more from The Luneta Rendezvous

Manila, PH -- Vintagey photo huh ? I just can't let this one go. She was like a hungry kid on a grade school excursion. I couldn't keep track of the street food she kept getting her hands on. First it was dirty ice cream, then she was munching on cheese curls, then we ate in a karinderya where she had a cup of noodles. Oh, saw her eating taho as well. She even borrowed money from me to give a couple of kids a free cup! At least she got a little fancy later in the day with ensaymada from Barbara's and dinner at SOMS. I swear, she was channeling a kid on the loose with money to spend on junk food. I guess you girls know her more than I do. Hehe.

When was the last time you went to Luneta ?

Manila, PH -- Yesterday! If you ask me and Reese. Now a certified lomographer with her wonderful Fisheye shots and after infecting the whole island of Bohol with lomo, she tagged along with the rest of lomomanila for a day in the park. Dubbed TLR, (The Luneta Rendezvous) this lomowalk was supposed to be a gathering of TLR users, TLR short for Twin Lens Reflex cameras, those box- like cameras you've probably seen in old movies. There's also one in a 500 peso bill! Go take a look!

You can also ask her the question "When was the last time you were in The Marikina Shoe Expo in Cubao ?" but that's another blog entry altogether. The weekend was like a trip back to memory lane and I was even playing 70's music in the car ( I know, i know! you weren't born yet!) We had a great time. However, the most memorable words I heard was "Parang gusto kong mag drugs!" which Reese delivered while we were listening to Black Sabbath.

Here's a nice photo of how to do lomography in style.
Reese still owes us those Fisheye photos from Bohol and should post it here. And before I forget, Jan needs to tells us about Sydney!

Audio Candy # 3: Going Missing (for you, ats)

1. raphael - carla bruni *justine
2. le toi du moi -carla bruni *justine
3. tous le jours - saint privat riviera *justine
4. samba da bencao - bebel gilberto *justine
5. ghost - deepsky *reese
6. finally woken - jem *reese
7. going missing -maximo park *reese

taken

The Fort, Taguig, PH -- Sept 10, Crap Shoot exhibit closing party, Reese and Jan had excuses not to go. Seems a lot of friends are under the weather these days. Even our friend Mutch who was supposed to play in one of the bands called in sick.

Last night was just another Lomomanila organized event, predictably well attended and interesting with the usual fanfare (drunken madness, worship of idols and sexual debauchery). With a record breaking attendance on opening night, this time I was worried with the number of people who will be attending. Not everyone is willing to party till 3 am on a Monday night. The number of band members I had to feed with alcohol was in the area of 50-60 alcoholics in denial. Oh and I even got a professional host, DJ Dylan of Nu 107/Jack TV (and my new Beagle is also named Dylan). At the end of the night, I was break even and had 500 pesos left (after giving the Mag:net crew a generous tip) for a Quick Stomach breakfast. Success!

Here's a list of those who played in order ..

1. Taken by Cars - my current favorite local band obviously, more of them here: http://www.myspace.com/takenbycars

2. Sanity Kit - they played last the last time, I asked them to play for us again

3. Nancy Drool - Mutch was absent, bummer

4. Marty Macfly - back to the future! loads of fun

5. Mercury O.D. - Our friends Anne and Inna showed us they have more talent than just putting on makeup

6. Analog - Annabel Bosch still rocks! remember Elektrikoolaid ?

7. Corporate Lo-fi - everybody went hiphop on the floor! a supergroup of some sort

8. Cambio - Cambio, need I say more ?

9. Head - another girl- fronted rock band, Head will turn heads with a pretty Anne Hyde as vocalist

10. Pasok mga Bwitre - world type music using DIY instruments like bottles of beer, a biscuit can and a water jug! they did a mean cover of Radioactive Sago's Alkohol. We hope to bring them back with the way they played..and, umm, with their pretty manager. Woohoooo!

going missing

Tagbilaran, Bohol, PH-- 'going missing' by maximo park:

i'm going missing for awhile
i've got nothing left to lose
i don't listen to anything

The Kulasas raid Chicago

Chicago, IL -- Last July 14, I went to Chicago for the weekend to attend my very close friend's wedding. I took an hour long train ride from Neptune to New York to catch the flight to Midway Airport in Chicago. I was post-call so I was dead-tired. Because of my zombie-like state, I unfortunately got off the wrong stop. I was supposed to get off at Penn Station in NY, but I got off at NEWARK Penn Station, which is still in New Jersey. I was so pissed because I was so tired and sleepy, and I was afraid I was going to miss my flight. I finally figured out what to do after looking at maps and train schedules. I took the PATH train to 34th St in NY and from there took the subway to La Guardia Airport. My flight was at 4:00 pm, I got there at 3:45 pm. I literally sprinted like a mad woman from the airport entrance to my seat in the plane. (Now I know how it feels to be in Amazing Race). When I got to Chicago, I immediately called my friend Jennet and told her what happened and reminded her how much I love her that I was willing to go through all that mess just to be at her wedding. Awww. That night, we had a very tame bachelorette party (no naked men mind you) in downtown Chicago. I was soooo happy to see my close high school friends again. Suddenly we were back to our high school mode -- giggling crazily, insulting people as they pass by (LAIT CLUB!), doing crazy poses (pouting, open mouth..) for the camera(s) (Note: Pinoys are crazy about picture-taking so every one has to have her own camera, and poses should be repeated for each camera.), dancing like there's no tomorrow, and fighting over very expensive vodka ($400 for a bottle!). Just imagine the ruckus when my friend Nicole accidentally dropped the bottle on the table, causing some of the liquid gold to spill! Betsy and I were ready to smack Nicole on the head. (Typical Kulasa behavior..hahaha)



The wedding itself was very emotional and memorable. I always cry at weddings, but this time I cried way too early -- as Jennet was marching down the aisle all by herself. I was just so happy for her. My other friends, Icay and Betsy, hated me because they started cyring as well. It was a very elegant and poignant affair. Peninsula's Terrace looked so beautiful against Chicago's skyline (just look at the picture c/o Jennet). And the weather was perfect for an outside party. We (again) wreaked havoc at the dance floor, dancing with the boys (Jennet's nephews) and the old men (Jennet's in-laws). The highlight of the night: Nicole (my crazy but very sweet friend) getting so drunk and flirting shamelessly with the bartender! Yey, Nicole!

a letter from leo

Manila, PH -- i'm a sucker for guys who drive a prius (not that i know anyone, save for l. di). so imagine the thrill of getting a letter from leonardo dicaprio! or his secretary! or whoever it is that mass-emailed this missive to conservation international members!

do the man a favor and watch the movie. now let me imagine him reading this out loud in his fine blood diamond accent...

Dear Risa,

I'm writing to tell you about my new environmental film, The 11th Hour. The film documents the environmental crises we face and the solutions we must begin to implement.

Please click here to take a look at the trailer.

With help from over fifty of the world's most prominent thinkers and activists, including reformer Mikhail Gorbachev, physicist Stephen Hawking, and Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai, The 11th Hour documents the grave problems facing the planet's life systems. Global warming, deforestation, mass species extinction, and depletion of the oceans' habitats are all addressed. However, the most powerful element of The 11th Hour is not that it portrays a planet in crisis, but that it offers hope and solutions. The film ends with a call for restorative action through reshaping human activity.

Check out the website for more information on the film.
>> www.11thhouraction.com

The 11th Hour opened on August 17th in New York and Los Angeles. It will open in other cities across the country in the upcoming weeks. It would be great if you could go see it and bring a friend. You can go to our website to get more information on the movie and when it will play near you.

We need the message of this movie to hit as far and wide as possible.
The hope is us. Let's begin.

Thank you,

Leonardo DiCaprio

note to leo: i can read between the lines, honey. YES, i will go out with you

A Day at Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA -- It's my nth time in the U.S. but I never headed to any beach in California until yesterday. Unlike the beaches back home, the water here is FREEEZING cold; and unlike in NJ, the lifeguards are not really something to look forward to. Check out "lolo lifeguard!"=)

After spending the morning people-watching and sunbathing, my friend Vern and I decided to go to the Third Street Promenade where Hollywood stars are often spotted. It's a place for shopping and dining. (Photo below is from seeing-stars.com)

Unfortunately for us, we didn't see any celebrities but we definitely enjoyed browsing through books, window shopping, and feeling that we are actually considered skinny here. =)

(Pseudo) Backpacker Essentials

Cacnipa Island, Palawan, PH-- A few months back my friend Quentin (who scoffs at anything touristy, takes pleasure at making me take a 3 hour rollercoaster/jeepney ride crammed with eggs, fish, vegetables and laughed everytime i hit my head on the roof, and "discovered" the most beautiful island 2 hours off puerto princessa..merci!) took me on a surprise trip to Palawan (note, I only knew we were going to the last frontier when I saw the signboard above the check-in counter at the airport). On one of our random nights, we came up with a backpacker essentials list, him being the real backpacker, me being well, the pseudo backpacker. Here are the items we came up with:

-flash light
-towel
-candle
-knife
-anti-mosquito lotion
-first aid kit
-medicine (for headache, indigestion)
-a good book (when you finish you can exchange the book with the ones in your guesthouse)
-sunscreen
-dark chocolate (for times when you feel like throwing up on the car/bus/boat/plane ride or when you can't identify the food in front of you but you just have to eat something)
-ipod
-camera
-LESS clothes (working on it)
-baby powder (don't ask)
-jacket
-all-in-one beauty products (e.g. shampoo+conditioner+body wash, moisturizer with spf, cheek and lip tint)
-trusty Lonely Planet
-the following email address...sorry girls, can't disclose this
-journal (moleskin journals make great travel companions)

Every time I take a trip I check the list and make sure I've covered everything. Are ya proud, Q? We all have our own must-haves and essentials when we heed the call of our itchy feet in search of great adventure. Help us pack well for our South America trip by telling us...WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKPACK?

Crap Shoot

Plug Plug Plug. Lomomanila will be having an exhibit called Crap Shoot. Launch is at Mag:net High Street this coming Monday. Reese has some photos included in the exhibit ! I hope Joy, Ditas and Justine will continue to shoot Lomo so I can have their photos part of the next exhibits. Oh, our dear friend Kate Torralba will be playing that night. A great find, this song "One Thing" will be played by new band Sanity Kit. I think I need one now.

Funny story

Neptune City, NJ -- Just got back from the ER. I had a surprise call from my sister back home (Manila). I miss her dearly. Anyway, I gave up my Globe roaming line since I already have my mobile phone here. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to inform all my friends that I don't have my Globe line anymore. I didn't think this would be a problem. But then, I just found out from my sis that my mom has been using my Globe line back home. She received this text last week: " Hello Doctor Dee, how is Neptune treating you? Nakahanap ka na ba ng ka-jugs?"

My mom came up to my sister, showed her the text, and then asked her what "jugs" meant. My sister nonchalantly answered, "sex". My sister then burst out laughing at my mom's panic/terror-filled face.

Bwahahahahahahahaha. The things that happen to me.


P.S. To all my dear friends -- please do not text my mom.

Lost in the City of Lights II

sacre bleu, it's cathy in paris!

Paris, FRANCE --Despite spending two weeks there, I didn't visit Eurodisney (you've seen one, you've seen them all), Pere Lachaise Cemetery (maybe next time), catacombs (no French I know has been there), minor museums which showcase contemporary art (the best are showcased in temporary exhibits in large museums anyway), and Corsica and the French Riviera (why did I choose Rome over this?! *sigh*). I also didn't go up the top of Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel since you can view the whole of Paris with ease on your knees and wallet from the Basilica de Sacre Coeur.

We also gave up our Eurail pass for the convenience of planes and a longer time to know Paris-- I’ve never regretted it.

As for my Roman holiday, the awe at the l'ouvres is less on the second visit. Hence, I have very few things to say about my trip:

1) Don't ever go to Italy in summer unless you're heading for the beach. The heat is unbearable, like walking at noon in Manila;

2) You'll be walking a lot so bring your most reliable shoes. An ordinary map will not help you navigate the narrow streets in Italy (perhaps a GPS device?;

3) July is also the sale season in Rome but the clothes are incomparable to Paris. There's an outlet store near the Pantheon that sells everything at 70% off.

4) Get reserved tickets for the Colosseum and other attractions;

5) Italian guys are shameless flirts. The French think they overdo romance, hence their cry of outrage: How can you fall in love with an Italian guy?!;

6) Every thing's a bit cheaper here except for the leather shoes, and

7) Don't forget to try their gelato and the Tre Scalini dessert in Piaza Navona. It’s meant to be shared over the serenade of street performers. ;)

When I first got to Europe, Italy was my favorite country. But when I got back, I instantly missed France. I don't think it has anything to do with the comforts of having family take care of me. The city itself-- the sights, sounds, and feel of it-- well...um…sorry, I'm no poet.

My last night in Europe was in Amsterdam. I had a better tour guide and an interesting night. But that's another story. ;)

Lost in the City of Lights

and now our first guest blogger: cathy, who is just as stricken with wanderlust

Paris, FRANCE--Eve of Bastille Day- The fireworks colored the sky like a kaleidoscope at midnight, the dance of lights en sync with Eiffel's own sparkles. I watched it dreamily from the rooftop of my dinner host’s house, a moment broken by a French guy's remark, “Bastille street party is for ploucs...ah, peasants.” He meant “jologs”. He was my travel advisor that night-- the insider who knows the special cafés in Amsterdam, the piazzas I must not miss in Rome, and his haven in Paris that tourists haven't discovered yet-- so I tried to remember his tips as best as I could. This proved a bit difficult because his brown eyes were competing against Eiffel's glitter, and the rosé and vodka were brewing its own cocktail in my head. A woman seated at his left gave us a funny look, while around us the French were sharing an unfamiliar cigarette, discreetly keeping it from the Filipinos. After a while the laughter became hysterical, the snobs were already dancing on the table with flowers and feather boas... the alcohol was taking its toll on me...As the room was spinning, I wondered, Where was I? Hmm… tastefully dressed people, intrigue, disgust for ploucs, great food, wine I've never tasted before, summer vacations, those lights...ahh...Paris! But how did I end up here?

A month ago, I was in a cramped office sulking over the end of summer when my monitor popped with an invitation from my aunt in Paris. I and two other aunts were to spend the first two weeks of July with her and one week in Rome and Amsterdam. There could not have been a better time: sales greeted us in every corner, Parisians were migrating for their summer escapades, and the weather was cold-temperate.

My travel buddies often visited Paris; hence, the attractions no longer interest them. Thus, I often found myself exploring Paris alone, an experience I think a woman should try more than once. “I found myself in Paris,” said Julia Ormond's character, Sabrina. On my first trip though it's more like, “I found myself lost in Paris.” ☺ Kidding! One can never really get lost in Paris. You can walk on and on- in the sun, in the rain, along the Seine- and admire the century-old apartments and grand architecture, take a rest in a cozy café, ogle at passers-by who look like they just stepped out of a magazine, or throw a coin for the street performers. The city is so beautiful; it inspires poetry.

I took my time in the museums and gardens to pay a courtesy call to the Impressionists and other masters; enjoyed Berthillon ice cream, orange champagne at Fouquet, and Pierre Herme desert; spent a weekend in Landes (couldn't swim though, water's icy cold); applied the lessons in conversation at the dinner parties; and helped a few tourists. Given the benefits in this trip, i.e., comforts of home, local guide and friends, and knowledge of basic French language, I gathered the following which I hope will help you appreciate Paris as much as I did:

1.You can never be overdressed in Paris. They buy their grocery in Chanel, so step up! Arriving under-dressed or just being obese is a call for ostracism.

2.Don't fret; they have no strict rules in fashion. Most of them mix and match outfits but look like they did it on purpose.

3.Half-price sales come on the last weekend of June till end of July, mostly spring/summer clothes which you could wear in the Philippines. But on July 14, Bastille Day, there's an additional discount of 20%, the best day for shopping. Shop in the big department stores instead of the boutiques so you can accumulate receipts (must usually total €175) for a tourism tax deduction of 12% (on top of other discounts) which you can get in cash from the mall or the airport. On July 4, Americans get an additional discount of up to 20% from the malls. (There are outlet stores for those on a budget but it's outside Paris.) Parisians shop in the boutiques in the Rue des Saint-Pére area. (The stores in this street can also be found in Lafayette and Printemps where it is easier to get a detaxe.)

4.On the eve of Bastille Day, there's a street party, free concert and fireworks show in Paris. People from the provinces flock to Paris for that one night.

5.There are Parisians (French who live in Paris) and there are Parisians, those who live the life in Paris. The latter don't go to Bastille Day celebration; they flee to the French Riviera around that time of the year.

6.Nothing shocks the French except uncivilized behavior. So poise and manners count. Always be ready to use “pardon”, “bonjour”, “au revoir” and “merci”. They find it rude if you don't greet/reply with these. Despite their reputation, I have not encountered any rude French in my stay here.

7.Rosé is their summer wine, like pink champagne, which you can drink with any food, any time of day. Champagne in an 8oz bottle with a straw is the latest in Paris clubs. (The Baron is now the most chic club for locals: “very Parisian, no lines, crazy, crazy, crazy.’)

8.The French have a mandatory vacation of five weeks a year (minimum) and work is usually just 35 hours a week. According to a comparative study, Paris is among the top 3 ideal cities for a single woman in view of the quality of life it provides (no relation to chances of finding a partner but there are plenty of fish in the sea…thinking of moving already?).

9.You can cover the major attractions (Louvre, Eiffel, Museé d'Orsay, Notre Dame, palaces, Versailles, Champs Elysées) in 3 days by subway train or bus but you will have to rush. I doubt if you’ll enjoy Paris that way
.
10.Don't forget to check out the Eiffel at night; it glitters every hour from 9pm (or is it 8pm?). You’ll have this fantastic view while having dinner at the trendy Cafe l'Homme at the Trocadero (reserve 2 days ahead).

11.Avoid the long lines in tourist places by getting a museum pass or reserved tickets.

12.Try to eat in the historic cafés and restaurants; they offer authentic French cuisine and usually have English-speaking waiters, e.g., Les Deux Magots brasserie in St. Germain, Grand Corona, Fouquet, etc.). Don't forget to tip 10 percent if there's no service charge. If you need a hearty meal on a budget, Chinese fastfood is the way to go, no tip necessary.

13.There's always at least one gorgeous guy in the train. Old folks, tourists and moms take the bus. (tough decision!)

14.Friday the 13th is a lucky day for the French that is why they flock to the lotto outlets.

15.You can split the payment of one bill in cash, credit card(s) or cheque(s).

to be continued...

Cali

Somewhere in Cali, US -- People have been wondering about what I've been doing for the past 3 weeks and so to satisfy their curiousity, here are several things that have been keeping me busy:
-Barnes and Noble (where I got my reviewer!)
-Review
-Bourne Ultimatum
-Talking with Deets about McDreamy, her apartment and how she survives with just water and liquor in her refrigerator

-Eating chocolate chewy cookies and strawberry torte from Torrance Bakery.(Check out the pics. Yum!)
-Review
-KTLA and CNN in the morning, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune at night (E! channel in between. Sorry, no wowowwees for me.haha!)
-Ryan Seacrest's radio show
-Review
-Laundry
-Cleaning-up the house where I am staying at
-Grocery for some food, highlighter, and nail polish!
-Making coffee from Trader Joe's and India (thanks Risa!)
-Drooling over some sexy pumps in the mall
-Checking e-mail and our blog

You see, I'm busy even if I stay inside the house most of the time. Right now, I'm just happy to be here doing what I'm doing. It's just that... I often wonder when my next facial treatment will be ;-)

work, work, work

Neptune City, NJ -- I've basically told you everything that's been happening to me - including my social security woes - well, everything except work. So this entry is devoted to my work. I started work July 1, as the Pedi resident on the floor and on night float (a.k.a servant-of-all-who-deserves-no-sleep). The first day was very traumatic for me. I remember running out of the hospital and hiding in my friend's car because I was too ashamed to be seen crying. I was seriously contemplating packing my bags and heading home (not to my apartment, but HOME home -- Manila). I have an open return ticket and I know I can go home anytime. I didn't want to call my parents because I know they will get worried. I texted Joy but warned her not to call me because I might just burst into tears. Work was hard, but that's nothing to me, as long as I love what I'm doing and I know it's all worth it. It's difficult for me because even though I love kids, Surgery is still my first love. So I kept thinking what I would be feeling that moment if I was doing Surgery rather than Peds. And it was more difficult because my senior (who has no plans of becoming a doctor, but is nonetheless finishing his 3rd year of residency) kept muttering how our work sucked. Then add the nurse factor. The nurses gave me a rough time. They questioned most of my orders (even something as simple as Tylenol), made me do manual labor that even nurses don't do (carry a seizing baby to CT scan in my right arm while pushing the IV stand with my left hand and with the chart inserted in my left armpit), and they were just unfriendly. Well most of them, except of course the Filipino nurses. They really helped me out. I remember one nasty comment by one of the non-Filipino nurses thrown my way as I was talking to one of the Filipino nurses in Tagalog. She said while looking at me from head to foot, "So are you two from the same tribe?". I seriously wanted to punch her. Anyway I restrained myself and sweetly told her that no, we are not part of any tribe, and yes, we do wear clothes and no longer live in caves or hunt down animals in the Philippines. Aaaaaaargh!

Anyway, work is getting better everyday (I hope). I've become closer to my senior. I am very grateful for his honest opinion about our work, and I consider him as one of my confidants regarding my first love (Surg). The nurses are a bit friendlier, and somehow I think I've proven to them that a) I actually know something, and b) I come from a civilized society. I am learning to love work as the days go by. I see more interesting cases, and meet more lovable patients (see picture above -- one of my cutie patients).

Oh by the way, I have some bad news. Dr. McDreamy is (gasp) married. Oh well. I don't think I'll have the guts to take his pic anyway. Just use your imagination and picture a hot tall guy in tight green scrubs. (arrrrrrr)

Flashback: Loy Krathong

Chiang Mai, THAILAND--The Buddhists believe that floating a krathong (a circular raft made from a section of a banana trunk decorated with flowers, candles, incense) on a full moon on the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar means letting go of all your grudges and anger so that you can start life afresh. Think getting rid of bad juju. Blissfully ignorant of this interpretation, Reese, Rochie, Trina and I headed off to the Northern city of Chiang Mai. Loy Krathong is celebrated throughout Thailand but the city of Chiang Mai is known for its Khom Fai or lanna-style hot air lanterns on which people write their heartfelt desires and release into the air lighting up the sky with tiny specks of light. Aha!



If you're tired of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is your next best bet. The food- 10B Khao!, roti (local crepes), and your usual Thai cuisine are in abundance but with a slightly international flavour. For breakfast you can have noodles or muesli and yoghurt with fruits and strong coffee. Yummm. You can get your fill of temples in Chiang Mai as well, although we didn't. Depending on how much time you have, do check out the Doi Inthanon National Park, the Orchid farm, the Chiang Mai night bazaar, the traditional Thai massage, and the little artists' shops. By all means, avoid the elephant park unless you think elephants who have been taught to perform on cue are anything other than cruel. Chiang Mai is pretty small (at least the center) so pick a hotel in town and walk walk walk. In November the nights are a bit chilly so carry a light jacket. Otherwise, there's always the trusty old tuk-tuk. We stayed at the cosy Sri-Pat guesthouse where much to Rochie's horror, USD 25/night/room gets you two comfy beds, a decent bathroom and the best banana pancakes in town! Move over, Libernard Cafe. For a night cap, head over to House, a spacious restaurant/tapas bar with big fluffly cushions and a good selection of reds. Thankfully, Sri-pat was walking (crawling?) distance from the House so we could kick our drunken friends' arses back to our rooms on our last night. Why must we be 'nurturing' drunks?

So whether you're releasing bad juju, wanting to make a wish and ran out of candles, or you just want an alternative to Bangkok, head off for Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai. Allons!

HOMYGASH!

ER, Jersey Shore Hospital, Neptune,NJ --- HOMYGASH! I finally saw Dr. McDreamy.

I was busy examining a patient when he walked in the PEDI ER. He's tall, hot, had a nice bod (plus he was wearing small scrubs -- for better biceps viewing), had nice hazel eyes and most importantly, he's a SURGEON. I smiled. He smiled back. HPPPPPPPP. My eyes were burning.

I immediately texted Joy in Cali. She asked me what song was playing in my head. Nada. He was so hot my brain completely shut off. Complete silence. All I could hear was his smile.

Suddenly, life had more meaning.

Bwahahahaha.

Spider Pig

Manila, PH -- Lazy sunday nightcap was The Simpsons movie with Reese and another buddy. As much as I would like to start overanalyzing the sarcasm and humor of America's favorite family (they're yellow and dys-fun-ctional), let's focus on the most memorable character. It's the pig, yeah Spider Pig! Hmmmm okay I've changed my mind, it was Bart skateboarding nude :P

Here's one line you can sing in your head :

Homer Simpson: [singing to the tune of the Spider-Man Theme Song] Spider-Pig, Spider-Pig. / Does whatever a Spider-Pig does. / Can he swing / from a web? / No he *can't*, / cause he's a *pig*. / Look out! / He is the *Spider-Pig*!

a lazy sunday

Manila, PH -- as i've been cocooning over the past few weekends and currently lead a quiet (read: uninteresting) life, i've had time to do a few 'quiet' activities:

1) drawing. i've gotten rusty at it and should probably do it more regularly.

2) finishing what i've started. have this habit of leaving unread books piling up in one corner. having gotten book 7 (potter and the deathly hallows) out of the way, i plan on focusing on 'bitch: in praise of difficult women' by elizabeth wurtzel, she of 'prozac nation' fame. it didn't get good reviews and is recommended only as a 'catalyst for debate' but i don't care, it's quite clever.

3) doing my homework. deets, i'm not a star student at instituto but at least i've been attempting to do the espanol exercises. not my favorite thing in the world, those verbos reflexivos . our fave guatamelan maestro sends his love.

4) wake up early. since i haven't really been going out i've been pulling a surprise at work more often: i actually get there early, to the amazement of the officemates.

5) overhaul. out with the old, in with the new. i now subscribe to the idea that when you bring in something new, you have to get rid of something old. makes for balance and kills the pack rat in me.

at the rate i'm going i'll be living the life of the typical florida retiree in no time (minus florida).

recommended cocooning friends: chris martin & the rest of his merry band

The Cure

Indoor Stadium, SINGAPORE -- Adding on to Reese's end of July thanks, I would like to thank my bro who harrassed me to buy tickets to The Cure (!!!!) only to bail at the last minute due to work. So what do I do with two free tickets to see them? Scream my lungs off when the opening bars to Pictures of You come on of course! Who cares if Robert Smith looks like the goth version of the Pilsbury doughboy with nest-like hair, the man can play a mean guitar! And when he sings "Yesterday I got so old, I felt like I could die.." the 70 year old gramps jumping up and down (not an exaggeration) in the audience could not agree less.