Duplex in Paris, France

  

Twins are a great example of how close proximity and shared experiences can engender a unique language and communication system. While Juliana Loh and I are not twins, we were however colleagues at The Opposite House - developing close bonds through fun and creative engagement rather than tedium and mind numbing work and tedious political strife. 

You can read my introduction of Juliana from my previous post, Gaming The System in Singapore or visit her blog here.

Our unique language was pretty much created by her as she also has her Lohisms or way of saying or describing a situation (like Hua Long Gong, Blogatron, and Vicey Versa). And in the spirit of fun and something new, I picked up on her language instantly... mostly to tease her but also because it appeals to my sense of the slightly weird. So, together we each gave the other the same nickname in hopes of invoking a positive outlook on the future. This would be Duplex. Or in my case, Doooplex as she's so excited in Paris.

At that time we were both single, and the idea was that we wanted something that represented "not single." So, with some weird logic, a nod and a wry smile, we agreed that Duplex would mean that each of us had coupledom in our future... alas, she's with her Chef living and eating well in Macau. I date now and then and since August 2012 I've got two dogs. 

That was in 2010. The childish meaning has all but faded away from its original intent however our mutual nickname for each other is now imbued with endearment and friendship. And for me realizing that we are Duplex in that the two of us will be friends for hopefully quite some while is very comforting. Thanks Duplex, I got your postcard!

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Mammoth Family First

   

There are hundreds of functions that a smartphone loaded with apps can accomplish. Sending postcards is now one of them. The app by PostCardOnTheRun.com can send postcards from your smartphone with a message and lets you sign the card with your finger. PostCardOnTheRun sends real postcards anywhere in the world.

Without getting too meta about this, the app is automating the postcard experience and funnily enough, I’m writing about the execution of this old media on my new media blog. Whoa!!!

So, my review: The photo quality on the front is decent – a bit washed out. The back side is very clear and printed on thick glossy cardstock. As a postcard archival purist, I would appreciate a date stamp as a default on the card. That said, whatever gets people to send postcards is a plus in my book. So thanks Bob, Tor & Audrey, I got your postcard!

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Outsourcing From Within

  

The amazing nature of this postcard is self-explanatory. It reads, “This is a request from my daughter-in-law Alex, who failed to send you a postcard from UK as promised so I’m sending one to you to reduce her level of flakiness.” And then goes into introducing the postcard. Everything about this is epic and makes this postcard one of my Best of the Best.

Of course it tangentially elevates my friend Alex Chien to a new level of cool but her mother-in-law, Rosemary Hughes, deserves much respect for her sense of humor and willingness to play along. While I’m still awaiting a postcard from Alex, thank you very much Rosemary – I got your postcard.

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He Went To Xi'an!

   

When I got this postcard (after thinking about it) I literally LOL'd. It's from my former roommate, Carl Hadaway, and it has to be one of the best postcards ever. This one is short and to the point. And if you’ve ever been to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors, then you'll get it. If you have yet to go, then you will soon enough.

I remember seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an were on some travel list of once in a lifetime destinations. Everyone has a list these days, and when I read it, I didn't agree that this should be included in the top 10 lifetime trips to be had. And I didn't think it was going to be all that for Carl when he asked my opinion on whether he should go visit over Chinese New Year this year. Hell, if you're a historian or archaeological fanatic then go. And if you're in the neighborhood, why not?

My own memories of the Terracotta Warriors I'll save for a rainy day. As for the above - one of the funniest. Thanks Carl - I got your postcard!

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A Wall of Inspiration

My friend Theseus (who makes a mean oven-roasted chicken) sent this to me after sharing it with me the night before at his place. He had saved this image saved on his computer in an email  as a source of decorating inspiration - kinda pre-Pinterest actually. After some internet sleuthing in the spirit of proper attribution, I found the image on Google leading me to Decoist and MrKat. MrKate attributes the image to fromtherightbank.com.

Oh, there are a lot of ugly "DIY postcard wall art" ideas by the by.

Personally, I've tried to do a postcard wall... actually the creation of this blog was born out of an attempt to showcase my postcards after the numbers started getting into the triple digits. During the early days of my collection, I taped a handful to the wall of my freshman dorm room but damaged the writing on the back as I moved out for the summer after spring semester. Lesson learned - no tape and definitely no tacks in the future. So, the collection has been growing in a shoe box.

When I got to Beijing, I tried clipping a handful to string attached to the wall like photos in a dark room. Then my neurotic side got the best of me. What about exposure to humidity which would make the paper curl or the direct sunlight bleaching the color... must avoid damage. So, the online digital solution is quite elegant for my crazy. And so, my walls are simply white and undecorated... which makes spotting mosquitoes a snap.