Just came from the Psychopathology exam today…it was quite long, but I think I did good especially since I studied for it in the last minutes. I would like to share the most common defense mechanism that most people adapt only up to a point. Some people adapt at least one defensive mechanism, others however; can adapt more than 2 or all of them if they are completely unsecured about themselves (that means they have either depression or anxiety disorders). The list goes like this:
1- Repression
Unacceptable impulses are pushed down into the unconscious and thereby robbed of their power to disrupt us consciously. An example, would be a man who is attracted to his best friend’s girlfriend; he removes his feelings by removing these thoughts into the unconscious and these thoughts might be represented in the man’s dreams.
2- Denial
Refusal to acknowledge an external source of anxiety; that is, to perceive something that is obvious. For example, an anorexic model refuses to believe that is she not eating properly and refuses to listen to her friends about her weight.
3- Projection
Unacceptable impulses are first repressed then attributed to other, that is, an internal threat is converted into an external threat. For example, a student blames the Professor for getting an F on her exam; not accepting the fact that she didn’t prepare for the exam beforehand, so she throws the guilt to the Professor to relieves herself from feeling anxious.
4- Displacement
Involves a transfer of emotion, that is, the person afraid to display certain emotions against whoever has aroused them, so that person releases these feeling to a safer object. The perfect example would be is a husband who is frustrated from his boss, who eventually transfers all his anger and frustration to his wife.
5- Rationalization
Offering a socially acceptable reasons and explanations for something that a person has committed for unconscious or unacceptable motives. That is a girl insists on buying new clothes because her old ones aren’t suitable for a certain occasion or simply because they are outdated. This method is one of the most common defense mechanisms.
6- Isolation
Avoiding unacceptable feelings by cutting them off from events to which they are attached then acting to these events in an emotionless matter. For example, a girl who is sexually molested by her father does not show emotions at all when she is near her father, that is, she totally “smokescreens” her emotion toward her father.
7- Reaction Formation
Repressing feelings that are arousing anxiety and then vehemently professes exactly the opposite. For example, a “secretly” anorexic girl makes fun of thin models, refusing that she is actually just like them or even worse.
8-Regression
The process of reverting back to an earlier stage of development to make an excuse for unacceptable thoughts. A good example would be 20 year-old girls would gather and talk trash about men (just like teenagers) or how bad their boyfriends are, refusing to confess these feelings with them.
9- Undoing
The process of canceling out an acceptable behavior that previously was committed by pretending it was never happen. For example, a man who got into a fight with his friend, and next day, he acts friendly toward him pretending that the fight hasn’t happened.
That’s it folks; although there are many defensive mechanisms that people generally adapt, but these are the most common ones. I confess that my defense mechanisms that I usually adapt are: Rationalization, Undoing, and sometimes by being sarcastic.
How about you?
Engarde!
Anime Expo Gone Wild
A very funny skit based on Final Fantasy X-2. Yuna's custom is nicely made so is Auron's but the guy playing Auron is too skinny to pass the role.
This one is hilarious. The guy with the red coat is famous among anime cosplayers in the US; his nickname is "Stripper Vash". Vash is the anime character from the Trigun series. The skit is loaded with sexual preferences, but they are nicely done.
A well-acted and yet very funny Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children skit. I love the part where the Turks imitates Team Rocket's theme from the Pokemon anime series.
For more skits, click HERE.
First Impression: Brothers & Sisters
Last night, I witnessed the premier of season 3 of Desperate Housewives (which was really good and funny) and the premier of a new drama series entitled “Brothers & Sisters”. The big buzz behind the show is that not only the show stars the great, two-time Academy Award-winning actress Sally Field but it also stars Calista Flockhart (ya know from the show Ally McBeal). I thought to give this new show a shot and watch the pilot and see how well it stocks up with the rest.
The story revolves around Kitty Walker, a former radio personality whose success just landed her a job as a TV pundit in Los Angeles; as she joins with her family to celebrate her birthday, she debates the prospect of fame and the marriage proposal she just received from her New York boyfriend. Meanwhile, her siblings are dealing with various dramas including saving the family business, dealing with an autistic son and trying to conquer addictions. What this disparate group of siblings doesn't know is that their father Henry is about to die. How will this L.A.-based multi-generational family deal with the loss of their patriarch? As told through the eyes of the clan's most outspoken member, Kitty.
Now, the big question…do I see this show going somewhere? Well, yes and no. For starters, the script is quite solid but sometimes it tends to be cliché in some parts especially since there is tons of family drama TV shows out there. And 2nd, the drama starts way too soon; just after one episode you will get to know that *SPOILERS* the father will die and leave his family with a money crisis in their family company, one of the sisters is in love with a co-worker while her husband doesn’t know about it, and the youngest son has a drinking problem and etc etc. However, I think the actors have done their jobs in absorbing the characters and the show does possess this warmth that invites you to observe the Walker family in their ups and downs. The show just as my cousin puts it "it's a sexier, more muture version of 7th Heaven." And I agree.
For now, I recommend at least registering this show in your TiVo (yes Laialy, I’m talking to you) and see how it goes for you. Although, I’m pretty sure the female bloggers would be more interested in the show than the males, but with a plot like that…it’s self-explanatory. Stay tune for more first impressions as I watch the new shows and evaluate them for you.
Ramadan Kareem
OK, here’s a common fact that all the students who are studying abroad agree on: Ramadan in the US sucks…BIG TIME. Simply because there’s no indication that Ramadan has arrived whatsoever, such as smelling the food that your mother/maid or whoever was cooking on the afternoon (the peak time of your hunger), the warm atmosphere that invites you to sleep “it” in until “Fo6or” time is in, and of course, the great “tashrebah” that you always loved, and not to forget strolling at the malls until 1:00AM and etc. Instead, I’m stuck here with a Subway sandwich, and school work that pills up while you are watching the Ramadan TV shows on NUKS website (not to mention the premieres of TV shows here), and the fact you stay up at 3:00AM wondering what will you eat for “So7or”…because there’s nothing for you to eat. But do you know what part that sucks the most...it’s when “Eid Al Fiter” arrives and you lose your opportunity to get some greens from your family and relatives because you are stuck in some library somewhere studying for a mid-term instead.
Anyway: Ramadan Kareem o “Embarek 3aleekom el Shahar”.
Conversation
This is just a conversation I had with my cousin over the MSN messenger couple of days ago. I saved it because I knew I wanted to post the conversation one day in my blog. By the way, we are really close, so pardon the trashy words (although, there aren’t many). Oh and I also substituted our nicknames with “Me” and “Her’ for identity reasons.
Her: OMG sheft 7al8at Oprah 2ams?
Me: U mean 7al8at Eva Longoria.
Her: eee
Me: Yeah, I saw it.
Her: Sheft Nate….9ej 3ajeeeeeeeeb
Me: Yeah he sure is…I really want to ask him to decorate my home one day LOL.
Her: Ditto LOL
Her: And he’s also soooooo yummy. I want him to be my hubby.
Me: Sorry to ruin it for you honey but Nate is gay.
Her:No way!
Me: Waaaaaaaaaaaaay
Her: No he’s not…he’s not feminine.
Her: Just because he works in interior design does not mean he’s gay. Besides, he was all cuddly with Eva.
Me: Ya 7abibty he’s gay. He even lost his boyfriend in the infamous Tsunami incident two years ago. Wait a sec.
Me: check THIS.
Her: why all the good men have to be gay?
Me: I’m here for you honey.
Her: weeeeeeeeeeeee3
Me: I didn’t mean for marriage idiot. It’s double weeeeee3 for me…ba3ad hatha el’le nage9...me and you....*vomits*
But seriously, this guy is amazing. I like how he turns every simple meaningless thing into art. He certainly deserves the “Lord of Décor” title. Have you guys seen him? Click HERE to access his official website.
Tidbits
• I’m totally freaking out regarding the Calculus exam that we will be having next Wednesday. Therefore, I hate Calculus; mainly because I forgot everything about mathematics since the last time I studied math was on June 2003.
• Our Calculus TA has armpit hair…and the disgusting part is she’s a woman. I mean ewww, what the hell is that about?
• I got a phone number from a girl while riding the bus today by accident. Man, I’m such a natural flirt LoL.
• I cannot get THIS song outta my head; even though it is quite outdated.
• I’m totally excited about Matthew Perry’s new show Studio 60: On The Sunset Strip. Catch the premier this Monday on NBC.
• Might watch The Last Kiss this weekend. The movie seems kinda cool.
• One of my presentation partner in my Psychopathology class is really really cute. Oh and my the way, it is a common fact that all the hotties in our University are mostly Psychology majors.
• Currently playing Resident Evil 4 (NGC) and Dragon Quest VIII (PS2).
• I’m dying for Red Bull right now.
• I hate Calculus (again)!!
• Wondering what to do on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
• Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
• I usually watch an episode or two of Entourage before I go to sleep these days.
FRIENDS Bloopers Extravaganza
Didn't feel like blogging today, so here are some bloopers from the TV show Friends.
Enjoy.
Courteney Cox (Monica) Bloopers
Lisa Kudrow (Pheobe) Bloopers
Matt LeBlanc (Joey) Bloopers
Matthew Perry (Chandler) Bloopers
David Schwimmer (Ross) Bloopers
So, which one is your favorite blooper?
Mine is Matthew Perry's.
Review: The Illusionist
Eisenheim (Edward Norton) is a stage magician who amazes the audiences of turn-of-the-century Vienna, drawing the attention of Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). When the Prince's intended, Sophie von Teschen (Jessica Biel), assists the magician onstage, Eisenheim and Sophie recognize each other from their childhoods -- and a dormant love affair is rekindled. As the clandestine romance continues, Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) is charged by Leopold to expose Eisenheim, and Eisenheim prepares to execute his greatest illusion yet.
Ironically, the first trailer that was showed in the previews segment while I was attending the movie last night was “The Prestige” staring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and the lovely Scarlett Johansson. When I saw the trailer, I thought, “wait a minute, this movie seems quite similar with the movie I’m attending, with much bigger stars. Am I wasting my time?” However, just after the first 15 minutes of the movie I was baiting my lips for thinking such a thing (especially after reading the synopsis of Prestige today, I concluded that both movies are quite different).
It’s been so long since I have seen Edward Norton movie and it seems I forgot how talented this guy is. Norton has truly captured the true essence of Eisenheim’s character; the character of a calm, collective (and very cool) magician that falls in love with a high-status woman, and without losing his “coolness” while doing so. Although, I don’t consider the role of Eisenheim has captured Norton’s essences; I think that Norton was working his character out, not vice versa (If you have seen him in Primal Fear, American History X, and the Fight Club will know what I mean). The script is really strong and very original; I assure you that you will get hooked from the start, and you will be amazed how everything assembles together at the end of the movie in one scene. The acting was excellent for this script, but I definitely wasn’t blown away, because I have seen better such as other Norton’s movies that I have mentioned. However, it was nice seeing Jessica portraying the role of a helpless, high-status woman who can’t seem to change the destiny that was chosen for her; most Jessica’s movies usually involve stunts and broses (i.e. Blade:Trinity, Texas Chainsaw Massacre). As for Paul Giamatti (The Cinderella Man, and Sideways), I don’t think he brought a new depth for his character; probably any other actor would have played his role easily. There wasn’t over-dramatization involved in the movie, and the storytelling was very tight. Not sure I was mesmerized by the soundtrack though.
All in all, you should definitely watch this movie when it hits the theaters. Although, I don’t think the Kuwaiti audience will appreciate this kind of movies; they will probably degrade the movie during or after the movie is over…but what can you do. Highly recommended.
Preview: Final Fantasy XII
To Vaan, a young man living on the streets of Rabanastre, the Empire is a hated enemy who took the life of his brother, the only family he had left. In an effort to exact revenge, Vann hatches a plot to break into the palace and steal from the occupying Imperials.
In the events that follow, Vaan gets rather more than he bargained for when he runs into Princess Ashe, sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne. Together, the two will embark on an incredible journey through Ivalice, tracing the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire’s invesion. The choices they make will determine the very fate of the world.
“The fighting is more reminiscent of typical MMORPG combat than it is of past Final Fantasy games, since you'll fight enemies directly on the field, and you can literally run away from them if you're getting worked over. Combat has been slowly paced so far, since we've just gained our second party member (an impish girl named Penelo) and we don't have many special abilities just yet. But once more magic spells, summoned monsters, and the gambit system (a method of assigning behaviors to your party members) come into play, we imagine the excitement level of the combat is going to pick up considerably.”
- Gamespot
“FFXII offers a similar system [to that of Final Fantasy X] called the license board that so far looks to be even more free-form than the sphere grid. The license board basically looks like a chess board, with certain squares showing proficiencies in various weaponry, like staves and daggers; armor, like helmets, bracers, and so on; and various kinds of black and white magic. You'll gain license points by defeating enemies, and you can then unlock specific squares to gain the associated abilities for a given character."
- Gamespot
I honestly cannot wait for this game to release on the 1st of November. I have experienced the game first-hand, thanks to the demo of the game that usually comes when you purchase a copy of Dragon Quest VIII (which is a great game by the way). Probably I will dedicate my Fall Break playing this game thoroughly; as most RPG hardcore gamers know, Final Fantasy games can be really addictive and time consuming. Right now I’m confused on what to play this fall: Final Fantasy XII on PS2 or The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on Nintendo Wii. Not to mention the finals that will be awaiting me at the end of the semester!! Aghh so many games yet so little time.
Drop & Add
Ahh, today was sure a busy day.
Yesterday, I found that I’m not allowed to take “Behavioral Genetics”; an upper division course for Psychology majors, until I have completed a particular, perquisite statistics course designed for those who are majoring in Psychology. Fortunately, I found the deadline for dropping and adding a course is today, so I spent most of my time last night tweaking my schedule and finding another Psychology course (I’m planning on taking the statistics course next semester). Luckily, the “Psychopathology” course seemed an interesting course to me, and might help boosting my resume in the future. I enrolled to the class but I was waitlisted (my position is #1) and I feared that the Professor won’t allow me to take the class especially since school started last week.
Anyway, I attended the class today, and after the class, I talked with the Professor about my situation and how our Ministry of Higher Education is strict when it comes to sticking to the rules. Fortunately, she accepted me to her class, but she stressed out that I should discuss this issue farther with my academic advisor. So I rushed to the Psychology department, but I found out that I MUST schedule an appointment with my advisor online; I did that, and got my advisor’s card from the cute secretary. And then, I found the deadline to return my “Behavioral Genetics” book and receiving a refund is today. I rushed (again) to the bookstore and luckily I was able to get my refund without any hassle. Although, I didn’t want to buy the “Psychopathology” book, but I had to since there’s one copy left. You see, I don’t want to buy a book for a class I’m not even sure I’m going to enroll in.
Anyway, I just e-mailed my advisor like two hours ago. Now, all I have to do is to wait for the approval from my advisor. Wish me good luck because enrolling to this class might come to your benefit if you want to acquire more information about Psychological disorders. That’s right folks; I will provide my services for free until I get my PhD (like after 8 years or something) and charge you for a huge sum of money…Muwahahahaha *cough* *cough*.
Review: Love Hina
Inspired by Marzouq
Love Hina is probably one of the funniest romantic comedies from the Anime genre you can get your hands on. The series centers around 20-year old Keitaro Urashima, a young man desperately trying to be accepted into the prestigious Tokyo University (TokyoU) in order to fulfill a childhood promise; in which, when he was in kindergarten, he promised his childhood girlfriend that they would meet in TokyoU and continue their romantic live together. However, Keitaro isn’t a bright guy, in which he keeps failing the acceptance exam over and over again. Until one day, his grandmother gave him the “lodge” (Hinata Inn) she was living in just so she can travel around the world. The desperate Keitaro humbly agrees, thinking that taking care of his grandmother lodge might help him economically (and mentally for his “upcoming” college life). However, what Keitaro doesn’t know is that his grandmother’s lodge is an all-girls' dormitory!!
I don’t want to spoil the rest of the story because it’s hilarious. I really recommend watching it and giving it a try. Bear in mind though that the show contains some “partial” frontal nudity (ala Ranma ½), but other than that the show kicks ass.
Want To Watch Love Hina Now?
*English Version* Part One - Part Two
*Japanese Version w/English subtitles* Part One - Part Two - Part Three
Driving Lessons
Rupert Grint, the young actor who played the role of Harry Potter’s best friend Ron Weasley is finally having a movie of his own, in which he is the protagonist. The movie is called "Driving Lessons" and it looks (and sounds) hilarious, and based on the trailer, Ron…err…I mean Rupert seems a quite talented young actor (not that he wasn’t talented as Ron, but is good to see different layers of his acting skills). Unfortunately, the movie is set for a limited release, which means the movie won’t be played in major movie theaters; however, if I could afford the time to go to the “limited” movie theater in the city I might have a chance. The movie is set to release on October 13th in America. Check it out.
Driving Lessons is a coming-of-age story that centres on Ben (Rupert Grint), the shy son of a vicar. Seventeen-year-old Ben is trying to escape the domineering influence of his heavily religious mother (Laura Linney). His world changes when he meets Evie (Julie Walters), a retired, unsuccessful actress. When Ben finally cracks under the pressure put upon him by his mother, he leaves and goes to work for Evie, travelling to Edinburgh where she teaches him to drive and he comes out of his shell, meeting girls and learning to dance.
Sweet September In Aspen
This weekend, all the students in my state area (boys and girls) decided to go on a “short road-trip” to Aspen, Colorado especially since we have a day off on Monday (it’s Labor Day). Me and my friend Joe were the last people to take off. We stopped at McDonald’s for a short snack for the road. Joe then turned on the navigator in his car and put in the destination. We took a long stare at the navigator as we couldn’t believe how far Aspen was; approximately it would take us more than 4 hours and the current time was 7:30PM. Fortunately, I brought my ipod and he brought his iTrip, and we tuned in to my ipod for the whole trip. We arrived at the condo we rented at 11:50PM. I don’t know who was happier we reached there: me or my butt. However, I was happy that we were the last people to arrive because I love to make an entrance. Anyway, the guys there were already grilling and I had a burger or two. The sleeping arrangement was awful; imagine 15 men had to sleep in a single condo (the lucky girls were staying in a hotel nearby). Fortunately, I was able to reserve a bedroom upstairs, but did I get any sleep? Hell NO. Simply because the guys downstairs were screaming like maniacs as they were playing “Winning Eleven” and “Koot” all night long. Then morning came…
We woke up at 11:00AM and of course I didn’t have any Zs. Now we had to leave the condo because we only rented it for one night. We drove to Aspen, which is a nice little town with many shops and restaurants (and rich folks), it usually gets crowded for winter as the skating season starts. Silly me…I was wearing a sweater and I was sweating like crazy (get it? Sweater…sweating). Ahem, anyway, I went to the gift shop and got me a T-shirt that says: “Beauty is in the eye of the Beerholder” and wore it right away. We stopped at couple of shops, rode the gondola, and then we went to this cute Italian restaurant, and guess who we found there? Kanye West and his gang. The girls went crazy as they took a souvenir picture with him; the boys did too but I didn’t join them since I don’t care about Kanye West anyway. We ordered some oven pizzas, which were really good. After lunch, we decided to go back home since the time read 5:00PM (which means we would arrive there at 10:00PM or so). Fortunately, I arrive to my apartment earlier than expected at 9:10PM (thanks to Joe and his driving skills). And after couples of hour in my apartment, I finally had my sleep…except when I woke up this morning; my throat was bloated like Pamela Anderson’s lips.
