Wednesday 29 December 2010

Staxx In My Jeans, Phantom Up In My Garage







What do dressing and financial literacy have in common?


In general, we average straight dudes are pretty bad at both of them.






When you're getting statistics like 



  • 50.8% of college-age adults agreeing with the statement: "I have experienced repeated, unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back or stop excessive money use." 
  • 45% of college students being in credit card debt (the average credit card debt being more than $3,000) 
  • The number of 18 to 24-year-olds declaring bankruptcy increasing 96% in the past 10 years (source: WSDFI, 2010)
  • 23% of youths having attempted to sell grandparents to pay off loanshark debt. 
you know we're in nail-biting times. 

A hundred points for you if you didn't bat an eye at the latter (falsified) statistic. 



But alas, not all is lost. You can, in the words of the S, N, double O, P, D, O, double G, have "staxx in your jeans and a Phantom up in your garage" if you learn and stick by some basic rules of financial management, planning and investment hoo-haa. 


From the ghettoes to the Vatican: Financial Literacy is for everyone. 



Stay tuned for more, homies. 


Word.




Tuesday 28 December 2010

Worst Dates. Ever.

Now that must have gotten your attention ;)

I usually tend to block out 'bad' dates (I've actually not had that many bad dates) from memory but for some laughs and advice - I will try to remember them.

Here are some tips and advice for you men when you're trying to pick up a chick. Unless there is instant chemistry between the both of you, then it will take you extra effort to try not to be an "insensitive douchebag" and "cheap bastard".

Saying that, just because there is chemistry between you doesn't mean you can rest on your laurels. Be the best man you can ever be - women are very appreciative of your hard efforts.

Classic case before a date even happens:

1. Guy meets girl
2. Guy 'kinda likes' girl
3. Guy asks girl out.

Girl is clueless to Guy's growing feelings, so she says yes.

Guy gets nervous, and because men sometimes do not like sharing their feelings (their ego doesn't let them) they can be rather clueless on whether the planned date falls short, is adequate or over the top.

First dates, or a coupla dates down the road, you want things to go down well. So here are a few tips to keep in mind.

#Tip 1: Be Honest

No, I'm not talking about feelings. Yet.

But be honest on your preference of food, travel, place, etc. before you ask Girl on a date.

(maybe it's because men love to impress?)

The classic date always asks: What is your favourite food?

So off we go for sushi.

We order food, and I'm happily eating my salmon sashimi, picking out more and more from the sushi belt but I notice something else.

He's barely eating!

So here are some of the reasons I find out why:

1) He's not a big eater, but wants to impress me

2) He actually doesn't like sushi, but wants to impress me
On both these occasions, I genuinely thought the dude wanted to have some eats with me but as it turns out, he's got an appetite of a hibernating bear (aka. zilch), or even worse...he doesn't like that sort of food!

In their defence, it's all to impress the girl! (it's thoughtful, no doubt)

But in dating situations, men, it's got to be a WIN - WIN situation.

So be honest before making a date. Ask the Girl if she likes what YOU like.

"Hey, I heard a new chic place selling cupcakes and cakes just opened up. We should chill sometime."

"Ooooh I love cupcakes! Sure, why not?"
So don't be miserable trying out something you don't like.

Enjoy her company and enjoy whatever you're doing together with her!

Comfortable atmosphere + Guy loosens up = Girl notices = Guy earns brownie points :)

#Tip 2: Offer to Pay the Bill

You called her out for a date so it should only mean that you pick up the bill afterwards.

It's basic dating etiquette!
At least for the first few dates, pay for your date as well.

However, if you're tight on money - tell her in advance whether you'd like to go Dutch, or even better: find a cheaper option to go have your date!

She liked fine dining, and a meal costs just about 50 pounds/RM250 per person. He liked her a lot, and he decided to bring her out for her favourite fine dining in one of the finest restaurants in the city.

When the bill came he thought they were going Dutch and paid his share. She just looked at him questioningly, thinking he was paying!

When she realised he wasn't, she became upset and offended.

So she paid and left.
Sounds familiar to you? Both definitely have the means to pay but he didn't know his dating rules. So here's some advice:

  • Plan your date ahead in time.
  • Know your budget and if you are tight on the moolah, option for a cheaper place/activity.
  • If you ask her out, pay.
  • If she asks you out, you are not obliged to pay. However, do offer to pay AND pay ;) She'll remember you as charming.
(Sucks to be a guy, ey!)

#Tip 3: Check if She's Okay on the Day of the Date

Is she having the flu?

Chances are, if she really isn't up to it she'll cancel it. But if it's just a minor hiccup (pun intended), still, be considerate.

One 'bad' date I remember was when I was asked if I wanted to go for a walk up a hill in Scotland to see the beautiful sunset before having dinner.

Little did I know, the hill wasn't a hill. It was a bloody mountain. In fact, it was a volcano.

Now I don't mind trekking. But I also happened to be sick with the sniffles/flu due to the northern cold and because I didn't think we were walking too far I didn't wrap up warm enough.

Being the nice me, I just followed along.

Despite losing some precious bangles as I trudged through the bushes, achoo-ed and sniffled my way, and him forgetting to bring water - I did get some beautiful photographs and listen to a beautiful bagpipe player along the way:

I also didn't manage to walk to the peak of Arther's Seat due to the altitude and increasing cold winds. My flu and dehydration wasn't helping either.

He felt bad, and decided we go straight for dinner.

Before we left, we enjoyed the beautiful sun set closing in on the land - and he named the smaller hill after me.
The only thing that saved him?

He paid for dinner + dessert afterwards.

A year later, I managed to conquer that bloody volcano. Not only that, this time in Havaianas.

#Tip 4: Don't Talk About Your Ex (or not too much)

Women are naturally curious beings. We always want to be in the know. We also know that it's disastrous for us to know about women of your past but it's the same for men. Men don't know whether to conceal information on their exes or not.

I guess it's okay for you to say you've had exes, or even how long you were together. But refrain from giving more information such as:
When things weren't great, she threw flour and eggs at me in front of my football mates and started screaming at me! (true story)

or

I loved her so much and I thought we were going to spend the rest of our lives together blah blah blah....
If your date asks for details, don't tell. Don't even mention names.

Put your past behind you and focus on your beautiful date instead.

#Tip 5: Keep Your Date Short & Simple

Opt for cupcakes & tea (now you know what I like!) or a simple dinner, instead of a full-day routine.

Keep it short just in case things don't work out.

If it does, you'd want to save those longer activities for your 2nd and 3rd dates.

#Tip 6: Incorporate your Culture...Wisely

It's no taboo nowadays to date someone else from a different race or culture.

In the Western world it's perfectly fine to give a warm hug and kisses on the cheek. Do it in an Eastern setting and you just might be called a pervert and get a shove in return.

This wasn't a date, but it was a good friend of mine:

As we were walking back after a late lunch, talking, he suddenly shot his leg out and I tripped.

I. tripped.

A black cloud fell over my face at once.

I glared at him and angrily said: WTF did you just do to me?!

He just looked at me, lost for words. Sensing I was really upset, he decided to keep his mouth shut and walked me home. The hot and intense aura around us both could have melted ice-cubes. I was that angry.

Apparently, as a sign of friendship in Hong Kong - they play pranks on each other. Tripping friends from the front, or from the back.

I was appalled! That is so bloody rude!

Luckily for him, a Korean friend advised him from doing anymore future pranks on me.

p.s: He's still my friend!
So, guys. Don't do anything silly that would make your date upset!

Some cultural things are understandable, but keep all the mean pranks at bay. You shouldn't even think of it!

#Tip 7: Don't be Late

Creating that first impression is very important!

Prepare at least a day or two before. Plan your outfit, your fastest travel route, book the restaurant, etc.

Having her wait for you is a big NO-NO.

You should be waiting for her ;)

#Tip 8: Dress to Impress

Physical impressions have the biggest impacts so suit up, men!

A guy once picked me up in his hoodies and baggy jeans. Yep, that's ok.
Wait, I've seen that hoodie and jeans...didn't you just wear it yesterday? You also look scruffy...didn't manage to shave?
(Of course, I don't say it aloud). There just isn't any chemistry if the person doesn't look after his appearance well on a first date.

We girls look after ourselves well, so we don't see why men can't put in extra effort in looking good for their dates as well.

For example, I get quick heartbeats when my date is well-dressed; all pimped up and proper.

Straight leg jeans and a casual buttoned shirt never fails.

Full Scottish kilt gear? Totally sexy.

#Tip 9: Don't be Rude

1. Keep your strong views to yourself.

You want to avoid a heated argument over politics, religion, love, etc.

So stray from such topics and instead focus on her her her.

She's not your girlfriend (yet) so you don't have the luxury to cool down and say "That was a good debate honey, I love our intellectually stimulating conversations!".
2. Be confident

Be your natural self! Don't worry too much about having a great date. The most important thing is that you are enjoying being around her and vice versa.

Amuse her with your charming wit and jokes. A woman loves a humorous man.

Try not to be nervous.

I've seen men's hands trembling while handing me a drink, or when shaking my hand.

It makes me feel sorry for the guy...I'm really not scary!

3. Table Manners

Don't be rude to the waiter or waitress. Cursing and impatient? Not a great characteristic! It's just the same as when a woman judges a man's temperament while he's driving.

Don't order girly pink drinks. Enough said.

Disconnect to connect: Store your handphone away. Do not place it on the table as it's rude to answer smses, bbms, pings!, or even phone calls. Unless it's urgent.

#Tip 10: Make her feel like she's the most beautiful woman

Women love knowing that a man appreciates them.

When you see her, tell her she looks great (be genuine).

When she speaks, take an interest and join in the conversation. Don't speak in monosyllables.

A sarcastic person? Keep your sarcasm locked away until she gets used to you (ha ha). She may not take your brand of humour in the way that you intend.

Talk, listen, talk, laugh (in any order) - repeat this until the end of your date! ;)

Have you had any bad dates? Share them with us!

So good luck boys.

Saran
xx

Tuesday 21 December 2010

The Ideal Male Physique

Dear Straight Guy, 

I'm aiming for a 5 day a week workout plan with two days rest.
Should I separate cardio and weight training, ie. cardio one day, weights the next - or is it okay to have a combination of both? Or does it not matter, as long as I'm burning them damn calories?

Please advise.

Shaz

_________________________________________________________________

Dear Shaz, 

Overdoing cardio on the same day as weight training can be counterproductive. High amounts of repeated and sustained cardio will result in a leaner build (a body built for endurance), whereas a high amount of weight training will lead to a thicker build (a body built for strength and power). 

My personal advice would be to aim for a balance of cardio and weight training in order to achieve a balanced, nicely proportioned physique. That way, you won't be Lance Armstrong bony, and neither will you be Brock Lesnar stocky. The benchmark would probably be a build like David Gandy, who is a male model but built slight thicker than the average human clothes hanger you might find in that profession.

Let's observe the example of the three Davids below:


David Gandy, Male Model


Dennis James , IFBB Professional Bodybuilder


David Corbett - Canadian Marathon Runner




Studies have claimed that everyone is born with a predetermined bodily disposition, widely categorized into 3 main body types:

The Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph.



In a nutshell, ectomorphs (left) are individuals who have a naturally skinnier build. They don't store fat as easily and generally possess a smaller bone structure as compared to their mesomorph and endomorph counterparts. 


Endomorphs (right) are those imparted with a... thicker build. They store fat more easily (no ladies, you're not all endomorphs) and gain weight faster than their ectomorph and mesomorph compadres. On the bright side, endomorphs are naturally predisposed for fast muscle gains... and uh... make great WWE Superstars? 


Mesomorphs (middle) are the genetically gifted bastards everybody loves to hate - a lighting quick metabolism that will eat through any tiramisu, ice cream cake or fondue thrown at it and a genetic predisposition to accelerate the growth of lean muscle. In short, mesomorphs are lean, mean, ripped athletic machines - God's most beloved creations. 


I'm kidding. 
God loves each and every one of us because we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". 






Though there's one thing I almost forgot. 


Mesomorphs get the girls too. 








What body type are you?

Monday 20 December 2010

Hi. I'm your new Female Perspective

Hi boys.

I've already been introduced by the ever-charming Rudi, and I'd like to apologise for the delay of my first post!

But it's all about starting. So now that I've started I'll be revving it up from here, giving my female thoughts and advice for the delicious man.

If you didn't know, I'm the new 'Straight Eye' for the Straight Guy.

I know we all know that this blog has quite a following because it's a guide for men....by a man! (which comes rare, compared to female guides on men).

Articles on this blog are well-penned about dressing better...to living better...and for some clueless or not-so-clueless men out there - behaving better.

But as time went on, Rudi felt that this blog needed a different perspective to complement the overly-testosterone charged male-male perspective.

So, no. Not another male perspective.

Straight Eye Guy needed a Straight Eye Lady.

So he got himself one:

Most women love flowers, no matter how cliché it is. It still is - the thought that counts.

I'm Saran, and I'm going to have a helluva exciting journey alongside Rudi on making men become bolder and sexier!

Whatever you need to know about women, please don't hesitate to ask! (Perverted questions will be dealt with...severely.)

Just a starter: I think that Men are amusing creatures.

Through the years I've realised that men are really, quite simple. The only thing that makes them difficult?

Their damned male ego!

So it's my duty from now on, to share our real thoughts on men. You've either heard it before or not.

Stripped bare.

Wait for it soon...til then,

Cheers!
Saran
xx

Thursday 9 December 2010

Saran





Ladies and gentlemen,


In our quest for the aesthetic and psychological betterment of mankind, I would like you to warmly welcome a new friend into our midst. 


As ambitious a project as Straight Eye for the Straight Guy was (and is), I could never help but to feel that something was missing from the fray altogether. 


Sure, as a straight dude, I could ramble all day about how we can dress better and live better and behave better, but at the end of the day, you straight men out there are not here to try and impress me


You're here to impress straight girls.

And who better to hear it from than a straight girl herself. 








So without further ado, I proudly present to you, the newest member of the SEftSG team:-










Saran, meet World.

Monday 6 December 2010

A New Eye for the Straight Guys

Now I'm very appreciative when the occasional reader pops me an email or a comment expressing his enjoyment at a particular article or tip. Yet I am aware (certain) that the average straight guy is not out there to impress me. The average straight guy is out there to impress the average (or in most cases, above average) straight girl. 

So what if I told you that now you're not only getting the point of view of a straight guy when it comes to dressing better, living better and behaving better... you're also going to get the P.O.V of a straight girl to dressing better, living better and behaving better. 

And an above average straight girl too at that.




Stay tuned.

Monday 29 November 2010

Fishy Business

Guest post #2 by ZY of LazyFshng




So one day, I was staring out my office window (at other office windows, come to think of it), trying to deal with a quarter life crisis. You know, the one where you don't have enough money to buy a sports car and you can't get a drum set because you live in your parents house and they'll never allow it. Yes, that quarter life crisis. I decided that the city was too small for me. I needed more space to swing my arms about.


So I went to Penang.


Where the girls are pretty, but the char kuay teow is so awesome that you don't even bother to look. Penang. Bridge. Island. Sea. Seafood. Fish. Fish? Fishing! There's a leap of logic in there somewhere, but the char kuay teow is so awesome you won't even notice.


Fishing. Why not? I bought some basic gear and set off.


You can read all about my very first fishing experience on my blog.


Five hours later, the salt had gone into my brain and it was too late to turn back. This next picture is dedicated to all the concrete jungle monkeys like me out there. Because for one short moment, I get to be a sea monkey instead =D.


Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. Wrong I say! Teach a man to fish and he'll never do anything else in his life!


He will go fish in a lake.






He will go fish in the sea.






He will go fish from the shore.




He will go fish at a kelong.




He will go fish at a fishing pond.





He will spend all day surfing fishing forums.


He will go shop at big fishing shops and spend lots of money.




He may even start his own fishing blog, and from time to time hijack his friend's fashion and lifestyle blog to share his fishing experiences with the non-fishing (but very fashionable) world. (By this time, he's a lost cause, so please, just let him be. He needs not your pity =D)


But I'm not the only one!


Hemmingway wrote of an old man's epic struggle against one of God's sea creatures:


84 days without a fish, the old man sets out to sea, his faith in his skills and that the laws of probability won't screw him for forever (probably). He was right. He had hooked into a giant marlin. For three days and nights the old man fought the marlin. Though in pain and agony, he old man had naught but respect for his foe, a creature of such dignity and poise that it was as a brother to him. The old man won in the end, and lashed the marlin to the side of his boat to tow back to port. But his prize was eaten by sharks on the way back. When he returned, the old man went to bed, promising his apprentice that they would fish again.


For the old man, it was not about the value of the fish - though his livelihood depended on it. It was not  about bringing the fish back to port as a trophy. It was about doing what he loved best. And in doing so, he experienced something we city monkeys seldom do - nature in all its splendid glory, and a connectedness to God's creatures with which we share this watery rock.


The scent of the sea, the salt air in your face. The battle between you and the monsters of the deep. Going to places untouched by man - that insufferable creature with the opposable thumbs.


That's why I go fishing.


Especially since I don't really like to eat fish anyway. Happy fishing!






Bookmark ZY's fishing blog at http://lazyfshng.blogspot.com

Tuesday 9 November 2010

The Romantic Dinner: A Survival Guide (Part One)





The Romantic Dinner


A prerequisite for any modern relationship. 


Candlelight. Vintage Wine. Wagyu Steak. Fine Linen. Exorbitant Prices. Strolling Violinists. 








What should be a delightful time for two persons attracted to each other coming together for a meal can also be a high-pressure bubble about to burst at any given moment.


Specifically, high-pressure being the pressure to enjoy yourself amidst such formal surroundings and seemingly skyrocketing expectations from both parties. And this becomes counterproductive because more often than not, when you try to have a good time, you end up not having a good time at all. 


Thus, Straight Eye for the Straight Guy presents: 

"The Romantic Dinner: A Survival Guide".








Tip #1 - Be The Best Version of Yourself


Don't feel the need to be anyone other than yourself. In the long run, if she likes you, she should like you for you. That being said, during the Romantic Dinner, let her like you for the more cultured, informed, behaved you












Essentially, be yourself - but put these basic gentlemanly etiquette rules into practice:


1. Hold the door for her
2. Pull out her chair for her
3. Maintain a good posture
4. Speak slowly and make plenty of eye contact
5. Avoid brain vomit ("errr... ahhh.... ummm...")
6. Listen more than you speak (but not to the point of it becoming a one-sided interview. Offer your opinion every once in a while.)
7. Don't swear/berate others/be rude to the waiters
8. Focus on positive topics and avoid contentious/negative landmines (politics, death, criticism, etc)








Tip #2 What Not To Order



Apart from anything that contains more than a hint of garlic, these are the five dishes you might want to pass on:



1. Spaghetti Bolognese
Red sauce. Slurpy. Splatter. Expensive. Clothing.


Those 5 words alone should be convincing enough for you not to order the aforesaid Italian dish. Instead, if you must have something Italian, go for a healthier (and more hip) alternative - Spaghetti Aglio Olio.


2. Fried Chicken
Greasy. Impossible not to eat with your hands. Not attractive.


If you're dating a health-conscious chick, it gives her the impression that you're a person who doesn't really give a rat's bottom about health... before that premonition of you as a lardy 50 year old with a 40 inch waistline comes into her mind. 


Go for some grilled chicken breast instead. 










3. Spare Ribs
For the same reasons as item #2. 


4. Veal
The only thing worse than ordering meat while dating a PETA advocate is ordering meat that has never gotten the chance to experience a relatively full life. Even worse if the menu states "Baby Veal". 


5. Lobster 
Avoid for the same reasons as item #2 and #3. Unless you're both ordering it. 
Then again, nobody really looks good in a bib. 





To be continued.














Contains excerpts courtesy of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" by Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia, Carson Kressley and Jai Rodriguez.





Thursday 4 November 2010

Black Trousers & Brown Leather Shoes






I'm starting to doubt myself. 

I've always been a big fan of brown leather shoes, be it dress shoes or loafers, and have worn them with almost any outfit (except black tie).

But recently, I've encountered a spate of online resources telling me that I'm guilty of multiple counts of a heinous crime. Mixed with some opinions that it's "standard decadence attire" and a "crazy sick look when properly done".



Observe:





Read:









Any opinions?



Tuesday 2 November 2010

Style Tip #260: Standing Out at a Black Tie Event









At a dinner party where the dress code is Black Tie, 94.5% of the men present are going to look generic, i.e. they are going to wear black leather shoes with a standard suit/tuxedo in black.


Now, as Straight Guys, we want to stand out. But in doing so, we tread a fine line between standing out and overdressing.

"But Rudi, how do you stand out if you don't 'overdress'?" you ask.

By subtle nuances. 

Otherwise translated as:


Satin Lapels









French Cuffs






White Silk Pocket Squares











Patent Leather





Remember - it's all in the de...wait for it... tails.


Sigh.

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