"Where's my tip, ASSHOLE!"
"I left it on the counter."
"Oh. Sorry. My bad..."
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Piece for PictureSpeak XIX: Fuzzy Picture...
Flip through channels on
my TV, finding fuzzy
noise on all I see, so grab
the ladder to the roof
I go, to see what trouble
there may be
And low and behold, what do
I find? But two large birds
with one perched on hind -
on top my dish, try to shoo
away, but those darned birds
were a fearless kind
"Honey, it's fixed!", I hear
my wife yell, as loud and clear
as a dinner bell - the birds
must've moved the dish
just right, and give me one
helluva story to tell...
my TV, finding fuzzy
noise on all I see, so grab
the ladder to the roof
I go, to see what trouble
there may be
And low and behold, what do
I find? But two large birds
with one perched on hind -
on top my dish, try to shoo
away, but those darned birds
were a fearless kind
"Honey, it's fixed!", I hear
my wife yell, as loud and clear
as a dinner bell - the birds
must've moved the dish
just right, and give me one
helluva story to tell...
Friday, November 24, 2006
Thanksgiving Cooked by an Asian Slacker...
So, how does one turn all this...
Well, let me show ya!
chucked it into the oven at 350 degrees for 3 1/2 hours.
Yeah, as long as my reading comprehension didn't fail me,
I was on the right track!
a.k.a. Frozen Green beans with Cream of Mushroom Soup,
cream and chopped mushrooms, baked with cheese on top.
keep warm at 250 degrees. By the way, it's not that there's
two different versions - I just ran out of other corning-ware
so I just served it in that one. But it did trip my guests out.
I had to do a little bit of multiplication math, and it was touch
and go there for a minute, but I hung in there and got it done.
only other real ingredient I added was shredded mozzarella,
which helps to sell the "Old-Style Cooking" effect.
Only a few more items left.
I'd set up the arena most ricky-tick!
Stove-Top Stuffing...
the water mixture, it tastes like you've been slaving at it
all day!
potatoes-in-a-box. Notice the golden crust?
Just like on the package! Score!
kicking it up a notch! I added diced pears, some water
and strawberry preserve to the mixture, heated back up
to a boil and voila! Le Cranberry with Pear Chutney Glaze!
bake the Pumpkin Pie - it was kindly store bought by
my friend.
Ain't science great?
serving plate, you know, just to make this feast a little
less slackerized.
was in - cooked all the way through, and still juicy!
first try!
Happy Thanksgiving To All!
Now, let's go shopping!... ;)
Monday, November 20, 2006
Recipe to start a Monday...(senryu)
Bagel with cream cheese,
2 cups of hot coffee, black -
slowly, open eyes...
2 cups of hot coffee, black -
slowly, open eyes...
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Craig is Bond, Let's Move On...
I'm not gonna give anything away here ('cause there have already been people writing full synopsis already and if you really want to know, you should read one of those), and though there are plenty of reviews out and most opinions have been sprawled onto the blogosphere, I thought that I'd just weigh in with my 6 pence and just shoot straight from the hip.
I find it fitting that this film, which has a gambling theme in it, was also taking many gambles of its own - namely in choosing a new Bond that was not at the top of anyone's list for successor to fill such big shoes.
From the very start, Daniel Craig was an underdog. It seemed like he was picked completely out of left-field, God knows where, and directly from "What the F--k?" land. Craig did not fit the archetypes left by Connery, Moore, or even Brosnan, which made his selection even more confounding. I'd say my first reaction was also of puzzlement, but it was a feeling that I didn't linger much on.
However, many didn't feel that way i.e. CraigNotBond.com, whom felt that every day that Craig was on set was another day the death rattle would get louder on our favorite British spy. Rumors and news from the set didn't help matters either - from his injuries on set to his inability to drive stick shift, made for that much more fodder to the gossip mill that Craig couldn't really "bond" with being Bond.
I guess it was probably easier for Brosnan when he took over the role. High expectations were cast on him as well, and fortunately enough, he did not disappoint. His transition was fairly smooth, almost like he was annoited to the role without objection nor hesitation; whereas Craig seemed to have to do a helluva lot more convincing than those before him. And let me just say this - give Craig a chance, and he just might surprise you.
For the record, I saw this film twice - mostly for objectivity in my study of Craig, but in the great fanboy tradition, I really, really, really wanted to watch a ton of action and LOTS of explosions all over again (hey, I'm a guy, what can I say?). The first time I saw it, I'll admit that it was hard to stimmey my brain from thinking about Craig the actor and Craig as Bond, but by the second time around, I forgot about Craig playing a part, and saw only the character of Bond trying his best to become the man he'll eventually be.
Okay, one could argue that Craig failing to convince right out of the gate would be considered a fault against him in the role. But with so much rumor and bad press, I had to block it all out and judge this actor for myself, and I will honestly say that I was not disappointed (hence, the need for a second viewing). My mother also saw the film, and found Craig lacking the "pinache and style" that has been accustomed to all the portrayls of Bond. But isn't that the point? Isn't this Bond supposed to be the brash and bold heroine that still has much to learn before he's the suave superspy that we've grown to love?
In that respect, I think Craig has achieved just that - a diamond for sure, but a diamond still in the rough. Craig gives us a Bond that is flawed and imperfect, with a brutality that has yet to be kept at bay. He has an emotional vulnerability that like him, is erratic and prone to flights of fancy, to which he'll learn not to leave so well unguarded. Bond is ever the patriot, a man that holds Queen and Country in high esteem, yet he doesn't quite see the big picture. He wants to stop evil threats one at a time, but has not seen the potential for going after the bigger fish that swim in more menacing waters. This Bond has much to learn, and school for Craig, is in session.
On the story itself, it remains as faithful to the book as possible. The update to the material hasn't hurt the central plot at all, with plenty of action and explosions to keep the adrenaline going. Some might feel that things seemed scaled back a little in this film. I think it works to its advantage - it's supposed to be Bond's first time out, so before he goes off and blows up a volcano to stop an evil genius, he's going to have to settle for shootouts with henchman for now (you'll know what I'm talking about after you see it).
So, is this film worth catching? I'd say yes, if you feel up for an action-adventure flick that will provide mayhem and explosions for the guys, and definite eye-candy to satisfy the ladies. Though there are many changes happening to this Bond, let's not forget that sometimes change, can be a good thing. And I for one could use a new perspective well shaken, not stirred... ;)
I find it fitting that this film, which has a gambling theme in it, was also taking many gambles of its own - namely in choosing a new Bond that was not at the top of anyone's list for successor to fill such big shoes.
From the very start, Daniel Craig was an underdog. It seemed like he was picked completely out of left-field, God knows where, and directly from "What the F--k?" land. Craig did not fit the archetypes left by Connery, Moore, or even Brosnan, which made his selection even more confounding. I'd say my first reaction was also of puzzlement, but it was a feeling that I didn't linger much on.
However, many didn't feel that way i.e. CraigNotBond.com, whom felt that every day that Craig was on set was another day the death rattle would get louder on our favorite British spy. Rumors and news from the set didn't help matters either - from his injuries on set to his inability to drive stick shift, made for that much more fodder to the gossip mill that Craig couldn't really "bond" with being Bond.
I guess it was probably easier for Brosnan when he took over the role. High expectations were cast on him as well, and fortunately enough, he did not disappoint. His transition was fairly smooth, almost like he was annoited to the role without objection nor hesitation; whereas Craig seemed to have to do a helluva lot more convincing than those before him. And let me just say this - give Craig a chance, and he just might surprise you.
For the record, I saw this film twice - mostly for objectivity in my study of Craig, but in the great fanboy tradition, I really, really, really wanted to watch a ton of action and LOTS of explosions all over again (hey, I'm a guy, what can I say?). The first time I saw it, I'll admit that it was hard to stimmey my brain from thinking about Craig the actor and Craig as Bond, but by the second time around, I forgot about Craig playing a part, and saw only the character of Bond trying his best to become the man he'll eventually be.
Okay, one could argue that Craig failing to convince right out of the gate would be considered a fault against him in the role. But with so much rumor and bad press, I had to block it all out and judge this actor for myself, and I will honestly say that I was not disappointed (hence, the need for a second viewing). My mother also saw the film, and found Craig lacking the "pinache and style" that has been accustomed to all the portrayls of Bond. But isn't that the point? Isn't this Bond supposed to be the brash and bold heroine that still has much to learn before he's the suave superspy that we've grown to love?
In that respect, I think Craig has achieved just that - a diamond for sure, but a diamond still in the rough. Craig gives us a Bond that is flawed and imperfect, with a brutality that has yet to be kept at bay. He has an emotional vulnerability that like him, is erratic and prone to flights of fancy, to which he'll learn not to leave so well unguarded. Bond is ever the patriot, a man that holds Queen and Country in high esteem, yet he doesn't quite see the big picture. He wants to stop evil threats one at a time, but has not seen the potential for going after the bigger fish that swim in more menacing waters. This Bond has much to learn, and school for Craig, is in session.
On the story itself, it remains as faithful to the book as possible. The update to the material hasn't hurt the central plot at all, with plenty of action and explosions to keep the adrenaline going. Some might feel that things seemed scaled back a little in this film. I think it works to its advantage - it's supposed to be Bond's first time out, so before he goes off and blows up a volcano to stop an evil genius, he's going to have to settle for shootouts with henchman for now (you'll know what I'm talking about after you see it).
So, is this film worth catching? I'd say yes, if you feel up for an action-adventure flick that will provide mayhem and explosions for the guys, and definite eye-candy to satisfy the ladies. Though there are many changes happening to this Bond, let's not forget that sometimes change, can be a good thing. And I for one could use a new perspective well shaken, not stirred... ;)
Friday, November 17, 2006
He's Back...
A License to Kill...
Saves the world before cocktails...
Life shaken, not stirred.
***I'm gonna catch it today, and will let ya'll know if it's worth it...;)***
Saves the world before cocktails...
Life shaken, not stirred.
***I'm gonna catch it today, and will let ya'll know if it's worth it...;)***
Thursday, November 16, 2006
In Their Own Way...(aintu)
Mother
wakes me up by
a gentle nudge to my
shoulder - but Father prefers to
scream me to attention,
scare me straight out
of bed...
wakes me up by
a gentle nudge to my
shoulder - but Father prefers to
scream me to attention,
scare me straight out
of bed...
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Fortune Smiles, If But Briefly...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying going to college is a bad thing, but I've found that the worst thing after college is paying off all my student loans, which blows the proverbial chunks.
Though I've gotten to a point where my payments are managable and I'm not having to live off Ramen 20 days out of each month, I still cringe a little every time I see my student loan envelopes arrive in the mail. But hey, I guess I'm just paying the price of higher education - literally.
Anyway, about a month ago I received another inocuous-looking letter from my old university. Due in part to a whole round of fund-raising-donation-rousing-calling-me-6-days-in-a-row a.k.a. continuing to bleed me dry, (and because I'd just made another student loan payment), the sight of the envelope made me expound a burst of expletives that would make even Kevin Smith stand back a bit.
I've gotten so used to bad news coming at me from my old alma mater that I was shockingly surprised to find that the envelope did not contain another bill, but a note that said they owed ME money.
Yeah, crazy, right?
So I start examining this thing, looking over the paper carefully, treating it as if it's CSI evidence from an anthrax scare. Satisfied that it wasn't a hoax or my imagination gone haywire, I read through the letter. Apparently, they owed me money from 3 years ago when I was working as a TA that I never collected. And I was counting most pennies that were coming in back then. How could I have missed that? All they were asking me was whether I wanted to pick up a check or just have them send it by mail. Since I REALLY didn't want to drive that far back, I go for the mail option (Actually, I'm not really sure why they had an option at all, it just seems pointless).
About a week after that, I received my check for $275 dollars in backpay. I think I might've done a little dance. This was a sweet victory.
For a split second.
Because I've been trying to be more financially responsible, I ended up using it with my latest loan payment.
I guess it's just fate... but not the fate I thought it'd be!... ;)
Though I've gotten to a point where my payments are managable and I'm not having to live off Ramen 20 days out of each month, I still cringe a little every time I see my student loan envelopes arrive in the mail. But hey, I guess I'm just paying the price of higher education - literally.
Anyway, about a month ago I received another inocuous-looking letter from my old university. Due in part to a whole round of fund-raising-donation-rousing-calling-me-6-days-in-a-row a.k.a. continuing to bleed me dry, (and because I'd just made another student loan payment), the sight of the envelope made me expound a burst of expletives that would make even Kevin Smith stand back a bit.
I've gotten so used to bad news coming at me from my old alma mater that I was shockingly surprised to find that the envelope did not contain another bill, but a note that said they owed ME money.
Yeah, crazy, right?
So I start examining this thing, looking over the paper carefully, treating it as if it's CSI evidence from an anthrax scare. Satisfied that it wasn't a hoax or my imagination gone haywire, I read through the letter. Apparently, they owed me money from 3 years ago when I was working as a TA that I never collected. And I was counting most pennies that were coming in back then. How could I have missed that? All they were asking me was whether I wanted to pick up a check or just have them send it by mail. Since I REALLY didn't want to drive that far back, I go for the mail option (Actually, I'm not really sure why they had an option at all, it just seems pointless).
About a week after that, I received my check for $275 dollars in backpay. I think I might've done a little dance. This was a sweet victory.
For a split second.
Because I've been trying to be more financially responsible, I ended up using it with my latest loan payment.
I guess it's just fate... but not the fate I thought it'd be!... ;)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
Piece for PictureSpeak XVIII: Merrily Maroon...
"Merrily Maroon"
Hazy, titian sky
reflects my lust, as I lose
myself in your touch...
Hazy, titian sky
reflects my lust, as I lose
myself in your touch...
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Ode to Birthday (27th)...
As another year goes by,
old school heartaches
now seem frivolous, while
backaches grow more prevalent -
still, blessed I am for another
season in the sun
My knees are a bit wobbly
but steadfast, my vision grows
poorer but nonetheless insightful,
while my inner child celebrates
perpetual youth with ice-cream cake
and caramel-flavored dreams
Though this year I did not
truly find "Neverland," I'm glad
to still give chase to such
pipe dreams, where time stands
still like sand, with journeys left
to explore for another day...
old school heartaches
now seem frivolous, while
backaches grow more prevalent -
still, blessed I am for another
season in the sun
My knees are a bit wobbly
but steadfast, my vision grows
poorer but nonetheless insightful,
while my inner child celebrates
perpetual youth with ice-cream cake
and caramel-flavored dreams
Though this year I did not
truly find "Neverland," I'm glad
to still give chase to such
pipe dreams, where time stands
still like sand, with journeys left
to explore for another day...
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Uh-Oh, Did Someway Say "Glitches"?
Looks like Democracy is at work today - and so is the Window's "Blue Screen of Death". Yeah, we've now officially entered the "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" Age in American politics.
Somewhere, someone is getting ready - putting on their glasses, primed to look for that digital "hanging chad"...;)
Somewhere, someone is getting ready - putting on their glasses, primed to look for that digital "hanging chad"...;)
Saturday, November 04, 2006
It's Almost...
Daddy, what time is it?
It's early.
Are we gonna have breakfast?
In a little bit.
What are you looking at?
You'll see.
It's so dark. I don't see anything.
Hold on champ, just wait...
Wait for what?
Just keep your eyes on those hills.
Daddy, I don't know --
It's almost...
Whoa! That's so cool!
Yeah, it sure is.
Good morning, Daddy.
Good morning, Sun...
It's early.
Are we gonna have breakfast?
In a little bit.
What are you looking at?
You'll see.
It's so dark. I don't see anything.
Hold on champ, just wait...
Wait for what?
Just keep your eyes on those hills.
Daddy, I don't know --
It's almost...
Whoa! That's so cool!
Yeah, it sure is.
Good morning, Daddy.
Good morning, Sun...
Friday, November 03, 2006
Out of Reach... (senryu)
The Bluetooth earpiece
was to help you miss less calls -
then, you LOST your phone!
was to help you miss less calls -
then, you LOST your phone!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Last Dance...
This waltz
of "It's not you,
it's me," is starting to
wear me down. Time to move off the
dance floor, grab our jackets,
and swing on out
for good...
of "It's not you,
it's me," is starting to
wear me down. Time to move off the
dance floor, grab our jackets,
and swing on out
for good...
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