Saturday, June 4, 2011

'So ... what are we'

Today On Sunday ,Sunday June 5, 2011, Page 11, Speakeasy, Column
From
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110605/0506FFW011.pdf
Source Website:
http://www.todayonline.com/Columns/Speakeasy/EDC110605-0000006/So-,,,-what-are-we
By
Georgina Chang, todayonsunday@mediacorp.com.sg, Speakeasy, 04:46 AM Jun 05, 2011



PHOTO: A dating couple resting by the Singapore River. Young Couples. Teenage Relationships. Couplehood. Singlehood.
Photo by Don Wong.DW180808.ndprally0819
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd

Today On Sunday ,Sunday June 5, 2011, Page 11, Speakeasy, Column




PHOTO: Georgina Chang
The writer is the senior creative director of 987FM and Lush 99.5.

Today On Sunday ,Sunday June 5, 2011, Page 11, Speakeasy, Column


I delight in the piquant pleasure and precariousness of a new date. But after the fraternising has gone on for three months, surely it's time for The Talk that starts with: "So ... what are we?"

It's best to clarify that you both have the same objectives. Otherwise, the one who harboured higher expectations and emotions will get hurt and disappointed.

I've always thought that if you're dining regularly, confiding problems, then kissing and groping along with it, you're dating right? In fact, that's already a relationship, no?



PHOTO: The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle - testament to how drastically life can change in the span of a single moment.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v6rSwSD93NrWH1pJ7Qq0c8fcjxuoBEUjbgl1cTOMeJVojrDQmFVIhKpwn3wCh2al3Cuw8uL1IlpXT600ECGY6STqmQEjbu-hI0_tPSxmIH6u5RBZNNaiskak-NjwF7SugE1AuPwb9wUb/s1600/The+Beginning+of+After+by+Jennifer+Castle.jpg
http://midnightbloomreads.blogspot.com/2011/03/waiting-on-wednesday-36-beginning-of.html


Well, no, according to my male friends.

Kissing and groping doesn't mean you're dating exclusively as he could be kissing and groping other women too. And generally, he doesn't want to know if you're seeing other men, either. Only if he has emotional attachment to you will he want to know if there are other rivals.

If she doesn't mind that you're seeing other women, then it means that she's also enjoying her own buffet of men. Or, she really likes you and is willing to wait for you to come to your senses and realise that she's the only One that you'll ever need.



PHOTO: Drawing with Light by Julia Green - the shifting emotions of a teenager trying to make sense of her family and her world.
http://images.contentreserve.com/ImageType-100/1559-1/%7B54A8F892-CAA0-46E2-9824-0F31B74D3424%7DImg100.jpg
http://overdrive.christchurchcitylibraries.com/B0E4B392-2FAE-4C65-9BAE-B4676B67188A/10/658/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID={54A8F892-CAA0-46E2-9824-0F31B74D3424}


Also, many guys say that seeing each other for six months is sometimes still regarded as open season (meaning, they can date other women too). However, if you've been kissing and groping for two years, and can't pin him down for The Talk, then perhaps you should date someone else who doesn't have commitment phobia.

I'm told a guy would only initiate The Talk if he feels chemistry and he's comfortable with you. Or if there's no one else available, and he wants more than the occasional cuddle.

However, most women are inclined towards developing a steady relationship. My friend Edwin thinks we froth ourselves up and are ready to take the plunge into the relationship even before assessing the situation properly.

To know "What are we?" we first must know "Where is he?" from an emotional standpoint.



PHOTO: All choices made will see changes along the line, so chose to be safe rather than be sorry latter.
http://bulk.destructoid.com/ul/176490-e3-10-pirates-of-the-caribbean-armada-of-the-damned/Opawy%20Wato%201-620x.jpg
http://www.destructoid.com/e3-10-pirates-of-the-caribbean-armada-of-the-damned-176490.phtml


So he's always initiating the next date. He talks about doing stuff together in the future. Not buying a flat or how many kids you want - but stuff like a concert or a new restaurant to experience together.

He's extending himself to do nice things, like acquiring the rare hard cover book you've been searching for for five years.

All that indicates that he likes you, and wants to impress you. But it doesn't mean that he is ready for a relationship.

He could be considering an exclusive relationship if he introduces you to his colleagues. Watch them closely.

If they raise their eyebrows and go "Ah" when they meet you, it means he's been telling them about you. But if they go "Ah" and then start to grope (reach about uncertainly) you, just extricate yourself and leave. He's been telling them about you all right, but not the way you'd like.



PHOTO: Breathing Underwater by Julia Green - Life and love - are still vibrantly in the air. A perfect coming of age for any young girl just tipping into teenhood.
http://images.contentreserve.com/ImageType-100/1559-1/%7B182844EA-91AA-48F3-B7F5-999355BA028D%7DImg100.jpg
http://overdrive.christchurchcitylibraries.com/B0E4B392-2FAE-4C65-9BAE-B4676B67188A/10/658/en/ContentDetails-Cover.htm?ID=182844EA-91AA-48F3-B7F5-999355BA028D
http://overdrive.christchurchcitylibraries.com/B0E4B392-2FAE-4C65-9BAE-B4676B67188A/10/658/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=182844EA-91AA-48F3-B7F5-999355BA028D


If he invites you to his company D&D, then that's big. He thinks your net worth will increase his status in the eyes of his colleagues. That is in the public realm. He won't showcase any random woman, and wouldn't want his colleagues to think he's a player as that's a reflection of his ethics and integrity that could affect his professional image.

The private realm of his close friends is harder to discern. He could simply be showing off to his buddies who will nudge and wink at him for scoring. Among guys, it's like bringing home the kill. Thump chest. Me did good.



PHOTO: If you invite him to meet your close friends and he makes excuses not to, then he isn't ready.
http://api.ning.com/files/THmbiHAbJ0Qkc302npdIwBdWtQpFAD4ttEDM7jaOxHENZUBpW35jFH1MIwIR*BdTAPR1ckwp3y*oUJvE8BWhpVKMeLHgMTnybqp2LJ0F*bY_/underground.jpg
http://thetwilightsaga.com/


On the other hand, he could be planning to take the relationship further and needs his friend's opinion. They're all sussing you out, so you better be on your best behaviour. No getting drunk, crying about the ex, or jumping into the swimming pool fully clothed or worse, naked.

However, if you invite him to meet your close friends and he makes excuses not to, then he isn't ready. Maybe he only wants you for your body, he just isn't that into you, or he isn't ready for the next step.

Back off graciously. Hysterical tears won't make him more ready.

My friend Peter dates a lot of women who try to tie him down. He often tells them to "Just enjoy it for what it is, let it flow. You never know what's going to happen."



PHOTO: "You bitch! what the hell is wrong with you?" Those are the last words he said beforeI walked out.
http:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3a8g1lazQ1mtqsJOy6H2mYzBV3pkqFznujOORFeHS9qRRGnsNo2l9VHonYa5uf3x8uFjm_l1KsDZYhEXRO-vTZamg7CoZvQ4VE4y6U7mRlOqk3nA6hR3HzTeG2JuFSWi6nLSJ404hZ8/s1600/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Angel--Avatar-2010-02-25.jpg
http://fun140.com/quizzes/156803--you-bitch-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-you-those-are-the-last-words-he-said-before-i-walked-out-vampires-cussing-justin-bieber-etc-/take


But most women hear, "I really like you. I'll change for you. You're the only one for me."

So please clean your ears, be objective, and don't rush it because these "unready" guys will run for the hills, or run into another woman's arms.

Just relish getting to know him, and don't allow the impatience of "are we there yet?" ruin what could be a beautiful friendship for life.

By
Georgina Chang, todayonsunday@mediacorp.com.sg, Speakeasy, 04:46 AM Jun 05, 2011
The writer is the senior creative director of 987FM and Lush 99.5.




PHOTO: All choices made will see changes along the line, so chose to be safe rather than be sorry latter.
http://bulk.destructoid.com/ul/176490-e3-10-pirates-of-the-caribbean-armada-of-the-damned/Opawy%20Wato%201-620x.jpg
http://www.destructoid.com/e3-10-pirates-of-the-caribbean-armada-of-the-damned-176490.phtml




Reference

Stamp - Endangered Animal - Oriental Small-Clawed Otter

Source Website:
https://www.vpost.com.sg/vpost/index1.jsp
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/


Date Of Issue : 03 Jun, 2011
Local Price : S$ 3.20
Overseas Price : S$ 3.20


PHOTO: Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter - Stamps
Oriental Small Clawed Otter

Copyright© 2011 Singapore Post Limited. All Rights Reserved.

https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/images/philatelic/CSG11ASTb.jpg
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/execute/viewDetail?itemSku=CSG11@^CSG11AST




Date Of Issue : 03 Jun, 2011
Local Price : S$ 5.00
Overseas Price : S$ 4.70


PHOTO: Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter - Presentation Pack
Oriental Small Clawed Otter

Copyright© 2011 Singapore Post Limited. All Rights Reserved.

https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/images/philatelic/CSG11PRb.jpg
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/execute/viewDetail?itemSku=CSG11@^CSG11PR



As our world faced great destruction of natural habitat, affecting the world's biodiversity, endangering species, creating pollution and climate change, it has become our duty to ensure there will be a stop to the degradation of our planet's natural environment. We need to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, and works are in progress with countries as well as partners to save biodiversity, and to reduce humanity's impact on natural habitats.



PHOTO: SET OF FOUR: The Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter issue


In this stamp issue, one of our native endangered animal, the Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea), artistically drawn by an internationally recognised local Asiatainment artiste, Mr Edmund Chen Zhi Cai, is featured.



PHOTO: SET OF FOUR: The Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter issue, which costs $3.20, will go on sale on Friday, 3 June 2011.
First Day Cover.jpg


Also known as the Asian Small-clawed Otter, it is the smallest member of these semi­aquatic carnivores, with a head-and-body length of up to 50 cm, and a tail length of up to 33 cm. This species is commonly displayed in zoos, Its endearing appearance, playful and inquisitive nature makes it one of the favourite animals with children.



PHOTO: Special Oriental Otter postmark designed by Edmund Chen's 11-year-old daughter, Yixin
First Day Cover - Stamps.jpg


The Oriental Small-clawed Otter is distributed throughout Southeast Asia where it inhabits mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands, living in groups of around six or more animals.



PHOTO: Unique imperforated Collector's Sheet, which comes with a folder, done by Edmund Chen's 20-year-old son, Yixi


It is rare in Singapore, but has been recorded from the north-western coast of Singapore Island, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.



PHOTO: Description of the stamp issue by Singapore Post


It is distinguished from other Asian otters by its small size, and small hands and feet with short claws that do not extend beyond their partially webbed fingers and toes.



PHOTO: Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter - Presentation Pack (Text)

The otter uses its sensitive hands to feel for its prey in the mud ­mollusks, crustaceans and other small aquatic creatures, and handling these with a great amount of dexterity.




PHOTO: The Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea)
Mint Otter Stamps 1 x 50¢


Otters are social and playful animals that communicate with a variety of vocalisations and scent markings. They defecate at specific spots to mark their territorial boundaries, and this is why the otter enclosure at the zoo often has a strong musky odour.


PHOTO: The Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea)
Mint Otter Stamps 1 x 50¢


The Oriental Small-clawed Otter is a threatened species. It is hunted for its fur and meat, and young animals are often taken as pets. More critically, its natural habitats - the mangroves and wetlands - are being cleared for development.



PHOTO: The Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea)
Mint Otter Stamps 1 x $1.10


The Oriental Small-clawed Otter is regarded as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in its Red List of Threatened Species.



PHOTO: The Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea)
Mint Otter Stamps 1 x $1.10


Hence, let us do our part in saving the very earth that we all lived in, and together with it, our biodiversity.



PHOTO: The Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea)
Mint Otter Stamps 2 x 50¢


Acknowledgement: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore) and The Vertebrate Study Group of the Nature Society (Singapore).



PHOTO: The Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea)
Mint Otter Stamps 2 x $1.10



From: http://www.singpost.com.sg/downloads/mw85.pdf

PRODUCT PRICES:
First Day Cover without stamps: S$0.25*
Set of mint stamps: S$3.20
Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with stamps: S$4.05*
Presentation Pack: S$5.00*
Serialised Imperforated Collector’s Sheet: S$88.00*
Golden Numbered Imperforated Collector’s Sheet**: S$168.00*

Obtainable from any Post Office.
*Prices inclusive of 7% GST for purchases within Singapore.
**Available only at Singapore Post Centre Post Office.
1st Local stamps can be used to make-up the postage for overseas mail.
Website: www.singpost.com
Purchase online: http://shop.vpost.com.sg


Reference

Otterly fine stamps by Edmund Chen

MY PAPER THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2011, PAGE 14, HOME
From
htt
p://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2011-06-02

Source Website:

http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20110602-281970.html
https://www.vpost.com.sg/vpost/index1.jsp
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/
By
Eunice Ang, aeunice@sph.com.sg, my paper, Thu, Jun 02, 2011



PHOTO: SET OF FOUR: The Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter issue, which costs $3.20, will go on sale on Friday, 3 June 2011.
First Day Cover.jpg


HE IS better known as an actor who has starred in many Chinese drama serials and even in Hollywood movie Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun Li.

Now, Edmund Chen Zhicai can add "stamp designer" to his credentials.



PHOTO: Endangered Animal - Oriental Small-Clawed Otter.jpg


Chen, who has a flair for art, was approached by SingPost more than a year ago to design a stamp series featuring the Oriental Small-Clawed Otter, which is native to Singapore. The endangered mammal has been spotted at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and on Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.



PHOTO: Endangered Animal - Oriental Small-Clawed Otter - 1.jpg


In a SingPost event held at the Singapore Philatelic Museum yesterday, the actor told my paper that he spent about three months researching the mammal's habitats and behaviour before starting on the initial sketches.

He spent a month sketching the otter, using pictures he found on the Internet as references. Those sketches were then vetted by experts.



PHOTO: SET OF FOUR: The Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter issue
http://news.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/news/06Jun11/images/20110602.094011_02062011_edmundchenstamp.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20110602-281970.html


Chen, who was appointed SingPost's first Official Stamp Ambassador, said he had to redo his sketches many times to get the details right and that left him "depressed".


PHOTO: Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter - Stamps
Oriental Small Clawed Otter

Copyright© 2011 Singapore Post Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Date Of Issue :
03 Jun, 2011
Local Price :
S$ 3.20
Overseas Price :
S$ 3.20
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/images/philatelic/CSG11ASTb.jpg
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/execute/viewDetail?itemSku=CSG11@^CSG11AST


Ms Patsie Tan, SingPost's assistant vice-president of corporate communications, said that the actor was commissioned to do the job because he "can help in the outreach to the young generation on the appreciation of the arts".

Chen said he started drawing when he was in primary school and contributed his works to a student magazine. He received more than one "prize" of $5 for his submissions and that helped him realise the "joy of drawing".



PHOTO: Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter - Presentation Pack
Oriental Small Clawed Otter

Copyright© 2011 Singapore Post Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Date Of Issue :
03 Jun, 2011
Local Price :
S$ 5.00 Overseas
Price :
S$ 4.70
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/images/philatelic/CSG11PRb.jpg
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/execute/viewDetail?itemSku=CSG11@^CSG11PR


The Endangered Animal - Oriental Small-Clawed Otter stamp issue, which comes in a set of four stamps, will go on sale for $3.20 on Friday, 3rd June 2011.


PHOTO: SET OF FOUR: The Endanger Animal-Oriental Small Clawed Otter issue


In conjunction with the issue, a unique imperforated Collector's Sheet, which comes with a folder, will be released. The sketchings of the otters on the folder cover were done by Chen's 20-year-old son, Yixi. Of the 1,000 to be issued, 30 come with golden serialised numbers and will be sold for $168. The other 970 serialised sheets - which sell for $88 - are sold out, due to overwhelming response during the pre-order period.



PHOTO: Unique imperforated Collector's Sheet, which comes with a folder, done by Chen's 20-year-old son, Yixi


All proceeds from the sale of the gold-numbered imperforated Collector's Sheet will go to SingPost's adopted charity, Food from the Heart.

The first-day cover will come stamped with a special Oriental Otter postmark designed by Chen's 11-year-old daughter, Yixin. All products in this stamp issue will go on sale on Friday, 3rd June 2011 at all post offices and at the Singapore Philatelic Museum. Orders can also be made at SingPost's online portal, vPost.
By Eunice Ang, aeunice@sph.com.sg, my paper, Thu, Jun 02, 2011



PHOTO: Special Oriental Otter postmark designed by Chen's 11-year-old daughter, Yixin
First Day Cover - Stamps.jpg



HELPDESK
我的字典: Wǒ de zì diǎn


Flair: 天赋 - tiān fù
Otter: 水獭 - shuǐ tǎ

Imperforated: 无齿孔 - wú chǐ kǒng
(Not separated by rows of perforations)

First-day cover: 首日封 - shǒu rì fēng


Reference