Lies, deception and reasons

Dear blog,

For me, the most interesting part about a mystery novel lies not within the excitement of being able to analyze the crime from the perspective of a sleuth nor the mesmerizing journey into the psychology of the suspects.On the contrary, i prefer to look at lies and be on the trail of them.

Murder, theft,blackmail and sexual abuse have always and will always form the crux of mystery writing. The heart pounding plots and mental bogging techniques can only be achieved if there exist lies and deceptions that divert the attention of even the most skilled readers.Perhaps, subconsciously we are preparing ourselves for the worst of human nature even more so when we preached about the glorious nature of kindness and mutual respect. The drug addict butler, the kleptomaniac maid, the flirtatious mistress of the manor, the gambling children and the unexpected visitor from a dark past are what makes mystery novels so compelling to the mundane readers.As we peruse the classical writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or of Dame Agatha Christie, do we not have the tendency to jump into our own views of what happened, who-dun it based on red herrings or personal bias? Do we not behave like a bloodhound faithfully following the faint scent of guilt and guile in the air as he gradually formed our version of the story.

Mystery novels have the uncanny ability to lure us into dabbling in the fine art of accusing characters whom each and every one of might be interested in pointing fingers to. Curiosity and the adrenaline pumping act of proclaiming our intelligence are major driving force behind the keen interest in mystery, suspense and thriller movies. We like to see blood, violence and gore even though we abhor and condemn them. Our pupils widened when he reached to the final pages of the novel hoping to see if our predictions were correct. It gives us a slight sense of triumph if our accusations were right on the target for we do not have to rely on the trouble of finding incriminating evidences, running around from one eye witnesses to another, hoping fervently for a slight of a tongue or a furtive glance as what we hope sleuths would do in real life.

But would real life detectives or sleuth be as eager in their work as they claim? That is question without a clear cut means of answering it. But how about politicians, demagogues glancing at documents after documents behind the desk who draw delight at the downfall of a rival. Surely they would be interesting sleuths in mystery novels? After all, mystery novels are fictitious and may pale in comparison with every single scandalous gossips uttered by old maids sipping coffee or tea with the frontpage of the newspapers sitting comfortably in their laps. Sometimes, all it takes is a photograph, a lipstick smug, a gossipy crowd to weave a nice mystery novel called politics.

How do you feel being naked?

Dear blog,

I was thinking about how attracted and fascinated I was at the sheer idea of being able to express whatever ideas or opinions that I have about life.The freedom to type to voice out opinions under the minimal interference possible can be regarded as the principal reason as to why people blog and why readers would spend a certain amount of time and effort in savoring the writings of prolific bloggers.

Somehow, I feel the need to defend myself by saying that blogging has now lost its charm in me and a few of my friends.The absence of posts is not due to the lack of materials that we can sink our teeth in nor the increasingly hectic lifestyle of international students coping with foreign education systems.We were simply bored at the idea of blogging and flaunting our sense of individuality.

A very dear friend of mine used to question the dreadfulness of the internet as everything he posted, every utter nonsense, every gibberish shout-outs is liable for the scrutiny of other.It pains him to see robust social networking websites such as facebook,myspace and the almost obsolete friendster are growing more and more crowded. To my own amusement, the horrid of social networking strengthen by technology is not well accepted by youths, the young generation who have yet the experience or maturity to think about being "stark naked" in the eyes of observers.

It has always been human nature to think negatively about others.Perhaps, the ignition of a scandalous remark or the unconscious distribution of gossip is a reflection of our own insecurities and cry for attention.Perhaps, that was what attracted political bloggers in the first place. Every phrase constructed, every sentence concocted serve as a triumphant cry of democracy and freedom.The criticisms made on current governmental policies may be coated under " constructive criticism".Still, the freedom of speech promotes the exchange of information and opinions.

The main problem is: How confident are we towards the level of information that are lying within our grasp?

Blogging is almost figuratively speaking similar to having a kink for public nudity.We enjoy the increasing number of visitors reflected on our stat counters.We basically scream in joy upon receiving admiration and hungry looks from blog stalkers. We protest defiantly at the slightest contempt because we expose who we really are underneath that piece of garment coined as " identity". However, just like a convict repeated accused of public nudity, the kick from seeing the frighten looks of conservative young girls or the blood-shot eyes of old ladies somehow subdued as the diminishing return mechanism manifest itself.

In the end, bloggers would eventually have to ask themselves: Have you grown tired of exposing your naked to the scrutiny of the public eyes?