A belated Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to everyone!
I've followed the food blog marketmanila.com for almost a year now. Market Man's posts and photographs of Filipino food have never failed to make me crave sinigang, puso, bulalo, etc. Here, he plays host to Anthony Bourdain of "No Reservations" and introduces Bourdain to the joys of Cebu lechon. Sorry Roomie. Anthony Bourdain got to the Cebu lechon before you did.
Also, Anthony Bourdain also writes a little bit about the Philippines in his blog. The episode is supposed to air in Jan 2009. Frannie, may Travel Channel ba kayo?
Pic from the Travel Channel website.
In between bursts of research industry, my favorite thing to do is to seek out new entertainment. After watching the finale of the Vicar of Dibley for the gazillionth time, I decided to browse through the BBC website to see if there are any interesting television shows to watch.
I found a clip of the Doctor Who Christmas Special that will be shown on Christmas Day. Imagine my delight at seeing David Tennant and David Morrissey both holding a sonic screwdriver while exclaiming “Allons-y!” What’s going on in London, 1851? Are the Davids both Doctors (squeal!!!!!)? Will Morrissey take over when Tennant leaves in 2010? Can I keep myself from going crazy between now and Christmas Day?
I had spent so much effort trying to track down the episodes of Spooks that I forgot to check out BBC’s new fall show. While I seem to love action-fantasy films (Hello! Lord of the Rings!!!), I feel that the genre does not really translate as well in television (except for shows by Joss Whedon). Or should I say it does not translate as well in AMERICAN television. I find that English accents often make up for a lot of flaws in a TV show.
The creators of Merlin have had some artistic license with the Arthurian mythology, which has made the premise of the show all the more interesting. Magic has been forbidden in the land of Albion. King Uther Pendragon will not hesitate to execute those who break the law (we find out later exactly why the king wants to stamp out magic for good) and Merlin has a magical gift that will cost him his life.
In a departure from traditional literature, Merlin is depicted as an earnest, oftentimes bumbling, young man with dark elfin features that would not be out of place in 90210 or Twilight. Though unsure of the extent of his capabilities, Merlin likes to walk on the wild side by using his magic to help people in spite of the danger he brings to himself. In one of these fiascoes, he brings on himself the displeasure of the heir to the throne.
In contrast, Prince Arthur is the golden boy of Camelot, the Nate Archibald of the age of chivalry. He is good-looking, privileged, and just a little bit over the line that separates confidence from arrogance. He, however, has a great sense of duty and responsibility, which he likes to hide under the frat boy exterior.
From the very beginning, it is clear that these two cannot get along, and we are treated to a few popular-kid-hunting-down-the-dork scenes until circumstances bind them to each other. With the help of a philosopher-dragon, Merlin finds to his dismay that his destiny is to use his magic to keep Arthur alive so that they can live long enough to bring peace to the kingdom.
So begins the story of our medieval tag-team as they try to survive calamities like war, disease, witches, warlocks, griffins, ginormous spiders, love, etc.
And so the BBC suckers me into another period dramedy. The style of Merlin is very much like that of Robin Hood, where you have a period setting and a 21st century sensibility (look out for Morgana's halter-top evening gown). The humor in Merlin is very quick, dry, and pop-culture refernce-y -- blink and you’ll miss it (this is where subtitles would do very nicely). Once, Merlin asks Guinevere, a maidservant if she had to choose, would she choose Arthur or Lancelot, the new knight? Guinevere retorts that she would never have to do that, seeing she’s only a maid, then she goes on to lament that she doesn't really know what her "type" is. Of course, everyone knows that the fate of Camelot depends on Guinevere’s choice.
I have to commend the BBC in picking a very talented (and exceptionally pretty) ensemble cast. Except for Anthony Stewart-Head, the main actors in the show are relative unknowns. Especially entertaining when they share the screen are Colin Morgan as the wisecracking geek-chic Merlin and Bradley James as the oft-exasperated Arthur. In a reversal of roles, Merlin is seen to be the more impulsive of the two, while Arthur has to save him by pretending that Merlin is nuts, drunk or in love in order to explain his “outbursts.” Even though his job is to keep Arthur safe, Merlin seems to get Arthur in to trouble again…and again…and again…
I admit it, I am a BBC addict! If only the BBC would make their DVDs more affordable, then I would actually buy them. But alas, fair reader, I will have to resort to other measures.
As long as I’m inside the house.
I’ve missed writing here, but it was just so difficult to set aside the time. I have been preoccupied with writing and job-hunting. Well mostly job hunting. I’m hoping my efforts will pay off in time for next fall. Wish me luck.
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Because I love Muse, I’m not going to stand between them and world domination. But if I see any of The Libertines’ songs on future Twilight movie soundtracks, that means war!
Yesterday afternoon, I was fidgeting at the back of a crowded room, shifting from one foot to another, trying to move the ache from the tired foot to the less tired one. This has been going on for about an hour now. No, make that an hour and a half. Why am I here? In fact, why are all these freaking undergrads here?
Doing your Ph.D. at a smaller university that is known for graduating teachers or corporate guns rather than researchers has its drawbacks. And one of them is the absence of Nobel Prize winners lurking in our hallowed halls. And believe me, our halls are quite hallowed; some of them have been built when your great-great grandpoppa was still a twinkle in your great-great-great grandmomma’s eye (she probably didn’t meet the right fraile at that time). All the phantoms at the University are real ghosts. So it was with great expectation that we welcomed the Phantom of Princeton, Nobel Prize winner John Forbes Nash, Jr.
Now, as I have said, a Nobel Prize winner would cause a great deal of excitement in our little we’re-not-Harvard-but-we-charge-as-much-as-them athenaeum. A Nobel Prize winner who has been played by Russell Crowe in an Academy Award-winning film would cause no less than a sensation. Ergo, plenty of ickle undergrads (with their fancy iPhones taking photos) took most of the seats in the auditorium. And yes, I get to bitch, because I took a whole semester’s worth of graduate level game theory even before I read or saw A Beautiful Mind. Oh, and just for the record, I thought Russell Crowe should have won the acting award for that movie, and not for that clunker-pretending-to-be-a-Roman-epic Gladiator. Though Joaquin Phoenix was so good at being evil…
Ooooh, look at the kitty! Anyway, moving on…
There were a couple of speakers before the main event, both of whom I heartily applauded at the end of their respective speeches. The first one was Professor Dominick Salvatore, a leading international economist, and the chair of the Economics Department at Fordham University. He gave an overview about the current financial crisis, and he made a couple of points that stuck in my mind.
Firstly, the current administration has taken a lot of flak for causing the crisis, but people have to remember that the last Democrat President was the one that let Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac run wild to begin with. Let’s put blame where it’s due, shall we?
Secondly, there isn’t going to be a depression. Can you repeat that for me please? THERE ISN’T GOING TO BE A DEPRESSION! Governments and central banks are better equipped now more than ever to stimulate the economy. Unless of course everyone believes everything that the media says. Then we would be in a whole boat load of $#!&@!
The second speaker was Dr. Charles Soludo, the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He lamented the situation of a lot of developing countries that have worked hard to rebuild their economies, only to see their work washed away by what is seen by many as irresponsible spending habits of the world’s largest economy. In case any of the clueless undergrads are reading this post, yes, Dr. Soludo was taking a potshot at you. And by God, I gave him a standing ovation. Well, I couldn’t give him a sitting one, because I didn’t get there early enough to stake out a seat.
Now for the main event. By the way they all turned out in droves, people must have expected fireworks at the very least. Professor Nash put nearly everyone to sleep with his marathon lecture on “ideal money.” But just because he put everyone to sleep doesn’t mean that he isn’t brilliant. The man, the legend, at eighty years old, is still pretty sharp. His lecture on the evolution of monetary systems and the concept of “ideal money” (which, I understand from his speech, is money/currency that is more stable vis-Ã -vis inflation shocks. I could be wrong. I was almost asleep by then) is still relevant to the ongoing crisis. Or at least, it could have been relevant if they had let him finish the section on saving behavior. But apparently, there wasn’t enough time, and just when it was just getting interesting…ah well, Professor Nash promised to post a copy of the presentation. (I can’t believe they stopped him! To a student of economics, it’s like CNN cutting off the US President while he was holding a press conference!).
And in spite of the bitching I did earlier, the main reason that I was there was pretty much the same that of those undergrads I was ranting about. I wanted to be in the presence of greatness. I wanted to stand in the shadow of a giant. Maybe listening to him would inspire me to work harder on my dissertation, to take pride in my research, to throw myself body and soul into what would be perceived as my life’s work.
Or not.
In the Bronx, however, fall just passes by. October brings in the first exams of the semester, and by the time you are finally done with grading that evil Statistics exam, the leaves are no more but a mushy carpet on the damp gray pavement. And if you are really lucky, you would have to walk under a gingko tree and step on the foul smelling seeds that are rotting on the ground.
So sometimes fall isn’t that beautiful. Then one day, I find an email from a cousin wondering if I would like to join the family for a morning of apple picking.
The drive up to the apple orchard took about an hour (including wrong turns :)) from the city, but I wasn’t really paying attention. The leaves along the parkway were just starting to get showy, and for the gazillionth time I cursed myself for having forgotten my camera (borrowed my cousin's for a few shots).
The main event was short and sweet (we only needed to fill two bags of apples…unfortunately, each bag cost about $24) with lots of “Adam and Eve” photos and ooh-ing and aah-ing over the nice shiny apples. It was a bit crowded at the orchard, but being out there in the sunshine and the crisp country air with nothing but apples and trees and good company was a Saturday morning well spent.
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The other night, Roomie and I went to see the highly-anticipated Peter Shaffer play Equus playing at the Broadhurst Theatre (see Roomie's post here). Although I am a fan of Amadeus (probably Shaffer’s most well-known work) this play is probably not something that we would have thought of seeing if not for the fact that everyone was fighting for tickets during its West End run. One of the main reasons Londoners went bonkers over this production can be summed up in two words: Daniel Radcliffe. Yes, the actor playing that famous boy wizard was making his Broadway debut (oh please, don’t pretend that you haven’t read or seen Harry Potter). And, yes, he will be waving his wand (no, it’s not holly with a phoenix feather core).
Richard Griffiths, playing a child psychiatrist unsatisfied with his work, was funny, sympathetic, restrained and totally comfortable with the role (as usual – see the History Boys for reference). Still hate his delivery though. Repeat after me girls and boys: E-nun-ci-ate! I missed a lot of good jokes. But then, that could be because I’m old and deaf….
Daniel Radcliffe (in my head, I still call him Harry) has improved much since the early Chris Columbus Potter movies, though he still carries himself very stiffly onstage. Though, if I were playing a 17-year-old boy who blinds six horses with a hoof pick, I would be walking around like a big block of cement, too. It’s time for Mr. Radcliffe to play a less tortured role. (His stint on Ricky Gervais’ Extras was hilarious – is it too early for him to make a Dancing with the Stars appearance?)
Now that I've seen my first Broadway play, I'm kinda tempted to watch Frank Langella as Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons. If only the tickets weren't so damn expensive.
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Anyone who’s remotely interested in fashion has heard of Tim Gunn. Anyone who’s heard of Tim Gunn has probably seen his makeover show. And anyone who has seen his show has seen Veronica Webb bring the willing "victims" to Linda Becker’s Bra Salon. Intrigued by the statement that 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra, I made an appointment with Linda herself. She was very gracious and helpful, and seemed amused that she was known even halfway around the world.
She did find that I was wearing the wrong size, but she was able to rectify that in the hour that I spent in the shop. Needless to say, I came out an extremely happy camper.
Ever wonder which movie star you are most like? Don't read ahead please! Well ~ A team of researchers got together and analyzed the personalities of movie stars. The gathered info has been incorporated into this quiz. There are only 10 questions so it doesn't take long. (it only takes forever lang naman).
Number your paper from 1 to 10, then answer each question with the choice that most describes you at this point in your life and then add up the points that correspond with your answers. Send this to all of your friends (including person who sent it to you) with your star's name in the subject line..
... And don't be a butt and ruin the fun by not responding. Don't look ahead or you will ruin the fun! I am going to try and highlight my answers...as to whether it will show up on the actual blog I do not know...
1. Which describes your perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner for two
b) Amusement Park
c) Roller blading in the park
d) Rock Concert
e) Have dinner & see a movie
f) Dinner at home with a loved one
2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll
b) Alternative
c) Soft Rock
d) Classical (walang nsync eh)
e) Christian
f) Jazz
3. What is your favorite type of movie?
a) Comedy
b) Horror
c) Musical
d) Romance
e) Documentary
f) Mystery
4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these choices?
a) Waiter/Waitress
b) Sports Player
c) Teacher
d) Policeman
e) Bartender
f) Business person
5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) Work out
b) Make out
c) Watch TV
d) Listen to the radio
e) Sleep
f) Read
6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
a) Yellow
b) White
c) Sky blue
d) Teal
e) Gold
f) Red
7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a) Ice cream
b) Pizza
c) Sushi
d) Pasta
e) Salad
f) Lobster Tail
8. Which is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween
b) Christmas
c) New Year's
d) Valentine's Day
e) Thanksgiving
f) Fourth of July
9. If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
a) Reno
b) Spain
c) Las Vegas
d) Hawaii
e) Hollywood
f) British Columbia
10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) Someone who is smart
b) Someone with good looks (huwag nang mag-pretend, no)
c) Someone who is a party animal
d) Someone who has fun all the time
e) Someone who is very emotional
f) Someone who is fun to be with
Now total up your points on each question:
1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 f-6
2. a-2 b-1 c-4 d-5 e-3 f-6
3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 f-6
4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 f-6
5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 f-6
6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 f-6
7. a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 f-6
8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 f-6
9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 f-6
10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 f-6
NOW ....take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:
(10-17 points) You are MADONNA: You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but you may take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though, and are much in control of your own life. People don't always see things your way, but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others.
(18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY: You are fun, friendly, and popular! You are a real crowd pleaser. You have probably been out on the town your share of times,yet you come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are very important to you, but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray.
(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS: You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free.
(35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY: You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself. You are serious about all commitments and are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday, and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the real thing.
(43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN: You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from anyone. You have only a couple of individuals that you consider "real friends". You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them, but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.
(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR: Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it. You have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is your bond. Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the bank.You attract the opposite sex.. Your intelligence overwhelms most. Your memory is the next thing to photographic. Everyone admires you because you are so considerate and lovable. You know how to enjoy life and treat people right.
Sana man lang correct ang calculations ko kasi nakakahiya naman kung mali pa eh naka-calculator na! If you have a calculator handy (don't leave home without one :)), you will find that I am, ehem... wait for it...
GRACE KELLY!!!
You may address me as Her Serene Highness.
If you just heard that loud noise, that is just Roomie's jaw dropping to the floor. Excuse me while I run before she slaps me :).
