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Though I have a loathing for materialistic people, I admire ones who show a lust for fame and power. Maybe one comes after the other: along with success comes wealth, and then a desire for a better quality of life. Anyways, in this day and age, it seems the road to glamour requires a bit of self-promotion to get you started. Hardwork and talent are essential, presentation and networking are the key. The world does not have room for 17th century Andrew Marvell's 'coy mistress':
Had we but world enough, and time,
This coyness, Lady, were no crime
We would sit down and think which way
To walk and pass our long love's day.
--To His Coy Mistress
Today it would be a crime; opportunites do not wait for gentle, modest lads and ladies now.
I went to two wonderful performances done by the modern day creative women. First , about Saturday. This Taiwanese artist (friend of a friend) managed to present her work with Tank in relation to Kuba (The exact details I have yet to figure out, all I know is that she works on multimedia art?). Her outspoken ways got us into the party without being on the guest list, when feeling bored she takes out her beautifully feminine pack of colourful cigarettes. Knowing there's a gap in the market, she has co-written a Chinese book about graffiti art to be published in June in TWN. I find the relationship b/w her and the boyfriend rather amusing. Though one a fierce Taiwanese nationalist, the other a lad from Mainland China who was brought up to believe Taiwan the prodigal son, they seem to work out quite well. Then there's the various city suckers who have the attitude and would look just as charming in pajamas. Brilliant. The night before I was at my friend SD's performance at the Courtyard--she directed a sinister Jacobean drama, The Changeling. Intriguing text accompanied by a good choice of characters (especially liked the creepy look of Deflores and the zombie arrangements) made the language accessible, the play enjoyable to watch. I believe that the ideas discussed during the Renaissance shall still be of concern to a 21st century audience. SD is writing a book as well. Who knows, perhaps I will see it at Waterstones someday.