The Online Dating Blog

This Week's Asian Hottie: Xu Jinglei

Yet another graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, Xu Jinglei is an actress and director.  And here's a nugget from her wiki page:

"Along with Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun, and Zhang Ziyi, the mainland Chinese media considers her a member of the Four Young Dan actresses (Chinese: 四小花旦).^" 

Yeah, whatever that means.  And have any Chinese actresses NOT gone to the Beijing Film Academy?  Weirder still:

"Although not well known outside of China, she is popular domestically: in mid 2006, her Chinese language blog had the most incoming links of any blog in any language on the Internet, according to Technorati."

Whuh?  You're still no Cindy Margolis lady!

  

Classy lady.  Not usually our thing.

Date Spot Review: Urawa Sushi (Sheung Wan)

As you exit the Sheung Wan MTR on Wing Lok street, you will notice a sign advertising an all you can eat sushi buffet.  I know.  Buffet + Date = FAIL.  Usually.   However, I am happy to report that Urawa is a regular Japanese restaurant that happens to have a "buffet", which is to say that you pay $198 HK(!) per person and order all the sushi, sashimi and cooked foods the same way you generally do at a sushi place.  So no, it's not like Hometown Buffet.  Not that the HTB is not awesome.  The atmosphere at Urawa is certainly nice enough for a date and the staff is attentive.  Very attentive.  Dude, if you're going to give me a bottle of sake and a shot glass to drink it in, then fill me every time I'm empty, just pull up a chair and let's make this a three way date 'cause you're going to be at my table all night.
Everyrthing was tasty, especially the salmon, which was like buttah.  However, if you get the salted mackerel, be careful.  It comes whole and was very good, but at some point I ate some part that really should not have been eaten and needed three shots of Sake to keep me from thinking about the fact that I just ate a mouthful of fish crap.  They made up for it with the fried salmon skin (pictured below).  Think pork rinds, but with fish.   White trashy goodness, Asian style!

Grade: B+

Online dating review : True

You may remember True.com from a push they made into the online dating world 3-4 years ago.  True is unremarkable and not much different from Match, except for the fact that in every single ad they have ever put out there is a girl that looks essentially like this. 

Don't get me wrong.  I prefer seeing this to the sweater clad, suburb living losers in the E-harmony commercials. Only problem is that almost no one on True seems to actually exist, at least not after they try it for a month.  And they sure as hell don't look like that.  And I won't even get into how many law suits they have against them for shady billing practices.  Again, not unlike Match and others.  So, kudos to the True.com marketing team.  Everyone else there?  Suck it.  Save your money dear readers.

Go ahead. Lie about your height.

We all know how it works.  You're 5'8*, and after a while you realized that all the chicks on whatever.com were listing 5'10" or taller as they height cut off.  Even if they are 5'2".  So you lie about your height.  You know what?  I am cool with that.  The majority of my clients are women and, invariably, I have to have a discussion with them to convince them that they are being unrealistic asking for a 6'2" guy with a graduate degree.  Hey, we exist and it benefits me, but there are gonna be a LOT of dateless ladies if this keeps up.  And then I have to explain to them something that almost every woman in the world seems to not understand.  That is that height is a physical characteristic and falls under the category of "looks".  You've seen the long winded profiles that complain about men wanting skinny girls with big boobs, which is so superficial.  What's really is important is sense of humor and a caring personality, not looks.  But please be over 6 feet tall.  Listen, don't add six inches but a couple is okay if you come clean about it before you meet and think she is into.  You just didn't want to get filtered out.  You and I both know she's leaving at least 10 lbs off her weight.

Manute Bol.  P.I.M.P.

This Week's Asian Hottie: Zhang Yu Qi 张雨绮

This week's find is Zhang Yu Qi aka "Kitty".  Shet gets high marks right off the bat.  According to Zimbio,  this comely lass "...ecently become the focus of media attention due to favour shown to her by reknowned Hong Kong actor Stephen Chow and has been dubbed a play on the familiar Bond Girls. She is liked by Stephen Chow on the grounds that single eye lids actresses are far and few in between and he holds a belief that foreigners will prefer single eye lids Asian girls more. When Kitty Zhang faced the media recently, she was noted to have become more beautiful and is said to resemble Korean actress Song Hye-kyo. This 19-year old with 35D-24-35 measurements has gotten the lead role in Stephen Chow's latest movie, CJ7 (长江七号), a comedy fantasy tale featuring state-of-the-art visual effects..."

Okay, wait.  Did anyone know about single eye lids?  And that it was a quality that would land you a movie?  Damn my dual eye covers!

Why yes, I AM interested in yoga!

Date Spot Review: The Place (Kennedy Town)

Apparently Kennedy Town is the Hipster Ville of Hong Kong.  I don't see it, but I'll take "their" word for it.  What I do know is that I found a sweet spot, admittedly filled mostly with expats, to eat, drink and be merry (read: drunk).  It's a good first date drink spot because it's pubby without being too pubby.   The drinks were well poured by our bartender and manager (whattup Adam!?) and if you decide you're hungry, the server girl will bring menus from a handful of restaurants on the block, order your food, pay the delivery guy and just add it to your check.  Nice.  Plus, it's dog friendly.  Yep, there were a couple dogs wandering about the place and everyone in the place seemed genial and not like actual hipters (not a wool knit cap to be seen!).  As an added bonus, there were a couple of reasonably attractive ladies there in case your date goes sour and you want to try and redeem yourself after your companion walks out, leaving you hanging.  Sigh.  What am I gonna do with you?

Contact:

The Place
Ground Floor
1E Davis Street
Kennedy Town
Tel: +852 2872 0818

Map:



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Now I ain't sayin she a gold digger...

You've read posts that were more subtle.  And some that were worse.  But this pretty much sums up what you can expect from a LOT of women posting profiles in Hong Kong.  Now, to be honest, coming from LA I find this kind of refreshing.  Most gold diggers in LA are under the delusion that they are somehow successful women.  They just want to find a "partner" who is a "gentleman" (read: "makes more than I do in my "career" as an interior decorator/realtor/consultant/entrepeneuse).

But, even though I appreciate the honesty, let's break down the ridiculousness of this woman's requests (my translations in bold):

"I believe that when THE MAN (my ideal great husband) can read this posting wherever you are then you can take the flight without delay. I understand that it is difficult or a dream for anyone to trust this posting and some might say it won't be happened but when you believe that is true and we believe this will move forward with NO EMPTY WORDS (or empty pockets). I promise you that I BELIEVE ACTION SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS (and money speaks louder than both). Please do not waste of my time and yours if you are not for real. I am not interested in datin' games. I don't care what people would say those are just their comments or jealous into this woman when they knew that this woman will be married with A Superb Handsome WHITE Wealthy Gentleman pretty soon ?

You are ready getting into the plane and come to Hong Kong immediately (NOT WITH SLOW MOTION) for me. Please tell me something about yourself with recent photos, contact details and tel no. I knew that if you really read this posting then you can be serious with action. Yes, I've got many Spams what I knew here ! I am not interested in meeting the best of the cheaters. That's why I made out all points to marry a man ! I hope you do not disappoint me.

I wish A Superb Handsome WHITE (so much for open minded, sorry rich Asian dudes) Wealthy Gentleman - my future husband - you do not disappoint me. I do not listen some people words or comments, it is all about one relationship with my future husband for myself and my family. Are you the someone special for me to have marriage and develop a family with you ? You always love me and protect me; cares everything for me ?

You are :

* You are personal financially very stable and secured. You are ready and can do anything right away for me, honey.

* If you come here only just for your business trip or just fun, not for me then please do not bother me.

* You are ready to devote your life to establishing and building a strong relationship leading to marriage and to have our own beautiful babies together soon. Want to have 1-2 kids in the future who can learn and play with you.

* Someone who is healthy and fit, not a drinker/smoker, no cigar and drug. (you are boring as hell)

* You're willing to travel to Hong Kong and meet me in person as quick as possible in Hong Kong.

* You appreciate "staying home woman" who can add values being with you but I am not your maid. (I will stay at home, but not actually do anything)

* You can give and do everything what I need and want. You should / can afford the whole family and give your wealth, honey.

* I have never married with no kids so I expect the same. If you are divorced, married or attached, stay away. Thanks.

* You are not a big sport fans ! (You're gay.  That's okay since I am not going to sleep with you after we have kids anyway)

* You are in the age around 37-44; good and clean shape, laid back, WHITE, HANDSOME with full head of hair.

* Easy to talk to but SERIOUS, CARING, RESPONSIBLE, ONE WOMAN MAN. YOU DO NOT TALK AND FOOL WITH OTHER WOMEN. I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE HIV. I heard and seen there are so many men cheating on their half when they were living apart. I've even seen some married western women kissing others guys at the bars. I found it was very interesting of their pretended marriages with their honors and provided their cheats to other men or women ?! Those kind of people you should not trust in business or personal, honey. I can read their lies from their eyes and with my strong sense immediately. (You will respect me, even though I don't actually have any qualities worthy of respect)

I am :

* HKF, slim, honest, quite pretty but I am not a superstar !

* Can dress very casual to classy dress up.

* I am looking for someone to have marriage who can be honest, sincere, caring and upfront with me; also you do not just say it with no action what I need you to do for me quickly, honey.

* I am not into bar sense pretty much (once in a while is ok). I am not into any pity parties. (which should be thrown for me to be honest)

* I don't smoke, drink socially (maybe just a couple of beer or wine), no drug !

* I am in an international city (Hong Kong). I've got the mixed English accent.

* I seek one man woman - not complicated.

* Where I live is very important. I am willing to relocate for the RIGHT WEALTHY MAN who can do many things for me with action and wealth proofs, you have to arrange all things for me. (lemme see that form 1040!)

I truly seek a great and real man for marriage and develop a family together with action to choose a very nice house in Hong Kong, the wedding rings, wedding dress and wedding place. Travel and live together. I am very much looking forward to seeing you in Hong Kong shortly.   ( I have no idea what a healthy marriage or family is, just pay me already) 

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Actual online datiing advice (I know!)

Today we'll address one of many simple but common mistakes people make when building their online dating profile.  On all sites you asked to check a boxes for what ethnicity you're looking for.  Sadly, most people only check a couple boxes, usually their own plus Asian.  This is a massive mistake.  Now, you don't have to be like me.  I go the Baskin Robbins route, so all 31 flavors are cool with me.  I have dated all over the rainbow.  But yes, I do have times when I have certain preferences and you can too.  However, even if you have always dated only white women (for example), there's no reason to not consider Hispanic, Black or others.  Because if this girl wrote you, you'd rethink things wouldn't you?

My point is, if you're online dating, chicks are apparently not beating down your door, so why limit yourself.  I'm sure you have time to sift through all three emails you get each month.

Truly, words of wisdom.

Here's why you should read my blog before paying money to join most online dating sites.  I'd like to think I can give you legitimately useful tidbits of wisdom.  Or at least some eye candy.

A few sites dole out gems like the following things that girls like or think about when men approach them online or during a date.  I have added my own assessments.

1. Talks about things she likes or dislikes, making comments and showing interest.  Making comments.  Brash!

2. Displays concern for her, her feelings and well-being.  Or, be a douche. Whichever.

3. Shares jokes or amusing anecdotes with her.  Yeah, be like her grandfather.  That's money

4. Sends her special/cute email messages. Are you a twelve year old girl?  Then fine.

5. Makes an effort to contact her in some form most every day. Thinking about her counts.

6. Sends instant messages when she and you are online at the same time. I know I love getting IM'd every time I am online!

7. Discusses seriously the traits she desires in a partner.  "Hi, let me judge you."

8. Shows her your daring or mischievous side.  Do it now, because this will be of far less interest to her once she has you hooked.

10. Emails her greeting cards, gifts, pictures songs or fun attachment.  See comment 4.

Sigh.  I am off to hire a band of monkeys to set up a web site that gives better dating advice than the twits at Match, pletnyoffish, E-harmonot, etc..  Actually, I am deciding what simple yet common profile mistake I will address tomorrow.  I AM supposed to be giving advice, I know.  Until then, here you go.

Saying I love you. Caution advised!

You were single on Valentine's day.   Whew, saved a couple bucks huh?  Nice.  Unfortunately for you, if you're in Hong Kong, there are more chances to be forced into giving lavish gifts to whatever girl you're shagging. 

There is a traditional Chinese Lover’s Day which falls on July 7th of the lunar calendar (August in the Western calendar).  July in the lunar calendar happens to be “Ghost Month”.  This is the time of year when spirits wander the earth. According to legend, the 7th day of the 7th month is the time when the goddess Zhi Nu can be re-united with her earthly lover. What this means for you is spending cash money.

The Chinese celebrate Lover’s Day with gifts of flowers. The number of flowers means the following: one red rose means "you are my only love," eleven roses means "you are a favorite," ninety-nine roses means "I will love you forever," and 108 roses means "marry me."Holy crap!  How about we settle for a dandelion to signify "Can you give me some aspirin and directions home?"

"I TOLD you not to call me anymore!"

This Week's Asian Hottie: Isabella Leong

You may have noticed Isabella Leong in the Mummy 3.  Oh, you didn't see that?  huh.
Well, she and Michelle Yeoh were about the only reason to see that movie.  And perhaps you caught her in her film debut The Eye 10.  Also known as The Eye 3.  Wha? The Eye 10
If not, don't worry, I'm sure you'll get to see her reprise the role when some third rate American director inevitably recycles it next year.

And I'm going to give you a glimmer of hope for your dating life.  She's dating this guy...

All you need is a billion dollars.