I just saw "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" this week. It was reminiscent of seeing "Tropic Thunder" for the first time. I was laughing my ass off, and I didn't care what the people around me were thinking.
***
That movie is the absolute best movie for little boys (big boys too) to come around since "The Incredibles". It's like "The Wonder Years" without an ironic narration by a grown up version of the kid, which further solidifies it as a movie for boys. They've even managed to resist the need for a coming-of-age "first love" story, which tend to spoil the feel of movies about childhood. The only non-repulsive female (played by a "I'm sure she'll be hot when she turns 18" Chloe Moretz) acts more like the missing ironic narration rather than a love interest, and her appearances are, thankfully, kept to a minimum. This allows the boy leads to remain boys, and it is a fun romp through an imagined childhood.
If you can remember how much fun "Malcolm in the Middle" was, this movie's for you.
***
I've only realized belatedly that it is Palanca season. Time to dust off some of my old stinkers and see how much editing they need.
***
I just got my laptop back from the service center yesterday. All it needed was a new adaptor. If the damn service center had electricity when I got there last Tuesday, the problem would have easily been seen, and I wouldn't have needed to leave my laptop there.
It's the equivalent of a celestial kick to the nads.
***
I wonder if I can wrangle a "date night" to see "Date Night".
The possibility boggles.
***
I tried to look for a list of literary agents operating in the Philippines. I found one at writers.ph. It looked about as legitimate as a listing of mafia doctors. Barely any affiliation, and no listed credentials. Not even a hint of who their clientele consists of or what genres they specialize in selling. The only thing that would make it worse is is they started charging reading fees. Now there's the mark of a true literary charlatan.
And you wonder why publishing here is stagnant.
***
I've always believed that Hipsters are a waste of oxygen. Glad to have that belief vindicated.
This further confirms that subcultures that thrive on misreadings of the word "irony" are condemned to permanent ridicule.
***
The summer semester is about to start. Don't blink or you'll miss it. All of it.
Showing posts with label omnibus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label omnibus. Show all posts
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Random Thoughts on The Week at Large 4.1.2010
I just saw "Blindside" this weekend. It was a good movie. Part of what made it awesome was realizing that Sandra Bullock can be really hot if she just stopped playing roles like she's pretending to be 25 and livin' the dream.
***
I also realized that if we played American Football here, I would be a millionaire. Some pro team would finally have something to do that would fall right into my skill set: being wide, and able to move a bit. That wide guy who blocks for the quarterback? Second-highest paid athlete on a professional American Football team on average, after the quarterback.
***
One of the hardest and most disgusting things about having your mom seeing someone who isn't your dad is the PDA. Even if its minor. Somebody kill me please.
***
Good thing he had his daughter along for the trip. Sure, she was 15, but she talked like she was 25. So, I pretended to see nothing of mom and Mr. Yuck while discussing possible historical frameworks for my upcoming local history of Mandaluyong with a girl who still paints her fingernails blue. That was one kick-ass 15 year-old. Coincidentally, she is home-schooled. Suck on that, public school.
***
While walking around in Shang, I saw a listing of movies now showing and one of the movies was a certain "I Love You Philip Morris". Thinking it was a politically-incorrect ode to the cigarette giant, I went up to see the poster. It turned out to be a gay movie about some fag name Philip Morris or some shit. That was god-awful. What has been seen can never be un-seen.
***
The Stations of the Cross in High Street was wierd. Instead of meditating, you end up doing a different activity per station. Sort of like if the Stations of the Cross were designed by a sorority sister during rush week. Good intentions all around, I'll give them that. I suppose expecting a reverence for tradition in an activity designed by Mag:Net people is like expecting fat kids to run a mile under a minute. Good effort, but dream on.
***
The guy with a guestbook at the end of the Stations was an American. I thought I smelled Manifest Destiny. Turns out, it was just a Krispy Kreme.
***
After watching two seasons of "Chuck", I wanted to change my desktop background from Olivia Wilde to Yvonne Strahovski (there's a sexy name). Then I realized how pathetic this was. A relationship takes commitment.
***
This "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" has potential. I read a few chapters, and it was pretty funny. I'm sure the next series of books, "Wall Scribblings of a Dumb Jock", will be just as funny.
***
I also saw a Spanish movie called "Diario de una ninfómana", right after "Blind Side". Don't ask. Anyway, it's the story of this Spanish chick whose grandmother tells her to be herself, despite knowing the fact that "being herself" means "fucking every guy within a ten meter radius". She has tons of meaningless (and surprisingly boring) sex, gets into a marriage that fails, becomes a prostitute, then quits the brothel upon learning her life lesson: "be yourself". Considering that it was "being herself" that got her into that vicious cycle in the first place, the movie should have been titled "Retarded Grandmother Gives Bad Advice".
***
That's the last time I watch a Spanish indie flick. You'd think they were copying Filipinos or something. I suppose it is God's punishment for me watching a movie about a girl who strips naked every five minutes, and doing so on Holy Week. Punishment accepted.
***
Have a blessed Holy Week, guys! :D
***
I also realized that if we played American Football here, I would be a millionaire. Some pro team would finally have something to do that would fall right into my skill set: being wide, and able to move a bit. That wide guy who blocks for the quarterback? Second-highest paid athlete on a professional American Football team on average, after the quarterback.
***
One of the hardest and most disgusting things about having your mom seeing someone who isn't your dad is the PDA. Even if its minor. Somebody kill me please.
***
Good thing he had his daughter along for the trip. Sure, she was 15, but she talked like she was 25. So, I pretended to see nothing of mom and Mr. Yuck while discussing possible historical frameworks for my upcoming local history of Mandaluyong with a girl who still paints her fingernails blue. That was one kick-ass 15 year-old. Coincidentally, she is home-schooled. Suck on that, public school.
***
While walking around in Shang, I saw a listing of movies now showing and one of the movies was a certain "I Love You Philip Morris". Thinking it was a politically-incorrect ode to the cigarette giant, I went up to see the poster. It turned out to be a gay movie about some fag name Philip Morris or some shit. That was god-awful. What has been seen can never be un-seen.
***
The Stations of the Cross in High Street was wierd. Instead of meditating, you end up doing a different activity per station. Sort of like if the Stations of the Cross were designed by a sorority sister during rush week. Good intentions all around, I'll give them that. I suppose expecting a reverence for tradition in an activity designed by Mag:Net people is like expecting fat kids to run a mile under a minute. Good effort, but dream on.
***
The guy with a guestbook at the end of the Stations was an American. I thought I smelled Manifest Destiny. Turns out, it was just a Krispy Kreme.
***
After watching two seasons of "Chuck", I wanted to change my desktop background from Olivia Wilde to Yvonne Strahovski (there's a sexy name). Then I realized how pathetic this was. A relationship takes commitment.
***
This "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" has potential. I read a few chapters, and it was pretty funny. I'm sure the next series of books, "Wall Scribblings of a Dumb Jock", will be just as funny.
***
I also saw a Spanish movie called "Diario de una ninfómana", right after "Blind Side". Don't ask. Anyway, it's the story of this Spanish chick whose grandmother tells her to be herself, despite knowing the fact that "being herself" means "fucking every guy within a ten meter radius". She has tons of meaningless (and surprisingly boring) sex, gets into a marriage that fails, becomes a prostitute, then quits the brothel upon learning her life lesson: "be yourself". Considering that it was "being herself" that got her into that vicious cycle in the first place, the movie should have been titled "Retarded Grandmother Gives Bad Advice".
***
That's the last time I watch a Spanish indie flick. You'd think they were copying Filipinos or something. I suppose it is God's punishment for me watching a movie about a girl who strips naked every five minutes, and doing so on Holy Week. Punishment accepted.
***
Have a blessed Holy Week, guys! :D
Friday, November 6, 2009
Random Thoughts on the Week At Large 07.11.09
A week with no internet...brrr.... My antenna got knocked down by the last storm. It won't be fixed til Sunday. Right now, I'm mooching off of kindly neighbors. Just because they don't know about it doesn't mean I'll appreciate the non-existent sentiment any less.
***
Dissent in Hollywood has a price. That awesome show I once mentioned here premiered to record-breaking ratings for a sci-fi show. However, the show garnered some harsh critics from the literati, who were disturbed from their daily Obama fellatio by what they see as frightening parallels to the tinpot messiah's presidency. The show's producer has already been replaced by the network. The irony is, the producer in question, Scott Peters (also responsible for "4400") is a raving Obama fanboy who expedited his US citizenship application in order to vote for him.
Nice to see somebody prick the Obama bubble once in a while. I'm sure, with all these fits of swooning by media types, the show will end up descending into banal moral relativism ala Battlestar Galactica.
Still, viva la resistance.
***
Way too much COD 4 this week. This game makes me realize how old I am. Younger players with better reaction times regularly turn me into a bullet cushion.
***
Being without Internet for the week has made me realize how nice it is to be able to read. Just went through Lord of the Rings again. And Silmarillon.
***
One thing I remember hating about the LOTR movies...it was Meriadoc who undid the spell that held the Witch King together when he used the Westernesse blade from the Barrow Downs on him, not Eowyn Warrior fucking Princess. "I am no man" my ass. Neither was Merry.
***
Finally got to rehearse with a functioning cast (and some sounds) today. Rachelle finally came around, and Miko took his accent from Melbourne to the East End of London. Miko still does his Batman voice due to illness, but at least this won't be much of a problem down the line. Rachelle looks prettier without make-up. Maybe its because she seems more cooperative without make-up on. Maybe I should ban make-up.
Whatever else I may say, I love this crew I'm working with. Even if we do seem cursed.
***
The funny thing about that movie "Jennifer's Body" is that, apparently, you don't get to see all that much of it. (And no, I'm not willing to waste money verifying this.)
***
A kundiman band is wasted on "Nobody But You". That song is awful. Just saying.
***
According to the boys, that girl in a picture in the UA&P brochure (standing beside Steph Sol) looks like Maria Ozawa. I don't see the resemblance. But, I do understand the sentiment behind such an assertion. After all, I once had a student I thought looked like Olivia Wilde. In retrospect, she doesn't. Not even close. Olivia Wilde is hawt.
***
Did I just spell it h a w t?
***
Dissent in Hollywood has a price. That awesome show I once mentioned here premiered to record-breaking ratings for a sci-fi show. However, the show garnered some harsh critics from the literati, who were disturbed from their daily Obama fellatio by what they see as frightening parallels to the tinpot messiah's presidency. The show's producer has already been replaced by the network. The irony is, the producer in question, Scott Peters (also responsible for "4400") is a raving Obama fanboy who expedited his US citizenship application in order to vote for him.
Nice to see somebody prick the Obama bubble once in a while. I'm sure, with all these fits of swooning by media types, the show will end up descending into banal moral relativism ala Battlestar Galactica.
Still, viva la resistance.
***
Way too much COD 4 this week. This game makes me realize how old I am. Younger players with better reaction times regularly turn me into a bullet cushion.
***
Being without Internet for the week has made me realize how nice it is to be able to read. Just went through Lord of the Rings again. And Silmarillon.
***
One thing I remember hating about the LOTR movies...it was Meriadoc who undid the spell that held the Witch King together when he used the Westernesse blade from the Barrow Downs on him, not Eowyn Warrior fucking Princess. "I am no man" my ass. Neither was Merry.
***
Finally got to rehearse with a functioning cast (and some sounds) today. Rachelle finally came around, and Miko took his accent from Melbourne to the East End of London. Miko still does his Batman voice due to illness, but at least this won't be much of a problem down the line. Rachelle looks prettier without make-up. Maybe its because she seems more cooperative without make-up on. Maybe I should ban make-up.
Whatever else I may say, I love this crew I'm working with. Even if we do seem cursed.
***
The funny thing about that movie "Jennifer's Body" is that, apparently, you don't get to see all that much of it. (And no, I'm not willing to waste money verifying this.)
***
A kundiman band is wasted on "Nobody But You". That song is awful. Just saying.
***
According to the boys, that girl in a picture in the UA&P brochure (standing beside Steph Sol) looks like Maria Ozawa. I don't see the resemblance. But, I do understand the sentiment behind such an assertion. After all, I once had a student I thought looked like Olivia Wilde. In retrospect, she doesn't. Not even close. Olivia Wilde is hawt.
***
Did I just spell it h a w t?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Random Thoughts on the Week at Large 10.11.09
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. So, if you have to have cancer, make it breast cancer. If you have prostate cancer, you are outside our awareness.
***
I know Breast Cancer Awareness month is the product of a feminist Tupperware party, but I get the feeling that the only reason men have gone along with it for so long is that the word "breast" is in it.
I mean, of all the other cancers that are far deadlier and kill more people in the world, why breast cancer? The answer, I believe, is in advertising.
***
Jeremy Clarkson is right about the dumbing down of Britain. Jeremy Clarkson is the Man. If I ever get the local equivalent of professorial tenure, I'd like to be Jeremy Clarkson. It doesn't make sense, but the world would be more awesome with more Jeremy Clarkson in it.
***
Obama, Nobel Peace Prize winner? Hey, if even Hitler could get nominated, why not? Sure, it's preposterous, but you won't be laughing once Obama gets an Oscar for Best Screenplay for some scribbles he wrote on a napkin.
***
Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize does have a positive aspect. (And no, I'm not kidding.) After all, in 1973, the US Supreme Court decided in Roe v. Wade that "potential" did not have the right to life. Now, we're giving peace prizes to "potential". So, it's progress, I suppose. (OK, so I am kidding.)
***
I'm not George W. Bush too. I can potentially be a force for peace, too. Where's my Nobel, Mr. Jagland?
***
In the online version of National Review, Mark Steyn does a number on Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize. I note this, however, mainly because of this line on el Presidente's domestic and foreign problems:
Why squander your presidency on trying to turn an economically moribund feudal backwater into a functioning nation state when you can turn a functioning nation state into an economically moribund feudal backwater?
***
Steyn also calls attention to a woman (obviously an academic) who defends Obama's prize by saying:
“I’m afraid I’ve registered into a very conversative [sic], fear-based world here but I’d like to suggest the incredible notion we all create our worlds in our conversations. What are you building by maligning rather than creating discourses for workability? Bravo to Obama and others working for people, however it appears to cynics.”
What the fuck does "creating discourses for workability" even mean? Sadly, the academe is filled with people who seem to have only heard of planet Earth from a poorly-made vacation brochure. I've encountered enough of them (not that many in UA&P, thank goodness) to know to just say "Live long and prosper" and just get the hell out of the way.
***
In an Inquirer (print) article, some talking (writing?) head wrote an article about an exchange between four Philippine presidential candidates and representatives of local government units. The guy billed it as a "big government vs. small government" forum, a la the US Presidential Debates. However, judging from the questions the writer reported, it was less "big government vs. small government", and more "big pork vs. small pork". I'm a "small government" guy myself, and saw none of the issues in such a debate tackled, at least, as far as the reporter goes. This goes to show you how careless Inquirer reporters are when they play with big words.
***
The same writer said that Noynoy differentiated himself from Villar, Gibo and Escudero by standing up instead of sitting down when answering questions.
Quick! Somebody get Noynoy a Nobel!
***
Conrado de Quiros has jumped the shark. Humped it too.
***
Last night, we drank to life. I thought it was cute.
I was waiting for us to sing "Tradition!", but "Fiddler on the Roof" was too snotty for such a manly night.
***
But then again, how did "Hands Down" qualify? Oh yeah, Bok.
***
I know Breast Cancer Awareness month is the product of a feminist Tupperware party, but I get the feeling that the only reason men have gone along with it for so long is that the word "breast" is in it.
I mean, of all the other cancers that are far deadlier and kill more people in the world, why breast cancer? The answer, I believe, is in advertising.
***
Jeremy Clarkson is right about the dumbing down of Britain. Jeremy Clarkson is the Man. If I ever get the local equivalent of professorial tenure, I'd like to be Jeremy Clarkson. It doesn't make sense, but the world would be more awesome with more Jeremy Clarkson in it.
***
Obama, Nobel Peace Prize winner? Hey, if even Hitler could get nominated, why not? Sure, it's preposterous, but you won't be laughing once Obama gets an Oscar for Best Screenplay for some scribbles he wrote on a napkin.
***
Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize does have a positive aspect. (And no, I'm not kidding.) After all, in 1973, the US Supreme Court decided in Roe v. Wade that "potential" did not have the right to life. Now, we're giving peace prizes to "potential". So, it's progress, I suppose. (OK, so I am kidding.)
***
I'm not George W. Bush too. I can potentially be a force for peace, too. Where's my Nobel, Mr. Jagland?
***
In the online version of National Review, Mark Steyn does a number on Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize. I note this, however, mainly because of this line on el Presidente's domestic and foreign problems:
Why squander your presidency on trying to turn an economically moribund feudal backwater into a functioning nation state when you can turn a functioning nation state into an economically moribund feudal backwater?
***
Steyn also calls attention to a woman (obviously an academic) who defends Obama's prize by saying:
“I’m afraid I’ve registered into a very conversative [sic], fear-based world here but I’d like to suggest the incredible notion we all create our worlds in our conversations. What are you building by maligning rather than creating discourses for workability? Bravo to Obama and others working for people, however it appears to cynics.”
What the fuck does "creating discourses for workability" even mean? Sadly, the academe is filled with people who seem to have only heard of planet Earth from a poorly-made vacation brochure. I've encountered enough of them (not that many in UA&P, thank goodness) to know to just say "Live long and prosper" and just get the hell out of the way.
***
In an Inquirer (print) article, some talking (writing?) head wrote an article about an exchange between four Philippine presidential candidates and representatives of local government units. The guy billed it as a "big government vs. small government" forum, a la the US Presidential Debates. However, judging from the questions the writer reported, it was less "big government vs. small government", and more "big pork vs. small pork". I'm a "small government" guy myself, and saw none of the issues in such a debate tackled, at least, as far as the reporter goes. This goes to show you how careless Inquirer reporters are when they play with big words.
***
The same writer said that Noynoy differentiated himself from Villar, Gibo and Escudero by standing up instead of sitting down when answering questions.
Quick! Somebody get Noynoy a Nobel!
***
Conrado de Quiros has jumped the shark. Humped it too.
***
Last night, we drank to life. I thought it was cute.
I was waiting for us to sing "Tradition!", but "Fiddler on the Roof" was too snotty for such a manly night.
***
But then again, how did "Hands Down" qualify? Oh yeah, Bok.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Random Thoughts on the Week at Large 9.20.09
Got to watch a really good play this week. OK, half a good play. And for free too. I get to watch the full show for free too in exchange for a longer review. If only I could make a living out of it. Or a reasonable sideline.
***
Apparently, Mar Roxas thinks he and Noynoy are in a "good vs. evil" fight in the upcoming elections. So, will he an Noynoy assemble (form feet and legs! form arms and body!) into a clunky robot to fight Gloriazilla? Tsk tsk, looks like somebody was absent during his theology class. "Good" and "evil" are morally heavy terms that cannot be bandied lightly, especially by specious politicians whose records do not belie any insightful knowledge that would justify their usage. Nobody has the right to use these terms in Philippine politics. Not this lot of mediocrities. Of course, Randy David takes Mar to task, but his approach is that of a woolly agnostic. (Surprise, surprise...) Talk about taking out a fire by collapsing a building on it.
***
This "anybody not in the Liberal Party is evil" approach by Mar Roxas may be one big joke. But if the electorate believes it, then it gets to be really funny. Because by then, the big joke is all of us. "Abstaining Voter" returns on Monday.
***
MSI's service center ought to really rethink their inefficient protocols. If their damn protocols were anywhere near reasonable, I wouldn't have had to wait four days to find out that my laptop had "no problems". (Not...)
***
I love baptismal receptions. I also love drinking at baptismal receptions.
***
When does a "Foodarama" graduate to "Strip Mall"?
***
Bok went on a successful date. Tomorrow, I await the Four Horsemen, and Olivia Wilde's response to my wildly inappropriate marriage proposal. Because at this point, anything can happen.
***
Speaking of the Supreme Ruler of Jonathan's Happy Land, Olivia Wilde just completed a photo shoot for GQ. Consider my mind officially blown and my pants officially wet. There is a God.
Uh, hi...my name is...name....is...fuck....*twitches*
***
I know this is old news, but I do wonder what qualifies Ellen Degeneres as an American Idol judge. Its not because she's funny, because she isn't. She certainly can't dance, as she amply demonstrates whenever possible. Sing? Instrument? No? Is it because she likes girls? I like girls too. Where's my invite?
***
Saw an episode of "True Blood". Fucking Anne Rice-esque hype job. Androgynous pervy vampires were cutting edge about 20 years ago. The only thing to keep me watching is the prospect of Anna Paquin skin. But, that's what Tivo and Youtube are for.
***
Who in their right mind names their child "Sookie"? Were they expecting a puppy to pop out of that womb?
***
Can't wait for Modern Warfare 2. I need another game to suck the living substance off of my social life.
***
Apparently, Mar Roxas thinks he and Noynoy are in a "good vs. evil" fight in the upcoming elections. So, will he an Noynoy assemble (form feet and legs! form arms and body!) into a clunky robot to fight Gloriazilla? Tsk tsk, looks like somebody was absent during his theology class. "Good" and "evil" are morally heavy terms that cannot be bandied lightly, especially by specious politicians whose records do not belie any insightful knowledge that would justify their usage. Nobody has the right to use these terms in Philippine politics. Not this lot of mediocrities. Of course, Randy David takes Mar to task, but his approach is that of a woolly agnostic. (Surprise, surprise...) Talk about taking out a fire by collapsing a building on it.
***
This "anybody not in the Liberal Party is evil" approach by Mar Roxas may be one big joke. But if the electorate believes it, then it gets to be really funny. Because by then, the big joke is all of us. "Abstaining Voter" returns on Monday.
***
MSI's service center ought to really rethink their inefficient protocols. If their damn protocols were anywhere near reasonable, I wouldn't have had to wait four days to find out that my laptop had "no problems". (Not...)
***
I love baptismal receptions. I also love drinking at baptismal receptions.
***
When does a "Foodarama" graduate to "Strip Mall"?
***
Bok went on a successful date. Tomorrow, I await the Four Horsemen, and Olivia Wilde's response to my wildly inappropriate marriage proposal. Because at this point, anything can happen.
***
Speaking of the Supreme Ruler of Jonathan's Happy Land, Olivia Wilde just completed a photo shoot for GQ. Consider my mind officially blown and my pants officially wet. There is a God.
Uh, hi...my name is...name....is...fuck....*twitches****
I know this is old news, but I do wonder what qualifies Ellen Degeneres as an American Idol judge. Its not because she's funny, because she isn't. She certainly can't dance, as she amply demonstrates whenever possible. Sing? Instrument? No? Is it because she likes girls? I like girls too. Where's my invite?
***
Saw an episode of "True Blood". Fucking Anne Rice-esque hype job. Androgynous pervy vampires were cutting edge about 20 years ago. The only thing to keep me watching is the prospect of Anna Paquin skin. But, that's what Tivo and Youtube are for.
***
Who in their right mind names their child "Sookie"? Were they expecting a puppy to pop out of that womb?
***
Can't wait for Modern Warfare 2. I need another game to suck the living substance off of my social life.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Random Thoughts on the Week at Large
Saw "Gamer" today, because my sister has this weird crush on Gerard Butler. Potentially good story, extremely weak ending, and the shaky-cam must. simply. die. Too many shots of creepy fat gay guy playing future Sims. Dexter makes a nice villain.
***
Another week, another agonizing moan for the Republic. Noynoy talks to dead people and they tell him to run. Administration's best bets are "opposition" candidates. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge) At least, "abstaining voter" is gonna be fun.
***
You know how the dying Roman Republic was replaced by the Roman Empire? If only we would be so fortunate once our own Republic dies. "Emperor" Noynoy just does not have the same ring as Augustus.
***
Rehearsals for "Newspaper Dance" are proceeding according to plan. Well, "plan" broadly defined, at least. A good thing too. My A team will be absent on two different months.
***
Oh, and cats do bring their prey home to serve a social function, either because they see their owners as head of their social groups and the dead mouse is some sort of tribute, or because they're teaching their dumb owners to hunt, or as part of their own parenting process (with the owner seen as an inept kitten or older cat, since there is no "parental separation" between a cat and the owner). I was right. I was not the one anthropomorphizing cats. Cats see the dead mice and birds as things good in themselves, my ass. (Yes, foundations classmates, I am a petty asshole.) Yeah, its Wikipedia, but the relevant part is sourced.
***
Speaking of Foundations class, the Disputatio was a pleasant and welcome surprise.
***
Band of Brothers remains the best war movie / tv show / anything to come out of Hollywood in the last 20 years. No pushy dove screeching, just straight up story-telling about the horrors and heroism of war.
***
Speaking of screeching doves, "liberal" is still a dirty word. "Reagan" is still awesome.
***
Guns or God? Another Newsweek moron wants to know, because she says you can't have both. Unfortunately for her, God doesn't agree. Praise the Lord, pass the ammunition, indeed.
***
Never act like a credit card newbie in front of a cute bank teller. I fucking hate credit cards. I like cute bank tellers who giggle girlishly when Richard Cheese plays on the radio.
***
Are we supposed to suspend classes whenever famous people die? I would feel kinda stupid if we have a holiday when Kris Aquino kicks the bucket. But then again, I'd like a nice, happy drink on that day.
***
I'd like to stop being a moron when confronted with pretty women. But then again, I'd still like to be straight as well. Ah, the price we have to pay.
***
Another week, another agonizing moan for the Republic. Noynoy talks to dead people and they tell him to run. Administration's best bets are "opposition" candidates. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge) At least, "abstaining voter" is gonna be fun.
***
You know how the dying Roman Republic was replaced by the Roman Empire? If only we would be so fortunate once our own Republic dies. "Emperor" Noynoy just does not have the same ring as Augustus.
***
Rehearsals for "Newspaper Dance" are proceeding according to plan. Well, "plan" broadly defined, at least. A good thing too. My A team will be absent on two different months.
***
Oh, and cats do bring their prey home to serve a social function, either because they see their owners as head of their social groups and the dead mouse is some sort of tribute, or because they're teaching their dumb owners to hunt, or as part of their own parenting process (with the owner seen as an inept kitten or older cat, since there is no "parental separation" between a cat and the owner). I was right. I was not the one anthropomorphizing cats. Cats see the dead mice and birds as things good in themselves, my ass. (Yes, foundations classmates, I am a petty asshole.) Yeah, its Wikipedia, but the relevant part is sourced.
***
Speaking of Foundations class, the Disputatio was a pleasant and welcome surprise.
***
Band of Brothers remains the best war movie / tv show / anything to come out of Hollywood in the last 20 years. No pushy dove screeching, just straight up story-telling about the horrors and heroism of war.
***
Speaking of screeching doves, "liberal" is still a dirty word. "Reagan" is still awesome.
***
Guns or God? Another Newsweek moron wants to know, because she says you can't have both. Unfortunately for her, God doesn't agree. Praise the Lord, pass the ammunition, indeed.
***
Never act like a credit card newbie in front of a cute bank teller. I fucking hate credit cards. I like cute bank tellers who giggle girlishly when Richard Cheese plays on the radio.
***
Are we supposed to suspend classes whenever famous people die? I would feel kinda stupid if we have a holiday when Kris Aquino kicks the bucket. But then again, I'd like a nice, happy drink on that day.
***
I'd like to stop being a moron when confronted with pretty women. But then again, I'd still like to be straight as well. Ah, the price we have to pay.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A Good, Bad and Ugly Week
Here's my world in a nutshell this past week...
1. NFL "Championship Monday" (Sunday, EST)
The Good: Excellent football games all around. Both my picks won. Steelers vs Cardinals for the Superbowl, baby!
The Bad: Who the hell do I root for come the Superbowl?
The Ugly: I've been a Steelers fan for several years now, but I cannot help but root for Kurt Warner. Here's a 37 year old quarterback who has a life story that can make "The Rookie" and "Seabiscuit" look like "Air Bud". If he and the Cardinals lose after coming this far, there's no justice in this world, and I'm probably going to cry like a little girl. But...the Steelers, man....
2. I Got Sick
The Good: I got a full day's rest, and got to miss what was, by many accounts, a horrid class session.
The Bad: The headache was one nasty bitch.
The Ugly: One of the supposed causes of my headache was my high blood pressure. So, that means all that makes eating good must end (or just severely curtailed for now). Imagine, me, on a fucking diet!
3. I Got To Watch a Filipino Adaptation of One of My All-Time Favorite Satires: Animal Farm
The Good: Umm...it was for free?
The Bad: It has got to be the most god-awful translation of Animal Farm in existence. "Hacienda Animal" is a title more fitting for a Mexican soap (and translates to "Animal Estate", which the farm manifestly wasn't).
The Ugly: The ending is the epitome of stupidity among all the other stupidities inflicted by that moron of a translator (if it was the director's addition, then that moron of a director). Read the Wikipedia page, and you will see that "Napoleon" is an allusion to either Napoleon Bonaparte or, more credibly, to Joseph Stalin. The ending of the adaptation (which still retains the original names for characters, places and things) has a female "Napoleon" prancing around as "madame President" (was Stalin ever "president"?) before being overrun by "migrating" animals. So, the poignant satire which was "Animal Farm", in the hands of a most incompetent translator, becomes a blunt, poorly-written exercise in mocking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. All nuance and irony are crushed under the heel of political point-scoring. It's V for Vendetta the movie all over again. I know GMA is not the best president, but to compare her to Stalin is to minimize what a monster Stalin truly was. I pray this translation is burned in a bonfire of vanities somewhere and never comes to international attention. If it does, then I hope the estate of Orwell sues the pants off this UP prick Jorge Himenez for crimes against literature. I am willing to add an amicus brief for the prosecution.
4. The Inauguration of "The One".
The Good: A black guy is now US President. All those Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock comedies have not gone to waste!
The Bad: Different pigment, same politician.
The Ugly: There is this whorish cult of personality surrounding "The One". If I wanted to see a people openly prostituting themselves with such ecstasy and in such magnitude, I would simply watch Leni Riefenstahl's masterful Hitler documentary "Triumph of the Will". At least, that was better shot than HBO's love fest for The One. You should also see this compilation of Hollywood celebrities conveniently finding their civic spirit and openly declaring their love and servitude, not to the country they spent the last 8 years hating, but to The Dear Leader himself (praise be upon him). Watch it til the end to get to the "Children of the Corn"-like part.
Yo, buck-tooth Michael Strahan, wouldn't it have killed you to consider yourself an unhyphenated American when Bush was in office? Or even Clinton? And Red Hot Chili Peppers guy, "I pledge allegiance to Barack Obama"? WTF?
This, my friends, is an example of a bunch of free serfs begging for tyranny. Looks like they've found the right tyrant. We'll see.
5. The IMC "Rally" for those who passed phase I of the application process....
The Good: Everybody seemed giddy with joy.
The Bad: It was sort of like that classroom chanting scene in Animal Farm ("Four legs good! Two legs bad!") combined with a reality show opening.
The Ugly: We don't get to see them fight each other through a bunch of menial corporate tasks with special twists. Yes, folks, I've seen one episode of Stylista....
1. NFL "Championship Monday" (Sunday, EST)
The Good: Excellent football games all around. Both my picks won. Steelers vs Cardinals for the Superbowl, baby!
The Bad: Who the hell do I root for come the Superbowl?
The Ugly: I've been a Steelers fan for several years now, but I cannot help but root for Kurt Warner. Here's a 37 year old quarterback who has a life story that can make "The Rookie" and "Seabiscuit" look like "Air Bud". If he and the Cardinals lose after coming this far, there's no justice in this world, and I'm probably going to cry like a little girl. But...the Steelers, man....
Suggested Movie Title: "If 'Rudy' Was More Successful and Not a Dick: The Kurt Warner Story"
_______________________2. I Got Sick
The Good: I got a full day's rest, and got to miss what was, by many accounts, a horrid class session.
The Bad: The headache was one nasty bitch.
The Ugly: One of the supposed causes of my headache was my high blood pressure. So, that means all that makes eating good must end (or just severely curtailed for now). Imagine, me, on a fucking diet!
Not even a pair of exposed PETA boobies can make this appetizing...
_________________3. I Got To Watch a Filipino Adaptation of One of My All-Time Favorite Satires: Animal Farm
The Good: Umm...it was for free?
The Bad: It has got to be the most god-awful translation of Animal Farm in existence. "Hacienda Animal" is a title more fitting for a Mexican soap (and translates to "Animal Estate", which the farm manifestly wasn't).
The Ugly: The ending is the epitome of stupidity among all the other stupidities inflicted by that moron of a translator (if it was the director's addition, then that moron of a director). Read the Wikipedia page, and you will see that "Napoleon" is an allusion to either Napoleon Bonaparte or, more credibly, to Joseph Stalin. The ending of the adaptation (which still retains the original names for characters, places and things) has a female "Napoleon" prancing around as "madame President" (was Stalin ever "president"?) before being overrun by "migrating" animals. So, the poignant satire which was "Animal Farm", in the hands of a most incompetent translator, becomes a blunt, poorly-written exercise in mocking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. All nuance and irony are crushed under the heel of political point-scoring. It's V for Vendetta the movie all over again. I know GMA is not the best president, but to compare her to Stalin is to minimize what a monster Stalin truly was. I pray this translation is burned in a bonfire of vanities somewhere and never comes to international attention. If it does, then I hope the estate of Orwell sues the pants off this UP prick Jorge Himenez for crimes against literature. I am willing to add an amicus brief for the prosecution.
Didn't Stalin have a killer 'stache?
Isn't GMA supposed to be smaller, and without that genocidal twinkle in her eye?
____________________________4. The Inauguration of "The One".
The Good: A black guy is now US President. All those Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock comedies have not gone to waste!
The Bad: Different pigment, same politician.
The Ugly: There is this whorish cult of personality surrounding "The One". If I wanted to see a people openly prostituting themselves with such ecstasy and in such magnitude, I would simply watch Leni Riefenstahl's masterful Hitler documentary "Triumph of the Will". At least, that was better shot than HBO's love fest for The One. You should also see this compilation of Hollywood celebrities conveniently finding their civic spirit and openly declaring their love and servitude, not to the country they spent the last 8 years hating, but to The Dear Leader himself (praise be upon him). Watch it til the end to get to the "Children of the Corn"-like part.
Yo, buck-tooth Michael Strahan, wouldn't it have killed you to consider yourself an unhyphenated American when Bush was in office? Or even Clinton? And Red Hot Chili Peppers guy, "I pledge allegiance to Barack Obama"? WTF?
This, my friends, is an example of a bunch of free serfs begging for tyranny. Looks like they've found the right tyrant. We'll see.
Nope, no creepy cult of personality here. Move along. Remember, he sees ALL!
__________________________5. The IMC "Rally" for those who passed phase I of the application process....
The Good: Everybody seemed giddy with joy.
The Bad: It was sort of like that classroom chanting scene in Animal Farm ("Four legs good! Two legs bad!") combined with a reality show opening.
The Ugly: We don't get to see them fight each other through a bunch of menial corporate tasks with special twists. Yes, folks, I've seen one episode of Stylista....
Dean: 59 contestants, 20 slots...who will be the next batch of IMC students? Who's gonna cry? Who's gonna be an ass? Stay tuned!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Miscellany Omnibus
Can't really think clearly today. Got one hell of a headache. Too much COD 4, I assume.
So, its just a bunch of brain farts strung together for today.
____________
My Dream Vehicle
Forget about anything made by the Big Three, Japanese automakers or European manufacturers. My favorite vehicle-making company is now the Mutoid Waste Company. Ford? Honda? Kawasaki? None of them had the balls to make this beauty:
Now this is the baby I want to roll around in! All the HP in the world will never compensate for the lack of a hellish flame-thrower. Hell Hound for the win!!!
_________
AWWWW....SHIT...
Damn you, Eric Cart...err...Foreman!!!!! *primal howl*
___________
I KINDA SUCK WITH BIRTHDAYS
Looking at my trusty Multiply calendar (right...), it looks like I missed out on greeting at least two of my buddies on their birthdays this month. AG and Hazel, I'm sorry this comes really late, but belated Happy Birthday guys. Both of you are two of my favorite former students (this is a wide category, really), so I decided to trawl the Interwebs for very late presents. Because, y'all know I'm Mr. Moneybags.
For AG:
I want to give you a reminder as to how far you've come under the tutelage of Bodega and its many mysterious ways. But I couldn't decide which one suits better, so fuck it, have 'em both.*
For Hazel:
I want to give you something that reminds me of you. I couldn't think of anything. Then, another critter named Hazel shows up in search.
Okay, so its name is "Akagami Hamster". But let's just pretend it's named Hazel, k?
Extremely belated Happy Birthday, you two.
______
* 1st pic - You grew up in suburbia. Nobody feels sorry for you. Get a haircut.
* 2nd pic - Less conformist than the bus.
I'm out.
So, its just a bunch of brain farts strung together for today.
____________
My Dream Vehicle
Forget about anything made by the Big Three, Japanese automakers or European manufacturers. My favorite vehicle-making company is now the Mutoid Waste Company. Ford? Honda? Kawasaki? None of them had the balls to make this beauty:
All that's left missing is some AC/DC for the CD player...
Now this is the baby I want to roll around in! All the HP in the world will never compensate for the lack of a hellish flame-thrower. Hell Hound for the win!!!
_________
AWWWW....SHIT...
"...."
Damn you, Eric Cart...err...Foreman!!!!! *primal howl*
___________
I KINDA SUCK WITH BIRTHDAYS
Looking at my trusty Multiply calendar (right...), it looks like I missed out on greeting at least two of my buddies on their birthdays this month. AG and Hazel, I'm sorry this comes really late, but belated Happy Birthday guys. Both of you are two of my favorite former students (this is a wide category, really), so I decided to trawl the Interwebs for very late presents. Because, y'all know I'm Mr. Moneybags.
For AG:
I want to give you a reminder as to how far you've come under the tutelage of Bodega and its many mysterious ways. But I couldn't decide which one suits better, so fuck it, have 'em both.*
You've come a long way, AG. A very long way...
For Hazel:
I want to give you something that reminds me of you. I couldn't think of anything. Then, another critter named Hazel shows up in search.
That is so cute, I think my brain just melted.
Okay, so its name is "Akagami Hamster". But let's just pretend it's named Hazel, k?
Extremely belated Happy Birthday, you two.
______
* 1st pic - You grew up in suburbia. Nobody feels sorry for you. Get a haircut.
* 2nd pic - Less conformist than the bus.
I'm out.
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