Everyday it disturbs me to see that companies are forced to
layoff their staff to stay alive in today's hard times.I know it's a fact we are forced to reckon
with, just a part of economic conditions but it still leaves you a little sullen with such a grim
outlook.And it's so different when you
hear about it through the news, you know it happens… but then you start hearing about it more from
companies that you might be even more familiar with…. but what really sucks is
when you or your friends/family are directly affected by layoffs.
These are tough times, and they say you should hang on to
every penny and if you've got a stable job, don't take it for
granted. What can you do but just weather the storm?
Observe, as even the finest NBA players get juked on the court. Devin Harris will recover, though I'm sure it was a little painful in the moment. Video shared courtesy of mi.
Hey, if a TV or live streaming isn't at your disposal... at least you can count on ESPN Gamecast to get your play by play coverage of the NLCS. I'm totally digging this right now, it's the next best thing.
Currently down 2-1, Dodgers will need to rally their best tonight to stay in this thing. We can use a repeat of yesterday's game. Let's go, Blue!
California gets a gust of Santa Ana winds every
October.In fact, I can't recall a windless
October in my entire lifetime.Today, a fire started in the San Fernando
Valley and burned more than 10,000 acres under such unfavorable
windy conditions.For more details, see LA
Times coverage:http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-wildfire14-2008oct14,0,860012.storyIt's always unfortunate how a natural disaster can just
cause mass destruction so quickly.My
heart goes out to all the families who have been forced to evacuate and have lost
anything in its path. And kudos to the
emergency response received from local firefighters, community evac centers,
and many more. More info: http://www.oes.ca.gov/
When I was a kid, the magic 8 ball was soo entertaining. Ask a yes or no question and let it predict your outlook for you. So I got giddy after I downloaded it onto my phone. Of course, I'm too chicken shit to ask deep meaningful questions. Instead I asked if I would be stuck in traffic on my commute home tonight:
So much for Columbus day helping me out there. Bummer. I also asked if I would win the lotto and it said doubtful. Bah humbug.
Review of the San Diego Asian Film Festival. http://www.sdaff.org/festival/2008/news.htmlI am no means a professional movie critic, but I am definitely a movie fan, and I was pleased with this year's film selections. Kudos to all those who work so hard putting these films together. The festival ends on 10/23, if you're in the San Diego area, I encourage you to check it out.
1. I Heart U. A collection of shorts about what else, but 'love'. I loved them all, but my favorites by far were "California King", "The Postcard", and "First Crush". The Postcard had an interesting twist - you observe a handsome man who comes into the post office frequently to send 'postcards' and 'packages' is really sending them to himself. When the postal clerks (female) realize this, they start reading the post card and discover there is a secret underlying message.. "Your eyes, your hair, your uniform are nice..." And later, an invite to his house. So one of the female clerks decides to take up on the offer, assuming that the messages were directed at her. But it turns out, his messages were all along for the actual postman who delivers the packages/mail. He had a crush on him the whole time. And the postman realized it too, and he runs up to meet his admirer - but then sees the female postal clerk in the doorway. And is confused. Great timing huh? So he leaves and the last scene, the postman is in a bathhouse devastated and broken-hearted, because he thinks that the admirer was sending the messages to the girl all along.
2. Animation: the Illusion of Life. A collection of shorts of amazing creative, and animated works. I was impressed with the level of talent these students have in producing these films. It was such a wide variety, from Flash, to 3D, and even completely hand-drawn work (Imagine how long this must take!) My favorites: The Possum (Chris Choy), Yellow Sticky Notes (Jeff Chiba Stearns, Meat Days (Joe Hsieh), Magicicada (Benett Kim), Apple/Bird & the Bee (Dennis Liu), and Ketchup (Wenchung Lu)
3. Kuro-obi aka "Black Belt" was a well-executed martial arts film showing the distinction of good vs. evil and honor of inheriting the belt. Plus I like how one of the main characters kicks the cigarette out of anothers' mouth. Just the right amount of ass-kicking.
4. Accuracy of Death. Such an amazing plot tied together through a series of lives and stories, and underlying messages. Takeshi Kaneshiro is excellent in this film as the grim reaper. And I actually liked the dog, who had such a small but entertaining role. Quirky, comedic, and heart-warming.
So Dodgers couldn't come back after they were down 3-2, and right now Lakers aren't looking so hot either. Too many turnovers. Grr. I'm going to go dig myself into a hole, lay down, and hope tomorrow will make up for today.
I've gotten a lot of crap today about how I'm choosing to forego today's post-work basketball scrimmage because I'd rather be home watching the first game of the NLCS!Yes, basketball is my first love, but if your MLB team goes this far in the post-season, how can you miss out on history?Besides, my dad wouldn't let me live it down.If you ever meet my father, the only things he discusses are 1) sports, 2) home improvement, 3) business.He might be the typical alpha male.Oh, except that my love for cars does not stem from him.The only thing he appreciates about cars is that they get him from point A to B.The first thing he asks if one of my dude-friends swings by the house, "Do you like sports?", he's eager to strike so be warned.
Anyway, so other than our family Laker nights, in the basketball off-season, Dodgers are prioritized as must-see TV.Tonight, the Dodgers kick off the first game in Philadelphia.With homefield advantage, Philly definitely has a better chance, but I have faith that the Dodgers can tear it up on offense and do well this series.Best of 7.Then it's on to the real deal Holyfield of baseball, the World Series, which by the way, Dodgers have not won since 1988.
Still, it's never good to count chickens before they hatch, even as a fan, always better to take it one game at a time.Tune in, game starts at 5:22PM PST. Not 5:20, Not 5:25, yes, 5:22.Go Dodgers!
Pictured below:
Andre Ethier,Manny Ramirez, and my personal fave, James Loney.