Blessings in Disguise

I watched Cinderella Man the other night. At first I didn't want to because I always thought this movie would be really dumb and overly dramatic and it just wouldn't be worth it. And... I'm not a huge fan of Russell Crowe. It has nothing to do with his temper tantrums at hotels and with telephones. I'm just not a fan. But anyway, there wasn't anything else on the television that was at all more interesting so I settled with this film. All I knew about it was that it was a film about a boxer. And that was it. Too quick to judge? Yea.. I know. Being a film whore, I'm ashamed to admit that I did judge this film by its cover and only its cover. Literally. Look at it! (on the right, dummy) But little did I know that it was actually the kind of movie I would normally die waiting for; It was a story filled with passion, truth, inspiration, and of course love. We all know how much I'm in love with love. It's what makes my world go 'round. ..It's what makes our world go 'round. It's the birth of passion. And without passion, what do we live for?? Anyhow.. I'm going on tangent. Again. I'm sorry.

So back to the film. I loved it!!!! Well, more appropriately... I lurrrrrrrrved it. hehe. If you haven't seen it, and if you don't plan on seeing it, I'll give you a quick summary (but I promise you it won't be quick). But if you do plan on seeing it, then skip down to the next paragraph. Merci beaucoup! Well... it's about this boxer, James "The Bulldog" Braddock, but everyone called him Jimmy. It starts right before the Great Depression hits America. Everyone's rich, everyone's living lavishly, and everyone's happy. Jimmy came home after every winning match to a happy wife and three little kids, whom he supported so successfully with his boxing career. Things were going so smoothly until the Great Depression reached the Braddocks. They were forced to move into a dark basement studio of an apartment building, all five of them, and Jimmy was trying to keep his boxing career up for as long as he could. Unfortunately, he was losing match after match, so he was let go and forced to take up random shifts every morning at the dock, but with so many men and so little jobs, the odds were not on his side. His family tried to keep it together but they struggled payment after payment after payment. While this was going on, the boxing world was still in full swing. Through a good buddy of his, Jimmy got an opportunity to make one last final goodbye, and it was a win, which meant: paycheck. This brought in enough money for his family to be out of debt and finally break even. But after that, he was given another opportunity to fight against the champion... only to become the new champion. He represented the rest of America who were victims of this Great Depression. It wasn't because he was a boxer who lived in a high-ceiling apartment in the upper eastside, but it was because he was a man, a fellow victim of the economic downfall and people related with him and cheered him on; They saw hope through him and his fight to survive. So when he won and became the new champion, he became a symbol of the triumph that one day they too can achieve. And his family finally moved out of the tiny basement into a home more suitable for a family of five, and they all lived happily ever after.

That was longer than I thought... haha.

This film really moved me in many ways. Officially, I'm late by four days to say what I'm thankful for. But then it's never too late or too early for that. When we go through economic hardships, it takes more than one mind to keep everything together. Not only did Jimmy go out there and work his heart out, even if it meant broken bones and loss of teeth, but his faithful wife, May, stood behind him and was always proud of him no matter what happened. The love she had for her husband was without a doubt unconditional. He may not have changed the world by putting an end to the Great Depression, but he was still a hero and a great man to his wife and kids. And to me. You know... they say that behind every great man, is a great woman. It's true. But I'll save that for another time...

Anyway, this made me think of the times today. It's not so much different from what went on back in 1935. Maybe we don't have a 'Hooverville' but the truth is there are people struggling to survive and keep their families together. Not everyone is fortunate enough to keep their houses, and to continue paying tuition so they may continue attending school. Not everyone can afford to buy Christmas presents for their loved ones, and not everyone can make ends meet to survive.

I'm going to be honest with you. It was hard for me to be thankful this year. Over Thanksgiving a few days ago, I had a lot on my mind. I was glad that I was on holiday with my family but the truth of the matter is, I came to a realization that I am nowhere near where I wanted to be. After college, I expected to jumpstart my career and finally have a life of my own out in the city. But here I am, still living under my parent's roof, and living contract after contract. Sure the last contract was amazing and definitely worth every minute. I know the economy is at its worst but I felt like a failure. And my love life? Pfft. What love life? Yikes. Let's not even go there. That, too, will be saved for another time. So I struggled to be in good spirits of thankfulness. That is, until I saw this film. It made me realize that I have a lot to be thankful for. Both of my parents haven't been laid off; We have been fortunate enough to continue living the same lifestyle. And because they are still financially very stable, it allows me to live comfortably with them without feeling like a burden, not that any child should ever feel that way. I'm still alive and well. Even if my love life stinks, I have some amazing friends who are always there for me, even when I'm in "one of those moods". I have the best brother in the world who is as healthy as a bull. And I have my parents. You have no idea how thankful I am for them. Not just because they're covering my butt for the time being, but because they're still alive and well and after all of my idiotic mistakes and horrible choices in the past, they continue to love me day after day after day after day.

So overall the film was good and I apologize to Ron Howard for ignorantly giving this film two thumbs down before seeing it. Yea yea yea I know "Shame on you". Whatever. I give it two thumbs up. Yay! And Russell Crowe is one hell of a good actor.

Quote






"Economic circumstance might force you to live in this environment, but the important thing was to keep from being contaminated. The important thing, was to remember who you were."





Richard Yates, 1961
"Revolutionary Road"

Beauty Sleep with a whole 'nother meaning



Supposedly this special pillow from BeautyZZZ is the one pillow that puts the "Beauty" in Beauty Sleep. It's made with a silk cover that will balance the pH levels in your blood, promote cell renewal, and eliminate "bed head" through the amino acids found in the silk fabric that mimic the amino acids found in our skin. hmmm... interesting... It never occurred to me that cotton from our bed sheets and typical pillow cases absorb the moisture from the night creams and other night-time products we apply on us before going to bed. What's the point in applying my $129 night face creme to my face so my face can absorb it when my pillow case is taking all the goodies instead?!??! UGH.

So... I bought a few. Four to be exact (I sleep with four pillows). And I love it. And I've been sleeping so well :) Except... maybe a little too well. These dreams of mine are too much for one twenty-something year old to handle. Now.. if only I can get my hands on some really, really nice silk sheets... Any suggestions???

Just can't find the words...

Not. Mo-ti-va-ted.
sorry.






Gwen Stefani


I love her so much.
She's soooo pretty.
And her collection is 
amaz-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-zing 
everyyyyyy year. :)

Hit it up

Favorite Actresses



Cate Blanchett is one of my favorite actresses in Hollywood and in the theater. I first saw her in Elizabeth and loved the film more so because of her. There is a certain grace and class to her acting skills. Or maybe it's just her demeanor? I love her. I wish I was an Aussie like her, and as tall as her, with skin as fair as hers... I loved her in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Lord of the Rings, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Aviator, Babel, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I really loved her in The Aviator. She brilliantly played Katharine Hepburn (once Howard Hughes lover), who is also one of my favorite actresses. She got it so right, she got it down to Miss Hepburn's walk. Brilliant.


I've probably read almost every biography and autobiography about the late Katharine Hepburn that was ever published. Don't get her confused with the other famous Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, because the two are not alike in any shape or form. Katharine Hepburn is my hero. As beautiful as she was, she was just as tough and stubborn and ridiculously courageous, but it only seemed appropriate for her 5'10 frame. She had one hell of an ego. And that's why I admire her so much. Living in a man's world, she had 'balls' big enough for a dozen men to fill. I imagine she would agree with the phrase: No guts, no glory. Her life is a testament to that. My favorite bio is an autobiography that she wrote herself, called "ME". And if you know anything about her, you would assume that it was written not in any chronological order, but just as her thoughts would wonder, she would write it. It was a little confusing at first, but don't try to keep track when and where such and such happened. That'll just ruin the experience. Take it as if she's telling you her story, and accept the repetitive tangents as they are indeed.. repetitive. Very entertaining though. I loved it so much, I bought it. I think I've read it at least two times by now... She's just so amusing!


Another favorite actress: Kate Winslet! Gosh, I love her work. But you know, I didn't like her in Titanic. I don't know why, I just didn't. Well, I didn't really like the film anyway. I still remember the night I watched it. I was in the 7th grade, it was right after my basketball game (we lost), and my mom wanted to watch the movie. So, we went. I fell asleep throughout most of the film; I wasn't into love stories at that time of my life.Anyway, you know what other films I loved her in? Revolutionary Road. Oh. My. Goodness. Probably one of my top 5 films of all time! If you haven't seen it, and is a fan of American Beauty, you'll love it. It was directed by the same guy, Sam Mendes, who is Kate's husband and the father to her children. Brilliant director, brilliant actress... it's a match made in heaven :) She got an Oscar for The Reader, but to be quite honest, I don't think the film was quite Oscar-worthy. Even though the award was for Best Lead Actress and has little to do with the film, I thought her performance in Revolutionary Road was much more impressive than in The Reader. But whatev. Not like my opinion counts anyway.

Sometimes, I wish I was an actress. Maybe a not-so-attractive actress, but maybe a not-so-attractive yet talented actress. That would be pretty friggin awesome.

Hellz Bellz Nylon MC Jacket






Pre-Lady GaGa

Before she was Lady GaGa, she was Stefani Germanotta. If she debuted looking "normal", I would still be a fan but then she'd just mesh in with the rest of the other songbirds out there... What's so original about that?! Another reason why I'm such a big fan :)

I want this.


Level 99, the Kya Romper

Daul Kim


I'm not in the modeling biz, and I'm not a celebrity in any kind of way either (obviously) so I can't relate to the incident about International model Daul Kim's death this morning. She was found dead in her apartment in Paris. When I read the name Daul Kim (you can follow the link to her blog), it rang a bell... She was the only Korean model that I recognized on the runways! I remember when I was flipping through 2007 Spring/Summer shows when I saw her. With a frame of 5'10" and an androgynous face (a HUGE plus in the modeling industry), and of course being a fellow Korean, I was envious and so proud at the same time. Having models of a different race walk the runways in acknowledgeable numbers was just starting to come into the fashion scene. She debuted back in 2007 and was then known for her blonde hair (not natural of course). She was incredibly beautiful and had a striking presence. She will be missed by many...


Donate your JEANS

Tis the season to GIVE.

Do you have jeans you don't wear anymore?

Donate to Snowboard Connection and get rid of your old denim. You should pick up some snowboard gear while you're there too... :)

For video and more information, click HERE.

Amazon Kindle vs B&N Nook

I'm looking for an ebook reader, but I can't make my mind up on which of the two to buy. There's actually three different kinds out there that I know of: Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, and Sony Reader. Originally, I wanted the Sony since its products are most reliable, but after further research, I cancelled it out immediately. It's too darn expensive!!!! So, it's between the Kindle and the Nook.




This is the Amazon Kindle 2 (left) and Kindle DX (right)
  • It can store up to 1500 ebooks; 3500 ebooks
  • Has 3G wireless coverage in Sprint's network to download ebooks at home or abroad in 100 different countries. (WOW).
  • 6" screen; 9.7" screen
  • Reads aloud to you
  • Can share with and read on other devices: iPhone & iPod Touch
  • $260 + tax; $490 + tax

This is the Barnes & Noble Nook
  • It can hold up to 1500 ebooks (approx 2G of internal storage) but if you need more space, you can insert a Micro SD card which allows you to add up to 17,500 ebooks, including pictures, music, and pdf files.
  • Has 3G wireless coverage in AT&T's network and Wi-Fi
  • 6" screen
  • Touch screen
  • Can share with and read on other devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry, & PC Mac OS (DOPE)
  • $260 + tax
At first I wasn't going to get into these wireless readers but after a vacation down to California last summer, I realized how tedious and annoying carrying multiple books in your luggage can be. I mean..it only adds on additional weight I don't need, right? These readers are generally 10 to 11 ounces, which is about the same as a hardcover. It would definitely give me more space in my luggage for my shoes (you can never bring enough shoes on a trip). And these things are just suuuuper cool. I'm kind of aiming for the B&N Nook. Its features are better and have more than the Kindle. Unless I was going outside of the country... but I'm not. At least not anytime soon that is.

This is definitely going on my Christmas Wish List :)

Beyonce 'Video Phone' remix Feat. Lady GaGa

This is one of my least favorite tracks in the album and I usually skip over it in the car. But with a wardrobe like that in the video, and of course a collabo remix with Lady GaGa... this vid is pretty dope.

Repost: Lady GaGa 'Bad Romance'

I know I've posted this about two or three times already but I JUST. CAN'T. GET. OVER. IT. If you can't appreciate the artist, at least appreciate the many many Alexander McQueens featured in the vid. If you can't appreciate McQueen, at least appreciate the beat. You gotta admit it. It's a catchy beat. Don't lie.

***RF (random fact)::
Supposedly, the video's about the different stages of any person's life. Baby to Adolescent to Adult... Hence the big oogly googly eyes that might have freaked some of you out in the beginning... Just sayin. hehe.

Glen Hansgard 'Fallen From the Sky'

One of my favorite tracks from the "Once" soundtrack.


Brad and Angelina for Asprey

Brad and Angie have collaborated with Asprey to design high-end jewelry via a capsule collection of gold jewelry and silver accessories called The Protector... And inspired by the snake (naturally). The pieces will go on sale starting at $525 at Asprey stores in London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo, and Dubai later this week. All proceeds from sales will go towards Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which was cofounded by Jolie in 2006.

Considering I love 'dark' jewelry, I instantly fell in love with this collection. Some would take the symbol of a snake as demonic in nature, but I consider it nothing more than just a snake. It's interesting why The Jolie-Pitts chose this particular kind for their design. The snake is believed to be a protector of the family -- hence the name of the collection -- because Angelina was given a snake ring while she was pregnant with Shiloh. I love that they're using their celebrity status to go above and beyond to aid children who have been victims from natural disasters. Among the numerous causes the Jolie-Pitts are involved with, it is admirable that they are continuing to help the children in dire need. I'd love to support by purchasing an item or two or five, but if only I had a million dollars... sigh. if only.



Click on the photos for a closer look

      


Erwin Olaf


Photographer: Erwin Olaf



Summation of Spring 2010


Squeeze/ease. Goth/froth. Drape/shape. Reality/romance. Transparent/apparent. Undies outed/utility touted.


-Marylou Luther
Fashion Group International's Creative Director

Tim Burton and MoMA

Short clip...

 


If you're ever in New York between November 22 through April 26, stop by MoMA for a special Tim Burton tribute event. I might go to NYC just for this. For more information, click HERE.

MTV's "The Diary of..." N.E.R.D.

Before Paparazzis exploded into the scene, before reality shows took over prime time television, and before there were online celebrity blogs... there was MTV's "The Diary of..." segments. The last I remember was Aaliyah's segment way back when. That was a loooong time ago. If you're a fellow N.E.R.D. fan, enjoy :)


MTV Diary of... N.E.R.D from Adrian Hylton on Vimeo.

For past episodes, click MTV.

Hoo Roo Rook

I guess "Hoo Roo Rook" is the new 'healthy' ramen out there. My mom bought it the other day, and since I'm a ramen fanatic, I had to give it a try. I don't know if you've heard of "안튀긴 라면" (I'm not sure if that's spelled right. My spelling in Korean is horrible.) But anyway, it's this kind of ramen with noodles that aren't fried like the others. It's gross. So when I saw Hoo Roo Rook in the pantry, I was skeptical...  But surprisingly enough, it was really really good. The soup had a taste that was reminiscent of odeng soup, and the noodles like that of Vermicelli. It's been about an hour since I devoured it and so far I'm not feeling sleepy, which is a good thing. I'd probably eat this again. But it's definitely not as good as 너구리. That's my favorite one. But overall, instant anything is bad for you... MSG or not.

"Non-Fried-Mild & Smooth-Low in Fat-No MSG added"

It's so good, slurping is allowed. lol



Saw this cute little bugger while I was eating.... My neighbor's dog dug a hole under the iron fence and ended up in my backyard. He's too cute... And a sweet little thing too. Unfortunately he only listens to my brother. Doesn't even come near me... Ugh. I fed him food too. hmph.

Otters holding hands

The otters are holding hands... awwwww! :)

Supposedly otters hold hands to make "otter rafts" while they're sleeping so they don't drift away from each other. It's so cute!

Black is my favorite













i lurrrve short nails. better in black.

Lady GaGa

Amazingly brilliant.







Seattle at its Finest

Looks like we'll be having rain all week...
And that only means one thing:

SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS