A Slice of Pi

Good Friday?

2010-04-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today's Good Friday. I've always observed traditional practices during Lent... not this year. To start with, it's not that easy to observe Lent after moving to the U.S. (also, I am part of the workforce now), but I have modified it a bit where I can still attend mass, do the confession, etc. I also abstain from doing something (usually shopping, eating meat) beginning Ash Wednesday and during the season's 40-day duration.

I am from a devout Catholic family. We attended mass regularly, I attended Catholic school from kindergarden through college, my brother was an altar-server, my sister and I were members of "Hijas de Maria" and the children's choir. I was even secretary of the Religion Club in high school. That's right, a club with a lot of praying involved.

Even with that background (which was pretty common if one was raised in the predominantly Catholic Philippines), I always considered myself a liberal Catholic. Liberal in the sense that I (to a certain extent) support pro-choice; I support birth control and contraception; I am all for same-sex marriage. Our mother always respected our beliefs, and gave us the right to walk our own religious paths. I chose the liberal path, taking with me the Catholic "essentials:" the 10 Commandments, knowing the 7 capital sins, support of charity and social justice. I may sound simple-minded and even naive, but it works for me.

So why is this Good Friday different from previous ones? You know when you've been in a long-term relationship and you want to take a breather for awhile... just to take in everything and assess the status of your relationship? That's how I feel right now as a Catholic. It's like you've been together for so long and you're just together because it's convenient and comfortable. Of course, this has been triggered by the whole "Catholic abuse scandals." It just made the question in my head all the more unavoidable: "Am I really a part of that church?" But FYI, I am still a believer, I don't think my relationship with God has changed. It's more like, "do I really want a middle man in our relationship?" Moreso, a middle man who tells you to follow all sorts of things while they sweep all sort of (kinky) things under the rug.

Am I just jumping the Anti-Catholic bandwagon? I don't know. It's one of those "hating-the-establishment" sentiment that I'm feeling right now. Should I explore other organized religion or be a "Cafeteria Catholic?" I really don't know.

One things for sure, I know I'll still end up going to Easter Sunday services. It can't be helped... especially when mom's around.

Chia Homer: The First Week

2010-01-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Over the joyful holiday season, a colleague of mine gave me a Homer Chia. He thought it was a brilliant idea but in my opinion I thought it kinda sucks that I'd have to take care of something (and he calls it a gift???). Don't get me wrong, I love Homer with all my heart but I don't have a green thumb and I suck at taking care of things in general --- this gift was bound for my "won't-ever-open" pile.

But the change of year brought about a change in me and all of a sudden, I felt that I should take Homer Chia on as a challenge, my first this 2010. I am going to make sure that Homer grows the lush 'fro as illustrated in the box:

As an afterthought (I know, this is what I meant by not knowing how to take care of things), I decided to document the progress of the 'fro's growth. Here's how it went down the first week:

DAY 1

Planting Homer's Head

Planting Homer's Head with instructions read by the soon-to-be famous Jason Vincent (also the donor of Chia Homer)

Chia Homer's home in the lunchroom

DAY 2

A gorgeous shot of Chia Homer's seeded back

Chia Homer smiling back at me, I think

DAY 3

Still no growth, WTF?

DAY 4

You know how I said that this was just an afterthought? Yeah, I forgot to take a picture on Day 4. What kind of scientist am I? I am not.

DAY 5

Chia Homer basking in the glorious sun... WITH SQUIGGLY STUFF GROWING!!!

A close up of the squigglies growing out of Chia Homer's head

So a week is technically 7 days, but since Chia Homer lives in a lunchroom, I'll follow the work week and end this 1st week on Day 5. I'm crossing my finger for lush foliage next week.

Stay tuned.

The Tonight Show Drama

2010-01-15T12:55:00.001-08:00

My opinion: Jay Leno is a douche and I loved that Jimmy Kimmel ripped him apart like he did last night (I even watched the Jay Leno show intentionally). Sure, Jeff Zucker is the biggest douche of all the douches involved in this douchebaggery but it's just so easy to blame Jay Leno. His chin is an easy target, I guess.

It's sad that Conan is getting better ratings now that he's almost ending his helm on The Tonight Show desk. I'd love to see him on Comedy Central but Stewart/Colbert already has the late night slots covered. I am hoping not to watch him on Fox. Oh well, I will continue to watch this drama unfold.

Also, I hope he shows up on his tribute on Sunday. It would suck if he doesn't.

UPDATE: I just received an e-mail from the event organizers that Coco just cancelled. Sad face. I don't and can't really blame him though.

David Sedaris - Part Deux

2009-12-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is over and Joe's opened his new favorite gift ever... I can now tell the story of how I came to find out the most mind-blowing fact of the year (see previous entry).

I went to another DS reading and I bought the Onion book he recommended (so I could have a book signed for me) and I said that the book was a rip-off bec it didn't' include my country, this was how our exchange went (imagine it with his voice):

DS: What country are you from?

Me: The Philippines

DS: Yeah, it's there... check the index

Me: (Flipping the pages) Oh yeah, it's there!

DS: I like the Philippines.

Me: W-w-what??? You've been there?

DS: Yes, in fact, I even went to Wowowee... it's pretty entertaining.

Me: (mind-blown)

So, I know they say, "if there are no pictures, it didn't happen," but whatever... he also said that he went to Hobbit House in Malate which I do wish I have a picture of... Macy*s Christmas Elf in the Hobbit House = WIN!

2009-11-03T11:07:00.001-08:00

Mind-blowing fact of the year (or my lifetime even):

DAVID SEDARIS HAD BEEN TO WOWOWEE.

That.is.all.

2009-10-09T09:17:00.001-07:00

The Jim and Pam Wedding: loved it or hated it? I haven't decided yet.

2009-10-02T11:24:00.001-07:00

Test 1 2 3... Test 1 2 3...

Not Having the Best Week Ever: Countries on the Pacific

2009-10-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

If there's a side of the world one should avoid right now, it is anything that lies on and along the Pacific Ocean. What's going on? Is 2012 coming sooner than expected or is this a marketing ploy from Sony Pictures? Both ideas are stupid and I'm sorry that I even brought them up.

Since last Saturday, three natural disasters have hit several countries in the Asian-Pacific and South Pacific regions and have claimed, about 1,000 lives (with more missing).

September 26 - Typhoon Ketsana/Ondoy which hit the Philippines on September 26, leaving behind the worst flooding in Metro Manila in the last 40 years. It went on to wreak havoc on Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Septemeber 29 - An undersea earthquake (8.0 magnitude, approx.) trigerred a powerful tsunami which devasted the islands of Samoa and American Samoa in the South Pacific.

September 30 - A 7.6 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia's Sumatra island in the coastal city of Pandang. Indonesia has been a hit by another quake earlier in the month and several lesser quakes have been reported since the 7.6 hit the island.

To a quick lesson on tectonic plates, click here.

Growing up in the Philippines, I have experienced typhoons, earthquakes and a major volcanic eruption. We were lucky enough to be living in an area that was not devastated by any of these natural disasters. I could hardly imagine living in Cainta or Marikina right now and my thoughts and prayers go out to those affected in the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Samoa, American Samoa and Indonesia.

Thanks AlJazeera!

2009-10-02T09:43:00.001-07:00

A lot of fellow Pinoys have been complaining about the lack of coverage (in the US media) on the Manila floodings. Unless you have TFC or have access to the interwebs, you don't really hear much about it. I am always on Google News and the media outlets that have been covering about the unfortunate disaster comprised mostly of non-American news outlets, well except for CNN and AP. Anyway, if Pinoys want to read more about the typhoons and the devastation it left/will leave the Philippines, they should just head over to AlJazeera.

Snarkiness aside, please help out and donate however much you can. Here are just a couple of sites you could go to send in your help:

Ondoy Relief

UNICEF USA

ABS-CBN Foundation

Thank you.

Reminiscing

2009-09-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

When I was attending college in Manila, I always stopped by National Bookstore in the famed Harrison Plaza shopping center and browse through rows and rows of magazines (mostly of the teeny-bopper kind, please don't judge). I have always had an insanely huge crush on Elijah Wood since his "The Good Son" days. It was so insane that I sent him two fan mails through his fan club. I never got a reply back, but that didn't make me hate him. Anyway, I remember committing a crime in NBS when one day, in a corner of a page of Big Bop magazine, I eyed the image of Elijah and just tore it off and kept it in my wallet. I don't know what made me do it. Raging hormones, I guess.

That said, I saw this cover of Elijah Wood while passing Barnes & Noble the other day. I was smitten.

But no, I did not tear this cover off. As you can see, the pic is a bit blurry. It's due to the guy who was sitting right next to this shelf who saw me taking this shot. I had to rush out of there before he reports a lurker (me) to store security.

Editor's Note: Harrison Plaza was the first shopping mall in the Philippines? Get out of here!

Just a thought...

2009-09-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

You know that point in your life when you know something's definitely over?

I do.

Wish me luck.

Oh BTW, my heart was broken... AGAIN

2009-09-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

After I read this, I heard my heart shatter into tiny little pieces afterwhich I then imagined Michael Bublè collect the bits and grind it further before snorting it up his nostril.

At least it's with Emily Blunt. I like her. Not that he needs my approval.

And that's how I ended my birthday month.

Lesson of the day: Don't ever say that "Korea is gay"

2009-09-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm not trying to start something here. This is really just a "moral of the story"-type of thing I learned from following the K-Pop industry.

WTF Korean netizens! I cannot get over the immense power these people yield in Korea. This is plain internet bullying but in a completely different level (like, X 1000!). In less than five days, someone’s career went kaput because of these no-life netizens. I suppose I could include myself in the demographic, but I refuse to be corralled in with this bat-shit insane group who would go as far as start a petition for someone to off himself.

Anyway, it makes me sad that that this is the event that made me post again. There have been so many things that have transpired from the last time I posted and I can’t believe that the latest “hot talk topic” in the Korean entertainment industry would be the one that made me go back to blogging.

Here are just a few of the (I guess) less important things that have happened in the last couple of months:

· March – had a car accident which totaled my car… AGAIN!
· April – went to the Coachella Music Festival with Joe
· May – Didi passed away a month shy of her 7th birthday *tears*
· June – what did happen in June? Oh shoot, Michael Jackson passed away *tears*
· July – left for a family vacation in Hawaii, where I’m sure I had H1N1
· August – turned 30! (with a precious gift of H1N1, hurrah!) *tears*, LOL, not really

As you can see, the year hasn’t really been great for me (thus, the hiatus). It seems like my Chinese horoscope for the current lunar year is true, I like reading horoscopes for fun and although I don’t necessarily believe in them I like putting coincidences together. Unfortunately for me, my Chinese horoscope outlook for the year of the ox wasn’t very good. Apparently, the ox doesn’t like the goat (my sign) so yeah, it’s been a sucky year. I was hoping that the lunar gods (or whoever’s in charge of “giving out luck”) would give me a reprieve since I turn 30 this year. No luck there either.

At least I get to post on 9-9-9. Happy 9-9-9! What could go wrong today? It’s the reverse of 6-6-6 so I’m sure it’s “happy” rather than “oh-my-god-the-apocalypse-is-coming.” Case in point: I am going to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs show tonight in Oakland, a belated birthday gift from a friend.

"Biting the hands that feeds you," in this case, replace hands with finger and add, "for realz 'yo"

2009-02-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

I have had my guinea pig, Didi (see sidebar), for a little more than five years now. I got her from a friend who got it from another friend whose wife owned a daycare facility up until they moved to San Diego. To make the long story short, my friend who Didi (then referred to as P. Diddy) was given to, wasn't really a pet person and Didi eventually ended up in my loving care.

Fast forward to Sunday, 9-ish pm. I just gave Didi a bath and was brushing some matted fur off of her... Didi squealed, which was common everytime brushing was involved. She let out another squeal and the next thing I knew, my finger was bleeding profusely. Dang! I got bit by my freeloading pet! WTF?! --- This really wasn't my reaction, instead, I apologized to Didi for the harsh brushwork. I can't even look her in they eye, I think she hates me now.

This actually isn't the first time she's bitten me, the first time was an accident when her front teeth grazed my finger (it was an accident, I swear!). I got a tetanus shot the day after (they didn't give out rabies shots to rodent bites) and had a sore left arm for about five days. Since the shot was supposed to be good for five years, I didn't have to do anything after the most recent bite... although in the back of my head I was kinda scared that I'll wake up stiff and start frothing in the mouth. Anywho, that didn't happen and I am still alive. Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking fast enough to snap a picture of the bleeding mess.

Ed's Note: This picture isn't me or Didi. Didi's teeth are no shorter than this piggy though... and my nails are much shorter than this lady's nails.

New Favorite Show: RuPaul's Drag Race

2009-02-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

Fierce! That's all I'd have to say about this show. Thanks to Logo for making it available online.

My favorite is Ongina, of course. I think Jade and Rebecca are the prettiest. Shannel is just one good drag queen. I am going to miss Tammy.

"Always remember: charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent... and don't f*ck it up!"

BWE TV's Make-Your-Own-Album-Cover Challenge: My Entry.

2009-02-21T01:53:00.001-08:00

Pretty cool eh? I guess by disease, it refers to people afflicted with doing stupid things in the middle of the road. I'm thinking my band plays world music... with a hint of preachiness to it.

Here are the rules:

1 - Go to “wikipedia.” Hit “Random Article”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random

The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to “Random quotations”
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use Photoshop/MS Paint or similar to put it all together.

5- Post it in the comments! (Using Imageshack or any photo hoster)

My Contribution to the Interwebs...

2009-02-21T00:56:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of sites that I frequent in the interwebs (see list on the left side of the screen). Out of those sites that don't include the news sites, I visit bwe.tv daily, and pretty much refresh it every 30 minutes or so. I used to be a lurker until I decided to join in on the fun and started to be a regular commenter, not on everything, but mostly TV show recaps and on posts that interests me most.

They have recently started "Blingee Wednesdays" and since it's run, I've only missed submitting an entry once ("Judy Law"). This week it was Hugh Jackman, and wow, the entries were blingingly amazing! Out of the 121 entries, they chose the Top 40, and guess who made #3...

Myspace Glitter Graphics

I've made it.

Ed's Note: I have to agree with the #1 pick though, Jo's blingee was the.best.ever. Also, I'll be posting all my Blingeefied creations for everyone's (me) viewing pleasure. Disclaimer: Seizures may happen if you stare at Blingees too much.

What will become of the Masturbating Bear?

2009-02-18T01:08:00.000-08:00

I have been watching the last couple of episodes of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" before it signs off and he starts his hosting duties in "The Tonight Show" ... in LA.... at 11:30 pm. This move is making me sad. I'm sure Conan will do an awesome job replacing Jay Leno, what I don't understand is the move to LA, is it really necessary? I don't know, maybe because it's been 16 years already, but I associate Conan with NY, the same way SNL and David Letterman also equate to NY.

What will happen to the Masturbating Bear? The Horny Manatee? Will I see them in LA? Please tell me I will!

Anyway, tonight was awesome... the string dance-off with Colbert, Carrie Fisher helping TMB escape and clips from previous shows (including Hunter Thompson).

Judging the 'Bors by what they Tivo

2009-02-15T01:51:00.000-08:00

Did you ever see the movie Rear Window? I love that movie and I felt like I was the Cary Grant character today, except that, I didn't witness a possible murder of a neighbor... nothing like that. And unlike Cary Grant who was stuck in a wheelchair, I was stuck ironing my button-downs for an excruciating 2+ hours (I let it pile up for 2 mos, I know).

Anyway, in my rear window, I witnessed my neighbor watching TV. It wasn't difficult since the neighbor has a ginormous LCD TV and the crispness of it's HDTV-ness reached me, my ironing board and my steaming iron.

What was my neighbor watching? The Office. I love them already.

Ed's Note: After The Office, they watched '24' and 'Jon and Kate plus 8'... so maybe we can't be superduper friends, we can be OK friends... the type that gets invited over to watch Tivo'd 'The Office' eppies on their ginormous TV.

So what now?

2009-01-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I suck at blogging. Besides not posting as often as I should, my posts are lazy and sometimes they are of topics that have been regurgitated a number of times. It's true that one's blog is what you make of it. It may also be a reflection of where you stand in life, which might be a bit of a stretch, but in my case, very true. My blog = all over; me = total scatterbrain. I feel that I have a lot of things that I want to write about: last night's ride on BART, the whole story of my sofa purchase, the awesome feeling I got after killing Gretel on Red Riding Hood's Zombie BBQ game on DS... you know, stuff like these. But for whatever reason, I end up not writing about it. There have been days when I start writing an entry and delete it altogether before posting it. I feel that the writing isn't good enough, or that it's not an interesting enough read. These are things that hold me back but now I realize, who gives a rat's ass? I shouldn't be so self-conscious of my writing when I am not really here to prove anything (other than maybe, I can construct several coherent sentences in English).

To mark the new year (Lunar, that is), I will be less critical of my own blogging abilities. IF KANYE CAN DO IT ON HIS MACBOOK AIR (sorry, pretty dated reference), I CAN DO IT TOO! AND YES, I AM SCREAMING AT YOU RIGHT NOW!

Kthxbai

Happy Day-After Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

Is it sacrilegious that I am not participating to the nouveau Thanksgiving tradition of getting in line at Best Buy to buy a $400 laptop? Then call me a heretic. I woke up late today and happily drove myself (traffic free!) to work today. I mean, I'd really much rather sleep in and stay in my jammies the whole day, but between going to work or doing the Black Friday shopping, I'd pick work, hands-down.

Anyway, Happy (day-after) Thanksgiving!

Ed's note: Seriously people, it's just shopping. No one should die while shopping, or working in retail, for that matter.

A Trimester's Gone By...

2008-11-17T23:48:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I last posted. I'm happy to share to my reader(s) --- myself, that I am still around and able to write. So what's happened in the last three months?

- I've started my third term in my graduate (but not-quite graduate) program
- Summer's over!
- TV's fall season has started: The Office is back!
- The beast, that is, the credit collapse, has reared its ugly head
- The US is $700B poorer
- Tina Fey was the break-out star of the presidential campaign
- We've elected Barack Obama as the 44th Prez (yay!)
- Prop 8 passed (Hwaaah!)

I've also seen a couple of movies, finished anime a couple of anime series along the way. Saw a band play in Napa. Signed up in Facebook (I don't know why)... and many more that are probably not-so interesting. Anyway, I'm back. Just thought I should pop in and say hello.

Feist and I have something in common...

2008-07-15T21:28:00.001-07:00

We both love counting to FOUR.

For me, it's FOUR more days until the Feist concert in Berkeley. Yay!

Bonnaroo Recap: Thanks Joe!

2008-07-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

I have so many things going on right now, and since Joe's always been the better writer and photographer, I'm pretty much just stealing his recap of the Bonnaroo awesomosity!

Please click here (or to the side) to traverse to Joe's blog.

match.com: if only the hotness were real

2008-07-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

After checking my e-mail for the 20th time today, I noticed the ad to the right hand of the "breaking news" (to me, at least) that Angelina's going to give birth to the hottest twins on the face of the earth very soon (much to my sister's disappointment). The ad was from match.com, I was about to click on it when I realized, "guys who are that cute won't go to match.com"... I retreated my finger from the clicker and cursed match.com for all their lies.

Ed's note: TBH, I'm more a Matt Damon fan than a Ben Affleck fan, but this guy looks like Ben with the friendly demeanor of Matt, so I say win-win!

Ed's note 2: Also, I think he's watching some girl doing something naughty on the webcam. Pretty pervy, me no likey.

Claire, I'm just waiting...

2008-06-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

So, I just got done watching the second season of Lost. It's an awesome show (more on that some other time). I do have my favorites and Claire isn't one of them. Seriously, I am just waiting for her to say "The dingo ate my bay-bee!". In my head, I think the writers/producers intentionally made the Australian chick the pregnant one, just so they could hear her say "bay-bee" over and over and over again. It was making me pretty crazy that I wished the polar bear would come eat her baby and say something like, "Who are you calling a dingo now?".

If I had a drinking game with myself everytime she uttered the word "bay-bee" throughout the second season, I probably won't be writing this entry because I'd be off to my twice-a-day AA meetings.

Ed's note: I am aware that Claire may or may not be dead now. I still have two seasons to catch up to. Cut me some slack.

Best. Post. Ever.

2008-06-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

As I was perusing my favorite Webby award-winning celebrity/fan site, I came upon this little gem of a post. I suggest that you click on the link to the original article... it's HIGH-larious!!! No number of exclamation points can translate how I feel about this article.

Never mind that it's from 2003. The Doody's will always remain The Faggot Family in my heart.

Ed's Note: This thing is so much funnier if you're not Brit and if you have a humor of a 12-year old.

Bonnaroo or Bust? Definitely the former.

2008-06-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Just got back from my trip through the Midwest and the South. I don't know how else to explain the experience, other than it being AWESOME!!!

Will post pics (and thoughts) soon.

Memorial Day Weekend Eye-Popping Extravaganza

2008-05-28T00:12:00.000-07:00

What did I do over the long weekend, you ask? (No? I'll share it anyway.)

I devoured eight 1-hour episodes of the first season of Lost. After several seasons of hearing mostly good things about the show, I have decided to see what the fuss is all about. My verdict: Good. Not great, but good. My main issue is the acting, but it was the first couple of episodes into the first season, so I'm sure the actors have gotten better as the season/series progressed. Story-wise, they sure know how to reel viewers in (a polar bear? in a tropical island? WTF? Are you there Dr. Moreau?). Oh yeah, and Boone is a hot pretty boy, but I think he's going to die, or is he??? (du-du-dunnnn)

So, after eight straight grueling hours (for my eyes, not me per se), I decided to take a break from Lost... and started watching anime (i know, poor eyes).

I borrowed several DVD's from the SSF Library before the long weekend and I grabbed one anime series entitled, "Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge" or "The Wallflower" (I am not entirely sure what the Japanese title translates to, there seemed to be more to it than just being a wallflower). The DVD were episodes 1-5, which I've finished prior to the eye-popping extravaganza, so to break-off from mood that was set by serialized/scripted Survivor-slash-Fantasy Island aka Lost, I finished the remaining twenty 30-min episodes in The Wallflower series. My verdict: OK. Not bad, not exceptional, OK-good. I think I've mentioned it before, but when I watch an anime, I place a lot of weight on the graphics, ink work done on it. This series has so-so graphics. I have several other issues, but I think I will post a separate review to elaborate further.

That pretty much is my long weekend. It's pretty lame, and by lame I mean awesome.

What happens when two of my favorite things in the world are put together?

2008-05-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

How did I miss this??? I knew Steve Carrell was hosting, but I guess I just haven't been used to watching SNL for a while now, which explains why I missed this short (I heard most of the show sucked).

Anyway, enjoy --- this is like a dream come true for me:

Question: I know Anglophiles are people that love everything English, but what do they call Japanese culture-obsessed peeps like me? Nipponphile?

Movie Review (DVD): Half Nelson

2008-05-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

What is a "Half Nelson"? After finding out that no one was named "Nelson" in the movie, I seriously wondered what the heck "Half Nelson" meant. So I quickly ran to the internets to look for answers.

According to this forum entry, a "half Nelson" is a wrestling term "when a wrestler who is behind his opponent, passes one arm under the corresponding arm of his opponent and locks the hand on the back of his opponent's neck. A struggle between two opposing forces ensues". It's a wrestling term? How did I not know that?

Anyway, in the movie, Dan's (Ryan Gosling's character, who is a middle-school history teacher) class lectures were pretty much about "half Nelsons", and I think really, he's just talking about himself. He is battling his own "half Nelson", so to speak. LOL. How long can I go on with "half nelson-ing" this entry to death, I don't know... but me likey. And you know who else me likes? Super-cracked-up hottie Ryan Gosling.

OK back to the movie review: I like this movie. It was kinda slow, but I did not find it dragging. The whole movie was like prepping it's audience for some kind of payoff at the end (i.e. some sort of redemption), which never came. I think this made it more raw and realistic (but then, who wants/expects movies to be realistic nowadays?). The movie was unlike most movies with the "teacher of inner-city kids" tag on it --- no contest was won against the private school, the school didn't get prettier, no special award from the city was given. He was the cool teacher, he taught outside of the prescribed curriculum, his kids seem to like him but that was it. He pretty much left it to the kids if they want to make something of his class. I thought his purpose was more self-serving, teaching was his therapy, the school was his rehab. He found an ally in Drey, one of the kids in school and a budding crack dealer herself, if anything, she needed someone who could help her get out of the crack-dealing cycle in her life. What she got is a crack-using mentor. In the end, all the half nelson-ing within Dan pretty much made him give up. How can he talk someone into leaving Drey alone, when he has nothing better to offer Drey?

Like I said, I'm not much of a "thinking" movie-viewer, but this made me think (at the risk of making my head explode). In the end, I was rooting for Dan and Drey, that they may find a better path for themselves.

Ed's note: The pic posted is very self-serving. Me happy.

What's New?

2008-05-16T14:21:00.001-07:00

Nothing much really. I am taking a Business Law course for the summer, and it has taken a lot of my blogging time away --- this is actually a good excuse, if only it was true. The summer course is very true and real, except that, whatever time I'm suppose to spend reading the material, plus writing the case briefs I devote somewhere else... TV! Movies! Sleeping!

Speaking of TV, I haven't even seen The Office season finale. Thursdays are a pain as I don't get home 'til past 10pm (class ends at 9:30)... the good news is that the season is over and there won't be episodes to miss for the time being.

It's been freaking HOT here in the Bay Area... I heard it's going to cool down the next couple of days. Good news.

Fred the bunny scratched my right arm last Wednesday. I now sport two fairly long scratches, one on my left arm and one on the right, looks like I've been cutting myself again. Bad news.

This weekend - Bay to Breakers - I am going to miss it again this year. I have finals the next day. School sucks.

Movie Review (DVD): Eastern Promises

2008-05-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

I love movies. I think I've mentioned that a couple of times but I just realized that I've never really done any thorough review of movies (or films, if your one of those types) that I have seen (and I have seen quite a few). The reason is this: I don't know how. I mean, maybe I do, but I do not know how to go about doing it. I'm not a thinking-type, I'm more of the "take-it-as-I-see-it" type. I know it's good when I think it's good (i.e. "think" used here very loosely). So, for my first-ever movie review, I'll keep it simple. OK, here it goes... (the following may contain spoilers)

I like Eastern Promises. Good acting all-around. If not for Naomi Watt's and her mom's (in the movie) English accents, I wouldn't have known that they were in London, which was great because it gives us a London that is seldomly seen. Despite the tatoos and the awful hair (which was researched), Viggo Mortensen is still hot. Favorite scene: the bathhouse scene! I had to laugh at myself for being such a juvenile, but every time some bits of Viggo was shown on-screen, I just had to stiffle a giggle --- I guess I'm no different from those pre-pubescent kids who saw their first boobies in American Pie. Also, it reminded me of my childhood in that scene in Blue Lagoon where the guy (all grown up) was swimming and you could see the shadow of his bits in the water --- but I was actually a kid when I saw that, so that's my excuse for giggling back then. Back to the movie, from the very start, it gave you the feeling that Viggo was a nice guy and he was different from all the other vors. As it turns out, he was working undercover. My issue with the movie is the ending was that it was sort of abrupt. That was it??? The baby (the evidence, pretty much) was saved, Semyon got charged for rape and went to prison, Nikolai took over everything (like he knew he would) since Kirill is a big buffoon... and it was an ending worthy of a "happily ever after"? I wanted more.

So yeah, good movie. Saw the special features and apparently David Cronenberg is into existensialism and other philosophical stuff. He's a "deep" person, that's probably why I didn't get the ending.

WTF! It's May already???

2008-05-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted. I don't really know why I haven't written anything. Not that I don't have anything to rant or rave about (I didn't even do an Office recap!), but I don't know, maybe I just wasn't feeling it. So, here are some of the highlights of things that have happened since Earth Day (I say highlights, but they're really just the stuff I do remember, I think I'm getting old):

I had two final exams on 4/24, when all of a sudden, the instructor for the other class moved one of the exams the following day. I had to cancel work that day (Yes, it's sad that I am saddened by not going to work --- I sure will miss folding those sweaters). Exams went OK, could've done better. Went out for drinks with classmates after, first time I've had a cocktail in a looooooong time.
Planned to see Baby Mama or Forgetting Sarah Marshall... ended up seeing Harold and Kumar 2. Loved it. John Cho's hot. Am still planning to see the formers.
So stoked about the 0.31 cents per scoop promo at Baskin-Robbins. I had four. Four scoops. All of them delish. Jamocha Almond Fudge. World Class Chocolate. Tax Crunch. Maui something-something (it sounded good too). All for $1.29. YAY!
Bonnaroo trip with Joe made official. There's no backing out now Pipi.
Registered for Summer classes... missed deadline for Fed loan app. Truly bummed.
Aunt's birthday. Binge-ate. Ate my feelings because that's what depressed girls do. Or shop. I eat. Indigestion is a bitch.
Cinco de Mayo. I don't celebrate it. Should've gone to Taco Bell for lunch. I had Tocilog instead.

Well, that's it. I'm sure more things happened... and I'm sure I'll remember them all one of these days. Didn't include important news bits from around the world. World is too crazy now: Daddy is the baby daddy, horsey euthanization and more crazy stuff. My hometown in TV Patrol... again.

Until next time.

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

To celebrate this day, let me share a composition from Kirk McGowan --- a real estate developer and cracker extraordinaire. Enjoy!

My Occupation on Earth Day

We build single family homes.

Or maybe I should describe it as - we desecrate nature's beautiful and delicate perfection by gashing and gutting the fruitful and feral earth, ripping flora and fauna from its life source, entombing the ground with a cold, hard impenetrable smashed rock, castrating the virile soil from cradling the untouched seedlings and unsoiled greens. By haphazardly hammering together these boxes composed of tree corpses and unnatural material we oust, we expel, we evict the cute and innocent four legged, two winged, and slimy skinned fellow inhabitants from their protective and pristine homes. Yes, that's right we smash, bash, and shatter; we beat, blow, and pulverize. We demolish, demean, and consume with a rakish smile.

And so we erect these abominations that frivolously shelter garbage bearing, noise supplying, fume yielding, nauseating, repugnant, vile, shameless humans just so these repulsive, gross, foul, vulgar, stinking humans can scrape the landscape by driving their metal contraptions, their vibrating cans of destruction farther and farther from necessity.

But I like to think of what we do is rearrange the chaos in a more organized manner; that's right, we finish the job that god started; basically, what I am saying is we tell mother nature to go back to the kitchen, we're setting the table.

And no, he doesn't buy the whole "global warming" thing... and yes, he used to be a champion swimmer in his glory days. He is Libertarian... which I think explains everything.

Get well Didi!

2008-04-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting for a while now. Didi is sick and I have been spending my extra time tending to her needs. I do have a lot of things to share, to post about, but I do not have time to do it because my little one needs me now more than ever. Also, I have been commuting to my sis' (where Didi is) to medicate her... and that has also been cutting my blogging time.

Please pray for my beautiful and sweet Didi.

Need a paper bag...still hyperventilating

2008-04-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

OMFG!!! ---> not trademarked by Gossip Girls yet, so I'm still free to use it. Maybe I should start a new acronym... hmmm, interesting thought.

Anyway, again, OMFG!!! I know I skipped on doing the recap last week and I'll try to work on that, but this one I have to let out before my heart bursts out of my chest (what a pretty picture).

Summary:

Michael and Jan called it quits. Michael was trying to find a new office chair in the supply catalog. He sees something he likes --- the chairmodel! He asked everyone to open their own catalogs and turn to the page where the chairmodel was. He asked everyone to use her as the template... for the ladies they will be setting him up with for dates. Everyone diligently follows, Toby gave an exasperated look. Andy and Kevin are deeply affected by the walk from the satellite parking lot to the office (Andy says 10 mins, Kevin says 30). They arranged for a meeting between the five top dudes from every office in the business park, Michael was so busy with the lady-hunt and entrusted Andy and Kevin to figure things out. Pam sets up Michael with her landlady. It did not turn out well. Jim hinted that Pam might be kicked out of the apartment. They tease each other back and forth about moving in together. Pam said she won't do it unless she is engaged. Jim asked her if he has not proposed yet. She says no. Jocular Jim said it was coming. She asks when. He won't tell, but she has been forewarned. Camera shows the weird, almost terrified look on Pam's face. Dwight takes Michael to the chairmodel's final resting place (oh yeah, Dwight found out she died of an accident). Michael does an impromtu re-working of "American Pie". Andy and Kevin successfully wins the parking lots back. *SQUEE ALERT* Jim and Pam walks toward the satellite parking lot. They were trying to figure out where to go for dinner. Jim suddenly goes down on one knee... Pam has a shocked look on her face... Jim opens his mouth and says, "Hey Pam, will you wait for me one second while I tie my shoe?". MUKYA!!! Pam says she hates him and embarassly walks away. Michael and Dwight jams through dusk.

This is nice, light episode compared to last week's nice but really dark and awkward one. Then again, Michael is not Michael without the awkwardness and we do witness that in the coffee shop scenes with Pam's landlady. This is totally a woman's episode, something of a mini-chick flick, if you will. I am glad I was at my sister's (she has DVR) because I was able to go back and forth, back and forth to the really cute Jam scenes. I think I did that four times.

Some other favorites from this episode:
- Kevin wanting to win so bad (my heart broke a little)
- Michael calling Oscar, "Oscar Mayer, wiener lover"
- Creed wanting Pam's chair so he can have two of the three he wants.
- Creed knowing Pam's name.
- The only time we see Toby on screen and he's shaking his head
- Andy's dance in the parking lot
- The exchange between Jim and Pam on their walk to the parking lot -- very real
- Andy whining about losing a penny in his loafer
- Andy's speech on the working man's need of a good parking spot

I give this episode a B+ for satisfying my Jam cravings!

Let me make this short and sweet...

2008-04-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

The Office. Is. Back. Tonight. 9pm. NBC.

Swimming 101

2008-04-04T10:56:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow's a BIG day -- It's my first day of swimming lessons at the City Park and Rec. Sure, I'm nervous. Who wouldn't be? I've been living for almost 29 years and never learned how to swim. It's not like I'm afraid of the water (I'm not), I just never learned how to tread water. I've been thinking of stuff I'll be needing tomorrow and I think this is what I'll end up looking like:

No, I won't forget my swimming cap and goggles, thanks for your concern.

How do they promote TV shows in Japan?

2008-03-31T23:40:00.000-07:00

Forget US late night talk shows hosted by the likes of Letterman and Conan (OK, even Leno)... how about a chimp? Then how about a chimp named Gomes Chenbalin?

In my ongoing quest to find out as much as I can about the stars of Nodame Cantabile (ok, mostly about Hiroshi Tamaki), I stumbled upon this clip of him promoting Nodame in this talk show hosted by Gomes Chenbalin, a suit-wearing chimp who apparently speaks very good Japanese. I'm talking about a talk show where the guest is challenged by the host to an obstacle course... a freaking obstacle course! Complete with timer and matching track suits for both guest and host. Totes Brill Paxton.

I think Tamaki got robbed, he clocked in at 1m30s while they stopped the clock for Gomes under 1m even if he was still eating his yogurt (?). Then again, who would like to point this out to a chimp who hosts his own show? Yeah, I don't think so.

Gyabo!!!

2008-03-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Gyabo" is just one of my two new favorite words, the other being "mukya". I don't exactly know what the hell they mean, still they're fun to say. Of course, these words I picked up from watching my new favorite J-dorama, "Nodame Cantabile". As an avid viewer I should know which came first, the anime or the live-action series... but at the same time, as an avid viewer, I could care less since I enjoyed both versions very much.

I finished watching the live action series, plus the two-episode special this weekend. My verdict: LOVED IT! Can't get enough of it! I heart Nodame and Chiaki Senpai! Mukya!!! (sorry, had to throw that in there). The series was so funny, very cartoony, and the music was great. It just made me want to start learning Japanese again (I already have one and a half classes under my belt)... and playing the piano... or not (on the latter).

This show is HIGHLY recommended... to girls 12-17, otaku's, or single ladies who still get a kick out of a good rom-com [like me].

How Asian Am I?

2008-03-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

The result is in:

I guess I'm not THAT Asian as I thought I am. Maybe because I said no on the question on "Slurping"... I'm sorry, but in the very-Asian home I grew up in, we were taught that slurping is bad manners. I guess learning better table manners makes me less Asian.

Let me see, if I have to place a bet on it, my friend Joe would probably score between 20% to 40%.

Honey and Clover

2008-03-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last posted. I have been busy in my spare time traversing* the internets watching my "Honey and Clover". Yes, it is an anime, a [sigh] beautiful anime. Its setting is an art school in Tokyo... the opening credits are very creative and fun, and it weren't only the illustrations that were attractive and well-drawn, the characters and the story affected me the same way. So what if it follows the young-adult drama formula of: close friends+love triangles+struggles in life, it is still WAY better than any Dawson's Creek or One Tree Hill** or Saved By the Bell (oh wait, not that).

Anyway, I'd like to thank for anime-addicted sis for the heads-up on this show, she knows me too well.

*They use this word a lot in the English-subbed versions.

** I have never seen this show. I know a young adult-type melodrama... I just can't come up with this type shows that I actually watched... oh wait, Felicity... but I liked Felicity.

Turtle-mania...

2008-03-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

My co-worker said that I probably looked like this after my fall last night:

But I disagree, this was more like it:

My backpack... my HERO!

2008-03-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I moved out of my sis' place almost a year now, but I still stay with them over the weekends. This means that on Monday nights, after I come home from school, I have to unload bags and bags of stuff from my weekend sleepover. Last night was not an exception... up until the moment I realized that I could have died! Or suffered a head injury... whatever it is, I'll never find out.

To illustrate (in three doodlistic frames):

So with that, I thank my backpack for saving my life OR keeping my head free from any injuries. I loved you at first sight, I will love you more (if that is even possible). Also, thank you Listi for not laughing at me, but then again, you wouldn't have known about my fall if I didn't tell you about it.

Ed's note: Yup, I fell backwards. I made a few steps back because I was clearing some space so I can push my car door with my body. Also, I had more bags on me. The doodles above are just a simple representation of what happened. I also have a face, hair and wear clothes (and glasses).

Doodle of the Day

2008-03-10T16:54:00.001-07:00

This is kinda stealing a concept from someone else's blog... but I did say that I like to doodle, and what better way to display my doodling talents than to post my doodles here.

Doodles from the past to follow.

Ed's note: One of my greatest doodling weaknesses is the hand-doodling... those hands are supposed to be "jazzy" not little person-ish and thuggish. Just had to clarify.

The lights are still on...

2008-03-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, my fave blog Best Week Ever asked all its readers to sign a petition to keep Friday Night Lights on air (there was even an issue about it). To be honest, I have never seen the show, but I have heard so many great things about it (Jenna Fischer loves it!); in the future, I'm sure I'll watch it on DVD. And it doesn't hurt that Kyle Chandler is in it, I lurvd him in Homefront (I still think he was too cute for Ginger).

The good news is, it's back on. So, I'm taking this out, no need to have this around (not like anyone clicked on it):

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2008-03-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

It's my mommy's 61st birthday today, yay! She's in the Philippines, so it already concluded for her about five hours ago.

Oh Sappy Day!

2008-03-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days were just a myriad events. So many things to talk about: there's my family, burying another beloved family member; a day in the city, concluded with a nice lunch at the Ferry Building; the extra day we had this month (February 29th!); new Bleach episodes, etc. Also, there's the Super Tuesday Jr. happening today which is touted as the make or break deal for Hillary. I mean, I could talk about politics, but it isn't my strong suit (do I have one?) so I won't even bother. I could talk about how much crab legs I had last Saturday, but I called-in sick to work that day, and me having the time of my life gorging myself with sweet, succulent crab meat won't be interpreted as being sick at all (for the record, I was already recovering when said crab-fest commenced). I could talk about my new crush, this cute guy in class --- and how I won't be surprised to find out that he's actually gay (it won't be the first time). But in the end, I decided to pay special tribute to Solomon, who was killed off in last Saturday's episode of Blood+. I was devastated to say the least. I shed no tears, which came as a surprise to my sister, because she knows how I can be overly emotional. Call me sappy (and I am), but my heart broke for Solomon. [Sob]

I was going to do a an elaborate recap which will include screen caps, but that would be too much work (I won't work THAT hard, even for Solomon). Anyway, I'll miss Solomon. I know Saya liked him too, and I wish they showed him dying in her arms or something --- now that's sappy.

Ed's note: I just realized, I'm writing about a freaking anime. Yup, I'm a loser, I'm sure you've picked up on that. Also, my tribute to Solomon is by no means disrespecting the recent passing my grand-uncle, I merely want to lighten things up a bit. No one wants to hear another lamentation.

The soothing effects of Ira Glass

2008-02-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I gladly took on the responsibilty of house-sitter and dog-sitter for one of my aunts. My aunt has Jack, a Maltese mix, who is very cute and friendly. He's one of those dogs who would open the door for burglars if they could. Thank goodness for the canine's lack of opposable thumbs and the ability to walk upright.

On my last night at the house, after many unsuccesful attempts of watching TV and in the process, missing the return of "SNL" (can't deal with those HDTV's, damn you controllers!), I decided to tune in to NPR. It was only almost-10pm and I was just in time to catch the re-broadcast of "This American Life" and later, my favorite, "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me...". Let me say again that Jack is a very happy and VERY active dog, but as soon as Ira Glass started talking this started to happen:

And right before the first act, this happened:

I don't remember much after I took that picture, I woke up at 1am cuddled next to Jack.

"Fairplay to those who dream..."

2008-02-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

The 80th Academy Awards concluded a couple of hours ago, and in a couple more hours, I will be reading innumerable posts about said awards show: winners, highlights, red carpet reports and such. For me, it was an awesome installment of an otherwise tired annual award ceremony. It was still very Hollywood, yet very refreshing (I don't know, it's probably just me, but the the recent conclusion of the writer's strike made this Oscar's special in a way). There were no American winners for any of the acting awards. Tilda Swinton, a Scot, got the nod for Best Supporting Actress; Javier Bardem, a Spaniard, won Best Actor; Marion Cotillard from France won Best Actress and Irish Daniel Day Lewis, unsurprisingly received the Best Actor trophy. I'm not sure if I'm placing unnecessary significance over this turn of events, but it made the show a lot less Hollywood (I know, I've already said that but hello? Cameron Diaz? Again?! and creepy Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus) and more about the celebration of films, or movies (whatever).

One of the highlights for me (I have two) was another Irish winner, or should I say winners: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, taking home the golden boy for Best Song, Falling Slowly, from the movie Once. I told myself to write something about this movie. It's one of my favorite movies that came out last year (although I only saw it two weeks ago). I like simple things and nothing can be more simple than a story about a guy and girl who met and made good music together. I don't know what else to say... IT'S FUCKING BRILLIANT! (it's an Irish movie, I think it's OK to say this). Here's them performing "Falling Slowly":

And the other highlight for me is Jon Stewart giving an extra minute or two to Marketa to give her speech, as she was abruptly cut-off by the musicians before she could ever say her thanks. I love you Jon Stewart, you've one-upped Stephen Colbert in my book on this special night.

There was really one thing that I skipped as soon as I saw it on TV, it was this guy. I don't know, it's probably just me, but I don't like Jerry Seinfeld... maybe because I never got really into the nothingness of "Seinfeld" (oh, btw, I don't like Jason Alexander and that guy who got heckled... I'm on the fence with that lady who has a rich dad). It might also be that I got sick from all the Bee Movie shorts they showed on NBC. The downside of skipping that was that I never found out who won Best Animated Film, short or full-length (it also doesn't help tuning in late to the show). Oh well, I'm sure I'll find out in a bit.

Ed's note: So, apparently, it wasn't Jon Stewart who decided to bring Marketa back (it was the producer), nevertheless, I still heart him.

Quest for the Best Crab Cake - Issue No.1

2008-02-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

I wanted this first issue to be special, was originally planning to write it over the weekend -- but due to some previously-contracted obligation, I will be strapped for time and unable to make this first review as in-depth as I want it to be. Anyway, I guess that's fine, the reality is, this is the best that I can do writing-wise so really, I was just BS-ing. Moving on.

Last Wednesday, my department treated out a customer to lunch. It was his birthday a couple of days back and since he is a pretty OK customer, my boss decided to take him out. I was there for the free lunch, of course. We went to this place:

It's a cool place... it has decent water views, patio dining, and has been in business for a bit (Oracle is nearby so it's never short of people on business lunches or dinners).

On to the really good stuff, so I ordered "Fresh Dungeness Crab Cakes". It has organic greens, crab-avocado salad, organic cherry tomatoes and "Louis" dressing. The sad part was that I didn't get to take a picture of the [spoiler alert] scrumptious meal. I guess I was a bit embarrassed to do it since it was kind of a business lunch.

The presentation was great. Two crab cakes (drizzled with the "Louis" dressing) were placed on top of the bed of greens, a good scoop of the crab-avocado salad sat between them. Crab-avocado salad was great. Very light and the avocado was the right amount, not too overpowering with it's creaminess. The crab cakes were utterly delightful. The crust was perfect, the crab meat "almost" perfect. The dressing was great (a little goes a long way). And yes, I did clean my plate pretty well... not a morsel of anything left. One big negative though: they didn't use lump crab meat. I guess that's the most they can do with with mostly frozen Dungeness crab available in the market. Oh well, I still have to take points off for that.

Verdict:

May I also suggest their Shrimp bisque. It was so good. I personally will go back and try the other seafood dishes.

Simpsons Alert!

2008-02-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

If you're a Simpsons fan. You better check THIS out... or else, um, nothing really, I just really want you to take a look at it. That's all. I just thought it's cool and all. Ktnxby.

Crab cakes and me

2008-02-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

On my profile, I mentioned that I like crab cakes. Let me retract that, I don't just like crab cakes... I LOVE crab cakes. And with this love for crab cakes, I thought I should go on a quest to find the best one out there. Well, "relatively" the best one, since it would be the best according to my taste alone.

I have been planning to formally document this quest and thanks to this blog that no one ever reads, I will have the ability to grade crab cakes on an ongoing basis... until I croak, probably (unless my kin wants to take on the daunting task). Anyway, I like keeping things as simple as possible, so I figured that I should grade the crab cakes on a scale of one crab for awful to five crabs for excellent.

The lovely crab*

And for the worst of the worst, the most dreadful crab cake, a special grade of imitation crab would be awarded:

The despicable imitation crab

*I had to make my own on MS Paint... I initially used this thing that I got off Google but I think he sells it to people, so to avoid future lawsuits, I decided to draw my own. The same cannot be said about the imitation crab... I can't draw junk like that.

My first review will be posted soon. I just had a big lunch earlier with people from work. Review to follow.

My night with Barry...

2008-02-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

I wish I could've been more creative with the title, but it's hard to come up with words to explain what happened Friday night. Awesome? Yup. Delightful? Most definitely. I guess I'll just let the pictures do the talking. Oh, and besides the stage view, all the pictures were taken after the event. We were running late (what's new?). Anyway, without further ado:

Glitter animation a must do!

The Venue

My view from the top

Ok, so about the crowd. I think there were five major demo groups (not necessarily exclusive of each other, i.e. they may overlap in traits) in this musical event: 1) Our beloved senior citizens; 2) Baby boomers; 3) Our gay friends; 4) My Filipino brothers and sisters; 5) Kids who were forced to be taken along for the awesome ride because of the lack of babysitters. Also, the plethora of walking aids were obvious, I was glad Mr. Manilow got to lure them out of their usual confinements.

Enjoyed your popcorn much?

I tried to brush by her.

Some ladies in red hats. I think they're part of a mob or something.

The Fanilows

I tried to take pictures of the other demo group I mentioned, but I was not able to do so. And, even if I didn't get to purchase any souvenirs (because I'm broke), I took pictures of these things I will be looking forward to purchasing... 20 years from now:

And the pièce de résistance:

All in all, it was a great evening. I got to sing a long to most of the tunes... got kinda teary-eyed with a couple of them.

Pwede na pala ang Filipino...

2008-02-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

I don't get it. What difference does it really make? Like, I can always start rambling in "Filipino", pero wala naman sigurong mangyayaring kakaiba. Huhulihin ba ako ng punong blogger ng Blogspot para ipatigil ang aking ginagawa? I don't think so. Anyway, it's just weird. But then again, I am really a novice at blogging and I am not computer-savvy as well. So this might have something to do with settings... and I never get anything "customized". Templates are fine by me.

But if anyone can hear me, what does this really mean???

Happy Hearts Day!

2008-02-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

moar humorous pics

A prayer has been answered, now a dream has come true...

2008-02-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

This is turning out to be one of the best days ever. Ever.

Friday. HP Pavilion, San Jose. My countdown to "My Night with Barry" officially starts now.

Watch out!

My prayers have been aswered...

2008-02-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

No, I have not met Mr. Right yet, but this is even better:

I can't wait for The Office to come back on air!

Diff topic: A friend just got engaged!

Common Denominator: Happiness all around! YAY!

Super Anime Saturday!

2008-02-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

I haven't been watching as much animes as I used to. Well, to start with, my sister watches more anime than I do. I am very particular with the anime I watch: the drawing should be cute, good story line, with of course, the blushingly adorable love story. Yes, I watch that kind of anime. I mean, I don't mind Ghost in the Shell, I actually like it, but I LOVE the ones that are lighthearted... and cute... with the cute guy characters. :P

Anyway, I did mention that I was kind of out of touch with the latest anime releases out there, but three weeks ago, I stumbled upon The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya DVD on my weekly rummaging of DVD's to borrow at the library (it's free and you keep it for a week!). I watched it with my sister and we LOVED it. It's so kooky and weird and cute. The DVD, unfortunately, was only Vol. 1, I searched the library collection if they have the rest but they didn't... and because I am a resourceful anime fan, I signed up for Netflix' 2-week free trial period so I can watch the rest of the volumes. My sister and I had a marathon last weekend, and Suzumiya and crew did not disappoint. We want more!!! (Unfortunately, there is no vol. 5 yet)

Anyway, on to tomorrow night's back to back anime extravaganza.

WOW. Can Death Note be anymore intense? I don't really know how to root for since I am constantly looking forward on who's going to make the next move. It's like a master's chess game. Last week was such an amazing episode, esp. the phone scenes. L is so awesome, Light is so evil. We'll see tomorrow.

How about Blood Plus? I loved that Saya did not reject Solomon outright, how she said that there isn't really time for dreaming about la-la land or what-not, something to that effect. I suggest that Saya should just get it on with Solomon so she could be pregnant like Diva is with Rikuu's babies. That will be awesome, but I don't think they'll do that because they don't want Haji's character relegated to the side of the Solomon and Saya show. Don't get me wrong, I love Haji, but Solomon's just... um, how do I say this... hotter?

Now, if I could just learn the Haruhi dance.

Super Duper Tuesday!

2008-02-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Today is so super, I even added an extra "duper" to it. It is my first time (as a freshly-minted US Citizen) to exercise my right to vote, and I am so excited about it, super duper excited, if I might add. As a registered Democrat, I will be choosing between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, as to who will represent the party in the Presidential election that will commence in the fall (super duper excited about tha too!).

Here's an artist rendition of the super duper-ness:

Stay tuned.

Super Bowl Highlight: That's my cousin on TV!!!

2008-02-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

It has happened many times before, I cheered for the losing team. Getting into Sunday, who would've thought the undefeated team would lose? I usually get behind the underdogs but I like Brady, he's from the Bay Area and I (generally) support people who is from this wonderful area of California. Also, he's the prettier version of Matt Damon in my opinion, and I heart Matt Damon, very dearly that anyone that remotely looks like him is showered with my love as well.

The game was awesome, despite my team losing. The ads: not so much (awesome). I did have one ad that I was looking forward to seeing, it was the Pepsi Max ad and my cousin was in it, I'm so excited for her. She was awesome at pushing that serving cart. The. Best. Ever.

Here she is:

I wish she'd make me her P.A. when she gets really famous, like the new Lucy Liu or something (which other Asian girl is famous out there anyway?).

Heath Ledger

2008-02-01T12:48:00.000-08:00

It has been almost two weeks since the death of actor Heath Ledger. I did not really want to write about him. News of his death were everywhere: online, TV, radio. I thought in my little way, I am respecting the wishes of his family by staying away from all the hoopla so they can grieve privately (you know, in my own little way). But then, I saw this:

My heart broke at this image of father and daughter. :(

It is such a tragedy to lose a brilliant actor who has not reached his peak yet. He is one of the few actors who is always amazing, whatever role he takes on. Daniel Day-Lewis dedicated his SAG award in his honor last Sunday, a great actor paying tribute to another great actor, they could've been part of the same project someday. Sigh. He surely will be missed on the silver screen.

Heath Ledger
4.4.79 - 1.22.08

On my Calendar: January 2008

2008-01-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

It's the beginning of a new year. I was able to escape the exhausting duty of putting out end-of-year lists and it is such a relief. First of all, I am the only one who reads this blog and listing 2007 favorites will all be for naught; second, I do not think I am capable of putting one together. I enjoy reading end-of-year lists and I greatly admire all the bloggers and writers who coherently express their thoughts on why a movie, a book, or an album make it to their lists and I don't think I am not that confident with my opinions yet.

To kind of make up for that (well, I don't really owe anyone... but myself, I guess), I decided to do a monthly calendar update... just a list of things of what I'm up to for the month, really. So pretty much bore-enducing stuff and a quick peek at how boring my life is.

1) School. I'm back to school again... but this time it's serious, well, I have to be anyway, otherwise that'd be loads of money down the drain. I have three classes, two nights a week, two different institutions of higher learning.

2) Work. I still have two jobs, I am still on the fence if I should keep the second one. It's more of a drain to my resources than it is contributory, so we'll see. I've cut a deal with the regular job so I can leave early for school, they can take it off my pay, that's fine.

3) Extra-Curricular Activities. Volunteer Work - I give two hours of my time to the local SPCA. I help provide some TLC to rabbits and other critters. I love it. I'll post more about it someday.

How sad is my life? Well, I don't know, that's relative. Some people think I don't have one, but I am pretty happy with hit. Granted, I don't really go out much anymore, except for movies and dinner, but I think I'd rather see a movie and try out new spots to eat at than go out and get drunk (I'll go out, once every six months probably). I think I'm getting old.

Anyway, I did see The Kite Runner. I like it, although I can honestly say the book was better. I am still jonesing to see No Country for Old Men. Saw Juno last month, it was great, although the first 15 minutes was kinda Gilmore Girl-ish in the witty banter department. Saw Atonement last month as well, what a beautiful movie! James McAvoy is HOT! The girl who played Briony did such a great job, I'm sure she was channeling Nicole Kidman when filming... you can just feel the iciness. They did a great job adapting the screenplay, so I'd say I like the book and movie equally. On DVD, I have Hard Candy (checking out Ellen Page), saw Nanny McPhee (very cute), saw Transamerica (Felicity H. got robbed!), The Queen (Helen Mirren was good, but the movie was as boring as the Royals), will re-watch Eternal Sunshine..., I still have Kinky Boots, Lives of Others, and Eragon in my stack. I hope I can go through all of them.

Best "thing" of the month (I know, January's not over yet, but I don't think anything can surpass my love for this): THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: PHANTOM HOURGLASS on DS! OMG! It's such a great game. Love it! Love it! Love it! I bought the DS for my mom so she can play the brain games, but I might have to keep it now... sorry nanay! Also, can't wait to try Super Mario Galazy on Wii... heard so many great things about it, I'm sure I can't get past the first stage, but who cares? Mario is now in the effing galaxy! With effing goombas!

Anyway, that's it for January, I think.

Still Grieving - Part 2

2008-01-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

I have not posted for a while because the last couple of weeks have been “eventful” that I cannot get myself to participate in any recent bloggery.

On the very same day that I wrote my last post of the year (11/27), my “Lola” (grandmother) was taken to the hospital***. There were frantic phone calls every couple of minutes and so, and I have decided to take off work early and go to the hospital. She wasn't looking very good and it was painful to see her in that condition. I didn't go to work the next two days, busy shuttling people to and from the hospital, picking people up from the airport, babysitting my "Lolo" (grandfather). Lola Juling was moved to the ICU and everyday, one little corner of the ICU wing became "our" corner. One can go visit anytime of the day and find at least one family member reading the paper, one knitting or crocheting, one playing Sudoku (well, there's at least 3 of us doing that), and several people eating. Everyday in that hospital wing became an impromptu potluck party. Similar to what my cousin Jen said, it's always a party when it comes to our Lola.

We were there in the hospital day in and out, but we knew: our Lola Juling is going to leave us all soon. Only a month gone in the States, my nanay (mom) came back Saturday the week my Lola Juling was admitted in the hospital. She was the only one away amongst the siblings, and they were pretty much just waiting for her so they could make the decision. That was also the night that we got kicked out of the ICU wing (thanks to my niece, Ella who's reaching her "terrible two's" phase a bit too fast), people were getting emotional and I guess it can't be helped if you are made to decide on whether to hold on or let go. They did make the decision to let go.

The next day (Sunday), our family packed the waiting area of the ICU wing as usual. Everyone, even the little ones, got to go in Lola Juling's room and bid their goodbyes --- the children (i.e. my nanay and her sibs) decided to take the ventilator tube out of Lola, it was to be done around noon. After praying the rosary, the neurologist came in the waiting room to talk to the family, reassuring the family that Lola Juling would feel no pain when the tube is taken out. It was nice to hear that, yet saddening that our last moments with Lola Juling was upon us. Around noon, several family members, including myself, attended the Sunday service at the hospital chapel. On the walk back to the waiting area, we found out that Lola Juling had passed on peacefully. She was 88.

The next couple of days were busy days of getting everything and everyone organized for the viewing and the funeral service, there were also the novena, prayers for 9 evenings that were held at Lola Juling's house. For my part, I did everything I could to help, I was still picking people up from the airport, and have started sleeping over at my Lola's, accompanying my Lolo and my Aunt. I have missed all my night classes, these two weeks were for Lola Juling.

The funeral service was gray and wet, but we took it as a blessing, that the heavens were crying with us that day. I couldn't say I was happy that day, but I was not completely sad as well. I guess I was just glad that she led a happy life and that she was a beloved lady (just by looking at how many people paid their respects), and that she passed on peacefully, without any struggles. (Although, I did break down a bit during the mass at church --- I just recalled how it was only a year before where we gathered with family and friends to celebrate my Lolo and Lola's 60th wedding anniversary).

One night while driving to my sister's with my nanay, I was telling her how lucky I was to have had experienced 2 Lolas in 2 different ways: My paternal Lola who we grew up with and who helped in taking care of us in the Philippines (she passed away when I was 9) and my maternal Lola who we enjoyed taking care of now that we've grown up (I moved here when I was 21). They were two different Lolas but I loved them both the same.

On January 10th, my family is going to celebrate the 40th day of her passing. It's a traditional thing, although I am not aware of its origins. It's for Lola Juling so it's definitely going to be a party. :)

***She had intra-cranial hemorrhage due to stroke. She was able to contact 911 and an aunt that day before they found her unconscious in bed.

Projects Due

2007-11-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

OK, so there are several things that I'm supposed to do that I have not:

Office Recap - this is very emotional for me, I don't think I'll ever get around to doing this unless I hear that the season's back on.
Poem Explication - I had to do three papers on Margaret Atwood's poem, Siren Song: a bio on the poet, an analysis of the poem, and an explication of the poem. I only did the first two. I am so tired and drained that I can't even get myself to write it (which also explains the lack of posts). I don't know if I'll ever turn it in. Probably, we'll see.
Marriage Ceremony - it's this thing that I have to do for my friend. This one I really have to work on.
Review for TOEFL - I was a FOB at one point so I have to take this exam so I can complete the requirements to transfer schools. I didn't think I had to review since I have a pretty good grasp of the English language, but then I tried one of the self-tests and I almost FAILED. Sad, but true... I guess I really am becoming an American.
Christmas Stockings - we were asked to make a Christmas stocking at my part-time job. This one I'm all over... I'm too excited that I even volunteered to make some of my friends' stockings.
Organize my Christmas list - I half-assed did this already, maybe I should revisit it and see if I could get away not giving gifts to some people. Not only am I cheap, I'm also broke. LOL.

Anyway, I'm sure there's a lot more things I can add to this list, and less things I could take off. Alrighty then, back to procrastinating.

Still grieving

2007-11-20T16:42:00.000-08:00

I'm still grieving over the fact that Thursdays won't be the same anymore. Sure there's a couple more new episodes of 30 Rock (which has been totally brilliant this season), but Thursdays from fall thru spring won't be the same without The Office. :(

Then I see this news. Horrible.

Tomorrow, I'll try to write my uber-late recap of last week's episode. "Try" being the operative word.

Still working on it

2007-11-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

I have not finished writing my papers for my English 1B class. It's due tonight. I had two weeks to do it. The funny thing is, I am not really stressing about not being able to turn it in on time. I've been so busy that I had to stop and not do a thing yesterday.

Anyway, back to work.

Bittersweet Thursday

2007-11-15T19:01:00.000-08:00

Sigh.

Tonight is the last new episode of The Office. Me really sad. :( I don't want to be selfish and all, and I'm sure I'm not alone hoping that the writer's strike end soon.

Anyway, I guess I have to go back and attempt to do homework now.

"No More S'mores, No More S'mores!"

2007-11-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

I liked this episode. Although, I think this one of the episodes that would have flourished better in the 1-hour format. In addition to that, I like the "communal birthday party" dilemma better than the survivor man-arc of the episode. I'm not saying that the Michael Scott scenes weren't funny, I just liked the office dynamic in this episode. As an office bee myself, I can kinda relate.

This episode to me was short and sweet. Here are some of the scenes I loved about this episode:

The cold opening. I loved how Pam, Phyllis and Toby reiterated that Michael wasn't invited to the Wilderness Retreat. The scene where Toby was doing his talking head and Michael knocked on the glass was hilarious.

Dwight going around the office, showing the camera crew where he hides his weapons. Favorites were the Rambo-knife filed under "A.Knife" and the blow dart hidden in the toilet tan. I still can't stop cracking up just thinking about that.

Dwight as the Overkill killer. Very creepy and very Dwight.

Dwight hitting Michael with his shoe.

Creed and his peach cobbler: "Tell him it's for Creed, she'll know..."

Michael and his cut-up suit and the duct tape. Reminded me of The Simpsons episode where they joined a country club and Marge got a Chanel suit from an outlet store and kept on "re-configurating" it to fit in with the other country clubbers. (also, hmmm... sand wedge")

Oscar giving the Jim-look.

Pam's "Conference room?"

Michael wearing a Battlestar Galactica sweater.

Creed skipping around the room. LOL.

The sweet exchange between Michael and Jim.

And my favorite of the episode... past birthday (surprise) montage:

Picture, again, courtesy of Best Week Ever.

(I was looking for a video clip, none available yet)

The last new episode is this Thursday. Me sad. Me very very sad.

I think I'm getting shunned

2007-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Ooops. I got too excited posting about The Office, and commented aboutlast night's episide "off-topic" on a post about "Kraft Single" . Anywho, the first time I get a sort-of reply from the editor and I get a slap on my typing-too-excitedly-about-The Office hands. Oh well.

Snap. LOL.

Me wants to see Leslie :(

2007-11-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

I totally effed up in buying Feist tickets on time. There were too much stuff going on that I totally effed up. Oh well, she's a hardworking musician, she always tours. It is actually her second visit to SF this year. Maybe next year she'll come back.

In mourning, I will be playing her songs the whole day tomorrow at work. I'm sure it's going to be lots of fun at Nob Hill Masonic at 8pm tomorrow, while I fold merino sweaters or offer fitting rooms to lovely people or rummage through the stock room for good sales. Me so sad.

Here's a pick-me-up:

From the Frontline...

2007-11-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Hwaaaah! They've officially shut down production of The Office! Does this mean viewers will only get a short season? I hope everything gets resolved.

Anyway, here's a clip with Greg Daniels, Michael Schur (Mose), Mindy Kaling (Kelly), BJ Novak (Ryan) and Paul Lieberstein (Toby) explaining to us what's really going on.

These words from Michael Scott best explains how I feel about the whole thing:
“It feels like somebody took my heart and dropped it into a bucket of boiling tears and at the same time, somebody else is hitting my soul in the crotch with a frozen sledgehammer and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone and I’m crying, and nobody can hear me, because I am terribly, terribly, terribly alone.”

Strike!

2007-11-06T15:06:00.001-08:00

Strike!
Originally uploaded by ricksterbot

Vance Refrigeration guy (The Office writer Gene Stupnitsky) and Andy (Ed Helms) lending their hands to the WGA.

WGA vs AMPTP --- Let's get it on!

2007-11-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

So what is this Writer's Guild strike we've been hearing so much about? How does it affect me? A regular person like me?

In a nutshell, this strike is causing a lot of TV shows, movies, etc. to halt production and it affects me because I am such a fan of the entertainment industry. I love watching TV and I enjoy going to movies (despite the ridiculous price tag). Movies won't feel the effect right now, but some TV shows are already playing re-runs since the strike started yesterday, November 5.

Late night shows that I love: Letterman, Conan, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report do monologues and satire on current events, so obviously they get hurt by the strike first. I mean, what if Britney accidentally chokes on a burritto while driving on reverse and wiping her windshield on a stuck paparazzo... who would make fun of her? My point exactly.

The other thing that I am nervous about this ongoing strike is The Office. Most producers of the show are writers as well, and three writers also play characters in the show. What happens then? News is, Steve Carrell and Rainn Wilson decline to come in to work because they are also members of the WGA. Greg Daniels joined the picket line, despite his executive producer spot in the show. As of this time, there is only one script that is left unproduced. I don't think that's necessarily good news.

I'm all for the writers receiving residuals on profits made from DVD's and new media, I think it's just fair. What I want is for this strike to end and that the writers and the producers/studios come to a happy agreement. It's a win-win-win situation, writers win, producers/studios win, and most importantly, I win. Besides, who wants to see reality shows taking over my TV. I am already living a reality, a real reality, not a fake, sometimes scripted (I'm talking to you Lauren Conrad!) reality.

For more info on stuff I don't really know much about, please click here.

Can I also adjust my biological clock to fall back one hour?

2007-11-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

Earlier today, I checked my e-mail and found out that one of my college friends is pregnant. I have not heard from her for like, a year or two, so it was quite a surprise.

Her baby daddy is a 23-year old boy (she's 28, like me) they met when she acted in a play that he directed. I never knew that there was a performing artist-side of her the same way I never knew she'd get it on with the play's director. :P

A couple of weeks back, my younger brother and his wife welcomed their baby boy. A friend asked me what was it like becoming an aunt again. My reply: It felt like I just got kicked in the ovaries. My friend just LOL'd. I don't understand, I really felt like my ovaries shrunk a bit, is that weird?

My point? Babies ruin the lives of single people.

I kid, I kid (no pun intended). I love babies. I'd like to have seven someday. Or maybe a puppy.

“Wanted: Middle-aged black man with sass. Big butt. Bigger heart.”

2007-11-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

I would have posted this last Friday, but I was not feeling entirely well… again! Over the weekend, I lost my voice and I have been coughing incessantly. Not feeling any better today, but I always feel like crap on Mondays anyway so what difference does it make, right?

Anyway, back to The Office. This episode it not my favorite, nor is it my least-liked. I am kind of confused on how I feel about this episode, to be honest. I like the fact that Karen was back. I’m Team Pam all the way, but Karen is a cool girl (in my head, she is the same Karen Rashida Jones played in Freaks and Geeks, who I think is so bad ass, by the way). I don’t like that this episode was a bit cartoon-y with the “panty raid” and fake moustaches, but I also like it because of the said “panty raid” and fake moustaches. So yeah, like I said sentences ago, I am confused.

Also, The Finer Things Club. A lot of viewers have been ragging about how they hate this idea. I liked the FTC, I wish I could be part of it someday, the same way I want to be part of an inside joke. Currently, there is a FTC in Facebook (started by a fan/blogger). I don’t have a Facebook account, but I might consider opening one just to be a part of the FTC. I have been invited to join Facebook numerous times by different friends, but I have not relented. Now, when I have to beg a stranger, I think I would, only to be a member of the FTC. Pathetic, no?

Here are some stuff I liked about the eppy:

• The Michael Scott dummy ala Ferris Bueller and Stanley’s opinion of it
• The FTC being the 2nd gayest thing about Oscar, the first being ‘having sex with men’
• Michael’s reaction to seeing Toby wearing a bow tie
• Pam slinking away after Michael got shot down by Ben Nugent
• Dwight’s Mr. Pringle-like ‘stache
• Dwight cutting his penis on the soda can lid
• Andy trying to get in the FTC, 2nd choice: Party Committee; Safety: Scrantonicity II
• The Karen-Jim awkward exchange
• Jim hiding the fact that he did not read Angela’s Ashes

My favorite, although totally ridiculous, was the walkie-talkie conversations between Michael and Jim. Too funny.

Pic courtesy of Best Week Ever blog

"I do, in fact, like helping miserable children, Mr. Sedaris."

2007-11-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, I went to An Evening with David Sedaris in San Jose. Granted I was late a good thirty minutes, but all was worth the trip and the embarrassing journey to our designated seats.

One entrance was for even numbered seats, the entrance on the other side of the building was for odd numbered seats. I looked at our tickets, and of course, it said: Seats 1 and 2! What are the chances, right? Our seats were smack in the middle of the balcony! WTH. It would have been fine if we weren't late, I turned to the usher and gave her a pleading look of seating us somewhere else. She got what my eyes where whining about and told me, "It's a full house, you have to seat on your assigned seats, and we can't have you sit on the steps." That ended that.

So, for what seemed like an eternity, I gathered up the strength to walk through several feet of people laughing, blocking some people's view in the process. With every seat I pass, I had to do the customary, "Excuse us, I'm sorry". It didn't help at all that the balcony was just one long row after another. Seriously, if I ever watch a show at that place again, I would never eat Mexican food... nor drink lots of water prior to the show. OR maybe, that's when the Stadium Pal can come in handy... at least for the water consumption, Mexican food is still a no-go.

Finally, we got settled in: We laughed at Mr. Sedaris' funny stories. May have wiped tears off my eyes once or twice. Applauded non-stop (I did stop... eventually).

I don't know when I'll get to see him read again, I did enjoy it a lot. I had three books signed by him... it was so surreal. At one point, I thought to myself, "I am actually exchanging words with David Sedaris!". Here's a memento from that unforgettable night:

Everything was just so unreal and I was so giddy with excitement. When I got home, I saw a package (and the name of its sender) that it hit me, I did not get a book autographed for my friend. Sob. I was feeling so horribly selfish as I wrap myself in the tartan throw the same friend gave me from his recent trip to Scotland. An autographed book could have been the perfect Christmas present for him. For a minute I was tempted into whiting-out my name and replacing it with his name, but then I realize, that's worse. LOL. He was the one who convinced me to skip school to see the show, and this is how I thank him? What a friend I am. (I scoff at myself)

Wanna be my friend?

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

This year, I dressed up as a Brownie Girl Scout. Not the slutty kind. I'm never the slutty version of someone for halloween. Because you know, I can always be slutty whenever I want. Someday. Perhaps.

“Dunder Mifflin: The People Person’s Paper People”

2007-10-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I did not write anything last week. It was my mommy's (yes, I still call her mommy, got a problem with that?) last week here in the States, she left for the Philippines last Saturday (sob), and we were all really busy. Also, I took a break from work, and work = internet access (shhh).

Anyway, last week, The Office went back to its 30-minute format. I guess I am one of the very few people who did not mind the hour-long episodes (or eppys as they are called in the internets). The hour-long episodes CAN be quite a drag, but I did enjoy the first four eppys anyway (and I totally gushed on the last 1-hour eppy). Going back to the 30-minute eppy was great but then it was as if something was missing. After 4 eppys that dealt with several plots, Local Ad left me wanting more. It was a good episode, don't get me wrong, but there was just something that's amiss.

Fine points of the episode, Local Ad:

Andy figuring out what product the Kit Kat jingle was promoting

Michael Scott's "zooming out" vision for the ad

Creed, Andy, Darryl, Kevin and Kelly's jingle production - really catchy!

Pam clearing Michael's phone

Sue Grafton at the Steamtown Mall and Creed calling her "sexy hot"

Meredith telling Jim to "Piss or get off the pot!"

Michael inventing the unicorn at 5

Dwight and Jim's Second Life avatars - I want Philly Jim!

Creed eating Pam's hashbrowns

Angela not liking mysteries

Urban Stanley

Just added: How can I forget the Phyllis-Dwight part of the Ad? "You have a son, and it's me."

and lastly, and what I thought was the best of all: Kevin as the Kool Aid Man. Best. Ever.

This week's eppy should be good. Karen's back!!!

I can't get the song out of my head, so let me share it (the glee or the pain) with you:

America... F*@k Yeah!

2007-10-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last week was a momentous time in my American life. It was a day that would live in infamy... it was the day that I became a...

US CITIZEN
(cue: "patriotic" music)

I got to say this:

I guess it's a good thing. I mean, Uncle Sam's been taking my money for the last couple of years anyway, so might as well be a naturalized citizen and get in other countries without paying for tourist visas. Yay! Now, if I can only find a way to make more money so I can travel. I am an American now, and I live in America, and one's dreams come true in America, right? Right?

Grab a Copy at Your Local Walgreens

2007-10-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

The covers says it all:

Awesome mag cover courtesy of Best Week Ever.

"In fact, um, I'm In Love with Italian Food"

2007-10-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Swoon. Squee. Swoon.

I told y'all that Friday's The Best Day Ever (and don't forget it's the same day they televise The Best Week Ever on VH1). However sucky everything else is, the memories of last night's episode of The Office just makes me all giddy. Sigh.

True, last night's episode did not give me a whole bunch of LOL's, but it did make me, sigh... sigh... and sigh --- in a good way. It was sad, it was heartwarming, it was awesome. Seeing Michael take the bus and go to his 2nd job was a little depressing. Seeing Dwight, altogether, was just heartbreaking. I did not heart Angela last night, especially after Andy gave her Garbage. PB&J? They evoked a completely different set of emotions from me, none of them distressing or miserable. Squee! The kiss was so reminiscent of the Casino Night kiss. It was just so great. The other officemates were great too... love the conference room debate on the propert use of who/whom --- I would never know what the answer is. :P

I heart Paul Lieberstein for writing and directing (his first!) this episode.

Just added: More Mose please! I would so stay in the Irrigation room myself.

Colbert'08

2007-10-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by saying that I am backing him up through and through. Although, it is true, that technically (and/or legally) I am not allowed to vote in any state or federal election (yet), it is my right to voice out my opinion, and my opinion is that: Colbert for the White House!!! (Are green card holders actually covered by the Bill of Rights? I hope so.)

Because I am still under the weather and have been feeling sluggish, I was not able to stay up to hear the pre-annoucement and the actual announcement of candidacy until this morning. By the way, I am all for the Colbert-Huckabee ticket.

This might not be the actual clip of the announcement, but this would give a citizen ample reasons to vote for the guy:

He takes amazing pictures, huh? Take that Putin! After November '08, you won't be the hottest world leader anymore.

I've Got the Sniffles

2007-10-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

I got sick over the weekend. :(

Do you think that Blockbuster would believe me and not charge me a past due fee? I was supposed to return "Year of the Dog" yesterday, but I was in bed the last two days trying to recuperate. I missed English class too. Will probably fail that class. -Sniff-

Change subject: OK, back to "Year of the Dog". It's the latest release from Mike White (is it wrong to crush on him? he's adorable, probably gay)... that movie, I'd have to say, it's like seeing my life 15 years from now. It's about this woman (played perfectly by Molly Shannon) who is single, who I think (judging from the lines on her face) is around her 40's, who lives alone with the most adorable Beagle named Pencil (played really well by Prada and CK, although I think CK played Pencil better). An unexpected event led Peggy (Shannon) into a journey of self discovery. I know, that's a lame way of putting it, but I didn't really want to add spoiler alerts. But yeah, I thought it was really good, just because it's pretty realistic and the acting was really good, and that maybe because it might happen to me in a couple of years, seriously, it scares me. :P

Anyway, I think I'm going to Blockbuster now.

"What is a Jim?"

2007-10-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

Really, what is a Jim? A Jim is the hot awesome slacker from The Office, who, just recently, made the most coveted love story on TV (that's MY opinion, thank you very much) public. -Sigh!- Jim and Pam, Pam and Jim, Jam, now PB&J... -sigh!- I'm not saying that they're the best part of The Office, they're just great to watch. Last night was AWESOME! My favorite part: Andy singing acapella ABBA to Angela... it was too much, in a good way, if that's possible. My heart did go out to scruffy Dwight, but I'd have to say, Andy won big points for that number.

I have a confession to make: I only saw the last twenty minutes of the show last night. :(

I underestimated my teacher, I thought I could finish last night's test in under an hour, but I didn't. It was quite challenging. I underestimated myself as well, I thought I was just going to give up and hand my paper at 8:30pm so I can leave, but no, I didn't give up until I gave a better approximation (I was just guessing for answers at this point). I finished at a little past 9:00pm, drove home as fast as I can and enjoyed the last minutes of the show. OMG! The rooftop conversation... -sigh-.

The good part: I saw the whole episode online today... at work, Shhh. Don't tell.

Wednesday is the Second Greatest Day of the Week

2007-10-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Because, it is the eve of The Office night... which is Thursday, the bestest day ever! Or, maybe Wednesday is the third greatest since Friday is pretty good too, it starts the weekend (and additional greatness if payday falls on a Friday) and I always feel good on Friday after I have seen The Office. So yeah, scratch that, Wednesday is the THIRD greatest. Anyway, expect a bunch of The Office references in this blog. It can't be helped. Don't even get me started on "jumping the shark" issue this season. I will keep mum on that topic until we've reached halfway thru the season. And if that IS the case, you have to admit, it is still the best show out there, which tells you something about other shows... they suck? Although tonight, I think I will watch Pushing Daisies... it reminds me of Amelie and it's kinda Tim Burton-ish... see if it'll hold my interest.

Note to self: Buy "I Am America" tonight. And food for Didi, the prettiest guinea pig in the world! (Shhh! The building manager doesn't know, please don't rat me out!)

I am America --- if Dr. Colbert says so!

2007-10-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

It drops TODAY! Get a copy! USA! USA! USA!

Welcome!

2007-10-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

After sporadically writing entries on a Word document, I thought the time has come to formally blog. Well, I lie. I have blogged previously, six or seven entries, if I remember correctly. It was on one of those social networking sites I hardly visit anymore. The few occasions that I do go back to that site are times when I am feeling kind of down. I log in the site and check on people from my past to convince myself that I am still better off than they are --- just kidding. OK, so maybe I'll check on one or two people to get a quick cheer pill, thank you! You know who you are.

Anyway, I don't think that blogging here would be any different from my multi-page "diary" at work (with a working file name of "thoughts"). Except for the occasional comments that would ask me to buy Viagra, I don't think anyone would actually read this... which is fine with me, I just have too much things in my head that I think it would be kinda healthy to deflate it out into the Internets. That's harmless right?

Well, just in case you happen upon this blog. Welcome! (and please don't rat me out at work!)

P.S. Stephen Colbert's book is out TODAY! YAY!