So, anyone has paid any attention to this blog (the very few of you) know that I haven't blogged as much recently. There's a perfectly good reason for this, I've started a new blog not too long ago in another world and haven't publicly launched it yet.
I intend to blog both here and there from now here but with there being almost daily blogging. I just felt it was easier to throw in quick hits and other random items around the world whenever and whereever I am (with my nifty iPhone).
I think while the Myspace/Facebook blogs are a little more candid and personal, the situatedlaundry blog has a little more of a personality. We shall see.
Please feel free to drop on over to the new blog and let me know what you think.
As Hank Steinbrenner and John Henry continues with the entire 'Yankee Country/Red Sox Nation' debate, I can't help but grin a little. It's not that America is a 'Red Sox Nation' as much as it is an anti-Yankee country. That's what make being a Yankee fan so great, you don't have to be liked and I pride myself on that. So bring on the hate- it fuels our love, and more importantly, our wallets, for the Yankees that much more.
Okay. My favourite awards ceremony is finally happening this Sunday, sans strikes and everything. And as usual, here is a quick preview of what to expect at this year's Academy Awards.
The obvious frontrunner for everything right now is 'No Country For Old Men'. To be honest, I would not be surprised if it won in very category it is nominated for. The only shaky things I see are sound editing (those pesky robotrons might take that one), and cinematography. But 6 out of 8, not too shabby.
In other news, the most 'exciting' category to see is supporting actress. Four of the five nominees has a real shot at winning (sorry, Saoirse Ronan), with Blanchett winning the Globes, Dee winning the SAG, Swinton winning BAFTA (and gaining the most 'steam') and Ryan winning every precursor prior to the Globes. If politics was not involved, it'd be an easy win for Blanchett... but with all the external elements added into the mix, I can't help but think Ruby Dee will win for her 5 minute cameo in 'American Gangster'. Tragic, I know.
Of course, I'll be rooting for Casey Affleck and Roger Deakinsin 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' (I just refuse to acknowledge the shortened version of "Jesse James' or 'The Assassination of Jesse James'), with Deakins having an actual shot at winning.
Some other things I'm looking forward to this Sunday night includes: - The crowd's polite applause for Disney's export, Miley Cyrus, when you know they are all disgusted. - Jon McLaughlin performing 'So Close'. - All the emo kids drooling over the 'Falling Slowly' performance, while I roll my eyes. - See which sound mixing winner will trash Kevin O'Connell this year. - See audience reactions to Jennifer Hudson presenting an award one year later, wondering if they made a mistake. - See if they'd announce Forest Whitaker as 'star in the upcoming 'Vantage Point'.
Okay. There you have it, here are my predictions: - Best Picture: No Country For Old Men - Best Director: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, No Country For Old Men - Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis, There Will Be Blood - Best Actress: Marion Cotillard, La Vie En Rose (in an upset) - Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men - Best Supporting Actress: Ruby Dee, American Gangster - Best Adapted Screenplay: No Country For Old Men - Best Original Screenplay: Juno - Best Cinematography: There Will Be Blood - Best Film Editing: No Country For Old Men - Best Art Direction: There Will Be Blood - Best Costume Design: Atonement - Best Makeup: La Vie En Rose - Best Sound Editing: Transformers - Best Sound Mixing: No Country For Old Men - Best Animated Film: Ratatouille - Best Foreign Language Film- Beaufort - Best Documentary: No End In Sight - Best Original Score: Atonement - Best Original Song: 'Falling Slowly' from 'Once'
- The New York Football Giants wins the Super Bowl. Perhaps the greatest upset in NFL history refueled the never-ending sports rivalry between New York and Boston that kind of simmered in recent years. That throw, that catch. I honestly didn't think I'd see the Giants win a championship in my lifetime. Congrats Eli, way to beat 'manwhore' (I'm quoting Sarah B. on that one).
- New York City unveils paid public toilets. The cleanest toilets you'll see in the island of Manhattan only cost a quarter per 15 minutes before the automatic doors slides open. So if you're making a deuce, you better finish in 14 minutes before the crowds in Madison Sq. Park gets a good look at your activity.
- Super Duper Tuesday looms in New York I added the duper due to the the preceding ticker-tape parade for the Giants. Don't let the picture deceive you, I'm not on the Obama camp (yet). I have tomorrow to decide... so I'll take my time. Trust me, I'll make my shaky vote known to all afterwards.
- 'Mad Men': The Greatest Show You're Not Watching I forgot one of my friends is a writer for the Golden Globe winning show. And boy, what a doosie. Let me tell you, I haven't been wrong often when it comes to quality (I say quality, therefore nixing 'American Gladiators'). Buy the pilot on the iTunes and get into it. Donald Draper is slowly becoming my hero... wait, no, make it Peggy Olsen. But either way, evil takes a new form in Peter Campbell.
- My Most Anticipated Film of 2008 is 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. I read the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man aging backwards. I checked the IMDB only to be disappointed because it appears there are characters in the films that are not even in the original source and characters missing in the film. Hope they don't screw this one over. I can't help but think, isn't this a Tim-Burton vehicle?
- Steve Jobs's Graduation Speech I'll close out with this. How inspirational, thanks Kwai.
Throughout the 90s, after the usual morning cartoons, I got sucked into the phenomenon that is 'American Gladiators' before proceeding to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. In fact, I even transformed my living room into an obstacle course into a similar one to 'Assault'. For those who are not familiar, Assault is the one event where the contenders have to shoot various weapons from various stations at the target above the gladiator who is trying to knock the contender out by shooting their own gun. It was grand, it was primitive, it was fantastic.
So when I heard NBC was bringing it back, I had to watch. If not to relive my childhood then to see how the same concept fair with television audiences today. To surprise, it is just as thrilling.
Sure, the gladiators are still caricatures, the challenges were just as gimmicked with brute force, but how can you not love such a symbol of American guilty pleasure? I mean, they have people named Hellga (hehe, Riss), Wolf and Toa on the show. So far, Titan is my fave.
Makes me wonder, what other childhood guilty pleasures I would love to see revived. Perhaps ABC's short lived TGIF staple, Dinosaurs?
My Year End Lists 2007 (Part Three: Films)
Current mood: argumentative
Okay... I'm going the elaborate route this year. With the "star-studded" Golden Globes yesterday behind us, it's time for the equally star-studded event known as the Peterio Awards. I even have a picketer on the premises! Take that, Hollywood Foreign Press!
Anyway, on the awards...
Best Lead Actor: Casey Affleck, The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford - That's right, lead.
Best Lead Actress: Tang Wei, Lust, Caution - The latest Asian actress to be ignored.
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men - I still get chills from that scene at the gas station.
Best Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There - How Amy Ryan is getting all these kudos is beyond me.
Best Director: Andrew Dominik, The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Best Cinematorgaphy: Roger Deakins, The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Best Original Screenplay: Brad Bird, Ratatouille Best Adapted Screenplay: Andrew Dominik, The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Best Film Editing: The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Best Ensemble Cast: The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Best Art Direction: The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Best Costume Design & Make-Up: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Best Sound Design: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Best Visual Effects: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Best Original Score: Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Best Original Song: 'So Close' from 'Enchanted'
Top Ten List: 10. Enchanted, my crush on Amy Adams continues to blossom. 9. Sicko, Moore's best yet. 8. Rescue Dawn, amazing tale by Herzog. Even more amazing performances by Bale & Zahn. 7. Ratatouille, best cooking rat movie ever! 6. The Bourne Ultimatum, please get the next one started already. 5. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber on Fleet Street, surpassed the Broadway revival by miles. Not such about original. 4. Lust, Caution< Ang Lee flexes his muscles once again. 3. No Country For Old Men, Best thing they've done since 'Fargo'. 2. The Kite Runner, forever the words 'For You, A Thousand Times Over' will cause me to water my eyes. 1. The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert, in my mundane opinion, the best American film this decade.
Okay, side note... the bad stuff...
Most Disappointing Movies: 1. Gone Baby Gone, what is this hot mess? Is that you, Brit? 2. Shrek the Third, what a way to close out an once never-ending creative well. 3. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, so tame until the last 30 minutes. Elizabeth Swann, a captain? Oh please. 4. Knocked Up, preferred '40YOV' and 'Superbad' over this lame-o. 5. Charlie Wilson's War, for such a cast, a screenwriter and director, this was kinda boring. 6. Atonement, loved it until the McAvoy got arrested. What a misleading trailer. 7. Juno, it seemed like they made the movie for Peter, but it didn't end up that way. 8. The Kingdom, on my FNL high, Peter Berg did this. Thank goodness you're coming back to FNL. 9. There Will Be Blood, oh so good until that 'epilogue'. I wanted to rip my eyes out. 10. Waitress, all I got from this were some recipes for my next bake-off.
My (Lack of) Presidential Endorsement
Current mood: pirate
I know. Peter and politics. I'm definately not knowledgeable enough to handpick a candidate this early in the game. In fact, I'm still torn between candidates from either party- ah, the life of an independent voter. As I watch the ongoing primaries and caucuses, I can't help but think my deadline as a New Yorker is rapidly approaching to vote on Super Tuesday.
On one side, I don't see myself voting for any Republican candidate come November simply because I don't feel comfortable with any of them in the running. Early last year, I found myself rallying behind Rudy Giuliani for the republican bid. Perhaps it was homegrown familiarity or I still feel grateful for his duties regarding 9/11 (something he has been accused of exploiting throughout his campaign- which is fine by me), but as time flew by, I couldn't get a handle of what direction he's going to lead this country.
As for the rest of the GOPs, I grew tired of John McCain and his antics long ago and Huckabee was merely a movie in which Lily Tomlin was cursed out until days before Iowa. Which leaves me to Mr. Mitt Romney. I watched a few debates, read some his agendas and plans- all of which seem like your typical conservative standards. Is the safe bet the best way to go at this point?
Either way, all of the republican primaries and caucuses seem like a JV league this time around. I feel like I'm watching the minor leaguers play small ball, polishing their skills, watching the nature of the game change for another four years before getting a real shot at the professionals. It might take something big for me to see things differently.
There's a trend with the younger crowd in past few years, for better or worse. Those in the middle (or what I'd like to call a 'purple') have been leaning towards the left and the easily persuaded right-winger are starting to lean towards to middle- myself included. The issues surrounding the state and myself are continually getting more personal.
After Iowa, I was ready to count Hillary out. I really was, I was ready to throw in my vote for the Obama ride. Then it happened. On an abnormally warm winter afternoon, I curled up with Cody (a dog) on the couch and watched. Watched as Hillary's voice tremble. A manipulative desperation move. An untapped strategy. Or just losing taking its toll. Either way, I needed that. I needed her to be 'human' again before I could listen to her once more.
Throughout the entire election campaign so far, I watched as crowds rejuvenated by the promises, the youth and excitement or Barack Obama. I love what this man stands for. For me, it's really hard to argue against him since there hasn't been that much history to him. You can't fault someone on their past if there is no past to fault them on. But I need something more tangible besides hopes and promises before I can rally behind the next 'president of the world'.
So seven paragraphs and a whole lot of fluff later, I'm still undecided. Even as I press each key, I'm analyzing my own thoughts to see where I lie. I'm still clueless as to what to do and am waiting to be persuaded. I hope they do it soon though, they've got only a few more weeks to do so.
My Year End Lists 2007 (Part Two: Pop Culture)
Current mood: blah
Okay folks... combining the web, the news items, sports and all that jazz rolled into one.
Top Ten Visited Websites: 1. Myspace.com (The obsession lives on) 2. Playbill.com 3. NYtimes.com 4. Perezhilton.com (Still very, very guilty) 5. OnlytheblogknowsBrooklyn.com 6. ESPN.com 7. Awardsdaily.com 8. Kennethinthe212.com 9. Apple.com 10. Joblo.com
Top Ten News Items: 1. US and Iraq, from naming a new commander in charge to being a continuous base for the upcoming US Presidential election... geez, even Rosie made headlines through it... was still the biggest hot button issue of 2007. 2. Massacre at Virginia Tech 3. Underplaying news in Darfur... how is this still not a big of a news item yet? 4. Outing Republican Senators, it also made it trendy. Any calls on Melman in '08? 5. Don Imus, continues to show freedom of speech is still just an amendment and not adapted by society. 6. OJ Simpson 7. iPhone invades America... and Peterio's life by storm 8. WGA strikes, a bigger repercussion to take place in '08. 9. Barry Bonds breaks the homerun record. 10. Harry Potter series come to a close.
Top Ten Athletes/Teams: 1. Roger Federer, tennis 2. New England Patriots, football 3. Alex Rodriguez, baseball 4. Boise State Broncos, college football 5. Michael Phelps, swimming 6. Kaka, soccer 7. LeBron James, baskeball 8. Indianapolis Colts, football 9. Sidney Crosby, hockey and it irks me to say it... 10. Boston Red Sox, baseball
Currently
watching
:
The Wild One Release date: 10 November, 1998
I was in Atlanta this past weekend and couldn't resist going to the new World of Coca-Cola museum I've been hearing about. Let me tell you folks... it's a dousy. It's so much better than the old one. The building itself is a work of art not to mention the many jaw dropping features inside the building.
As usual, the best feature is still the tasting of all Coke products from around the world. Here is my fave and least favourite. By least favourite, I mean I would rather throw up, eat it and throw it back up again than drink it again.
The best... from South Africa... that green Bibo thing with melon.
The worst... oh the horror. Some crap from Italy called Beverly. A combination of seltzer, medicine and vomit.
Also, a Coke product is about to be launch. Some kind of coffee drink. It unfortunately does not contain Coke.
Honestly though, I've always been a Pepsi guy, but still appreciate the occasion Coke with a twist.
My Year End Lists 2007 (Part One: Television)
Current mood: adventurous
Here we go. In a year plagued with strike talks, I managed to get through my TiVo and find a few bright spots.
Best Actor In A Television Series: 1. Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother 2. Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights 3. Zach Gilford, Friday Night Lights 4. Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock 5. Jeremy Piven, Entourage 6. Neil Flynn, Scrubs 7. Dave Annable, Brothers and Sisters 8. Steve Carell, The Office 9. Kevin Dillon, Entourage 10. Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock
Best Actress In A Television Series: 1. Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights 2. Mary Louise Parker, Weeds 3. Tina Fey, 30 Rock 4. Felicity Hoffman, Desperate Housewives 5. America Ferrera, Ugly Betty 6. Amy Brennemen, Private Practice 7. Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy 8. Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty 9. Rachel Griffiths, Brothers and Sisters 10. Jamie Pressley, My Name Is Earl
Best Television Series: 1. Friday Night Lights 2. 30 Rock 3. How I Met Your Mother 4. Ugly Betty 5. Desperate Housewives 6. Project Runway 7. Brothers and Sisters 8. Weeds 9. Family Guy 10. The Office
Next On The List: Current Events
Currently
listening
:
Enchanted
By
Alan Menken
Release date: 20 November, 2007
amused
giddy
argumentative
animated
pirate
blah
bouncy
adventurous
