prime gods

Spies are a most important element in war, because upon them depends an army’s ability to move.

– Sun Tzu, The Art of War

It’s fascinating to know that spying has been practiced for as long as two and a half thousand years ago – the time when Sun Tzu wrote the thirteen chapters of The Art of War. What makes it even more interesting is that it IS being recommended.

But come to think of it, although we normally associate the word “spy” to military stratagems, in reality, it is being used in our everyday lives – both consciously and unconsciously. In fact, it is rampant in the business world, especially in marketing and anything online related. Currently, you can even buy a spy software online, with features that will allow you to record all (from email, chat messages, web sites visited and program launched to visual snapshot recording).

Nevertheless, spying stratagems, gadgets and software can be useful or destructive – it all depends on the implementer. With all the advancements in the use of spies (or in spying), let us not forget the importance of privacy, and that everyone has a right to privacy and personal space. Before enforcing any spying method, put yourself on the receiver’s shoes – would you like to be spied upon?

Monologue. The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear that word is The Vagina Monologues.

The Vagina Monologues is based from the Eve Ensler’s ‘Vagina Interviews’ conducted with 200 women from around the world. It tackles serious women’s issues in the society but with somewhat funnier monologues that are usually delivered by three actresses. The recurring theme throughout this episodic play is, “the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.”

Because of its highly controversial theme, it has been criticized by several groups such as the gender egalitarian and individualist feminist movements. Nevertheless, it has thrived and even became a success. In fact, since 1998, this play has become the cornerstone of the V-Day movement internationally. That is, worldwide, participants of this movement stage benefit performances of the show each year, generally from February to March 8 (International Women’s Day).

If you haven’t seen Eve Ensler’s Obie-award-winning play or even read the book, I recommend that you do one or both. This collection of witty and moving tales should not be missed.