Critiquing Work

I think I'm spoiled sometimes, because as a writer, I feel as though I can have an opinion on anything and say it, but when someone criticizes me, that's when I shut up and be quiet.  That happens a lot during school, especially in my Creative Writing classes, where we critique and workshop other people's work.  Whenever we've worked on my classmates work, I've told them what worked and what didn't, but I'm still pretty shy about it.  I think I'm like that because everyone else is always quiet, and no one seems agrees with me, so I feel signaled out by the teacher, which is never a good feeling.  Since I'm so close to graduating, I should be used to it and not care, but I can't help being affected by criticism or just making a mistake.  

Today, it was my turn to get work-shopped, and I was as anxious as could be.  I had all weekend to get the jitters out of my system, but everyday, I just kept wanting Monday to be over.  Well, now that my class has come and passed, I can say, getting work-shopped wasn't that bad, and I got worked up over nothing.  There was a lot of stuff I needed to improve on in terms of my writing, but everyone liked how honestly I wrote, and how dedicated I was to crafting my work.  Not to mention, I've improved in every draft, which is good.  My teacher was even impressed, shook my hand, and said I'm close to my potential; a comment that made me so happy.  Anyone can compliment your work, but when you get praise or pointers from someone famous like my teacher is, you take notice.  My writing might not be perfect, but I'm making strides, and authentically writing everyday, which is all I can do.  Hopefully, all the hard work pays off.

Till then, I'll just be writing, writing, writing...

TV Shows I Wish Were On DVD

Recently, I found out that Bill Nye the Science Guy is coming to my graduation as one of the commencement speakers.  I wasn't planning on going since technically, I'm just walking, not graduating, and I start summer classes the next day, but it's pretty cool that someone I idolized and watched is coming to my school.  With that news, I've been checking out clips of his show, and other shows from my childhood on Youtube.  And I came away with the realization that a lot of the shows I like, besides being mostly cartoons, aren't out on DVD.  I understand why that is with copyright issues, and fear of low sales, but I still wish it was out, just so I could own it.  I know with Netflix and downloading, no one wants to buy stuff anymore, but as I always say, if you love something, you're willing to use money on it, and I love films and TV shows.  So without further ado, here's an alphabetical list of shows I love that aren't out on DVD, that I wish were.

(P.S, some are out, but the collection stinks, so I'm not counting them).  Here's the short list so far...

• Arthur
• Bill Nye the Science Guy
• City Guys
• Jackie Chan Adventures
• Monster Rancher 
• Mucha Lucha
• The New Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
• Recess   
• Static Shock
• Xiaolin Showdown

That's My Boy

That's My Boy (R)

Grade: F

• Directed by: Sean Anders
• Produced by: Adam Sandler, Allen Covert, Jack Giarraputo, and Heather Parry
• Screenplay by: David Caspe
• Starring: Adam Sandler (Donald "Donny" Berger), Andy Samberg (Todd Peterson/Hans Solo Berger), Leighton Meester (Jamie Martin), Susan Sarandon (Mary McGarricle), Ciara (Brie), Vanilla Ice (Himself), Milo Ventimiglia (Chad Martin), Rex Ryan (Jim Nance)
• Cinematographer: Brandon Trost
• Music by: Rupert Gregson-Williams
• Studio:  Happy Madison Productions, Relativity Media
• Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
• Released: June 15, 2012
• Running Time: 114 minutes/ 1 hour and 54 minutes
• Language: English

I've been meaning to do this film review for awhile now, but I put it off for so long because of how terrible the film is.  Back in the day, as a child, I loved Adam Sandler films from "Big Daddy", "Happy Gilmore", to "The Wedding Singer".  And while they definitely weren't the best films critically, at least I could always get a few laughs from it, and some quotable material.  Not this time, though.  Like the past few Sandler flicks, which have had a lot more adult humor, this film reeks.  Thankfully, I didn't buy this film, I saw it on my friend's house on demand, but I wish I didn't because now I can't get it out of my mind.

The plot of this film starts with young Donny Berger in 1984, a big shot student who's got the hots for his teacher.  He's living out every kid's fantasy, but gets a welcome surprise when his wish comes true, and he has a sexual relationship with his teacher, getting her pregnant.  She goes to prison, so he is punished by having to raise the child, who grows up being a boy he names Hans Solo Berger.  Fast forward to 2012, Donny is a broke alcoholic, who has to raise $43,000 to the IRS.  Otherwise, he will go to prison like his teacher.  He has no means to get the money besides his son; the problem is, he's changed his name to Todd Peterson, and now they're estranged, so he'll have to find a way to get back into his life.

As I sit here typing, there is nothing positive I can say about this film.  It made me laugh, but lots of terrible films do that, and it didn't make me do it in a good way; it felt dirty throughout.  There was obscenities, terrible dialogue, violence, and cameos from famous people that should have given me a hint that this film was going to stink.  It's disgusting; I don't ever give spoilers, but if you find a guy having sex with a grandmother or his sister funny, then you'll find this film entertaining.  If I had to say anything positive about this film, it's that Leighton Meester, the actress who played Jamie, was attractive.  But other than that, use your brain on something more useful.  I wish I could say more, but there's nothing else to say.  To quote the late great Roger Ebert, Mr. Sandler, "Your movie stinks!"

Home Stretch

Because I came back from spring break a few days ago, that means that I only have a little more than 5 weeks physically left at college (if everything goes well).  It's daunting and scary to think about, but at the same time, I'm happy that I'm so close to being done.  The feeling is not fully there yet since I still have so many essays and tests to do, as well as 2 online courses over the summer, but I'm taking things one day at a time.  And eventually, I know that I'll be done, hopefully on the way to better things.  School is not over yet, but I'm ready for the home stretch that is these last 5 weeks, ready to face whatever's ahead.

Expressive Body Art

When you think of art, you usually think of something like a great film or painting.  But while I do think of those things, when I think of art, I think the kind that comes to mind the most is body art, such as piercings or tattoos.  Because of their commonness, most wouldn't consider them art forms, but I do, since they can have a vast array of designs, and are unique to the particular person that has them.  For instance, one of my friends, who I love very dearly, has tons of piercings and loves turtles.  She loves them so much that she has a huge tattoo of them on her back.  Cool enough on its own, but because of the significance of it to her, I think about it a lot differently (since I've never seen it in person before) the way I do a lot body art now.

I have to be honest, though.  As a child, I thought piercings and tattoos were weird.  Not that there was anything wrong with them, but people got them in such odd spots, and I always heard stories about infections or worst.  But as I got older, like a lot of things people do now, such as drink, I just let people live their lives the way they want them to, without interfering.  That's hard to do sometimes because my life interacts with a lot of those people, but if they're happy, and expressing themselves in their own unique way, what's wrong with that?  It seems as though people are always criticized or oppressed for being/doing something different, but I applaud those people for doing something true to them.  That takes a lot of courage, and is not easy to do, especially in the type of judgmental world we live in.  I know because of fears I have, germophobia, and my physique, I will never get an ear piercing or tattoo, but I'll always admire people who are happy and fearless being themselves, whether by art or their personality.  That's something I think a lot of us are still searching for, including myself.  I know who I am, and what makes me happy, but a lot of times, I'm not... 

Back On

Usually, whenever I have an announcement, I try to save it for something important or major, but I can't help having one this time, even if it's for something minor, because the internet is back on at where I'm staying at school!  Not having the internet for a few days isn't so bad, but when you haven't had it for 3 weeks like I have, it's a pain.  I couldn't check anything, and I had to go back and forth between school to use the computer labs.  I have to admit, I did some of my best work because I wasn't distracted by things online, but I'm glad that I have the internet back now.  With it, I can be up to date with world, and I can get stuff done, such as blog to you all. 

Billion Lost

In case you didn't know, or don't follow college basketball, businessman/investor Warren Buffet offered a billion dollars to anyone who could fill out a perfect NCAA March Madness bracket.  If you don't know anything about the sport, you might think this is easy, but this is even difficult for people who know a lot about the sport because of the high possibility of an upset.  And that was the case yesterday as Duke lost to Mercer.  With that loss, everyone was eliminated from Warren Buffet's challenge, and his billion dollars was safe.  I myself didn't enter a bracket because of the 1 in quintillion chance of winning (which is even lower than the lottery), but I can't help but think of what I'd do with all that money.  I'd donate to charity, pay off any money I owe, help out friends, etc, but it's just a pipe dream now.  One that Warren Buffet can laugh about now that he doesn't have to pay anyone.  In the end, at least we still have great college basketball.

In the end, Warren Buffet was the big winner of March Madness

Malaysian Plane Disappearance

Because I didn't have internet the past few weeks (and still don't, I believe), I was a week late learning about the Malaysian Plane disappearance.  I know something like this gets tons of news coverage, and because of the magnitude of the story, it's something that's going to be talked about, but I didn't hear about it at all prior to my spring break.  It's shocking, but I guess that's what happens when you're an introvert with no internet.  It's scary life is so difficult without connection to the internet and outside world, but that's the age we live in.  But I digress.  Now that I've had a few weeks to learn about the case, I have a few thoughts, like everyone, on the situation.

• Like many, I hope all the passengers on board are safe, or at least found.  There's always dim hope for this as the time of disappearance increases, especially on something like an aircraft, where survival is very low.  But you have to be hopeful at these times; it's probably the only things the passengers have.
• Whenever something like this happens, it seems customary that we attach the "terrorism" label to it.  Now, perhaps I should do it since it's something that happened over outside the U.S., but until I know more, I don't want to label the situation.  Although, it obviously isn't good.
• I find it ironic that people who don't ever follow politics are so interested in this situation.  I understand why, but it'd be nice if they cared about their country as much.
• I like the fact the U.S. has decided to help out with the search a little.  They're a major superpower, with influence.  And as we've seen throughout history, whenever the U.S decides to help or not is always a big deal.
• Lastly, I hope things work out like everyone.  Until then, all we can do is wait and watch for the news.

Native Language

My best friend Scotty can attest that back in high school, I used to joke about him talking to his mom in his native language/tongue.  He was a good sport about it and always laughed, but deep down, it was something I envied.  I'm Chinese-American, but I can barely speak or understand the language.  It didn't use to always be that way.  As a child, I could speak and understand Chinese great, but even then, I was always the worst, and as I got older, I lost grasp of it.  I tried relearning it again, but with no time to practice, nothing ever came to fruition.

Considering that most people I know struggle with languages, this probably isn't as big a deal as I'm making it, but being Chinese, they make it a big deal.  Since they speak it all the time, when they realize that you can't speak it, they're shocked and look down on you.  Families do it, but strangers do it as well.  For example, when I was in a store in Chinatown on Monday, some woman tried speaking to me in Chinese, to try and tell me about the things being sold in her shops.  But when I said "sorry", she apologized.  Even though I'm sure she felt bad, I know deep down, like most Chinese people, she was embarrassed that someone like me can't even speak the language.  Unfortunately, moments like that happen all the time, which is why I try to avoid Chinatown as much as I can.  My friends like it because the food is cheap and good, but the food isn't that healthy, and if I'm going to be criticized, there are always other alternatives.

I understand the criticism since I am Chinese, so why not learn the language?  I get that, but I want to do it eventually at my own pace, not be forced to do it.  Yes, I know language unites people, but what about being independent and breaking the stereotypes?  I might not be able to speak or understand Chinese, but I can speak English, which is necessary for this country.  And I'm educated and very strong.  You can live like we're back in China all you want, but you set a bad example when you criticize one of your own for no reason.  It's like when African Americans criticize other African Americans who are smart by calling them "white".  It doesn't solve anything, so just let everyone live their life the way they want to.  As much as language unites people, that lesson is something that I believe does it more.

Jun. K Solo

Within' the past two weeks, it was announced that 2PM's Jun. K will embark on his first solo tour.  It will only be in Japan and last a few days, but that doesn't diminish how amazing it is that one of my favorite K-Pop idols will finally do what many have wanted him to do, which is release solo songs.  His Korean solo songs are alright, but his Japanese song "No Love" is an experience for the ears.  And if that doesn't blow you away, the teaser is something to watch.

Hope you all enjoy!  Let's wish for a successful year for Jun. K and of course, 2PM!  Can't wait for their comeback.  HOTTEST <3

Perfect Ending To A Good Day

The past few weeks haven't been kind to me, with all the schoolwork I've had, and all these health issues arising, but today, was the best day I've had in awhile.  I got to hang out with all of my close friend's left here in Boston, and have dinner with them in Chinatown.  It only lasted a few hours, and I didn't get to say as much as I would have liked, but any time is better than no time, and it was great to see them, especially one of my friend's in particular, since I was able to give her a late birthday present.  Life is always going to throw something difficult at you, but when you have days like today that end the way you want them to, it gives you hope for the future and life itself.  Hopefully, the rest of my break is this good, and I get to see the people I love again.  But till then, I'll keep doing what I need to do and hoping!

Uncertain Illnesses

I mentioned in one of my recent posts about how I had a muscle spasm, which was not a good feeling.  It's been a week since then, and even though I've recovered for the most part, there are still times when I worry it will come back.  But that is the least of my problems.  I have what I think is a canker sore near the back of my mouth.  It's perfectly common, and is something I and many have had before, but it's painful since it's near the back of my teeth, including my wisdom teeth.  I know it'll go away eventually, but I can't help being concerned whenever I feel pain, or whenever it relates to my health.  Especially since if you count the summer when I had coxsackievirus and strep throat, I've had a rare stretch where I always seem to be ill or hurt. 

With medicine, science, and technology being what it is, you'd think we'd be further progressed in our analysis of illnesses, but I don't think we are.  While we know a lot about diseases like cancer, diabetes, HIV, etc, for obvious reasons, we don't know anything about small things canker sores or coxsackievirus, which annoys me since these aren't major things, and the only thing you can do is wait for it to heal.  It's nice I don't have to do anything, but it's painful, and makes me wish there was more certainty or research with certain things pertaining to health.  But hopefully, I'm on the road to recovery, or at least figure out for sure what I have if I am ill.

The Spring Break That Isn't

Spring Break officially starts for me today, which would usually be a cause for joyous celebration, but I can't help but not celebrate, because I have a lot of work assigned over break.  Besides the normal homework I would usually have, I also have 2-3 projects that I need to start soon.  They aren't due till April, but before you know it, break will be over.  And if you think about it, we aren't that far from April.  I know I don't have to start anything with so much time, but better safe than sorry.  I just wish that teachers didn't assign so much work over break.  I understand they have to because the school administration, but I don't think they would like having to do so much work over their vacations, so why pin it on us?  I know teachers are very busy, but it's hard to call something break when we still have so much work to do.  But, I'll take it.  I think anyone who has Spring Break this week could use it, and I'm sick and tired of the weather.

Since this is my last Spring Break as a student, I'll try to enjoy it to the fullest!

Simplifying Language

In my Spanish class yesterday, we started the chapter on Direct and Indirect Objects.  The material isn't new to me, since we did it in Spanish II and II, but I can't stand doing them since they seem so unnecessary.  My teacher said that they're there to add emphasis to a sentence, or make it more alive, but as long as it's accurate, who cares?  We're already students who have so much to deal with, so why add more to our plate?  Not to mention, even when it makes sense, they want to make it harder for us by having us create/solve the sentence with both of them in it.  I understand the relevance, but that rarely happens, and even if it did, we won't have a use for it, because many of us are just taking the class for the language requirement.  Now, I'm not saying this to bash Spanish since I like the class, and my teacher is great, I just wish things were easier, or we could avoid things that are difficult to understand.  But regardless, I'll trek through because I'm almost done with Spanish.  And I know I can do it!

Darrelle Dreamin'

Darrelle Revis is one of the prizes of this free agency period, but where will he land?

All major sports have 3 teases for their fans.  They tease them when they're trying to win a close game, during the trade deadline, and during free agency, which is currently going on in the NFL right now.  After everything that happened last season for my New England Patriots, I expected them to do something in free agency, and while I didn't expect them to be as aggressive as they were in 2007 getting Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Adalius Thomas, I expected them to at least make a move.  So far though, roughly 22 hours in, there has been no action for them, besides many of their former players saying good-bye, including Brandon Spikes, and Aqib Talib, the newest paid Denver Bronco.

With so many moves happening, and the Patriots doing nothing, I have to admit, I'm a little worried.  Even though it's early, every team has basically made a move so far, so why not them?  Are they trying to resign people, restructure contracts, or are they planning to make a big splash?  It's probably more of the former than the latter, but I wish the Patriots would make a big splash, and get someone like Darrelle Revis, one of the top cornerbacks (CB) in the game today.  I know people are skeptical of him because of his injury a couple years ago, and the fact he'll probably cost more than Tom Brady, but he proved last year that he could still defend and play at an elite level.  And while there are younger options like Richard Sherman and Joe Haden, Revis can play both sides of the field and can tackle better than Haden at least.  Sure, he has an ego, but all great athletes do. 

The exception to this might be the great quarterbacks (QB), like Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and of course, our local hero, Tom Brady.  They should have egos, but they seem a lot more courteous than other NFL players.  Even though Tom Brady says all the right things, and wants to leave everything up to Bill Belicheck and Robert Kraft, he knows Revis is the answer because of his lock-down ability.  You might think that the Pats don't need a CB since they did alright with they had last year, and everyone was hurt, but things are different now.  Talib is gone, and the future is up in the air on Vince Wilfork as well as other players.  With that being the case, now is the time to get someone who can hold the defense accountable.  Not to mention, adding his own brand of football, which will make the Patriots better.  As I said, I know it's a risk, but Tom Brady's window to win is getting small now that he's into his late 30s.  Let's get him someone like Darrelle Revis who can help get him closer to another SuperBowl.  Or if not him, somebody, because I'm getting tired of waiting for nothing.

The Pats rarely make big splashes, and the reports are other teams are interested in Revis, but as a fan, I can dream can't I?  Whatever happens, the Pats better do something, or else I'll be one upset fan.

Muscle Spasms

Over the past few days, I experienced something I had never had before, which was a muscle spasm in my lower back.  I had had my share of feet and leg cramps, but nothing internally I had compared to the pain I felt.  Especially when it happened, which was when I was washing dishes.  I'm minding my own business, until I feel the sharpest pain in my lower back.  At first, I thought it was just part of my body being stiff, that could just be cracked, but it wasn't.  No matter what I did, the pain didn't subside; it even hurt to lie down or stand, making me wonder if something serious had happened to me.

Luckily, after researching, I realized what I had, and followed directions how to get better.  I stay hydrated, got exercise, and took some medicine like Advil.  Most of the pain I have is gone now, but it's still hard to get up sometimes when I go to sleep.  Hopefully, I never have to go through something like this again, but if I do, at least I'll be prepared.

Ty-Reking Havoc

I remember when Tyreke Evans won NBA Rookie of the Year back in 2009.  If Blake Griffin had been healthy, he probably would have won, but that's not how fate worked.  After that first season when he averaged 20-5-5, everyone thought he would become one of the best young players in the league.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen as he constantly got injured, and his statistics regressed every season.  Worst of all, the Sacramento Kings did terrible and never made the playoffs, so every year, they were always in danger of relocating.  In the end, they didn't move, but new ownership signaled the end of the short lived Tyreke Evans era.

Fast forward to this current season, where things are a lot different for Tyreke.  He's on the New Orleans Pelicans now, he's not starting anymore, and he has Anthony Davis, instead of Demarcus Cousins.  Their team has struggled badly, but I don't think it's Tyreke's fault, since he is doing all he can in limited time.  I know this sounds wrong, but if I had to blame anyone, I would blame Monty Williams, the Pelicans head coach.  He's always been average at best, but has been praised because of the talent he's had, like Chris Paul.  But the record shows, even when he has talent, he never knows what to do because his teams still stink.  They never do well in the playoffs, and in the case of this season, they won't be anywhere near it.  With Monty Williams, another reason why he's a terrible coach is because it took him so long to play Tyreke.  I mean, this guy was a former Rookie of the Year, and has some of the best dribbling and slashing ability in the league, but he isn't starting over Al-Farouq Aminu, Brian Roberts, or Austin Rivers?  What a joke!  Recently, since Tyreke has been starting, he has thrived statisticly the way he did his rookie year.  And while he may be inconsistent, his play shows he can produce, which made me wonder what took Monty Williams so long to realize it.

Now, I have to admit, I'm biased toward Tyreke.  As much as I love him, I can't deny he does a lot of things wrong.  He can't shoot the ball, makes questionable decisions, and doesn't hustle all the time, but no one can deny the talent is there.  Maybe because he has struggled, I should be harder on him, but he's still one of my favorite players, whether he's on the Kings or Pelicans.  And while I do wish he was still on their team, I'll be cheering him on, hoping he gets his game back together, and back to superstar potential.

Buying A Scale

Recently, with my blood pressure rising and gain in weight, I decided to make, what was in my mind, one of the few sound purchases of my life, which was a scale.  We have one in my house, like most families, but that scale was getting old, and giving inaccurate readings, so I wanted a new one to measure myself.  With all the different options out there, I was confused which one would be worth buying, but decided on a EatSmart digital one because it had the most buys and customer reviews.  It cost more, but I figured if that many people bought it, then there must be something good about it.

The scale came to my house a few days ago and looks splendid like some minimalist painting; it's white, slim, and glass, but very sturdy for its size, which I like.  Because it was digital and I stink with technology, I thought it would be difficult to set up, but it was actually very easy, and even came with batteries.  My only issue with the scale is that even though it's  consistent, it gives different weights in different rooms, which I understand if I do it on a rug, but all my floors are hardwood, so I don't know what to think.  I don't want to return it, but I want to know my weight.  Such a dilemma; I wish I was healthier, so I didn't have to deal with all this crap, but what's a person to do?

I'm not sure, but I know I'll be checking myself daily.

Saved By The Computer Lab

As a child, one thing I loathed at school was computer classes.  I'm not sure why that was because the teachers I had were all very nice, but I just struggled with computers of all kinds.  I broke them, froze them, misplaced them, and even got a virus on one of them.  It was enough to leave me traumatized, and dislike using computers throughout my years at school, which as you all know, is pretty much impossible considering how often we have to use it for schoolwork.  Eventually, I got over my fear, and got better with computers, which helped lead me to more success.  But with the recent internet outage at my place at school, I realized how important the internet really is.  Yes, we constantly use it, but I don't think I really appreciated it until recently.

That's why I'm so thankful for my school's computer lab.  Without it, I wouldn't be able to do any schoolwork, check grades, or even blog like I'm doing now.  I know there are lots of things about school I dislike, and even if they build me a private wing, I'll still think they take too much money, but I'm grateful for their online resources, which have made me week here a lot easier.

Hope my internet gets fixed soon!  I miss doing things on my own.

Disconnected Indefinitely

Whenever something negative happens unexpectedly, it always seems to be out of your control, or happen at the worst possible time.  I know that's not the case for everyone, but that usually happens to me, or is a combination of the two.  Recently, that happened to me when the internet at my place near school suddenly disconnected.  At first, I thought it was just doing what it always does, but once it was offline for 24 hours, I knew it was something serious, and it was.  Long story short, I may not have internet for the next week, which thankfully won't affect me school wise (unless the weather doesn't comply).  Because that is the case, that means I might not be able to blog as much as I want, but hopefully that doesn't happen.  Till then, I hope everyone who reads stays patient.

Thank you!