Long New Year Weekend
This is the last day of my long Xmas-New Year vacation (started Dec. 28), and boy was it dull. New Year's Eve was celebrated with another dinner buffet, (accentuated with tacos --Sis' idea), the usual light-up-but-not-see-'coz-it's -dangerous fireworks, and late night blackjack. My nightcap consisted of counting and wrapping my piggybank (actually a Spider-Man) change: all 670 pesos and 70 centavos of it. New Year's Day for me started at 11 with no visits to -- and from -- relatives, except for Ma who went to see 4-Ku after lunch. Had a taco salad for a snack and am currently regretting doing nothing but run on a treadmill for excercise. Probably gonna regret it more when I go to Tae Bo after this. Groan.
Jan 1, 2003
Dec 29, 2002
Much A-d'oh About Cloning
Hey, my first (I think) op-ed blogger entry. Am turning into (ugh) a regular blogger!
A new-agish guru with a UFO recently announced they successfully created the first cloned human. As fascinating (and naturally unbelievable as this sounds since this nutjob's not offering any proof save his word--and we all know how credible a guy who owns a UFO can be) as this sounds, in terms of practicality I'd place this scientific event along with teaching apes sign language and breeding stripeless zebras. Sure, it sounds cool (well maybe not the stripeless zebra) but now what?
What practical use does human cloning have at present? Organ harvesting? No more rejections for that heart, kidney or hand transplant, sure, but unless scientists have also mastered accelarated growth, what use would for a 70-year-old man have for fresh, 1-year-old heart? What about full human reproduction? Why? Has the present from of procreation become so abhorrent? Sheesh, even people in Star Trek are shown (thought not literally) having sex and making babies the old fashioned way!
Nope, seems these scientists cloned a human just because they could. They didn't have to do it, nobody demanded another person be brought into this already overpopulated planet, and Dolly the cloned sheep wasn't looking for a playmate. I half-expect Jeff Goldblum to barge into their labs wearing his trademark (at least in Jurassic Park) black shirt, pants, leather jacket and shades and give 'em hell.
Hey, my first (I think) op-ed blogger entry. Am turning into (ugh) a regular blogger!
A new-agish guru with a UFO recently announced they successfully created the first cloned human. As fascinating (and naturally unbelievable as this sounds since this nutjob's not offering any proof save his word--and we all know how credible a guy who owns a UFO can be) as this sounds, in terms of practicality I'd place this scientific event along with teaching apes sign language and breeding stripeless zebras. Sure, it sounds cool (well maybe not the stripeless zebra) but now what?
What practical use does human cloning have at present? Organ harvesting? No more rejections for that heart, kidney or hand transplant, sure, but unless scientists have also mastered accelarated growth, what use would for a 70-year-old man have for fresh, 1-year-old heart? What about full human reproduction? Why? Has the present from of procreation become so abhorrent? Sheesh, even people in Star Trek are shown (thought not literally) having sex and making babies the old fashioned way!
Nope, seems these scientists cloned a human just because they could. They didn't have to do it, nobody demanded another person be brought into this already overpopulated planet, and Dolly the cloned sheep wasn't looking for a playmate. I half-expect Jeff Goldblum to barge into their labs wearing his trademark (at least in Jurassic Park) black shirt, pants, leather jacket and shades and give 'em hell.
Dec 26, 2002
Xmas Gifts and Pains
Forgot to mention: my brother Wilson and wife Jocelyn arrived from Hong Kong and made it to the Xmas party on the 24th. They got me the Stomp Out Loud DVD and a couple of VCDs for Pa. Sis got me an electric toothbrush while Boit gave me 50 blank CDs. No more swiping from his drawer, then. Everyone else gave cash. Sweet.
Yesterday 5-Kim held a Xmas lunch party at her house in Marianas, underestimating the number of guests that would arrive. After finishing off her lamb chops and steaks she finally had a can of Spam opened just to accomodate the appetites. Wilson brought carrot cake. Since 5-Kim and the kids were heading off to Naga later that evening so Ma decided to take everyone out to Gloria Maris for dinner. Parking wasn't too difficult, but the place was packed, nonetheless. We ended up with tables in the farthest section on the 2nd floor because someone was celebrating his 90th birthday in the main dining area. Ran into Irene Uy (who's now working at SJCS's administration office), Marilyn Abella and Aranet Cheng (who's now sporting a Manchurian-style pigtail). While conversing with the ladies I was carrying my niece Mia. I didn't know how long that took, and I know I was using my left arm to support her but for some reason my right shoulder is kiling me. The pain is similar to what I experienced a few months ago, minus the crooked stance and sore neck. The self-applied BenGay and massage last night helped, which is more than I can say for those painkillers I took.
Forgot to mention: my brother Wilson and wife Jocelyn arrived from Hong Kong and made it to the Xmas party on the 24th. They got me the Stomp Out Loud DVD and a couple of VCDs for Pa. Sis got me an electric toothbrush while Boit gave me 50 blank CDs. No more swiping from his drawer, then. Everyone else gave cash. Sweet.
Yesterday 5-Kim held a Xmas lunch party at her house in Marianas, underestimating the number of guests that would arrive. After finishing off her lamb chops and steaks she finally had a can of Spam opened just to accomodate the appetites. Wilson brought carrot cake. Since 5-Kim and the kids were heading off to Naga later that evening so Ma decided to take everyone out to Gloria Maris for dinner. Parking wasn't too difficult, but the place was packed, nonetheless. We ended up with tables in the farthest section on the 2nd floor because someone was celebrating his 90th birthday in the main dining area. Ran into Irene Uy (who's now working at SJCS's administration office), Marilyn Abella and Aranet Cheng (who's now sporting a Manchurian-style pigtail). While conversing with the ladies I was carrying my niece Mia. I didn't know how long that took, and I know I was using my left arm to support her but for some reason my right shoulder is kiling me. The pain is similar to what I experienced a few months ago, minus the crooked stance and sore neck. The self-applied BenGay and massage last night helped, which is more than I can say for those painkillers I took.
Dec 25, 2002
Xmas Come and Xmas Go
This Xmas was bittersweet for 2 reasons. First: when 5-Kim and family arrived from Canada they didn't bring any of the comics I ordered online...since May. That's a lotta books. Second: Albert dropped off my Ebay item I ordered -- A Bug's Life DVD. Unfortunately I ordered the regular edition when I wanted the Collector's Edition (stupid Golden Collection label). When you're as picky as me when it comes to original DVDs you'd appreciate the world of difference that distinction makes. (Argh! Paid $15.50 for that thing, free shipping notwithstanding.)
The cellphone text greetings from friends helped, plus the phone calls to Rachelle (who's sporting a nasty sore throat) and Cheryl (who broke up with her boyfriend). Our annual Xmas party went off without a hitch. No games this year, though. Just a lot of wine drinking. Man, does my head hurt. Think I'll go check on the presents.
This Xmas was bittersweet for 2 reasons. First: when 5-Kim and family arrived from Canada they didn't bring any of the comics I ordered online...since May. That's a lotta books. Second: Albert dropped off my Ebay item I ordered -- A Bug's Life DVD. Unfortunately I ordered the regular edition when I wanted the Collector's Edition (stupid Golden Collection label). When you're as picky as me when it comes to original DVDs you'd appreciate the world of difference that distinction makes. (Argh! Paid $15.50 for that thing, free shipping notwithstanding.)
The cellphone text greetings from friends helped, plus the phone calls to Rachelle (who's sporting a nasty sore throat) and Cheryl (who broke up with her boyfriend). Our annual Xmas party went off without a hitch. No games this year, though. Just a lot of wine drinking. Man, does my head hurt. Think I'll go check on the presents.
Dec 18, 2002
"IN-sert...in-SERT..."
Rachelle and I just finished the last half of the language CD for Mike Lim. This project consisted or pronouncing single words, then words that sound alike. I was surprised to learned the "correct" pronunciations of words I used to take for granted. Can't remember any of them at the monent, though. Oh, well. Forty-two pages (I did odd and Rachelle even pages) and 2 sessions later we did it. Much better than the first CD where the enunciated conversations had me sounding like Stephen Hawking.
After this a group of DLSU ComArts students want to hire me to voice their animation (thesis) project. I'm set to play an chicken egg named... Egg. All animal characters. Noticed a few plot holes in the script, but hey, I'm the talent, not the defense panelist.
Rachelle and I just finished the last half of the language CD for Mike Lim. This project consisted or pronouncing single words, then words that sound alike. I was surprised to learned the "correct" pronunciations of words I used to take for granted. Can't remember any of them at the monent, though. Oh, well. Forty-two pages (I did odd and Rachelle even pages) and 2 sessions later we did it. Much better than the first CD where the enunciated conversations had me sounding like Stephen Hawking.
After this a group of DLSU ComArts students want to hire me to voice their animation (thesis) project. I'm set to play an chicken egg named... Egg. All animal characters. Noticed a few plot holes in the script, but hey, I'm the talent, not the defense panelist.
Dec 16, 2002
Weekend Update
Saturday: Nothin'.
Sunday: Attended b-day party of my cousin Ogi's daughter Karina, who turned 5. Good food, sorbetes for desert and I even got to paint plaster Santas, which I wouldn't have done had I no been bored out of my skull. Afterwards we stopped over at home so Boit could pick up his swimming trunks, then along with Sis and her kids went to Wilson's place for a little pool recreation. Well, them, anyway, not me. I opted to just have the Shakey's cheese 'n' garlic pizza Jocelyn ordered. Surprise of the evening: an email from long lost in Spain friend Carol Chua a day after I wrote her. A day. If you knew her you'd appreciate the significance of this.
Saturday: Nothin'.
Sunday: Attended b-day party of my cousin Ogi's daughter Karina, who turned 5. Good food, sorbetes for desert and I even got to paint plaster Santas, which I wouldn't have done had I no been bored out of my skull. Afterwards we stopped over at home so Boit could pick up his swimming trunks, then along with Sis and her kids went to Wilson's place for a little pool recreation. Well, them, anyway, not me. I opted to just have the Shakey's cheese 'n' garlic pizza Jocelyn ordered. Surprise of the evening: an email from long lost in Spain friend Carol Chua a day after I wrote her. A day. If you knew her you'd appreciate the significance of this.
Dec 14, 2002
Everybody Be Shoppin'...!
Went to Virramall this afternoon for a little Xmas shopping. First I got some hairclips for my niece Mia. Second stop: watch repairman to get a new battery for my Swatch (ironically out of stock at Gift Gate's Swatch booth). Some comics on stop number 3 (this month's Doom Patrol, first 2 issues of Superman/Batman Generations 2, last 2 chapters of Garth Ennis' Spider-Man's Tangled Web storyline and Captain Marvel #33), then long and winding search for a MIDI cable to give to Rachelle that finally bore fruit at Brochure (800 bucks!). On the bus ride home I stopped by SM Centerpoint for a snack at Wendy's and bought a set of "semi-panties" (as if regular panties didn't lack enough fabric) for Sis. There was a brief (no pun intended) awkward moment when the casheier asked me if the panties were mine. After the brief awkward moment I realized she was asking in terms of whether I was the purchaser, as opposed to user of the box of underwear. Had the aforementioned box not already been placed in their standard SM shopping bag it could've gotten...awkward. Anyhoo, I ended the day with a haircut. Damn newbie barber never listens when I tell him to go easy on the crown area. I already have a receding hairline, you idiot, so why make it more conspicuous? I still tipped him, anyway.
Went to Virramall this afternoon for a little Xmas shopping. First I got some hairclips for my niece Mia. Second stop: watch repairman to get a new battery for my Swatch (ironically out of stock at Gift Gate's Swatch booth). Some comics on stop number 3 (this month's Doom Patrol, first 2 issues of Superman/Batman Generations 2, last 2 chapters of Garth Ennis' Spider-Man's Tangled Web storyline and Captain Marvel #33), then long and winding search for a MIDI cable to give to Rachelle that finally bore fruit at Brochure (800 bucks!). On the bus ride home I stopped by SM Centerpoint for a snack at Wendy's and bought a set of "semi-panties" (as if regular panties didn't lack enough fabric) for Sis. There was a brief (no pun intended) awkward moment when the casheier asked me if the panties were mine. After the brief awkward moment I realized she was asking in terms of whether I was the purchaser, as opposed to user of the box of underwear. Had the aforementioned box not already been placed in their standard SM shopping bag it could've gotten...awkward. Anyhoo, I ended the day with a haircut. Damn newbie barber never listens when I tell him to go easy on the crown area. I already have a receding hairline, you idiot, so why make it more conspicuous? I still tipped him, anyway.
Dec 13, 2002
Credit Where Credit's Due, or I Spent HOW Much?
Took Aimee Uy out for a birthday lunch at the Mylk restaurent in Greenbelt 3. When she informed her fiance Richard Chong via text message and his replies were, "Why?" and, "Don't do it again." Geez, protective much? They're already getting married next July and it's not like the guy's got any reason to be jealous. Anyhoo, the food was so-so, the bill not so-so and dessert definitely so NOT (as I found out when I ate it at home).
Sometimes I scare myself with how much money I spend online. I just checked and I've spent close to ten thousand bucks in the past 3 months on comics and DVDs alone. A couple of days ago I was experiencing trouble making an online credit card payment on Ebay. I checked and my credit balance seemed fine. Turns out I didn't account for the online purchases I made on Discount Comic Book Service, my favorite online comic store before I had the advantage of Ebay (and Jeffrey Co's California home as a shipping address). The fact that DCBS sent a couple of books via the expensive UPS (note to self: don't put "ASAP" in future requests for shipping the books) to the California address didn't help.
I just cleared my bidding watchlist for the rest of the year, but not before winning the Planetary Vol. 2 hardcover. Geez, I'm turning into a shopaholic. Think I'll opt for monthly shipping from DCBS, and a separate credit card, as well.
Took Aimee Uy out for a birthday lunch at the Mylk restaurent in Greenbelt 3. When she informed her fiance Richard Chong via text message and his replies were, "Why?" and, "Don't do it again." Geez, protective much? They're already getting married next July and it's not like the guy's got any reason to be jealous. Anyhoo, the food was so-so, the bill not so-so and dessert definitely so NOT (as I found out when I ate it at home).
Sometimes I scare myself with how much money I spend online. I just checked and I've spent close to ten thousand bucks in the past 3 months on comics and DVDs alone. A couple of days ago I was experiencing trouble making an online credit card payment on Ebay. I checked and my credit balance seemed fine. Turns out I didn't account for the online purchases I made on Discount Comic Book Service, my favorite online comic store before I had the advantage of Ebay (and Jeffrey Co's California home as a shipping address). The fact that DCBS sent a couple of books via the expensive UPS (note to self: don't put "ASAP" in future requests for shipping the books) to the California address didn't help.
I just cleared my bidding watchlist for the rest of the year, but not before winning the Planetary Vol. 2 hardcover. Geez, I'm turning into a shopaholic. Think I'll opt for monthly shipping from DCBS, and a separate credit card, as well.
Dec 12, 2002
Voices Off
Busy day yesterday. I went to DLSU for a voiceover job Rachelle managed to get for me and herself, a English language lesson series produced by Mike Lim for his "client," a Chinese student. I arrived an hour early (12 noon) to have lunch with Eileen at Pancake House (she mentioned something about Carol coming home for good from her waitressing job in Spain). Afterwards she showed me her office in the College of Saint Benilde's student publications, which she heads. We met up with Rachelle as she came in CSB (she later gave me Christmas gift and a friendship band she got during her vacation in Baguio last week, though I've yet to buy her that MIDI cable she wants) and finally went to see Mike at the multimedia room where he was in a thesis defense panel. The thesis students being "grilled" made a website for what looked like a "CrossGen" alternative story world, where local comic writers or artists can submit and read their stuff. Long story short: the website sucked, their students ill-prepared to answer Mike's questions, and they have to re-defend their thesis.
After all of that Mike, Rachelle and I headed for DLSU's Miguel Building (ah, the old homestead) for the 3pm recording that should've started at 1, but then again I'm just hired help so who am I to complain? We had some hilarious moments while recording and finding out I was actually reading a female part. Sometimes the conversation pieces read like the prelude to a porn flick ("Could you help me? The zipper on my blouse got caught."), and it came to pieces that needed 3 people, Rache and I took turns changing our voices, with her laughing at mine more than I did hers. Hey, it isn't easy changing character voices without the benefit of a exaggerated accent. The session went on 'til 9, no breaks, and we managed to finish the conversation book, but there was still the word pronounciation manual. Since Mike had a deadline and couldn't make use of the room again before that (and that fact that Rache and I were paid in full and thus obligated to finish this), I volunteered the use of my office's recording room for next week. Good thing I have a handle on the Edit Pro program. Got home around 10 minutes before 10, and X-Files was a rerun.
Busy day yesterday. I went to DLSU for a voiceover job Rachelle managed to get for me and herself, a English language lesson series produced by Mike Lim for his "client," a Chinese student. I arrived an hour early (12 noon) to have lunch with Eileen at Pancake House (she mentioned something about Carol coming home for good from her waitressing job in Spain). Afterwards she showed me her office in the College of Saint Benilde's student publications, which she heads. We met up with Rachelle as she came in CSB (she later gave me Christmas gift and a friendship band she got during her vacation in Baguio last week, though I've yet to buy her that MIDI cable she wants) and finally went to see Mike at the multimedia room where he was in a thesis defense panel. The thesis students being "grilled" made a website for what looked like a "CrossGen" alternative story world, where local comic writers or artists can submit and read their stuff. Long story short: the website sucked, their students ill-prepared to answer Mike's questions, and they have to re-defend their thesis.
After all of that Mike, Rachelle and I headed for DLSU's Miguel Building (ah, the old homestead) for the 3pm recording that should've started at 1, but then again I'm just hired help so who am I to complain? We had some hilarious moments while recording and finding out I was actually reading a female part. Sometimes the conversation pieces read like the prelude to a porn flick ("Could you help me? The zipper on my blouse got caught."), and it came to pieces that needed 3 people, Rache and I took turns changing our voices, with her laughing at mine more than I did hers. Hey, it isn't easy changing character voices without the benefit of a exaggerated accent. The session went on 'til 9, no breaks, and we managed to finish the conversation book, but there was still the word pronounciation manual. Since Mike had a deadline and couldn't make use of the room again before that (and that fact that Rache and I were paid in full and thus obligated to finish this), I volunteered the use of my office's recording room for next week. Good thing I have a handle on the Edit Pro program. Got home around 10 minutes before 10, and X-Files was a rerun.
Dec 6, 2002
Worst Suspect
Couple of days ago I couldn't find my Moulin Rouge DVD. I was running out of "suspects" (Sis already watched it here and Wilson already borrowed and returned it before) and in a state of paranoia wondered if anyone who attended Ma's birthday party 2 weeks ago might have taken it. I asked Wilson again if he's sure he didn't have it again. That time he said "I don't know." Very helpful. Not.
This morning (a holiday, as we're "celebrating" the last day of Ramadan) Aissa informs me that the DVD's been found. Turns out it was with Wilson and he just brought it back today. I called him a schitzo.
Couple of days ago I couldn't find my Moulin Rouge DVD. I was running out of "suspects" (Sis already watched it here and Wilson already borrowed and returned it before) and in a state of paranoia wondered if anyone who attended Ma's birthday party 2 weeks ago might have taken it. I asked Wilson again if he's sure he didn't have it again. That time he said "I don't know." Very helpful. Not.
This morning (a holiday, as we're "celebrating" the last day of Ramadan) Aissa informs me that the DVD's been found. Turns out it was with Wilson and he just brought it back today. I called him a schitzo.