And that's that! The Coen brothers win again, for No Country for Old Men, Daniel Day-Lewis was triumphant the second time for There Will Be Blood, and Diablo Cody (she's female pala!) for Juno. Hoooray!
I suppose it was a show of substance, and that movies with controversial themes now have a fighting chance. I like when Tilda said Hollywood is built on Europe, and that now, hopefully they're taking their cues regarding substance and style from that culture.
I love European and Latin American movies. They tackle themes that may not be grand, but are extremely significant to audiences and "ordinary people". Sure I appreciate the occassional Transformers-type flick. Hey, FOTR, TTT and ROTK was pretty Hollywood too. And so was Ratatouille. But mostly I am entertained by the quiet elegance of films like Juno or even Little Miss Sunshine.
It was a good year for good movies. Now to watch the winners. :-)
Monday, February 25
The 80th Academy Awards so far
I woke up at 9.37 this morning and thought I had all but missed the ceremonies. But when I turned on the TV John Stewart was just in the middle of his monologue. Yey!
So far, I like the execution. There are retrospectives on past winners -- nicely done montages! They're even touching. Thank goodness the writers' strike was settled in time. This show would've sucked big time, and like Stewart said, it would be padded with useless montages about binoculars and bad dream sequences.
Cheers for TIlda Swinton for winning best supporting actress! This means I have to watch that Clooney movie. Marion Cotillard won best actress, and I guess this means La Vie en Rose will be on my viewing list as well. This is the first time I heard of it, actually.
Boo to the Bourne Ultimatum for getting all the sound editing awards. I think Transformers and Ratatouille deserved it. BU was hardly even a movie. To those planning to watch it still, I say: read the book instead!
At least Ratatouille got the best animated feature award. Yahooooooo! French mice rule, hahaha.
John Stewart is doing a great job hosting the show. His comedy has substance but the delivery is tastefully tongue-in-cheek. I like that they're poking fun at the tradition by bringing in iPhones and watching Lawrence of Arabia on it, and they're playing a Wii tennis game on stage after the commercial break. It gives the show light, relatable moments and breaks the seriousness and formality.
Kainis lang that the sound on stage isn't consistent. Perhaps it sounds good in the theater but what gets broadcast isn't: The instruments drown the singers' vocals. The announcer's voice too. Someone should fix that.
Now, back to show. Jack Nicholson's on!
So far, I like the execution. There are retrospectives on past winners -- nicely done montages! They're even touching. Thank goodness the writers' strike was settled in time. This show would've sucked big time, and like Stewart said, it would be padded with useless montages about binoculars and bad dream sequences.
Cheers for TIlda Swinton for winning best supporting actress! This means I have to watch that Clooney movie. Marion Cotillard won best actress, and I guess this means La Vie en Rose will be on my viewing list as well. This is the first time I heard of it, actually.
Boo to the Bourne Ultimatum for getting all the sound editing awards. I think Transformers and Ratatouille deserved it. BU was hardly even a movie. To those planning to watch it still, I say: read the book instead!
At least Ratatouille got the best animated feature award. Yahooooooo! French mice rule, hahaha.John Stewart is doing a great job hosting the show. His comedy has substance but the delivery is tastefully tongue-in-cheek. I like that they're poking fun at the tradition by bringing in iPhones and watching Lawrence of Arabia on it, and they're playing a Wii tennis game on stage after the commercial break. It gives the show light, relatable moments and breaks the seriousness and formality.
Kainis lang that the sound on stage isn't consistent. Perhaps it sounds good in the theater but what gets broadcast isn't: The instruments drown the singers' vocals. The announcer's voice too. Someone should fix that.
Now, back to show. Jack Nicholson's on!
Monday, February 18
Tout les jours est comme le premier matin
It's like waking up to the following morning, full of anticipation, expectation, adventure. It's been two years, but everyday there is something to look forward to, not least of which is waking up next to a smile, a face full of love, and a kiss.
And I know as long I have that, every day of every year after that will always feel like the first morning together. The paths and the sights could be different. But the sense of wonder and excitement will always remain.
To the gentlest, most brilliant man I've ever met, my husband; the love of my life: Happy anniversary!
Sunday, February 17
Good Game
I'm posting this belatedly because I was still overcome with shock the past few days. Although I was heartbroken as I watched the Singapore team run to victory in the Amazing Race Asia, I was proud of team Philippines and the way they played the game. Actually the top 3 teams played the game really well.
I was touched with the way Marc and Rovilson ended their interview. Although I am not one for sappy value preaching on television, theirs shined through in their actions and they way they accepted the outcome of the game. They mentioned the way
their parents brought them up to race...this was nice.
If this was aired on some Filipino tv show, and if it had come from some tv celebrity, it would have sounded preachy and pretentious. But coming from them, it sounded all right. I guess it's because we saw exactly how they lived up to what they said.
I still feel bad about us coming so close, and then not being able to win it. Maybe next season. And then every season after that! hahaha And then we'll always be seeing the Philippine flag fluttering in between the runners as they jump onto the mat to win the $100,000.00!
Congrats, Team Philippines!
(photo copied from jishcand.blogspot.com)
I was touched with the way Marc and Rovilson ended their interview. Although I am not one for sappy value preaching on television, theirs shined through in their actions and they way they accepted the outcome of the game. They mentioned the way
their parents brought them up to race...this was nice.If this was aired on some Filipino tv show, and if it had come from some tv celebrity, it would have sounded preachy and pretentious. But coming from them, it sounded all right. I guess it's because we saw exactly how they lived up to what they said.
I still feel bad about us coming so close, and then not being able to win it. Maybe next season. And then every season after that! hahaha And then we'll always be seeing the Philippine flag fluttering in between the runners as they jump onto the mat to win the $100,000.00!
Congrats, Team Philippines!
(photo copied from jishcand.blogspot.com)
Thursday, February 14
Croup
It's possible the worst part of this whole disease. I had to find that out for myself for the past 4 nights without anyone telling me, or warning me.
What's with doctors today? Don't they know the basics anymore, or are they just too afraid to make diagnoses and be accountable for them?
Croup is a violent form of viral cough. It can be caused by any viral disease (even the ordinary flu), but is associated with ones like mumps, measles and chickenpox. It's violent because it racks your whole body and batters your lungs. The cough is so strong, it makes you gag. I mean, seriously gag. The most cruel part is that it ALWAYS happens in the middle of the night, when you're supposed to get your most peaceful rest, to allow you to get well from the illness. It disappears during the day, but it suddenly grips you in the evening.
In truth, I felt like a rag doll someone grabbed by the ankles and slapped around on the floor or table. In fact, I had been afraid of the evening coming on for the past few days because I knew it would happen again.
I think I was doubly afraid because I didn't know what it was. So I had to do my own research. According to the Net, it would clear up in 4 to 7 days. The cough could cause injury to the throat and soreness to the voicebox which could result in infection. Good thing the doc gave me some antibiotics, but he didn't tell me about this cough.
The remedies for severe cases would be some sort of steroid aerosoles. Extreme cases usually resulted in trips to the ER and direct administration of the steroid. Now, this scared me. But I focused on home management. It said I just needed either steam, as in a damp bathroom. Or even just a breath of fresh evening air. Simple enough, yes. But after the episodes, I'd be so drained and painful all over. Then the fever would return.
But the last two nights I found another way: I'd dampen a face towel and put it near my face. My throat needed moisture to keep it from itching up. I'd still cough, but I'd be able to sleep and rest. At least I've been able to recover a little at a time.
The rashes from the measles have all but disappeared now, but my body still hurts. I'm hoping the viral cough has cleared up a little bit as well. We'll know tonight. I'm keeping my fingers cossed that hopefully tonight, things will be better. :-)
What's with doctors today? Don't they know the basics anymore, or are they just too afraid to make diagnoses and be accountable for them?
Croup is a violent form of viral cough. It can be caused by any viral disease (even the ordinary flu), but is associated with ones like mumps, measles and chickenpox. It's violent because it racks your whole body and batters your lungs. The cough is so strong, it makes you gag. I mean, seriously gag. The most cruel part is that it ALWAYS happens in the middle of the night, when you're supposed to get your most peaceful rest, to allow you to get well from the illness. It disappears during the day, but it suddenly grips you in the evening.
In truth, I felt like a rag doll someone grabbed by the ankles and slapped around on the floor or table. In fact, I had been afraid of the evening coming on for the past few days because I knew it would happen again.
I think I was doubly afraid because I didn't know what it was. So I had to do my own research. According to the Net, it would clear up in 4 to 7 days. The cough could cause injury to the throat and soreness to the voicebox which could result in infection. Good thing the doc gave me some antibiotics, but he didn't tell me about this cough.
The remedies for severe cases would be some sort of steroid aerosoles. Extreme cases usually resulted in trips to the ER and direct administration of the steroid. Now, this scared me. But I focused on home management. It said I just needed either steam, as in a damp bathroom. Or even just a breath of fresh evening air. Simple enough, yes. But after the episodes, I'd be so drained and painful all over. Then the fever would return.
But the last two nights I found another way: I'd dampen a face towel and put it near my face. My throat needed moisture to keep it from itching up. I'd still cough, but I'd be able to sleep and rest. At least I've been able to recover a little at a time.
The rashes from the measles have all but disappeared now, but my body still hurts. I'm hoping the viral cough has cleared up a little bit as well. We'll know tonight. I'm keeping my fingers cossed that hopefully tonight, things will be better. :-)
Ich spreche Deutsches
Napapa-German ako sa kati ng German Measles. GEDDEMIT!
I think I've been sick with it for a week. The rashes manifested Saturday night, along with a mild fever and really painful lymphnodes. I went to the hospital as soon as I saw the rashes, but the stupid resident couldn't give me a direct and specific answer, despite the bloodtest. She just kept saying it was a viral infection. And she prescribed an effing expensive cough suppressant.
On Sunday the rashes got really bad, and I went to a different doctor. And that's where I confirmed what I already knew. German Measles nga. But wait! There's more! The doc took a look at the test results, and said I had a bacterial infection, which is probably causing my cough, and I was immuno-compromised. So he prescribed an antibiotic and an immunity booster.
So, lesson no.1: if you want a medical opinion, go not to WCMC in Aurora (formerly QCMC). But if it's a real emergency just make sure you don't get the resident named Cordova. No bedside manner whatsoever, and no conviction in making diagnoses.
According to my readings, GM is caused by a virus and can be transmitted thru air droplets. Lesson no 2: if someone coughs or sneezes, cover your mouth and nose quick, and don't breathe it in. Same token with you: if you have a cough or cold, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, because you may be a carrier. GM doesn't show up until 2.5 weeks after exposure. (note: if anyone from Munik's party is reading this, don't worry. I didn't cough or sneeze near anyone, so, you should all be ok).
Lesson no.3: sometimes, flu-like symptoms precede the fever and rash, usually a week before. So don't take it lightly. You never know. The doc said it's the season for viral infections. I guess what got me as well was my low resistance. I think it's because of the exhaustion from the long bus rides to and from CV, getting up so early, and getting home so late. Add to that being crushed in a sea of humanity in the MRT, and you've got the perfect cocktail for a viral infection.
So lesson no. 4 is, build up your immunity. Stock up on vitamin C and other minerals, eat well, and drink lotsa water.
GM is no joke! I could hardly sleep last night from the itching. GAAAAHHHHH! So keep healthy everyone!
I think I've been sick with it for a week. The rashes manifested Saturday night, along with a mild fever and really painful lymphnodes. I went to the hospital as soon as I saw the rashes, but the stupid resident couldn't give me a direct and specific answer, despite the bloodtest. She just kept saying it was a viral infection. And she prescribed an effing expensive cough suppressant.
On Sunday the rashes got really bad, and I went to a different doctor. And that's where I confirmed what I already knew. German Measles nga. But wait! There's more! The doc took a look at the test results, and said I had a bacterial infection, which is probably causing my cough, and I was immuno-compromised. So he prescribed an antibiotic and an immunity booster.
So, lesson no.1: if you want a medical opinion, go not to WCMC in Aurora (formerly QCMC). But if it's a real emergency just make sure you don't get the resident named Cordova. No bedside manner whatsoever, and no conviction in making diagnoses.
According to my readings, GM is caused by a virus and can be transmitted thru air droplets. Lesson no 2: if someone coughs or sneezes, cover your mouth and nose quick, and don't breathe it in. Same token with you: if you have a cough or cold, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, because you may be a carrier. GM doesn't show up until 2.5 weeks after exposure. (note: if anyone from Munik's party is reading this, don't worry. I didn't cough or sneeze near anyone, so, you should all be ok).
Lesson no.3: sometimes, flu-like symptoms precede the fever and rash, usually a week before. So don't take it lightly. You never know. The doc said it's the season for viral infections. I guess what got me as well was my low resistance. I think it's because of the exhaustion from the long bus rides to and from CV, getting up so early, and getting home so late. Add to that being crushed in a sea of humanity in the MRT, and you've got the perfect cocktail for a viral infection.
So lesson no. 4 is, build up your immunity. Stock up on vitamin C and other minerals, eat well, and drink lotsa water.
GM is no joke! I could hardly sleep last night from the itching. GAAAAHHHHH! So keep healthy everyone!
Friday, February 1
Taming the Ego
In Zen, they insist on removing the ego altogether. Practitioners say it is the root of suffering. Without it, they say, we human beings would better be able to flow with the changing tides.
Unfortunately, my ego is still quite strong. It refuses to accept the recent turn of events and is looking for a way to to rebel, paralyzing my brain, short-circuiting my body, pulling me into myself. Picture a scruffy-looking person inside a jagged cavity of some dark cave. That's how I feel.
Up until a few days ago, my spirit was sunbathing. My mind was a-buzz with activity and ideas, so much so that I could barely sleep. I could hardly wait to get up and go the next day. Nevermind my aching back or the numbness in my legs. I was on the moment my alarm went off at 4 in the morning.
But now the numbness is encompassing. My ego has put up a wall, and has switched off the sun; I just want to crouch in the shadows and nurse the pain. Hopefully it goes away. Hopefully I come out of this okay.
The one thing I am trying to do now is to tame my ego and carry on. Nothing good comes out of moping. Doing so only feeds the ego some more. I know I make my own happiness and destiny. So maybe this is a point where I have to make a choice.
Unfortunately, my ego is still quite strong. It refuses to accept the recent turn of events and is looking for a way to to rebel, paralyzing my brain, short-circuiting my body, pulling me into myself. Picture a scruffy-looking person inside a jagged cavity of some dark cave. That's how I feel.
Up until a few days ago, my spirit was sunbathing. My mind was a-buzz with activity and ideas, so much so that I could barely sleep. I could hardly wait to get up and go the next day. Nevermind my aching back or the numbness in my legs. I was on the moment my alarm went off at 4 in the morning.
But now the numbness is encompassing. My ego has put up a wall, and has switched off the sun; I just want to crouch in the shadows and nurse the pain. Hopefully it goes away. Hopefully I come out of this okay.
The one thing I am trying to do now is to tame my ego and carry on. Nothing good comes out of moping. Doing so only feeds the ego some more. I know I make my own happiness and destiny. So maybe this is a point where I have to make a choice.
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