Guilty pleasures

I found a suitable definition of Guily Pleasures on this blog http://dan4th.livejournal.com/575021.html

He defines guilty pleasures as "something that you enjoy that you think you shouldn't enjoy, either for personal reasons or because of the possibility of other's reactions."

My friend James once admitted that he liked watching Oprah. Ming and I let him have it that night. I guess he will never be as forthcoming next time when it comes to his viewing choices.

Anyway, my guilty pleasure is Chelsea Lately. I have found myself tuning in to her daily dose of sarcasm and tirades directed against the Hollywood crowd. She (and her panel) can be downright mean but I admit, I have never laughed as much.

I don't think the subjects of her humour find it entertaining at all. Well, I'm just glad it's not directed at me.

Thank God I'm anonymous.

Homeward bound

I've always been a driven man. Unsettled. Compelled by impulse. Always moving away. To where? Not exactly clear. But inner demons hound me persistently. Then I up and go.

My vessel has changed its course too often. I've lost count. Sometimes carried by the current. Or my sails filled by the wind. I was a mere passenger. Without a rudder. Without a paddle. Resigned to be taken anywhere. Drifted to where the sea took me.

My direction was not self-determined. I have lived outside myself.

There are storms out at sea. Squalls hold you hostage. You clench your fist and scream at the heavens. "Is that the best you can do?" I have navigated the world several times over. The scorching sun has burned me crisp. In the water's reflection, I hardly recognize myself.

There has been no consolation at all. Peace was still just as elusive. I am inadequate. As though my limbs have been ripped apart.

Whatever it was I was looking for was still not to be found.

But my compass has been steadfast, always pointing towards home. Even when I had forgotten my way. Even when I took no heed.

There can only be peace when you follow your inner compass. Only when you embrace your self, imperfect it may be, will you be complete. I have strayed far too long.

The voyage back is the true journey.

Let the healing begin.

Generalismo

Yesterday marked the 143rd birth anniversary of my great grand-father. I post a few "modern" images I've picked up from the web to help commemorate his life.

The Man!!

100 Bullets

I've been following this series diligently for over seven years now. Think Reservoir Dogs, Sopranos, Godfather, Wall Street and Maltese Falcon. I was hooked from the outset -- suspense was built with bits and pieces revealed gradually over the years now to culminate in a dramatic showdown in its final 100th issue. It has all the elements I like in stories - crime noir, a plot revolving around an ensemble of characters who are all well-defined, graphic violence, street dialogue, dark, gritty and  more twists and turns to the story-line than a snake in motion. 

There are no proponents of good here. Only people caught up in a whirlwind of shifting allegiances and betrayal. 

One theme is recurring -- that things are not what they seem.  A few of my favorite characters have already been killed off. You cannot get attached to anyone.

Five more issues to go. Can't wait to see how everything falls into place. Yet feeling sad that it's all coming to an end and nothing to look forward to. I cannot rant about it. You just have to pick it up and read it for yourself. It is quite an experience.

(The best resource on 100 Bullets on-line that I've found. The images were taken from this site.) 

http://www.100bullets.sevenpennynightmare.co.uk/100bullets.htm

You and I

This song is a favorite among the Days with the Lord crowd. This was the only "non-cover" version I could find online. We were too attached to this song that we would even sing it during communion at mass although there wasn't any religious significance to it.

Siam

I loved driving to Ayyuthaya. It took an hour and half to get there from Krung Thep, even less if I felt a little more reckless and drove like a man possessed. While it was a tourist attraction, the crowds were generally thin. On weekdays, it wouldn't be surprising if you found yourself all alone at times and the chedis were all yours. There is a restaurant right beside the river which served the best garlic fried soft shell crabs I've ever had in Thailand. Goes well with Heineken.

I miss Siam.

Bladerunner - Time to die

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.

Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.

I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate.

All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.

Time to die.