Tuesday, June 29, 2004
average everyday sane psycho
down with the heigh-ho
Problem at work today. It's difficult because the system I'm handling involves financial transactions that aren't within the company, so there's quite a lot of stake, including face. And when the oversight was discovered this afternoon, I was caught like a deer in headlights. It's a good thing, though, that the bosses here in the department are more understanding. After all, I'm not the actual user, who should have also seen the oversight. However, I still feel guilty. It's like, I should have known better, been more conscious of the details. Oh well. What's done is done. Shit hits the fan tomorrow.
probably because of that
This is what came out of my 'modern classic' movie quiz:
rum raisin, and things old
Zeester #2 gave me a tube of Revlon lipstick in Rum Raisin, apparently an excess birthday gift (apparently zeester is into pinks and glosses only). I do remember, though, at 21, I was wearing this exact same shade. Yes, eons ago. I remember it was one of the first shades of lipstick that I bought when I started working because it looked 'mature' bring modeled by Cindy Crawford (well that was at the tail-end of her Revlon contract)--or was it Niki Taylor?
Other items/brands that seem to have lasted for ages are Maybelline Great Lash mascara (and it's *still* in that same pink packaging!), Cover and Clean face powder (the only face powder that, even if left overnight without washing my face, doesn't result in a breakout the next morning), and St. Ives deep conditioner. Zeester #1 meanwhile, is still using the pink Johnson's toner that's already been discontinued, so she's so happy whenever she sees some on stock that she buys n bottles at a time.
smokey mountain
According to this article, a 'green' church will soon rise on Smokey Mountain, formerly the world's largest garbage dump, erstwhile testament to environmental waste problems and inspiration for the name of a teen singing group which sang socially relevant songs ("Mama was a maid/in London"). SVD priest Benigno Beltran says the church will have "solar panels... a water catchment system... waterless composting toilets and natural air-ventilation systems." It is estimated to cost PhP48M. Smokey Mountain is already partially rehabilitated, which is good news. I remember going there on immersion one time and practically passing out, olfactory-nerve-oriented that I am.
and then to the absolutely mundane
Am just glad that Gonuts Donuts is now open in the Greenbelt 3 food court. The two times I've been there, there have been no lines. Hurrah for that--or maybe people didn't know that it was open yet. As of a few weeks ago, it was still queueing time at their main branch at The Fort. But then, it's so much fun to watch the donuts being made!
casual watcher
Saw Indictment: The McMartin Trial. Was not impressed.
Last Song Syndrome : Extraordinary - Liz Phair
Monday, June 28, 2004
what can i say, i am holy
This must be a fluke.
Got this from Sarah at neverneverland.
Last Song Syndrome : If You Believe (OST: Prince of Egypt) - Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston (darned office radio pa rin, although I did enjoy the movie--or maybe it was because of whom I was watching it with)
Got this from Sarah at neverneverland.
Last Song Syndrome : If You Believe (OST: Prince of Egypt) - Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston (darned office radio pa rin, although I did enjoy the movie--or maybe it was because of whom I was watching it with)
the air is rife with voldemort rumors
The Dark Lord, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, yes, Voldemort, will finally make his appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (a few scenes) but more so in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Rumors are flying regarding casting either still-scrumptious Ralph Fiennes or Bill Nighy, he of Love Actually and Underworld, and who is cast in the adaptation of one of my favorite books, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
If it's just between these two, then at least we know that ol' Voldy is going to be positively creepy. But one of the best things about Goblet of Fire?Luscious Lucius is back. Woohoo.
Last Song Syndrome : Penny and Me - Hanson (all grown up and actually sounding good)
If it's just between these two, then at least we know that ol' Voldy is going to be positively creepy. But one of the best things about Goblet of Fire?
Last Song Syndrome : Penny and Me - Hanson (all grown up and actually sounding good)
mean girls
Masterfully adapted by SNL headwriter Tina Fey from a parenting book by Rachel Wiseman, Mean Girls is a light yet intelligent romp into the ironies and agonies of high school life. The movie does not degenerate into the clichés and stereotypes almost expected of teen movies. Fey and director Mark S. Waters are able to guide their teen cast (as well as the “adult” cast) to delve into what could easily become stereotypical and one-dimensional characters but come out without being trite. Mean Girls is a brutal dissection of high school life disguised as a teen comedy, a movie that I wouldn’t mind watching at least once over.
[ More here ]
I also got to watch Criss Angel's Mindfreak. Totally bizarre.
Last Song Syndrome : Asereje - Ketchup Girls (radio here at the office! not by choice!)
[ More here ]
I also got to watch Criss Angel's Mindfreak. Totally bizarre.
Last Song Syndrome : Asereje - Ketchup Girls (radio here at the office! not by choice!)
Friday, June 25, 2004
heigh-ho, heigh-ho
It's off to work I go. Unfortunately there is a deadline today and I have to concentrate on that, maybe 'til late tonight. Will probably not have time to make any entries today.
Was able to go online early this morning, though, talking about Oprah, Race to the Altar and what I saw when I was channel surfing.
Last Song Syndrome : Mrs. Jesus - Tori Amos
Was able to go online early this morning, though, talking about Oprah, Race to the Altar and what I saw when I was channel surfing.
Last Song Syndrome : Mrs. Jesus - Tori Amos
Thursday, June 24, 2004
coffee, cigarettes and conversation
Ry writes about coffee, the thing that makes her go, with her Coffee Conversations ("the most revealing, most intimate, most corny, most shallow, most romantic, most funny" and safer than alcohol banter) and a slow drag of nicotine.
I remember coffee, cigarettes and conversation. I have a little notebook filled with doodles and the various things that V and I would talk about over a cup of warm brew. This was in the heyday of Allegro, and V and I would walk to Glorietta from her pad at Valero Plaza. We would talk about anything, anyone. Conversation topics ranged from the latest Friends episode to philosophical meanderings. Those conversations, as Ryanne says, were revealing, intimate, corny, shallow, all at once.
We dissected Alanis' song Unsent and connected each guy in the song to some guy in our past. We discussed what it would take for us to murder a person. We invented stories for people who passed by outside Allegro or those walking across the street along Landmark. We befriended the baristas and always had a slice of Amaretto Almond Crunch cake with our brewed coffee. We talked about dreams, about dying, about parents, about religion. Douglas Coupland was our author of choice and we read Adrian Mole's diaries.
At that time in my life, when Z. and I had just broken up, DnA were off doing their own thing, Gelpren was still with JR, Bespren J was training, Bespren M was in Batangas, AJ was in Cebu being pregnant, and CJZ was with his first boyfriend--V and I stuck together and had our coffee, cigarettes and conversation. It's funny how life throws you curve balls sometimes. V and I, ever the polar opposites in college, had become really good friends. And then another curve ball. There was a misunderstanding. It was stupid that it was about money, but it was an insanely large amount for me at the time. She just upped and left, and there was no turning back. To this day, we haven't spoken about the money, but I still haven't written it off. Nor have I written her off, despite my exhortations to the contrary. I can't forget that she was ever my friend, but I felt hurt to be betrayed over, of all things, money.
I look back on those conversations over those months, when we were slackers, when we were younger, more foolhardy. I'm glad that fate threw us together, but I regret that we came to the point that we're at now. Those years, they curbed my so-called Quarter-Life Crisis; and I was glad that I had a constant--if transitory--friend. I think I learned more about myself in that span of time than I did in the four years I was at college. And I have coffee, cigarettes, and conversation to thank for that.
Last Song Syndrome : The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell
I remember coffee, cigarettes and conversation. I have a little notebook filled with doodles and the various things that V and I would talk about over a cup of warm brew. This was in the heyday of Allegro, and V and I would walk to Glorietta from her pad at Valero Plaza. We would talk about anything, anyone. Conversation topics ranged from the latest Friends episode to philosophical meanderings. Those conversations, as Ryanne says, were revealing, intimate, corny, shallow, all at once.
We dissected Alanis' song Unsent and connected each guy in the song to some guy in our past. We discussed what it would take for us to murder a person. We invented stories for people who passed by outside Allegro or those walking across the street along Landmark. We befriended the baristas and always had a slice of Amaretto Almond Crunch cake with our brewed coffee. We talked about dreams, about dying, about parents, about religion. Douglas Coupland was our author of choice and we read Adrian Mole's diaries.
At that time in my life, when Z. and I had just broken up, DnA were off doing their own thing, Gelpren was still with JR, Bespren J was training, Bespren M was in Batangas, AJ was in Cebu being pregnant, and CJZ was with his first boyfriend--V and I stuck together and had our coffee, cigarettes and conversation. It's funny how life throws you curve balls sometimes. V and I, ever the polar opposites in college, had become really good friends. And then another curve ball. There was a misunderstanding. It was stupid that it was about money, but it was an insanely large amount for me at the time. She just upped and left, and there was no turning back. To this day, we haven't spoken about the money, but I still haven't written it off. Nor have I written her off, despite my exhortations to the contrary. I can't forget that she was ever my friend, but I felt hurt to be betrayed over, of all things, money.
I look back on those conversations over those months, when we were slackers, when we were younger, more foolhardy. I'm glad that fate threw us together, but I regret that we came to the point that we're at now. Those years, they curbed my so-called Quarter-Life Crisis; and I was glad that I had a constant--if transitory--friend. I think I learned more about myself in that span of time than I did in the four years I was at college. And I have coffee, cigarettes, and conversation to thank for that.
Last Song Syndrome : The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell
warning label
Something I swiped from LibrarianJessie:
From Go-Quiz.com
It is theoretically after office hours.
| PARENTAL |
| ADVISORY |
| BRIGHTBLADE CONTAINS EXPLICIT LYRICS |
From Go-Quiz.com
It is theoretically after office hours.
casual watcher
I decided to follow Jacs' lead and have a separate site for my musings on big and small screen goings-on to de-clutter the "personal blog". It seems I'll be linking from here to The Casual Watcher quite a lot. I picked the name because I'm no pro at cinema reviews, nor am I quite the certified TV addict as Kristin Veitch; but I do like watching stuff (am visual animal). Besides it reminds me of Giles (the Watcher bit, not the casual bit).
The first posts are about last night's CSI and Charmed.
The first posts are about last night's CSI and Charmed.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
silent all these years
Since I can't seem to form a coherent thought amid all the work and catching up, I'll let Tori do the talking:
Years go by
Will I still be waiting
For somebody else to understand
Years go by
If I'm stripped of my beauty
And the orange clouds
Raining in head
Years go by
Will I choke on my tears
Till finally there is nothing left
One more casualty
You know we're too easy
- Tori Amos, Silent All These Years
Years go by
Will I still be waiting
For somebody else to understand
Years go by
If I'm stripped of my beauty
And the orange clouds
Raining in head
Years go by
Will I choke on my tears
Till finally there is nothing left
One more casualty
You know we're too easy
- Tori Amos, Silent All These Years
Monday, June 21, 2004
playing hooky
Didn't go to work today. It's not exactly playing hooky because it's a scheduled leave. I knew that I was going to be exhausted after my sister's 21st birthday celebration yesterday; and I scheduled a trip to the LTO to get my license (see this post to figure out why I'm getting a license nowhere near my birthday). The afternoon was spent making the most of the temporary living quarters. A black-and-white feeling-decoupage collage of ads was made on a hidden wall; and a lot of useless stuff was thrown out (read: magazines from 2002). I will have to sort through my books soon to determine which will make the journey to the new living quarters and which should be sold by bulk to that person from bidshot.
it's over
At least we now have a president. I was wondering how it would be if we were president-less by June 30. Would it be complete anarchy? My money was on military junta though. Apparently though, bombs are being planted and steel spikes were scattered on major roads in what seems to be a case of bad sportsmanship. Protest is not done that way, people. How inconsiderate.
funny worm
I just received a weird series of emails at my Yahoo! email. From my office email. You know those worm viruses that plague email users by cloning email addressess from an infected mailbox and then using that email address to send infected emails to other addresses? Apparently one of my friends who has both my Yahoo! and office emails is infected. Imagine my reaction that the cloned email was my office email, and it was sending emails to my Yahoo! email. One of the attachments was a file named Nervous Illnesses.exe. Hilarious.
it's over
At least we now have a president. I was wondering how it would be if we were president-less by June 30. Would it be complete anarchy? My money was on military junta though. Apparently though, bombs are being planted and steel spikes were scattered on major roads in what seems to be a case of bad sportsmanship. Protest is not done that way, people. How inconsiderate.
funny worm
I just received a weird series of emails at my Yahoo! email. From my office email. You know those worm viruses that plague email users by cloning email addressess from an infected mailbox and then using that email address to send infected emails to other addresses? Apparently one of my friends who has both my Yahoo! and office emails is infected. Imagine my reaction that the cloned email was my office email, and it was sending emails to my Yahoo! email. One of the attachments was a file named Nervous Illnesses.exe. Hilarious.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
zeester
The youngest sister turns 21 today. Apparently both she and my parents are in denial. She's of legal age but I'm sure she doesn't want to let go of her being the baby of the family.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
the dragonlance reading list
Apparently I have all the recommended books in the last part of the Recommended Dragonlance Reading List. Hurrah for me.
I've loved Dragonlance since I was in high school. In grade school we started playing RPGs but I didn't really get into it, although my friends did. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the novels and getting lost in the world of Krynn--adventures with heroic Tanis, troubled Raistlin, and stoic Caramon, traipsing with Tasslehoff, Flint and Tika, getting to know the royal Laurana, Goldmoon and Riverwind, and the enigmatic Kitiara. Then a new generation was born, but I still followed them, right down to the current setting, the second Cataclysm. I have, but still haven't read, The War of Souls trilogy (Dragons of a Fallen Sun, Dragons of a Lost Star and Dragons of a Vanished Moon).
Never mind that it was lifted mostly from Lord of the Rings--I loved those books too anyway. It was like Lord of the Rings but less archaic, more modern. Mostly the novels have evolved; and I'm glad that they came out with a line for young adults so that younger readers can start reading it too.
I don't think there's a Dragonlance mailing list in the Philippines, at least none that I know of. Maybe I can start one along with some people from the PinoySlayers with whom I've found a shared passion for these TSR (now Wizards) books.
I've loved Dragonlance since I was in high school. In grade school we started playing RPGs but I didn't really get into it, although my friends did. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the novels and getting lost in the world of Krynn--adventures with heroic Tanis, troubled Raistlin, and stoic Caramon, traipsing with Tasslehoff, Flint and Tika, getting to know the royal Laurana, Goldmoon and Riverwind, and the enigmatic Kitiara. Then a new generation was born, but I still followed them, right down to the current setting, the second Cataclysm. I have, but still haven't read, The War of Souls trilogy (Dragons of a Fallen Sun, Dragons of a Lost Star and Dragons of a Vanished Moon).
Never mind that it was lifted mostly from Lord of the Rings--I loved those books too anyway. It was like Lord of the Rings but less archaic, more modern. Mostly the novels have evolved; and I'm glad that they came out with a line for young adults so that younger readers can start reading it too.
I don't think there's a Dragonlance mailing list in the Philippines, at least none that I know of. Maybe I can start one along with some people from the PinoySlayers with whom I've found a shared passion for these TSR (now Wizards) books.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
accidental wallet death, a.k.a. spike's accident
The wallet should have a life insurance policy.
Accidental wallet death was had yesterday. And here I was happy that I had extra money until the end of the month.
Spike met an accident yesterday. He and Chi-chi were playing and running (pell-mell/helter-skelter/devil-may-care) when he was snagged by an exposed nail. Apparently his skin was dragged because the wound ended up about two inches long and about three inches deep. As my dad said, kita na ang laman.
Nins cried and brought him to the vet. The vet stitched him up and gave him medicine and we bought a muzzle. All in all--PhP2,500. Argh. Some people told me I didn't have to spend that much because we could just have closed it up with betadine, but I don't think so, because the wound was quite deep.
I won't post any pictures of the wound because I think it's not for everyone's consumption, even if I did get to see it after it was stitched up. Here's a relatively recent picture of the big doggie:
He's doing much better now although when I got home yesterday he was still woozy from the tranquilizer/anaesthetic. Poor kid. Poor owner. Haha. Am glad nothing really bad happened to him after all. Heard Nins sniffling on the phone and I was so worried. Oh well. Bacolod trip postponed yet again. And Anj already 5 months pregnant. At this rate, I will be there for the birth.
Accidental wallet death was had yesterday. And here I was happy that I had extra money until the end of the month.
Spike met an accident yesterday. He and Chi-chi were playing and running (pell-mell/helter-skelter/devil-may-care) when he was snagged by an exposed nail. Apparently his skin was dragged because the wound ended up about two inches long and about three inches deep. As my dad said, kita na ang laman.
Nins cried and brought him to the vet. The vet stitched him up and gave him medicine and we bought a muzzle. All in all--PhP2,500. Argh. Some people told me I didn't have to spend that much because we could just have closed it up with betadine, but I don't think so, because the wound was quite deep.
I won't post any pictures of the wound because I think it's not for everyone's consumption, even if I did get to see it after it was stitched up. Here's a relatively recent picture of the big doggie:
He's doing much better now although when I got home yesterday he was still woozy from the tranquilizer/anaesthetic. Poor kid. Poor owner. Haha. Am glad nothing really bad happened to him after all. Heard Nins sniffling on the phone and I was so worried. Oh well. Bacolod trip postponed yet again. And Anj already 5 months pregnant. At this rate, I will be there for the birth.
presenting:
I've updated the links on the right. Added a couple of longlost friends and a new one:
Inside the Videoke Queen's Head - Jennie, from the blue-and-white. Can't believe it's been almost a decade, girl!
Keytaps and Camsnaps - pictures and musings from Jacque, also from the blue-and-white. This is one undeniably talented girl.
Chris Vs. The Universe - the bitch_goddess reigns! See for yourself. The latest entry is an open letter to a serial killer.
Inside the Videoke Queen's Head - Jennie, from the blue-and-white. Can't believe it's been almost a decade, girl!
Keytaps and Camsnaps - pictures and musings from Jacque, also from the blue-and-white. This is one undeniably talented girl.
Chris Vs. The Universe - the bitch_goddess reigns! See for yourself. The latest entry is an open letter to a serial killer.
Monday, June 14, 2004
with a shiver in my bones
...not just thinking about the weather.
Been sick most of the weekend. I guess the flesh is finally feeling all the strain (be it physical, emotional, or mental). There are muscle pains, headaches, bouts with fever and occasional hallucinations. Okay, no hallucinations. But still quite sick.
They say that sickness is a manifestation of inner ills. I think my inner ill is ill-restraint. I haven't been able to stop when I ought to--stop working, stop playing, stop eating, stop everything. I've never been one for moderation, which would probably spell the death of me.
Speaking of death, last night I had mortal thoughts again. Thoughts about my mortality and how it would be if I finally breathed my last breath, spurred, no doubt, by the sinking feeling in me and how I haven't been to see a doctor in almost two years. How would it be to live in a void (yes you are speaking to a non-practicing Catholic), to have your existence snuffed out when you were so used to being alive, to experiencing things, to seeing and hearing and touching and feeling. Oh, and smelling and tasting.
To enter the endless night would mean to never to hug my mother and father again, never to see my or my sisters' offspring, never to read and reread my favorite books, never to fall asleep again at night to my favorite music, never again to smell the crisp smell of his favorite cologne, or taste fresh strawberries. To die I would give up everything I had gotten so used to in this mortal coil; but although there is an understandable degree of hesitation, now there seems to be less fear.
The last time I had these thoughts was five years ago, I think, at the height of getting-over-Z. I reckon the Higher Power guided me toward these thoughts because I had been muttering over and over again that I didn't want to live anymore. Does this mean that I am hitting an all-time low once more?
However, this time, although despair does hit a raw nerve, I'm more upbeat about it. For one, I think I am steadily formulating a spiritual theory that embraces an acceptance of an afterlife. Furthermore, I'm more concerned now with my own little jab at intimating immortality (no "take it, it's yours!" hereabouts). The next few months will be spent seeing how I can explore this. Although we keep the memory of our grandfather alive, it will die out when we die out, unless we pass this to our (most probably uninterested) children. And what if I don't have the children, which will most probably occur? Who will remember me?
Last night I made a decision to try to immortalize the two men without whom my parents would not have been who they are--two brave yet flawed men who charted the course of the destiny that would result in us tres marias. Because we will no longer be able to let our grandfathers' surnames live on, I thought this was the least I could do. Finally, I drafted a letter to my closest friends, outlining what to do if something did happen to me. I then drifted off to fitful sleep. I was tired when I woke up this morning.
Been sick most of the weekend. I guess the flesh is finally feeling all the strain (be it physical, emotional, or mental). There are muscle pains, headaches, bouts with fever and occasional hallucinations. Okay, no hallucinations. But still quite sick.
They say that sickness is a manifestation of inner ills. I think my inner ill is ill-restraint. I haven't been able to stop when I ought to--stop working, stop playing, stop eating, stop everything. I've never been one for moderation, which would probably spell the death of me.
Speaking of death, last night I had mortal thoughts again. Thoughts about my mortality and how it would be if I finally breathed my last breath, spurred, no doubt, by the sinking feeling in me and how I haven't been to see a doctor in almost two years. How would it be to live in a void (yes you are speaking to a non-practicing Catholic), to have your existence snuffed out when you were so used to being alive, to experiencing things, to seeing and hearing and touching and feeling. Oh, and smelling and tasting.
To enter the endless night would mean to never to hug my mother and father again, never to see my or my sisters' offspring, never to read and reread my favorite books, never to fall asleep again at night to my favorite music, never again to smell the crisp smell of his favorite cologne, or taste fresh strawberries. To die I would give up everything I had gotten so used to in this mortal coil; but although there is an understandable degree of hesitation, now there seems to be less fear.
The last time I had these thoughts was five years ago, I think, at the height of getting-over-Z. I reckon the Higher Power guided me toward these thoughts because I had been muttering over and over again that I didn't want to live anymore. Does this mean that I am hitting an all-time low once more?
However, this time, although despair does hit a raw nerve, I'm more upbeat about it. For one, I think I am steadily formulating a spiritual theory that embraces an acceptance of an afterlife. Furthermore, I'm more concerned now with my own little jab at intimating immortality (no "take it, it's yours!" hereabouts). The next few months will be spent seeing how I can explore this. Although we keep the memory of our grandfather alive, it will die out when we die out, unless we pass this to our (most probably uninterested) children. And what if I don't have the children, which will most probably occur? Who will remember me?
Last night I made a decision to try to immortalize the two men without whom my parents would not have been who they are--two brave yet flawed men who charted the course of the destiny that would result in us tres marias. Because we will no longer be able to let our grandfathers' surnames live on, I thought this was the least I could do. Finally, I drafted a letter to my closest friends, outlining what to do if something did happen to me. I then drifted off to fitful sleep. I was tired when I woke up this morning.
nostalgia
I watched Welcome to the Hellmouth/The Harvest, the first two aired episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, again. It was nice seing them all the way they used to be--Buffy a little chubby, Willow in granny clothes, Xander and Angel much less chunkier. And Cordelia very bitchy and almost pretty.
I'd forgotten how utterly scrumptious Angel used to be. Utterly. Delish. As in bite-my-neck-anytime-loverboy (although don't get all demony-faced with me when you do it). I was glad to hear the old quips, which didn't seem dated. This really is my favorite show.
I'd forgotten how utterly scrumptious Angel used to be. Utterly. Delish. As in bite-my-neck-anytime-loverboy (although don't get all demony-faced with me when you do it). I was glad to hear the old quips, which didn't seem dated. This really is my favorite show.
Sunday, June 13, 2004
i heart friendster
Have I mentioned that I love friendster(TM)? It's not that I'm competing for the most number of friends (I'm definitely not); and unlike my sister who got more than a hundred messages over the past week, this is not a means of communication with my friends. Instead I live for those occasional yet marvelous joys of seeking out old friends.
Nic-nic was a batch lower than me at the blue-and-white and we became fast friends until I graduated. In college we went to different schools so we corresponded through phone calls and letters (how passe!) and then she volunteered and had an immersion in some far-flung barrio and then I lost touch with her. I'm glad that she's found me (yes) through friendster. So hurrah friendster! If you can bring lives like ours back in each other's periphery you're doing a good thing.
Nic-nic was a batch lower than me at the blue-and-white and we became fast friends until I graduated. In college we went to different schools so we corresponded through phone calls and letters (how passe!) and then she volunteered and had an immersion in some far-flung barrio and then I lost touch with her. I'm glad that she's found me (yes) through friendster. So hurrah friendster! If you can bring lives like ours back in each other's periphery you're doing a good thing.
Friday, June 11, 2004
more harry potter news
Okay, I promise this will be my last Harry Potter post for a while. Promise.
They have already cast Cedric Diggory. I don't know who this Robert Pattinson guy is, but well, I hope he can bring justice to that pivotal role. And I didn't know that Brendan Gleeson was Mad-Eye Moody! Wow... from Agamemnon to Mad-Eye Moody.
Actually Mr. Gleeson is in three films that I'm anticipating--the monster story The Village with Joaquin Phoenix and Adrien Brody; and the Orli crusade starrer Kingdom of Heaven, which is all the more exciting because the film is directed by Ridley Scott and also stars Liam Neeson and Edward Norton. Hmmm am actually turning out to be quite the Brendan Gleeson follower now, am I?
for the meantime
I'm staying put here at Blogger. Don't have the energy for a major life change (teehee) at the moment.
They have already cast Cedric Diggory. I don't know who this Robert Pattinson guy is, but well, I hope he can bring justice to that pivotal role. And I didn't know that Brendan Gleeson was Mad-Eye Moody! Wow... from Agamemnon to Mad-Eye Moody.
Actually Mr. Gleeson is in three films that I'm anticipating--the monster story The Village with Joaquin Phoenix and Adrien Brody; and the Orli crusade starrer Kingdom of Heaven, which is all the more exciting because the film is directed by Ridley Scott and also stars Liam Neeson and Edward Norton. Hmmm am actually turning out to be quite the Brendan Gleeson follower now, am I?
for the meantime
I'm staying put here at Blogger. Don't have the energy for a major life change (teehee) at the moment.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
dilemma
Should I transfer my blog to LiveJournal or Blurty? Or should I stalwartly remain here, at Blogspot?
from all around
Pages I've come across this morning
OR
What Ri does when she is pretend-working
Amyslayer shows us the Harry Potter salute to Y Tu Mama Tambien (for those who haven't seen Y Tu Mama Tambien, the roadtrip/coming-of-age movie features a threesome somewhere down the road between two best friends and a wiser woman)
Velvet Revolver shoots out - Stone Temple Pilots' erstwhile lead Scott Weiland is clean now and has teamed up with former GnR stalwarts Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum to "bring back rebellious rock anthems". They're no longer the "youth"--but maybe they can pull it off. The angst of middle age and all.
Supposedly the greatest novel ever written is now a movie - This is James Joyce's classic Ulysses, a book that I tried to read once and never tried to again. Apparently they've made it into a movie--I figure it will be easier to understand.
The Shrek 2 trivia page at IMDB.com - Lists a lot of the film references, lots of stuff that I didn't know or failed to notice during the movie. For example: did you know that the Stonehenge poster in Fiona's room was a shout-out to Spinal Tap? ididnaknowthat!
One man takes on McDonald's - Super Size Me was quite the hit, earning $6.2M from a handful of theaters, with a budget of $65,000. At least we now really have proof that a McDonald's lifestyle isn't healthy. And I adore McDonald's--but only in moderation.
And a quote:
"Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance."
- Charles Caleb Colton
Also: (added 19:00)
I didn't know Jonathan Brandis was dead. I used to watch SeaQuest DSV a whole lot and of course, like Wesley Crusher before him, I connected with Lucas. Apparently he hasn't really been out of the limelight: he had role in that Bruce Willis/Colin Farrell movie Hart's War. RIP Jonathan.
OR
What Ri does when she is pretend-working
Amyslayer shows us the Harry Potter salute to Y Tu Mama Tambien (for those who haven't seen Y Tu Mama Tambien, the roadtrip/coming-of-age movie features a threesome somewhere down the road between two best friends and a wiser woman)
Velvet Revolver shoots out - Stone Temple Pilots' erstwhile lead Scott Weiland is clean now and has teamed up with former GnR stalwarts Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum to "bring back rebellious rock anthems". They're no longer the "youth"--but maybe they can pull it off. The angst of middle age and all.
Supposedly the greatest novel ever written is now a movie - This is James Joyce's classic Ulysses, a book that I tried to read once and never tried to again. Apparently they've made it into a movie--I figure it will be easier to understand.
The Shrek 2 trivia page at IMDB.com - Lists a lot of the film references, lots of stuff that I didn't know or failed to notice during the movie. For example: did you know that the Stonehenge poster in Fiona's room was a shout-out to Spinal Tap? ididnaknowthat!
One man takes on McDonald's - Super Size Me was quite the hit, earning $6.2M from a handful of theaters, with a budget of $65,000. At least we now really have proof that a McDonald's lifestyle isn't healthy. And I adore McDonald's--but only in moderation.
And a quote:
"Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance."
- Charles Caleb Colton
Also: (added 19:00)
I didn't know Jonathan Brandis was dead. I used to watch SeaQuest DSV a whole lot and of course, like Wesley Crusher before him, I connected with Lucas. Apparently he hasn't really been out of the limelight: he had role in that Bruce Willis/Colin Farrell movie Hart's War. RIP Jonathan.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
4:45pm
am. falling. asleep. in front. of the. pc...
It is all airconditioners and PCs humming and the people here typing, clackety-clack on their little keys, lulling me further and further into the lands of sleep.
I am not usually sleepy at this time of the afternoon and am quite surprised because I am really really drowsy. Blogging is keeping me awake. I figure out, clouded as everything seems, that it is my fault that I am unable to keep my eyes open. I slept at 2:30 this morning watching the Law and Order: Special Victims Unit reprise. Hehe. Wasn't able to catch the primetime schedule because we watched Six Feet Under--quite an entertaining episode, with Ruth giving in to spontaneity and this episode's dead guy (who happened to be gay) being honored by his life partner with a scene from a Puccini opera.
So there. I can't really complain because it's my fault. I guess I'll just try and catch up tonight. After CSI, that is.
4:45pm yesterday
Dysmenorrhea pangs were subsiding so I decided to undertake a little redecorating, taking advantage of the extra pair of hands that we have at home (Margie is leaving, and Marissa, her replacement, has already arrived). We moved some of the furniture around in my little flat-off-my-parents'-garage (when I say 'we', I include myself, the supervisor). The room is now a little roomier once I shoved some of the stuff under the bed (in requisite plastic bins from SM-my-favorite-store).
We also moved the bookcase and I realized how many books I had accumulated through the years. There were at least 400 in the bookcase, I think, and roughly the same number in the storage under my divider-cum-headboard. My next project will be to sort through the books and determine those that I can discard and those which I should hold onto. This should probably be done before we start moving into our temporary quarters in October.
sordid
Last night's episode of Law and Order: SVU concerned fraternities. CSI also had an episode about fraternity hazing during its first season. In the CSI episode, raw meat was shoved down the pledge's throat and he choked on it. The fraternity covered it up. In the Law and Order episode, a frat brother was killed after allegedly sodomizing a pledge. The pledge who killed the frat brother was played by Elden Henson, best known for playing Fulton Reed in the Mighty Ducks movies and for being Kieran Culkin's big friend in Freak the Mighty.
I have this morbid fascination for shows like Law and Order: SVU and CSI. They often feature gruesome, disturbing crimes, crimes that I could not imagine people actually committing--although I can imagine people imagining how to undertake said crimes.
Why do I enjoy these? Sometimes I come across episodes that leave me with a heavy heart or with a sickened feeling; but still I insist on watching. Aside from the detective story leading to the solution of each crime, I think these satisfy a certain morbid curiosity in me that would not be healthy would it be applicable to real life. There is that gnawing sense of what-if, and then finally, I'm-glad-not.
It is all airconditioners and PCs humming and the people here typing, clackety-clack on their little keys, lulling me further and further into the lands of sleep.
I am not usually sleepy at this time of the afternoon and am quite surprised because I am really really drowsy. Blogging is keeping me awake. I figure out, clouded as everything seems, that it is my fault that I am unable to keep my eyes open. I slept at 2:30 this morning watching the Law and Order: Special Victims Unit reprise. Hehe. Wasn't able to catch the primetime schedule because we watched Six Feet Under--quite an entertaining episode, with Ruth giving in to spontaneity and this episode's dead guy (who happened to be gay) being honored by his life partner with a scene from a Puccini opera.
So there. I can't really complain because it's my fault. I guess I'll just try and catch up tonight. After CSI, that is.
4:45pm yesterday
Dysmenorrhea pangs were subsiding so I decided to undertake a little redecorating, taking advantage of the extra pair of hands that we have at home (Margie is leaving, and Marissa, her replacement, has already arrived). We moved some of the furniture around in my little flat-off-my-parents'-garage (when I say 'we', I include myself, the supervisor). The room is now a little roomier once I shoved some of the stuff under the bed (in requisite plastic bins from SM-my-favorite-store).
We also moved the bookcase and I realized how many books I had accumulated through the years. There were at least 400 in the bookcase, I think, and roughly the same number in the storage under my divider-cum-headboard. My next project will be to sort through the books and determine those that I can discard and those which I should hold onto. This should probably be done before we start moving into our temporary quarters in October.
sordid
Last night's episode of Law and Order: SVU concerned fraternities. CSI also had an episode about fraternity hazing during its first season. In the CSI episode, raw meat was shoved down the pledge's throat and he choked on it. The fraternity covered it up. In the Law and Order episode, a frat brother was killed after allegedly sodomizing a pledge. The pledge who killed the frat brother was played by Elden Henson, best known for playing Fulton Reed in the Mighty Ducks movies and for being Kieran Culkin's big friend in Freak the Mighty.
I have this morbid fascination for shows like Law and Order: SVU and CSI. They often feature gruesome, disturbing crimes, crimes that I could not imagine people actually committing--although I can imagine people imagining how to undertake said crimes.
Why do I enjoy these? Sometimes I come across episodes that leave me with a heavy heart or with a sickened feeling; but still I insist on watching. Aside from the detective story leading to the solution of each crime, I think these satisfy a certain morbid curiosity in me that would not be healthy would it be applicable to real life. There is that gnawing sense of what-if, and then finally, I'm-glad-not.
and now for a little entertainment
Cleolinda presents Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban in Fifteen Minutes. Amyslayer says it's not as funny as Van Helsing but my bechmark is the Troy one.
Monday, June 07, 2004
on harry
There is no question: there seems to be no middle ground on liking the latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Either you think it is the best of the three, or you think it is the worst of the three. So far the tally ratio is around 3 is to one of people who liked it compared to people who didn't. Biased for the film as I am, I can still see however why some people were let down by the movie. It is no longer a children's movie and has already moved onto being an actual fantasy adventure, with raging adolescent angst and very adult emotions; which is actually just reflecting the tone of the books--the fifth book so far being the darkest. I can't wait for that to be made into a movie. Oh well. To each his/her own. As mentioned by one of the cyberfriends, Roger Ebert actually applauded The Cell.
Friday, June 04, 2004
'prisoner' captivates
The third installment in the Harry Potter film series is upon us. Finally, Chris Columbus has relinquished the directorial chair to Alfonso Cuaron, director of such diverse fare as the racy Y Tu Mama Tambien and the enthralling A Little Princess. That has been the best move in three movies so far. Sorry Chris C., Cuaron has basically kicked your a$s(kaban) on this one. Because the third installment is decidedly darker in theme than the first two (and gets even darker as the series progresses--JK Rowling where is your sixth book!), Cuaron has reflected this in the more pensive and muted tones and colors of this movie. It seems more real (and more depressing) than the all-too-magical feel of its predecessors. Hence, additional quaint charm. This does not detract one bit from the story and the action, still suspenseful and awe-inspiring even if you have read and re-read the books countless times. Of course, fangirls like your truly everywhere will not hesitate to point out that much of the story has been cut and simplified to better fit the genre of feature film--something that Chris Columbus seems to have been loathe to do, but which Alfonso Cuaron uses to full advantage here. (Would that he would direct the rest of the series.)
The most important elements of the book though, Sirius Black and the Dementors, are artfully brought to life by Gary "no-current-jobs" Oldman and the special effects team, respectively. Oldman is the right degree of madman and the Dementors, although reminiscent of ringwraiths in a certain other magnificent series, are notably eerie. It's good to note that the design team does not have them floating around like B-movie ghosts; instead they are ethereal, creatures of frost and void. The Shrieking Shack is as I envisioned it, although I could have had more of Hogsmeade. The Marauders' Map is beautifully brought to life. The main action sequences are also done with enthusiasm and lots of class. Noticeably absent though is Ginny Weasley, catalyst of Harry's troubles in the second movie, as well as the four former Hogwarts residents who made the Marauders' Map. The story of Padfoot, Mooney, Wormtail and Prongs was in my opinion one of the best points of the novel, but the exclusion from the movie isn't a sore point. The introduction of characters who actually knew more about Harry's parents, though, was a welcome (and essential) addition.
Michael Gambon does not disappoint as the replacement Dumbledore, Alan Rickman is still wonderfully menacing as Severus Snape, while Oldman and David Thewlis are effective as Black and Remus Lupin (this coming grudgingly from a person who thinks that her "crush" Sirius Black should have been played by someone else--too bad Stuart Townsend is too young to have played Black). Emma Thompson's role is nothing more than an extended cameo (albeit a funny, wonderful extended cameo), but later in the series we find out that Sybil Trelawney does play an important part in Harry Potter's life. Also appearing in cameo roles are formidable actresses Maggie Smith and Julie Christie (fresh from her cameo in Troy).
But the movie belongs to the three stalwarts, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, reprising their well-loved roles as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Growing into adolescence along with their characters, these three are now more comfortable in their skins and it really shows on the screen. Harry is now more assertive; Hermione is smart as ever--and less know-it-all; and dear Ron is still steady best-friend-slash-comic-relief. There are some almost-kilig moments which we fans watch with a knowing smile because we are eagerly anticipating that story. The rapport between the three is also quite remarkable, although it must be noted that it seems that the Harry-Ron friendship seems to be less evident in this film than in previous films. No matter--the film does not suffer much for it.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, not much a sequel but an installment, surpasses the first two films in that it is more tightly-knit, more engrossing and generally better-made. You barely notice that two hours have passed. It is a fast-paced, visually rich and entertaining film that, although edited mercilessly, evokes the spirit of its source novel--adolescence, confusion, fear, searching for truth, twists and turns, and the comfort of good friends. As I maintain that Prioner of Azkaban was the best story among the first five novels, so I agree that so far, this is the best film in the series. Here's hoping that Mike Newell (he who directed Four Weddings and a Funeral) will continue the tradition of good storytelling.
Worth the PhP200 at Mile Long; maybe even twice. Will definitely get the DVD. Best to have a post-game discussion with fellow Harry Potter fanatic sister.
The most important elements of the book though, Sirius Black and the Dementors, are artfully brought to life by Gary "no-current-jobs" Oldman and the special effects team, respectively. Oldman is the right degree of madman and the Dementors, although reminiscent of ringwraiths in a certain other magnificent series, are notably eerie. It's good to note that the design team does not have them floating around like B-movie ghosts; instead they are ethereal, creatures of frost and void. The Shrieking Shack is as I envisioned it, although I could have had more of Hogsmeade. The Marauders' Map is beautifully brought to life. The main action sequences are also done with enthusiasm and lots of class. Noticeably absent though is Ginny Weasley, catalyst of Harry's troubles in the second movie, as well as the four former Hogwarts residents who made the Marauders' Map. The story of Padfoot, Mooney, Wormtail and Prongs was in my opinion one of the best points of the novel, but the exclusion from the movie isn't a sore point. The introduction of characters who actually knew more about Harry's parents, though, was a welcome (and essential) addition.
Michael Gambon does not disappoint as the replacement Dumbledore, Alan Rickman is still wonderfully menacing as Severus Snape, while Oldman and David Thewlis are effective as Black and Remus Lupin (this coming grudgingly from a person who thinks that her "crush" Sirius Black should have been played by someone else--too bad Stuart Townsend is too young to have played Black). Emma Thompson's role is nothing more than an extended cameo (albeit a funny, wonderful extended cameo), but later in the series we find out that Sybil Trelawney does play an important part in Harry Potter's life. Also appearing in cameo roles are formidable actresses Maggie Smith and Julie Christie (fresh from her cameo in Troy).
But the movie belongs to the three stalwarts, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, reprising their well-loved roles as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Growing into adolescence along with their characters, these three are now more comfortable in their skins and it really shows on the screen. Harry is now more assertive; Hermione is smart as ever--and less know-it-all; and dear Ron is still steady best-friend-slash-comic-relief. There are some almost-kilig moments which we fans watch with a knowing smile because we are eagerly anticipating that story. The rapport between the three is also quite remarkable, although it must be noted that it seems that the Harry-Ron friendship seems to be less evident in this film than in previous films. No matter--the film does not suffer much for it.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, not much a sequel but an installment, surpasses the first two films in that it is more tightly-knit, more engrossing and generally better-made. You barely notice that two hours have passed. It is a fast-paced, visually rich and entertaining film that, although edited mercilessly, evokes the spirit of its source novel--adolescence, confusion, fear, searching for truth, twists and turns, and the comfort of good friends. As I maintain that Prioner of Azkaban was the best story among the first five novels, so I agree that so far, this is the best film in the series. Here's hoping that Mike Newell (he who directed Four Weddings and a Funeral) will continue the tradition of good storytelling.
Worth the PhP200 at Mile Long; maybe even twice. Will definitely get the DVD. Best to have a post-game discussion with fellow Harry Potter fanatic sister.
must-have chick-power list
I don't have these yet: (tagal pa birthday ko though)
Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure & Unknown Recordings
10,000 Maniacs
The House Carpenter's Daughter
Natalie Merchant
Tales of a Librarian
A Tori Amos Collection
Exile in Guyville
Liz Phair
So-Called Chaos
Alanis Morisette
Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure & Unknown Recordings
10,000 Maniacs
The House Carpenter's Daughter
Natalie Merchant
Tales of a Librarian
A Tori Amos Collection
Exile in Guyville
Liz Phair
So-Called Chaos
Alanis Morisette
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
in pictures
From INQ7.net
Pinky is also my high school classmate and one of the nicest people I know. The opening last Saturday was like a high school reunion, with Mr. & Mrs. dG, A and her baby, C with chef R, the beauty, the writer, the Singapore-based lawyer, the Ilongga businesswoman, Bespren J, and plain old me.
Amid the bustle and the small talk, I did get to speak to a photographer who was a member of the Camera Club of the Philippines--this guy was really good, he could tell that Jake had taken his pictures with a digital camera (albeit a really good one) and he had comments on the various pictures. He told us about the stringent requirements of the Camera Club. I think I'll just stick to taking this as a hobby, although I'm quite interested in taking classes.
Furthermore I was able to at least steal glances at the pictures amidst the throng. Pinky's and Isa's pictures were similar, black and white pictures that were able to capture the essence of their subjects--but mostly inanimate ojects. Some of the most striking pictures were Isa's picture of reflections on glass baubles and Pinky's picture from the base of a statue looking up.
I need to visit the exhibit again, without the crowd. I think that I'll be able to digest the pictures more that way. I shan't, however, be able to buy anything, because I am really just strapped for cash. Maybe my walls can just be decorated by my own pictures. Is that so far off to wonder about that? (Okay, maybe I can just knock off some pictures from Kai.)
FROM May 29 to June 19, New York-based photographers Joaquin Arrastia, Isa Lorenzo and Pinky Ibarra-Urmaza will hold an exhibit, titled "To Illuminate," at The Drawing Room (Metrostar Bldg., 1007 Metropolitan Ave., Makati City).
The exhibiting photographers are graduates of the International Center of Photography in New York. Call +63 2 897-6990.
Pinky is also my high school classmate and one of the nicest people I know. The opening last Saturday was like a high school reunion, with Mr. & Mrs. dG, A and her baby, C with chef R, the beauty, the writer, the Singapore-based lawyer, the Ilongga businesswoman, Bespren J, and plain old me.
Amid the bustle and the small talk, I did get to speak to a photographer who was a member of the Camera Club of the Philippines--this guy was really good, he could tell that Jake had taken his pictures with a digital camera (albeit a really good one) and he had comments on the various pictures. He told us about the stringent requirements of the Camera Club. I think I'll just stick to taking this as a hobby, although I'm quite interested in taking classes.
Furthermore I was able to at least steal glances at the pictures amidst the throng. Pinky's and Isa's pictures were similar, black and white pictures that were able to capture the essence of their subjects--but mostly inanimate ojects. Some of the most striking pictures were Isa's picture of reflections on glass baubles and Pinky's picture from the base of a statue looking up.
I need to visit the exhibit again, without the crowd. I think that I'll be able to digest the pictures more that way. I shan't, however, be able to buy anything, because I am really just strapped for cash. Maybe my walls can just be decorated by my own pictures. Is that so far off to wonder about that? (Okay, maybe I can just knock off some pictures from Kai.)
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