Old MySpace Blogs

I don't want my blogs on MySpace anymore. Therefore, I'll post them in here. Please don't read. These are boring. But I don't want to delete them forever... just erase them from MySpace:

Saturday, April 23, 2005

Napoleon Chili

So, at my work (Active Voice, LLC), we have a chili cookoff every year... All chilis are voted on different categories like Best Meat, Hottest Edible, Most Creative, etc. Well, for five plus years now, our Production department has won the category for Best Ad Campaign. That is, until this year.

With the help of a couple of close friends (Erwin & Cesar), my department (Finance) put on the winning ad campaign for our chili. It's name? Drumroll please... Napoleon Chili (it's Dynamite). We couldn't think of a better way to pay tribute to such a great movie but to make a video ad campaign based on the movie Napoleon Dynamite. We created five different video clips and have them available for viewing...

Does anyone know of a place I can store these videos? Each .wmv clip ranges from 5K to 21K - I'd love to put them on the Internet for people to watch. I've never been so proud of anything like I am of these videos. We started filming on Saturday April 16th and finally got done with edits early Thursday morning (the Chili cookoff was yesterday, April 21st). It's only about ten minutes long - but it's got its funny moments...

Anyway, let me know if you know of a place I can store these. OR, if you'd really like to see it and have room on your email account for small (and crappy) versions of the videos, I could always email it to you. Just give me your email address and I'll send it to you for your viewing pleasure...

Again, I had so much fun and am so proud of everyone who helped out with it (especially Erwin & Cesar). I've been watching the clips over and over and over again... Too addicting...


Thursday, April 14, 2005

c'mon Sonics!

I would love it if the Sonics could close out the season on a winning streak - and I think they're completely capable of it. I went to the game last night and, though they lost, I thought they did a decent job against a good Mavs team. Any of y'all down on the Supes? Don't be... They've got Rashard, AD, and Danny back. Rashard was very cold to start the game - but I think it's to be expected after being out...what? seven, eight games? Don't any of you count these guys out... I agree with one writer who compares this string of losses to their bad preseason. Rashard, Ray, and Flip were all hurt and it made them look like not such a great team. Just think of this as their preseason before the playoffs. I predict that they'll at least get to the Western Conference finals! Yeah!

I must say, the game was lots of fun with the Saraspis last night. I like hanging out with them... especially Tony. I'm glad I got to see next to him. He's all growns up now... Anyway, go Sonics! More blogging later... Back to work after a short lunch...

Monday, March 28, 2005

One of those emails...

Here's one of those emails people send and you're supposed to reply so people can learn more about you. I thought I'd paste my results in here for fun:

[x] Full Name: Rodney Lloyd Toves Champaco
[x] Birthdate: May 19, 1974
[x] Birthplace: Fort Meade, Maryland
[x]Ethnicity: Chamorro
[x] Current Location: In my office
[x] Eye Color: Brown
[x] Hair Color: Black with gray hairs “here and there”
[x]Single/Married: Yeah… exactly
[x]Children: Nope
[x] Righty or Lefty: Righty
[x] Zodiac Sign: Taurus (hence the stubbornness)
[x] Innie or Outtie: Innie

-----------------DESCRIBE------------------
[x] Yourself: I’m Rodney… what else is there to know?
[x] Your favorite thing to wear: Clothing… otherwise, I’d be nekked…
[x] Your style: I have style? Okay, I’ll call it plain.
[x] The shoes you wore today: My comfy sketchers – walking shoes
[x]Your room: Light Purple-ish
[x]Your car: A 1992 Nissan Sentra
[x] Your fears: Phone conversations (I’m not a fan of talking on the phone)
[x]Your life: I’m all about having fun no matter how important or significant an event or task is
[x] Your friends: They’re aiight. I like ‘em, I guess. Actually, my close ones know that they should never analyze the friendship… just BE my friend. No drama.
[x] Your last relationship: My current one? It’s grrrrreat. Or the LAST one? It was the opposite of grrrrreat.
[x]Your handwriting: Blah.
[x]Your pet peeves: Not being respected. I don’t like it being treated like crap if I haven’t done anything to deserve it.

-----------------WHAT IS------------------
[x] Your most overused phrase: "…or no?" Example: “Do you want to go watch a movie?…or no?”
[x] Your thoughts first waking up: "How much more time can I sleep?”
[x] The features you notice in the opposite sex: “Those” and “those”… okay, honestly…hair.
[x] Your best physical feature: “Those” and “those”… Am I actually supposed to answer this? Fine then… my toes.
[x] Your bedtime: 12ish
[x] Your most missed memory: All those family moments when I was kid (between age of 5-12). So clueless back then… I loved it!
[x] Your worst habit: flipping TV channels
[x]Your favorite food: Spam
[x]Your favorite sandwich: Spam…nah, pastrami
[x]Your favorite junk food: Spam…actually, fast food onion rings – does that count?
[x]Your favorite drink: Spam juice… nah… WATER!
[x]Your favorite alcoholic drink: Long Island iced teas
[x]Your favorite ice cream: Any form of chocolate
[x]Your favorite dessert: Any form of chocolate
[x]Your favorite smell: light scented lotion… Mmmmm…
[x] Your Favorite movie: I’ll copy Bossch with different genres… Comedy =
"Napoleon Dynamite", Romantic = "Sleepless in Seattle", Drama = “Shawshank Redemption”, Animation = “The Incredibles” (yes, even more than Toy Story”)
[x]Your favorite TV show: Lost, Alias, Desperate Housewives (all clever shows)
[x]Your favorite song: Right now? Since You’ve Been Gone (Kelly Clarkson)
[x]Your favorite sound: When I make a basketball shot with “nothing but net” – love that crisp sound
[x]Your special talent: Dancing
[x] The farthest you've been from home: What’s farther? Frankfurt, Germany? Or the Philippines?

-----------------YOU PREFER------------------
[x] Pepsi or coke: Pepsi ‘cause it’s sweeter
[x]Hot sauce or Ranch: Hot Sauce
[x]Take out or Homecooked: Home cooked
[x] McDonald's or Burger King: Burger King (‘cause of the onion rings)… there’s one on the corner of Spokane & 4th
[x] Single or group dates: Single
[x] Adidas or Nike: Nike
[x] Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
[x] Cappuccino or coffee: Cappuccino
[x] Top or bottom: TOP
[x]Dove or Caress: The caress of a dove… okay, caress
[x]Pink or red: red
[x]Hugs or Kisses: I agree with Bossch… BOTH… but from him? Well…
[x]Summer or Winter: Summer
[x] To Love or To Be Loved: To Love

-------------DO YOU------------------
[x] Smoke: Nope
[x] Cuss: “rarely”
[x] Like to cook: Yes – hate to cleanup
[x] Take a shower everyday: Of course
[x] Sing in the shower: Sometimes…but very badly
[x]Have any bad habits: besides channel surfing, I guess I’m a procrastinator (doh!)
[x] Have a crush(es): yep
[x] Think you've been in love? Uh-huh
[x]Miss anyone?if so who?: yes… Bossch
[x]Trust others easily: Funny…EXACT same answer as Bossch… “Yep. You have my trust from the get go. You
have to do something for me to lose my trust in you.”
[x]Think youre strong: For some reason, yes.
[x] Want to go to college: Go back? Of course…
[x] Like high school: Nope. Cliques were horrible!
[x] Want to get married: Maaaaaybe…
[x] Type w/ your fingers on the right keys? Yes.
[x] Get motion sickness: Sometimes…depends
[x] Think you're attractive: Nope…not at all. Uh-uh… no siree…
[x] Think you're a health freak: Yes, I do. Always aware of my health. BUT, do I do anything about it? Nope.
[x]Think you're a daredevil: I could be. I love taking risks…
[x] Get along with your parent(s): Yes… never thought I would… but I do.
[x] Like thunderstorms: Not really ‘cause they’re usually go hand-in-hand with rain
[x] Play an instrument: Yes, a CD player
[x] Go to the mall: Only if I have to buy something

-------------HAVE YOU EVER------------------
[x] Flown on a plane: Yes
[x] Told a guy/girl that you liked them?: Of course…
[x] Cried during a Movie?: Yes.
[x] Eaten sushi: Yes sir…
[x] Been on stage: Yes…
[x] Been dumped: Kinda…well, yeah.
[x] Dumped someone: Yes
[x] Gone skating: Yes
[x] Made homemade cookies: Yes, sir
[x] Dyed your hair: Yep… a shade of brown once… full blown-out blonde another
[x] Stolen anything: Yes…lots. When I was 16-17, I did it SO much until I got caught stealing a radar director at Payless Drugs (now, Rite-Aid)
[x] Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: Yes…first time with coworkers. Threw-up on myself. Sweeeeet…
[x] Gotten beaten up?: Only verbally
[x] Been in a fight: Only verbal ones… argh…

----------------THE FUTURE------------------
[x] Age you hope to be married: When I grow up…
[x] Numbers and Names of Children: Two would be nice… Pochaco and Poncho
[x] Describe your Dream Wedding: Eloping in Vegas (no, I’m not joking)
[x] How do you want to die?: I wouldn’t…
[x] What do you want to be when you grow up? One day, I want to be a junior high teacher
[x] What country would you most like to visit?: Italy

-----------------NUMBER OF-----------------
[x] Number of people I could trust with my life: With my life??? I guess many people… but I’d probably only truly choose 3 or 4
[x] Number of CDs that I own: Maybe a couple hundred …
[x] Number of piercings: At one point, 3… but now, only left ear, bottom lobe (others were right-ear bottom lobe and left-ear top lobe)
[x] Number of tattoos: Just one small one on my right arm of the Guam penant
[x] Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?: A couple of times for little things
[x] Number of scars on my body: Besides the acne and chicken pox scars…none.
[x] Number of things in my past that I regret: Like Bossch, I try not to have regrets either…so, none.

----------------RIGHT NOW I'M------------------
[x] Wearing: Brown sweater, blue jeans, red boxer briefs, white undershirt, fossil watch, hanes socks, black belt, Active Voice keycard, glasses, and a smile
[x] Drinking: Water
[x] Thinking about: Getting off work at 6pm
[x]Watching: The sun shining brightly through my window behind me (finally)
[x] Listening to: this damn air-con system… so LOUD
[x]Wishing i was: already out of the office

---------IN THE LAST 24 HRS------------------
[x]Food you ate: lowfat blueberry coffee cake with a tall nonfat mocha for breakfast, 6-inch turkey subway sub on whole wheat with all the veggies except onions/jalapenos with only salt & pepper for lunch, ice cream cake (for someone’s b-day), had 19-peanut m&ms, four nestle crunch candy eggs, and drank 64 ozs of water today
[x]Movie you watched: first two-thirds of Men of Honor on TNT yesterday morning
[x] Cried: Nope
[x] Worn: yes, clothes…
[x] Met someone new online: No.
[x] Done laundry: Nope
[x] Drove a car: Yes
[x] Talked on the phone: Did I? Only work calls.

---------------DO YOU BELIEVE IN--------------
[x] Yourself: 100% completely!
[x] Your friends: Again, 100% completely!
[x] Destiny/Fate: Not really… I believe we make our own destiny…
[x] God: Yes
[x] True love: Yes
[x]Soulmates: Yes

-----------FRIENDS AND LIFE------------------
[x] Do you ever wish you had another name?: Yes. I always wished I had a different name than “Rodney Lloyd”… c’mon now… wouldn’t you? But, still, I like it. It’s “aiight”
[x] Who have you known the longest of your friends? That’s easy… Eric Ecker… been friends since 1989.
[x] Are you close to any family member?: Yes – closest one being my little sister, Roxann. For as little as we see or talk to each other, she’s the closest
[x] When have you cried the most?: Probably 2-3 months after my older sister’s death. It just hit me all of a sudden while watching TV about someone dying prematurely. I started talking about how unfair it was for him or her and then I think it completely hit me about my sister. I was ballin’ for at least 5-10 minutes. Felt good afterward… Yeah, that was probably the longest. Or did I cry longer after the Denver Broncos lost their fourth Superbowl? It’s one of the two…
[x] What's the best feeling in the world?: Making someone laugh. Good times… good times.
[x] Worst Feeling?: When you’ve made someone feel like crap and didn’t know it. Man… that really sucks. Talk about “awkward”
[x] What time is it now?: 5:38pm


Saturday, February 26, 2005

Academy Award Picks

So... I haven't had time to review all the movies like I would have wanted. Maybe I'll still do that later... In the meantime, here are my picks to win the major categories on tomorrow night's Oscars:

Best Picture
Million Dollar Baby
...if it was up to me, I'd pick Sideways to win 'cause I thought the writing was clever. I had no idea that I'd be laughing as much (or as hardily) as I did...

Best Director
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
...what can I say? The guy's a genius...

Actor in a Leading Role
Jamie Foxx - Ray
...there is no doubt in my mind that this guy deserves the victory in this category. If he wasn't nominated, I woulda picked Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda. As usual, he did an awesome job...

Actress in a Leading Role
Hilary Swank - Million Dollar Baby
...another easy choice. She's just the best...

Actor in a Supporting Role
Morgan Freeman - Million Dollar Baby
...not such an easy choice. I saw all the nominees and think they all deserve the Oscar (except Alan Alda's minor role in Aviator). Jamie Foxx won't win 'cause he'll get the award in the lead role. But, man... Thomas Haden Church and, especially, Clive Owen were great. Personally, I'd choose Clive - but I'll give it to the veteran Morgan Freeman...

Actress in a Supporting Role
Cate Blanchett - The Aviator
...another not so easy decision. Virginia Madsen was captivating in Sideways. As beautiful as she is, you really felt the chemistry between her & Paul Giamati. And Natalie Portman displayed such great range of emotion in Closer. I'm picking Cate Blanchett - but I wouldn't be suprised if Madsen won it...

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Sideways
...since the voters will give Best Picture to Million Dollar Baby, I'm thinking this award will go to Sideways and its great dialouge...

Writing (Original Screenplay)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
...I'd actually pick it for Best Picture if it had been nominated in that category. But it wasn't - so I'll stop whining. Without a doubt, Eternal Sunshine grabs the Oscar for original screenplay...

AND in the other minor categories (where I've actually seen the movies):

Animated Feature Film: The Incredibles
Art Direction: The Aviator
Cinematography: The Aviator
Costume Design: The Aviator
Film Editing: Million Dollar Baby
Makeup: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Music (Score): Finding Neverland
Music (Song): The Polar Express
Sound Mixing: The Aviator
Sound Editing: Spider-Man 2
Visual Effects: Spider-Man 2

If you read this before Oscar time, I hope you'll post your choices for any or all of the categories above. Happy Oscar Watching!

Monday, February 21, 2005

The Aviator

So here’s the movie with eleven Academy Award nominations – the most of any film. With those numbers, you’d think “The Aviator” stands a chance of winning a ton of Oscars. Unfortunately, I don’t think that'll be the case. From Fandango.com…

“The Aviator chronicles the early years of billionaire Howard Hughes. The film looks at his career as a director and his passion for flight while the aviation industry was in its infancy. During this time, Hughes was also known as a playboy, romancing some of the most prominent women in Hollywood, including Jean Harlow, Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.”

11 Academy Award Nominations
Best Picture
Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Alan Alda
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Cate Blanchett
Best Director
Best Writing (Original Screenplay)
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Mixing

This movie was simply “okay”. It did give a peek into the life of the eccentric Howard Hughes – a person I barely knew anything about. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Hughes made me forget that he drowned in the Titanic. Hughes’ obsessions couldn’t have been depicted any more perfectly. You can see why Leo is such a great actor. Unfortunately, he’s facing Jamie Foxx in this category. Luckily for the movie, there is one acting nomination that could result in an Oscar win: Cate Blanchett. Her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn seemed dead-on. She’s my pick for Supporting Actress…well, for now. But Alan Alda? Nah… there are other better nominees.

So outside of Blanchett, I don’t think this movie will win any other awards. I think that other movies are better qualified to win the Oscar in their respective categories. “The Aviator” has that Martin Scorsese “Gangs of New York” feel to it. It didn’t work for “Gangs…” and it certainly won’t be good enough for “The Aviator”. If I end up being wrong, I’ll blame it on the fact that we were late to this movie and had to sit in one of the first rows. My neck’s still in pain from watching it… blah…

Go out and see this movie if you care to see why the Academy will give it only one or two Oscars… Otherwise, I’d recommend waiting for the DVD… Next up, the movie that waited fifteen years for Jamie Foxx… “Ray”…


Jipped Movie of the Year: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind...

Since I’ve seen a butt load of movies lately, I’d better keep my little blogs of each movie to a minimum – and maybe steal a little from other websites as far as the synopsis goes. From Fandango.com, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is about…

“Joel (Jim Carrey) is stunned to discover that his girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) has had her memories of their tumultuous relationship erased. Out of desperation, he contacts the inventor of the process, Dr. Howard Mierzwiak (Tom Wilkinson), to have Clementine removed from his own memory. But as Joel's memories progressively disappear, he begins to rediscover their earlier passion…”

It’s up for two Academy Award nominations…
Best Actress: Kate Winslet
Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

I think it’s a shame that this movie isn’t up for “Best Picture”. I loved every facet of it: the story (how original), the director/writer’s vision, sequence of events, and dialogue, the acting (especially Winslet & Carrey’s interaction), and special effects (you have to watch the movie twice to notice little things you missed the first time around). I only watched this movie because a friend (thanks Bossch) loaned it to me. I remember when the movie came out almost a year ago (March 2004). A coworker of mine told me, “Rodney, you gotta see this movie”. Man – was he right!

So if I’m gushing so much over this film, why isn’t it up for more awards? Maybe ‘cause The Academy has such short-term memory? Why can’t a bunch of film folks recognize originality? Eternal Sunshine was a beautiful work of art. The story unfolds in non-sequential order but by the time the film is over, you completely understand the reasoning and wish you were as brilliant as this writer-director combo. The transition from scene to scene is not only the result of special effects but the vision of a gifted director. The best part about watching this film on DVD is how I was immediately able to watch deleted scenes, interviews with cast & filmmakers, and listen to some of the commentary. Good stuff...

How will it fair at the Oscars? I definitely think it’ll win for Best Writing (Original Screenplay). Unfortunately, I’m still thinking that Hillary Swank’s got the award for Best Actress. That shouldn’t take away from the wonderful job that Kate Winslet does. You forget that she has an accent and can’t help but fall in love with her characters quirks. Any other year, I’d give it to her… unfortunately, I’m still a fan of the Swanker…

Since this movie’s out on DVD, I’d recommend buying it. It’s definitely a keeper and will be part of my collection soon. Hmmm, maybe Bossch will forget he loaned it to me? Nah... that would be bad... bad Rodney…

So, what movie to talk about next? Ah, yes… The Aviator…

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Finding Neverland

It's been a few of weeks since I've seen Finding Neverland, but I'll try my best to give my review since it does have SEVEN Academy Award Nominations:

Best Picture
Best Actor - Johnny Depp
Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Music (Score)

This movie suprised me. I'm not a fan of films set in the late 1800's/early 1900's. Nor do I care for those movies set in Britian. I'm definitely not a Peter Pan fan. And I never cry in movies. However, by the time Finding Neverland was finished, I had done all I could to fight back the tears. The story takes place in 1904 and is about British author/playwright J.M. Barrie (Jonathan Depp), his troubled marriage, and the inspiration of a widowed wife's (Kate Winslet) four kids on his creation of Peter Pan.

If I had allowed myself, I would have been crying like a moe foe. I don't know if it was the performances turned in by Mr. 21-Jump-Street or Miss Titanic (why didn't she make room for Jack on that raft?) Was it the music? The story? The emotional performance of 13-year old Freddie Highmore, one of Kate Winslet's four sons? It had to be a combination of all that 'cause the last half hour had me close to ballin' like a baby. Maybe it's all my emotional issues? Oh, we'll save that for a different blog. I'd prefer to think that the filmmakers simply did a great job of evoking such emotion.

So what Oscars will it capture? Johnny Depp was good - but trailers from "Ray" have me thinking that Jamie Foxx should win in that category (I can't wait to watch it so I can know for sure that he's who should win). Back to Finding Nemo-land, I don't think it's strong enough in to win Best Picture, Writing, or Film Editing - the other nominees are way too strong. However, the Art Direction, Music, and Costume Design could be the categories it'll score in. When it comes to Costume Design, it seems like time-specific pieces like this movie always get rewarded with the Oscar. Of course, I still have to see a few more movies before making my final decision.

So, is this a movie to see in the theaters? As with Million Dollar Baby, I watched a matinee showing of it. For you Academy Award enthusiasts, it's definitely worth watching. However, for y'all trying to save money for "The Incredibles" DVD, just wait until Finding N comes out on video and rent it. Of note, as good as Kate Winslet was, her "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" performance was much, much better... Speaking of which...

Next blog review: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - the movie the Academy forgot...

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

It's Oscar season...

So, every year, my girlfriend Glodine and I watch as many Academy Award nominated films as we can before the actual awards show. This year, the awards are showing on Sunday February 27th. That gives us a little over three weeks to catch all the Best Picture nominees & to try and see as many other top nominated films as we can. Will this make us experts on the Oscars? Hell no. What it makes us is poor from all the money spent on tickets, popcorn, and cherry coke. Well, actually, I guess we are a bit more prepared for our Oscar Party/Ballot/Quick-Money-Making-Scheme than most.

This year's Best Picture nominees are:
Million Dollar Baby
Finding Neverland
The Aviator
Sideways
Ray

In the past week, we've seen two of the movies: Million Dollar Baby & Finding Neverland. You members of MySpace are lucky enough (yeah, right) to get an insight on one person's perspective (that would be me) of these movies. If anything, it'll certainly assist you with your own Oscar ballots. You DO partake in an Oscar ballot, right? Alright... so, it's just me.

Anyway, first up...Million Dollar Baby.

7 Academy Award Nominations
Best Picture
Best Actor: Clint Eastwood
Best Actress: Hilary Swank
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Morgan Freeman
Best Director
Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Best Film Editing

A film about a boxing "cutman" (Clint Eastwood) who owns a boxing gym. He reluctantly trains a girl from the "other side of the tracks" (Hillary Swank) after his pal/gym maintenance man (Morgan Freeman) persuades him to do so. Though I really liked the movie, I can't say, "I loved it..." It was missing the extra oomph. Maybe 'cause it was a slow paced film. For any of you who saw Mystic River and liked it, this is definitely the movie for you. Clint Eastwood's directing style is one of bringing a "real feel" to his movies - just like Mystic River. Is this movie Best Picture worthy? Not sure yet - I'd have to see the other movies first. But my initial feeling is, "Naw".

However, Hillary Swank is AMAZING in this movie. She's no Charlize Theron ala "Monster" - but, man, I don't think the other nominees in the Best Actress field stand a chance. Her physical conditioning and portrayal of the lead character blew me away.

As far as the other actors go, I'd think Morgan Freeman has more of a chance of winning as Best Supporting Actor than Clint Eastwood does for Best Lead Actor. Eastwood's my bet for winning Best Director.

So, should you go see the movie in the theaters? Only if you're interested in seeing why it will win for Best Actress, Best Director, Best Writing, and (possibly) Best Supporting Actor. If anything, catch it via a matinee. However, if you could care less about the awards, just wait for it to come out on DVD...

Next blog... Finding Neverland: The movie that almost made me cry...


Friday, October 22, 2004

Election 2004

Never have I followed an election as closely as this year's Presidential race. Why the sudden concern? Plain and simple... Bush must go. I think many Americans are tired of what this country has gone through the past four years - and it's time for a change. Before watching Farenheit 9/11 (did I spell that correctly?), the only reason I had for NOT voting for Bush was based on his personality alone. Sure - funny guy. Great to laugh AT him... But our nation's leader? Please... Michael Moore has totally inspired me to get more involved and educate myself of this country's politics. I'm trying to read up on the candidates, I've been following the debates, and I've been listening to NPR (94.9FM) whenever I'm driving. Can't believe's there actually a world outside the workplace, basketball, and movies & tv... If you can vote for American Idol, you can vote for our president...

On a side note, I just got done watching a clip from IFILM.com (ummm... a bit different than IFILMS.com...hehehe). It's the clip of Jon Stewart on CNN's Crossfire. Gotta love Jon Stewart & The Daily Show.

Crossfire Appearance:
http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2652831

Jon Stewart's "Spin" on his Crossfire Appearance: http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2653047

Time to sleep...

Kauai's Family Restaurant

Since I haven't written a blog in forever, I thought I'd just post my first English 102 paper. It was an investigative assignment on any location in Seattle. I chose to write a paper on Kauai's Family Restaurant, a place I like to eat at every hoo-bee-da-hoo. I received full credit for this assignment. Of course, everyone did as long as they revised their paper with the teacher's written corrections. I could end this intro with a "Hope you enjoy!" or just "Enjoy!" But, instead, I'll end with, "Enjoy?"

One of the biggest advantages to living in the Seattle area is having so many dining options. The restaurant selection is vast and varying, a result of the area’s culturally diverse population. With Seattle being part of the Pacific Rim, there is an especially wide range of Asian & Pacific Islander fare. You don’t have to go far to find Chinese dim sum in the International District, scrumptious pad thai in various neighborhood Thai restaurants, and sushi in downtown Seattle satisfying to even Japanese tourists. Even the tastes of the Hawaiian Islands can be found in several local restaurants like Kona Kitchen in Mapleleaf, Ohana in Belltown, and L&L Hawaiian Barbeque in Lynnwood. Although there are a handful of these establishments to please the cravings for island cuisine, none offer truly authentic Hawaiian food & atmosphere like the Kauai Family Restaurant.

The Kauai Family Restaurant is tucked away in a strip mall in the industrial district of Georgetown just south of Michigan Street on 6th Avenue South. Opened in 1993 as noted on the restaurant’s website, Kauai is a welcome alternative to the numerous fast food and teriyaki joints in the immediate vicinity. Open Tuesday through Saturday until 5pm, Kauai depends not only on workers from local businesses but also from Hawaiians who now consider Puget Sound home, as referenced on the website’s “About” section. From the outside, there is barely any indication that Kauai is a local Hawaiian favorite, as its plain exterior blends in with the surrounding industrial area. Once inside, however, the flavors of Hawaii are evident both in the tantalizing smell of the food and in the subtle Hawaiian décor. The scenic island photos, Hawaiian print tablecloths, and other simple decorations give Kauai a fitting laid back island feel.

According to the restaurant’s website, Peter Buza, owner, cook and native of Kekaha, Kauai, proudly considers Kauai Family Restaurant’s dishes as “the only authentic Hawaiian food in town.” Buza, one of six children, originally came to Seattle in 1975 to attend the University of Washington but ended up back in Kauai where he learned to make the traditional foods of the island. He eventually returned to Seattle and opened Kauai Family Restaurant. It is indeed a family affair with Buza’s nephew helping in the kitchen, his sister running the bakery next door, and other family members serving customers (“Kauai Family Restaurant”). Though this limited staff may result in longer waits during peak hours, it is worth the wait in the quality of food and the courtesy of the service.

Contrary to popular belief, the appearance of Spam on a restaurant’s menu does not necessarily constitute an authentic Hawaiian restaurant. Kauai Family Restaurant prepares Hawaiian favorites like Kalua Pork, Lau Lau, and Lomi Salmon, which is “salt salmon massaged into bits mixed with chopped tomatoes and onions and served chilled,” described perfectly in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer by Penelope Corcoran. The Lau Lau is a dish prepared with beef or pork and some salted fish, wrapped in taro and ti leaves and steamed overnight. There are also hearty dishes such as Loco Moco, a hamburger patty with rice, fried egg, and gravy in a bowl (Corcoran). Of course, those looking for Spam will find it either with rice and eggs for breakfast or in the Spam Masubi, a slice of soy sauce seasoned fried spam and rice wrapped in seaweed.

The other Hawaiian restaurants in Seattle, like Ohana, Kona Kitchen, and L&L Barbeque, serve basically the same menu items as the ones offered at Kauai Family Restaurant. In my experience dining at these other establishments, I have been impressed with the quick service and more aesthetically pleasing décor. However, I can’t help but notice the greeters, servers, or cooks who aren’t of Hawaiian or, even, Asian descent. There is something to be said about the legitimacy of a culture’s cuisine. Hawaiian authenticity is in the recipes that have been passed on from the islands, in the owner, cooks, and wait staff who are of true Hawaiian descent, and in the regular native Hawaiian patrons who return time and time again to Kauai Family Restaurant to experience the food and atmosphere that reminds them so much of home.


Works Cited:
Corcoran, Penelope. “Cheap Eats: Kauai Family Restaurant.” Seattle Post-Intelligencer. 25 October 2002. 5 October 2005 [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/92707_eat25.shtml].

“Kauai Family Restaurant.” Kauai Family Restaurant Website. 5 October 2005.[http://www.kauaifamilyrestaurant.com/about.htm].

My Name is Earl

As I do every year, I try to catch my fair share of new shows.

"Reunion": Each episode highlights a year in the life of six friends from their 1986 high school graduation to their high school reunion in 2006. Somewhere along the way, we're gonna find out that one of them has been murdered. It's just getting started - hope it gets better...

"Bones": It's as fascinating as your "CSI"s and "Law & Order"s but isn't compelling enough for me to continue watching. I like a continual story when it comes to my dramas so I'll pass on this one...

"Head Cases": Argh. Why did I watch this? Never again! Waste of an hour...

"My Name is Earl": This show was too funny! It's so clever and I'm definitely looking forward to the next episode. The first episode was probably the best first episode of a sitcom that I’ve ever seen… Earl, played by Jason Lee, is your stereotypical trailer park loser. Earl narrates the show which opens up with him stealing worthless crap out of someone's car (hence, Earl being a loser). Earl has a beautiful wife, Joy, but he suspects that she's been cheating on him. Though she's given birth to two children while they were married, neither belongs to Earl. She was already six-months pregnant with the first, Dodge, when they got married (he was drunk) and the second baby, Earl Jr, is black. We then meet Randy, Earl's brother, who's by Earl's side most of the time. Randy's drinking limit is four beers or else he starts doing crazy things. Randy can't help but bust out dancing when his favorite song, Rob Base & D.J. E-Z Rock 's "It Takes Two", is playing on the jukebox. Randy likes to reel in a dance partner with his imaginary fishing pole.

The show starts off three weeks ago when Earl bought himself a winning $100,000 scratch ticket. As he's celebrating, Earl inadvertently walks out onto a road, gets slammed by a car, and loses the scratch ticket. He wakes up in a hospital with an injured neck & leg and Joy asking him to sign some papers. He does so with no question but finds that she's divorcing him to be with Earl Jr's father, Darnell "Crabman" from Ernie's Crab Shack. As he's lying in the hospital, Earl happens to flip the channel to Carson Daly's late night talk show. The person Carson's interviewing asks Carson how he's been so fortunate in his life. In the words of the Great Carson Daly, "It's just Karma - good things happen to good people". This is suddenly an epiphany for Earl who attributes himself being in the hospital and losing the scratch ticket to all the bad things he's done in his life.

After being released from the hospital, Earl & Randy make a rundown hotel their new home. As Randy is trying to hookup with the maid, Catalina (which he called “dibs” on), Earl writes a list of all the bad things he's done in his life, intending to make them all right. He starts, randomly, with #136… littering. As he's picking up garbage from the hotel parking lot, the lost winning scratch tickets rolls right next to him. "Son of a bitch, it's working!"

Earl claims his winnings and sticks the cash in the glove compartment of his El Camino. He decides to work on #64, Kenny James, a guy he tormented in elementary school. Earl stalks Kenny for a few days and finds that he's got a great life - he's an assistant manager at Copy Hut, he owns a powder blue LeCar, and he has the nicest house on the block. Unfortunately, Kenny has no one to share it with. So how does Earl decide to make things right with Kenny? He attempts to get Kenny laid.

Earl gets Daytime Hooker, Patty, to have sex with Kenny. After Kenny politely refuses her services at his home, Earl & Randy march inside to find out what the deal is. When Kenny sees Earl, he frightfully retreats to the corner of his bedroom where he tries calling 9-1-1. As Earl tries to calm Kenny, Randy casually goes through Kenny's bedside drawer to find... gay porn. The reason Kenny rejected Patty wasn't because she was disgustingly scraggily - it's because Kenny is part of “The Gay”.

Earl & Randy “escape” from Kenny's house back to the hotel. Earl takes him off the list due to "special circumstances." It’s his list – he can do whatever he wants. But right after he does this, Joy shows up demanding half of Earl's winning and whacks him over the head with a telephone. Earl realizes that Joy’s actions is the result of Karma - so he decides to give helping Kenny another try.

Earl goes to Kenny’s house and explains why he wants to help him, citing the Great Carson Daly and Karma. While doing so, Earl insensitively calls Kenny “queer” but quickly corrects himself by saying, “Uhhhh… Homosexual American?” Kenny admires Earl trying to making things right. He tells Earl how difficult it is to find a man in their small town. Earl suggests Kenny try going to a gay club in the city. But that’s something Kenny had already unsuccessfully tried in the past. Earl agrees to help Kenny by going with him (and Randy). Once they get to the club, Kenny immediately sees someone he likes. Earl offers to go up to the guy but Kenny tells Earl that he’ll be able to do it on his own. His newfound confidence is because of Earl’s acceptance. If Earl, the childhood bully, could accept him for who he was, then everyone else should. So Kenny confidentially approaches his interest and the show ends with Randy reeling in a dance partner ‘cause “It Takes Two” is playing. With his partner being male, it could only mean Randy had over four beers… Oh well, Kenny’s new confidence clearly meant success for Earl – marking Kenny off the list. Only 258 to go…

This first episode was very smart with its talented cast. I’m expecting more laughs in the future… I loved the quick flashbacks (ala Family Guy) and I think the show will have much success as long as people watch it. How can you go wrong with Jason Lee? I can’t wait for more… Here’s what one reviewer had to say:

On first description, “My Name Is Earl” sounds like an attempt by NBC to dumb down its heritage of classy, urbane sitcoms and improve its sagging ratings in the rural and conservative red states. Looks can deceive. This is a show so subversively, so outrageously cool that Larry David would appreciate it… But this is not “Hee Haw” with a plot. Nor is it a hick version of the blue-collar “According to Jim.” Maybe it’s best thought of as a post-“Seinfeld,” post-modernist version of “Dukes of Hazzard.” Creator Greg Garcia’s show is hip and irreverent, sophisticated even when its characters do dumb things, and slyly winking at an audience bright enough to get its references and be intrigued by its stylishly cinematic production values…In short, it’s another intelligent NBC comedy -- only in disguise. And that makes this brave, clever attempt to shake up the staid world of sitcoms both praiseworthy and risky. This is a major departure from the network’s stale world of big-city-singles shows, yet its zippy aesthetic can be appreciated by those very educated singles who identified with “Friends” or “Seinfeld.” - By Steven Rosen , Los Angeles writer, Sept. 20, 2005 © 2005 Media Life

Cute kitty?

Being a very proud kitty daddy (yeah, I said it), I can't help but think, "Are our kittens REALLY cute? Or are they just cute to US because we're their parents?" But sometimes we luck out with pictures that prove that they truly are the most adorable creatures ever to walk the planet[echo]p l a n e t [echo]p l a n e t . . .

Hence, Exhibit A...
...then I remember that they're also little tyrants who like to destroy our house.
Oh well...

Back to school...

I've decided to go back to school, finishing what I started long ago. I have an official copy of my University of Washington transcripts (70 credits in two years) and will be meeting with a South Seattle Community College advisor tomorrow afternoon. I hope that the classes I took long ago still count… I’m hoping to take only two night classes per quarter (ten credits) while I’m working full-time.

On Monday, I was thinking about how I always tell people that they can do whatever it is they want with their careers, relationships, etc. They just have to go for their dreams by taking action and following the appropriate steps to accomplish their goal. This is the kind of stuff I was telling my brother (35 years old) and sister (22 years old) just the day before. We were talking about our current jobs and we suddenly realized that none of us had finished college - yet each of us had two-years of college experience. I was telling them how they needed to go back and finish school. But here I was, not finish with school myself. I've been at the same job for almost ten years (hired November 1995). I’ve been content with doing almost the same thing all this time. That’s a long time and it just hit me that it’s time for a change. And for the kind of change that I want, I have to go back to school.

Growing up, my parents did a great job stressing the importance of education. That’s why my siblings and I are equals as far as intelligence goes. But my parents were really only there for us through high school. After that, they didn’t seem to know how to further encourage us through college. They couldn’t help us with money ‘cause they didn’t have any extra to give. And they couldn’t control our study habits ‘cause we were officially adults. I don’t know about my brother & sister but, once I was off on my own, furthering my education was the last thing on my mind. After all those years of having to follow my parents’ rules, always staying home and never ever going out, I became the biggest slacker at UW. I wasn’t really much of a partier but I did like to just hang with friends, play sports, go out to eat, watch movies…basically all those things that we missed out on growing up.

So here I am now, over ten years later, not regretting a single thing. I’ve learned so much from my experiences and I’m glad I better know what I’m doing now. I’ll continue to make mistakes but the fewer of them I can make, the better off I will be. I know my family can (and will) be really successful in whatever they choose to do as well. But they have to take steps to get where they want to get. It’s not going to magically happen. MY first steps are meeting with an advisor, showing them my pathetic transcripts, and signing up for classes which start on September 26th. It’s going to be a long journey but it’ll be worth it once all is said and done.

Princesses - Broadway Bound???

There's a new musical at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle called Princesses. It's showing here first as a test run in order to make changes and improve the show before it (hopefully) hits Broadway in NYC. The creative team encourages its audience to email their opinions regarding the show. Of course I had to send them SOMETHING... Here's a letter I sent to the theater with my thoughts:

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2005 5:06 PM
To: 'admin@5thavenuetheatre.org'
Subject: Princesses - One audience member's view...

To the Princesses’ Creative Collaboration:

I have seen Princesses twice and I enjoyed it both times – actually, I think I enjoyed it more the second time around. I had a pretty busy weekend the first time I saw it on the evening of August 14th. That night, the first act was a little slow but it definitely picked up after intermission. However, last night (August 21st), I enjoyed the first half more. It’s probably one of those “have to be in the mood” kind of things. Or maybe it’s the fact that it was only $20 for me to see it the second time around. I like to believe I was more alert this time around.

I didn’t really notice any changes in a week’s time. If there were any changes, they must have been minor. The duets between Miranda and her father were beautiful musically and lyrically. The most emotionally charged songs for me were the final song with Miranda & her father (in the wheelchair), ”I Don’t Need You”, and “The Best Revenge”. However, my favorite performance is easily “What a Drag”. Talk about clever lyrics! And, actually, the duet with Ms.Nibby & Miranda’s dad (trying to motivate Miss Nibby) is just as funny. I was still laughing the second time.

Cast-wise, I think you have found gems in Miranda, her dad, and the three ladies who play her close friends (the scene stealers in “What a Drag”). Ms. Nibby and the girl who discovers Zach’s at the school (I forget her name) both have a great roles. Actually, the entire cast is so multi-talented. I love how each girl actually gets to contribute to the story. Where was all this talent found? And is it legal for “Princesses” to hog them all to themselves?

If I could offer any constructive criticism, it would be to work on Zach’s solo “Just Say Yes”. I don’t know if it’s the song or Zach himself. I definitely think changes are needed. If I had to use one word to describe that scene, it would be “corny”. At both performances, I felt that people were laughing at the scene. Not a giggly “Wow, he’s cute” kind-of-laughing but a “Good grief, this guy looks like a fool” kind-of-laugh. In fact, before the Q&A last night after the show, I heard a girl in her twenties say (quite loudly) that he’s “simply embarrassing”.

The scene’s music, lyrics, and vocals are great. But it opens kind of awkward. I’m definitely no music expert but those first beats of the song come on so suddenly. What if it was extended a little longer to allow more dialogue to blend into those opening beats? Maybe more choreography could be added to Zach’s performance. His free styling moves are a little boring. He needs some moves to help transform the performance into something more sensual. I’m not saying he should perform a lap dance but he needs to be a bit more alluring. His outfit could also use some work. I might be a 31-year old heterosexual male but I can comfortably say that his look is not appealing. He doesn’t have to wear a black “wife-beater” tank top to show off his body. My two female friends thought he looked much “hotter” last night during the Q&A session wearing a plain green t-shirt. Actually, I could hear lots of girls whispering about how much better he looked. A simple wardrobe change might make him more appealing…

Someone made a comment last night during the Q&A regarding the use of inappropriate language. I personally don’t think the language is inappropriate. In fact, I think the language is realistic with today’s teens. There was only one use of language that bothered me. I’m not sure if the word “b*tch” is actually necessary when the blonde “mean girl” says it in reference to Miss Nibby giving her a role she doesn’t want. Yes, I believe that teens today can be rude. But it’s not believable (to me) that a teacher would tolerate that kind of comment without kicking her out of the classroom. I don’t think anyone would stand for that, timid or not. If the creative team thinks it’s necessary, then maybe the dialogue shortly thereafter should be quicker paced until Miranda’s dad enters the room. That way there’s no time for Miss Nibby to react to such a disrespectful act. Or maybe “b*tch” can be changed to “bee-yotch”. I dunno – that’s just my opinion…

Seriously, I think this show has a lot of potential. Granted, I am easily entertained, I think this show has two things going for it… the musical within the musical and the fact that it takes place in today’s world with an emphasis on today’s teens. I’m seriously thinking of seeing this musical for a third time. Hopefully, I can use my $20 ticket stub to buy yet another $20 ticket.

Best of luck to the Princesses team in their pursuit of a successful Broadway show. I’ll be rooting them on every step of the way!

Thanks!

Is Hell exothermic or endothermic?

The following is supposedly an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving.

I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.

As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different Religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell.

Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell.

With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.


This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.


2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over. So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, "It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you", and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over.

The corollary of this theory is that---since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct...leaving only Heaven thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last nigh t, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God."


THIS STUDENT RECEIVED THE ONLY "A"

Random Game

My friend Greg emailed me this funny game called Lust for Bust. If you win, the sound the dude makes cracks me up! Remember - don't get caught staring too long!

The journey to West Seattle...

So how did the kitties finally end up in our home? Well, on July 23rd I picked up the kitties from the original owner's place WAY up in Snoquomish. They were then taken to my coworker Greg's place in Capitol Hill for them to be watched while we continued to work on the house. There, they met up with Crisco, my friend's 12-year old black cat. He's a beauty (sorry - no picture). According to Greg, the three of them got along real well. For the first few days, Luna would hiss at Crisco whenever he came close. This would make Crisco real sad - but, eventually, they all became buds.

On July 31st, Greg got his own new kitty - Nutter. She never really got along with our playful kitties even though she's only three days older than them. Our kitties were born May 15th - Nutter was born on May 12th. Maddie tried her best to play with Nutter but she was way too quiet for our energetic ones. Greg definitely had his hands full with all four cats... I'm so glad that he was able to watch over our kittens 'cause we needed all that time to finally finish the living room. I can't believe how long it took us! It was originally supposed to be a surprise birthday gift for The Great One but it took so long that I ended up telling her for the sake of figuring out how to handle them and to possibly take on another kitty. I told her about it on Sunday July 31st - a whole five days before we actually got them. Though it was no longer a surprise, she was still very happy with her gift!

So, FINALLY, on Friday August 5th, The Great One & I went to Greg's place to pick them up. We've been having so much fun with them ever since. We appointed new names to them replacing Sweet Pea with Luna Bella - based on a song called Bella Luna (we just switched the names around). She goes simply by Luna. And we replaced Amelia's name with Madeline Rose - Madeline seems fitting for her & Rose is for the pretty color of her nose. She goes simply by Maddie. Together, they're Luna & Maddie... aka Looney and Maddy! They're such crazy ones in the late evening. After 11pm seems to be the time they decide to go WILD, chasing each other all over the house and swiping/clawing everything in sight. We usually go to bed around midnight so we can still hear 'em. But they're great!

So they're litter box is an automatic one (Litter Maid). They've acclimated well to it without ANY problems. We've started them on hard kitty food - but also feed them canned food. Nothing like "Kittens for Dummies" to help us out in this new experience. We're keeping them only in the living room and kitchen for now and will open them up to other rooms in the next few weeks. I'm loving them!

My newest allergies: Luna Bella & Madeline Rose

The birthday kitties are here in our new living room! They are the cutest and most funnest to be around! Pictured above are (on the left) Luna Bella aka Luna aka Looney and (on the right) Madeline Rose aka Maddy. They were born on May 15, 2005 and finally arrived to their new home this past Friday...

Changing my blog

I think it's time I changed the picture on my blog. The skin peeling is rather disgusting. Instead, we'll take a look at what caused the irritation...



Speaking of which, the living room is done! Whoohoo! All that's left is sweeping, mopping, and moving in the furniture. Can't wait to stretch out on our "new" couch. Ummm... yeah. We bought it in 2001 but it has NEVER been used. It's still in the plastic. As the Great G would say, "Hope it ain't moldy..."

Yet another allergy...

I guess I'm allergic to latex. The irritating itchiness has increased in the past few days... it's the price to pay for painting our living room - well, along with the hundreds of actual dollars we've been spending. How long does it take to paint a friggin' living room? In our case? Weeks. But in our defense, we've also been painting the hallway, seven doors, a closet, and ALL the trim that goes along with it. We're close to being done with only a second coat of yellow left tonight.

But no more latex gloves for me. The condition of my skin CAN get worse and I'd rather not see how bad it can get. My skin's been peeling like Elmer's glue except, in this case, it really is my skin coming off. But at least it doesn't hurt. So, yeah, add this to my allergies of pollen, grass, trees, cherries, and...uhhh...cats. I hate having allergies 'cause it makes me feel like Bill Pullman from "Sleepless in Seattle". Soon, I'll be buying a humidifier, I won't be able to eat at dinner parties, and I'll be carrying around epinephrine...

Don't Talk to Strangers

Last night, my girlfriend and I went shopping at Target for birthday presents. It was after 8:30pm which gave us an hour and a half before closing time. We ended up in the DVD section looking for something to buy Rena (who's turning 29...or is it 28?)... Anyway, we ended up looking at the $10 movies. Two movies seem like a great gift but we had to decide which two to get. Selection was decent enough with "Big Fish" (didn't see it but heard great things) and "Garden State" but we were still deciding. As we were looking, this Asian American lady was browsing as well. She had to be in her late 50s, early 60s. Politely, she asked us, "Excuse me... did you happen to see this movie?" showing us "Under the Tuscan Sun" which she was holding in her hand. I pointed to my girlfriend as I hadn't had the fortune of seeing it. Glo-dee-nee gave it the thumbs up and that was the end of it.

...well, so we thought.

I'd like to forget everything else that followed since it's an hour of our life that we'll never have back. Hawaiian Stranger (her accent was a dead giveaway) proceeded to ask us about every single movie on the shelf - whether we saw it or not. She asked us if we had seen War of the Worlds. We hadn't. But that didn't stop her from revealing scenes which obviously ruined the element of surprise for us. Then...THEN... she described the first few scenes to a movie she's writing. A movie which she would have to cast a very strong female character... obviously, that meant it had to star someone like...hmmmm... Vanessa Marcil? O H, M Y G A W D! ! ! ! Hawaiian Stranger nearly put me to sleep describing every little detail of her story:

It's about a lady who came from a wealthy family who just recently got divorced for about six months and now has moved to Arizona and she's a real smart lady who was an equestrian/diver who even competed in the olympics but I can't remember whether she won a medal or not but she's in Arizona now and has only been there for a couple of days and her brother calls her without too much information and says that she has to go home right away to georgia or some other state like that and she goes home and it's raining and her heel breaks and she knocks on the door and it's muddy and she steps in glass which reminds her of the glass she stepped in arizona which came from jack daniels bottle and how that's possibly from the same type of bottle and then she starts running 'cause two henchmen are chasing her maybe the same ones she saw in arizona who were driving by but didn't think anything at the time 'cause that's just people passing by and so her and her brother howard start running down dark tunnels that they used to run down when they were kids and they didn't go down the part that is boarded up 'cause they couldn't do it when they were kids and they weren't going to do it now so they go down one part and then she can see water coming from far away and she decides to keep going and she has to dive and hold her breath which she can do since she was a diver/equestrian but the guy somehow follows her and then she's scared 'cause there's an alligator and it reminds her of a log and... can you guess what happens at the end? huh, huh, huh? oh, you think it's the dad? or the ex-husband? no, no, no... it's going to be someone that I didn't even tell you about and I'll have to copyright that ending...

We COULD NOT get a word in edgewise. When finally given a chance, I said, "Oh, we have to get going now". I swear, we left as quickly as we could walking as far from that section as we could get. We decided to just go with "Big Fish" and "Garden State" since that's what I had in my hand. Hawaiian Stranger pretty much dismissed our recommendations. But she was definitely a sweet lady who just wanted to talk to someone. Poor lady. Still, one shouldn't have to be bored like that unless they're family. It's gotta be a law.

Never, never, NEVER will I ever talk to a stranger again. I've learned my lesson. Or maybe not. But still, I don't think I'll be having random conversations anytime in the near future... Until, next time... Aloha (in Hawaiian, it not only means "Hello"... it also means "Thank goodness I was able to get away from you")

Primetime...

So , we're almost set to paint. Luckily, not like this dude in the picture. Instead, we're painting the INSIDE of the house. And, oh yeah, I'm not wearing a hat when I paint. And, most importantly, I don't have to use a ladder. :)

My back is hurting today and I'm just a wee bit tired. Yesterday, left work at 1pm to go home and, oh joy, apply primer to the walls which we washed on Tuesday night. Took a break at 5pm to watch the Spice Girls (the softball team, not the girl group) play at Greenlake. The Great Glow-Dee-Nee made a funny in saying that watching them play was like watching a rock band. She's been hearing so much about them that it felt like watching celebrities play. Afterward, had dinner and started working on the house again around 9:30pm...went to bed close to 2am. And we're still not done priming. But I'm just so happy that we're getting through it. So much closer to having a living room!

I just had to make sure to make a web log because, yes, this is a very momentous time. After almost four years of living in that house, we're this close to having a living room. A living room which we can finally relax in...

Fantastic Four vs Independence Day

I'd relate the success of Fantastic Four to that of Independence Day. Now, excuse me for not having factual information but, I seem to recall that ID received mixed reviews - most of them negative. Most of them comparing it to every other alien invasion type of movie and saying how it wouldn't do so well in the box office. Despite there being no "star power" at the time (Will Smith wasn't the star he is today), the movie ended up being a success and, dare I say... a classic. I think what helped ID tremendously was its marketing plan and entertainment value. And that's what we have with Fantastic Four...

A movie doesn't have to receive good reviews in order to be entertaining. I think the critics have underestimated the comic book fans who are just content to see some of their favorite characters on the big screen. You'll definitely see more postings from negative comic book fans 'cause they're just never happy with a movie unless it matches THEIR vision of the movie. I myself never imagined this type of treatment for the Fantastic Four. But it worked. It was entertaining and I enjoyed it thorougly. No A-list stars, story not as strong as other comic movies, but so what? I remember enjoying Independence Day just as much as I enjoyed watching the Fantastic Four... I hope the same can be said about the the hundreds of thousands of people who made the effort to see it this weekend...

My favorite TV show

Damn you, vile woman, you've impeded my work since the day I escaped your wretched womb.

One of my favorite movies...

That suit, it's... it's incredible.

Happy Hour

Happy Hour seems like an appropriate name for my blog. This is it. My first blog. Wow.

...

In about half an hour, I'll be headed off for Happy Hour at good ol' McCormick & Schmick's (Harborside) in Seattle. In order to make room for all the splendid $2 appetizers, I've eaten only half a bag of popcorn since lunch. I spiked the popcorn with sugar - which my partner in crime didn't notice until it was all finished. "Is this kettle corn?" brought a grin to my face as success was mine! She had partaken of my tainted concoction without realizing what I had done. I guess we were just both hung-'a'-ry.

Happy Hour begins at 9:30pm... which means we'll leave the house ten after the hour... which means we'll be missing a new episode of "Dancing with the Stars". No, I'm not hooked - I only saw my first episode last week. But this newest reality competition has made me a bit curious... how can this show be the hit of the summer??? Oh, I know, I know... there's absolutely NOTHING else worth watching on TV. And that's a GOOD thing. It frees up time for us to actually work on the house. All together now... "Yay!"

So why Happy Hour on a Wednesday night? 'Cause Glen & Melinda are in town! They're visiting from Orlando so we thought these cheap eats would be a good excuse to get together to hangout. Or, the truth... we thought getting together to hangout would be a good excuse to get these cheap eats. Time to fill my belly with these buck-ninety-five treasures. There's gonna be gold in 'dem' plates!

Time to go now... gettin' ready to leave... "What the blog???"