Whenever my eyes meet with some random stranger, right before both of us flick our faces in opposite directions to not look like we’re staring, I always think of the same thing. I think “What insecurities do we share?”.

For some reason, I wonder if they compare themselves to me, the way I compare myself to them. I think about what they saw in the mirror this morning and what they will think of themselves before they fall asleep tonight. Which one of their attributes do they dislike the most? I wonder what happens when they take those self-portraits of themselves that end up as profile pictures on Myspace and Facebook. Hmmm.

I think, for me, their insecurities make them more human. Their weaknesses make them more like me.

Note: This does not work with children less than half my height because they don’t care if you stare at them. Or, maybe it’s that I don’t care if they stare at me.

Wow, Howl’s is so random. Haha. I wonder if I made a mistake by watching this one dubbed (I usually prefer the subtitles). Some of the lines seemed so out of place. That’s the only pitfall about watching foreign films…I feel so much gets lost in the translation. Sure, Howl is handsome and, yes, charming (except for his randomly awkward “You are beautiful” lines). Again though, I love Miyazaki’s humorous side characters. Asthmatic dog and Mr. Radish Head were my favorite. It could have been a promising storyline, but halfway through the film got kind of disorganized and loopy. What was the main message? Hmm, just maybe pacifism? Oh yeah, and love saves everyone (again).

I can’t believe I watched Once Upon a Time. This movie is violent. I could somewhat handle the (slightly humorous) shooting (which gave victims the sudden gift of flight *weee*), but Johnny Depp bleeding from his eyeless sockets and a bloody, incomplete facial reconstruction (?!!) is a little more than I can handle (i.e. I had to cover my eyes with my hands). This movie also made no sense…probably because we watched a version lacking subtitles and with a scratch that cut out 5 minutes of the end. Boo…except for Johnny’s 3rd arm, his wierd humor (”savvy?”) and him in tight, black clothing.

Splitting the bill is never fair. Side note: If I split the bill, it’s always fair. When others do it, it usually isn’t. I mean, who charges a flat rate to everyone at a table? Ridiculous. Update: I stand corrected & should have ordered some liquor. (link)

Plastic or paper? (link)

Google directory of allegedly unethical firms. (link) AND, brands owned by Coca-cola…damn. (link)

Awesome. More things to visit…for free!

In commemoration of the release of the 7th and final HP book, I read the 1st one.

It’s good. I read it in half a day…which says a lot, as I have not been able to finish a book in the last few years.

I was a little confused after watching Princess Mononoke. I had hoped I would be more…umm, inspired (it took me about 2 minutes to remember that word) by the environmental message. Or, maybe I’m writing about it too long after viewing it (I saw it on Sunday). Well, I don’t remember much of it now. I won’t forget those creepy/cute kodama though. *click click click*

As for Spirited Away…<3! I kept laughing throughout the film. There were funny characters everywhere (i.e. the bobbing green heads, the fat mouse/baby, the walking soot). My heart also swelled at the Haku & Sen/Chihiro relationship. I fell for Haku the minute he came on screen.

My supervisor lent me one more Miyazaki…Howl’s Moving Castle! Woohoo.

So, I periodically search Flickr for Asian boys sporting indie styles (it’s hard to find). Why? Because I’m lame. And, also because it reminds me of someone I used to know…and like. Damn you. You made it so attractive to me. XD

But, I found a pretty nice remixed version of you…younger. Look, it’s indie boys trying to do indie music. How cute. Seriously.

Their music=meh. If I’m going to listen to Asian American singing, I still prefer YouTube star David Choi, UC Berkeley’s own Timothy Rabbit, or Vienna Teng (currently on repeat!).

I can’t differentiate indie from emo and hipster sometimes.

I found this as I was Googling Asian snacks. Oh, how I miss Asian snacks. Though I doubt I grew up eating the next new scientific discovery.

(Article)

After a week with not socks, I finally sorted my laundry. The only problem is that I still haven’t done it.

I hauled it down a few minutes ago…but lo and behold, both washers were being used! Damn it. I thought I was the only one brazen enough to do laundry after quiet hours.

I was telling my mother yesterday about my laundry dilemma. She suggested I get a servant in the future. I suggested a husband, a laundry loving man-slave…*ahem* I meant, husband.

Ah well. I can do without socks for a few more days.

After hearing about this lady for awhile now, I’m jumping on the bandwagon and humming along to her work (if not full out singing!). She’s local! Well, Stanford local. I only wish I had known earlier, as I would have seen her in Berkeley. Her voice, though very pretty, is not so unique. I do, however, think the songs are wonderfully crafted.

I can’t believe songs so catchy and lyrics so pretty could come from someone who, not long ago (well, 7 years earlier), was eeking out a bachelors just like the rest of us students. Oh, the talent! It is no wonder she scrapped her job at Cisco.

Wikipedia entry
Official Website
YouTube Video-Harbor (live)*

*Warning: Sappy folk/pop genre. Do not listen if this music makes you ears bleed.