My so-called blog

More More More

2006-04-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pics from my Monterey Trip.

Hmm. I wonder where the cute surfers are!

Please don't be scared!

Meet The Marine Animals

2006-03-29T20:09:00.000-08:00

A trip to Monterey would not be complete without a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you want to see marine life, this is the place for you.

Can you guess what this is? It is a Bat Ray. It is one of the few exhibits in the Aquarium, in which guests can actualy touch the marine animal.

Sea Otters... They don't only look cute and cuddly, but they are so entertaining as well. This one swam around in circle on its back for more than thirty minutes. What was so amazing was that its fur, which keeps them warm in the cold temperature, seem to dry up so fast.

And of course, my favorite... Turtles.

Please visit the website of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and support its cause. It is run by a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the beauty of the Montery Bay and its marine life.

Coastal Bike Ride

2006-03-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of my weekend was biking along the coast. Monterey has some of the most beautiful sceneries. Here are some pictures: The first two were taken from Point Lobos State Park, which is close to Carmel, California. There were lots of hiking trail there, but too bad biking was not allowed.

This next picture is one of the best photos of my trip. I love the bright parallel rays of the sun, which creates a sharp contrast to the shadowy rocks and sand.

That's me! Smiling for the camera. The picture was taken by two Russian tourists I met along the ride. They were surprised that I know how to say Hello in Russian - Dobrede

I wanted to see how I high I was that I almost fell into the ocean when I took this picture.

Just have to share this last one. It was a sign on the fence of a house along a major road in Carmel, California. This would go with my collection of anti-war sign photographs.

Monterey Weekend Getaway

2006-03-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

Just got home after a weekend getaway from The Monterey Peninsula. It is indeed the weekend of relaxation I need and want. For those who live outside of the United Stated, Monterey is a beautiful colonial-themed community in the central California coast. I spent two days of sight-seeing, hiking, biking, and exploring.

I will be posting picture from my trip in the next few days. First, here are some pictures of the view of the Pacific Ocean from my hotel room. The one below is the view I woke up to in the morning. Notice the fog.

Now... six to eight hours later. Not much has changed. The weather was cool, 60 degrees fahrenheit.

And finally, the sunset. What a perfect way to end the day!

Just looking at these picture makes we want to back again. More to come tomorrow...

The Rebirth

2006-03-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

Today marks the rebirth of "My So-Called Blog." Well, truth be told is that it has been reborn two or three times in the past. If there is a crime for failure to maintain a blog, then I am guilty as charged. However, this time, I vow to make it last ( as long as there are people reading). I promise, I promise, I promise.

Country Music's Bad Girls

2006-03-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

If you think The Dixie Chicks are “ready to make nice,” then you are wrong. After being branded as country music’s bad girls, the trio of Natalie, Emily, and Marti are back. In their upcoming studio album entitled Taking the Long Way and their first single Not Ready to Make Nice, they stand tall in their convictions and remains non-apologetic for their public criticism of President George Bush at their 2003 London Concert. In the conservative world of country music, some may say their actions are career suicide. Indeed, after their comments, many radio stations banned their music and some fans refused to buy their CDs. As a country music listener and a Dixie Chick fanatic, all I can say is “Yee Haw.” I love these girls not just for their great music, but also for having the courage to figth for what they believe in. Can’t wait ’till their album comes out…

Mariah's Hollywood Comeback

2006-03-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

Rumor has it that Mariah Carey, who had the most successful album of 2005, wants to extend her musical comeback to the big screen. I must admit, I was one of the few people who watched her first attempt to be a Hollywood star in the sugary-sweet movie, Glitter. My first reacion, upon hearing of this news, was “please tell me it ain’t so.” So, I decided to search google under the keywords: Mariah Carey, New Movie. As it turned out, the rumor is true. Mariah has been cast in an independent film entitled, Tennessee, scheduled to begin shooting this spring in New Mexico and Tennessee. She will play “a waitress who journeys with her two brothers to find their estranged father, and get him to help save their younger brother, who has leukemia.” Further digging revealed that Mariah did another movie, Wise Girls – an indie film with a girl-power attitude. Apparently, she received rave reviews for her performance as a waitress. Do you see a pattern here? Is she being typecast as a waitress?

Does Gaydar Run in the Family?

2006-03-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

Forget the question of “Does homosexuality run in the family?” The bigger question is “Does gaydar run in the family?” Apparently, It does. In the April 2006 issue of Out Magazine, the material girl revealed in an interview that her daugther, Lourdes, is “obsessed” with who is gay and can point out who the gay men are. Also, Lourdes asked Maddonna if she is gay, after the much-publicized liplock between her and Britney Spears at the MTV Music Video Awards. Madonna responded by saying, “No, It just means that I kissed Britney Spears. I am the mommy pop star kissing the baby pop star. And I am kissing her to pass my energy on to her.” Kudos to the Madonna for handling Lourdes’ question appropriately. Hmmm, maybe Madonna should reinvent herself again and should start giving parenting advice

Cant Figth the Moonligth

2005-12-24T02:06:00.000-08:00

http://mischieviousboys.com

Happy Thanksgiving Day

2004-11-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

On this national holiday, let us all remember that we are all blessed in some way, shape, or form. Often times, we are so consumed with what we do not have and forget what we do have. If you look around, you will see that you are surrounded with so many things that you should be grateful for. This past year, the Lord has given me so much that I deserve. I have a steady job, which not only meets my economic needs, but is also very rewarding. I finnally finished my graduate studies. I recently purchased my first home. I have meet lots of new friends and have strengthen my relationship with others. I have my loving family, who continue to guide me in all my endeavors, eventhough I sometimes turn them away. Overall, my life is pretty good. Thanks to the Lord God for showering me with blessings all year long. I owe everything to Him.

Merry Christmas With Love

2004-11-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

If you know me, it would be no surprise to you that I bought Clay Aiken's Christmas Album. Yes, I am (as they say) a "Claymate." This holiday album is superb ... Powerful vocals...amazing musical arrangements.. simly, a classic. Unlike most comtemporary musicians who does their own versions and ends up ruining the song, Clay sings Christmas carols in its original form. As always, his voice is truly one of a kind. Clay may look like a nerd, but his voice parallels those of legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Highlights of the album include the title track "Merrry Christmas with Love," the Celine Dion-penned "Save it all for Chritmas Day," and the Mel Torme jazz classic "The Christmas song." In "Mary, Ddid you Know," Clay delivers the spiritual message of Christmas that both Christians and non-Christians would all enjoy. No holiday album would be complete without taking its listeners to Church. Clay did just that in "Silent Nigth," "Oh, Come Oh Yea Faithful" and "Joy to the World." If there is one downfall in this album, it would have to be the opening song "O, Holy Nigth." Not sure why, perhaps its the too solemn musical arrangment, or perhaps because so many artists have great interpretations of this song such as Mariah Carey and Josh Groban. Nonetheless, this is still a great album. Rest assure, my Christmas would be brigther than ever. Thanks for Mr. Aiken.

Prayer for Leadership

2004-11-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

I want to share this enligthening prayer I found, Prayer for Leadership. Tomorrow will be the day that we exercise our right to vote, to make our voices heard, to take part in democracy. Let us ask God to grant us wisdom and knowledge to make the best decision for ourselves and for our country.

Prayer for Leadership

Give us, O God,
leaders whose hearts are large enough
to match the breadth of our own souls
and give us souls strong enough
to follow leaders of vision and wisdom.

In seeking a leader,
let us seek more than development
for ourselves —
though development we hope for —
more than security for our own land —
though security we need —
more than satisfaction for our wants —
though many things we desire.

Give us the hearts to choose
the leader who will work with other
leaders to bring safetyto the whole world.

Give us leaders
who lead this nation to virtue
without seeking to impose our kind of virtue
on the virtue of others.

Give us a government
that provides for the advancement
of this country
without taking resources from others
to achieve it.

Give us insight enough ourselves
to choose as leaders those who can tell
strength from power,
growth from greed,
leadership from dominance,
and real greatness from the trappings
of grandiosity.

We trust you, Great God,
to open our hearts to learn from those
to whom you speak in different tongues
and to respect the life and words
of those to whom you entrusted
the good of other parts of this globe.

We beg you, Great God,
give us the vision as a people
to know where global leadership truly lies,
to pursue it diligently,
to require it to protect human rights
for everyone everywhere.

We ask these things, Great God,
with minds open to your word
and hearts that trust in your eternal care.
Amen.

— Joan D. Chittister, OSB
https://www.benetvision.org/index1.html

2004-10-31T07:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Holloween !!!

Sick :-(

2004-10-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have been sick for a week now... I hate feeling this way. Hopefully, I will feel better soon.

I Love Spinning...

2004-10-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Just got done with my spin class. My legs are ultra pumped up. Gotta love spinning.

Gymnastics Champ: Hamm or Yang?

2004-10-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) finnally rulled yesterday on the 2004 Olympic Gymnastics controversy and declared that Paul Hamm gets to keep his gold medal. So what's my two cents on this... It seems like there was two mistakes made. One was by the judges for incorrectly scoring South Korean Yang's performance on the pareallel bars. The other was the South Korean team for failure to contest the judging during the competetion (as oppossed to after the competition, which was what ocurred). If the matter in quetion is solely the scoring mistakes, then Hamm should reliquish his gold medal and Yang should be declared as the Olympi chanmpion, as the South Korean gymnast would have indeed be ahead of Hamm if scorred correctly. Nevertheless, the South Korean team failed to appeal the judging in a timely manner, thus, they are at fault as well. Overall, I agree with the CAS's ruling.

Horsing Around

2004-10-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

Love is in the air. These two gives "horsing around" a very realistic meaning.

Kerry and Bush's Supreme Court "Wish List"

2004-10-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

So, we know that whoever wins the election this November would likely select a Justice of the Supreme Court. Law.com posted two articles on who would likely be Bush and Kerry's respective candidates.

President Bush would select Justices that support "strick construction" or purpose of a statute or "original intent" of words drafted in a very different place and time. The president has publicly praised Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas for being strict constructionist.

On the other hand, Kerry would pick a "judge's judge, whose opinions are guided by the facts and the law, and not by any liberal or conservative" political philosophy. While Bush favors Justices who would support strict construction, President Kerry's picks would likely not overlook the purpose of a statute or constitutional provision.

Supreme Court, Bush, and Abortion.

2004-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

One of the priviledges and responsiblities of being the president is being able to appoint Justices to the Supereme Court. With almost all current justices over the age of 65 and many in frail health, it is almost certain the there would be a vacant position in the next few years. Whoever wins the election this November would have to appoint at least one Justice.

Judicial selection is critical. The Supreme Court has the power to interpret the consitution, and therefore have the power to decide the consitutionality of rights afforded to us. One of rights in grave danger is a woman's right to choose. Given the fact that president supports parental notification for teenage women and signed 2003's Partial-Birth Abortion Ban legislation, it is likely to say that he would select someone who would not support legalized abortion. When asked at the third presidential debate if he would like Row V. Wade to be overturned, his answer was that of ambivalence, citing that he does not have a "litmus test" in selecting a Judicial candidate.

It scares me to even think that a woman's right to choose may be taken away. Prior to Row V. Wade, women underwent horrible experiences. Because abortion was illegal, women went to "backroom abortion" where they were exposed to unsanitary and unhealhty environments and mde them vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Abortions were performed by unqualified individuals. Some women even terminated their pregancy themselves using anything that be found at home such as hangers, screw drivers, and the like. Some were sexually abuse by those they paid to do the procedure and were threatened not to tell anyone. Many died. But many also lived to tell the horrible situations they were in. Do we really want to go back to this?

To hear the voices of women and be witness to their suffering before Row V. Wade, I suggest this book.. The Worst of Times.

"John, You're Fired!"

2004-10-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Georgeous and adorable John got the pink slip last nigth at "The Apprentice." I must say that I was rooting for him to on the show for a long time. Who can blame me? He is one piece of eye candy. Anyways, I am sure that this is not the last time we will hear of him. Maybe he will be on Bravos' newest reality show, Manhunt.

Fact Versus Fiction

2004-10-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

This is worth sharing. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman separates fact from fiction regarding Bush's records. The following are the highlights of his editorial, as summarized by unionvoice.org:

FICTION:President Bush has created 1.7 million new jobs
FACT: America has lost a net 1.6 million private-sector jobs since January 2001, according to the government’s own statistics. Yes, we’re beginning to gain jobs, but we’ve lost even more. We haven’t even seen enough new jobs created to keep up with population growth. In reality, Bush is the first president since Herbert Hoover to preside over a net loss of jobs.

FICTION:Unemployment is down.
FACT:It’s down from its highest point because so many unemployed workers have given up looking for jobs. If they were still looking, Krugman says, the unemployment rate would be a whopping 7.4 percent.

FICTION:The recession and terrorist attacks caused today’s budget deficit
FACT: The president’s massive tax cuts for the rich are responsible for about two-thirds of the federal deficit, according to the Congressional Budget Office. President Bush inherited a $230 billion budget surplus and in less than four years turned it into a $422 billion deficit that our children still will be paying off years down the road.

FICTION:Tax cuts have created jobs and helped working people.
FACT: The president’s tax cuts have been a bonanza for the rich, not the middle class. Most of the tax benefits went to the wealthiest, with one-third lining the pockets of people whose incomes exceed $1 million a year.

In Memory of Matthew Sheppard

2004-10-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Six years ago, a young man was violently tortured by two men and left to die in a fence in rural Wyoming. Matthew Sheppard was murdered simply because he was gay. This tragedy touched the hearts of many. It opened our eyes to the vicious reality that gay and lesbian individuals experiences on daily basis.

Matthew and I were about the same age. When I learned of his death, my immediate reaction was shock and disbelief. How could his killers be so cruel and inhumane toward him? How could they just ignore him as he lay there lifeless, begging for his life? I asked myself those two questions, and at the same time, I realized that I could have been the one who died that fateful nigth. It could have been me. Matthew and I were both college students. We both have just come out of the closet. We were both struggling to find acceptance and belonging. His story taught me that I am vulnerable to the same experience. His death inspired me to do something. I joined a local Gay-Straigth student organization. I began keeping track of different bills and legislations affecting my community and writing to legislators and politicians. Since then, I have been active advocate on behalf of my community. I learned that the only way to stop hatred and bigotry to speak up and stand up. The only thing necessary to perpetaute evil is to do nothing.

Thougth Matthew is no longer with us, his memory lives.

National Coming Out Day

2004-10-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today is National Coming Out Day. Celebrated every year on October 11, National Coming Out Day encourages gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals to "come out" to families and friends and to share their stories. Interestingly, today is Columbus' Day as well. Does that mean that great ole Christopher, who so-called discovered America, was actually "Christina? "

Also, just in case you do not know. drawdE is gay. And proud of it.

Kerry is not a liberal

2004-10-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

At the second presidential debate, Bush accused Kerry of being a liberal (as if there is anything wrong with being one), and called his opponent's 20 year history in the senate as the most liberal of all. Well, where does Kerry's policies and ideologies fit in? Arch conservative Bill Safire disagreed with president, naming Kerry as a neo-sonservative. Let's take a look at Kerry's stand on several issues:

1. As I mentioned previously in "What about the poor? The homeless?," Kerry voted for the passage of Welfare Reform in 1996 and support faith-based initiative.
2. Like President Bush, he envioned America as a country ought to have unquestioned military dominance, willing to launch preventive and preemptive wars if needed.
3. Kerry voted for the PATRIOT Act.

For further reading, I suggest click on this.

Superman Lives Forever

2004-10-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

This is a sad day for many of us. Christoper Reeve, who played superman in the silver screen, died at the age of 52. I was one of the billions of kids across the globe who idolized him, watched his movies one sequel after another, and dreamed to be Superman someday. Though Reeve made a name in the entertainment industry, He also made a legacy in the socio-political scene as an advocate for individuals with disabilities. He fought for funding of spinal cord research, starred in and directed several movies, and continued to bring to amaze us all with his positive spirit. After the personal tragedy that left him paralyzed nine years ago, Reeves vowed that he will soon walk again. Unfortunately, we will never see him walk again. But for me, he will forever soar up high in the sky. He will forever be "The Man of Steel." He will be missed by all.

What about the poor? The homeless?

2004-10-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

One thing that stood out in my mind after the second presidential debate is ... Clearly, Bush is for the wealthy, corporations, and big businesses. And Kerry is for the middle class. What about those who occupy the bottom rug of the society? The poor? The homeless? Those who needs the assistance of the government to survive? Kerry takes pride for voting for the 1996's welfare reform (or should we say, welfare "deform?"), which places time cap on the number of years a family can get aid and whole list of requirements. Bush goes even harsher on welfare receipients by establishing paternity and marriage programs. Both talk about "leaving no child behind," yet children of poor families are obviously left behind on their domestic plans. Both candidates favor faith-based initiative, which would pass the responsibility for social services from the federal government to private religious institutions. The federal goverment should provide a safety net to its citizens, and both of these candidates seem to favor abondoning such role. Neither Kerry nor Bush would not be the president for the lower class, the poor, the homeless. We need someone who would stand up for this population.

Let me introduce myself

2004-10-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine, whom I lost touch and recently reconnected with, told me, "You have changed, but you are still the same person." I guess, he is so rigth on. I am not the same naive and innocent person I was seven years ago, but I am still the same person. I have grown and matured in all aspect of my being. Nonetheless, my core values - faith and belief in God, passion and zest for life, and stubbornness - remained intact.

I consider myself as "blessed." God has provided for all my needs and wants. I owe everything that I am and will ever be to him. He has been my contant companion and friend. Through the darkest days of my life, God stood by my side, never letting me go. I have made some bad choices, traveled the wrong direction... but God always been there for me. And for that, I am eternally grateful for. My purpose in life is to make God's plan for me come alive. I am here to serve him by serving others. After years praying, studying, and searching for answers, I have message from God that he wants me to deliver .. that is is ok to be gay and Christian... that it possible to be have a positive identity as a gay Christian. I focused almost two years researching this topic. This culminated as my thesis topic in grad school... "Integration of One's Christianity and Sexuality."

I have a passion for social justice and equality. I have marched in different protests, helped organized campaigns, and other advocacy roles. I presently work as a social worker. Someday, I want to be involved in the policy arena, advocating for marginalized and oppresssed populations. But to get there, I need "human stories." That is why I am in direct service with my clients, so I can hear their stories, listen to their suffering, comfort them during difficult times. Having this experience would enable me to become a better policy advocate.

By the way, I love salmon.

Vibrating sex toys mistaken for a bomb

2004-10-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

A major Australian airport had to shut down for an hour after an employee discovered a mysterious humming noise coming from a garbage can. The terminal was immediately evacuated and hundreds of passengers suffered disruption to their travel plans. So what was the scare all about? Vibrating sex toys were mistaken for a bomb.

I bet somewhere in Washington, the Bush administration is proposing an addendum to the Patriot Act, which would consider bringing sex toys in airports as a terrorist act. This president has expanded the definition of terrorism to encompass nearly everything except agreeing with his ideas. I wouldn't be surprised if he even goes far as calling sex toys as weapons of mass destruction. With this administration, everything is possible.

Schwarzenegger: A Girlie Man?

2004-10-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

It was not too long ago that California "governator" caused an uproar in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender communities with his "girlie man" remarks. With such homophobic and sexist comments he made before and during the Republican National Convention, many thought that Governor Arnold Schwaezenegger would veto any GLBT bill once it is presented on his desk. Much to the surprise of many, he signed into law two bills this past month. One is AB 2208, which requires that insurance companies must provider registered domestic partners coverage under the same terms and conditions offered to the married couples. The other is SB 1234, the Omnibus Hate Crimes Act of 2004, which defines hate crimes to include offenses based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Traditional Values Coalition applauded Schwarzengger at the Republican National Convention for bringing everyone on their feet with his "girlie man" comments. With the governor's signatures on the bills mentioned above, Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon criticized the governor for "muddying the biological realities of male and female." He even accused the Governator of "siding with the homosexual and drag queen lobby" and "must not be too troubled by what he's called 'girlie men'." Surprisingly, the Reverend did not call the governor a "girlie man" himself.

Hmm.. Could the governator be a "girlie man" himself? Not that there is anything wrong with being one.

Sex and Scalia

2004-10-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that the 68 year old conservative Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Antonin Scalia would talk about group sex? According to crimsonnews.com, in a recent speech at Harvard University, Scalia provided a humorous commentaray on a European court decision that struck down British legislation barring group gay sex on the ground that the law intruded upon private life. Posing a rhetorical question on how many individuals need to be involved in a group sex before it can not be considered as private, Scalia joked, "“Presumably it is some number between five and the number of people required to fill the Coliseum.”

Scalia asserted that judges are free to have their own moral opinions, but it should have no place in court decisions. He was quoted, " Let me make it clear that the problem I am addressing is not the social evil of the judicial dispositions I have described. I accept, for the sake of argument, for example,that sexual orgies eliminate social tension and ought to be encouraged."

Arm Pillow...

2004-10-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Who needs a man when you can have an "arm pillow?" By the way, I want one for Christmas.

Gotta Have Faith !!!

2004-10-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Rev. Freda delivered a powerful message about Faith today:

For All, I Take Him - We should accept what God gave us with open heart and open mind. He knows what is right and what is wrong for us.

For All, I Trust Him - God is God. He is here for us, we just have to let go out fear and hesistation. Sometimes, we are so comusmed with the drive to control our lives. But the reality is God is in charge. We are powerless without him.

For All, I Thank Him - We owe everything to God. God gave us life, and for that, he deserves all the gratitude and glory.

Incarceration or Education?

2004-10-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

A recent article from blackamericaweb.com reported that more African Americans are incarcerated in 17 key election states. Sad to say, this is a microcosm of what is happening across the nation, not just in those states. The disturbing statitics prove the inherent injustice in the criminal justice system, whether it is in discriminatoy institutional policies or personal bias of those who work in the system. When a young black man is almost twice likely to enter prison than to get a college diploma, and when our country spends more on maintaining prisons rather funding schools and prevention programs, what does that say about us? There is clearly a problem here.

For those who want to learn more about this issue, I strongly recommend The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison.

Bush-Kerry Showdown (Round 1)

2004-09-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here are my immediate thoughts on the first presidential debate... John Kerry vs. George Bush

1) The word of the night ... "Colossal error of judgment." Kerry accused Bush of making a "colossal" mistake on the invasion of Iraq, but he failed in giving specific evidence.

2)Bush reiterated that Kerry has changed positions on different issues in the past. ie. Decision to go to Iraq. "You cant lead the world if you send mixed messages," Bush asserted. I must admit that Kerry has flipped-flopped on several issues.

2) Bush constantly referred to Kerry as "my opponent." His choice of words is consistent with his black and white mentality, us versus them theme of his administration. By referring Kerry as his "opponent," he reiterated what he said days after 9/11, "if you are not with us, you're againts us."

3) George Bush did not state how things would change in the next four years in Iraq. Kerry led out his plans on Iraq. Bush didn't. I am not sure if he even has a plan. All he can say is "this is hard work."

4) "When Iraq is free, America will be more secure," Bush declared. Let's get several things clear. The 9/11 commission concluded that there was no connection between Iraq and Al-Queda and that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction.

5) Bush seems to run out of things to say. He paused so many times. It seems like he did not want to be there. He very repetitious for the most part. Consistent with his policy, he conveyed the message, "trust me, I am the president." Whereas, Kerry appeared to be more prepared, calm, persuasive.

6) Kerry got Bush visibly angry when he quoted the first Bush's decision not to invade Baghdad in 1992, as the U.S. did not have an exit strategy at that time. The look on Bush's face was priceless.

7) I kinda got lost during one part of the debate. Kerry was talking how he would protect homeland security when he started talking about the president's decision to give tax cuts to the wealthy. Hmmm... was he trying to convey another difference of opinion with Bush or was he deliberately trying to avoid the question?

8) It's evident that both have different views. Both even publicly declared that during the debate. I think Bush secured the republican vote, and Kerry secured the democratic vote. It will up to the swing independent votes who will decide this election.

The Apprentice

2004-09-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

I do not watch much TV. But every TV season, there is one show that I get really hooked on. Last year, it was American Idol (Yes, I am big Clay Aiken fan). This year, it is The Apprentice. I find myself glued to the TV set every Thursday, waiting to find out what will hear the words "You're fired." So, 14 contestants and only one will win. Who will it be? Here are my thoughts on some folks.

Pamela - I actually like her. I think of all the women in the show, she has the most business and leadership skills, thus far. Though, I have to admit that she stinks in one-on-one sales. She gotta have more energy and enthusiam than that. Overall, I think she has a potential. Plus, she is brave enough to be on the men's team. She was the leader during the first task. She was a queen and all those men were her pawns. You Go, Girl!

Andy - This man is just 23, the youngest of them all. A recent Harvard graduate. Some would not give him a shot to win the show due to his age and lack of professional experience, but he brings new and creative ideas with him. His youth is an asset. Come on, He thought of the name, Krustation Nation, during task one. And his 1 million lotterry during task two is absolutely brilliant... way better than other suggestions from his teammates (ie. making New York subways smell like vanilla...that is so lame). Andy is a breath of fresh air.

Bradford - I am glad that he is out of the picture. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, and he's got full of it. Imagine giving up your immunity to be booted just because you are so confident that you did an excellent job on the task. Who does he think this guy is? He thinks he is above Donald Trump. Well, nobody is above Mr. Trump (well, maybe, except his ugly tupee). I am sure somewhere in America sits Bradford selling real ice cream.

Stacie J. - I must admit was freaked out wiht that whole magic eight ball incident. But, the who group really ganged up on her and all conspired to have her booted out because of her so-called errandic behavoir. Let's just get one thing clear - none of these women are qualified to assess as a "borderline schizophrenic" and the like. She was not the reason why they lost the second task. They made her the scapegoat. The whole women's team is just very "clickish".. very much like high school. Watch out, now that Stacy is gone, these women would turn their backs on each other. Sounds like a catfight waiting to happen.

John - This man is my future husband. Who would not be mesmerized by his goodlooks? I hope he wins, so we can live happily ever after.

Another new episode tonigth. Let's see who will hear the dreaded words, "You're fired!"

Introducing.... My Blog

2004-09-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been one boring Tuesday nigth. So, I decided to finnally create my own humble space in this vast world of cyberspace, where I could share my random thougths. I just hope that there is someone out there who is just as bored as I am and nosy enough to read this. I am not sure how long I can maintain this. But it's worth giving it a try since it seems like having your own blog is the "in" thing rigth now.

Hey, this is actually working. Creating my own blog has been keeping me busy the last ten minutes. If you are reading this, chances are you are bored as well. So, my suggestion is that maybe you should create your own.

It's time for bed... until then, good nigth!