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Letiz7
Joined: 29 Jan 2007
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 Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 2:23 pm Post subject: |
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| It's called tongue in cheek humour. |
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Lao Wai
Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Location: East Coast Canada
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject: |
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| Qinella wrote: |
| Lao Wai wrote: |
| Qinella wrote: |
Man this OP is about as fresh and crispy as kids in my high school who wore polo shirts to punk rock and hardcore shows and sported traditional haircuts. It's like someone saying they really enjoy a fine filet mignon but also don't mind eating at Burger King. Big deal.
btw the reason people make fun of music on the radio is because 95% of the time it's pure crap and some of us out there are bitter at the radio and the music industries hustling bromide and forcing quality music out into the fringes, then trying to make it illegal to easily access it. |
Yeah. You're probably like the people always coming down on others about their preferences because they don't match your own. The fact that you summarily dismiss the music on the radio '95% of the time' tells me so. No, wait. You're probably just more highly evolved than me. My bad. |
Dude did you even read my post?  |
I have a feeling something might have sailed over my head. |
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Travelous Maximus
Joined: 15 Jan 2007
Location: Nueva Anglia
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: I'm a Pleb and it's A-OK! |
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| Lao Wai wrote: |
Hi there,
I just want to say that I'm a pleb and and am perfectly fine with it. I like American Idol, music I hear on the radio, and like the Gap and Banana Republic. I sometimes read Syndey Sheldon, John Grisham (not lately), and often vacation in 'on the beaten path' destinations.
This is in response to the increasing number of 'intellectuals' who like to look down on all of the things that commoners such as myself enjoy. In certain circles, and on this board, if you mention you like anything from pop culture, a lot of people will come back with comments like 'How could you POSSIBLY watch/listen/read that CRAP??'
Now, here's the thing...I read 'intellectual' books. I watch foreign films, and I listen to music that no one else has ever heard of. But do I need to talk about these things all of the time? No. Sometimes I just want to talk about who sucks on American Idol. Oh, I guess when I talk to said intellectuals they will give a nod of approval if I qualify my t.v. viewing habits with the comment 'it's a guilty pleasure of mine'. Often, I feel that conversations turn into pissing contests of sorts over who has read the most obscure book or listens to the 'indie-est' band.
I'm going to Singapore for Easter. I mentioned this to some people. These are some of the comments I heard 'oh, but it's so sterile', 'you should go to Malaysia instead', 'it's so expensive', etc. For god's sake! Can't a person just take a vacation anymore? I have an interest in Singapore and want to go there. I feel that unless you say you're going to live with Pygmies in the rainforest, eating maggots every day, you haven't had a REAL vacation.  (Edit: not that Pygmies necessarily eat maggots)
Okay, so maybe I'm not a pleb. Maybe I'm just well-rounded. |
I got your back. |
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venus
Joined: 25 Oct 2006
Location: Near Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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Each to their own.
End of thread.
Ha ha.
Simmilarly though, if you are a 'pleb' (I employ it in the same jovial manner as yourself and am as equally guilty of enjoying 'plebian' pleasures as I am of 'cultured' ones) don't ball out people that aren't (as long as they're not slagging you off of course) just because they're reading Dostoevski or something.
Seriously. It's like reverse discrimintaion.
If you go to Farnborough in Hampshire and say you have a degree and you're holding a litarary classic in hand, you'll be an instant outsider.
"ooh, so you've been to university... think you're better than the rest of us... oooh, look at you."
"Uh, no, I never said that."
You wot?!"
"Ow, look get off me.... I didn't do anything..."
Last edited by venus on Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:31 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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nautilus
Joined: 26 Nov 2005
Location: Je jump, Tu jump, oui jump!
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:34 pm Post subject: |
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| Letiz7 wrote: |
Don't know why you'd be bothered. It's the smart people that always cop flack.
So, console yourself with the fact that you're probably in the majority... |
Being smart is either a good survival trait or it isn't. I go with the latter. Considering all the genocides of educated people by dictators, its probably simpler and happier to have a low IQ...Better not to be a threat to those with the power to kill you. |
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Lao Wai
Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Location: East Coast Canada
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:05 pm Post subject: |
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| venus wrote: |
Each to their own.
End of thread.
Ha ha.
Simmilarly though, if you are a 'pleb' (I employ it in the same jovial manner as yourself and am as equally guilty of enjoying 'plebian' pleasures as I am of 'cultured' ones) don't ball out people that aren't (as long as they're not slagging you off of course) just because they're reading Dostoevski or something.
Seriously. It's like reverse discrimintaion.
If you go to Farnborough in Hampshire and say you have a degree and you're holding a litarary classic in hand, you'll be an instant outsider.
"ooh, so you've been to university... think you're better than the rest of us... oooh, look at you."
"Uh, no, I never said that."
You wot?!"
"Ow, look get off me.... I didn't do anything..."
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Hey,
I agree with what you're saying. But that's just it, I do get flack from people when I mention that I'm watching a television program, etc that doesn't fit into their perceptions of what someone of my education level should be watching/reading. That's what brought about this thread. I never said I was stupid. In fact, I think I'm rather witty (in person, of course) 
The summer after my first year of university, when I went back to my small town I met up with some of my former classmates from high school. I got accused of trying to sound 'smart' when I spoke. It definitely wasn't on purpose. I soak up language like a sponge. My friends also call me the human thesaurus (I kick ass on Jeopardy). Maybe this is why they are surprised/give me crap when they find out I watch 'crap' reality t.v. |
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jinju
Joined: 22 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:13 pm Post subject: |
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| You are a pleb...but why do you take pride in it? Is settling for the mediocre someting we should consider to be A-OK? Its because of your mantality that crap like Radiohead pollutes the airwaves. |
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Lao Wai
Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Location: East Coast Canada
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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| jinju wrote: |
| You are a pleb...but why do you take pride in it? Is settling for the mediocre someting we should consider to be A-OK? Its because of your mantality that crap like Radiohead pollutes the airwaves. |
Okay, I was making a point and I thought I made this clear in the last line of my original post. Would you be happier if I said I had 'pleb-like' qualities.... 'at times'? I agree that you should seek to expand your body of knowledge as much as possible. However, does this mean that I also can't enjoy regular, 'every day' life things such as American Idol? Why do the two have to mutually exclusive? That's all that I'm asking.
P.S. Where, in any of my posts, did I say that I was settling for the mediocre? You don't know what I've done in the past or what I plan on doing on the future.
Last edited by Lao Wai on Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:11 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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thepeel
Joined: 08 Aug 2004
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:09 pm Post subject: Re: I'm a Pleb and it's A-OK! |
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| I'm going to Singapore for Easter. I mentioned this to some people. These are some of the comments I heard 'oh, but it's so sterile', 'you should go to Malaysia instead', ' |
Malaysia, at least the cities, is a dump. I go to Johor to shop every so often, and am itching to get back in Singapore after just a few hours. Singapore is heaven on earth. What do you what to do while you are here? Singapore is only sterile if you don't look for fun. It is a wonderful place.
Tell me what you are looking for, and I can direct you to some sites that will help you plan your time. |
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Lao Wai
Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Location: East Coast Canada
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:15 pm Post subject: Re: I'm a Pleb and it's A-OK! |
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| BJWD wrote: |
| Quote: |
| I'm going to Singapore for Easter. I mentioned this to some people. These are some of the comments I heard 'oh, but it's so sterile', 'you should go to Malaysia instead', ' |
Malaysia, at least the cities, is a dump. I go to Johor to shop every so often, and am itching to get back in Singapore after just a few hours. Singapore is heaven on earth. What do you what to do while you are here? Singapore is only sterile if you don't look for fun. It is a wonderful place.
Tell me what you are looking for, and I can direct you to some sites that will help you plan your time. |
Well, I want to kick back and have some nice food/drinks while I'm there. I want to check out some of the historical sites that still remain, and also I'd like to go to some museums as well. I plan on doing the night safari too. I'm going to buy a Lonely Planet guide this weekend. Still, I'd appreciate any suggests you may have. Thanks. |
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thepeel
Joined: 08 Aug 2004
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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The food and drinks.. Do you want fine dining, or unique? Singapore is the most incredible place for food. But, I would suggest that Arab Street and Little India, while very interesting places, aren't the best places to go to get Arab or Indian food.
Flavors of India. 61 Stamford Road (across from Stamford House.. a taxi driver will know Stamford house). It is 3min from City Hall Station. By the by, it is considered by many (Australia Post, WSJ, FT, Business Traveler and the Far East Economic Review) to be perhaps the best Indian restaurant outside of India. It is very reasonably priced too.. When you walk in, try to grab a business card before you sit as they are 10% discount cards.
For Satay (malay meat on a stick). Go to Raffles stn (Red/green line) and exit. Ask locals where "Lau Pa Sa" street is. If that doesn't work, ask a foreigner where Satay street" is. It is the same street, but Singaporeans might not know the actual name for it. A very unique Singapore experience. From there, you can take a walk by the river. Nice pubs there too.
When you arrive in Singapore, you can get a food guide book. It should be about 9USD. Totally worth it.
For drinks.. What are you looking for? Clubs? Pubs? Local Haunts? Classy or lowbrow?
For tourist stuff, museums, any of the free guidebooks at the airport will do. Lonely Planet not worth getting. All the information is free for you here and the locals/tourists/expats will be happy to share with your their tips. Singaporeans are very friendly, and like to help.
Taxi drivers are 99% honest. You can tell him what you want, and what you are willing to spend. He will take you there without giving you the Island tour.
Go to Sentosa for an afternoon. Have drinks at Cafe Del Mar. It is an amazing little bar on the beach. Just wonderful. You can drink Slings and watch the sun set over the Straits. Any taxi driver will know how to get there.
The night zoo is really cool, and the day zoo too. I actually live about 10 min from the night zoo. It is a great place to pass the time.
If you want to do cheap shopping, hop in a taxi and go to Johor. He will drive you to the customs checkpoint and you can walk to the shops/malls in Johor (in Malaysia) from there. If you want quality stuff for cheap, Johor can not be beat. |
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Muffin
Joined: 01 Mar 2006
Location: Turkey
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:25 am Post subject: |
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VanIslander wrote:
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i'm always amazed at how much superior/inferior upper/lower class kind of language comes out of England even in the 21st century
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Yes the class system is alive and well in England. People make (usually subconscious) judgements all the time based on what TV programmes you watch, how you speak, what your first name is, where you go on holiday, what flowers you grow in your garden etc etc.
Could be tedious but where I come from in the south, people are indirect so they don't usually voice their opinions. This means we can enjoy what we like, unbothered by what others think unless we really really care...
I sympathise with the OP, what right does anyone have to try and dictate someone's choice of vacation? Live and let live! |
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Qinella
Joined: 25 Feb 2005
Location: the crib
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:22 am Post subject: |
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| Lao Wai wrote: |
| Qinella wrote: |
| Lao Wai wrote: |
| Qinella wrote: |
Man this OP is about as fresh and crispy as kids in my high school who wore polo shirts to punk rock and hardcore shows and sported traditional haircuts. It's like someone saying they really enjoy a fine filet mignon but also don't mind eating at Burger King. Big deal.
btw the reason people make fun of music on the radio is because 95% of the time it's pure crap and some of us out there are bitter at the radio and the music industries hustling bromide and forcing quality music out into the fringes, then trying to make it illegal to easily access it. |
Yeah. You're probably like the people always coming down on others about their preferences because they don't match your own. The fact that you summarily dismiss the music on the radio '95% of the time' tells me so. No, wait. You're probably just more highly evolved than me. My bad. |
Dude did you even read my post? |
I have a feeling something might have sailed over my head. |
Yeah what sailed over your head was the fact that I neither agreed nor disagreed with your post, but merely noted that the concept of the OP is trite. People with supposed anti-anti ideas usually think they've hit upon something brilliant when the truth is that just about every person has had similar thoughts in their life. For example, please refer to Larry the Cable guy. He constantly glorifies mediocrity. Pop culture is replete with examples just like him. Actually, it's sort of a movement right now, in the US at least.
So, what boggled me was that accusations you made about me based on my post. It was pretty damn rude, and also out of the blue.
In general, I agree with you. I enjoy both high-brow and low-brow comedy, movies, whatever. However, with music, our opinions diverge. I'm a total music snob, sorry. |
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Lao Wai
Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Location: East Coast Canada
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:53 am Post subject: |
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| Qinella wrote: |
| Lao Wai wrote: |
| Qinella wrote: |
| Lao Wai wrote: |
| Qinella wrote: |
Man this OP is about as fresh and crispy as kids in my high school who wore polo shirts to punk rock and hardcore shows and sported traditional haircuts. It's like someone saying they really enjoy a fine filet mignon but also don't mind eating at Burger King. Big deal.
btw the reason people make fun of music on the radio is because 95% of the time it's pure crap and some of us out there are bitter at the radio and the music industries hustling bromide and forcing quality music out into the fringes, then trying to make it illegal to easily access it. |
Yeah. You're probably like the people always coming down on others about their preferences because they don't match your own. The fact that you summarily dismiss the music on the radio '95% of the time' tells me so. No, wait. You're probably just more highly evolved than me. My bad. |
Dude did you even read my post? |
I have a feeling something might have sailed over my head. |
Yeah what sailed over your head was the fact that I neither agreed nor disagreed with your post, but merely noted that the concept of the OP is trite. People with supposed anti-anti ideas usually think they've hit upon something brilliant when the truth is that just about every person has had similar thoughts in their life. For example, please refer to Larry the Cable guy. He constantly glorifies mediocrity. Pop culture is replete with examples just like him. Actually, it's sort of a movement right now, in the US at least.
So, what boggled me was that accusations you made about me based on my post. It was pretty damn rude, and also out of the blue.
In general, I agree with you. I enjoy both high-brow and low-brow comedy, movies, whatever. However, with music, our opinions diverge. I'm a total music snob, sorry. |
Well, I didn't realize the intent of your post was so benign, but no matter how many times I re-read the first paragraph, it comes across as insulting to ME. Anyway, if you weren't trying to be an a$$ then I apologize. |
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Qinella
Joined: 25 Feb 2005
Location: the crib
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:47 am Post subject: |
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lol dude..
My post was not benign, and I think it was kind of insulting. I was insulting your idea, though, not you. I just found it weird your response, because I don't see where I indicated anywhere that I come down on people for their differing opinions.
It's nice of you to apologize but you needn't. I am indeed an ass a lot of times.  |
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