Smashing Pumpkins? I love doing that!

[A little break from trip-planning]

I'm currently listening to the new Smashing Pumpkins album, Zeitgeist, which has some pretty cool tunes in it.

Also, I'm reading a couple of Amazon.com comments of how these are NOT the Smashing Pumpkins, of how it sounds like Zwan, and that people either hate Zwan or love it, etc.

I am not in any way an authority on the Smashing Pumpkins. I got hooked in the uber-excellent early 90s album, Siamese Dream (totally skipped Gish). In my personal opinion, this album should be in every rock/alternative lover's collection. I love each and every song, and so do a lot of people. The song Drown, which is in the Singles [movie] soundtrack (also a great album) was one of my early adolescent favorites. I wasn't into Pisces Iscariot a lot but I probably just need to give it a chance to grow on me, since I don't own a copy. On the other hand, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is a brilliant collection of music that displays how the band makes great music. I don't think a great number of people liked Adore, but I appreciate it a lot. It's a bit somber and mellow, and it totally works for me. After that album, I sort of drifted away from their music but still heard from a couple of their songs like The End is the Beginning is The End (from the Batman and Robin) soundtrack, and One from The Aeroplane Flies High, which I think is another uber-collection of songs. Finally, The Smashing Pumpkins - Greatest Hits - Rotten Apples and Machina, the latter not so bad but still different.

After all that, came the breakup. Then came Billy Corgan's new band, Zwan which, and I share this with a lot of fans, is a good effort and their album Mary Star of the Sea is one of the albums in my iPod that I often listen to. I think Billy Corgan went solo after that, not being able to go away from making music.

Amidst all the debate, I think Zeitgeist is also a good album, but not great. Whether having half the original band makes a difference or if James Iha and D'Arcy Wretsky really count at all, the brand is back. I'll give it a couple more album listens to decide if I like this album or I love it.

In English, "The Meadows"

Kitty Anne Marzan: sabi taviks, mag-las vegas kayo. sayang naman daw. may $200 per person daw. kasama na hotel accom

True, true. What it costs to get to Las Vegas from San Francisco is just about the same as going to Singapore from Manila, and this is with accomodations.

With proper planning and budgeting, I might just be able to squeeze in a trip like this just before heading for New York. And as long as I'm spending, there's a good chance I'll swing by and do the Star Trek Experience (geeeeeeeek!). I'll just work off the money I will spend (gulp!) for that sidetrip in the next few months.

--

[10:39] mlauno: di ka abot ng 1st week of
september sa NY?
[10:39] mlauno: andun ako e

Talk about good timing.

--

Yo, Ton,

Come in around the same time so we can hitch a ride together at LGA [LaGuardia Airport in NY]. Start practicing cause we are playing ball and eating White castle.

Mark

This is turning out to be a small reunion of sorts. Basketball, eh? In New York? They'll eat me alive! Not only am I out of shape, but I got my ankle injured in a game just last Sunday. And for me, getting injured is the first step to not doing any healthy physical activity. Groan.

Planning Phase

Anticipating how big of a deal this U.S. trip would be, I've planned as early as last year, procrastinating until last month to push it forward. Getting the visa really got the ball rolling. Now, the real game plan has to be drafted ASAP.

For starters, I needed to book tickets. The original plan would bring me to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Boston in a four-week triptastic holiday. Of course, the powers that be in the office wouldn't have it. So the longest I can have is three weeks. To add to that, I keep forgetting that I'm very, very far from being a millionaire (maybe in rupees or dongs, but not in pesos, much less dollars) and that going on a spending spree will greatly affect retirement funds. That brings it down to essential travel i.e. San Francisco (because of my newborn niece), and New York (because I want to go to New York). I was also determined to fly Singapore Airlines (SQ). However, after checking the prices, I decided against it. That way, an SQ flight from Singapore to San Francisco would even cost a bit more than what I ultimately got. The final flight plan is roundtrip from Singapore to San Francisco and roundtrip from San Francisco to New York, all the way via Northwest Airlines. Both of these booked through Zuji. And so it was written, so shall it be done -- on the 22nd of August.

--

Here's a draft of the ever-growing list of things to do over there. Now this is aside from most of the touristy stuff that I'll be doing (like going up the Empire State Building and riding the ferry to Liberty Island). Most of the things listed here I won't be able to do or go to. But listing them down allows me to plan the itinerary better.

Here we go:

1. Great America
2. Woodbury Common
3. Six Flags
4. Eat at Medieval Times - Cable Guy!
   
5. Eat at White Castle - Harold and Kumar!
   
6. Nathan's - Hot dogs! Hot dogs!
   
7. NBA Store - Getting my jersey
   
8. Napa Valley - Maybe not. I'm allergic to alcohol, after all.
   
9. Vacaville
10. Eat at Papa Johns - I saw this on TV
11. Eat at Krispy Kreme
12. Eat at Arthur's
13. U.S. Open - asa pa. But after the epic men's final at Wimbledon last night (between Federer and Nadal), who wouldn't want to see them face-off again?
    

Different States

[Heads up. Long read/rant]

Just today, a nagging itch in my life finally got scratched.

You see I was stupid enough not to have renewed my U.S. Visa back in 1998, when I was in college. I didn't know what I was thinking at the time but it turned out to be one of the biggest regrets of my life. It came and bit a big chunk of my ass in 2003, when I absotively-posilutely had to be there for my sister's wedding in San Francisco.

--

Way back when we were kids (late eighties), we were denied twice already for a U.S. visa and opted instead for a trip to Hong Kong. It was a good consolation at the time, of course. I didn't know what the fuss is about in the U.S. except for what I see on TV. On the third attempt, it would be the first time we went to the U.S. embassy ourselves and smiled at the consul. I remember he was of Asian descent and not particularly nitpicky. My father did all the talking and me and my sister did all the smiling. And that was it. We were given 5-years, multiple entry.

We went there in 1992, went around in San Francisco, Virginia/Washington D.C., New Jersey/ New York, Florida then finally, Los Angeles. Maybe one of the best trips of my life.

We returned in 1994 for our grandparents' golden wedding anniversary which turned out to be a big success, even if I remembered I lost my coat/blazer before the night started and had to borrow from somebody else. I experienced the great American long drive to New York from Washington D.C. Aside from that, it's mostly lazing around the house in good old Manassas, Virginia where my cousins live. Suburbian living at its finest.

1997, I didn't know, would be the last trip over there. It was a packed three-week vacation, going back to Florida for another run at Disneyworld/EPCOT, MGM, and Universal Studios. At this time, I just renewed and was given a one year, multiple entry visa.

After that, the long exile.

--

My sister planned to get married late 2003; I wanted/needed to go.

I thought I'd still be able to renew my visa via dropbox since I was still just about in the period when I could still do that. But, after September 11, 2001, you know you just can't. In fact, on 9-11, watching TV, I truly thought, 'Now how the fuck are they going to give me a visa now?'

So we set out arranging everything for the interview, gathering requirements, and paying the necessary fees. The only thing missing was (get this), what the consul asked for. The lady had asked for an invitation to the wedding. Being as it was still relatively early, there were no invitations made yet. Bam! Denied.

Ok, so we get it. Try again. With wedding invitations this time.

Another $100 and a couple of weeks later, second try.

Standard questions: What is the purpose of the trip? To attend my sister's wedding (shows invitation). How long have I been working? How much am I earning? Where are my relatives at the moment? etc, etc , etc

"When is your sister's wedding?"
"November 29th"
(types something) "I'm sorry I can't give you a visa"
(me, speechless. then...) "You can't? Why not?"
"I just don't find you qualified"

Bam! Denied. In. My. Face.

I was pissed. My father was pissed. My family was pissed.

So I missed the wedding. I was alone on my birthday and on Christmas 2003. Well, it basically fucked up my life then and there. The whole not being there for the family on a once in a lifetime occasion. The whole thinking I'm not good enough. The whole thinking when will I ever be good enough. For us Pinoys, it's difficult not to take it personally. It wasn't any different.

--

Another thing about Pinoys is the infatuation with the land of opportunity. In some cases, it borders on obssession. Check out this conversation with my cousin:

Luis: lipat ka na ba dito tapos magtatago
Tonton: di ah. iba-blacklist ako sa bangko
Tonton: sabay sa buong banking
Luis: haha

Or this with my mom:

Mama: sabi ni Nanay ( ni Mike) ihahanap ka daw niya ng mapapangasawa dito.

Sigh.

As if being there is everyone's ultimate life goal. But true enough, it's what millions, maybe billions of people risk everything for: a chance to make it in the U.S. To wait decades for the petition to push through, to marry an American citizen, to give birth in the U.S., to unethically beef up the resume, to suffer long periods of unemployment and underemployment, to sneak across the border, to spend life savings, to leave family behind. Just for a chance.

Meanwhile, guys like me, who have honest intentions and earnest reasons get the disappointing and truly disheartening stamp on the passport. "Application received." Denied.

--

This time, however, armed with a new set of personal particulars, a couple of notable stamps on the passport, the glimmering surface of an issued U.K. visa, and the employment pass, things were looking good.

I booked the early morning appointment, wore my best office attire and smile, and waited for my turn. Answered the standard questions.

"You can pick up your visa on Monday, between 2:30 - 3:30, on the receiving window outside."

"Monday, 2:30. Thank you, Ma'am" [Face stapled with a smile that lasted throughout the day]

More than Meets the Expectations.

I have seen, and I be-lieve, brothers and sisters! Testify! Transformers is one of the coolest movies of recent history.

I don't say that just because I'm admittedly a fanboy; but rather, like Spider-man and X-men, this movie was long overdue and yet it delivers!

[Spoilers start here]

Overall, if I hadn't been too obvious already, I liked the movie a lot. But similar to recent Star Wars installments and The Lord of the Rings, there's just too many humans and not enough fictional beings (robots in this case). Time for the lists!

Things that were good:

1. Optimus Prime voiced by Peter Cullen. Iconic.
2. Realism. Oh you'd believe that you're watching robots fighting. And that they change into vehicles.
   
3. Oh my, Megan Fox and Rachael Taylor. Droooooool...
4. Shia LeBouf who's everywhere this year. Fine actor.
   
5. Blackout (the chopper), who I don't remember from the canon. But pretty cool entrance as the intro to the story. And good as a secondary character.
   
6. Megatron being ruthless.
7. The score. Good music for action.
   
8. Action! Action! Action! Battle! Transform! Boom!
9. Paid homage to the fans. "One shall stand and one shall fall", "Autobots, roll out", Megatron and Starscream hate each other, etc.
10. The talk of a sequel. Droooooool...
    

Things that were OK:

1. It's a Michael Bay film, so it's OK to have sappy humanoid storylines in between Transformer scenes.
2. Supporting characters i.e. Transformers not named Optimus Prime or Megatron.
3. Bumblebee as a Camaro (2008 concept car). Borders on things that were good.
4. Bumblebee not being able to talk normally.
   
5. Megatron as an alien jet fighter. Did you want him as a .38 pistol?
6. Megatron voiced by Hugo Weaving. I heard the guy who voiced him in the cartoons doesn't have the same voice he had a couple of years earlier.
   
7. Humor. Can't live with them, can't live without them.

Aaaaand, here's where the fanboy in me is brought out. Things that were bad:

1. Exclusion of important characters in the cartoon (which will be completely unforgivable if they're not at all in the sequel), which deserves a list of it's own:
1. Soundwave
2. Laserbeak, Rumble and Ravage
3. Wheeljack
4. Perceptor
5. Skywarp and other jets
6. Constructicons and Devastator (a big Oops for the movie, since they named Brawl as "Devastator")
7. Omega Supreme
8. Dinobots!
2. Optimus Prime does not say things like "my bad", ever.
3. Optimus Prime does not need the fiery custom paint job.
4. Where's Optimus's gun?
5. Where's Megatron's gun?
   
6. Not calling them Spike and Sparkplug.
   
7. Why oh why did you kill Jazz? Was easily one of the coolest in the film.
   
8. Frenzy was an annoying robot Ewok.
9. Action scenes were usually dizzying and too zoomed in.
10. The climax/resolution. Huh? Sige na nga.

Anyway, go watch it! I want to watch it again and again until 2009, when the sequel is released.

It's Not All Bad

There's bound to be some good things in the world.

First of all, if you haven't seen Surf's Up, GO SEE IT! It's a bright spot in this year's awful movie season. Totally entertaining. Visually spectacular. Heartwarmingly funny. Any more cliches to add to the rave? Anyway, I can safely say that I love this film.

Also later this week, Transformers.

Harry Potter also looks promising.

And, like all fanatics, I have doubts on The Simpsons Movie. I just hope it's not too bad.

Give Me A Break

I'm tired.

We moved to the new apartment this weekend. It involved wrapping, packing, disassembling, carrying, pushing, pulling, placing, assembling, unpacking, and throwing away the junk. It also cost a lot of money, mind you. To add to that, we had to clean the old apartment; everything including the kitchen sink.


We're a bit more settled in already, two days after. I have two boxes of reject clothes for the Salvation Army or to send home.


Commute feels different, of course. It requires more walking under the humid weather and the morning sun. Serangoon MRT Station is just around 10 minutes leisure walk away. We can see it from good old twelfth floor.

I'm tired.



Two of my colleagues have decided to move on. That makes me the most experienced one in the team. Unfortunately, that event created a big hole in terms of system knowledge, and we have a big release coming up. One of the proposed solutions to mitigate that problem involved me possibly going somewhere again. But it's not likely to happen. Weirdly enough, I sense both disappointment and relief. Now the deadlines are inching forward, and the load ever increasing.

I'm tired.

I joined this basketball team in a tournament for Filipino IT people here in the country. I can't even join them in practice because I'm busy with work. Now, the tournament starts on Sunday. I haven't even paid my fees yet. The worst part, really, is that I'm not in shape to compete with younger, taller, stronger, faster, more driven and more talented opponents.

I'm tired. It's past 1am. It's raining hard. Please redirect all shit elsewhere.

Not just crap. It's Craptastic!

Just came from watching Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which is anything but fantastic. Two cents from a comic book fan coming up next.

[Here be spoilers]

For non-comic afficionados, Galactus was one of the more interesting characters in the entire Marvel Universe. He was introduced to the comic world not unlike in the movie, through his herald, the Silver Surfer. It was a bit goofy at first (in the 60s, when the first comics about Galactus were published). In fact, Galactus was this giant humanoid with a helmet with antlers, who wore shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Anyway, he's eternally hungry and needs to eat planets to survive. Then the writers and eggheads figured out that he can be more interesting than just a planet-destroyer. So they kept bringing him back, giving him backstories and involving him in the great Marvel crossovers. What is intriguing about him is that despite being a demigod with no apparent care for lower life forms, there's something really human about him. Quite possibly, he is the focal point of the entire universe.

On to the movie. A complete travesty, with storm cloud Galactus (or Gah Lak Tus, whatever) and Silver Oblation, with an ending that just doesn't make sense. It's a movie satisfied by its star power and shallow jokes, plus wooden acting.

Ioan Gruffudd as Mr. Fantastic - is OK but still doesn't quite capture the dignified genius of the character in the comics.

Chris Evans as the Human Torch - might as well be Luke from The O.C. The resident hunk.

Michael Chiklis as The Thing - who is known to be a great actor, is forced to suffer bad jokes and easy laughs.

Jessica Alba as The Invisible Woman - the consensus hottest chick in the planet (in the movie and in real life). Couldn't act to save her life, which is a pity because it's probably something you can improve on without cosmetic surgery. Even with over-tanned skin, over-bleached hair, you can't stop being hot, Jessica.

The Silver Surfer, voiced by Laurence Fishburne - which does NOT work. Laurence Fishburne equals Morpheus!

Dr. Doom, hot army chick, Alicia Masters, etc, etc...

I actually had hopes for this movie. But it all went up in smoke -- hey, just like movie-Galactus!

One more thing. The subtitle, Rise of the Silver Surfer, absolutely does not make sense. Unless of course he's an anatomically correct Silver Surfer.

Everybody who reads comic books knows that the Kirby Silver Surfer is the only true Silver Surfer. Now am I right or wrong?

Guess where that last line came from? Google it up.

[END SPOILERS]

Meanwhile, back at the swamp...

Cavaliers suck. At least I still get a jersey from my bet with Noel.

They are just getting creamed from all sides and Lebron just looks lost. Like somebody reminded him that he's just a kid.

Anyway, big things are bound to happen for the Cavs this offseason just because they made it to the Finals, but weren't able to put up a fight.

It's at least something to look forward to.

--

We're due to move to the new apartment on June 23. I've arranged with the movers and now just need to secure the permits.

As for the old apartment, we need to dry clean the curtains, do some general cleaning, and basically pretend that it looks as it was before (yeah, right).

--

I'm fat, I need to exercise.

Good News Everyone!

My sister gave birth to baby girl Mia of 7 pounds and 20 inches at 4:45PM June 11, 2007 (US Pacific Time). I really hope to see them all soon in San Francisco. I'll post some pictures when I get them.

--

Of course, Nes has news of his own. Congratulations! Same to another friend who's yet to tell us last-to-know people.

--

Babies, babies, babies! Noel and Franny will have their own due in January. Congrats, congrats!

--

Old friends from work, Ryan and Juli are getting married this July. Congratulations!

--

Happy-happy, joy-joy!

One Year Later

By some weird chance, I spent the one year anniversary of my arrival in Singapore, by arriving once more in Singapore (from Hanoi). I've grown a lot; there's no doubt to that. I've covered most of 2006 in my January posts, so I won't rehash any of them. 2007 is about looking and moving forward, and going places I've never gone before. Being at home with the world and looking at whatever it has to offer. To never forget my friends and loved ones, to meet more people and connect with them, learn from them. Accept that people get left behind and some move on.

Sorry for the rambling post. But it helps that every once in a while I reflect and refocus. It's good exercise for the soul.

Now on to the quickies...

--

Cleveland Cavaliers: Eastern Conference Champions. Somehow in the back of our heads, we knew. The Playoffs/Finals have gotten a bit more interesting. I just wish they show the damn games here in Singapore at a CONVENIENT time.

--

Three big things I purchased from the Hanoi trip: an Esprit shirt, a wallet from the Singapore Airlines Duty Free Krisshop, and a 100ml perfume from Singapore Changi Airport. If you didn't notice, nothing really Hanoi-ish.

Watched Casino Royale on the flight to Hanoi, Children of Men on the way back. Both are excellent.

--

I didn't get to go to the PC show. How a-bout that.

--

Called up a couple of friends who were celebrating their birthdays this past week. I miss them and it was nice to hear from them again.

--

"New" blog design. One year overdue, and better than nothing.

--

Pray for me and my U.S. visa application.

A Pen to Write the Blog With

IMG_7300, originally uploaded by ton2fig.

The OK-OK trip to Hanoi, a city that keeps taking and taking...

Off to Hanoi

Be back on Saturday...

Satisfied

Two days ago, we handed over a cheque that would allow us to rent a two-bedroom apartment for two years. The condo is in Serangoon, some five minutes walk from Serangoon MRT Station, and is named Sunglade. It's got this funky resort-type pool that's really novel. Gym, sauna, tennis court. The station is about five stops away from the office (excluding the unopened cemetery stop, Woodleigh). Twenty-minutes tops, and I heard it's less crowded. The trip is an improvement of three stops from where I am currently. It's smaller than the one we're residing in now, Astoria Park. I'd like to think that there's less extra space instead.

Condo or resort? You decide.

For those I've invited over to Singapore and stay at my place, I'm afraid I haven't got a lot of room for visitors for the next two years. You may have to sleep on the couch. And if we're really close, you can sleep on my bed (and me on the couch, natch).

--

The other day as well, I got a hold of the final two season three episodes of LOST. Season three has been widely criticised as being the creative mind's idea of mailing it in. It got dangerously uninteresting and unengaging in the middle, especially during that hiatus they took last January.

BUT, without spoiling it for you. I'd just like to share this personal opinion: The last three episodes (four if you split the finale two-hour ep into two) were classic LOST. "The Man Behind the Curtain" added yet even more buzz and theories to the entire LOST mythology. "Greatest Hits" was heartwarming and redeemed one of the most boring characters on the show and made him likable. The finale, "Through the Looking Glass" is two superb hours of great TV that singlehandedly restored the viewer's -- dare I say it -- faith in the series and franchise.

Apparently, after surviving a plane crash, Jack is now rooting for Baron Davis and the Warriors

See you and Jack's beard in seven months for season four.

--

Finally, the Great Singapore Sale has officially started yesterday and runs through July 22.

I've struck first blood by buying two pairs of office pants from G2000 that are marked down 30% WITH an additional 20% for using a DBS card.

There's a festive mood here since shopping is one of the national sports in the little red dot.

Not only that, next week we'll have the PC Show in Suntec, yet even more gadgets! May 31 to June 3.

So, come on over.

It's About Time

Blizzard has announced Starcraft 2. It should be done in a few months or so.

Brings me back to the old days around 1998 or so when Starcraft arrived on the scene. Great gameplay, great sounds, great visuals. Great game, maybe one of the greatest ever released for the PC. Consistently in the list of Greatest Ever (Gamespot, IGN). The strategy was excellent. You had a choice between quantity and quality. You try out build orders like you were wine-tasting or trying out shoes. It works much like a chess game you lose when you make a few wrong moves, and yet until the very end, you still had a chance. And of course, a hallmark of a classic, you won't really get tired playing even until now.

And this thing is a phenomenon in Korea (South, naturally. They're only allowed to build workers in the North.). They cover tournaments like they do with football or basketball. So it is appropriate that they in fact announced SC2 in Worldwide Invitational (WWI) in South Korea.

I wasn't too bad a player myself. I play Zerg and you'll be sure that I will swarm all over your Terran or Protoss ass using various sentient insects.

--

The Simpsons reach 400 episodes.

I must confess I probably haven't seen much after 300. So do I turn in my fan badge and slingshot?

According to this, they've yet to jump the shark. I just don't have time to watch it regularly. I don't even think they show new episodes regularly here.

--

Last two payments for my laptop.

Sweet.

In Return

I got a letter today from Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), informing me that I am eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR or SPR) status.

I've been thinking about this since before I came here. And this is what I cooked up so far:

Pros:

• Central Provident Fund (pension plan)
  
• No need to be employed to stay in the country (no need for work passes or visas)
  
• Able to set up business
• Fewer restrictions on purchasing property
• etc, etc...

Cons:

• National Service Liability (male children of PR will have to take part in National Service from age 16 to 40(!))
  
• Tropical, humid weather 365 days a year
• Cable TV is boring
• Cost of living is rising
• etc, etc...

What do you think?

--

Also, I've received my tax assessment for the year 2006. It's oh, oh, oh-so-low compared to other countries I've heard of. Philippines and India hovers to 30%, UK and Canada around 40%. In Singapore? Let's just say that they are fewer digits in the percentage, depending of course on the tax bracket.

--

I honestly don't know how long I plan to stay here, or if it's for good. Anyway, I don't have to decide yet. But the sooner the better. I kind of hate plans as of now.

Happy Mum's Day

Got a microSD card for my cellphone (which originally came with a lame 128 MB card). The official, retail store price hovers around $34.00 for 1GB (Challenger in VivoCity). I had to check Lucky Plaza for some better deals. In my opinion, Lucky Plaza is one of the most ruthless shopping places for clueless people. They WILL give you bad deals if you have not done your homework. Sim Lim Square is similar to a lesser extent, but has more choices.

Anyway, it hovered from $28 to 60-something dollars, depending on who you talk to. I had to scour almost the entire building. The idea, was simply to get something lower than the retail store $34. In the end, I got a $30 Kingston (the $28 one was Sandisk). Being patient pays off.

--

Got back to playing basketball last Wednesday. Two quick sprints at the start of the game, and I've already lost breath. Shame, shame, shame. Thank God for second wind.

Shooting's terrible.
Ballhandling's novice.
Stealing's still there.
Passing's not bad.

Need a lot of work to do. But I think the jersey I wore was excellent, which should count for something.

3 small injuries, and an almost-cramp from that session.

--

Speaking of jersey, Noel and I made a bet on the Eastern semi-finals series of New Jersey vs Cleveland. He goes with Nets, I go Cavs. The non-winning party gets to buy the winner an NBA swingman jersey. Simple enough. Right now, it's 2-1 Cavs.

Go Cavs!
Go Warriors!

--

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is much, much better than Blades of Glory. But Jenna Fischer is a bit more girl-next-door than Leslie Bibb. Jon Heder, while funny, is no Sacha Baron Cohen.

--

Finally, Happy Mother's Day to my mom!


I hope the monthly remittance will more than make up for carrying me for nine months. (Just kidding!) I love you, ma!

Out with the old, in with the Nokia 6300

My almost one year love affair with the O2 XDA Atom ended last Sunday. It was the first big purchase for me in Singapore, ringing up to around S$1200, if I recall correctly. I got tired with it around December and has rarely been used since. First and foremost reason is that it's quite a brick to keep in the pocket. (Makes for good conversation, "why yes, that IS an XDA in my pocket"). Second important reason is that PDA/XDAs allow you only around a day or a day and a half of battery life before you have to charge it again.

Anyway, I like to keep it simple. So I chose to trade it in with a Nokia 6300.

It's quite a basic phone with FM Radio, MicroSD memory, bluetooth, 2MP camera. Nothing really fancy by today's standards. After the $300 value of my XDA, I just added $98 for it and $8 more for a screen protector.

I've been using it for a few days now. I like it a lot.

--

I'm reading this fascinating book, The Tipping Point. I'm halfway through it. Really good stuff.

Spider-Man 3: The Rant

It's around one AM and I just got home from a 9:45 PM screening of one of the big 2007 summer blockbusters, Spider-Man 3.

I'm trying to write this blog entry before I read any reviews. I tend to read a couple of critic reviews after I watch a film, just to see if I've missed something. It turns out that sometimes, it affects my recall of the experience in such a way that it may alter my opinion in some way. So just to keep me honest, this rant/review is all me.

I'll try to keep this spoiler-free.

OK. First thing's first. Spider-Man was good, Spider-Man 2 was excellent, Spider-Man 3 was not bad, but not very good either.

[Here be spoilers (what just after one paragraph?!)]

Things I like about it:

• Bryce Dallas Howard - I've seen The Village and The Lady in the Water (unfortunately) and just who turned this lady into a hotchick?!?! Good lord, was she smokin' in this one. I didn't really know that she'd play Gwen Stacy. I might have seen that somewhere, but not really remembered. So when I saw her name on the credits, I thought, "ok, how will that work out?" Well, it DID work out. And sure as this movie blew the box-office wide open, she'll be back in the next installment.
• James Cromwell - Not a big role here, but I just plain like this actor from Farmer Hoggett to Zephram Cochran. Should lend his talents to future installments.

Oh god, off the top of my head, those were the things I liked. Dismal, really. Let's get to...

Things which are pretty much OK:

• Characters/Actors doing their thing - Aunt May, J. Jonah Jameson, Robbie Robertson, Miss Brant, The professor guy, Uncle Ben, etc.
• The Black suit - In the comic books, the suit was plain black, with white eyes and a white Spider-Man logo on the chest and that was good minimalism. This movie version was just his costume on monochrome, as you may have seen on the promo materials. Makes sense. Ive got nothing on the detailed suit.
• The Sandman/ Flint Marko - OK, not bad. Loved the actor in Sideways, by the way.
  
• The opening credits - You knew, watching the opening credits of Spider-Man 2 that that movie was going to be special. Alex Ross painted scenes from the first movie, brilliant. It was like looking at the first movie with a new set of eyes. In this one, actual clips from the previous two movies, it's more of like cheating. Not bad, but obviously somebody ran out of ideas.
• The length of the movie - clocking in at two and a quarter hours, pretty much expected from a high-budget blockbuster. Wouldn't really have expected any less.
  

Things I hate about it (in no particular order):

• Topher Grace/Eddie Brock/Eric Forman/Venom - I've got nothing against this guy. I like him in That 70s Show, Traffic, even cameos in Ocean's Eleven and Twelve. But he is simply not what I had in mind when I thought of Eddie Brock and Venom. I might be thinking of bulked-up Eddie Brock on steroids like in the comics, but certainly not this pimply-faced retro kid (dumbass!). In retrospect, it may have been better to cast this guy as Carnage instead if ever that comes along.
• The drama - Where the hell is the action? Keep the drama brief except when it makes sense.
• The comedy - The first two installments have bits of comedy. But this is just a mess. Plain idiotic at times. And the dancing, ugh.
  
• The Evil Peter Parker look - Star Trek's Spock character revolutionized the way good and evil were depicted on screen. Good Spock: normal-looking. Evil Spock: normal-looking with goatee. In this movie, Good Peter Parker: normal-looking. Evil Peter Parker: crazy-eyed looking with bangs.
• The Green Goblin II / New Goblin (as he is called in IMDB) - the change of heart, the acting, the costume, the amnesia, the steal-your-girlfriend angle. Doesn't work really.
• The story. Black Spiderman? Venom? Sandman? Gwen Stacy? How could you go wrong? Oh wait.

[END SPOILERS]

Anyway, this is just me. I've gotta go read some reviews.

Oh, and go watch Spider-Man 3. It's probably not as bad as I think it is. ;)

Transience

It's almost been a year for me over here. It also means that our yearlong contract in this apartment we're renting is just about over. We recently learned that the owner is selling the apartment. So we may have to move out in two months.

Might be what the last day would look like; same as what the first day looked

To where? Who knows. Way up north? Way out west? Further East?

Rents are skyrocketing. Either we fork up more rental money or move to a more affordable nesting spot. So we've got around eight weeks to look again. But this time, we've got furniture to haul as well.

We might not be in any shape to accept visitors until then. The owner's agent frequently asks for time during the night for a potential buyer to view the apartment. That's been happening for the past week. Imagine me sitting, watching TV. And strangers go inside your room, peek at your cabinets, bathroom, bedroom, walking back and forth talking and whispering. At one time, the grandfather of one of the viewing families asked me if the sun shines straight inside or in a slant.



In a slant; the windows face southwest towards the city. Armed with feng shui compasses, they examine the unit. It takes all fifteen minutes but they usually come twice or thrice in a given night. Anyway, soon it'll be our turn to view other's apartments.

Let's hope the next one is as good as this one, which was superb to begin with.

--

Kuala Lumpur
Siem Reap

Hanoi's still on, as far as I know.

Yesterday, I've been handed out an invitation to go to Hong Kong by a friend this weekend(!) After considering for a while, I decided that while it's tempting and just about within a stretched budget, it wouldn't be practical. Sorry, dear. Saving up for a big trip later this year.

--

Met up with the Kid today. Welcome to Singapore! Have a good career!

Told me of an old friend that I failed to inform of by move to Singapore. I'll find a way to reconnect with him. We go waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back. As in first day of (prep) school way back. I shit you not.

Went to Courts Megastore today. Will it be the Nintendo Wii, The Xbox 360 or the PS3?

--

Golden State Warriors up 3-1 against the best of the regular season, The Dallas Mavericks. High energy, very emotional games. ALL HEART. Go Warriors! I believe!

Guess who's also rootin' for the Warriors. You can-NOT go wrong with this fan around.