The British Television

A question mark always strikes my mind when Americans claim that they don’t understand the British humor or the British Drama, when most of their successful shows are based on their British counterparts (i.e. Desperate Housewives, The office). Although, I have to admit that the British has a different way to reach to their viewers; nevertheless, their shows never ceased to amaze me whether if they were high-rated comedy or a serious, hardcore drama. I have created a simple catalogue for you to browse on some of my favorite shows that I watch on BBC America.

COMEDIES
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Coupling

The show centers on the dating and sexual adventures and mishaps of six friends in their thirties, often depicting the three women and the three men each talking amongst themselves about the same course of events, but in entirely different terms. An American adaptation of the sitcom was briefly produced in 2003, but failed miserably and barely lasted one season. I'm pretty sure you are thinking: "It seems it is a FRIENDS wannabe", but it is so not. The show has a clever script and weird sense of humor that you will make you laugh your heart out.

Get the DVDs

Spaced

Spaced chronicles the agony and ecstasy of two disillusioned Gen X-ers adrift in a world where reality is as subjective as their taste in shoes. Defeated by the horrors of apartment hunting, Tim (Simon Pegg, Shaun of the Dead), a love-sick skateboarder, and Daisy (Jessica Stevenson), a wannabe journalist, pose as a professional couple to score themselves a cheap place to live. However, with their landlady’s large capacity for cigarettes and alcohol and the increase in sexual tension, Tim and Kate’s new place is far from ordinary. The show recently started in the US and I'm totally falling in love with it. Watch it.

Other Comedies:
ED vs. Spencer - Little Britain - Green Wings

DRAMAS
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Waterloo Road

Waterloo Road is a drama series about a comprehensive school, its teachers and students. When the current Headmaster has a nervous breakdown, Jack Rimmer is thrown into the hot seat – very reluctantly. Jack is only too aware of the fate Waterloo Road will suffer if it doesn’t improve and fast. He takes a huge gamble in recruiting optimistic, educational zealot Andrew Treneman who wants to give up his comfortable private school job to bring the benefits of his elite educational experience to Waterloo Road. Together with feisty Guidance Head Kim Campbell. The three teachers, all committed in their very different ways set to turn round Waterloo Road, painful step by painful step. It has been announced that another twelve part series will be aired in 2007 due to the good viewing figures obtained in the first series. I easily got hooked just by watching one single episode; also, the show isn't afraid to throw a bunch of Muslims or Arabs students in the background or have their own lines. Brilliant!!

Footballers Wive$

The show that inspired the creation of Desperate Housewives. Footballers' Wives is a British television drama surrounding the private lives of a group of professional footballers and their wives. It is immensely popular because of its soap opera format. The show centered around the fictional Earls Park Football Club (nicknamed 'Sparks'). The show is extremely sexy and sure gives Desperate Housewives a run of its money; sometimes, the show becomes so funny and so intense simultaneously. The girls sure will love it.

Get the DVDs

Other Dramas:
Hex - Mile High

COOL SHOWS
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Ramsays Kitchen Nightmares - Cash In The Attic - Changing Rooms - Shipwrecked
And of course, not to mention BBC News, my reliable source for news.

Pesto N Pasta

Okay...so by now, you probably figured out my taste, in smoothies, videogames, and music, but what about food? Well, I honestly don't have a favorite restaurant but I do have a favorite "easy-to-cook" recipe that I would like to share with you all. It is so easy that even your grandmother could do it...wait, let me rephrase that, even Paris Hilton could do it. It is so cool how a person can acquire skills just by studying abroad!!

The recipe is *drums*Pesto Shrimp Pasta. Of course, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken, but let us stick with shrimp for now since it is much healthier.

The Ingridents
*4 oz Penne Pasta (you can substitute the penne with Fettuccine)
*12-14 medium size precooked, peeled shrimp
*3 c chopped baby spinach
*1 chopped tomato
*3 Tbsp ready-made Pesto
*3 Tbsp crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (Optional but highly recommended)
*2-diced walnuts (Optional but highly recommended)

How To Make It?
• Boil the pasta according to the package direction. If you are using frozen shrimp, defrost them by running warm water over them and cook.
• Drain the pasta.
• Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients, stirring well to help wilt the spinach and mix in the pesto.
• For an extra boost in taste, add olive oil and drizzle the pasta with vinaigrette.
• Make a serving for two or save the rest for later. Don’t forget to “decorate” the plate if you are having a special guest.

The Perfect Tool For The Guy
Cook and drain straight from the pot without touching the lid with THIS baby.

Bon Appetite!!

My Top 10 Songs (July)

Beyounce's "Deja Vu" took the N.1 spot in my chart this month
Even though I should be submitting an Arabic list (If you have been following my blog you will know what I mean); I decided to go with English for this month. Is my list a bit weird, gayish, and, none-hip? Well, I seriously cannot deny that, but hopefully, you will find at least one song that you like. Also, if you notice, I'm not into Rap/Hip-Hop...I don't hate them though. Make sure to wait for the song to load; it shouldn't take too long if you have a high-speed Internet.

Enjoy ^_^

EDIT: The singers for the number 4 song are a band called: The Fray. Sorry if I caused any confusion.

Get your own Flash MP3 Player

The Best, The Worst, & The Last

Been Tagged by: Jacqui
I tag: Gina & Bella Color

BEST:
1. Male friend: My Cousin 3azoz
2. Female Friend: Many...from schoolmates to female cousins to friends.
3. Vacation: I know this is cliché, but I so want to visit most European countries.

WORST:
1. Time of day: When I wake up and deprived from sleeping
2. Day of the week: Kuwait: Fridays ~ USA: Sundays
3. Color crayon: Yellow cuz it blinds my eyes

LAST:
1. Person you talked to that goes/went to your school: My Friend Joe
2. Talked to on the phone: My cousin 3azoz
3. Text: I just forwarded a joke to many of my friends..so there isn't a particular last one
4. Person who Instant Messaged: My cousin JuJu


TODAY:
1. What are you doing now: Blogging in my friend's house before we go to the movies and see "Lady in The Water".
2. Wearing: An Abercrombie & Fitch Shirt and a Jean from Derby Jeans (ya know the store in the 2nd floor of Souq Sharq)

TOMORROW:
1. Is: Sunday
2. Got any plans: The usual apartment cleaning and laundry
3. Goal: a)Finish cleaning b)Calling my mom
4. Dislikes about tomorrow: Well it's laundry...that's never a happy thing to do

FAVORITE:
1. Number: 3
2. Song: Currently is Deja Vu by Beyoncé
3. Color: It depends on the object. But I guess you cannot go wrong with Sky Blue and the whole family of the color Green

CURRENTLY:
1. Missing Someone: My Mother (I haven't seen her since last Xmas Break)
2. Mood: Ticked ff because my friends are playing Winning Eleven and I want to go to the movie early to see the previews
3. Wanting: Applebee's Blondie

TRUE/FALSE:
I am a cuddler: True.
I am a morning person: True
I am a perfectionist: False.
I am an only child: False.
I am currently in my pajamas: False
I am currently pregnant: I haven't got any periods since I reached puberty so it is either I have been pregnant for a long time…or I am a man.
I am currently suffering from a broken heart: False.
I am left handed: False.
I am addicted to Blogging: True.
I am online 24/7: False (I have a life ya know)
I am very shy around the opposite gender: Nope...never been and never will.
I can be paranoid at times: False.
I currently have a crush on someone: True: Kira Knightly
I currently regret something that I have done: True
I enjoy country music: False.
I enjoy smoothies: Very True.
I enjoy talking on the phone: It depends on the mood and the person I'm talking to
I have a hard time paying attention at school/work: It depends on the teacher
I have a hidden talent: True
I have a lot to learn: True.
I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal: True.

ANGER
1. Are you currently mad at someone? Yes.
2. Which of your friends has the worst temper? I better not say HER name.
3. Have you ever thrown something at anyone? Yup yup...many times
4. Ever had something thrown at you? Yup yup...many times
5. When you’re mad do you prefer to stare angrily or yell and scream? First one

EXCITEMENT
1. Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party for you? Yes...plenty of times
2. Are you easily excited? It depends
3. What are you most excited about? Hint: Check my Profile
4. If you won a million dollars what would be your first thought? Buying all the items in my Amazon's wish list.
5. If you could have anything right now what would it be? Nintendo Wii with SSB: Brawl and all my friends for a multiplayer madness

SELF-DISCOVERY
1. Name: Fallen Angel / Brave Soul / Chosen One / Maximilian
2. Where were you born? In my Mother's stomach
3. What’s your main goal in life? To publish a book
4. How do you want to die? Quick and painless but totally expected

OPINIONS
1. Sex before marriage? Love the idea but hate the consequences after.
2. Gay Marriage? Religion and Sexuality is a private thing. Thus, if they wanna hook up and get married why not. Who am I to judge?
3. Lower the Drinking age? Yes because you cannot play polls in a bar until you are 21.
4. Recycling? Love the idea but so much hassle to do

DREAMS
1. What was your latest dream? Be Professor/Writer.
2. Have any of your dreams come true? Me coming to the USA
3. What was the weirdest dream you’ve ever had? I had this dream that I was a video gamer designer and I was telling the idea of the game to Jay Leno (Crazy? Hell yeah)


PERSONAL
1. Straight, Gay, Bi? Metrosexual
2. Do you have a bf/gf? Yes and most of thee time I see THEM in one place
3. Do you have a crush? Yes with Kira Knightly

4. How many beds did you lay in yesterday? Two (my bed and my futon)
5. What color shirt are you wearing? This One
6. Name one thing that you do everyday? Taking a leek
7. What color are your walls? Kuwait: Yellow ~ USA: White
8. How much cash do you have on you right now? Zero...I only use credit card
9. When was the last time you saw your dad? Last Xmas Break
10. What did you have for dinner last night? Chicken Marsala
11. What’s the last piece of clothing you borrowed from someone? My friend's Jacket last January cuz I didn't expect it would snow that day.
12. Does anything hurt on your body right now? Yeah I hurted myself while doing squats. The dumbbells that I used were heavier than I thought.

HAVE YOU EVER:
1. Have you ever failed a class? Nope.
2. Have you ever sung in front of a crowd? Yes.
3. Have you ever not taken a shower for 3 days? When I was little YES
4. Have you ever slept with a night light? When I was little YES
5. Have you ever danced in the rain? When I was little YES
6. Have you ever lied? OH YEAH
7. Have you ever had contacts? Nope...cuz I look sexy with glasses (according to many of friends)
8. Have you ever tripped over something stupid? Stupid: Nope but I have tripped.

PICK ONE:
1. Samosa, Pakora, Kebab: Kebab I guess
2. Bollywood, Lollywood, Hollywood: Hollywood all the way
3. Love marriage, Arranged marriage: Love Marriage.
4. Honeymoon, no moon: Honeymoon.
5. How many kids would u like 1,2, 3+: 4 (2 boys and 2 Twin girls)
6. Kulfi, Ice cream: Ice cream
7. Shah ruk khan, Orlando Bloom: Orlando cuz he's richer and the fact he looks like a girl
8. Meenar-e-Pakistan, Eiffel Tower: Eiffel Tower
9. Lahore, Khi, Islambad: None

Muscle Myths

Myth #1: Lift in the morning when your testosterone is high.

Fact #1: Actually, you'll bulk faster if you lift at night.

Why saying that?

For years, trainers have advised men to lift weights in the morning when testosterone levels reach their peak. But scientists now believe this is a mistake. A man's cortisol levels are also high in the morning, and this tends to "cancel out" the testosterone.

The optimal time to lift weights is actually in the early evening when the hormonal environmental in man's body allows for elevated testosterone and minimal cortisol. Working out in the evening minimizes "catabolic" activity, which means more muscle growth in less time.

Myth #2: No workout is complete without at least 15 minutes of aerobic exercise.

Fact #2: Aerobics are great for a strong heart. But if you want strong muscles. Skip it!

Why saying that?

Aerobics exercises used to be considered a vital part of any weight-training workout. But no more. Physiologists no longer recommend aerobics for men who are primary interested in bigger muscles. Here's why:

(1) You are wasting your time: Why add an aerobics program to your workout if it simply means you will spend 45 minutes in the gym instead of 30?

(2) You are wasting your effort: You may think that aerobics is a good way to warm up. But it's really just a good way to wear yourself out.

(3) You are actually causing your muscles to get smaller: Aerobics promotes long, lean muscles. Weight lifting promotes powerful, big muscles. Decide which kind you want. You cannot have both.

Myth #3: If you want to build muscles, you have to eat protein, protein, PROTEIN!

Fact #3: You need more protein than the average guy, sure. But too much protein can actually retard muscle growth.

Why Saying that?

Your muscle is largely made of protein, so weight lifters obviously need to eat more of it than the average guy. But if you get more than 25% of your calories from protein, you will actually suppress your body's production of testosterone-the hormone that your brain uses to tell your body to build muscles.

Myth #4: Tilting your pelvis one way or the other can maximize the effect of an exercise.

Fact #4: It sounds good until you realize it's impossible to keep your pelvis in one spot while lifting.

Why saying that?

The problem with the popular "pelvic tilt" philosophy is that it makes perfect sense until you discover it's impossible to keep your pelvis in one place while you're lifting heavy weights.

Advice? Forget about your pelvis and focus on your back. If you keep your back in position, you will not only maximize the effects of squats, deadlifts, or ab workouts...but you will also avoid excessive strain and injury.

Myth #5: Stretching before lifting warms up your muscles for exercise and prevents injury.

Fact #5: Stretching fatigues your muscles before the workout even starts!

Why saying that?

Men who combine stretching with their usual workouts produce less than their usual force. In other words, they can't lift as much weight. And that's the opposite of what you want and when you're trying to build size and strength.

Advice? Don't waste more than few minutes stretching. Briefly move your muscles and joints in a way that stimulates the lift. Or skip stretching altogether and use heat to warm up your muscles.

Selection Of Funny Videos

I decided to select three videos from Youtube for your eyes only. They are all hilarious in their own ways. Make sure to stop the music player from playing first. Enjoy!

Rhymes With Witch

I'm Sorry


Best of Peter Griffin

On The Current Situation

******
NOTE
******
Please take the time first to sign THIS petition against what is happening in Lebanon right now.

"Important Notice: The petition is not just for Lebanese, non Lebanese can sign the petition too, the more people from different nationalities sign the petition, the better. So make sure you invite your non Lebanese friends to sign the petition."

First, I want to tell you I hate politics in the first place because they complicate everything. I'm looking at the current situation (Lebanon and Israel) from a humanitarian view not from a political view. Does the Lebanese citizens deserve to die? Absolutely not. Does the Israeli citizens (including innocent children and women) deserve to die? Absolutely not. Referring to many people’s comments who are calling for the death of Israel are quite harsh don’t you think? So you (the persons who's making all these rants) agree that all citizens of Israel (including Arabs, Muslims, and Christians who are living there) should die and cast them aside because of a wimp...now that just being cruel. I say BOTH the Israeli MILITIANTS (not civilians) and Huzballah (not Muslims) are terrorists because they don’t see the big picture here.

Besides, if you are thinking that Huzballah is fighting for the sake of Lebanon then you are wrong. Huzballah is a TERRIRORIST organization that is being funded by Iran and Syria. Syria (not Syrians) couldn’t care less about Lebanon, and Iran…well…where should I start? They are not even part of the Arab League and yet they butt in every situation happens here. Hear my words Iran: BUZZ OFF, we don’t need your stupid nuclear weapons nor your constant biased opinion. Also, if you are thinking that kidnapping soldiers is a process of peace negotiations…then pardon me, that’s just being selfish and stupid. Huzballah should have known better that any actions like this would evoke Israeli’s militant forces; this shows how unintelligent they are especially their refusal to be the bigger person by returning the soldiers to Israel. I would rather die than to see the day that Huzballah and other terrorist organizations prevail and to represent my case and my religion.

You (the extremist) should also know that most Lebanese are not supporting Huzballah in the first place. So how dare you speak for them and say “Let’s Huzballah stay and teach Israel a lesson or two”. Wow…just wow, how about you go to Lebanon right know and stay there for a couple of days…let see how that would go. In the time you are reading this post, both Lebanese and Israeli bloggers are exchanging links, comments, and posts that call for peace not violence. Click HERE to Lisa’s blog (a respectful Israeli journalist that has been working for our cause even though we are not doing anything) to see for yourself, and make sure to go through the links she provides.

Also, I want to bring another related issue, which is the way we protest. Most protesters (who claim they are peaceful protesters) chants: “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”…oh really! Since when stating a death sentence to other nations are considered peaceful protests. Hey, I’m not saying that non-Arabs aren’t doing that same thing. They are protesters who are in support of Israeli’s militant actions…and if you asked me, that’s a pure stupidity. An example of true peaceful protest is like the one that has been conducted by Israeli citizens, in which Lisa mentioned in her blog. I will share some of the following picture along with the translation:


The signs read:"There is no military solution."

The signs read: "In war there are only losers."
Oh and one more thing…can you please sustain from using racial slathers whomever your nationality and religion is. Saying things like “filthy Jews” or “violent Muslims” really gets on my nerve. FYI, Judaism is a religion not a political identity; considering all Jews are Israelis is unintelligent just as considering all Muslims are Arabs. Oh and please stop (whomever you are) from sending e-mails to me (or to other people for that matter) forcing me not to buy from Starbucks, Marks & Spencer, and etc. I can make my own decisions thank you very much.

As I close this post, please I ask of you, to look at things from outsider view not from insider view. Don’t force your religion and ethnicity to make decisions for you; use your mind and your heart simultaneously and think: What would I do to stop the hate?

EDIT: Please check this VIDEO that was provided from Temetwir's blog if you haven’t already. You will be surprised by its content.

My Top 10 RPG Games

*****
NOTE
*****
This list is subject to change. I will keep you informed if the list undergoes any changes in the future. Also, make sure to visit the links provided if you want to acquire more information.

[1] Final Fantasy VIII (PSOne)

This is by far, the best Final Fantasy game around. Great story that spans over 4 discs, breathtaking graphics and FMV ever seen on PSOne; it also possess one of the greatest soundtracks composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu. Consider you life is not complete until you play this game.

[2] Final Fantasy VII (PSOne)

The releasing of this installment of Final Fantasy marked a new era of RPG games. The game has redefined and changed the whole RPG genre for good. FFVII has better storyline than FFVIII and probably much popular, because it still seize an army of fanboys and fangirls.

[3] Chrono Cross (PSOne)

Chrono Cross is one of the rare RPG games that have an original story stripped from cliché, a great battle engine, and probably the BEST soundtrack of an RPG game to date. It is an impossible task to put the controller down once you start playing the game and starts to suck you into its realm. It is a classic.

[4] Tales of Symphonia (GameCube)

Tales of Symphonia is the BEST RPG game you can get on Nintendo GameCube. Although the story is some-what cliché in most part, yet it has one of the best battle engine that you will keep you coming back for more. I have finished ToS 4 times and yet I never got bored. This game also unleashed the Tales series to the US public and accomplished what its processors failed. Make sure to keep your eyes on Tales of The Abyss, the next installment of the series coming this Fall on PS2.

[5] Final Fantasy X (PS2)

This game introduces many features to Final Fantasy fanatics around the world such as real-time voice-overs, the Sphere Grid system, and the best selling soundtrack. FFX is famous for its original story and memorable cast members in an RPG. The game features an amass amount of side-quests, and mini-games that you can undertake aside from the original story. You are probably living under a rock if you haven’t heard or seen this particular Final Fantasy game.

[6] Grandia II (Dreamcast/PS2)

One of the reasons that I had to buy Dreamcast was to play GameArts' RPG masterpiece Grandia II. Grandia games are famous for their battle system that challenges the player to strategize the input of the battle. Grandia II is the best Grandia game to date; however, the PS2 version sucks because of the lagging time.

[7] Dragon Quest VIII (PS2)

I never really cared about the Dragon Quest series until recently. In fact, me and one of my Japanese friend had a long argument about Final Fantasy vs. Dragon Quest. After DQVIII swept Japan last year, selling more than six million copies in Japan alone; I said to myself: I better get this game and see what all the fuss is about. Fortunately, I get sucked into the game like I have never been sucked before (stop laughing you pervert!). Amazing cel-shade graphics, a great anime-like story, an orchestrated soundtrack, and a very traditional RPG battle system that never get old were the keys that opened my gaming heart again. Highly recommended.

[8] Pokemon Silver (GameBoy Color)

Surprised? Well, don't be. Pokemon RPG series are one of the most recognizable and highly influential RPG series of all time. Pokemon Gold/Silver marks the second generation of the Pokemon series that proved to the world how a sequel should be. The changes that were included in the game had made the life of many Pokemon Trainers around the world much easier such as: organized bag, a highly tech-Pokedex, colorful backgrounds, an excellent battle animation on an 8-bit handheld system, breeding, and the fact you can adjust the time and day has brought the game a new breath of life. Unfortunately, Pokemon has earned the title "cool to hate" which was probably started from those GTA SOBs; yet one must recognize the Pokemon Fever that started in 1998/1999 (the fever has become less intense in these days but still exists). The game still ranks the best and fastest selling game franchise of all time.

[9] Star Ocean: The Second Story (PSOne)

Although I haven't experienced the first story, Star Ocean: The Second Story took my life by the storm with its addictive battle system and great story. The game can be quite long and might take you several months to finish it completely; yet, you would not get a glimpse of boredom (unlike the third instilment which sucked). However, the game's voice over might repeal you from touching the game. Make sure to turn the voice-over off.

[10] Golden Sun (GameBoy Advance)

Ahh! The days that I have been hogging my GBA playing Golden Sun were sweet days. The game features a remarkable 32-bit graphics, an insane puzzle system that will challenge you to the bone, and interactive gameplay that never before seen in a handheld system. One of the greatest surprises is that after you have completed the game, you will realize that the story is far from over and you will have to get the sequal to continue the storyline, along with new sets of characters. Seriously, get this game if you still have your GBA, and be ready to lose some Zs.

Runner Ups:

The rest of Final Fantasy series, The Mana series, Xenogears, the rest of Tales series, Baten Kaitos, Breath of Fire series, Paper Mario, and Lunar series.

PS: I hate Western RPGs because they are utter crap and suck so bad.

Select Your Smoothie

Craving for a smoothie? No need to worry, I have selected three types of smoothies for your sweet pleasure. Pick the one that is right for you.

MUSCLE BUILDER (My Fave)
2 Tbsp peanut butter
1 Banana
1/3 c whey protein
1/2 fat-free chocolate frozen yogurt
1 c fat free-milk

Note: This mix features the brawn-building power of protein from both peanut butter and whey.

BRAIN BOOSTER
1/2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 c fresh or frozen raspberries
1 c pineapple OJ
1/2 c low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 c ice

Note: The berries here aren't just super food for your brain; they offer an important cancer-fighting bonus.

MOOD MAKER
1/2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 c fresh or frozen mango
1 c pineapple OJ
1 c ice

Note: An all-fruit smoothie, packed with carbs to boost your serotonin levels. Add a handful of flaxseeds for an extra dose of mood-boosting omega-3 fatty acids.

Lucky Number 777

I went to Dairy Queen store near my place to buy a Blizzard for me and my friend. Guess how much did it cost me? Well, it was the ultimate lucky number 777. Is that a sign that something fortunate is going to happen to me in the near future? I sure hope so.

PS: Is it me or I have been posting about restaurants and food chains more than often lately?

Poor Sony

A Sony PSP ad promoting the new Ceramic White model of the system in the Netherlands is causing an international stir. Gaming Web sites and message boards have lit up with debate over the ad this week after a picture went up on digitalbattle.com, and now California Assemblyman Leland Yee and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have made their feelings on the issue known.

"Whether in the US or abroad, using differences in skin color to articulate the fact that your video game console now comes in white can be interpreted as insensitive at best and racist at worst,"

Although, Sony has officially confirmed termination of ad campaign and apologized to those who were offended in less than a week; the idea of the ad is kinda stupid especially from the legendry Sony whose ads are really creative. I mean how those Ads ever made it past the drawing board in the first place? And another thing, why the NAACP and a California company are butting in with an issue occuring in Netherlands?

Poor Sony, not only their PSP sells sucks comparing to Nintendo DS, but they also faced this controversy. Sony you should learn that "Touching is Good"~ this is an ironic statement if you know what I mean.

Pirates & Italians

Last night, me and the boys went to Bannigans, an American/Irish restaurant. The food wasn't that good at all, they even have a Cheeseburger Eggroll as an appetizer (WTF is that?). Their dessert menu is A-OK, I tasted something called "Death by Chocolate" and this is its description:

Sinfully tempting Dutch chocolate and nutty rocky road ice creams swirled with TWIX® cookie bars on a crumbled Oreo® cookie crust. And, as if that weren’t enough, we dip the whole thing in rich chocolate sauce. It’s killer!

Afterwards, we went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and we were hoping to enter the 9:30PM show but it was sold out; even the other later shows at 10:10PM and 10:35PM. However, the AMC Theater’s manager closed the show of theater 14 (actually there are 21 theaters in total) and substituted the Da Vinci Code with Pirates for the increasing demand. The line extended outside of the theater, and it was so worth it. The movie was freaking amazing, no wonder it set a new record for the highest opening in box office history.


A bunch of sweaty Italians running...huh! I guess the girls are going crazy right now
Of course, it would be rude to conclude my weekend review without mentioning the World Cup (although, there are like 50 freaking blogs talking about it already). It was a terrific match and I'm happy that the Italians won the match, but I have to admit, it would have been great to see Zizo concluded his football carrier holding the World Cup. Instead, he finished it with a headbutt that will never be forgotten. It's a classic already.

Summer Freedom

If you have been keeping with my online journal, you may know that I just finished my summer term yesterday. I think I did well but to tell you the truth, I think I did way better in Shakespeare's class than the History class (it’s ironic because I predicted vice versa)

So, you are probably wondering, what I will be doing for the rest of the summer...One word:

GYM
GYM
GYM

I'm focusing on my shoulders and chest areas. I want broad shoulders...God, that's all I'm asking for. Of course, I will be reading my novels, playing videogames (mainly Japanese RPG Games), blogging, and hanging out with my friends. In August, I might either go on a road trip with my friend (cuz the rest are going to Hawaii, and I cannot afford it) or I might visit my cousin in Illinois.

PS: Make sure to check the "Site's Melody" on the upper right of my blog. I will be changing the melody between now and then, so make sure to tune in to listen and probably download the cool, soothing songs I will adding.

4th of July Happiness!!

This afternoon, me and one of my best buddies decided to go to BJ's to watch the match between Italy & Germany and have a bite or two. The restaurant was so crowded (Hence, The 4th of July's Independence Day) that we have to sit in the bar section of the restaurant. Surprisingly, the Americans' eyes were hooked to the TV sets and were watching the game attentively.

After the game, we ordered a white chocolate macadamia Pazooki: It is a small, hot pan white chocolate macadamia cookie served with vanilla bean ice cream on top. Seriously, it is one of the best desserts ever you can find in an ordinary American tavern-like restaurant.

Afterwards, we went for a walk in Pearl Street (which was also crowded and filled with many "talented" poor people...but their talents are extremely good that it would be rude if you won't able to fork something). We went to Borders and I bought "3 books for 2" on selected paperback books. Here is a list of what I got:

Indecision by Benjamin Kunkel

Dwight B. Wilmerding is only twenty-eight, but he’s having a midlife crisis. He lives a dissolute existence in a tiny apartment with three (sometimes four) slacker roommates, holds a mind-numbing job at the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, and has a chronic inability to make up his mind. Encouraged by one of his roommates to try an experimental drug meant to banish indecision, Dwight jumps at the chance (not without some vacillation about the hazards of jumping) and swallows the first fateful pill. And when all at once he is “pfired” by Pfizer and invited to a rendezvous in exotic Ecuador with the girl of his long-ago prep-school dreams, he finds himself on the brink of a new life. The trouble–well, one of the troubles–is that Dwight can’t decide if the pills are working.

Almond: The Sexual Awakening of a Muslim Woman by Nedjma

Badra is a young Muslim widow who flees the small town of Imchouk to take refuge with her Uncle Slimane's iconoclastic ex-wife. In Imchouk, it was expected that Badra's life should be limited by her husband's wishes, but at Aunt Selma's, Badra begins to think about how she wants to live from now on. She recalls her youthful curiosity about sex -- what other girls' and women's bodies were like, her first attempts to spy on men, her fascination with the two beautiful prostitute sisters who lived outside Imchouk. When she develops a passionate, consuming relationship with a wealthy doctor, Badra remembers and rediscovers her own sexual being, in scenes that are erotic, revelatory, and sometimes bittersweet.

The J.A.P. Chronicles by Isabel Rose

Ali Cohen, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and former camp outcast, plans to make a documentary about her former bunkmates. The ugly duckling turned successful self-made swan secretly hopes that that her teenage tormentors will have grown into adult losers. Its sex and the city meets Jane Austen. As each woman steps into focus, however, it becomes clear that it is not quite that simple. Sure, Arden can’t keep a job (even as a nanny!), Jessica is stuck in regional theater, and Dafna has lost both her job and her $20,000 per month stipend from her father. But Laura is apparently flourishing as a Los Angeles superagent, and Beth has found happiness by throwing over her dull but successful fiancé for her wedding photographer.

Happy 4th of July to all the Americans out there. Bring on the fireworks!!

Wimbledon equals World Cup

Thanks for the matches
Sure, Wimbledon might not attract billions of crowds nor it does generate a massive commercial media and fans' rampage as the World Cup does, but to neglect its existence is 100% pure stupidity (especially if you are a sport fan).

Zidane isn’t the only legendry sport player who is going to bid us farewells this year. A respectful Tennis player: Andre Agassi announced that he would retire from tennis after the 2006 U.S. Open. He already made his final appearance just recently in the Wimbledon 2006 match with Rafael Nadal. Unfortunately, he was defeated, but nevertheless he is still a profound figure in the sport industry.

Please tune in to the US Open (which will start on August 2006) after the World Cup fever feds away, you sure don’t want to miss it.