Happy New Year...or, I'm Back...

Woah.
That was my reaction after I decided to finally check my blog and discovered that it had been almost two years since I last posted anything here.
So what happened? Well, stuff that I would rather not get into anymore, so let me just say that a few other reasons as to why I've not been posting on my blog for the longest time is because of work (I was usually too busy), and I was often tired, and, I must admit, too lazy.
But it's a New Year now. Again. Sheesh! "Where does the time go?" is the question I always ask myself annually at the start of the new year, as well as every so often.
And come the new year, mostly everyone would like to accomplish a few goals via the "infamous" New Year's Resolution(s). And, for the most part, people never really get to see their plans into fruition. I happen to be one of those poor, pathetic souls who make a list of things-to-do-for-the-year and never accomplish a single task. Still, it doesn't stop me from making my New Year's Resolution(s) at the beginning of every new year. And here I go again...
Where to begin...?

TARDINESS
This was really a big problem with me last year, especially at work (at Dream and for my dubbing sessions). I'd usually get to Dream-FM for my boardwork anywhere between ten to fifteen minutes late; and even worse, for my dubbing sessions at 20Plus in Makati, I'd get to the studio forty minutes, sometimes even an hour late! This year, I want to be able to arrive at work, at least five, maybe ten minutes, before I'm supposed to go on-air. The same goes for when I have to dub at 20Plus.
TEMPER
I'm pretty much a very patient guy. But when I'm on the road and I encounter stupid motorists, I truly have a short fuse; if you do something idiotic (with me being the recipient), all I see is red. So far, and thankfully, there's never been an incident similar to the one I had years ago wherein I chased down this guy driving a Pajero who cut me off in Ortigas. To cut it short, it ended with him going after me (after i gave him the finger) and pulling along side my car and pointing a gun at me (I was still running on adrenalin that, instead of being scared out of my wits, and thinking, I gave him the double finger -- what can I say? I'm nuts). Probably the worst "road rage incident" that I had last year was when this guy driving a public FX tried to run me off the road along Quirino on my way to work. My blood instantly boiled and I chased after him, drove on the wrong side of the road just to get to him, not caring about the oncoming vehicles, and rolling down my window in order to throw coins at him.
SPENDING SPREE
I accumulated a huge credit card debt last year, and this year, I want to try and lessen the amount of money that I spend for stuff that I buy; I want to lessen the usage of my credit card, period.
I have a friend who is what you'd call a "deprivation junky"; every year, he likes to set goals that deprive himself of certain things that he likes. A couple of years ago, he stopped himself from buying DVDs for a whole year, and last year, he got through the entire year without drinking Coke or any kind of soda. For 2009, he says that he will keep his spending for his "wants" (those include original and bootleg DVDs, books, clothes, shoes, bags and dolls [he's gay by the way, just in case you were wondering about the dolls] ) to not more than 5 thousand pesos a month.
I know that there's not a snowball's chance in hell that I'll be able to keep my own spending for my "wants" (and those are comic books, original and bootleg DVDs, CDs, and watching movies) to just, or even less, than 5k a month. There is just no way. For one thing, I already spend a little over two grand every week for my comics alone.
And so, in regards to my comic book addiction, what I'd like to try to do is to lessen the number of titles that I subscribe to every week, maybe opt to buy some of the comics that I like in Trade Paperback form instead of the regular comic; it may cost anywhere between one to two thousand pesos, but, at least, it usually takes awhile before a certain title gets collected in Trade Paperback, giving me some time or a gap where I won't have to buy a certain comic or comics when it comes out for the month.
As much as possible, I really should resort to the Internet now when it comes to getting my CDs and DVDs. If I can download a song and/or a movie (even TV shows), then that will be my so-called avenue for acquiring these particular "wants" of mine. Unless a song I download is terrible in quality, or perhaps I absolutely love the artist, the album, or the movie, then that should be the only time when I go and buy myself a CD or DVD. Of course, I have to upgrade from my prepaid, dial-up Internet and get a DSL Internet connection first (yes, I know, I still live in the "stone age"; I'm probably the only one left in the world who still uses dial-up to get connected to the web).
When it comes to watching movies (and I don't mean at home, watching a DVD), I absolutely have to watch it (usually) more than three times at the cinema. In fact, my friends and other people who know me know that I will go and see a movie over and over; ten times.... heck, even more than that if i love(d) the movie.
Some of the movies I'd seen more than ten times at the cineplex are the Lord of The Rings trilogy, Iron Man, The Matrix and The Dark Knight (almost or exactly 20 times each).And that's only a few examples that I came up with at the top of my head. The movie I'd seen in cinemas the most number of times? Speed. I don't remember the exact number (it was a long time ago), but I do believe it was more than 30 times. I know. Ridiculous. But back then (when I saw Speed that is), I had more time (to watch movies); my shift in radio (at Magic 89.9) was in the wee hours of the morning (2 to 6am), leaving me free the whole day to just bum around. Nowadays, I've got my radio DJ gig at Dream-FM, my TV-voice over gig at TV5 and my dubbing. Plus, I still have my hosting and voice over (for live events, commercials and AVPs) stints as well. I may be a lot busier now than I used to be (when I got to watch Speed those oh-too-many number of times years ago), but I always make time to watch movies; it's my only other means of relaxation other than watching TV.
Y'know, just thinking about it now, I suddenly realize that, if I watch a certain movie, say, ten times -- at a hundred fifty pesos per screening, multiply that by ten, then I normally spend fifteen frickin' thousand pesos every time I go see just the one movie. That amount didn't even include what I spend for my "pre-requisite grub" every time I go watch a movie. Plus, I try and watch every (new) movie that comes out every week...! And so.... yikes.
So this year, I want to try and change my movie-watching habits and see just the one movie... just the one time. Or maybe twice. But ten times or more? I'll certainly try not to do that.
LATE TO REPLY
Over the course of the year, I'd developed a bad habit of replying very late, and sometimes, not even (replying), to some people with regards to (usually) job offers (hostings, voice overs or dubbing). It often starts with me telling myself that I'll just text this certain individual "tomorrow". But then, that "tomorrow" becomes "several days later". And then, because so much time has already passed, I become embarrassed to respond, hence "several days later" becomes "several weeks later". Or sometimes, out of sheer embarrassment, I no longer reply to someone's text message. Sometimes I actually do (reply), even with so many weeks elapsing, but more often than not, I don't. That's gotta change this year. Or I'm going to stand losing extra income.
TALENT FEE
Speaking of income, I've also got to learn to not be embarrassed to give people who hire me a more "deserving" price for my services (deserving for me that is). For the longest time, I'd been charging some or most people a talent fee rate that I've had for,uhm, forever now. It's been years, everything else has gone up (prices for fuel, food, etc), except for my rate. I know I'm not a celebrity or even the best around, but I'm certainly more capable than most at what I do (particularly with hosting). When I do voice over gigs, I'd often see a lot of these model or semi-famous celebs who get paid way more than they should (simply because of who they are, rather than any talent), and they don't deserve it because, frankly speaking, they suck. One perfect example? Asia Agcaoili. Then again, I don't exactly have boobs and can't pull off wearing something that's close-to-naked when hosting. Hehe.
This year, I want to try and be more selective when it comes to picking gigs to accept. And to charge the correct talent fee rate for myself.
SHAPE UP
One of the resolutions that I've been making every year for as long as I can remember is to get back in the gym, and this year is no different. At the start of last year, I actually managed to condition myself into dieting, and succeeded; something I have to do again for the next couple of months or so, given that, during the Holidays, like everyone else, I ate a lot more than usual.
Will 2009 be the year that I finally get my lazy @$$ in shape? Probably not. But who knows? Maybe.

I'll probably go bust with these New Year's Resolutions that I've made, like every year, but I don't care. You gotta have a goal, even if it's pointless.

'Nuff said.

The week that was...

First off, the Colts are The Champs in the recently-concluded Superbowl 41. Frankly, it wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be, but my second-favorite team in the NFL finally got a much-deserved Vince Lombardi trophy, and so, yey!


I'm back, babeeee....

The biggest deal that happened to me this past week was that I survived my first week at my new job. As I mentioned in my previous post, a radio station recently hired me. It was humbling and flattering to know that I'm still of some value in the radio community, as it was said radio station that came to me for the job and not the other way around.
The radio station is 106.7 Dream-FM.
The first couple of days were a bit nerve-wracking, simply because it has been awhile (almost two years now that I think about it) since I last went on-air, and I was re-learning to work the console, deal with commercials, doing the news and ad libbing, and familiarizing myself with a play list that I wasn't that knowledgeable with. Fortunately, I was quick enough to adapt, more or less (still trying to get used to doing the news though).
Besides the play list, probably my bigger concern was the traffic going to Novaliches. I was worried that the "fastest" travel time that it would take me to work from my place would be an hour and half. But, surprisingly, the longest time it took me to get to the station was about an hour and ten minutes. Usually though, it only takes me about forty-five minutes. So I no longer consider the traffic to be a big problem. Not yet anyway, as I heard from one of the jocks that it does get pretty bad during special occasions (I'm guessing that's something like, say, Christmas). The distance isn't something I'm complaining about (yet?) either, as I'm fortunate to drive a car that is quite fuel-efficient.
The road leading to ABC 5 or Dream, which is Quirino Highway, is awful though. Poor (car) shocks is what I have to say...!
The salary would probably be an issue, but I('ve) never got(ten) into radio for the money (it sounds corny and maybe unbelievable, but it's true) -- it was for the love of it. But, of course, I know that everyone also needs to be practical. Even if I'm single and not supporting anyone, I still need to make a living that would keep me alive (after all, I live on my own). Fortunately, I'm (and have been) blessed to have a lot of gigs to earn extra mula. And even more fortunate that the higher-ups and Program Director of Dream were nice nice enough to give in to my request for a weekend sked that would be beneficial to me (it was one of my concerns before I accepted the job -- I was originally to have an afternoon shift, and that would have ruined my chances of accepting hosting or voice over gigs that I may have or get on a Saturday and/or Sunday, the weekends being the days when most events steadily happen).
The problem I had with ad libbing, or lack thereof, isn't actually as bad as I thought it would be. Even though I sometimes feel that there should be more, and that it's in a style that I'm not accustomed to (it's in a very low-key, meaning I'm almost whispering, and in short bursts), I still get to ad lib the way I('d) want to, and it's not confined to a monotonous or always-the-same-line spiel. So it's not exactly dumbifying (is there even a word like this?) as I had feared it would be.
And besides challenging (as I'm not familiar with a lot of of the songs the station's playing), I do love the play list/format. It's high-end (although, don't get me wrong, I love a cheesy song like the next person).
I volunteered for the graveyard shift, but since Dream isn't on 24-hour broadcast (they say they'll eventually go 24 hours, but I'm kind of doubtful), I was either going to get the 9pm sked, or become pinch-hitter. I chose the latter. So I have what i call an irregular-regular shift -- everyday it's different, but it's the same every week.
So I'm the pinch-hitter -- I fill in on days when a dj takes a day-off, and this is how my weekly sked looks like :

Monday - 12 to 3pm; Tuesday - 9am to 12pm; Wednesday - 9pm to 1am; Thursday - 9am to 12pm; Saturday - 9am to 12pm; Sunday - 6 to 9am. Friday - day off

Over the course of the week, I also discovered a terrific song. After watching the week's episode of Grey's Anatomy, there was this tune that appeared during a scene where Meredith (Grey) breaks down after a DNR (do-not-resuscitate) patient is put to rest. I checked the 'net, but I wasn't sure of the title, so I downloaded all the songs that appeared in said episode. It turned out to be Scratch by Kendall Payne. But, as great as that song was, it wasn't the one I was pertaining to above. It was actually The Simple Things by Jim Brickman, featuring Rebecca Lynn Howard on vocals. It kind of reminds me of Vanessa Carlton's A Thousand Miles, melody-wise. Take a listen to this if you're feeling down-and-out.


The Simple Things

Hey, Time won’t wait,
Life goes by,
Every day’s a brand new sky,
Every tear, comes to dry.

All that really matters,
In this crazy world,
Is you and I together,
Baby just remember.

Chorus 1:
The first leaves off the tree,
The way you look at me,
A thousand chiming church bells ring,
The simple things are free
The sun, the moon, the stars,
The beating of two hearts,
How I love the simple things,
The simple things just are.

So here we go,
Let’s just dance,
Teach my soul to take this chance,
Put my heart, in your hands.

Out of all the moments that,
We leave behind,
Turn around and tell me,
Baby we’ll remember.

Chorus 2:
The thunder and the rain,
The way you say my name,
After all the clouds go by,
The simple things remain,
The sun, the moon, the stars,
The beating of two hearts,
How I love the way the simple things,
The simple things just are

Chorus 3:
The ocean and the sky,
The way we feel tonight,
I know that it's the love,
That brings the simple things to life,
The sun, the moon, the stars,
The beating of two hearts,
I love the way the simple things,
The simple things just are.

I love the way the simple things,
The simple things just are.
Simple things just are.
Simple things just are.


I also found out that we play the song on Dream.

'Nuff said.

Let Me Entertain You

It all started with me simply wanting to do something one summer back when I was 14. Makati Cinema Square had a dj's booth where someone played music that was piped-in throughout the mall, and it also served as a place for paging people. I had a classmate who knew someone who worked at said dj's booth in MCS. So I asked him if I could get a job there. It didn't pay much, but at least it served to keep me amused. Who would have thought that "playing dj" would become more than a hobby? As corny as it may sound, I discovered that it was such a joy getting to entertain people (playing their requests, greeting them -- people from the shops inside the mall would often call me to ask for a song, greet them...). I found myself buying records with my own money for the purpose of keeping my playlist up-to-date or fresh, to keep my listeners happy (to play them a song or two that I may not have had when they called, etc).
Fast forward a few years later... I got my first job being an actual (radio) dj, for Magic 89.9. I believe I spent six years working for that radio station. After that, it was at 103.5 K-Lite that I spent another ten years in radioland. Along with the good, came the bad (and very bad). And things got so bad, particularly/especially during my last few years with the latter station that it finally came to the point where I woke up to the truth. I was an idealist -- I was naive to think that I'd be growing old with just the one radio station (which I thought was going to be Magic), that loyalty would count for something (and I was loyal like you wouldn't believe). Unfortunately, the network that owned both stations didn't share that way of thinking. So, even though I loved radio and loved what I did for a living, there was only so much I can do and so far I can go -- I was very unhappy, and so the inevitable happened : in April of 2005, I resigned.
After a little time off, I decided to try again. I applied at a few other radio stations. Unfortunately, it was slim pickings. There aren't many decent radio stations in this country, particularly those that value talent and a dj who actually loves (all or most forms of) music. Now I'm not saying that I'm very talented and/or the best dj there is, but radio has drastically changed. These days, radio stations overlook the important qualities of what makes a dj and hire on-air "talents" because they're either a model, a (wannabe-)celebrity, and because they're some Fil-Am, etc, people who have no place in radio. Unless they're radio savvy, which most of them aren't.
I honestly was beginning to think that there would no longer be a place for me in radio. That was until a dubber (voice actor) I knew (who apparently worked for a radio station) told me that she spoke to her boss about me, and that they were interested to hire me. I couldn't believe it and jumped at the chance to go to the station when I was told that the station manager wanted to talk to me. The interview went well, but after not hearing from them for several months, I thought that it was just my imagination. Then came the call several days ago. I was informed that they were hiring me!
Truth be told, the radio station that I'm now going to be working for is not exactly my first choice, and if there was some place I could go, I probably would. First of all, it's not a radio station that fosters adlibbing (their jocks usually only talk, and in short bursts, once an hour and when there's a tag or aob to announce and when there's a news report to be done). I'm afraid that I'm going to get, uh, stupefied since I won't get to hone my ad libbing skills, and inadvertently become a glorified spinner. It's also not really a "happening" radio station - meaning, they don't have many events - so there's the fear of monotony (not that I crave for wild parties every night -- I just want to be able to get the chance to host events... then again, I do have many other hosting gigs outside of the station that will be enough to keep me busy and occupied, so I really shouldn't complain). The travel time will also prove to be a bit of a challenge as the station is located in Novaliches, which will take me about an hour and a half or two from where I live.
But there a few good things about this radio station. The most important one being that the boss(es) and people there seem to be good and nice people, and that's always a good thing in my book. The format isn't exactly one that I'm familiar with, as they play a lot of jazz (nothing so deep, but jazz, though I appreciate it, is something I'm not very knowledgeable with) - as well as other light stuff (they play a little bit of everything -- r n' b, pop, bossa nova, Motown, etc, nothing heavy) - and I see this as a challenge, something to widen my taste, love and knowledge for music even more.
I actually thought that I wouldn't be working for them because of the schedule that they were offering me. I volunteered for the graveyard shift -- I wanted a shift that would leave me free and clear to accept work (hostings, voice overs and dubbings) outside of the station. They were supposed to go on 24-hour broadcast, but it hasn't happened (yet). So I was left with the choice of either the 9pm to 1am shift, or to be the Pinch-Hitter. The latter was more favorable for me. But I still had a problem with the weekend sked. Fortunately, they were nice enough to give me the weekend schedule that I wanted. So now, I'm ready and raring to go on-board. Sort of. I was originally slated to go on on Monday, but they asked me to come in a day early instead. So I've been nervously typing away the past couple of hours, watching tv, to distract me, as I'll be getting ready to go to work in a few minutes (after I'm done posting this, I'm off to Novaliches). Don't get me wrong, I'm excited, but I'm also nervous as hell, and kept looking at my clock, wishing that the time would slow down. Hehe. But the inevitable is here. Which means it's time for me to end this missive. Gulp.

'Nuff said.

Sporty Changes

I've never been a fan of soccer. When I try to watch a game, I can't stay glued for more than a minute or so. I get pretty frustrated because of how long it takes for someone to score a goal! Besides a usually slow-scoring game, soccer has also often been a low-scoring sport. For me, (watching) soccer is more exciting or interesting if I'm watching the highlight reels. Anyway, I found out yesterday that two big names in the world of soccer will no longer be playing for their ball club. Both players are (still/currently) with Real Madrid. The first one is Brazilian kicker Ronaldo, who is supposedly getting "transferred" to another team come end of January. But, according to Real Madrid's sporting director, they're not letting go of Ronaldo so easily and for free. The other Real Madrid player is midfielder and former England captain David Beckham who, without a doubt, is probably one if not the most popular player in soccer. Beckham has recently signed up with American soccer club L.A. Galaxy for a whopping 250 MILLION DOLLAR contract!...although, Pedrag Mijatovic (Real Madrid's sporting director) insisted that Beckahm must first finish his remaining six months of his contract (this follows reports that Beckham has requested an early release to join his new club).
Frankly speaking, I don't get what the big deal is with David Beckham. I guess I say that because I've never really seen him play. Sure, he was probably one of the main reasons as to why his former team Manchester United won a championship several years ago -- but I feel that he's one of those ridiculously over payed players. For me, he's mostly all hype. Incidentally, Real Madrid hasn't won a championship title since signing up Beckham four years ago. Coincidence?


More changes in the world of sports...

In the NBA, the most recent being Chris Webber becoming a free agent and signing up with the Detroit Pistons. I guess, at his age, he just wants to play for a ball club that might give him the NBA championship ring that he's been dreaming of for quite some time now.
Former Sixers teammate of Webber, Allen Iverson, has been traded as some of you (reading) probably know. When I think of the Philadelphia 76ers, I think of Iverson, and vice versa. So it's strange trying to imagine him in a different uniform (I haven't had the chance yet to watch a Nuggets game with Iverson on the 'tube), playing for a different team. But players getting traded is something that happens in the game of basket ball (or any other sport for that matter). And just like Webber, Iverson isn't exactly getting any younger and most likely wants to win that championship ring that's eluded him since his stint with the Sixers, who either perform poorly every season, or end up short in the playoffs (despite having a good start and/or playing well in the season). I just don't quite get why Iverson went to or chose the Denver Nuggets (no offense to the team or those who like them). Maybe he thought that he's got a (better) chance (now), what with the Nuggets having the league's leading scorer Carmelo Anthony in their team roster.

On the rumor mill : there are talks that Pau Gasol (of the Memphis Grizzlies) will request to be traded to another team. And that team may just be the Chicago Bulls. Even though there have been talks between the two organizations, Grizzlies team president Jerry West says that they're not giving up Gasol (despite reports that the Memphis organization has grown a bit dissatisfied with Gasol's performance as of late).

'Nuff said.

My Love for The Game

My love for (American) football only started about six years ago. It began accidentally when I went to check out a friend's pad in Makati (she was in the 'States and she had asked me to watch over her condo - water her plants, that sorta thing). I decided I'd check out what was showing on the boob tube while I was there, and, after doing a little channel-surfing, came upon ESPN. Apparently, it was Superbowl 36, and the two teams vying for the Vince Lombardi trophy that year were the New England Patriots and the St.Louis Rams. I wasn't familiar with either of the two teams, let alone the sport of football. Usually, I would root for the underdog -- but, in this case, because I didn't know either team, I picked the Patriots cuz I liked their name (it wasn't as if I could check their stats or something at that particular time). I don't remember exactly the details surrounding their Superbowl game, only that it was exciting. I was hooked. And the Pats won.





















...Pats QB Tom Brady...


Fast forward to 2007. I still don't exactly know everything about the game (such as the rules, etc). I'm actually not even familiar with most of the (foot)ball clubs in the league (NFL, or National Football League). Nor do I know what positions fill up a certain team, or what they do (except for the quarterback, who clearly runs the plays), who the players and coaches are (what respective teams they belong to). The only thing I'm certain about is that the New England Patriots is my favorite team in the NFL, and next would be the Indiana Colts (because the Pats and Colts currently have, in my book, the best quarterbacks in the league).

...the mighty Brady still manages to get off a shot...


It's not the first time that these two ball clubs have met in the playoffs. Watching the NFL the past few years has given me the impression that they are (or have become) arch rivals for the AFC championship(s). But the Pats have had more luck in reaching the Superbowl, as they had won 3 in the last six years. And, once again, New England faces off with Indiana. Clearly, the Patriots were the ones highly-favored to win. For one thing, their quarterback Tom Brady has had plenty of playoffs (and Superbowl) experience, as opposed to Colts QB Peyton Manning. And it did look that way, as the Patriots took a commanding lead in the first quarter and pretty much dominated the first half of the game. But towards the end of the second quarter, Manning and the Colts found their rhythm, and things turned around for them, as the momentum shifted in favor of Indiana. The Pats weren't doing so bad, but it was clear, particularly in the third quarter, that they lost some steam, and that Colts were the ones poised to win the game. The outcome became crystal clear by the fourth quarter as Indiana finally took the lead for the first time, with only about a minute remaining. New England refused to go out quietly into the night so to speak, and even though things really looked bleak at this point, Brady (who's gotten the reputation of being a comeback king, as he has, time and time again, against seemingly insurmountable odds, delivered heartbreaking losses to an opposing team) was going to try to do the impossible.
Unfortunately ...things were exactly that. Impossible. Tom Brady is still only human after all. The second pass he did during the last few seconds was intercepted and that pretty much spelled the end for New England's dream of winning another Superbowl and trying to create a sort-of NFL dynasty.
Superbowl 41 happens in a couple of weeks, and it will be (my) Indiana Colts going up against the Chicago Bears. Several NFL records were set this season as well. With their playoffs win over the Pats, the Colts have made NFL history by having the biggest comeback in a playoffs game (they were down by 18 points). And their coach, Tony Dungy, as well as the Chicago Bears' (coach), Lovie Smith, are the first African American coaches to ever reach the Superbowl. As for how many times both teams have gone to the big game, I believe that the Colts have never made the trip; while the Chicago Bears went to and won the Superbowl twenty years ago, against New England.
I'm looking forward to an historic and exciting Superbowl 41 come February.

...Colts QB Peyton Manning...

GO COLTS!

'Nuff said.

Still can't sleep, so I might as well...

The things you do when you're still awake and can't really do anything...(and it's most likely because I slept at 9am yesterday, and slept for thirteen frickin' hours)...

After I got done with posting a new entry on this blog a few hours ago, I was watching the Ellen DeGeneres Show (love 'er).
I actually hadn't eaten anything since yesterday, and so my tummy was rumbling and wishing that I fill it up with some grub. So I went to the 24-hour joint that I usually go to, which was Tapa King along Libis (near Eastwood actually). There are only two other places that I go to during the wee hours of the morning when I'm awake and hungry, which are also open 24 hours, and they're Chow King and/or Jollibee (at the Shell station at the corner of Ortigas Avenue). I had my usual of corned beef, scrambled egg, plain rice, a can of Pepsi (would've been a large iced tea, which I usually have, but they didn't have iced tea), extra plain rice and extra scrambled egg, and an extra Pepsi. Real healthy breakfast, huh? Hehe.
Sometimes if I want to really stuff myself silly with food, I go to Something Fishy, for their breakfast buffet (everyday from midnight 'til 10am).
There's also Tropical Hut in Pioneer. But that's the very last option for me.
Again, real healthy eating lifestyle, huh?

The moment I got home, it was back to watching more tv (but I am hoping that I get to fall asleep in a bit, because I've got a dubbing gig in a few hours).
Letterman was on, and he had, as guests, Tina Fey (former cast member of Saturday Night Live and currently starring in the NBC series 30 Rock - a funny gal, I like her) and the late Steve Irwin's wife (Terri) and daughter (Bindy). I have to say that Bindy is SO adorable. Her passion for animals rivals that of her late dad. If I ever get married and have a daughter, I sure hope she gets to be as lovable as Bindy.

While watching the 'tube, I decided to try creating a blog on my own. And I managed to do it (clap clap for me - hehe)! I know that this is probably not a big deal, but it is for me, considering that I'm an idiot when it comes to these things.
I started thinking of creating a blog where I could specifically rant and rave about movies that I've seen or will go see, because I thought I'd rather not have this blog be filled mostly with my (attempt at doing) "movie reviews".

I'm now glued to ESPN, watching the game between the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat.
I really hope I get to fall asleep in awhile...

'Nuff said.

The Return of American Idol

Week One for American Idol season six is done. Like every season, besides the talents they discover, the show is filled with the usual untalented and/or freakish people. And just when you think that the weird ones that (will) appear on the current season won’t top the ones from the previous year, you’re always surprised. And what always surprises me about these strange ones, as well as the untalented ones, is the fact that they think they’re normal, or talented. They come in dressed as, say, Apollo Creed (the character played by Carl Weathers in the Rocky movies), and they expect to be taken seriously by the judges. And about the untalented ones? What surprises me about them is when they’d brag about their “credentials” (e.g. that they’ve been singing in a choir or what not for so and so years, is a vocal coach, can hit several notes, etc), and when they “let loose”, you’d go “wooaah!” -- and you ask yourself “how the heck did YOU become a vocal coach?!”, or something. And most of them are real sore losers. When they’re not given the “golden ticket” to Hollywood by Simon and company, they’d be cursing and saying how the judges don’t know what they’re talking about blah blah blah. Then there are the ones who always make up excuses for their lack of talent -- that they need water, they’re sick, blah blah blah. Of course, when they’re given water or take a bathroom break (IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR AUDITION), nothing changes -- they’re still untalented. But what does make me feel sorry is when the nice ones turn out to be untalented (e.g. this Asian stay-at-home mom who went to audition, even if her seems-like-a-dork-of-a-husband told her not to because she’s just wasting her time). It’s too early at this stage to tell as to who’ll be the next American Idol, but I just have to say that I was impressed by the attitude of this Indian kid who auditioned with his sister. His sister was pretty cocky and kept saying that she was the one who was more talented than her brother, which, honestly, did seem that way. Because, for one thing, her brother looked so sheepish and unhip and, frankly, didn’t look the least bit talented. Well, compared to his sister. So when she got in, I was worried. If he didn’t get in, man, THAT would have been awkward, especially given that their entire family was there. And I’m sure that he would never hear the end of it from his sister. So, to my delight, he DID get in. And what made me even happier about it was that, according to Simon, HE was even better than his sister (he didn’t exactly “jump out of his seat” when the sister sang and told her that there was nothing unique about her). But the best part? When Ryan (Seacrest) asked him who the judges thought was the better singer between him and his sister, he just politely smiled and said “I’d rather not say” (of course, his sister knew the answer to Ryan’s question, based on the look on her face when the camera quickly zoomed in on her for her reaction). Like I said – awkward…! That’s why I’ve always felt that siblings shouldn’t work together, shouldn’t have the same kind of profession, etc. Uh… but then again, this is just the way I feel, simply because my brother(s) and I can’t be in the same room together, have the same job, etc.
Something that my best friend Gwynnie pointed out about the show is how mean it can be sometimes, and that we (the viewers) are just as mean. That’s true. It’s human nature, whether we want to admit it or not -- we (or most of us) want or have the tendency to make fun of others. American Idol gives us “license” to do just that. Something we can’t do (or is ashamed to do) so blatantly out in public. It’s different when you’re at home, when nobody’s watching and nobody’s there to judge or criticize you. Of course, I’m not saying that we go out and make fun of other people, I’m just saying that AI also serves as a guilty pleasure if you will, in the sense that it satisfies the craving(?) to laugh at other people. Case in point : a guy named "Red" auditioned and he "sang" Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Randy and Paula couldn't help themselves from breaking out in laughter (and I was laughing so damn hard myself). Like Simon said : "It was... inhuman".
On to Week Two…
‘Nuff said.