Seattle Day

A crew of 10 of us went to surprise Eric in the morning with a road trip to Seattle to watch the Supersonics play against Allen Iverson and a bunch of CBA Players. On the drive down, I got an unexpected arm workout when I had to hold up Morris’ iTriping iPod so that we could optimize to the clearest signal. I think it was at its best when I pretended I was a little teapot, short and stout… At any rate, Seattle trips are a must. It’s a pretty cool town. They got the Fox Sports Grill for starters; only the most happiest place ever, next to the ‘It’s a Small World’ ride in Disneyland and the Crazy Horse Too in Las Vegas. Our stay there though was a little compromised by the nba game we kinda intended to make an appearance at, so duration at Fox Sports Grill only lasted two beers. The Sonics lost the game by the way, victimized by a blurred vision of The Answer scoring weaving and getting good looks at will. But who cares, I got my vintage yellow Ridnour #8 Jersey, which is cash money.

Stayed overnight, and after some searching, we actually found something kewl to do on a random Tuesday; we made our way to a Drum and Bass nite at some bar across the I-5. Live Drum and Bass; it was a pretty hip joint, refreshing, even though there was smoking in the bar, and lots of gay guys.

Post Boxing Day

Marty 'Dancing with Fat Chick Denial' Prediction: Check. Its like predicting the sun will rise, or that Mary-Kate Olsen will eat, and then throw up.

Boxing Day

I hate boxing day craziness, I am not a big fan of shopping on boxing day. Despite my trepidation, I ended up buying myself a crazy expensive, too-ashamed-to-mention-how-much, jacket. It’s a Orage Jacket though… which is cash-money in itself. And there is no one who can pull off brown like me. And as per my custom, I went into the shower with my new Goretex (or similar) jacket on. It has to be done, I do this everytime I buy a new waterproof/breathable jacket, been doing it since I was 12 and received my first Green White and Red Farwest; it never fails to provide a huge sense of satisfaction.

And tonight, when we go out to Tonic, I predict that Marty will get loaded and go out and dance with ugly fat women, and then pretend the next day that he was too drunk to remember, as a defence mechanism.

Christmas Day

Heres my haul: I Got an iTrip, the Star Wars Trilogy and a sweet Tie (I never thought I would use the words ‘sweet’ and ‘tie’ in the same sentence). Also got a pair of toe socks, with the letters L E F T & R I G H T written on each top appendage. (How cool is that?) The best gift I got though was from my Aunt, who gave me a Scratch and Win Lottery Ticket.. ALREADY SCRATCHED, a $2 winner no less. Um, thank you? She has a good heart, and I guess, in some ways, its better than getting a twoonie.

Christmas Eve

Today was a very good day. Exciting in a gleeful sense. Butterflies. Goosebumps. Just like that. That’s it. Colon. Capital D.

Birthday

I turned 20 today. (cough) (cough) It’s a big day. A new decade. Which means… 30 is just around the corner. What a terrible notion. Perish the thought.

Last night, I celebrated in divine style. Eric and Marty took me out to Tojo's, quite possibly one of the best eating experiences ever, Sushi or otherwise. This was worth the equivalent of 100 buffets at Uncle Willys. And who ever knew buying the GOOD saki would be such a difference maker; not even once did we make the "soured wrinkle, I just drank battery acid" face. Yet another unaffordable and unnecessary luxury in life that I now cannot do without. First natural real fruit jelly bears... now this.

Way Home

Location: JFK Airport, Terminal 7, Gate 8… awaiting flight AC549, departing 7:45.

Its very early in the morning and stupid Duty Free shop is not open yet, it opens at 7 AM. The duty free people have no appreciation for those with early flight. Im okay, I could make it to duty free, luckily since I have a 7:15 check-in. I got a 15 minute shopping spree. But people before that? Truly screwed, in the Christmas season no less. You feel sorry for them, much like you feel sorry for those with ugly or old awful looking luggage (Don’t people know that luggage are the new shoes? Gotta have sweet luggage. That blue leather beatup 36” case with no wheels that your father first used when HE went to college does not cut it kid. Nor the canvas duffel bag. And sorry babe, I recognize that cheap shit from Walmart too, honey. Get with the program) Well, Im still waiting, and I repeat to myself my mantra of the moment: oooooooooopen.. oooooooopen.. oooooooopen...

At least I have my unconditional companion with me, iPod. I have lots of iPod brothers and sisters at JFK Terminal 7 this morning too… its pretty interesting, quite the phenomenon. Anytime you see someone with the trademark white ear buds, anyone, could be the brotha with the full clad Roco / Sean John winter essemble, could be a 7 year old girl with a Spongebob Squarepants backpack, could be grandma knitting away at a new sweater, you acknowledge each other and give them the 1/4 sec look, the slight smile or the eyebrow/forehead mini nod. Its recognition. We are part of an exclusive club, much like how gmail used to be before they started throwing out mass invites as if they were R. Kelly at recess.

Anyways to pass time while waiting, apart from the iPod, I have the airport itself, which is inherently amusing, also. Its unintentional comedy at its best. Ever watch that reality TV show, Airport? Its just like that, but live; it’s the best ever. Just try this, for 30 minutes, watch people when they go through security gates at an American Airport. Youd be surprise how many people still bring on swiss army knives, and other deadily weapons like toe clippers and nail files. Found in the bag? The expressions on peoples faces are priceless, like as if a baggie of coke or a Smith and Wesson was just pulled from their hand-carry. When that happens, in the authorities eyes, suddenly you are labelled Akhmed Moujibar from Yemen… and treated brutally as so. Hilarity ensues when said Akhmen is actually Aunt Mary, contentious and argumentative lady, late for her departure. This actually just happened, 30 minutes ago. Aunt Mary was a cussing terrier, which didn’t help her situation at all. Some people are just so stupid, and you know I like laughing at stupid unlucky people. Especially when they are wearing ill advised Ugs.

Okay enough typing… Duty Free is opening now…

no comments..

Hi.

Im drunk again.

Gretzkkky!!!

So Im going to keeep this quick.. this time though... especially since IIm only really reaaly reaaly buzzed this time.. thats all... I have control. I love business dinners, especially the kinds wher the boss pays and you can ordre whatever you wants in the hwole menue... and plus even better pretty girls sit behind you, and you dont care cuz your drunk anyways and so is your boss and collegues, so they try to embarass the one single guy at the tabllee... i tell you the best ever... more than I love wine ... whine is the bestest too... i love wine... it is so good..no wonder they give it away at weddings...wooohhooo.. house red wine...

announcing im coming home..
dec 18 10 ish in the morning .. someone pickme up please.. .I dont want to take the bus ya know... stpuid bus. I got big luggages with lots of gifts.. like sanata... sodont let me take the bus... you... picke me up... you better... Auir Canda flight from NY... if its delayed.. dont worry just wait for mee... ill come evenutally... go to the elephant and casltye and drink beer or someting..

Okay..?

tanks...

PS... MJ forced me tow write this so next time you see her... punch her in the arm... or pinch... korot styles... tahanks!! bybye... and then point and her and say... "thats what you get"!

ahhhh... I need too-big... water....

Christmas Lists

Its a bit late, but here is my Christmas List.

-Vancouver Grizzlies T Shirt
-Abercrombie Large Calamity Pond Denim Jacket – Medium Destroyed Fade
-New Balance Ankle Socks
-Those lamps with the oil that drips down the strings to make it look like its raining
-Tigger with voice activated bouncing action
-Manilla Gorilla T-Shirt from Urban Outfitters
-Prozac or similar medication to curb my Social Anxiety Disorder
-Guitar Lessons, from Nuno
-Victorinox Luggage
-Baghdad Snow Globe
-iPod Socks
-iTrip for iPod
-Rachel Stevens Poster
-Framing gift certificate to frame my Poster
-The Weapons of Moroland
-City of God DVD
-Andre Kirilenko Jersey
-Nike Dry-Fit Socks
-Spa and Massage Gift Certificates
-Ben Sherman Cotton Boxers, M
-Banana Republic Black Wool Sweater, thin style-like, L
-Lord of the Rings Triology DVD Set - Extended Edition
-Audi A3
-Garden State DVD
-Burton Custom 158 Snowboard
-Multistop ticket to Australia/Asian
-Dry Fit or similar technology Long Sleeves, L. Must be kewl looking, and not tight fitting.
-Helly Hansen Santo Jacket, Black
-Employment at Artizia Robson Street, change room attendant
-Loaded Boots, like the Iron Sheik
-To be taken out to Tojos while I am in Vancouver
-Feather Boa, Pink and Black
-Hugs and Kisses, if you’re cheap ass or insanely gorgeous (girl only).

Bruxelles

I started playing a new game whenever Im in a foreign country where I dont know the language. I try and see how long I can go without having to resort to English. Last weekend, I lasted 2 hours in Brussels. And 40 minutes of that was the bus ride from the airport to the train station. Before you mock, please consider that my Grade 11 French skills have agressively deteriated... and my vocabulary is limited to "non", "oui", "bonjour", "s'il vous plait" et "Frere Jacque ah, dormez-vous?" At any rate, youd be surprised by what you can get away with by smiling and nodding in silence... they pass you off as being retarded. "Merci!"

And if this can get you Belgium truffles, sidewalk gaufres avec creme, frites et moules, and a sweet new Puma dry fit shirt ... then you win anyways.

Ne sois pas timide.

BS

Don’t forget to go out for drinks tonight. Its Britney Federline’s birthday. B. has dropped down more than a few in my rankings; Im not feeling her as much as I use to, but still she’ll be around, hangin around, hangin around, couldn’t possibly go away and disappear. Im thinking Kevin, her hubby must be grinning ear to ear right at this moment… like I would constantly feel like a million bucks too if I just scooped JT’s ex, the most sought-after girl in the world, and convinced her someway, somehow, beyond anything remotely rational or holy, that my pre-existing baggage of two kids and no career prospects is an attractive package to be with. It would be a constant state of glee, like Shaq after keying Kobe’s Ferrari.

Happy Birthday, B.

There wont be snow in Africa this Xmas, Second Verse

The song started hitting the radio circuit the day after I wrote the last post, and the single was released in the last few days. The new line up of artists are pretty good, I have to admit. Mr. Gweneth Paltrow/ Coldplay head, Chris Martin starts this thing off, and then come Dido, wanker supreme Robbie Williams, Fran Healy (Travis), The freak Darkness dude, Will Young (original Pop Idol winner), Jamelia (UK's poor mans Beyonce, I mentioned her before), Keane, Snow Patrol, Joss Stone, Natasha Beningfield and some others to fill in the Bananarama/The Style Council/Human League roles as fillers. Also returning is a 44 year old Bono (contrasting the 24 year hairsprayed Bono in the original), and Sir Paul McCartney playing bass, Radiohead's Thom Yorke on piano and Blur's Damon Albarn, who served tea.

So? Ehhhhh... Second verse, same as the first... just a bit more off balance and just a bit worse. Its not even close to the original. Its okay, decent if you are generous, which is a shame considering its lineage. Band Aid 20 ended up being the Save By the Bell: the New Class to the original Save By the Bell; great genes, full of potential, but ultimately toiling and dissappointing. At times, it sounds even a little bit amateur in its mixing and production; its just not put together in any way that impresses. And unless you are REALLY into music, and are aware and appreciate the UK music scene, there is not much there in terms of international star power. Bono withstanding, Coldplay and Dido are the only true International heavywieghts, and Thome York is sort of wasted, playing only the piano and doesnt even get a solo. And Blur was a paper weight. I blame it on the Darkness dude and Robbie Williams, those two are cancers in any room.

Definitely buy the single though. Its one of the best causes in the world. And the original appears on the single as well, thats worth it right there.

There wont be snow in Africa this Xmas

Christmas remarkably starts earlier each and every year; largely the motivation is maximizing commercialization of the holiday, which is unfortunate, but actually this really doesn’t bother me as much as it does some others. For me anyways, Christmas doesn’t start until I hear a certain song. Christmas starts for me the moment I hear Band-Aid’s ‘Do they know its Christmas?’. Quite possibly one of my favorite songs of all time, and definitely by and far the best Christmas tune of all time, sharing the title with Bing Crosby’s duet with David Bowie for ‘Little Drummer Boy’. Pah-rum-pa-pum-pum. And please, don’t even argue about these not being the best Christmas songs, cuz Ill kick you in the teeth.

Now I don’t know if you’ve heard, but it’s the 20th anniversary of Band-aid, and to commemorate and jump start continued charity, Sir Bob Geldof is re-releasing the song he wrote, rerecording to current day and using new artists. I don’t know about this, Im extremely dubious. Granted I haven’t heard it yet, this new, er song… it gets released in the next few days here… but I don’t know how it could possibly live up to the first one. What if they fail and just take the hatchet to it? The first one is legendary, like. Go back to 1984, and you take a young selection of artists, all in their prime or entering it and mix with living icons; the list reads out like the Yankees murderer’s row: young Boy George, young Phil Collins, young Sting, young Bono, pre-gay George Michael, hotter than the sun Duran Duran, legend David Bowie, legend Paul McCartney, hotter than the sun Eurythmics, and legend Kool and the Gang… like how can you possibly go wrong. And topping it off with sugar, there’s Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Bananarama , like dang. Spandau Ballet and Human League was there too… just for good measure (not to diminish their impact, but I think they needed the last few just to fill up the recording room). And lets not forget one important thing, the first one was not at all contrived (like, say, We are the World), this song was recorded in one day, over a 24 hour period, and they managed to capture lightning in a bottle. At any rate, the new version has some big pants to fill. In my opinion, there hasn’t been a memorable cover of any song in the last few decades, save Faith No More’s rendition of Lionel Ritchies ‘Easy (Like Sunday Morning)’, and that only worked because it came out of left field, and was totally unexpected.

There are not many things I am passionate about, but this Christmas song is one of them. I hope they don’t screw it up.

Celtic Tiger

Its the talk of the Country... Ireland with its strong economy and strong family-based societal fabric, has been acknowledged as having the best "quality of life" in the world. And not because I say so, but the Economist magazine said so in its latest issue. Believe me though this is funny because, apparently, no one asked any of the Irish. The guys at work are laughing their ass off, laughing so uncontrollably that their irish coffee is coming out through their noses. They think that this whole thing must be some sort of cruel joke. In the Economist study, apparently there wasnt a category for "yearly sunlight average", "traffic congestion", "affordable electronics and consumer goods", "healthcare competence", "high speed internet infrastructure", "percentage of drivable roads wider than 2 meters", "warm housing","drunkards per capita", "boy bands per capita", "sheep shaggers per capita", "quantity of ski worthy mountains" and "access to the iTunes music store" .... Believe-you-me, if there was, their average would take a pummelling, and these are the things that the combined worldwide popularity of Guiness, Jameson, Baileys, St. Patricks Day, Colin Farrell, Enya and U2 cant make up for.

Ka-hay sent me this article from the Guardian, which in my view, has the true finger on the pulse of the Irish. Its good craic. I pissed myself laughing reading it, because being here, I get the inside joke. I say it all the time; Ireland rules! Stupid, Ireland.

Cornbread and Collared Greens

My friend Chi-ing bought me one of the coolest gifts Ive ever got a few years ago; The Sopranos Cookbook. It was such a nice surprise because somehow she knew it was something I really liked, even though I never mentioned anything about it, like ever. Itd like to say that it lead me to cook more, but actually, hahahaha, no. I cooked some pasta and "Gravy" once from the great book but that was about it. Other than that, I would make the occasional Chicken Adobo with coconut milk (thanks Anne-Marie) but that was rare, and more usually my meal preparation was like Nicole being stuck in a blow-up balloon factory; that is get through it as quick as humanly feckin possible. Not that being in Vancouver helped. I was profoundly ambivalent when utilizing the frying pan and garlic press, and Ill blame this one on a group of friends that felt that there was no need for cooking when Vancouver had mutiple outfits where food could be bought and prepared for you. And it was bad form and deeply insulting to these establishments if we didnt exhibit any patronage. Didnt want to be rude. Nevermind that grocery shopping was effort in itself.

Dundalk, Ireland, the small country town that keeps me, has changed my cookings ways huge though. I now cook, more often than not. And the wierd thing is, its not because Im trying to impress some girl, which used to be the sole reason i would put any effort in the kitchen in the first place. Its actually stupid Rachel Ray and her Meals in 30 minutes. Its like she is showing off or something... now I watch her and write things down furiously, just like how my Lola did when she watched "Wok with Yan".

And actually another reason I cook more is because MacDonalds taste like crap out here. I know, nuff said. Fries are soggy even... disgraceful.

ZeD TV

I was chatting with Trish, and she introduced me to Ziya. Ziya Tong. She is the host of ZeD, the alternative media and culture show on CBC (Weeknights, 11:30ish). Canada is lucky. You get to watch this one almost everyday. And she is totally hot. And hip, smart. She lives in Vancouver, too. Which means its totally conceivable to run into her while chilling, sipping cocktails at the Opus Hotel or cabbage patching on the dancefloor to 'Lose my Breath" at Atlantis? Its a little overwhelming. I havent had the priviledge to watch yet, so when I come home during Xmas, there will be a 100% chance I will be watching latenight CBC as a prelude to Jimmy Kimmel Live. Ziya could very well be the coolest thing on CBC, now that it lacks Don Cherry's Coaches Corner. And check out the wicked cool name... its too much. Ziya, Shannyn. Shannyn, Ziya.

Running Up That Hill

There are several lessons that I seem to never learn from. One that is very apparent at this time in particular: never take naps past 6PM. I always forget this one. Dumb. I fail this lesson almost as often as 'I' before 'E' except after 'C'. And unlike poor spelling, the affects are deadily. But I cant help it sometimes. Im Filipino... and we take naps. Today I mistakenly fell asleep on my bed at 7PM. It was a deep one I lulled into as well, cuz I awoke, definitely convinced it was 3am or so. Groggily looking at the clock however was like a stomach punch.. it was only 10PM. Im screwed.

Im definitely paying for it now. Right at this moment, its 6:30AM, I havent slept since and my awakeness is so wide, it might as well be Star Jones. I know 6:30! Its retarded... and peeps I was msning thought it was bad enough 3 hours ago. Huh, well look at me now. And Lorrie just reminded me people that dont sleep well wrinkle up like Chinese Sharpei dogs. Damnit to hell... cuz thats got to be true.

So, dont take naps past 6PM. Just like girls, they are deceptively evil.

Random thoughts while I watch Big

Its Sunday, and instead of doing work from home, Im watching Big. Awesome movie, a favorite, especially since its highlights FAO Schwartz. Im lazy right now so Ive decided to post in bullet form while I watch; well not lazy, but say more efficient... yuh...

- I miss Gelato. Ive tried every combo avaliable in Italy, and nothing tops the Banana / Cioccolato Combo. Nothing. There hasnt been such a seemless tag-team since Tito Santana hooked up with Rick Martel to form Strikeforce. Arriba..

- I have a new vice here in Ireland. Its the Lucozade drink. Take everything good in the world, add caffeine and orange food coloring with carbonation... and you have a innocuous yet addictive drink. Then add alcohol. Holeh... I drink it more than coffee, more than water, more than pop.

- If you own a laptop, have you ever been tempted to use your computer while youre using the toilet? Uh... me neither... just wondering...

- Oh Piano scene is on... this is good...

- First thing Im going to do when I get back to Vancouver is eat Sushi. Lots of it. Until I get sick. And then repeat. Everyday.

- Need to go to Seattle too. I need to go to the Fox Sports Grill. Need to simultaneously watch 5 different sports games on HDTV Plasma screens while eating Natchos. I need to do this. I decided when I was stuck on the couch friday night watching professional European league Bacci Ball, drinking Tea.

- Bush won the election last week. But really does that matter when Jessica Alba is in Vancouver right now, filming a movie?

- Speaking of which, apparently Jessica is seeing Derek Jeter. Doesnt she know that he's gay? Im not too sure if Derek's boyfriend, Jorge Posada is much too pleased.

-"Neh!" is my favorite Greek word. You sound like a sheep, thats why. Hahahahaha... Next time you go to Stefos, when they ask if you want any appetizers, responds by saying "Neh!". Trust me, itll be cash money...

- Halloween was last week, I am now officially one of "those" guys. "Those" guys that turn off all the lights and pretend they are not home, so they can keep all the Candy for themselves. Ive done this 4 years in a row.

- Always listen to your parents because you are never too old to be chased around with a walis for pok pok.

- My new pick up moves while on the pull will need to include some sort of praise for the girl's "structure and reception". Cant possibly go wrong...

- The Utah Jazz will make it to the Western Conference Finals. The only way San Antonio beats them is if San Antonio starts playing in "Red White and Blue" Rocky Shorts. Otherwise theres no way your taking down Ivan Drago.

- LA Lakers, much to my delight, will not make the NBA Playoffs.

- One Tree Hill will win the emmy for best drama, narrowly nudging out the OC.

- Milan, Paris,London Fashion, and the hot Australian retail chick at FCUK Grafton tells me that Turquoise is the new Black. (No not Teal, yucks. Turquoise, totally different) Girls take note, get ahead of the game. Also the must have fashion accessory is see-thru bra straps.

- Last but not least, my opinions are not to be trusted. I put tilapia in my pancit and coffee creamer in my chocolate rice. What? Who? I know right! What do I know? I dont know shit about shit. I can't boil eggs for shit. I misplace puctuation marks and quotations all the time. But trust me about the see-thru bra straps.

-Latesz (Its mine JM. MINE)

Courtship

I woke up this morning with a great deal of trepidation but still adequately hopeful. I saw the news though, and quickly gained a heavy heart, along with most of the world, notwithstanding 48% of Americans. On TV, lots of people were actually crying. Its hard to explain, but Im right sad myself. And not because I believe the apocalypse is among us, or that the world as a result will get even worser, (far from actually, and yes worser is a word, my word), but mostly because there is suddenly a lack of accountability when accountability was all the rest of the world world was looking for. In its place was a vote for "moral christian values" and "security". nice....

To cheer myself up, I went to an old standby: an email from my friend Michelle. She works at the American Embassy in Ghana, West Africa. I thought Id share, you might get a kick out of it, Ka-hay sure will. (By the way, she is originally from and registered in Ohio, and she was one of the Absentee ballots. Not even counted, I bet)

Enjoy -->
-----------------

So, I've been coordinating a counter-narcotics training here over the
past several weeks (as the 'drugs-n-thugs' officer for this post) and
we needed some training manuals printed. GSO found a local printer,
got a quote, so I sent the materials over. The guy came over with the
proofs to show them to me, we had about a 3-minute business-related
conversation about them, and then he left. Manuals were printed and
delivered, end of story - so I thought. Then, today, I got a card in
the mail from him. Here is the content, verbatim:

"Hi Michill,

How is your day? I hope is fine. The first day I saw you at the lobby
my heart was filled with joy. You look so beautiful, just my heart
desire.

I really like your structure and reception. [What am I, a building??]

Would you please find a place in your heart for me.

I wish to express my full love to you.

Reply soon. -David, Maxi Class [the name of the company]

* Are you married?
* I am married, but..."


------------

Ghanian dudes are silky SMOOOOOTH... with a minimum five 'O's, everytime. Theres no competition...

Take me out

Me and wayne were just chatting about New Kids on the Block and how he just put the moves on some chick by singing and dancing to 'Step by Step' LOL LOL LOL a verifiable classic. I especially *adore* the dance sequence on the stairs. That was my thing... LaughOutLoudRollingOnTheGround just thinking about it... anyways, I dont know but somehow this inspired me to post more musical stylings... download these songs and try em out. You might like em. Im still waiting for the next Spice Girls-'2 become 1' (Ive got a BIG soft spot LOL), however, theres not quite anything yet that reaches that kind of pantheon status.

Radio One and Virgin Radio has been a sweet change, almost everything is different and new. Granted, like I mentioned previous, lots of shite euro-pop as well, but Ive developed a good filter, I think. Two heavy "likes" Ive adopted so far since Ive been here has been Snow Patrol and Keane. This time around try download 'How to be Dead' by Snow Patrol. They try to trick you into thinking its something else, title sounds morbid, but dont let it fool you, it plays real cool-like, perfect for walking down the street on a idle fall day, with a zipped up turtleneck jumper. Also try out 'Bedshaped' by Keane. Its pretty chill as well... These guys remind me of Travis circa 1999-2000. Then Coldplay borrowed from Travis... and Keane borrows from Coldplay...

Next one is 'Take Me Out' by Franz Ferdindand. It has one of the best song transitions Ive heard in a while, following the Bohemian Rhapsody and Stairway to Heaven mold. Not as long as, but in the same way it, like, just switches; just wait for it... its coming and then its there. Also this song must be played LOUD.

And just for shits and giggles: Ill throw out the new george michael 'round here'. Its a not so much gay-dancing george, but more the old school wham! careless whisper george, albeit with a electronic stroke. Careless Whispers, thats Tito Max's favorite song, and in Tito Max's rendition, Ive never seen a filipino sing a song with so much passion... HAHAHA... he closes his eyes even... pinoys and singing with their karaoke magic mics, now THAT I could write a whole column on, alone. Following the same theme, also tryout 'Mary' by Scissor Sisters, because it sounds like Elton John actually. I thought it was him at first.

Okay, thats it, just thought Id share, and if you already have any of these songs, then youre already cool and dont need any assistance. Now finally, on a related note, Britney Spears now has a Greatest Hits Album (Umm... shes like 14. Whatthefack?) Given the recent events in her life, Ive downgraded the over/under on her first Playboy appearance from 'in 7 years' to ' in 2 years'. Im taking 3-2 odds. Any takers on that?

Happy Hallowe'en.

Red Sox Nation

Ive had no sleep in 4 days.  I blame it on being in stupid Ireland and being forced to watch the baseball postseason on a puny computer window through internet streams, and as the ultimate kick in the balls, having the games start at 1AM (1 freakin AM!).  But thats okay, loss of sleep is good when the most SURREAL outcome in all of sport history has just occured over the span of those 4 days... and by saying all of sports history, Im not even close to exaggerating.  If anything, I may be guilty of understating. First things first, I hate the Yankees, and Ive hated them ever since Rickey Henderson was swiping bases for them and Danny Tartabull was botching routine flies in their outfield. And I am a card carrying member of the Red Sox nation, got the hoodie n everything. If you havent heard, just last night the Red Sox of Boston have whooped the New York Yankees in the most miraculous fashion possible; they came back from being one inning away from a sweep, to winning to whole thing 3 days later. Never been done. This has been the most heated rivalry in baseball since the first bubbling reaction of primordial soup, yet still, a rivarly more one sided than  Anna Nicole Smith vs Carbs. Too many background stories to even cover with this Yanks-Sox rivalry, almost a whole century worth of one-sidedness, a Babe Ruth curse and decade after decade of NY domination. Now you can add to that all the Johnny Drama that happened WITHIN this series;  coming back from 3-0 series deficit against a cocky organization you havent beat in over 80 years, resulting in the most improbable sustained comeback of all time, microcosmed into two seperate come-from-behind marathons to start it, plus a dude pitching and winning on pure heart alone because he only had one leg left with the other one pratically falling off, kept on his body with Frankenstein type surgery, and then finally laying the biggest smackdown in the history of smackdowns in the anything goes game 7, with, 55,0000  Yankee fans collectively shutting the feck-up because they just got Punked.  I was fully expected Ashton Kucher to come out of the yankee dugout, jumping up and down, pointing his finger at Mel and Joe, laughing incessantly.  That would of been awesome.  Cuz let me explain something that I need to emphasize one more time, the Yankees never lose to the BoSox. NEVER. They always found a way to win, that would leave BoSox fans suicidal. And this goes back to the beginning of time. And yet last night, the world flipped bizarro-style, and now the Yankees have become the beyaatch. Its almost dreamlike.

And now for the part I love; this is the jem, this is the JT within the Nsync; I can now say, without a shadow of a doubt, and with none of my yankee-cheering buddies being able to come close to even contesting it, that the NY Yankees are the biggest choke artists of all time.  ALL TIME...  hahahaha stupid evil empire.  No one in baseball's century long history has choked like this, or even remotely close to it and if that was not bad enough, the magnitude of the chokage is infinity to the 3rd power because of their 180 million payroll and  who they did it against, their most hated rival, the Red Sox Nation. Go home now Derek, and take your closet buddy Alice Rodriguez with you, and wait to get quartered by George now, thanks for coming out.  My buddy Kid Slick is probably the biggest Yankee fan I know. And I havent heard a peep out of him since... hes now like one of those supposed "deaf homeless" kids that hand you out sign language cards on the street.  You have no idea how much Im enjoying this...

Well just wait, Im not exactly being fair... most girls reading right now are going through the Charlie Brown "Teacher saying something" jumble, and the last two paragraphs were one big "whah-wanng-wang-whuh-whah-whuh-whang" which is not fair.  To make up for it, you can check out this website.... www.schuh.co.uk.  They have the most awesome shoes. If you see anything you like, let me know, and maybe I can work something out for whenever I see you next...  see, Im so nice.

Okay, back to baseball.  So.... Ive hardly even slept in almost a week. Today, real story, on a work day, I went to sleep at 6:15AM.... and then woke up at noon.  AT NOON.  on a WORK DAY.  And I didnt even feel bad.  I walked into work at about 1, and it was like, aint not thang like a chicken wing on a string.  This is great.  And  Im glowing... my skin is beaming and my T-zone hasnt been this good since I was 4.  Miracles like this should happen everyday, Id be a knockout.  See good things happen when good triumphs over evil.  Good things........... Okay, slightly gay things, but in a manly heterosexual way.

Si! Pronto...

I justed posted a bunch of pictures. See below. Maybe youre interested. Pictures are posted in reverse chronological order, just like the blog itself, with the most recent thingys on top. Hopefully these can attempt to make up for the drought of posts of recent... after all a picture is worth a thousands worlds, yet, subsequently, a picture also equals an F when submitted as a Grade 10 Socials Studies 1000 word essay. Go figure.

Ill talk a little more about the trip later, when Im over it. I miss a few things already.. Coffee. Gelato. Pastries. Insane hot girls. Topless beaches. (the last two, excellent in combo, btw)

Also, I apologize in advance, but this blog might be slow to load because I have posted descent sized photos. So for people stuck in the 90s and still using dial up, (for example certain people whose initials are MJ)... it might take a while to load. If you dont like it, then get broadband already... LOL.

Prego.. Ciao.

Santorini

In Santorini, every picture is a postcard. This island has rocketed up my *Honeymoon Material* chart ... giving reigning Disneyworld a run for the money.

Athens

All the tourists smelled liked Greek Salad. Dont know why.



View of Athens from Acropolis.

Venezia (Venice)

For some reason this dude kinda reminds me of Vegas; I dont know why.







Ive been dying to walk around Italy with a "Bertuzzi 44" Shirt.



Tired. Somebody packed my bags with bowling balls.





Ponte di Rialto over the Canal Grande.

Cinque Terre

Monterosso Beach, Cinque Terre.



Monterosso Village. I think this is Noemi's favorite place in the whole world, and she is gonna kill me because I forgot to write her a postcard. In my defence, my written Italian sucks. Si.



Manarola Village.



Vernazza Village.



Old Italian Lolos chillin in Vernazza.

Vatican

St. Peters Basilica.



Inside St. Peters Basilica.



View from the top of the Dome.

Roma

Roman GM Place.



Roman GM Place at Night.



Tomb of Milite Ignoto, piazza Venezia, in the Altare della Patria. In two seconds that couple is gonna make-out.




I dont care how small that car is, there is no way it is getting out. Momma Mia!

Pre-Sun Segment

Cliffs of Mohr, Westcoast Ireland, on a cloudy windy day. Spit test down the Cliffs, 15 Mississippis. And instead of spit, used rocks instead; it was windy, and the spit would hit the cliffs in like 2 seconds.



Overnight at Stansted Airport London. Arrived 10PM. Departure Flight 6AM. At night this airport turns into a shanty town, with every bench and any viable real estate taken up by travellers camping out, waiting for morning flights.

6 Flights in 14 Days

No more sleeps required… Im finally in Vacation mode. I don’t know how often I will blog in the next two weeks, it will probably be limited and found wanting, but Ill make an Olympic effort of Roman Empire proportions to try.

I want to also say thank you for frequenting my humble blog so far; its really nice to hear some people enjoy it. Thank you for coming, its truly appreciated and I really mean that. I never thought blogging would be so fun and challenging at the same time. And I hope at least once, I wrote something that nobody else on this earth "got" - except for you and me. Because even the *chance* to make that kind of a connection is worth more than all the money in the world, and it's always been the primary reason that I've been writing.

And for everyone going to KBC, Rock the Casbah.

Double Impact

My friendship with my new friend Ryan is growing better and better. Im starting to love this girl (Ive associated the female gender, I figured Id appear more cultured if I follow the French language rules and assigned genders to nouns. And Im feeling like its a chick; there are girl Ryans existing, so I say shes hot too. Not that thats important to me or anything). If you thought 99cent flights were cheap... well try 1 cent! Im not lying. And as Jill knows, I NEVER lie. Yup, this weekend... Ryan is putting a sale on, 1 cent flights to most places in Europe. Oh look over there on the floor! I just found a coin worth 10 flights! I better check under the bed... sift through my pockets... and look under the couch cushions. With this, I can equally divide my findings between buying flights and buying ju-jubes. This morning, I just bought a flight over to Brussels for 1 cent there and 1 cent back (plus applicable taxes and gas fees, minor issue). Brussels, the land that invented Fries, and the infamous home of one of the most influential icons of the last decade, Jean Claude Van Damme (whom my brother Manny, by the way, just worked out with at Fitness World, Bute and Georgia. Apparently he grunts alot, and with his big legs and Karate, he was showing people how to do the splits, no problem).

As an aside... too bad my buddy Wayne wasnt there to see JCVD. He would of went ballastic. Literally, he would of blown up, I think. JCVD is a cultural hero to Wayne, who has memorized every line in Double Impact, and most of Bloodsport and "Street Fighter" the Movie. But then again this is from the same guy who actually rented and liked Swim Fan. Okay... too many tangents...

Now before the sale ends, I need to decide on a trip to take in February... check out www.Ryanair.com. I was thinking Paris, BUT... its 4.99 Euro, which is way too rich for my blood, like FEHGET that noise. Pay over a euro for a flight? Comeon... theres reasonable, and then there is psychotic... and that is walking on its edge... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Okay I better shut up now, because if I become anymore cynical... Ryan might hear word and come to her senses. Shhh...

6 more sleeps.

Banana Gellato

I have an upcoming vacation. Its gonna be cool. Sub zero cool. And its coming up fairly quickly now too... I have just over one week to learn how to say "Hey Mister you have bad B.O." in Italian (I think Italians have unbelievably bad BO) Italy. Ill be spending about a week of drinking coffee thats to die for and eating street side Banana Gellato. I cant wait. And then Im off to Greece to eat dirt cheap chicken souvlaki everyday. Again, I cant wait. My buddy Martin is coming over for this enjoyment too, so I have a partner in crime. It all starts next Thursday. Im starting my vacation early and Im taking Friday off as well, although my boss doesnt exactly know this yet... (hmm... hopefully that wont be an issue, sneaking out the back door seems like a good plan still)

The whole point of moving over here, apart from the international job experience, was that I could take advantage of the european travel opportunites (I have 23 days of vacation. I cant believe Im able to say that). This is the first one in what will hopefully be a congo line of many. La cauco racha. Back in Vancouver I rarely if ever took any vacation, and it was quite expensive to go anywhere kewl. Now its only a few coins to get anywhere (more on that in a minute), so its about time I start to make up for it.

Personally I think there is nothing better than living out of your backpack and playing co-ed hostel roulette. Most are familiar with this game... you walk towards your new hostel dorm room, and wonder who youll get as bunkmates; who is it today? Of course you always hope for Heidi and Bridget from Sweden, and Linda from Australia and Maria from Spain and no one else. This almost never happens though. To me anyways. I seem to always get stuck with the worst luck, and get the likes of Big Olga from Poland who makes the top bunk droop, Hiro the crazy wierd Japanese guy who cant speak English, Stuart the Kiwi freak whose constantly on uppers and stealing from everyone, Raul the happy-go-lucky Brazillian who farts during his sleep and stinks up the joint, or Charles the 50 year-old pothead burnout lifestyle traveller thinking hes still 18. And then there is Gary from Vancouver, who walks into the dorm late into the night stumbling drunk, turns the lights on, makes unreal noise going through his stuff and ends up waking everyone up. Ahh yes... hostel roulette. I get two weeks of this... and I miss it so.

And you know how much this gonna cost? Well the flight from Dublin to London is 0.99 EUR. And the flight from London to Rome is 0.99 GBP. Less than a Euro and less than Pound. Have I ever mentioned that Ireland rules? All of this is made possible by the miracle of Ryan Air. For those not in the know, Ryan Air is the godsent of Europe, a Dublin based low cost airline that flies almost everywhere, for as low as 0.99 Euro. Of course, you have to add on top of that all the airlines fees, security fees, and gas tax. But still. It turns out my flight from Dublin to London to Rome and back to London costs, all together, $100 CAD (converted). Its crazy insane. Ryan has just joined my exclusive group of best friends...

8 more Sleeps...

yeah yeah yeah...

Wow... I wrote that? And how did I possibly post it 3 times? I dont know if thats even blogger possible... I still contend that somebody hacked into my blog and set me up.... sommmabitches...

I am shame... LOL

These words are my owwn, from my hearrt flows

I bet one million kazillion pesos thta Im a really entertaining poster when iM drunK. Like rights now, for cases.. IM SOOOOOO DRUNK. Dont expect any logic or sense or whatever in this entery, beczuase im wasteed. Stupid Murrya, taking me out for beers n shit after work... on a empty stomach! you bicth!!! Im screwed!! Empty stomach is bad news... bad bad bad news... I only had chips for lunch you fucher! was dizzy after the seconf pint. Didnt even get the opportunity to down two tablesoopons of olive oil, or chicken burhger and fries with mayonaise, which Hermes told me was the ultimate prepp for a night out of drinkiss and no woorris. Well Im worris nows... i needt to perepare and place that bucket besides mee bed thinks. At that I was a lager drining too...too.. I decided to lay off the guniess in this case cduz you know its darky and heavying, and Its was actually sunny outside, so a little light hearted type of drink was in order... so I went for the seea thru Harp drink, Irishlands answer to Canadain and Busweiser. Stupid murray. Last time I did this, a fwe months ago... drinking on a emput stomachae, I was was puking black foams seconds after leaving the pub... like while i walked home, not even stopping.. just turned my hed, just like howws those muthafuching seagulls shit whilst they re flying... (did you you know pub is short for PUBlic bar? Tell your friends... they will think your smart... ass, dat is.) So after the bar... its only 8PM after all.. I went to the local "chippery" on the way homes, to bye some takeout fillet boxxes wid chips.. To fill up my stomach and absorb all the poisions. Lets hope it works... I blame it on the no fgoods in my stomach. mnever ever ever ever drinks on the empty stomachs... you will feel goods quiclky but you will die nthe next day...

The top titles bythe way is the wwiise words of Natasha Bedingfields. Daniels sistar. It was on top of the pops as I walked into my housese so I thought that i would rip it off and barrow..

im going to lye down now... Seleeping early is heathly for the soles... right after I finish tops of the pops.. Such a good show. Jojo is singing GET OUT, LEAVE song... wow shes young... Oh! Niptuck is on! bye.

These words are my owwn, from my hearrt flows

I bet one million kazillion pesos thta Im a really entertaining poster when iM drunK. Like rights now, for cases.. IM SOOOOOO DRUNK. Dont expect any logic or sense or whatever in this entery, beczuase im wasteed. Stupid Murrya, taking me out for beers n shit after work... on a empty stomach! you bicth!!! Im screwed!! Empty stomach is bad news... bad bad bad news... I only had chips for lunch you fucher! was dizzy after the seconf pint. Didnt even get the opportunity to down two tablesoopons of olive oil, or chicken burhger and fries with mayonaise, which Hermes told me was the ultimate prepp for a night out of drinkiss and no woorris. Well Im worris nows... i needt to perepare and place that bucket besides mee bed thinks. At that I was a lager drining too...too.. I decided to lay off the guniess in this case cduz you know its darky and heavying, and Its was actually sunny outside, so a little light hearted type of drink was in order... so I went for the seea thru Harp drink, Irishlands answer to Canadain and Busweiser. Stupid murray. Last time I did this, a fwe months ago... drinking on a emput stomachae, I was was puking black foams seconds after leaving the pub... like while i walked home, not even stopping.. just turned my hed, just like howws those muthafuching seagulls shit whilst they re flying... (did you you know pub is short for PUBlic bar? Tell your friends... they will think your smart... ass, dat is.) So after the bar... its only 8PM after all.. I went to the local "chippery" on the way homes, to bye some takeout fillet boxxes wid chips.. To fill up my stomach and absorb all the poisions. Lets hope it works... I blame it on the no fgoods in my stomach. mnever ever ever ever drinks on the empty stomachs... you will feel goods quiclky but you will die nthe next day...

The top titles bythe way is the wwiise words of Natasha Bedingfields. Daniels sistar. It was on top of the pops as I walked into my housese so I thought that i would rip it off and barrow..

im going to lye down now... Seleeping early is heathly for the soles... right after I finish tops of the pops.. Such a good show. Jojo is singing GET OUT, LEAVE song... wow shes young... Oh! Niptuck is on! bye.

These words are my owwn, from my hearrt flows

I bet one million kazillion pesos thta Im a really entertaining poster when iM drunK. Like rights now, for cases.. IM SOOOOOO DRUNK. Dont expect any logic or sense or whatever in this entery, beczuase im wasteed. Stupid Murrya, taking me out for beers n shit after work... on a empty stomach! you bicth!!! Im screwed!! Empty stomach is bad news... bad bad bad news... I only had chips for lunch you fucher! was dizzy after the seconf pint. Didnt even get the opportunity to down two tablesoopons of olive oil, or chicken burhger and fries with mayonaise, which Hermes told me was the ultimate prepp for a night out of drinkiss and no woorris. Well Im worris nows... i needt to perepare and place that bucket besides mee bed thinks. At that I was a lager drining too...too.. I decided to lay off the guniess in this case cduz you know its darky and heavying, and Its was actually sunny outside, so a little light hearted type of drink was in order... so I went for the seea thru Harp drink, Irishlands answer to Canadain and Busweiser. Stupid murray. Last time I did this, a fwe months ago... drinking on a emput stomachae, I was was puking black foams seconds after leaving the pub... like while i walked home, not even stopping.. just turned my hed, just like howws those muthafuching seagulls shit whilst they re flying... (did you you know pub is short for PUBlic bar? Tell your friends... they will think your smart... ass, dat is.) So after the bar... its only 8PM after all.. I went to the local "chippery" on the way homes, to bye some takeout fillet boxxes wid chips.. To fill up my stomach and absorb all the poisions. Lets hope it works... I blame it on the no fgoods in my stomach. mnever ever ever ever drinks on the empty stomachs... you will feel goods quiclky but you will die nthe next day...

The top titles bythe way is the wwiise words of Natasha Bedingfields. Daniels sistar. It was on top of the pops as I walked into my housese so I thought that i would rip it off and barrow..

im going to lye down now... Seleeping early is heathly for the soles... right after I finish tops of the pops.. Such a good show. Jojo is singing GET OUT, LEAVE song... wow shes young... Oh! Niptuck is on! bye.

We got the blessed rum

My ex-roommate Adam used to have a ritual. At the start of every month, at midnight... he says "Bunny Rabbit". Apparently if your first words of the month are "Bunny Rabbit" (or something like that) then you will have a great luck for the month. Bunny Rabbit. Yeah I know, I think it sounds gay too. He tried to get me into it, but it was futile because apart from the fact that I have a bad memory for things that have strict deadlines and for things that require an actual presence of mind, it turns out I already have my own end of month/beginning of the month ritual, its called making sure there is enough money in my account to cover rent.

Anyways its the 1st of tha month, Ill leave it with Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony in the background, as I scratch my head and wonder how many times I suprise myself, in that its already bloody September, --

"Wake up, wake up, wake up it's the 1st of tha month
To get up, get up, get up so cash your checks and get up

Hey my nigga we havin' a wonderful day and I won't fuck wit me. Why?
Cuz it's the 1st of tha month and now we smokin',chokin',rollin' blunts
And sippin' on 40 ounces thuggin' come come we got the blessed rum
From jumpin' all nights we high
Hit up the block to where? East 99
I get wit my nigga to get me some llello
Double up nigga what you need?
We got weed to get P.O.Ded
Fiend for the green leaves
Give it up it's the foe sure you better lay low
Cause the po-po creep when they roll slow
If you can't get away better toss that llello
Keep your bankroll
Yeah we havin' a celebration, I love to stay high
And you better believe when it's time to grind
I'm down for mine crime after crime
Fin to creep to the pad cuz mom's got grub on the grill
If we got the food, you know it's the 1st of tha month
and my nigga we chills foe real............."

PS... This maybe one of my favorite songs EVER, but anyone actually knows how that blackity-black talk actually makes sense? Im looking for Dr. Seuss type of flow...

Olympic Friday

It’s the small things, the small details, that amuse me about the Olympics. Like did you watch the Chinese dude in the 110m Hurdles Final? That’s one fast Chinese kid. He won gold in world record time, but the best part is he looked like a 5 year old kid doing it, running with a unique “arms flailing about” technique, as if he’s running away from the bogie man. Then when he was celebrating, he got blocked out by a track and field official cuz he almost ran into some javelin thrower (imagine the headlines, if that contact went wrong)… and then he then turns around and progresses to celebrate awkwardly, pointing at the crowd like Hulk Hogan. Which prompted my irish friend Miriam to say “He’s celebrating too much, the Chinese aren’t know for their hurdle skill are they?”

Or there’s the Japan chick who ran the 10K final, and it looked like she ran the whole time with her mouth wide open. Is there anything more amusing than a Japanese chick with big bushy hair, running with her mouth wide open? In the Olympic final for a gold medal? I cant help but imagine she was yellin “BAAAAAHHHHH” the whole time while she ran, which reminds me of Angelo from elementary school, who took the special bus to school. She lost by the way, lapped even. And does it make it any funnier that her head is absolutely huge? So yeah, that’s been the bulk of my Olympic experience today. Its been fun, an enjoyable Friday. I love the Olympics.

Being in Ireland, Im also in a unique position to watch these Athens Games from Irish and British eyes. RTE for Ireland, and BBC for the UK are my two main outlets here for the Olympics. I was actually quite looking forward to this, coming into August. It meant leaving behind the NBC coverage, whose “USA! USA!” bravado, contrived tape delay broadcasts and feel good background stories make it look like its produced by Oprah. Unfortunately though, after almost two weeks of Olympics viewing, I found out that RTE and BBC are really not much better. First of all, RTE tends to show all the crappy second tier sports that I couldn’t give two shits about, like field hockey, hammer toss, sailing, team handball and water polo. Handball? I didn’t even know this sport existed past the 7th grade. Also, Ireland is doing terrible in these Olympics, yet still RTE insists on showing all the loser Irish athletes that finished something like a 8th during qualifying. I guess as a national broadcaster, you got to show your guys, but day after day, pining hopes on athletes that are obviously outclassed, you start to feel sorry for Ireland. Like the other week, the Irish mens doubles sculls rowing squad came out to a blistering start in their final, but quickly got caught up to and passed, ending up finishing 6th or something. In the interview, the rower said “I think we rowed a incredibly good race, and if the other boats weren’t so fast, we coulda won”. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Brilliant. Finally though, today, in the final few days of the Olympics, Ireland got their first medal, and its in the showstopper event of equestrian show jumping. The winner, Cian O’Connor is a national hero now, in fact his parents was just interviewed live at home on national TV. Now Im preparing myself and dreading the next few days, where this horse jumping exhibit will be celebrated, analyzed and repeated ad nauseum. Arghh… its horse jumping for Pete’s sake.

BBC on the other hand, is a little like the Americans, in that they overty trump up their athletes to unreal levels. When they win gold in anything, its a sickingly brash celebration, with BBC Commentators yelling its “Olympic champion! Olympic champion! This is the best thing to ever happen ever!” (each and everytime, in a pompy english accent). This especially hurt when the British fours rowing team barely edged out the Canadians last week. And when their athletes fail, the commentators either openly put on a face of denial or provide built-in excuses. The best example is Paula Racliffe. So last Sunday, here’s Paula, world record holder, British deity, and gold medal favorite, competing in the marathon, and for some reason (fatigue, maybe) with like 4 miles to go, she puts her hands on her sides, stops running and doesn’t even finish. She gave up. BBC then goes on to comment “that is sooo unfortunate, but Paula will keep her chin up, she is a great athlete, great champion, she is not a quitter…” … but ummm, no…on the contrary I think she is… she just quit, actually. Look, shes right there sitting on the roadside. Murray, who works beside me and is from New Zealand, had a field day enjoying BBCs effort in trying to turn the Paula lemon situation in to proverbial lemonade. They covered up, made excuses, the whole shebang, and openly wondered if she would re-establish her dominance in the 10K race. Fast forward 5 more days to today for the 10K Final. Paula started off okay, but somewhere along the line she picked up a 70 lbs backpack (or from her body language it sure looked like it). Close to halfway through, with her patented head bobbing run style, she was struggling mightily. And then, she slips further and further back from lead pack, falling back to near the stragglers group which included the open mouth japan chick. Not liking how things were going, she just got fed up and again pulls up and starts walking. She quit AGAIN! Its not like Felicien, who unfortunately tripped during her race, but she actually just said “screw it, I wont win so Ive had enough”. I started laughing, really loud, I couldn’t help it. Like as if I didn’t see that coming. BBC then goes on “Running the 10,000 meter, 5 days after running the marathon. Its really is difficult to recover from”. Well, that’s if she actually finished the marathon, maybe…

Well this is the kind of stuff I had to watch instead of something really important, like the USA Basketball team losing to Argentina in the semi-final. All I got to see instead was show jumping and womens javelin. Stupid Ireland.

The Formula

There is one universally accepted scientific formula that encompasses every know thing within the human world. It rules life as we know it and defines all our interactions. Often enough its commonly identified by the basic monnicker "The Formula". No its not E=mc^2. The real defining equation is "divide by 2 plus 7". Perhaps you've heard of it. Ideally, its all the math anyone would ever have to know, ever. You take a dudes age, divide it by two, add seven, and you get the ideal female age range for dating, relationships and intimate companionship (and if you get into specifics, you can put a +/- 2 statistical correction factor). Pretty simple, and solid as a rock. My buddy Eric lives and dies by this formula, he swears by it. I mention it now because I have fallen in love yet again, and its all good, the formula says so. Her name is Logan Tom, star outsider hitter for the USA Womens Indoor Volleyball team. Now she use to have medium-to-long hair... like when she played as a 19 year old in the Sydney Olympics and throughout her collegiate play at Stanford. However for these Athens Olympics, she has sported a new hairdo, a short cropped one, and Im jelly beans. You see, I have a weakness for short hair, and this is where my pal Martin and I strongly disagree, he's a long flowing locks kinda dude. Well, whatever. So as you can tell, despite my anti-American tendancies on almost everything (to spite mostly), I was distraught when the USA Womens Volleyball team lost to the Russians a couple of days ago. Logan did her best though, with something like 5000 kills. Poor Logan (And how cool of a name is that? Logan Tom? It defines awesomeness)

Now one more comment: if I were the president of NBC Sports, the network that now has Arena Football as its only major contract (how pathetic is that?), I wouldnt skip a beat in adding Volleyball and Beach Volleyball to the broadcast schedule. Its a fast game, and the Olympics have proven, an extremely exciting and TV friendly game. Its a popular game with widespread participation on recreational levels, and finally, you got your cant lose moneymaker in hot tall athletic girls jumping around, trying to spike a leather ball into the opponents face, while wearing short-shorts. And for the female viewers, you get hot athletic guys jumping around, trying to spike a leather ball into the opponents face. And in the beach version, the girls do it in sports bras and bikinis. How can you go wrong? You might as well print your own money. Other good sports, also for possible consideration? Badminton and Ping Pong.. but I digress.

Oh by the way, I just heard Eric is off the market, and for some reason, apparently the formula was not used. I tell ya, I leave Vancouver and Vancouver goes bizarro on me, up is down, left is right, rain turns into sunshine...

Defining Awesomeness..

logantom
Originally uploaded by Noli Abecia.

Sorry Martin, but short hair absolutely rules...

The Hillary Effect

Imagine the moment when Hillary Duff, up and coming 'It' girl, with a blossoming movie career, blossoming pop music career ("Let the RAIN drop down, and wake my dreams"), a new teen idol icon clothing line "Stuff by Hillary Duff", and a highly successful Lizzie Maguire TV career, found out that her arc-rival Lindsay Lohan, suddenly, almost overnight, got impressive C size breasts. Just imagine, cuz before, Lindsay only had mild success with a movie remake, Freaky Friday. But after that precise moment, suddenly Lindsay is taking over; first she starts appearing on all the teen magazines proudly displaying the new big 'uns, and then her hotter than hot movie, Mean Girls, comes out, the outright success of the early summer movie season. And THEN she parlays that into hosting the 2004 MTV Movie Awards, where she displayed dance skills as awkward as Jessica Simpson's dance routines. But still, she was hosting the MTV freakin movie freakin awards; I tell ya, thats big time yo, definitely 'A' List type stuff. And quicker than a cats ass, shes getting offered 7-10 million dollar movie offers, becomes the female Ashton Kutcher in terms of overt media publicity and attention, and also gains the eye of the Enrique Iglesias of Young Hollywood; the guy who plays Fez from That 70s Show. Hillary subsequently struggles to stay in the public eye, her movies pass by without a word and she falls quickly to the mid-to-low 'B' list. Hillary must of been FUMING mad, sporting a 10 out of 10 on the scale of scathing evil eyes, having to live through this constant reminder. Lindsay, her enemy, had just past her by to mega-super-duper-supreme-stardom-with-cherry-on-top, without even flinching. Hell, Lindsay even did something very un-PC and called people "retarded" on record in the media, and didnt even get into much trouble for it. Picture the resentment that Hilary built up during this turn of events, further compounded by the fact that the switcheroo happened during just a few but highly eventful months, beginning no sooner than early 2004. Its the type of malcontent that could boil water. Well now try and capture this raw emotion and try to relate to the deepth of Hillarys extreme pain. Try to grasp it. And now if you take Hillary's state of perpetual furious anger, mutiple that by 3 or 4, and thats how mad I got when I found out my new car got a dent while I was parked in Belfast. SO mad! Like I just got it! Sommabitches... theres no going back from this, ya know, its a permanenet ugly scar. Whats a guy to do? I started throwing wild punches.

Well what can you really do, actually. At anyrate, Im a little okay now. As Mr. Miyagi taught me, breathe in, breathe out. Very important.

Moving on other things, Im a little embarrassed with the delay, but Id like to point you out to a new website, www.jenniferandzebedee.com. Two of my good friends Jen and Zeb got married two weeks ago in Vancouver and Im really sad and dissappointed that I wasnt there for it. Stupid Ireland.

Congratulations you two... and I'm slightly excited cuz I hear their first boy, whenever that will be, is going to be named J! for Jay!. hahahahahaha... (inside joke)

Congratulations also to Portia and Glen, who, incidently, got married on the same day as Jen and Zeb. Surrey represent! yeh...

And uhh.. who else... hmm... congrats to Anne Marie, she just had a birthday!

Geeezzz...

llohan
Originally uploaded by Noli Abecia.

Thats too much, I need to take a breather just thinking about it. The power of C Cup.

Knight Rider

a2nite
Originally uploaded by Noli Abecia.

Do you see the scratch? Irish bastards..

More music songs...

Occasionally Ill turn this blog into a resource. A pop culture resource, of the Irish variety, with, of course, some general European flavor. So every once in a while, Ill provide some opinions on what I found to my liking on Irish/UK TV (Ali G, Hollyoaks, One Tree Hill) and post some songs that caught my ear. Of course, I will try my utmost best to stay away from the boorish English Pop that populates and dominates the BBC Radio 1 and Virgin Radio; my gosh, there is a lot of crap music here. I do not lie, and I cannot emphasize this enough, there is virtually a new boy band every week. The UK and Ireland is heavily invested and infested with boy bands / girl bands, and that wanker Robbie Williams. Well sometimes I dont mind the girl bands, cuz more often than not, theyre pretty smokin, so they end up being quite bareable according to Noli's music rule #1: Hot chicks rule. And then, of course, there is Rachel Stevens. I love her... AND SOMETIMES, in a few select instances, my guard will drop and let in a pop song so catchy, you cant help but like it.

Here is an example: The song Superstar by Jamelia... only because I really like the "EH-OHHHH EH-OH, EH-OH" part... you know the kind of part that you would shout during Karaoke, but not know any of the rest of the words. Download it ... youll know what I mean...

So here are some songs I currently like over here. Perhaps youve heard of them, perhaps they are already played where-ever you are... I dont know... but they made it into my iPod... These are pretty chill.

Everybody's Changing by Keane
Cannonball by Damien Rice
Run by Snow Patrol

Now in exchange, someone please update me on Ashlee Simpson. Im totally missing out on this... I had no idea.

Impulse Post #1

This is my first impulse post... just to warn you, this will happen when I am especially emotional about something and need to express myself to reflect the moment. A quick snapshot, or window if you will, into how I am feeling right here, right now. So I rush to the iBook and start typing like a madman....

Now, if there is one thing you will learn about me during this reading, its this; There is only one reason that would make me change the channel from watching womens olympic swimming; that would be the best movie of all time, Karate Kid. See, here I am watching the Olympics, watching the BBC broadcast of one of the most exciting events in sports history, an event so rare and so momentus that it happens once every four years, womens swimming... and I start to surf the other 7 channels, cuz Im guy and we do these things, and Im brought to my knees when I find Karate Kid playing on TV3. Shock and awe I think is the trendy term. Shock and awe. Ireland Rules. Nevermind the fact that I own the DVD and watch it frequently, but Karate Kid on Television is an event. Its like a celebration on broadcast TV and everyone is invited. So as you can tell, Im pretty pumped right now, so I had to share. Usually I would call my friends to let them know... but my only friends in Ireland so far are Guiness and Ipod, and both dont watch TV. Their loss.

Anyways, Daniel-san is getting smoked by a gang skeletons right now... this needs my complete and total undivided attention... laters.. sweep the leg...

Two more days till...

My most frequented webpage, by far, is ESPN Page 2. I have included an excerpt to illustrate why it is so brilliant; here are parts of a quiz found on the site today: (Summer Olympics Theme, too, so two birds, one stone, considering the close proximity and all)

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Multiple Choice:

What is the best film ever made about the Olympics?
A. Miracle
B. Chariots of Fire
C. Prefontaine
D. Cool Runnings
E. Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story, starring AC Slater

Answer: E

What is the worst film ever made about the Olympics?
A. Personal Best
B. Running Brave
C. Golden Girl
D. American Anthem
E. Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story, starring AC Slater

Answer: E


Tie Breaker Essay:
Send an composition of 2,000 words or more on each of topics below. All answers must be handwritten. Please enclose a $5,000 entry fee with your submission.

1. Team USA Men's Basketball will not medal at Athens. Explain why. Use the following to support your answer; no defensive intensity, no half-court passing, and the total inability to hit jumpers against the zone.

2. The Modern Pentathlon, shooting, fencing, swimming, cross-country running and equestrian show-jumping, is outdated. The following will comprise the new, Postmodern Pentathlon; Golden Tee, EA Madden NFL 2005, Tony Hawk's Pro-Skater, Halo for Xbox and Fantasy Football. Explain why.

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tears of joy folks...

In a future post, maybe I will highlights the merits of ebaum website (piss your pants funny), and the most important resource ever known to man, imdb.com.

Rosse Buurt

Okay, yesterday I was in Amsterdam, and I accomplished something insanely big (huge) and highly notable... something almost damn near impossible to do, elephant through the eye of a needle type impossibilities... I didnt go to the Red Light District. Repeat, in Amsterdam, ate Fritz with Mayonaise, walked the Canals, but didnt go to the red light district and everything that comes with. This is like David Hasselhoff going to Germany and choosing not to sing. Doing something like this just HAS to rank high on the scale of scales. It must... granted, I do realized its uncomfortably obscure, like eating 50 hotdogs in 12 minutes. Why? It sounds pointless, stupid, wasteful, even retarded... but sometimes somethings need to be tried. Sometimes, we must test ourselves...

Hellssss no way Im doing that again, though. Red light is afterall so naturally soothing to the senses...

Oh a belated note, congratulations to Marty and his buddy Sherwin with their "White Castle" movie coming out last weekend. Pursue that Mo fo, and sue their asses for not being compensated on violations for likeness rights, being the obvious artistic basis and character basis for the movie's slope-eyed-yellow-oriental and coming-from-terrorist-based-country central characters and therefore being true owners of the intellectual property. Recognize...

n.

Different Speller

Millie Jane just tried to take credit for my blog name. PUHHHHLLLEEAAASEEE. I came up with that all by my own self. Anyways she even spells it a different way... if she had her way it would be nolisirishtsismis.blogspot.com. Like since when did filipinos start using the silent 'T'? I prefer not to spell it that way, its just dumb looking. Afterall, when my mom says Tsunami, she says "Tuus-nami".

Nice try jane... nice try. That just doesnt tsound quite right.

And for all my white readers and other non-flip readers, or flips that dont know tagalog at all (you know who you are, Jill), chismis means gossipsss... Chit-chat. AKA, what you do when you play Mahjong.

And yes, its tsuppose to be pluralized... we do dat kind ob ting.

okay... im going to take enap.

noy

Statistics

Tallys for the day:

Number of blokes I saw today with their collar up: 3.
Number of times Ive contemplated putting my collar up: 0.
Number of people with their hair spiked to the middle, mohawk look: 4.
Number of years past by since the hair spiked in the middle was considered cool: 2.
Number of times the 20 year old logistics adminstrative assistant, Jo, came by my desk to chat: 1.
Number of times I had to remind myself that I should not count that type of thing: 20
Number of times I checked the internet today while working: 3 (a new world record low!)

And the most important Tally: number of pairs of shoes purchased in the last week: 2. This is what happens when you open your wallet for a major purchase such as a car. It remains open to spend on other things, as well. Important things like shoes, and track jackets.

Didnt get my car today though. Im pissed out; so pissed out, Im roundhouse kicking at thin air.

Probably tomorrow.

n.

Top of the Pops

Please download these songs. The Streets - "Dry your eyes, Mate" and Rachel Stevens - "Some girls". These are the two latests songs Ive downloaded for my bestfriend here in Ireland, iPod. I know what youre thinking, Rachel is the hot chick from S Club 7. There are only two possible reactions to this news: Guys will download the song faster than Ben Johnson running to the toilet after unknowingly eating moldy cantalope. Then they will go to google.com and type in 'Rachel Stevens'. Girls will roll their eyes, and rant that she cant sing and has hair extensions, and what is she anyways? she doesnt look British, then make the obvious comparison to Posh Spice, and rave some more about how she cant sing, either, then get more mad, because she has David Beckham... then go to fridge to eat some chocolate ice cream, while listening to Justin Timberlake CD. Whatever... just download em. The Streets at the very least. Youll be different...

A Chain of events that was started today is about to take place... received my Provisional Drivers Licence from the "Irish Man", came in the mail today. Heres the chain.... Licence -> obtains permission to apply for my full Irish licence -> allows me to purchase car insurance -> allows me to purchase a car -> allows to pick up the car I made a deposit on 1.5 weeks ago -> Noli joins the Audi family.

This all happens tomorrow... all while I should be at work working. And did I mention I dont pay taxes? I live in bizzaro world.

Im audi...
n.

First posting

Ive been meaning to start a blog for a while now, ever since I moved to Ireland in late May. Now its started, exactly 2 months after I arrived (would of been sooner, but I insisted on wireless broadband, and then after my incessantly childish pouting suceeded, I religiously procrastinated). No definite reason for the blog really, but Ill be posting thoughts, crappy ones and good ones, and pictures and whatever else I feel like. The only requirement is that it has to be kewl... I dont want to bore anyone. Otherwise youd never come back... and that would kinda suck. Nevermind, unappreciative.

So ladies, gentlemen, cats, dogs, little children, and cute salt water fish... come back and come often mang! Ill post as often as my will allows me.