Saturday, May 23, 2009

A Question, A Pet Peeve and Another Question

The question:
How come it's ok to say "Are you lesbian?" or "Are you a lesbian?" or "I am lesbian." or "I am a lesbian." but it's not grammatically correct to say "Are you a gay?" or "I am a gay."?

The pet peeve:
Hearing people say "I'll just get a coffee."

The other question:
How do you remind a close friend about the rules of past tense verbs? Did you got what I mean?

Friday, May 22, 2009

My Thoughts About Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert during his American Idol auditionI'm not an Adam Lambert fan.

I've been very vocal about this since the beginning of American Idol's 8th season. I admit to even mocking his shrieking banshee perfomances not once, nor twice throughout the competition. Though I am a Danny Gokey fan, I don't mind about other contestants. For me, it's all a matter of preference and Adam's style simply doesn't appeal to my taste. Nonetheless, I'm not blind, nor deaf. The man can undoubtedly sing his face off. He's a true performer and let's face it, his level of showmanship may well compete with that of mainstream artists, perhaps, he may even do better. His background in theatre obviously worked to his advantage, allowing him to make the most out of hair, make-up, costumes, lighting, sometimes even effects, and of course, the way he sets the mood of his performance through his larger-than-life gestures and poignant facial expressions.

American Idol is more than a singing competition. Through the years, the talent/reality show has evolved from a nationwide popularity contest to a worldwide phenomenon. Season after season, people all over the world have become more and more passionate about their Idols -- forming fan clubs, putting up fan sites, coining catchphrases to identify themselves or their Idol, probably even designing merchandise showing off who they proudly support. It's amazing, really, how even a country halfway across the globe can be so passionate about the show. With Season 8 probably having the most talented batch of contestants, fans were fiercer like never before, promoting their American Idol every chance they get, putting everything on hold to catch the earliest possible broadcast.

A blonde, slightly chubby Adam Lambert way back in High SchoolThis evening, out of curiosity, I started looking up photos and videos of Adam Lambert and I was just appalled. I cannot believe how people will go out of their way to pull someone down. Yes, one's sexual orientation may affect one's decision to support someone or not, but nooooo, these people are not content by simply "not liking" him or supporting everyone else except him. They've decided to convince others to the same by launching a smear campaign against him. I was surprised at the effort these people put into faking photos and uploading them to popular sites just to defame someone, as if they don't have anything better to do. Define "faking photos"? Well, let's just say that they label practically anyone with eyeliner and Adam's trademark hairstyle as Adam Lambert. There was one photo with the title "ADAM LAMBERT WAS GAY EVEN AS A YOUNG BOY! PROOF!" showing two black-haired youngsters dressed like him kissing. As it turns out, Adam's hair was blonde until High School. They've also referred to certain drag queens who are way too covered with make-up and elaborate costumes to be recognized as Adam Lambert. Apparently, anyone gay, wearing a costume, a wig and all covered with over the top make-up or at least an eyeliner is Adam Lambert. How pathetic is that?

First off, Adam Lambert being gay or not is irrelevant. American Idol is, after all, a SINGING competition. Second, Adam Lambert has a life prior to American Idol. Do these people honestly think his family and friends do not know how he looked like when he was in High School? Third, American Idol is a TV show! It's meant for entertainment. I wonder how much better the world is if all these energy being put into destroying another person is being put into good use. Lastly, does he look like he cares? He doesn't.

As for him losing the title of American Idol, no comment. Honestly, it doesn't matter! With lots of people rooting for him and yes, even taking the time to diss him, he obviously has a bright career ahead of him.

A Couple of Funny Vids from Cracked.Com

Thanks to my friend, Chris for introducing me to Cracked.Com! Crazy website! Anyway, enjoy watching these funny videos. =)

The Easy Way to Make Your Cat Fun Again

The Easy Way to Make Your Cat Fun Again -- powered by Cracked.com


Why Having Wolverine's Claws Would Suck

Why Having Wolverine's Claws Would Suck -- powered by Cracked.com

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Random Blah of the Day: Rejection

Topic courtesy of Oscar dela Hopia

*************

Several years ago, I wrote one of my most bitter 'Jelaineisms' that says:

"The problem with choices is when you're one of the options and you didn't get picked."

It's human nature. We like having options. We feel as if it's our God-given right to be able to have our say on things, or at least have something to choose from. We feel violated when we're "forced" into embracing something like it's being shoved down our throats. Well, that's fine. As I've said -- it's human nature. However, try being on the other side of the buffet table and it's an entirely different story.

Oh yeah... I'm talking about rejection. When it comes to being "one of the choices," different people react differently. Some get into combat mode -- all out and fierce, it has to be ME. Some, on the other hand, allow their insecurities to eat them alive and just throw in the towel before the fight even starts. Either way, one may assume that both reaction is because of fear of rejection. When we talk about rejection, we often think about how we handle it. However, I think our feelings towards rejection in general affects the way we handle various situations so we wouldn't have to bother actually facing it.

Looking back at my own experiences, my fear of rejection may have kept me from a lot of things. How can you blame me? I'm probably a poster child for "Most likely to be rejected." I'm a minority in a minority. I'm Filipino, I'm a woman, I'm lesbian, and I'm fat. Though I'm not that insecure to say that I'm ugly, let's face it, I'm no head-turner either. This might explain why, aside from Millie a.k.a. PiNkR0b0T, I have a rather short list of exes with a population of 1 and why I never did any sort of dating, flirting, courting, more so have any flings. In school, I chose not to audition for the theatre or the glee club because I was too shy. I felt that there are ten other students who are better than me. Even in my professional life now, I hate applying for promotions. I prefer waiting for "opportunities" to open up, like a transfer or a special assignment. If I ever apply, I need to be certain that my chances of getting it are high and that I'm as prepared as prepared can be. Otherwise, nah, I'm happy where I'm at. Though some people may disagree, I don't do well in interviews. I have issues about selling myself and all that stuff. But yeah, whatever I say, I think it's all because I'm scared of being rejected at the end of the day. LOL

Hmmm... Sometimes I wonder how my life would've been different if I didn't care about being rejected. Nonetheless, I have no regrets. I am what I am because of all the experiences I had and missed. In that respect, rejection probably even helped me to be more cautious, content and probably even encouraged me to learn to make up for what I lack. So I guess rejection isn't such a bad thing after all! LOL

Thursday, May 07, 2009

It ended before it even started

Ferry to CebuI can't say I hate the beach. The only time I went to the beach as a kid was when I was nine and my Mom took me to her hometown in La Union. That was a brief stay and I didn't really have time to enjoy it. The beach was practically in our backyard, it was probably just a 3-5min walk away. I can barely remember this, but my Mom does. Apparently, I was kinda scared every time the waves crash onto shore, washing away the sand. Looking back, I reckon that's the typical reaction of a city kid who grew up in an commercial aparment along a national highway.

Early this year, my partner and I went to Bohol with our best friends. After 28 years of harboring a lot of fears and inhibitions, I finally travelled by sea on a ferry, a "medium-sized" boat and by my standard (and size), a really tiny one. One of the highlights of our holiday was of course, the snorkeling. It was an amazing sight! It was obviously my first time, but I was a bit surprised at how comfortable I felt throughout the whole experience. Everyone was teasing me when I said I want to go to the beach again some time. My partner, who knew I was reluctant about the whole "sea thing" can't believe her ears. She was so stoked because she loves the beach and except for the Bohol holiday, we've never gone anywhere near any beach for the entire eight years we've been together.

A 'medium=sized' boat to take us to Balicasag Island for dolphin-watching and snorkeling
This weekend, we're all set to go to Batangas, again with our best friends. It's a much-needed break for all of us. I've been looking forward to this trip particularly because it's my first beach trip after developing a new-found love for the entire concept of beach bumming and all that. I can just imagine myself lying in the sand, my skin burning under the hot summer sun, the sea crashing onto shore, washing away the sand beneath my feet, but I wouldn't care and I wouldn't be afraid anymore. *Sigh* Now that's a holiday! Unfortunately, it remains to be a dream sequence in my mind because of typhoon, Emong. Currently, both Manila and Batangas are under storm signal number 1 and this news has made me really pissed and bitchy.

Can this get any tinier??? This tiny baby took us to the snorkeling site in Balicasag IslandConsidering how the Earth's seasons have gone out of whack (Duh? Three weeks of summer and it's typhoon season already???), I ain't expecting another beach holiday for summer next year (or prolly even the year after). Oh well, what a real shame, my love affair with the beach has ended before it even started. For now, I'm still hoping that Emong goes someplace else and for Manila and Batangas to see some summer sun this weekend. I mean, come on! Please?

Fireworks 2008

I just saw these photos in one of my backup discs and figured they're worth sharing. These were taken in SM Marikina last December with my Canon PowerShot A430. I was really surprised with the results as this was the first time that I used the 'Fireworks' scene function.

Fireworks make such amazing subjects as each shot is definitely different and they make great desktop wallpapers too! I'm so looking forward to this year's Christmas/New Year season so I can create another set of fireworks photos. =)

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Lightbulb Moment: I have a new dream -- host TMR with C&D

Someday, I hope I’m good enough to join Chico and Delle in The Morning Rush.  I’d looooove to exchange witty, oftentimes, green comments with them.  I'm sure I'll have a blast!

Aaaahhhh... I wonder how that'll feel... One day, you're just listening to them over the radio then another day, you're sitting with them in the booth doing boardwork, laughing, reading requests, greeting the Rushers, tweeting, doing the Top 10, promoting chicogarcia.wordpress.com, delamar.wordpress.com and well, badgirljel.blogspot.com...  Haaaayyyy...

Times like these, I certainly regret not trying out for Radio One when I was in college.  I remember being jealous of my friend, Bailey for having the confidence and obviously what it takes to be with Radio One.  Oh well, in Tagalog, "Laging nasa huli ang pagsisisi," and true enough, I have lots of regrets when it comes to stuff I was too-shy-to-try.  But then again, a girl can dream!  Who knows, rrrriiiggghhhtt??? =p