Friday, May 30, 2008

50-50 Update

Updated from my entry last February. Items in red are the books/movies I’ve read/seen from March to May.

The year is almost half-way through and I’m only 6 items short to complete my 50 movies! Sadly, my books list isn’t doing so well. Only 7 new books read during the year! Still a long way to go…


Books

21. Degree of Guilt – Richard North Patterson *
20. The Innocent Man – John Grisham
19. Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony – Eoin Colfer
18. Protect and Defend – Richard North Patterson *
17. Along Came A Spider – James Patterson
16. Camp Foxtrot (A Foxtrot Treasury) – Bill Amend *
15. Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince – J.K. Rowling *
14. Second Chance – James Patterson *
13. Desperation – Stephen King *
12. Book Thief – Markus Zusak
11. Harry Potter And the Chamber of Secrets – J.K. Rowling *
10. Angels And Demons – Dan Brown *
09. Maximum Ride: Saving The World and Other Extreme Sports – James Patterson
08. A Long Way Down – Nick Hornby *
07. Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
06. Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer *
05. High Fidelity - Nick Hornby *
04. Lost In A Good Book - Jasper Fforde *
03. The Subtle Knife: His Dark Materials Book II - Philip Pullman
02. The Balance of Power - Richard North Patterson *
01. Your Momma Thinks Square Roots Are Vegetables (A Foxtrot Collection) - Bill Amend *


Movies

44. Sex and the City
43. Hana Yori Dango ****
42. 9 ½ Weeks
41. Rain Man *
40. School Ties
39. One Missed Call
38. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
37. What Happens In Vegas
36. Interview with a Vampire *
35. The Lake House *
34. JFK
33. Superman Returns *
32. Catch And Release
31. My Girl ***
30. Crash
29. High Fidelity *
28. A History of Violence *
27. Sweeney Todd
26. Michael Clayton
25. No Country For Old Men
24. The Hitman
23. Evan Almighty
22. Wrong Turn
21. The Jacket
20. Reservoir Dogs *
19. Cutting Edge *
18. Edward Scissorhands *
17. The Green Mile *
16. My Girl *
15. There’s Something About Mary *
14. Syriana
13. Lions For Lambs
12. Super Bad
11. Juno
10. Karate Kid Part 2 *
09. Titanic *
08. Little Miss Sunshine
07. Seven *
06. Zodiac
05. Eastern Promises
04. Eight Below *
03. X-Men: The Last Stand *
02. She's The Man *
01. Hana Kimi **

* re-read or re-watched, as the case may be
** technically a Japanese television series, but it was worth 12+ straight hours of my life so I'm including it.
*** Korean telenovela
**** another Japanese live action drama!

The Potter Sensation That's Sweeping The Nation

Damn.

Harry prequel outline to be auctioned


For the love of everything nice, fluffy and warm, they BETTER publish the book version of this!!! I want it so bad! I know it’s for charity but why can’t they do it the way they did for the Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find It and Quidditch Through The Ages?



UPDATE: They’re going to sell copies to the public! And copies of the stories of the other authors who participated, too! And J.K.’s story takes place 3 years before Harry was born! Could it be about the Marauders?! Aaahhh! I want to buy this! Will they sell it here in Manila?!!! Somebody please buy this for me!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The New Apples-To-Apples Comparison

Boss: Who wants a banana? (gives the banana)
Me: (after the boss leaves) Wala bang kamote?
Officemate 1: Huh? Anlayo naman nung kamote sa saging!
Me: Pano naman naging malayo?
Officemate 1: Eh kasi yung inoffer niya prutas, eh yung kamote gulay.
Me: Ano ba? Me Banana que! At meron ding kamote que! Ang gusto ko kamote que!
Officemate 1: Hindi naman banana que binigay niya! Hinog na saging!
Me: Okay…
Me: Pero hindi ba prutas ang kamote? So comparable ang saging at kamote...
Officemate 2: At pano naman naging prutas ang kamote?!
Me: Eh hindi naman siya strictly gulay di ba? Hindi ba tuber ang classification ng kamote?Officemate 2: Root crop ba ang kamote? Parang patatas?
Officemate 1: Oo.
Me: Ano ba ang difference ng fruit sa vegetable?
Officemate 2: Hay naku tigilan na! Ang hilig mo sa mga intelligent questions! Ang hirap magisip!
Me: Paano naman naging intelligent yung tanong ko?!

Here I Go Again

You know who’s been up till 3 in the morning marathon-watching Hana Yori Dango? Me, is who. I’m super puyat since Sunday night - I wonder why I always get the urge to start watching long series at the most inopportune time – i.e. late night on the last day of the weekend – when there’s always the possibility that hindi ko na mabibitawan yung pinapanood ko. It didn’t help that I’ve been staying long hours at the office this week and I get home late. How dare my job take away from my precious couch potato time!

Topic? Hana Yori Dango. For those who don’t know it yet, HYD is the Japanese live drama equivalent of Meteor Garden. But then, Meteor Garden is the Taiwanese version of the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango, so. I admit that I initially disliked HYD because its actors pale in comparison to the hotness that were the MG boys. I only decided to watch HYD because my Toma Ikuta (Nakatsu of Hana Kimi) have a short guest appearance. I’m happy to say that, after three nights (and going) of puyatan, I changed my mind completely about this Japanese series.

I can’t say which version is better – I love both to pieces. After all, the story is essentially the same. If you’re after the eye candy, MG definitely trumps HYD. BUT. The Japanese F4 has a certain appeal to them. They look better the longer you look at them. I used to have the biggest problem with Domyouji Tsukasa, the Japanese equivalent of Dao Ming Si, because I love Jerry Yan as Dao. But Jun Matsumoto brought a darker but more emphatic character to the F4 leader; I hate Domyouji as much as I love him. His bad side was bordeing on the psychotic, but he's so adorable when he's trying to convince everyone of his greatness. Dao was cocky because of his stature but there seemed to be a certain awareness of his own appeal in it. Domyouji was just as cocky, but it's more of the spoiled brat cockiness. And he's always at a lost on how to deal with his attraction to Makino Tsukashi, the Japanese counterpart of San Cai. I just love watching their scenes together!

I still have about 9 episodes to watch and storywise, HYD is very engaging. Japanese live dramas are usually short (1 season is about 10-12 episodes) so the story is fast-paced and cohesive. Some scenes in MG were kind of dragging; in the case of HYD, I’m yet to fast-forward to any scene (which is why it’s taking so long for me to finish the series!). The transition of Domyouji’s feelings towards Makino, from hate to attraction, was emphasized well; I always felt that Dao seemed to be suddenly head over heels in love with San Cai. The actor who played Hanazawa Rui, Lei’s counterpart, was Shun Oguri, who was also the same actor who played the lead in Hana Kimi. As you all well know, I didn’t like him in that series. He redeemed himself in HYD; in fact, he looked better here. I love the scene where the four boys were fighting among themselves.

I don’t know which version is more faithful to the manga. I don’t think it even matter. All I know is that I love MG first, but HYD made me want to read the manga and watch the anime version. Addict di ba? And considering how out of this world and outrageous most of the plotlines were (the level of bullying by the F4, how insanely rich and poweful they are), it still feel real because the basic story is something that we all recognize – the triumph of true love against all odds. And who does not love that?

That’s all for now. After all, I still have a series to finish!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Idol Cook!

Am I too late to join the Cook party? Been busy yesterday so I was not able to post my thoughts on the Final 2, but anyway, here it goes…


I cannot, cannot believe the patent shoving-down-our-throats that the judges had chosen to employ with regards to David Archuleta. They made it looked like the contest wasn’t even close! They wanted the viewers to believe that the contest is ONLY about the Final 2 night and forget whatever happened during the season. They wanted the viewers to overlook the fact that it was David COOK who had been the most consistent in dishing out great performances all season long, that it was David COOK who had taken a lot of risks with his song choices, that it was David COOK who remembered ALL the lyrics to all of his songs. But nooooooo, they had to stick to their pre-approved comments about how David ARCHULETA can sing the damn stupid freakin’ phonebook! Just stop that non-sense about the phonebook! The phonebook does not want any part on this!

Anyway, I agree that Archie was good that night, but his “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” doesn’t even hold a candle to Clay Aiken’s version. So maybe I’m a little biased because I not only got “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” but also “The World I Know”. Whatevs. Both coronation songs suck. Well, not as much as “Here Is My Now”, but still. Even Simon hated it. Can they just stop doing it, then? And whose bright idea was it to resurrect Clive Davis?

So after that blatant pimping, I sought refuge at the Sucks forum where the self-confessed Cooktards there also grumble about Cook’s treatment. Unlike me, they were able to channel their anger into good use by voting like crazy for Cook! I envy them that! They also monitored DialIdol where Cook was leading Archie by almost 10%. Wow! Could it be that Cook would actually pull this off? Of course not. Simon all but proclaimed Archie as the winner, and we know how Simon hated being wrong. Still, it felt good to have that glimmer of hope.

But when I woke up on the day of the Final results, I felt mortified at the thought that Cook just.might.win. I got used to my pariah-like status as a fan whose favorites have not won the competition and the thought that Cook might be my first bet to finally be crowned AMERICAN IDOL – too scary for words.

I was not able to watch the show (went to the airport to send off my brother and nephew) so I texted my friends to text me the results. Guess what? The radio in my car broke the news for me – David Cook is THE American Idol! For a moment, my reaction was “Oh, damn, I can’t believe my bet is the winner. Now I can’t make fun of the winner!”. But that feeling was immediately quashed by another emotion – joy. I’m simply happy for David Cook.

I saw the replay last night and I can’t help it – I almost cried when David Cook got emotional. He deserves to win this thing, cheese ball and all. I know Archuleta will have a good career, too. He already got a solid fan base. A few more years and he’ll grow into a handsome young man and he’ll grow more as an artist. (I know how talented he is – I was a fan in the beginning, remember? – I just prefer DC and his music more) And by then I hope he’ll get away from the clutches of his father!

Earlier, a friend replied to my text – “Cookie monster mo” (won AI). Damn right he’s MY Cookie Monster! David Cook for the win!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

C is for Cookie, That's Good Enough For Me!



(thanks to Cookie Monster for that inspiring title! Haha!)


I’m a bit excited at the slightest possibility that David Cook just might win American Idol. None of my favorites from the past seasons won and DC is the only one with like a very decent shot. If the spoilers would prove to be correct this time, I’m so looking forward to his version of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”.

DC is my idol and that’s good enough for me!


Monday, May 19, 2008

KLSP

I’m not very emotional – at least, I don’t think I am. Some would say that’s being matapang, that I know how to reign in my emotions. But often, it makes me feel alone.

I’ve been sad for a few months already, and that’s because my brother and my nephew will be leaving for New Zealand. Most days I succeed in burying that sad feeling with piles of work, books to read, or TV shows to watch. Lately, the feeling is hard to shake off. They’ll be leaving in less than a week’s time; just when you want the days to slow down, it seems that the inevitable has a nasty way of swiftly creeping up on you.

But that’s not to say I’m not happy with their decision to stick as a family. I am happy for them; I am proud of my brother for making this decision. It’s just so hard to imagine my brother and nephew not being physically here. I know I always complain about being evicted from my own bedroom whenever they sleep over in our house, but who am I fooling? I love it when they’re cramping our small home. And now there’s a lot more elbow room but it’s no longer the same.

God, I hate saying goodbyes. Knowing my brother, this parting will only be temporary and I’ll be seeing them again soon. Still, it’s a different sort of goodbye. But I won’t try and mess this moment for them. I’ll just continue to keep up with this brave, smiling face and remember these words:

“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. Farewells are necessary before we can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” – or, in our case, families!

My thoughts and prayers are with my brother, my nephew and my sister-in-law, who will always be loved and welcomed no matter how far and long they’d be gone. I’m missing you already! Ingat!


(don’t mind me here, I’m just being KLSP – kulang lang sa pancit!)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Damn That Phonebook!

If I hear another "you can sing the phonebook" comment from the AI judges, I swear I'm gonna chuck a phonebook across the Pacific Ocean to their faces! Can't they make a more original and inspiring critique?!

Having said that - bu-bye Syesha. You tried your damnedest and you actually had a pretty decent night, but I really think we're going to have a David vs David finale. Yeah, David A and his awful "with you, with you, with freakin' you..." is a sure ball for the finale. The judges are practically salivating over him with their praises.

And Cookie? I didn't like the Switchfoot song! At all.

Cookie! (Update)

I got the new spoiler songs for the Final 3:


David Cook
"First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. (Simon's choice)
"Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot.
"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith.

Syesha Mercado
"If I Ain't Got You" By Alicia Keys. (Randy's choice)
"Hit Me Up" by Gia Farrell (from "Happy Feet"). (Producer's choice)
"Fever" - which has been covered by everyone. (Syesha's choice)

David Archuleta
"And So it Goes" by Billy Joel. (Paula's choice)
"With You" by Chris Brown. (David's choice)
"Longer" by Dan Fogelberg. (Producer's choice)

ETA - archies going first, syesha 2nd & cook last


And I just have to ask - what happened to Collective Soul?! Switchfoot is okay, but that song's kinda... boring. And as much as I love Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing", I'm not sure if it's really suited for Cookie. Steve Tyler's high notes are just crazy and unique, and I don't think Cookie could hit those highs.

Simon's choice is really interesting. I think Simon really gives good song choices, songs that tend to highlight the contestant's strengths and at the same time challenge him. Randy is just a useless tool.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Para Sa 'Yo To...

Minsan ay hindi ko na alam ang nangyayari
Kahit na anong gawin
Lahat ng bagay ay merong hangganan
Dahil ngayon tayo ay nilimot ng kahapon
Di na mapipilitang buhayin ang ating pinagsamahan...


Ngunit kung sakaling mapadaan baka
Ikaw ay aking tawagan
Dahil minsan tayo ay naging
Tunay na magkaibigan...

I Traded My Sandwich For A Kiss!

Aw... I soo LOVE that line from this commercial!



I'm glad that when I was a kid, my parents let me play on the streets. Of course, I also got the usual admonitions when I got dirty or when I stayed out too late, but for the most part I was relatively free to play and explore. (I was also a bit lucky that my parents weren't too strict when it came to afternoon naps!)

I sort of understand why some parents wouldn't give the same liberties to their kids now. I guess the streets weren't as safe as before. But I just hope that they will remember how their childhoods were before and that they're doing their kids a disservice by overprotecting them. Give kids their chance to see the world for themselves.

As the commercial said: "Let them grow. Let them go." And it's not just applicable to kids, but to us adults as well!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Cookie!

It's time again for American Idol's Top Three wherein we get 3 songs each for the Final 3 - one picked by the producers, one by the judges and one by the contestant. If the spoilers are correct, David Cook had chosen to sing "The World I Know" by Collective Soul.

...


Let me say that again - David Cook will be singing "The World I Know" by Collective freakin' Soul! I never ever thought I'd be hearing a Collective Soul song on American Idol! I can't wait!

I must admit, though, I was hoping DC would sing another Our Lady Peace song. Or "Chasing Cars".

Oh, by the way, Randy chose "If I Ain't Got You" for Syesha. Very obvious and very predictable song choice. And boring. Unless Syesha would start crying again, she's definitely going home this week.

Or, the producers really wanted for David A. to win so we will have a Shocking! boot this week and Cookie will be out. Ah, conspiracies...

Back Again?

Well, I'm still alive... As my friends so bluntly put it, I haven't been blogging for a month now.

I'm simply FRUSTRATED about this lack of motivation to blog. It's not that I don't have anything to write about - on the contrary, I got so much to rave and rant about. But all I ever did was stare at a blank computer screen or at a blank piece of paper and seethe.

Sometimes I justify my inability to write by saying I don't NEED to do this - and that's such a welcome relief. To not write anything is to not be judged - for your grammar, for the relevance or importance of the things you write about, for who people thought you are because of the things you say about you.

But in the end, I guess I can only be who I am - and I choose to blog because I love expressing myself with words, because I like discussion even if I don't always get feedback, because I like talking. And damn if people will read this blog and say that this is all there is to me.