Ever wonder what people are thinking of when they break the norm of social etiquette? I mean what are they really thinking of as it happens? Before I prod along some more, allow me to explain why I am writing this. I have and still do come across too many people who breaks the rules and customs of polite social or professional behavior and feel that it is their God given right to do as they may, without regards to society at large.
Below are the most commonly observed:
1. "WARNING: EXCAVATION IN PROGRESS" - Picking of noses in public, both genders included with majority of male offenders. Firstly, it is unhygienic. Secondly, it is downright disgusting for others to see; is it not possible for them to do the "excavation work" in the privacy of the restroom or at home? To make matters worse, some men keep their pinky fingernail extra long for the excavation purpose!
2. "TOOTH COMBING" - Using of straws to clean food stuck in between teeth. They simply think that the edge of the straw is thin enough to clean the spaces in between their teeth. If available, they will sometimes use toothpicks. Both methods are dangerous as one wrong angle or a nudge in the arm will cause "tooth combers" to hurt their gums. Please use dental floss. Recommended by dentists world over.
3. "GRINDING SESSIONS"- Some people like to talk while eating. Innocent bystanders are forced to see half eaten food as they continue to talk and worse, bits of food fly across to the audience as they continue on with their subject. Finish your chewing, then you may speak.
4. "TURN OFF YOUR SPEAKERS" - This goes in hand with No. 3. Chew your food quietly so that others from across the table will not hear the grating and crushing of food. On a similar issue, there are many around that choose to talk loudly while on their cellphones. People do not want to hear your conversations and your million dollar business deals. If communication is bad, go find another empty spot to continue. Else, use text messaging until you find a signal at a more convenient location.
5. "SILENCE PLEASE" - Accepting phone calls in a movie theater. Why come to the cinema at all if you are expecting phone calls? In cases of emergency when you do pick up, just excuse yourself from the area and step out of the cinema. Others paid for their tickets too and want to enjoy the movie. Bookstores are another common place where people like to chat loudly. It is bad enough that some music is aired in the store, but with added noises from chats turns it into a fish market. Bookstores are associated with libraries, so please respect the silence of the environment.
6. "DRIVE-THRU" - Turn lights are installed in cars for use. Jumping queue and cutting ahead of other drivers is not only dangerous but it can also be fatal if turn signals are not utilized. They simply "drive-thru" ignoring the safety of other drivers on the road. Another type of offenders are drivers talking on cellphones while driving. Concentration is reduced and these are drivers waiting for accidents to occur. Let it stick that driving is a privilege, it is not a right.
7. "EXCUSE YOU!" - Ever come across people who just come in the way of you looking at something? If you haven't, consider yourself lucky. Say you are watching/admiring some performances/displays on shelves; and suddenly someone crosses your path reaching for something or stands in front of you, completely blocking your view and not uttering any apologies.
8. "SHORTYs" - It seems that one of the latest fashion trend is the "short shorts". It is a pair of conventional shorts but designed and cut extra short that the hems rise to your crotch after a short stroll. It doesn't matter if wearer is skinny or on the heavier side, even if it does not rise, these things should be strictly for the home or beach area. Wearing them to the malls, parties and family reunions is just plain rude and insensitive to others.
9. "LOW RIDERS" - Another fashion no-no for bottoms. Yes, we all agree that only the skinny ones can wear them low, but have they thought about the view when they sit or bend over? For some, they try to cover the view with a longer shirt/top but it leads to exposure anyway. No one wants to see butt-cracks at any time of the day. Cover up or skip it altogether.
10. "CATCH ME IF YOU CAN" - I often wonder about men, "Is there always an itch there that you have to grab your crotch in public?". If there is an itch or if it is poorly adjusted, correct it in the restroom. Do not do it in presence of others. It will make people think of you as a pervert, a male who still does not know how to clean his "family jewels" or a flasher on standby.
11. "SPITTING IMAGE" - Want to create a negative image of yourself? Then just spit on the sidewalk. If you chew tobacco, you should already have a spittoon on hand. If you don't, spit into a napkin or somewhere with a water tap.
12. "SENIORS RULE?" - Not always. When it comes to retirees, we listen to what you have to say. After all, you do have more experience in living life. Other times, we just want to be treated equally. Retirees are already guaranteed a discount, so why the preferential treatment when it comes to services? Unless there is a designated sign or area for seniors, then I will just shut my yap.
I am sure there are countless etiquette in our society that we are expected to respect and follow, therefore I am only highlighting the common ones for me and my take on them. Anyone else out there disagree with my list?
Cheers.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Un-Scrabble me
My interest in scrabble cropped up again a few months ago. I've always enjoyed playing scrabble when I was younger but temporarily stopped because 'other' things pique my interests more. This time, I knew I wanted a travel scrabble. It was a nice thing to bring along on travels, even on trips to the local malls in case there wasn't much shopping to do there or there were no movies to catch. A cup of latte or ice blended coffee would go well with playing the game. Or some tea and scones, which is exactly what I'm having now :-)
Sometimes when during a game, I am at a crossroad of trying to define a word to other players in case they have not heard of it. Luckily there is a dictionary around as reference. We are speaking of English words indefinitely. Rules: No usage of abbreviations (Internet lingo included, i.e. URL, WWW, LOL, ROFL, etc.) even though they do exist in newer dictionaries; no looking up of dictionary for confirmation of word until the player is done with turn and no exchange of tiles among players. These are just a few of the many agreed upon rules applied in the game.
So, when a player creates an "UN", is this allowed? It exists in dictionaries but brings no meaning if used alone. I am not a teacher of the English language, but you sure bet I was at that time! At least it would not lead to hurting one's feelings if a player is adamant on the use of the word/s.
Scrabble is a fun game to improve usage of English, and not to create ill feelings amongst players. Everyone learn at the same time and the plus side is the scores that gets added along the way. The fun lies in trying to beat other players' scores when the game comes to an end, and NOT during the game. UN-scrabble me if I'm wrong.
Cheers.
Images via own collection.
Sometimes when during a game, I am at a crossroad of trying to define a word to other players in case they have not heard of it. Luckily there is a dictionary around as reference. We are speaking of English words indefinitely. Rules: No usage of abbreviations (Internet lingo included, i.e. URL, WWW, LOL, ROFL, etc.) even though they do exist in newer dictionaries; no looking up of dictionary for confirmation of word until the player is done with turn and no exchange of tiles among players. These are just a few of the many agreed upon rules applied in the game.
So, when a player creates an "UN", is this allowed? It exists in dictionaries but brings no meaning if used alone. I am not a teacher of the English language, but you sure bet I was at that time! At least it would not lead to hurting one's feelings if a player is adamant on the use of the word/s.
Scrabble is a fun game to improve usage of English, and not to create ill feelings amongst players. Everyone learn at the same time and the plus side is the scores that gets added along the way. The fun lies in trying to beat other players' scores when the game comes to an end, and NOT during the game. UN-scrabble me if I'm wrong.
Cheers.
Images via own collection.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Evaluation in progress
My thoughts are everywhere today. So many things are running through my mind. Events and celebrations that took place, recent revelations and another round of evaluation of what life really is about.
Birthdays are special. Our birth into this world is a special and meaningful day for mothers. I used to think that birthday was just a meaningless day that happens every year and another number to add to my age. Some disturbing celebrations in the past have also made me shy away from this celebration.
My mother recently celebrated her 61st birthday *clap clap clap*. We celebrated her birthday in a Buddhist temple. As part of the group celebration for birthdays in the months of February and March, a simple prayer and chanting service was done by family members and staffs of the temple. I learned that it is a 9-month miracle and sacrifice that our mothers go through to bring us into this world. So, on birthdays, it is not only a celebration for you but also a celebration for our mothers for bringing us here. After the service, children and grandchildren of those celebrating their birthdays offered tea as a sign of respect to their elders.
My mother is in good health. She has always maintained her health with regular exercise and marathons over the years. She's doing more yoga classes now as her knees are not as strong anymore for long runs. She also recently discovered the onset of cataract in one of her eyes. For those who are unsure, the following is the definition from Wikipedia:
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated.
She has already consulted some doctors on the next course of action. She needs to undergo surgery to remove the natural crystalline lens and replace it with an artificial lens that will restore her vision again. I cannot begin to imagine the fear and worry that she has of losing her vision and going under the knife at her age. We use our eyes our whole lives and to lose vision later is absolutely terrifying. The surgery's high rate of success serves to calm a little the fears.
On to another note about aging and relationships. As we get older, you will notice that there is already a decline in the number of friends that we often communicate with. Friends get married, you see less of them. They have children and you see lesser of them. You wish them best in everything and sadly, have to let go of what relationship that existed before. They are now in the "Circle of Married Friends". If you are single, you are ruled out of that circle, at least until you get married and then you are accepted again. Even so, the time apart has already cast a barrier of communication between friends. Then, you try your best to keep in touch often but at most times, have more important familial responsibilities and tasks at hand.
What now about those who are still single? Are they suppose to find new friends to replace the married ones? No one wants to be lonely. I am referring to loneliness from not having friends to communicate with, and not loneliness from not having a life partner. Loneliness is the cruelest way the hand-of-life deals you. We didn't agree to it and certainly didn't ask for it. But suddenly, WHAM! it is happening to you. If God said anything about selling your soul to attain copious amount of happiness, then I'd say, "Why not?" At least when I die, I know I've been happy for that short amount of time I'm here on earth with my loved ones, be it friends or family.
Seeing things happening, relationships drifting further away right before our eyes can be outright painful. Sometimes you wonder, is it better to stop it immediately or just let new adventures unfold with the new hopefuls? Will our personalities match? Can we get along? Will we finish each other's sentences? What I've done in the past for friends; will it still apply today? We spend so much time thinking and arguing about it, only to be surprised by the outcome every time.
But life teaches us to perservere, so we keep trying. We try to restore what we had in the past amidst the crazy schedules and dignified responsibilities. Giving up is the easiest way out and a way of telling yourself there is no way of reconnecting with old relationships again. Whichever method we take or group you belong in ("Circle of Married Friends" or "Circle of Friends"), when all is said and done, we only hope that the world has been set right again.
Cheers.
Birthdays are special. Our birth into this world is a special and meaningful day for mothers. I used to think that birthday was just a meaningless day that happens every year and another number to add to my age. Some disturbing celebrations in the past have also made me shy away from this celebration.
My mother recently celebrated her 61st birthday *clap clap clap*. We celebrated her birthday in a Buddhist temple. As part of the group celebration for birthdays in the months of February and March, a simple prayer and chanting service was done by family members and staffs of the temple. I learned that it is a 9-month miracle and sacrifice that our mothers go through to bring us into this world. So, on birthdays, it is not only a celebration for you but also a celebration for our mothers for bringing us here. After the service, children and grandchildren of those celebrating their birthdays offered tea as a sign of respect to their elders.
My mother is in good health. She has always maintained her health with regular exercise and marathons over the years. She's doing more yoga classes now as her knees are not as strong anymore for long runs. She also recently discovered the onset of cataract in one of her eyes. For those who are unsure, the following is the definition from Wikipedia:
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated.
She has already consulted some doctors on the next course of action. She needs to undergo surgery to remove the natural crystalline lens and replace it with an artificial lens that will restore her vision again. I cannot begin to imagine the fear and worry that she has of losing her vision and going under the knife at her age. We use our eyes our whole lives and to lose vision later is absolutely terrifying. The surgery's high rate of success serves to calm a little the fears.
On to another note about aging and relationships. As we get older, you will notice that there is already a decline in the number of friends that we often communicate with. Friends get married, you see less of them. They have children and you see lesser of them. You wish them best in everything and sadly, have to let go of what relationship that existed before. They are now in the "Circle of Married Friends". If you are single, you are ruled out of that circle, at least until you get married and then you are accepted again. Even so, the time apart has already cast a barrier of communication between friends. Then, you try your best to keep in touch often but at most times, have more important familial responsibilities and tasks at hand.
What now about those who are still single? Are they suppose to find new friends to replace the married ones? No one wants to be lonely. I am referring to loneliness from not having friends to communicate with, and not loneliness from not having a life partner. Loneliness is the cruelest way the hand-of-life deals you. We didn't agree to it and certainly didn't ask for it. But suddenly, WHAM! it is happening to you. If God said anything about selling your soul to attain copious amount of happiness, then I'd say, "Why not?" At least when I die, I know I've been happy for that short amount of time I'm here on earth with my loved ones, be it friends or family.
Seeing things happening, relationships drifting further away right before our eyes can be outright painful. Sometimes you wonder, is it better to stop it immediately or just let new adventures unfold with the new hopefuls? Will our personalities match? Can we get along? Will we finish each other's sentences? What I've done in the past for friends; will it still apply today? We spend so much time thinking and arguing about it, only to be surprised by the outcome every time.
But life teaches us to perservere, so we keep trying. We try to restore what we had in the past amidst the crazy schedules and dignified responsibilities. Giving up is the easiest way out and a way of telling yourself there is no way of reconnecting with old relationships again. Whichever method we take or group you belong in ("Circle of Married Friends" or "Circle of Friends"), when all is said and done, we only hope that the world has been set right again.
Cheers.
Face-Twit or Twit-Book?
My first blog in years and here I am talking about the Facebook and Twitter applications. I've been a Facebook member since 2007. I recently signed up for Twitter. It is another social networking application, but with focus on communications instead of your friends' constant publishing of pokes, games, etc. in Facebook. In Twitter, you get to follow your friends, celebrities, news channels and yes, even President Obama for their constant updates whenever they log in.
When you sign up for the account, Twitter scans your address book of your e-mail account. It looks for any friends who are currently using Twitter and asks if you'd like to follow their updates (twits). As I selected 'twits' of friends that I want to follow, I am then asked to select a username for identity when I'm on Twitter. Once complete, you can search for celebs, programs, etc. to follow.
As I begin to learn more about Twitter, I see celebs making connections with other celebs and some fans who are following them. And if you are also a fan of the program/celebs in Facebook, you get the same update there as well. I signed up as fan of TheEllenShow and I get updates from both Facebook and Twitter.
Twitter is a simpler application to use only if you want to send updates and get replies on a constant basis. It makes me wonder the similarity of text messaging to begin with, with the exception that we are able to communicate with celebrities! We only cross our fingers in hopes that they will reply to all questions we have for them. WARNING: Some accommodate and some don't.
I'm also following johncmayer (one of the best lyricists around, thanks John for sharing your thoughts in your songs), and I love the fact that he twits so much. He communicates and poses questions to hear comments from followers. For a simple fan like me, I already feel one step closer to knowing him.
So for those who want to be a step closer to your celebs, I'd recommend this application, provided that the person you are looking for is Twitting.
Cheers.
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