Why Technology Makes Us Look Stupid Sometimes

Hello everyone.  ^.^  Yes, social media is HUGE in this modern-day-and-age and I feel as though I must address this issue (for some) tonight as well as technology in general.  I wonder how many of my readers actually use social media.  In the comments below write what you use most and let's see how many people think the same...  :D

Anyway, I am a big fan of +Google+.  I used it before it actually was invented.  I really used +Gmail until I found the new icon on the right of the screen that said +Mira.  Curious, I clicked it and my world seemed to be opened.  I could do so much more than just send and receive emails.  I could connect with the world and understand who is around me, understand what reality really is.

Not only does +Google+ unlock your work, it also brings new opportunities for creativity.  I have joined multiple Naruto communities (for those of you who don't know what Google Communities are, they are simply places that people with similar interests can virtually meet up and discuss it.  These are also found on Facebook but I am unsure of how good these are compared to +Google.) and mythology communities.  There I could interact with people in a safe environment (with identity security) and learn and grow as a person.

Anyway, social media has seemed to overtake our lives as human beings.  Our specie was designed to interact and be social, but how we have needed to cling to it every waking moment of our lives is a bit daunting.  Perhaps it is too much...  Perhaps we have become too connected...

With all the new hub-bub about nude images being leaked from celebrities due to the +Google Cloud, it just tells us, that perhaps we are using technology for more wrong, than right...

I don't mean that technology is a bad thing, but we are using it for things that it truly was not designed for.  Originally, the term technology or machine is defined as 'something which makes human life more convenient".  Do you think that is really what we are using technology for?  Comment below and tell me what you think...

Also, with the release of the new iPhone 6, there has been even more attention to what we as humans really use technology for.  People camped out and waited over night for this sensation, only to find out that it is not as great as the marketing said.

It has become our culture to innovate and discover new things but to the extent to making our iPhones bigger, lighter, and connect to WiFi faster.  I have heard rumors of trying to create a large ranging WiFi in states or small countries!

Anyway, I hope that one day we as human beings will return to looking people in the eyes without fear, shaking hands, and addressing people by name.  I know that there are very special people out there who do it and I thank you, on behalf of humanity's struggle to break from our screens.

Leaving Singapore

I hope from these blog posts, my readers have gotten to know me better.  If you do, than you know that my time in Singapore meant a lot to me, more than I truly knew.  I was living there for three years and a half total.  I had found a life for myself there and loved every second of it.  I know that sometimes things hurt, life throws you a fastball and you swing-and-miss.  But then you always get back up to take another swing.  Sometimes it throws ya two fastballs and you swing-and-miss.  But then there is the last chance you got, the last fastball.  Instead, then life throws you a curve and you hit it out of the park!

This is what I need to do with coming back the America.  I know that Singapore will always be my home but now I am back to where I grew up... a place of memories and old friends.

Having an asian appearance, Singapore brought out my love of my own culture, seeing everyone around me look like me.  It made my heart soar to look like I belong.  I found that deep inside, I hated looking like a tourist, looking gullible and uneducated in the ways of others.  I disliked it a lot and I always wanted to appear as though I fit in, even when I sometimes had no idea what I was doing.

Moving back to the US seemed like a much bigger jump that I expected.  My family was supportive and love me not matter what.  That thought helped a lot and gave me courage to come back with my head held high.

One of the most difficult things was saying goodbye to my teachers.  I love and cherish school so much that it pains me to leave them.  Even when I move up a grade, I always want to stay in touch with them.  Then, I had to MOVE!  I would not be able to see them for many years...  This was really hit me.

Then friends...  In Singapore I had built myself into the social network through kind and generous people I had met.  I thankfully will be able to keep in contact with them.  :)

Anyways, I will my Singapore because of the deep cultural power it possessed, the ability to have such an international group residing there but does not expect anyone to even slightly reform to better merge the cultural ethnicity of the country.  Instead, the government decreed the official language as English in hopes of allowing everyone to be able to communicate on equal grounds.  Also the religion is not official, but Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam is predominant.

The difference of Singapore to America is that even by living in the United States, there is an underlying (in my opinion) will to slightly become more 'American' or Americanize an individual so that they might appear to be more involved in the broad culture.  I know that America is the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave but still, there seems to be a status-quo culturally.  Yes, there are places and areas designated for certain cultures like China Town or Little India, but the culture and kind of people there are Americanized.  Now going into a Chinese restaurant after being in Singapore, eating with authentic Chinese people, the food here is completely alien to me.  The Chinese Food Americans consume is not even close to what really is fed in China.  Yes, they have some of the names right, but most of the food has been manufactured to the general appeal and conception that Americans have of Asian cuisine.

I am not making the point that ALL American foreign food is wrong or not authentic, but the perception of the outside world to the average American who has not been outside the United States is slightly skewed.  I am also NOT saying that Americans are uneducated or not aware, but that they sometimes lack the cultural depth that comes with travel or experience.

I also am not saying that Americans are too proud to go out and seek other places or cannot afford to do so, but I would encourage people to take a chance.  I am also saying this to any person around the world to go out and at least look into what is out there, see what other people are doing and how they are living.  One truly does not know how important such experiences are in their later life.

Take this from a child who has been FORTUNATE ENOUGH (thank you Mom and Dad) to go out and see these things.  Yes, there are a lot of things I do not know or have seen, but I have been given and discovered the want and utter desire to know them, the experience them.  Looking through another's eyes at the own country or culture is truly something that can never be told or explained.  It must be lived with open eyes.

This is one of the major reasons I am fortunate to be back in the United States, but another reason for me to miss Singapore.  Everyone there had at least been to another country (even if it was just Malaysia or Indonesia), tried new foods, or done something which allowed them to know at least one other culture.  This allowed the community to be a little more open and liberal to new foreigners coming in and making a new name for themselves.  In fact, Singapore was founded by the British, which already had immersed a whole new culture into the natives' lives.

Again, I hope this post did NOT offend anyone.  I love the American way and the dream that they have made for themselves, but in all due respect and honesty, I wish deeply that there was a charity or organization which gave those who could not afford it the chance to leave the country and see other things, deepen their understanding of the world around them.

I know that this is not my TRUE calling, but I hope that what I achieve in my later years will allow me to incorporate this ideal into my life's work: education.

In total, my experience overseas and in Singapore especially has helped me understand the way this world works and other opertunities to define who I am as a person and how I impact the community around me.  I want to take this time to thank those who went on that journey with me in Switzerland or Singapore, or even back in the United States, supporting me and guiding me.  You all have truly helped mould me into who I have become today.  Thank you!

And you readers... You have given me the courage and ability to flower my thoughts as seeds into your minds.  I hope that one day you all shall understand my purpose for writing my thoughts out on this blog, as so many others do too.

Thank you all for taking the time to try and understand me and what I write.  Please continue to read and keep up with my work.  :)  Share and comment your ideas.  Thanks again.  Much love from me.  :D

Shoutout to my Lovely Viewers (Part 2)

Hello hello hello again.  :)

I am back and here was something interesting I saw for this week:

A bunch of people from France and Romania have been reading my blog.  I am honored.  Thank you all so much!  :)

10 Things to do After a Breakup

Yes, break ups are bad.  The memories of good times together...  Seeing everyone else in relationships and happy...  Seeing your ex with another, doing the things you would do together...  Jumping heart first into another relationship to try to make yourself feel better...  Breaking off the short relationship, only to find that you really loved him/ her...  Then the cycle begins again.

I'm gonna be honest. I have been in a few successful relationships before. And, like all good things do, they came to an end.  Then the sadness hits you mixed with anger or spite.  Yet, you still want to be happy for your ex, which really seems impossible.

This topic has been one of my most requested posts because love, I find, is a very special yet fragile thing.  If you clutch it too hard, it will break. However, by clutching it too gently, it will fly away.

Recently one of my friends went through and break up and some of the cliche things that friends try to say will only really work for a while. What people really need is cold, hard, and useful advice.

Please do not forget to mention if I forgot anything in the comments below...

1.  Hang out with your friends.

People often underestimate how much your friends can help you. Now this doesn't mean you can kiss and tell, but you can do things together that will take your mind off things and get over it.  Such things you can do are...

• go see some good action movies in the cinema and eat some good junk food.

• go 'dress up' and go to the gym.  nothing beats gossiping about the other hot guys eyeing you at the gym as you work out and look like a hot mess.

• go out and enjoy the nightlife of your area.  not only will this allow you to forget your troubles, but it might help you get back on the playing field with Cupid.  nothing is worse than never getting back up after your heart has been knocked down.

• go out of town and travel, see some things you have never seen before and do things you have never done before.  there really might be no better way to clear your head, and your heart!

2. Go out and enjoy the nightlife (either alone or with others).

By dancing away the night and chilling out with no judgment, all sorrows are done.

3.  Study (if you still are in school).

Just because your heart failed, it doesn't mean that your mind has to as well.

4. Go to work and work hard.
If you do what you love for a living, put more time and effort into it.  Who knows what might happen... you might get promoted... or meet someone else at work...

5. Let your emotions out.
Sometimes it is always the best to just cry or be angry.  As long as you don't hurt anyone or yourself, go right ahead.  It might be apart of the healing process.

6. Turn dat sexy up gurrrlllllll...
Nothing makes a girl feel better than buying a new outfit or getting things done like a mani-pedi or their hair.  Then take the night out and see what you can accomplish...

7.  NEVER GIVE UP!
Always go out with a positive attitude and face life head on.  Never turn your back on life, cause it WILL leave you in the dust.  Music often helps for you to build yourself up and make you feel better really fast!

8. Go to the gym.
Working out releases endorphins and makes you feel good.  Also getting your body into better shape makes anyone feel better.

9. Pick up a hobby and work on it.
Learning to express your feelings are always really healthy and a good way to de-stress.  Personally, I write on this blog or work on my novel, which you all have gotten a taste of on this blog (which I WILL be posting more of it when I get around to it, PROMISE!).  I also paint, write poetry, act, or sing songs.  Find something that works for you and pour your heart and soul into it.
ps.  sometimes when i'm lonely, i write fan-fiction.  comment below if you wanna see some of it.  ^.^

10. Find someone else to fall for.
Now, this does not mean to just have fling after fling, but allow yourself to think of someone else as good looking or cute.  This allows your heart to re-open and gets the radar back on, searching for a guy or girl.

Now those are some of the things I do when going through harder times.  Enjoy and tell me in the comments if this was successful or not.

Julius Ceaser's Shakespeare

Ever since I was young, Shakespeare's mighty works have had me by the pants. The way he manipulated his words and sentences, paved the way for other writers to take hold the English language.  Imagine what would go on without such a bold man...

Anyway, I am not here to speak of such childish history, but of another. The production, Juluis Ceaser has struck thousands around the world.  Today, the family's play has toured and been a focus of many prestigious schools for it's study.

Not only did Shakespeare keep the historical text, he maintained the honor and decency of Ancient Rome.  I have had a soft spot in my heart for Rome for a very long time and after reading this proud play, I love it even more.  Also having been there, Shakespeare has captured the atomic atmosphere exceptionally!

Unfortunately, not much is known about Shakespeare's personal history and past.  Such an intelligent man had a powerful mind to manipulate things beyond all belief.  What would it take one of us to forge ahead and wrote like we never have before, invent new words and ways to put then together?  I know it might take me a while...

Many movies and books have tried to put some explanation behind the man's powerful words and plays.  One of those great movies is 'Shakespeare in Love', which tried to put a reason to writing Romeo and Juliette's sad ending as well as Twelfth Night.

Anyway, our production was quite interesting.  Our ensemble had four weeks to come together and preform such a great work.

Much to all our surprise, we pulled it off and managed to struggle through our first two performances.  Then by the third, we realized that we were not as bad as we thought (but no one thought we were in the first place).  We had felt as though we properly worked together as a group.

I really enjoyed my time there and learned a lot about his writing.  I hope to keep things up in the future studying and acting from his works.

PS.  I just got into a play called Midsummer's Night's Jersey (a parody of Midsummer's Night's Dream).

Post Views Sorted By Operating Systems

Now hello viewers.  :)  I am happy that a lot of people read my blog.  Now, I enjoy technology as much as the next teen but hey... Apple is really like a giant monster who eats a bunch of good systems.  I do play games online and on Windows Software and even though they are often times overrated.

Anyway, I thought all my viewers might enjoy seeing how many other people are on the same systems as you, or if you are really unique, like me.  ^.^

Well, tell me what system you use and what system you might want to use...  Personally, I would want to use a Linux cause I have never used them.  :P

By the way, I also want to congratulate my readers on staying with me for about a year now.  I am very happy you all have enjoyed my writings.  I promise you all, I am working on a few new posts now...

(See all the drafts I am working on... all for you my lovely readers...  ^.^)

Anyways, you'll hear from me soon.  Peace out.  :D

Faith in humanity gone.

Today the universe reminded me that reality can smack you in the face whenever it wants.

Anyway, this morning, the person I really love in my life tried to give me some advice about things.  As you might have noticed, the Joker post has been taken down.  My darling Mother talked to me about all the crazies in this world who would do nasty things.  Of course I know this and believe me, I can see what they have done.  I love watching crime shows and reading about the mentality of psychos (I find their mind-sets and drives interesting for psychology).

However, the things that allow me to post pictures of myself on the internet (and rarely I actually do) and talk about myself, is because I trust the world and general humanity.  I find that human beings all have something deep inside them that allows them to connect and relate to other humans and living things.  Many people call this empathy and hope.  Nonetheless, I have that in me (perhaps too much) and I assumed that others do as well.

Being wrong, I was convinced to take down the post.  I know my Mother is looking out for me and just wanting the best.  I agree with her now but really, I am still in denial.  I still think that humanity is better than we all think.  She told me, "That is what everyone thinks.  They all say that it won't happen to them, not this time.  They all think that until their picture is on the news..."  I guess my faith in humanity was crushed.

this was the post i took down.

Why can't people be good to one another?  Why do these things have to happen?

Worse, I also had a picture of Itachi Uchiha and Orochimaru (from Naruto) on my Facebook profile wall, posing together like this:

(the mask on the right is not a devil mask.  it is a traditional Japanese mask worn by the God of Death.  it is not demonic in any form and is more respectful than offensive.)

My Mother again, told me that people might not understand this and jump to conclusion and make wrong assumptions.  "People who don't know you will judge.  People that don't know that you make weird art and draw things like this...  What about the people that haven't seen you in a while think...  Think of your family.  What if you want to get a job?  What if they see the Joker pictures...  What will they think?"

I totally believe that my Mother is trying her best to keep me safe and give me a nice future but what about all the other people that are known for their cosplays, god or not.  What about artists that post their work everywhere, good or not, appropriate or not.  How does society judge them, because like it or not, society is the biggest dream crusher out there.  For the people that are not afraid to break through and be who they were born to be, they are the ones who get shot down.

I am clearly not afraid to be who I want, be who I was born to be and express myself, but why lie to myself and express that elsewhere?  Obviously people seem to enjoy my thoughts or creativity.  Those who don't, I have no right to look upon you harshly either.  You are entitled to your opinions too, as are those who enjoy what I do.

Anyways, I am feeling quite hurt right now, seeing that humanity is as it is...  full of judgment and hatred.  However, there are good things going on as well, but if you haven't noticed, those good things are budded from people taking chances in life, trusting other people, and not judging:  something called acceptance!  I see how these images and things might put me in jeopardy of getting a job, but the people I want to work with are accepting, honorable, empathetic, trustworthy, passionate, and good people.  Would a person I described turn me away from having artistic passions, writing my feelings and reflecting on them?

I live by one major rule of thumb.  So far it has not let me down:

Do whatever you want in life as long as it does not affect other people's learning experience.*

A very simple rule, something easy to live by.  I highly suggest that other people live by it too...

But besides that, I also try to be the best person I can be to my fellow humanity.  I do my best to try and understand people, not judging them for what they do because everyone has their reasons.  If we don't know the reasons, we have no right to accuse them of anything, mentally or verbally.

In all, I do not blame or have any bad feelings towards my mother.  She works very hard to be a good Mother and love me dearly.  I thank her for this eye opening experience.  It has shown me that people are not as loving as I thought and I need to be more careful with what happens to my faith in humanity.

*i learned this from a very smart man, who taught me a lot in this world, who was the one who gave me faith in humanity to begin with...  i give him a lot of credit for the way i live now.