STRANGER THAN FICTION

Harold Crick (Will Farrell) is an IRS auditor who almost compulsively measures, quantifies and rationalizes his life. Suddenly, he becomes aware of a voice narrating his life, "accurately and with a better vocabulary." The voice is that of a writer we learn is struggling with writer's block (Emma Thompson), mostly about the best way to make Harold die. When Harold overhears his impending doom, he takes action, and eventually makes his way to a professor of literary theory (Dustin Hoffman), who helps him understand the implications of the narrative life he is leading. The main story line seems to be around a woman he is auditing, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Realizing he could die at any moment, Harold begins to break free of his limited, orderly life, and joins Gyllenhaal in a romantic relationship. He tracks down Thompson and confronts her with the truth: if she writes about his death, then he will die. But Hoffman is convinced the novel must be written as intended, and Thompson herself is ambivalent. Crick himself reads the novel and encourages her to keep the original ending, which would kill him.

Eventually, Thompson writes of the fatal accident, but makes the accident only near-fatal. "If you have someone who willingly, knowingly, goes to his death, well...isn't that the kind of person you want to keep alive?" In the end, there is an ode to Harold, Maggie, Dustin, and most of all, Harold's wristwatch.

From imdb.com

Sorry guys I'm quite lazy to organize my thoughts on the movie, but I assure it's a good one. Can't believe I missed this in the theatres.

Just a Product of my Brain Activity

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hay, i don't know what's happening to my tummy! It's not normal. I used to have a faster than normal metabolism, but it seems it slowed down. And I bet this is causing me stomachaches.

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I hate it when someone conceals to me that he or she has grudges on me. Why not tell it to my face? Why not show some positive signs that you have issues with me? I'm going nuts sometimes. I just hate playing games. I just hate the immaturity. I just hate thinking whether I committed something wrong against you. Yes I do hide my feelings sometimes but as much as possible I do the slightest effort though indirectly to show you I have some issues with you. I want an outright confirmation not an outright denial. I am just sick of lies. I am just sick of pleasing everyone especially those who don't even deserve it.

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Hay.. I don't know if I'm just rationalizing things too much! I just don't know when to stop sometimes. Do I forget to give myself a break? Am I being too patient on A LOT of people?

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I am a temperamental person but it subsides easily. Now, is it just right to forget whatever you have felt during the times that your temper rises?

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It's just hard or its just not right to categorize or generalize or even hate (even for a moment) people. But if you're in a situation that you felt that you are being left out or people just tend to be uncooperative with you when in fact you're doing a lot of things to them or you felt that they are being unselfish or making things out. It's just hard. Try mo!

CALAMBA DAY

April 16. Went to Calamba to visit my relatives and to my surprise it's my cousin's wife's birthday. Next thing I knew, I was having a hefty snack. And damn, I just can't resist the double dutch ice cream. Went home at around 6pm and arrived at around 7. Took a rest, watched tv before I had dinner.

I lay down on my bed again, called jenny for some burst out moment, which lasted for like an hour, ansaya ginawa ko landline ang mobile ko. Well, actually I could have texted her but because we had a deal that we wont text each other for a week and the one who can't resist it would treat the other. Now, I am not going to accept being a loser on this one haha!

Well, what have we talked about? Hmm.. It's a privileged communication man! Hehe!

FREEDOM WRITERS

I have never seen such a film so compelling and inspiring as the Freedom Writers. A true story about a highschool professor, Ms. Gruwell (played by Hillary Swank) who changed the lives of her students who are thought of as “unteachable,” “below average,” and “delinquents.” She changed their lives by changing their perspectives on life. The students' ideas on racial discrimination was radically changed.

She reinvented a way to help the students learn at the same time enjoy what they are doing. She had them write their thoughts on a journal which was even published in 1999.

She truly treated the students her kids, she devoted her time, money basically her full self to them, to the point that she even lost her husband.

She made them realize how valuable their lives are to just be put into waste. She helped them help themselves.

You better watch the movie! I have a copy just message me if you want..

I actually found through the internet the site of their foundation and there you can find their story and just about everything on them.






Here's their website, The FREEDOM WRITERS FOUNDATION

I do get emotional sometimes....

Oh! How could I forget to make a post on this one! Well, it happened like four or five days ago. I happened to switch the channel to a reality show, and damn! I was touched and got emotional in a scene where by how a father expresses how he truly loves his son (well I think every father does). The father was over-protective to his son, as he was strict when it comes to allowing his son to pursue some endeavors which would put him in high risks of danger. Well, to tell you a short background, the father had a son before the one I've been talking about here. But he died of leukemia when he was two years old. The father didn't lose his faith in God and accepted the death, but asked the Lord to replace him. And God did!, and it was him (the son I am talking about awhile ago). The father's unwavering faith in God and genuine love for his son was truly admirable.

FOR THE RECORD

For the record, the previous post was not intended in any way to offend anyone neither it is addressed to anyone. It was just a thought which popped out of my head, which I think is a good one and I believe is worth pondering.

U.S.E.R.

Are we capable of being a user? Consciously or subconsciously, I think we can be. I believe there is a thin line between dependence and using someone. Dependence sounds to be more positive than using. No one would argue that each of us has been used or been depended to by someone, whether or not he/she is a close relative or a total stranger. And it sucks sometimes isn't it?

Now what's the point in writing this? Well, I dreamt of me writing about this and I think it deserves attention and besides I have some issues to talk about. And on that note, let me tell you some of these issues.

A few months ago, I was confused and until now maybe, coz why in the hell I am writing this if not. Confused on whether I am being depended on too much, and worse am I being used. I hardly thought about these things in the past because it's in my nature to be giving and generous on whatever I can share with everyone without having to ask for any return. But when some things happen which shook your relationship with the people you cared for, then it would really make you thinka couple of times whether you're doing the right things and whether you are being abused.

I may now sound that I am invoking 'utang na loob' as we call it. But bad as it sounds, I may be, but isn't it just fair to get some fair share in what you have invested. This I think is not the proper forum for this one, and seriously, I am not asking to get any return, because I don't need any, as cocky as it sounds.

Going back to the issue, and for the purpose of an argument, isn't it that we are all users in this world? Consciously for our own selfish desires we use someone to get whatever we want in life. A deliberate act of using someone whom the latter unknowingly allows in the sense that he/she would like to believe that the user doesn't have such intention.

Dependence may come in the category of 'subconscious using'. When someone depends on someone for anything and he get used to it, isn't that the dependent uses the other? Now, who's to blame in this situation?, the dependent or the person to whom the other depends. Is tolerance a factor on whether we should consider fault on the one being depended to? I believe a lot of factors would come into the scene if we try to answer this question and I think this would be a case to case basis.

In conclusion, we are all users in this world, consciously or subconsciously. No matter how hard it is to accept, we will all be used up. The thing is, its up to us on how to handle the scenario.

It all boils down to dignity. Dignity in the sense that we should as far as practicable examine the situation. Ask ourselves, are we becoming too dependent on someone? Are we using someone for our own benefit? Consciously or subconsciously, intentional or not, it is truly undignified to continue using or depending on someone too much. It makes an inutile not only of the user but of the person being depended to as well. Inutile for the user because he doesn't anymore does things in his own volition or through his own efforts. Inutile for the one being depended to because he somewhat loses his self. In the sense that he appears to be losing something when he gives something which should not be the case, because giving entails some sacrifice of something for something good in return, tangible or not.

Some Vids on Gorrel-Montano and the "Elite Society"

INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN GORRELL at GOODTIMES 89.9 MAGIC







You can also try the links to these videos..

High Society, Socialite, Elite?, AN INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW 1
INTERVIEW 2

FOR MORE UPDATES ON THE ISSUE visit Brian Gorrell's blog.

An old wiseman story

This was an old folklore or whatever you call it. I heard it a few times when I was younger, well I've heard it again in one of the closing arguments of the defense counsel in "The Practice" Season 1 (well I am actually having a dvd marathon of it, well been a fan since highschool!, just want to have a serious take on it as a law student..)

Well it isn't that applicable in the country since we don't have a jury system here, but anyway, it's quite inspiring! Here it is:

"There was a wise man in a town. A young boy wanted to test-him and later fool the old man. The young man planned to hold a bird in his hands and cover it tightly with both and ask the old man if the bird is alive or dead. The young man thought that if the wise man would tell that it is alive he would squeeze the bird to death and if the old man would tell him that it-is dead he would just release it and let it fly. But when the young boy asked the old man, he just said the bird's life is in your hands."

What MY NAME means

What Homer Pablo Means

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are influential and persuasive. You tend to have a lot of power over people. Generally, you use your powers for good. You excel at solving other people's problems. Occasionally, you do get a little selfish and persuade people to do things that are only in your interest. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous. You are bold and daring. You are willing to do some pretty outrageous things. Your high energy sometimes gets you in trouble. You can have a pretty bad temper at times. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

The week that was..

March 31. Went to meet Ivan at Seattles to submit our papers in transpo and labor. Waited for Mari and went ahead to festival, but to no avail we weren’t able to find a cebuana lhuillier branch there to send money to a prospect maid of theirs. We went to Pacita and pick up Nil who was surprised, kasi naman tinext ni Jimbo pala that there's a planned gimik, huli tuloy kami ni Mari. Anyway we went to Bujick's house to attend the wake of her mom. The death was tragic, I cant imagine the trauma it brought to her and her family.

Another group of Law School people suddenly came. Alright, honestly I am not comfortable with their group so the three of us Nil, Mari and me decided to go ahead well for the same reason and we planned the whole escape thing by texting haha!

Lesson Learned: Life is really unpredictable, you’ll never know when it’s time to GO.. SOMETIMES..

April 1. Got a call from a college batchmate the other day, giving me a one week job for bookkeeping services. What a way to begin the month I have a job! I went to their office, we didn’t sign any engagement contract but she let me quote for my services. I was reluctant at first, basically because I am not quite sure what amount am I going to charge, I was thinking that I might give them an exorbitant one. But in the end, I was made to give them my fee. I charged P500 for each voucher which amounts to P6,000, I added P2,000 for some expenses I would have to incur. So I’ll have P8,000 for a week. I was glad I have retained some accounting knowledge on bookkeeping! Anyway, it was also nice that I get to work with SGV people, I find them okay but there are some who gives me an irritating feeling haha!

By the way the company is China Oilfield Services Limited (Philippine Branch), so there are a lot of Chinese people in the house!


Lesson Learned: I am not going to like the job of an accountant if ever I pursued the career. Thank God!

April 4. Didn’t go to work ‘coz I need to go to Manila to buy some books. Badtrip, it was so hot and damn, really hate the traffic! I was about to visit my cousin at their computer shop near UST but, damn, I anticipated that the traffic would worsen if I stay, so the visit was cancelled. Luckily, I arrived in Alabang at around 3pm I guess, had snack/lunch at Wendy’s Festival Mall and then went home.


Lesson Learned: There are some things you won’t expect that would happen and just bumped your way, and the thing is, you can’t take a U-turn, even if the view is unpleasant.

April 6. And so we just moved in at our new apartment at Tierra Nueva, Alabang for the time being, until a new house at Portofino is finished. O diba? Ang saya! Lipat kami again, well my mom is really unpredictable as I am.The lipat bahay thing was damn exhausting. Maybe I was right in canceling the gathering though I have all the reasons to cancel it because the Kanlungan Peeps are somewhat uncooperative, what is a one peso text man! Anyway, another thing or person is bothering me, i don't know if this person is just disturbed as I am or I am part of the joke. Well, I am kinda upset about this, that's all. (Well, based from the information I got which is after scribbling this, maybe I was wrong..)


Lesson Learned: Change is such a strong word I hate and I am continually hating it. It forces me to seek for reasons on why it happens. It forces me to accept it the way it forces me to immerse myself in it. Damn!