Two Words

Low budget. If that still doesn't make sense, here are two more words: artistically disappointing.

I and four other twilighters trooped to Greenbelt last Wednesday to catch the midnight showing of Twilight - the one thing we all have been waiting for. I and the other twilighters left that theater unanimously feeling like we've been had.

The make-up was horrible. The script was flat. The scoring did not score. The special effects were not special. The editing needed more. The acting did not move me. The whole film was amateurish.

Twilight, was, the low budget film that it was. IF not for the books, I may never watch it again, as I will this weekend. ;) [A fan is a fan.] :)

Twilight Musings: Stars

Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, Edward Cullen

Did I expect the actors to be anything like the Cullen kids in my mind? Hmmm. Well, I do not think I really had a face for any of them so it was quite easy to fit the actors' faces to the characters'. I had the easiest time with Rosalie, because women who are said to be outstandingly pretty in the books are often portrayed by blondes like the actress playing her. The Bond Girl who played Jane Bennett in Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice is an example.

I had the hardest time getting used to the on-screen Jasper (what's with the hair!) but I think eventually, the image stuck and actually gave more character to the character. Haha.

I think Ashley Greene fits Alice so well - the spiky hair, the cool fashion. =) Kellan Lutz, well, that bod explains all of Emmett's love for a good fight.

And Rob? Hmmm, no question on the messy hair - it's character itself. I think Rob is not as striking as the Edward I expected but it seems he did act so well, he gave Edward life on screen. But, regardless, I embrace anything and everything in that movie. Can't wait to finally see it. (The premiere buzz is cruel. My EQ, or what's left of it, is being tested to its limits.) =)

Single Ladies

I just cannot let this pass:


This was a recent SNL skit posted by a friend in Facebook (thanks, Imee). It gave my heart its best laugh today. LOL. Justin was so game! :)

The New Cover Boy

I was out for lunch today when I chanced upon that Newsweek commemorative issue on the right. It was just too tempting to pass up. Someday, my children and grandchildren will find that issue in their ma/grandma's attic and probably find a historical gem. Haha.

Of course, I had to add in the latest TIME. Afterall, Newsweek was mostly pictures. Ah, I'm guessing all stuff Obama are hot these days. The newsstand salesgirl cheerfully volunteered that the above mags were flying off her shelves. Obama surely faces a whole lot of expectations.

More Than Just Coffee

It was almost noon but I hadn't really had a full meal yet, so I hurried to Seattle's before heading to a 1pm appointment. I still fondly remember the order I took when I last visited the coffee shop, so, I looked forward to enjoying the new discovery again:


I only mostly order coffee before but after I tasted the above treat, I knew I would be coming back for it. Seattle's Best, it turns out, is more than just good coffee. ;)

Being a lazy Sunday, there were a few people around, so I was able to get myself both of the country's biggest national papers (see above). And yes, that's Chris Brown and Rihanna in the paper to the left. Both are in the country for a joint concert tonight. Don't get me wrong, I find both artists admirable - I like Brown's "With You" and love all of Rihanna's unique music. However, I kinda felt having them grace the frontpage of a national daily a bit inappropriate. Is their arrival such a national issue? Ah, no wonder I've always had more respect for the other paper.

The Taylor Chronicles: Taylor

To me, Taylor Swift is to country music what Jane Austen was to English literature: a breath of fresh air, a fascination, a revolution.

There have been singer-songwriter-guitar players before her but Taylor brings into the scene a kind of passion so energetic and a kind of talent all her own, that you can't help but notice and eventually learn to love her music. Her triple-platinum debut album is an undeniable witness to this. As a Good Morning America host once commented, Taylor was something that was dropped onto the stage and massively exploded - in the best sense, that is. But the numbers regardless, Taylor is a breath of fresh air because her songs are original and crafted in such a way that anyone who dare listen are able to relate to the songs like they were their own.

With her achievements, you'd think she'll be older than her sweet 18. When you watch her interviews, you'd think it's an older, perceptive soul speaking. With her resolve, you'd wonder why self-knowledge would come to people like her so soon. Who would refuse a record deal just because they were not allowed to sing their own songs? Who would refuse potential fame and riches just because they were denied the chance to be who they are and to do the stuff that define them? And she was only 13 when she made the decision! Taylor knows what she is all about and it is fascinating to see that in such young a person.

Despite the wave of troubled young celebrities, Taylor is able to keep her smart head level-headed, and her attitude cool and positive. She wears an honesty in her communications with fans that is not often seen in people of her stature. She exudes a character that is appreciative of life and simply, good. Taylor makes a special mark in the biz because she understands the responsibility beside the fame, and appreciates her success for what it truly is - a wonderful, wonderful blessing.

Lost in Madagascar

Even Alice could not have seen it coming. You see, I unexpectedly found myself in Madagascar today:
Alice could not have predicted it because I haven't really made up my mind about watching until the last minute. Traffic looked bad and I didn't think I could go straight home, so, I detoured and hurried to Greenbelt to catch the earliest showtimes. =)

It was a choice betweeen animals and James (haven't seen James yet). I do not think James would like it but he lost to the former. Unfortunately for him, I just wasn't in the mood for serious action. I have an inkling that James' fast-paced sequences would carry a nerdy story (just like the first one - financial options, duh), and I didn't want to do anymore thinking. So, Madagascar was the choice.

Well, it was ok. Typical animated movie. The scenes were amazing, as expected. But I think it didn't offer anything new really. And the laughs...well, they were few and far in between, as far as I was concerned.

Regardless, it was a good thing to have the choice to do something else (e.g., see a film) rather than get stuck to a routine. =)

Light on a Manic Monday

Just when I thought Monday would go by without much to be especially glad about, dear ol' Ely would drop me an invite for that tease of a movie, Twilight. =) Finally, Ely, you have heeded my calls! Hehe. This just proves that being a Twilighter is a very good thing. Apart from the literary pleasure, it can also gather long lost friends. ;)

Looking forward to the movie and talk. =) You better fill me in on your law years or I'll sue. Hehe. Kidding.

P.S. #1 Ynnah, newly-born Twilighter that you are, is it already definite you can't make it?
P.S. #2 Hmmm, I wonder if Popo has already started the read...

Sleepy Rainy Sunday

It is raining outside, and the city seems to be on a standstill - quiet, covered by the dimming raincloud, and looking like everyone's taking a restful afternoon nap. I opened my window and the rushing breeze not only touched my skin but my spirit as well. The rain almost always brings with it a calming effect on me. After it naturally bathes all things on soil, I feel that its next mission is always to soothe me...make me feel that despite life's challenges, everything is going to be all right.

Now is one of the moments I love most - a sleepy rainy Sunday afternoon, my open window inviting the cool wind to come fill the room, my fave music streaming, and blogging away. I feel happy and at peace with the world.

Green

Aren't those eyes pairs of lovely, lovely green?

The Taylor Chronicles: Introduction

This was the moment that started it all, the "it" being my fascination with country star Taylor Swift:


Before that fateful Ellen appearance, I had no idea who she was. I have not heard of her, nor of her songs. It only took that Ellen interview, however, to let her creep into my esteem. She was funny, smart, candid and obviously passionate about her music. Add to that the facts that she was also a songwriter and guitar player, and she cemented her place in my list of great finds. And when she performed, wow, I could feel her energy (and that of her band) all the way to my side of the globe. ;)

I had to write down her name and promise myself to look her over google the next time I got online. It was a promise I was glad I kept...

The Speech

There were a number of lines in Obama's victory speech that I especially liked, and one of them is this one:

"It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy..."

I am amazed at the delivery of that speech. I can't imagine myself capable of memorizing the lines and delivering them the way Obama did - well-paced, seemingly spontaneous (it couldn't have been, could it?), sincere and oozing with quiet confidence.

Uh, well, I guess it's forgivable if I can't. After all, I'm not a US president-elect. Hehe. :)

Congrats, America

Even to this far a country, THIS is the highlight of the day. Obama wins. What history.

Amidst the rubble of the financial mess and fears of deep recession, America took the stage and performed outstandingly. The voter turnout, the activism of high profile names, the decisive vote, the gracious acceptance of defeat by McCain, the victory of a man which decades back was considered an impossibility...are a reminder of why America rules.

Hats off. :)

James and I

James Bond will come to theaters again starting tomorrow, but I feel like I've beaten him to the action. I did a thousand things today, and the way I've accomplished the errands I've set to do, feels like I'm a hero. Or heroine, that is. LOL. I'm exaggerating, of course. ;)

Seriously, it feels real good having finally done the weekend's unfinished business (chores, hehe), and some stuff that I've postponed for the longest time. If there is one lesson I re-learned today, it's realizing that nothing can be left undone once I've made up my mind to do it. Well, having vacation leaves I have to use by yearend (or they'll go pffft) was great help. ;)

Tomorrow, though, is another day. Busy day, that is. So, sorry James, you and I will have to meet this weekend. =)

Scariest Halloween Costume

Ellen once again won me over with her Halloween special tonight. Wanda Sykes ("New Adventures of Old Christine") guested, and she was terrific.

In line with the show's Halloween costume theme, Sykes came in wearing the above costume (left). The conversation (gist only, not verbatim):

Ellen: So, what are you?
Wanda: I'm a Wall Street executive.
Ellen: And that hat?
Wanda: Is my golden parachute.

LOL! What an extremely relevant get-up. Loved it. =)

TOSH and Stories

The "The Old Spaghetti House" (TOSH) has recently been a favorite witness to a candid exchange of life stories with my old friends. I think it's both the food and the ambience that provide such a cozy venue to ask the usual 'how-are-yous' and the more brazen follow-up questions. Well, who can dodge a probing question when your mind is occupied with the mouth-watering Mud Pie? ;)

Venue-aside, I think meeting with friends and getting updated on each other's lives is one of the best things in life. :)

High School Musical 3

Went to see this gem of a movie last night. I'm not really into musicals, but this one was a pleasure to watch. I can't believe how well-executed the production numbers are. So creative, original, screaming with artistic energy.

Zac Efron is an extremely talented star. In addition to the good looks and singing, he is a brilliant dancer. When he moves, there's never an awkward moment. Just a fluid sway of the body that matches every beat of the music. Geez, I'm a Zac fan. Hehe.

All the kids in the movie are very talented. They deserve the worldwide appreciation. =)

Thanks, Pops, for the invite. =)