Jesus stood for, that is, compassion and love, and I especially like the Surmon on the Mound. But all the rest of it... the fish stories (i.e. Jonah, multiplying fish and bread for the masses), Armageddon, talking snake, a god who makes a bet with satan and makes his follower suffer through murder of all his children, gives him boils then says, "hey kimosabe, we're chill now, OK?" (Book of Job), etc. etc.
... please.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Amazon Speed
Forgot to blog this earlier. A few days ago, I purchased a couple of items from Amazon. And being pound foolish but pennywise, I of course picked the Free Shipping option with delivery window of 5-9 days which from my experience has been actually about 4-5 days from order to delivery. Well, this time, the sucker arrived the very next day. I was amazed when my doorman said, "Fred, you have a package." I said, "Really? I'm not expecting any packages today." Then he pulls out a box with an Amazon logo. I said, "This can't be. I ordered something mid-afternoon yesterday and I didn't do next day shipping." I was puzzled.
I opened the box when I got upto my apt. and lo behold, it's the stuff I ordered less than 24 hrs. ago! So, I checked the receipt to see if I accidentally pressed the wrong delivery option. Nope. Free delivery.
I couldn't believe it. Cheers to Amazon. I'm glad that I've purchased from Amazon since the year of their inception. What a wonderful American company.
I opened the box when I got upto my apt. and lo behold, it's the stuff I ordered less than 24 hrs. ago! So, I checked the receipt to see if I accidentally pressed the wrong delivery option. Nope. Free delivery.
I couldn't believe it. Cheers to Amazon. I'm glad that I've purchased from Amazon since the year of their inception. What a wonderful American company.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Strange Case of Mr. Y
For the past 3 weeks, I had befriended someone who I had known for years on the party circuit. I would see Mr. Y once so often, on and off at various events and parties. But we had never hungout outside of those activities. But then on New Year's Eve, I ended up at the SubMercer and saw him and we struck up an interesting conversation and we started hanging out.
So, once a week since then, we've texted and went out to some events. He's in his mid to late 30s, tall, almost handsome, a good talker, but not a good dresser. I liked his interesting and insightful observations of people and nite life in NY. I agreed with most of everything he said and our conversations were very engaging and well paced. I thought to myself, do I have a new friend here? Afterall, we thought alot alike and he was drama free.
He invited me to events every week since New Year's Day and would even call me up every few days and we would chat on the phone. Chatting on the phone is very rare for me. 98% of the time, I like to simply text. But our conversations were so interesting and since he too was a night owl, I was fine with it. Now you maybe wondering, is he gay? Afterall, I'm quite the catch in that community. Asia boy. But no, he is definitely straight. We would often talk about the girls that he is dating or trying to date. He would even send me emails with their pictures so that we can grade them from 1 to 10. [Note: They were all Asian and 6s. He thought they were 8s. I plead illiteracy when it came to Asian girls.]
Anyway, after 3 weeks of this and increasing amicability and comfort level, I thought OK, this guy may be a new friend. Then something strange and fckd up happened on Thursday.
He invited me to a TV industry party (he's not in that industry) at Greenhouse. I really didnt feel like going. 1) I've been there now 4 times in the past month and the novelty was wearing off and 2) It was between 8-10. Way before midnight. So, evenafter I got ready, I told him, "I'm ready. But I don't know if I want to go." He just texted back and said, "Hot party. Come now." At this point, I've known the guy long enough to know that we have similar tastes and we've been to all the spots in Manhattan, so we know whats good or shit. So I went down to Greenhouse.
As I was arriving, he called me and said, "There's a huge line outside. Just goto the side door and say that you're with _____. I'm on the VIP list and I told the guestlist girl that you were coming. So, just by pass the regular line. I'm on the VIP list." He actually used the word VIP several times during the 3 min. convo. I thought that was kindda strange. It was like someone saying I went to Harvard. Harvard. Harvard. Harvard. Did I mention that I went to Harvard?
Anyway, I get inside and I find him. He's with an FOB Korean girl who I had seen once before. Mildly attractive. But not my cup of tea. We exchange pleasantries. Then later on at the bar, he asks me, "Hey Fred, can you give me $10, so I can buy her a drink? They have a $50 minimum on credit cards." This is after, the previous time when we were there and he asked me for $40 which he promised to payback the next time he saw me. Fortunately, the FOB decided to stick to tap water. So, we hungout there for about an hour. The crowd was shitty. Not the regular Greenhouse crowd. It was very bridge and tunnel. So, we decided to go to RDV early.
RDV is the latest tough door and I had only gone to it once before (last week) with Barbie. As we approached the door, he says, "Stand back a few paces. Let me and the girl break the ice." So, I figured, fine. One does have to be strategic when one is not yet a regular. He was there twice before. So neither of us were regulars yet. It takes about 3-4 visits within a span of a month in general to become a regular. Then when we were all finally at the door, he asks the doorguy the strangest thing, "Is the bartender working?" Jordan looks at him and says, "Now, that's a wierd question. No. We're not open yet. We'll be opening at 11. What's the bartender's name?" Mr. Y says, "I dont know." I whisper in his ear, "Nicholas." I knew because I make it a habit to get the bartenders' names when I first visit a place just in case I need to use it before I become a regular. Then Mr. Y says to Jordan, "You remember me dont you?" and Jordan says, "No." Anyway, we all get in despite the awkward moment. But the fckn place is not even opened for another 15 mins. So we walkout and tell the other door guy that we''ll be back. Then we end up going to the Gansvoort Hotel rooftop for what I thought would be for 20 mins. before we headed back to RDV.
Then out of the blue, he asks me while staring at the SoHo House, "Are you a member of the SoHo House?" I said "No. I had the opportunity to be one of the Charter members because I know one of Charter members who wanted me to join 6 yrs. ago. But I wasn't sure how it would be so I passed on it." Which was the truth. Then he says, "Norwood. That's a better one. You should join that." I said, maybe. Personally, I would only want to be a member of the Metropolitan Club (they go pheasant hunting and have lots of black tie events and is really high level vs. these new commers like the SoHo House or Norwood), NYAC, or the University Club. All are old school clubs unlike these new kids on the block.
Then here's the shocker, Mr. Y says, "Well, you're not adding any value here." I was flabbergasted. Say what? I just brushed it off thinking he's just joking. Then the FOB girl, he's "date," who can barely speak English tells him, not knowing what he just said to me, "I go home now. Have to finish homework. Test tomorrow." Mr. Y soon departs with her. Leaving me alone for RDV without apologizing for his comment nor for his unscheduled penis-driven departure. I thought it was an assholish move. But, I figured fck it. He wants to get laid. Fine. Fortunately, I had 2 girls soon to join me who were good enough for RDV.
When I get to RDV 20 mins. later, I get a text from him. "Hey, this girl. I don't think it'll work out. She's too traditional." I text back, "Who knows. Probably." Then 15 mins. later I get another text, "I'm at Southside. I just walked right in. It's pretty good here." Southside, FYI, is the only tough door that I've heard of that I haven't been to yet so I was interested in what he had to say about it.
To make this already long story short now, when I asked him what kind of people were there, he says, "I've already told you. Don't waste my time by making me repeat myself." So, I reread one his previous texts. Embedded in one of them were two words, "Rich Hipsters." So, that was that. I thought. Then the ugly head of a "God-complex" reared itself from Mr. Y. He kept going on about me not staying pace with him and wasting his time etc. This went on for 30 mins. while I was waiting for the girls to show up at RDV. I was besides myself. How does it go from a budding friendship into pure unadultrated insults in a nanosecond? He even went as far to say, "I'm working now so I cant give you therapy unless you pay me $150/hr." and started calling me names. Btw, he wasn't even drunk. He only drank 1 open bar vodka and rest of the 2 hrs. he just drank water.
Needless to say, my final message to him was, "Good luck turd." I havent spoke to him since. I was hurt for a day or so then became angry and disgusted. I concluded that even if he were to apologize profusely or give a good reason why he said all of those things, I can never be friends with someone so narcisstic and volatile. I deleted his number from my phone. Crazies are a dime a dozen in this city, I don't need to have one in my life. Been there, done that.
P.S. It's surreal though how a person seems so harmless and nice on the surface. But deep inside, there's a demon just waiting to eat the flesh of others when the cage opens. It's disgusting and sad. Turd.
So, once a week since then, we've texted and went out to some events. He's in his mid to late 30s, tall, almost handsome, a good talker, but not a good dresser. I liked his interesting and insightful observations of people and nite life in NY. I agreed with most of everything he said and our conversations were very engaging and well paced. I thought to myself, do I have a new friend here? Afterall, we thought alot alike and he was drama free.
He invited me to events every week since New Year's Day and would even call me up every few days and we would chat on the phone. Chatting on the phone is very rare for me. 98% of the time, I like to simply text. But our conversations were so interesting and since he too was a night owl, I was fine with it. Now you maybe wondering, is he gay? Afterall, I'm quite the catch in that community. Asia boy. But no, he is definitely straight. We would often talk about the girls that he is dating or trying to date. He would even send me emails with their pictures so that we can grade them from 1 to 10. [Note: They were all Asian and 6s. He thought they were 8s. I plead illiteracy when it came to Asian girls.]
Anyway, after 3 weeks of this and increasing amicability and comfort level, I thought OK, this guy may be a new friend. Then something strange and fckd up happened on Thursday.
He invited me to a TV industry party (he's not in that industry) at Greenhouse. I really didnt feel like going. 1) I've been there now 4 times in the past month and the novelty was wearing off and 2) It was between 8-10. Way before midnight. So, evenafter I got ready, I told him, "I'm ready. But I don't know if I want to go." He just texted back and said, "Hot party. Come now." At this point, I've known the guy long enough to know that we have similar tastes and we've been to all the spots in Manhattan, so we know whats good or shit. So I went down to Greenhouse.
As I was arriving, he called me and said, "There's a huge line outside. Just goto the side door and say that you're with _____. I'm on the VIP list and I told the guestlist girl that you were coming. So, just by pass the regular line. I'm on the VIP list." He actually used the word VIP several times during the 3 min. convo. I thought that was kindda strange. It was like someone saying I went to Harvard. Harvard. Harvard. Harvard. Did I mention that I went to Harvard?
Anyway, I get inside and I find him. He's with an FOB Korean girl who I had seen once before. Mildly attractive. But not my cup of tea. We exchange pleasantries. Then later on at the bar, he asks me, "Hey Fred, can you give me $10, so I can buy her a drink? They have a $50 minimum on credit cards." This is after, the previous time when we were there and he asked me for $40 which he promised to payback the next time he saw me. Fortunately, the FOB decided to stick to tap water. So, we hungout there for about an hour. The crowd was shitty. Not the regular Greenhouse crowd. It was very bridge and tunnel. So, we decided to go to RDV early.
RDV is the latest tough door and I had only gone to it once before (last week) with Barbie. As we approached the door, he says, "Stand back a few paces. Let me and the girl break the ice." So, I figured, fine. One does have to be strategic when one is not yet a regular. He was there twice before. So neither of us were regulars yet. It takes about 3-4 visits within a span of a month in general to become a regular. Then when we were all finally at the door, he asks the doorguy the strangest thing, "Is the bartender working?" Jordan looks at him and says, "Now, that's a wierd question. No. We're not open yet. We'll be opening at 11. What's the bartender's name?" Mr. Y says, "I dont know." I whisper in his ear, "Nicholas." I knew because I make it a habit to get the bartenders' names when I first visit a place just in case I need to use it before I become a regular. Then Mr. Y says to Jordan, "You remember me dont you?" and Jordan says, "No." Anyway, we all get in despite the awkward moment. But the fckn place is not even opened for another 15 mins. So we walkout and tell the other door guy that we''ll be back. Then we end up going to the Gansvoort Hotel rooftop for what I thought would be for 20 mins. before we headed back to RDV.
Then out of the blue, he asks me while staring at the SoHo House, "Are you a member of the SoHo House?" I said "No. I had the opportunity to be one of the Charter members because I know one of Charter members who wanted me to join 6 yrs. ago. But I wasn't sure how it would be so I passed on it." Which was the truth. Then he says, "Norwood. That's a better one. You should join that." I said, maybe. Personally, I would only want to be a member of the Metropolitan Club (they go pheasant hunting and have lots of black tie events and is really high level vs. these new commers like the SoHo House or Norwood), NYAC, or the University Club. All are old school clubs unlike these new kids on the block.
Then here's the shocker, Mr. Y says, "Well, you're not adding any value here." I was flabbergasted. Say what? I just brushed it off thinking he's just joking. Then the FOB girl, he's "date," who can barely speak English tells him, not knowing what he just said to me, "I go home now. Have to finish homework. Test tomorrow." Mr. Y soon departs with her. Leaving me alone for RDV without apologizing for his comment nor for his unscheduled penis-driven departure. I thought it was an assholish move. But, I figured fck it. He wants to get laid. Fine. Fortunately, I had 2 girls soon to join me who were good enough for RDV.
When I get to RDV 20 mins. later, I get a text from him. "Hey, this girl. I don't think it'll work out. She's too traditional." I text back, "Who knows. Probably." Then 15 mins. later I get another text, "I'm at Southside. I just walked right in. It's pretty good here." Southside, FYI, is the only tough door that I've heard of that I haven't been to yet so I was interested in what he had to say about it.
To make this already long story short now, when I asked him what kind of people were there, he says, "I've already told you. Don't waste my time by making me repeat myself." So, I reread one his previous texts. Embedded in one of them were two words, "Rich Hipsters." So, that was that. I thought. Then the ugly head of a "God-complex" reared itself from Mr. Y. He kept going on about me not staying pace with him and wasting his time etc. This went on for 30 mins. while I was waiting for the girls to show up at RDV. I was besides myself. How does it go from a budding friendship into pure unadultrated insults in a nanosecond? He even went as far to say, "I'm working now so I cant give you therapy unless you pay me $150/hr." and started calling me names. Btw, he wasn't even drunk. He only drank 1 open bar vodka and rest of the 2 hrs. he just drank water.
Needless to say, my final message to him was, "Good luck turd." I havent spoke to him since. I was hurt for a day or so then became angry and disgusted. I concluded that even if he were to apologize profusely or give a good reason why he said all of those things, I can never be friends with someone so narcisstic and volatile. I deleted his number from my phone. Crazies are a dime a dozen in this city, I don't need to have one in my life. Been there, done that.
P.S. It's surreal though how a person seems so harmless and nice on the surface. But deep inside, there's a demon just waiting to eat the flesh of others when the cage opens. It's disgusting and sad. Turd.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Gauche or Rive Gauche?
Hopefully, this will be one of my last comments, if not the last comment, about facebook. As you know I joined FB last Thursday after 3 years of resisting MySpace and Facebook. I resisted because everyone was on it. But, now, I joined it because everyone (save Pierce) is on it. Makes sense, no? It's a nice, passive way to have a window into the lives of my nonblogging friends. I still find it, as I expected, a plebian and sophomoric site. It's basically for kids. Very puerile. But I didn't want to be out of touch or feel like a Luddite. As Jason Bateman in American Psycho said, "I want to fit in." So, there you go.
Anyway, I've been on it about 3 times a day :(). It's still a new toy for me and I like playing with it. I plan to ease off on it by this weekend when the novelty wears off as all new novelties wear off on me (except, exceptional new friends).
So, yesterday, I sent an email request via FB to a gal pal of mine who I know fairly well and have a good friendly relationship with (I see her at least twice a week) to change her profile picture. Because 1) she looked like some biker chick and 2) when displayed on my 'friends' thumbnails, only her ass shows up. I suggested that she update her picture that more appropriately reflects her age and elegance. And I emailed her via FB vs. posting it on her wall which can be viewed by the public. I was discreet and I also thought that it was a reasonable corrective request.
What's the response I get? "Freddy, I've been meaning to. But How dare you?! Perhaps, Facebook is not a good thing for you to have." Note: She, nevertheless, changed her picture profile. I was shocked. I thought, hmmm, was I being an ass? Was my tone assholish? So, I reviewed the message that I sent. It said, "_____, can you change your profile picture? You are more elegant than what is reflected on your profile pic. You look like a biker chick." Well, perhaps, I should have left off the biker chick part. But overall, I thought that the message was reasonable and innocuous.
So, I was alittle bit hurt. To those who know me, I'm actually one of the nicest guys there is. I have a big heart and I even sometimes cry when I watch CNN and see the people in Africa sucking on rock for dinner.
Pursuant to her response, I sent her 2 emails to apologize and to let her know that I meant no insult or harm and promised to be more nice. But in return, that she grow a tougher skin.
Personally, as I've stated (blogged) earlier, a few months ago, I welcome constructive criticisms as long as they are reasonable, true, nonmalicious, and nonselfish. For I feel that I am a better me when someone, especially, those who I have known and know me pretty well take the time to correct me. Because I know that they are correcting me out of love. But it appears that some people can't handle any corrections.
Frankly, sometimes I correct my friends when it's appropriate, when a flaw emerges, to see how they handle criticism. It's a test in a way. It gives me a glimpse into their character, their core, so to speak. It's a test of character. I don't want to be around weak people. I like people with healthy ego, self esteem, and vitality.
Case in point, Barbie has corrected me as a friend on a few occassions when I misspelled things, etc. Very minor stuff. But I welcomed it. Conversely, a year ago, when she gained a few pounds (which is rare) and I didn't say anything until she lost it, she told me, "Freddy, I want you to tell me when I gained weight." Now, obviously, I'm not (never) gonna go there :). But I liked her openness and her inner strength for saying that. That showed me character.
I want to be a nice guy all of the time. But I don't want to be a nice guy all of the time. So help me god.
[P.S. All is well that ends well. She emailed me back after reading my follow up emails and apologied for her over reaction. Apparently, one of her friends yesterday was picking on her about something and when she woke up this morning and saw my message, it was just bad timing. So, she is open to suggestions/corrections. Cool.]
Anyway, I've been on it about 3 times a day :(). It's still a new toy for me and I like playing with it. I plan to ease off on it by this weekend when the novelty wears off as all new novelties wear off on me (except, exceptional new friends).
So, yesterday, I sent an email request via FB to a gal pal of mine who I know fairly well and have a good friendly relationship with (I see her at least twice a week) to change her profile picture. Because 1) she looked like some biker chick and 2) when displayed on my 'friends' thumbnails, only her ass shows up. I suggested that she update her picture that more appropriately reflects her age and elegance. And I emailed her via FB vs. posting it on her wall which can be viewed by the public. I was discreet and I also thought that it was a reasonable corrective request.
What's the response I get? "Freddy, I've been meaning to. But How dare you?! Perhaps, Facebook is not a good thing for you to have." Note: She, nevertheless, changed her picture profile. I was shocked. I thought, hmmm, was I being an ass? Was my tone assholish? So, I reviewed the message that I sent. It said, "_____, can you change your profile picture? You are more elegant than what is reflected on your profile pic. You look like a biker chick." Well, perhaps, I should have left off the biker chick part. But overall, I thought that the message was reasonable and innocuous.
So, I was alittle bit hurt. To those who know me, I'm actually one of the nicest guys there is. I have a big heart and I even sometimes cry when I watch CNN and see the people in Africa sucking on rock for dinner.
Pursuant to her response, I sent her 2 emails to apologize and to let her know that I meant no insult or harm and promised to be more nice. But in return, that she grow a tougher skin.
Personally, as I've stated (blogged) earlier, a few months ago, I welcome constructive criticisms as long as they are reasonable, true, nonmalicious, and nonselfish. For I feel that I am a better me when someone, especially, those who I have known and know me pretty well take the time to correct me. Because I know that they are correcting me out of love. But it appears that some people can't handle any corrections.
Frankly, sometimes I correct my friends when it's appropriate, when a flaw emerges, to see how they handle criticism. It's a test in a way. It gives me a glimpse into their character, their core, so to speak. It's a test of character. I don't want to be around weak people. I like people with healthy ego, self esteem, and vitality.
Case in point, Barbie has corrected me as a friend on a few occassions when I misspelled things, etc. Very minor stuff. But I welcomed it. Conversely, a year ago, when she gained a few pounds (which is rare) and I didn't say anything until she lost it, she told me, "Freddy, I want you to tell me when I gained weight." Now, obviously, I'm not (never) gonna go there :). But I liked her openness and her inner strength for saying that. That showed me character.
I want to be a nice guy all of the time. But I don't want to be a nice guy all of the time. So help me god.
[P.S. All is well that ends well. She emailed me back after reading my follow up emails and apologied for her over reaction. Apparently, one of her friends yesterday was picking on her about something and when she woke up this morning and saw my message, it was just bad timing. So, she is open to suggestions/corrections. Cool.]
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