July 18, 2008

• Unconscious Influential Behaviour
  
  I’m pretty sure everyone is familiar with the adage “He/She brings out the best/worst in me”. At a recent birthday party the revelation suddenly surfaced of how affected I can be by certain people I know. The unconscious  morphed into the conscious. One particular person at the party, more of an acquaintance than a friend, would direct facetious comments about people she knows, including yours truly, in a feeble attempt to raise a laugh. The remarks would then naturally evolve into a more bitchy tone. I, for one, would swiftly retaliate with equally if not more vitriolic comments about her. Bad behaviour begets bad behaviour.

  My observation that this baleful person can unearth the unpleasant side of me with ease perhaps point to a more underlying problem. This ephemeral episode isn’t a proud moment. Someone noted that she suffers from low self-esteem issues. Well, I’m sorry but that is not my problem. A friend revealed she could only tolerate her in small doses. I know what she means. 

  Also at the party was this bottle guaranteed to make you merry:

  
  Pic taken with camera phone

  What’s In a (Sur)Name?

  Quite a lot apparently. If you’re Asian and have the unfortunate surname of Ho then may I suggest you go change it by deed poll immediately. It’s bad enough if you’re female and be called a Ho with all the slutty connotations but if you’re a male and have the first name of Alan then perhaps you should just walk in front of a passing bus. Loyal readers may remember the rancour between myself and the arseHo (you get to be called that too) last year. Some of you loved what I’d wrote about him. But I digress.

  A couple of weeks ago, I’d met someone of the same name at a meetup. Lightning does indeed strike twice. For this Ho alarmingly exhibits the traits of the arseHo: ugliness (external and internal), appalling dress sense and being a complete prick. So if you are a Ho by name of virtue and about to become parents of an unborn son, please don’t name him Alan. There are enough shitbags in this world already.

  Out in Leicester Square, London two days ago:

  
  Pic taken with camera phone

  I like women with long legs but this is taking it too far.

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  Summer Days

  New York Trip: 23rd June – 1st July
  
  It has been nearly three weeks since my return from New York and the contrast in weather between the two major cities is remarkably stark. It was the first time I’d visited the Big Apple in the summer since 1987 and a return during this season is unlikely for a while. The temperature in London has been averaging a constant 21°C (69°F) whereas it was around 30°C (86°F) in NYC precipitated by spells of heavy rain. And don’t forget the humidity. At least there is AC on the Subway and I don’t have to suffer near internal combustion like I generally do on the Tube.

  My initial impression during the first couple of days was,”Credit crunch? What credit crunch?” The whole city was swamped in a mass and choking wave of consumerism. Every Starbucks I’d visited were packed to the tilt despite their recent announcement of store closures due to falling profits. It seems like NYC is isolated from the consequences of the credit crunch that had affected the rest of the US.   

  

  A vibrant yet tranquil early evening in Bryant Park. Perfect setting for catching up with a friend over coffee and cupcake.

  
  Pic taken with camera phone

  Cupcakes from the nearby Crumbs. I’m not really a cupcake person.

  

  Bryant Park also offers great views of the City.

  

  Municipal building in Borough Hall, Brooklyn

  

  A restaurant with interesting architecture in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

  
  Pic taken with camera phone

  Some people marking their territory in the grottier side of Williamsburg.

  
  Pic taken with camera phone

  Street life in Williamsburg

  

  The famous Grimald’s Pizzeria by the Brooklyn Bridge, serving supposedly the best pizza in NYC. 

  

  Although I’d missed the telectroscope exhibition by the Brooklyn Bridge (see previous post), I did catch Olafur Eliasson’s waterfall on the day it was turned on.

  

  Frankly, I wasn’t overly impressed.

  

  The view from the South Street Seaport.

  
  

  View of the Seaport at dusk

  I’d found the ideal person to model for me. Unfortunately, she lives in NYC and not London.

  

  She may not agree but she is a natural in front of the camera. I’d only wished I had brought the rest of my camera gear to NYC. Shot this using only a lamp for lighting.

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  Why Men Should Never Write Advice Columns

  Dear Walter:

  I hope you can help me here. The other day I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn’t gone more than a few hundred yards down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband’s help.

  When I got home I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was parading in front of the wardrobe mirror dressed in my underwear and high-heel shoes, and he was wearing my make up.

  I am 32, my husband is 34 and we have been married for twelve years. When I confronted him, he tried to make out that he had dressed in my lingerie because he couldn’t find his own underwear. But when I asked him about the make-up, he broke down and admitted that he’d been wearing my clothes for six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him.

  He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. I don’t feel I can get through to him anymore.

  Can you please help?

  Sincerely,
  Sheila

  Reply:

  Dear Sheila:

  A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the jubilee clips holding the vacuum pipes onto the inlet manifold. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber. I hope this helps.

  Walter

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  Why Americans Should Vote For Obama

  

   

  • 9:52 pm
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