WGM: My Top 3 Couples

In my preceding post, I talked about the Korean reality show We Got Married. In watching the show, I've picked out my three favorite couples.. and as you will see, I seem to like couples that give off fun and laughter rather than chummy romantic stuff.

1. Lettuce couple / Joongbo couple : Hwang Bo and Kim Hyun Joong

This couple has always been my favorite. The lettuce couple is an interesting combination: an older woman/younger man couple. By this fact alone, a lot of people were pulled to see how they would do in (fake) marriage. Others may just have wanted to see Hyun Joong as a groom (he's an idol; he's got a lot of fans). There may also have been others who wished for Hwang Bo's failure to sooth their jealousy over Hyun Joong having a bride. Ho ho.. poor them, because the ssangchu (lettuce) couple is going strong!

It was the older woman-younger man thing that had me curious with the lettuce couple. It wasn't Hyun Joong, leader of Korean boyband SS501; I've given up on boybands and teen idols a long time ago. It wasn't Hwang Bo, rapper and singer and formerly of Chakra, because I've never heard of her before my WGM addiction. I just wanted to see how the two would get along, especially since the marriage is all a pretense and they only meet once a week. I also wanted to see how the relationship would work, because it really seemed like an awkward pair. They have a 6-year gap between them. Hwang Bo is known to be a little tomboyish. Hyun Joong is suave and blunt and really innocent when it comes to being married.

They really did start out to be an awkward couple, with Hwang Bo feeling the age gap and Hyun Joong not really knowing how to be a groom. But as the episodes go and as they got to know more of each other, we can see that they are actually a perfect match for each other! Hyun Joong's bluntness and simple humor starts a lot of laughters, and Hwang Bo can be infectious with her energy and "youthfulness."

May i just add that i am now a very big fan of Hwang Bo; she's all that a strong woman is. She can be a tomboy, very competitive and athletic, but she also has a feminine side with lots of good-wife hobbis. I'm also giving a thumbs-up to Hyun Joong. He's new to being a husband but he's carried the role well. He's also got some charm, something that won't make you hate him when he makes mistakes. Ahh, well, he's not a teen idol and group leader for nothing.

2. A! couple / Ant couple : Seo In Young and Crown J

The A! couple is the longest running couple of the show. They have been with WGM since the start. While the other starting couples have "divorced" or left the show, the Ant couple stayed and continued to give some comedic relief to the show.

Seo In Young and Crown J are really a comedic duo (a sweet one, I will concede). They fight all the time. One might wonder how they can still stay together when they always fight, even over petty stuff like noodles. They're not actually what you'd consider to be role models. Seo In Young is known as a witch or a devil, with her tantrums and scary glares. She likes shoes, and she likes fresh boys like Hyun Joong. She wants to be treated like a queen and everybody's better treat her like one. I really applaud Crown J for his massive patience. Whenever they fight, it's always him who gives some space and makes the first move to make up. It's not something I would have expected from a rapper but then there're always exceptions.

3. HwanYobi couple : Hwanhee and Hwayobi

This is another interesting couple. One emits abrasiveness and the other ditziness. The only thing Hwanhee and Hwayobi probably have in common is in being R&B singers. The HwanYobi is a new couple on the show so their union is still under observation by the viewers (like me).

They actually remind me of Nodame and Chiaki-senpai of Nodame Cantabile. Hwayobi is just like Nodame. She's very talented when it comes to music, but her personality is somewhat slow. The Hwayobi shows herself in WGM would make you wonder if she really is an R&B singer, composer, and pianist. I think I read somewhere that she also knows how to paint. In WGM, she really seems lost without her husband.

Hwanhee, on the other hand, sometimes looks as if he wants to get away from his wife sometimes. He can be cold and uncaring to Hwayobi at times. But as a man and husband, he does his best to be more forthcoming and patient. I can't say I don't like his bad boy image, though. He can be so smug and conceited in a humorous way. He's adamant not to bend and become a sweet and cuddly husband because that's just not the way he is. He instead tries to show his "love" in other ways.. although I haven't seen any yet.


We Got Married is now on its 31st episode. Joongbo is carrying on with their bets-and-competition married life, the Ant couple has just moved to a new house, and HwanYobi is still on the getting-used-to-each-other stage.

Hooked on We Got Married

Just a thought: I can imagine my friends and younger sister snickering once they've read this post, but I'm way past caring about them teasing me on stuff like these..

I got hooked to a Korean reality show just recently after a friend sent me a link of one of its episodes (the main reason why I haven't updated this blog for quite a while). This show is gaining popularity among Asian TV fans like me (and I have to say I'm actually very late in talking about this show online; numerous other bloggers have already expressed their "rabu-rabu" views about the show). It is called We Got Married, shortened to WGM, and (if I read right on Youtube) will be renamed to Sunday Marriage.

Basically, the show highlights how celebrity couples might do when they get married and live together. Let me just emphasize that all the couples here are just in a fake marriage. The program directors searched on celebrities who are compatible with each other and pair them up in the show. The couples put in efforts as to how they would act if they were really husband and wife. The show gives the couples missions to complete as they spend their Sundays working on their married life.


At first I thought that it would just be a chummy show with the stars giving off romantic sparkles to the viewers. Well, it is chummy and there are romantic sparkles swirling around. But that's not exactly the reason why I came to be addicted to We Got Married. I ignore the cheesy moments and instead focus on the hilarious loving moments of each couple. With this show, you can easily appreciate the Korean's sense of humor and witty attitudes. The celebrities paired up are marked for their humorous antics and blunt punchlines. All episodes of the show gave me a lot of laughs.

I can see my sister raising an eyebrow, not believing that my reason for watching We Got Married would not be connected to any romantic notions of mine. Ha! Believe it. I like comedy more than romance and love stories.

I applaud the show's creators for bringing about the whole concept. I'm also glad that the program directors did enough research to know which celebrities can bring about a marriage that seem so real that there are many of us hoping that these couples would actually get together in real life.

Some say that the show may be scripted. I doubt it. Missions are given and certain scenarios are set up, sure. But I'm sure that the husbands and wives are all on their own when making the light conversations and cranky situations.

Even Decent People Have Goofy Moments

I can relate to this because this is how I usually pose for the camera.

There are just some people who like to have their goofy moments. Even the serious types of people can surprise you. One moment, we're all graceful and serious and smiling innocently and just acting so bashfully...


And then when the flash come on.. Goof Spoof Proof! (I have no idea where I got this phrase.)



Poor Goldilocks... (Where'd you come from anyway?) :p

The Wrong Love Pair-Ups!

Whenever I watch a movie or animation, or whenever I read a book or a story, I usually keep tabs on the love pair-ups. Must be the stifled romantic in me, but the love pair ups, or the love teams, in the stories can have an effect in me. If I love the pairing of the protagonist and his or her love interest, then I would only be too happy to read more quickly or watch the movie/animation more intently. If I hate the pair, though, I'd end up crunching my nose and sighing in frustration with as to why the two characters got together and not with some other person who I think would be more compatible for them.

I just read Brisingr, the third installment of the Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini. After reading it, I got even more frustrated with the state of Eragon's lovelife. I loved the book, there's no mistake. I love the series and I am eagerly waiting for the fourth and last book of the series. But Eragon's lovelife frustrates me. The third book has ended but he still pines for Arya, and his love still remains unrequited.

This brings to my mind the other love pair-ups that I wanted to end in a happily-ever-after story but are most usually not meant to be. Some of the love pair-ups I like would sometimes come true but towards the end of the story, it's either their relationship status is in trouble or has gone totally down the rocks. And that just irks me to the point that I want to bash the author's or creator's head for not making the pair-ups work.

To elaborate, here are some of my most wanted love pair-ups and how they are not together:

1. Eragon and Angela

Were you surprised that I voted for Angela to be Eragon's love interest? Well, it's because Iwant his love interest to be Angela, and not Arya. Arya just doesn't seem to be that interesting, aside form the fact that she's an elf and elves are elegant. I also don't feel the sparks between Eragon and Arya whenever they have a moment with each other in the story. Perhaps, Arya is just stiff by nature and just doesn't show her feelings that much. I tried to settle with an "opposites attract" theme with the Eragon-Arya pair-up but it still doesn't fit for me.

Now, Angela, on the other hand, is quite more interesting than Arya. She goes overboard sometimes but I like her and her way with people. I especially like how she interacts with Eragon, and I believe that at one time, in Eldest, there was a time when Eragon felt comfortable with Angela. He still does, I'm sure, as he knows Angela treats him as she would any other person, and that mattered to Eragon.

Sadly, the author doesn't seem to share my sentiments on the matter. He still goes on with Eragon pining after Arya. (I'll still read the fourth book, no matter who Eragon will be with.)

2. Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood

Now, I'm sure you're laughing. Hey, I'm giggling, too. I know. Loony Luna's a little.. err... loony.. for the famous Harry Potter. But I'd still take Luna over the irritable Cho Chang and the annoying Ginny Weasley. But then I guess the majority wins, and Harry and Luna are not meant to be. It rarely happens when a famous character like Harry Potter would fall for a weird girl like Luna.

I got over this not-meant-to-be pair-up when I grew frustrated over the Harry Potter series (I let it pass that Harry got together with Ginny, but it was the way the story had gone darker and the way Harry had become a little smug that made me lose my Harry Potter addiction).

3. Cagalli Yula Athha and Athrun Patrick Zala

I am a huge fan. They were actually paired up in the Gundam SEED series. But it was implied that they broke up towards the end of Gundam SEED Destiny, with Cagalli choosing to focus on ruling Orb and leaving Athrun in the hands of another girl. I can recall a blog stating their relationship status to be "on hiatus."

A lot of me would agree that they really go well together. Athrun's the calm and shy type, while Cagalli is outgoing and frank. I rejoiced when they got together in Gundam SEED, and I hated the SEED Destiny ending because it made it obvious that the two are no longer together in the end. The creators had better launch a movie or another season and have Cagalli and Athrun back together again. Just when is the proposed movie going to be finalized anyway?!

4. Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata

I'm sure I'm not the only one vying for this pair-up to come true. You can't hate Naruto, and you can't hate Hinata. Naruto is just so whacked in the head he's hopeless, but Hinata still likes him. Naruto can get himself humiliated a million times, and Hinata would still be on the side admiring him. Well, it's a little annoying that Hinata is extremely shy. But wouldn't that just match Naruto's thick face and loud mouth?

The anime and manga is gearing towards Naruto and Sakura, but I'm still betting on Naruto and Hinata. And I'm not the only one so the creator better think before he settles on Naruto's love interest.

5. Kusosaki Ichigo and Inoue Orihime

All the Bleach fans know how Inoue is so much in love with Ichigo, while Ichigo jsut values friendship so much he knows nothing of the "rabu-rabu" feelings. Despite his ignorance on the subject, though, it's something that I grew to like about him. Right now, I can't see him as the romantic type.

This pair-up might go well as the series goes on. But there is the presence of Rukia to think about. I do not hate Rukia; I like her, too, as a matter of fact. I'm not sure about how she feels about Ichigo, but Ichigo certainly listens to Rukia and values her opinions. There have been many times wherein Ichigo is so influenced by Rukia. When it comes to Inoue, it's just pure friendship. I do not detect anything from Ichigo, but I hope that he would Inoue.


These are just some of the pair-ups I have in mind right now. What are the chances these pair-ups will come to be, do you think?

Gotta Love the Monk

I'm going through Jason Statham's movies right now, and one of his movies that I really love is the Mean Machine. Not that it's his movie; he just made a sort of special appearance as the most feared convict in prison. Legend has it among the cons that Monk (Jason Statham) killed 23 men with his bare hands... and that was before he learned karate. He was placed in a separate cell from the other inmates, and he is closely guarded because of his insane desire to crack bones in a person's body.

Mean Machine is a movie that pitches inmates versus the prison guards in a game of football. Monk is the goalie... who likes to be a sweeper now and then and do flying kicks at the opponent when the ref isn't looking. He's insane, but you just gotta love him here.

Sleeping Beauty ... Not Me, Mind You...

So I like to sleep a lot. But the Sleeping Beauty I refer to is the real Sleeping Beauty (or maybe not real, just the original fictional character) made by Disney. I just watched the whole cartoon movie again earlier, and I still say it's one of the best Disney movies. It's old, and maybe too sugary sweet.. but it's a fairy tale, and back then people were fond of singers of the opera enough to cast one for Princess Aurora's singing voice.

Sleeping Beauty was made in 1959, so the quality of the film may be a little antique for our modern tastes. The graphics are obviously from that time as well. But I daresay if we lived in that time we would've been impressed by all of it.

I would just also like to say that Maleficent's voice actor was magnificent. I'd also just like to say that Prince Philip and Princess Aurora are among my favorite Disney couples.

Here's a clip of the main theme song of Sleeping Beauty: Once Upon a Dream. It's when Princess Aurora and Prince Philip first met as adults. I used to sing this song whenever I felt like a classical singer (no, I never felt like a princess).

Kira Yamato vs Athrun Zala

Of all Gundam eras and series, my favorite has to be that of Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny. One factor was because of the graphics and animations (although if you disregard the color of the hair, the eyes, etc., all the characters would look like clone of one another). Another was the storyline, and how the story seems so realistic at times. But the biggest factor for me was the development, growth, and great display of personal and emotional power in the characters of the both series.


As the main protagonists of the Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny series, the character developments of best friends Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala are the most focused on in the anime. Both had their emotional problems, the most important issue mainly about the fact that they fight for different sides of the war, pitting them against each other.

Strike Freedom: Kira Yamato

As Gundam SEED ends, we are told that Kira Yamato was made to be the Ultimate Coordinator. It was instilled in him to be the greatest of his generation of coordinators, and his prowess and talent made him the best Gundam pilot.

Physical abilities aside, his weakness was that of his connection to his best friend, and “type” of human being (being a coordinator). As the war goes on, he also battles with himself, thinking constantly that he was betraying his fellow coordinators. As the story progresses, however, he ascertains his principles and becomes stronger in his beliefs. This aids him to be more straightforward in his battles. He becomes more sure of himself and what he needs to do.

Kira’s demeanor is quite silent. He thinks, but in the end it is his heart that he follows. His shyness and reserved manner gets him in a “follower” position, though, almost always waiting for a push from his peers and leaders before he makes a move.

Infinite Justice: Athrun Zala

One blogger described Athrun Zala as the "Eternal Thinker." I would have to agree. Perhaps Athrun’s weakness lies in thinking too much, that he ends up not knowing which side he should be fighting for. This also hinders some clear decisions in his part, as he has been led to fight for the anatagonists for both Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny.

Thankfully, in the end, he always gets it right (although with dire consequences). In Gundam SEED, he defected from ZAFT when he learned of his father’s plan to eliminate the Naturals. In SEED Destiny, he defected once again when he was going to be framed as a traitor.

Athrun also has a reserved demeanor, quite like Kira. But in the case where Kira is the follower, Athrun was a born leader. He is one of the best Gundam pilots, and one of the few who are undefeated in SEED mode. He can level it out with Kira, almost killing his best friend. Athrun is also excellent in hand-to-hand combat and is a great marksman. He is also a good military strategist.


Who Is Ultimate? Though I favor Athrun more because I feel for him more, in matters of principles and a straight heart I would have to go for Kira Yamato. From Gundam SEED to Gundam SEED Destiny, Kira has shown more maturity and has achieved a more balanced thought on peace and fighting against war. In SEED Destiny, it was clearly shown that while Athrun was disillusioned and confused, Kira never wavered from his beliefs.

Josh Groban at the Emmys 2008

I know of many people who think Josh Groban's music was boring, which eventually led to him being boring as well. Ha! Well, here's a treat for them.. the talented Josh Groban performing the theme songs of US television shows over the years at the Emmys:

To the people who think classical singers are boring, this just proved you wrong.

Brisingr Delayed ... C R A P

Last week I could skip while walking and type away with no pressure when working. It's because I was looking forward to a weekend when I would be able to bury myself in Eragon's world. I was waiting as patiently as I could for the 20th of September to come around. It was at this date that the third book of the Inheritance Cycle, Brisingr, was to be on sale.

Imagine my disappointment when I found out that the shipment to our country was delayed. I was hoping that maybe other branches of National Bookstore had more luck than the one at SM City. But then that was hoping for the improbable.

My entire weekend was a little depressing due to this. I tried to cheer myself up by buying two different books -- The Bookman's Promise and Stardust --- but I don't think they're giving me the satisfaction that reading Brisingr would. They're not adventurous enough; and they're not thick enough. And I miss reading about dragons and elven magic.

It's also taking a lot of my energy not to read the Wikipedia entry on Brisingr, because it already has the summary of the book posted. Argh!

Emmy Winners List!

30 Rock is still going on strong in the Emmys, alright.. I'm just sad to see that my usual favorites (James Spader of Boston Legal and Hugh Laurie of House, among others) didn't make it.

The mian list of winners at the 2008 Emmys are the ff:

Outstanding Comedy Series: 30 Rock

Outstanding Drama Series: Mad Men

Outstanding Made For Television Movie: Recount

Outstanding MiniSeries: John Adams

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series: Tina Fey - 30 Rock

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series: Glenn Close - Damages

Outstanding Lead Actor In A MiniSeries Or Movie: Paul Giamatti - John Adams

Outstanding Lead Actress In A MiniSeries Or Movie: Laura Linney - John Adams

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series: Jeremy Piven - Entourage

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series: Jean Smart - Samantha Who?

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series: Zeljko Ivanek - Damages

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series: Dianne Wiest - In Treatment

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A MiniSeries Or Movie: Tom Wilkinson - John Adams

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A MiniSeries Or Movie: Eileen Akins - Cranford

The Beauty Is a He ... Shucks!

This may be a face that could launch a thousand ships...


.. BUT ... > there's always a "but" < ... she is a HE.

This is Kim Petras, a German boy who had hormone treatments for a sex change operation -- the youngest to do so at the age of 12. He was recently signed up for a German record label. Maybe we'll hear from him -- or her --- more in the future.

I'm sure he was cute when he was guy. But I must admit he's beautiful as a girl, too. I sigh, with frustration as to how an attractive male could have thought to disappoint females like me by denying us a chance to date him. And I sigh... because ain't he just a beauty?!

The Different Sounds of Pachelbel's Canon

After reminiscing on classical music and such, I still find Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D major to be one of my favorite music of all time. I don't think I'm the only one. Canon in D is Pachelbel's most popular music. For us here in the Eastern side of the globe, especially those who aren't really into classical music, I think the Canon became more popular with it being the soundtrack of hit Korean movie My Sassy Girl:



Canon in D major was made in the Baroque period, and was scored for three violins and basso continuo paired with a gigue. It usually has a slow tempo but has had faster renditions.



But the music has been adapted to other arrangements and other instruments:

Piano solo:



Violin, Cello, and Harp:



I'm not sure (I think this is an organ with guitar, but I'm no expert..):

La Corda D'Oro Quotes, part 2

"We are still both students. Moreover, you've just entered high school. From now on, you'll be attracted to other different things, experience various encounters, and improve yourself. You'll be doing such things, and if you think about it after that, you'll learn it's not too late."
- Yunoki Azuma, episode 14 -

"You want the person you love to look only at you, right?"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 14 -

"Kreisler's lie taught a lot of people the wonders of music as a result. What about your lie, Yunoki-senpai? Hiding your true self and deceiving the people around you.. Doesn't it hurt you, senpai?"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 14 -

"Come to think of it, I might've been just in love with love. I was such a child."
- Sakimoto, episode 15 -

"You've gotten kinder than before, huh? I wonder whose fault it is?"
- Sakimoto, episode 15 -

"If the lie pains me, I have no choice but to become real. If that's impossible, I have no choice but to become closer to being real."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 16 -

"Besides that, no matter what kind of secret you have, that's not what's important to me. What matters most as a participant is your attitude towards music."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 16 -

"It's naive to just like the violin. I can't catch up to them like that."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 18 -

"If you love music and enjoy performing from the bottome of you heart, the violin would easily play beautiful music. However, when you're really impatient and irritated, the sound will get warped."
- Lili, episode 18 -

"You seem so overconfident, for you take being compared to a flower so seriously."
- Yunoki Azuma, episode 19 -

"Take the weight off your shoulders, step back, and have a good look. If you do that, the wrinkles on your forehead will disappear."
- Kanazawa-sensei, episode 19 -

"When did we stop telling each other the truth?"
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 19 -

"I wonder if there will be a time when just liking music isn't enough?"
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 19 -

"The sound of perfection is such a distant thing, is it?"
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 19 -

"To not have a new door open up for you is likely to be painful."
- Kanazawa Hiroto, episode 19 -

"When I listen to your music, I feel like I'm just about to catch and get a hold of something. Something very important.."
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 20 -

"They say that when we look at the city from a high place like this, we can understand how tiny our existence can be. But, conversely, I understand how great and wide the world is and I get excited.. There are countless people in this wide world. And when I also think about how there is countless music that can be played, I get really excited."
- Ousaki Shinobu, episode 20 -

"Everyone's been doing their best. And when you see that, you realize music isn't such a special thing.. especially classical music. It appears to be a high-leveled and advanced thing, but I think it's the same as normal things like talking, laughing, and just having fun."
- Ousaki Shinobu, episode 20 -

"Though you seem worried, you shouldn't press yourself for the answer. I think there will come a time when the answer will come out naturally."
- Ousaki Shinobu, episode 20 -

".. I'm a bit relieved. That there are things even you can't answer."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 20 -

"It's harder to fool oneself than to fool others, huh?"
- Yukino Azuma, episode 20 -

"Strings are called corda in Italian, and corda has a meaning of 'a bond.'"
- Lili, episode 20 -

"It's not over when it's broken, huh?"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 21 -

"Violins are hand-crafted. One is never the same as the other, so repairs take time. Your violin is also the only one of its kind in the world."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 21 -

"I love the violin. That's why it's okay to start from the beginning."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 21 -

"You know, Tsuchiura, I only wanted to know your resolution. Competition in the worlds of sports and music is fierce. If you don't focus on one thing there's no way you could win.. If you're going to do it, then win!"
- Soccer Captain, episode 21 -

"I knew that competing wasn't the essence of music. But at that time, it seemed like the whole of me, the whole of my music, was rejected."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 21 -

Hihara:
But competing with others isn't what music is about..

Kanazawa-sensei:
The one you're competing with isn't others, but yourself, right?.. Using up all your power, exerting effort to become a little better than now.. Not making excuses for yourself.. Eventually, you'll be proud of what you were yesterday.

"The sound of the trumpet resounds in one's body. It's like the cells in the body vibrate and give power. I also received a lot of energy from your music!"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 22 -

"I want to make the people important to me happy! That's right! That's my music!"
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 22 -

"When I see you being so earnest, whether you win or lose, it feels like you're going to attain a ranking different from what I expect, or something like that!"
- Mori, episode 22 -

"Let them say what they want. It's just a matter of making them eat their words when they come to the auditorium."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 23 -

"I'll be lying if I said I'm not afraid. But because of this violin.. it let me encounter music, and you guys, too. I want to stand on the stage with the violin that gave me all that."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 23 -

"This camera may be old, but for me it's my good partner."
- Amou Nami, episode 23 -

"When I see you doing your best, I think of myself as pathetic for always living in the past."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 23 -

"I think it's basic for me to play what's written in the music. The sheet music has the composer's intentions and feelings in it. I was thinking of expressing it a little more that way."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 24 -

"When I see you guys doing your best, my wounds heal."
- Kanazawa Hiroto, episode 24 -

"Sweet things are good when you're tired."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 24 -

"There's music waiting to be born from this fingers. Treat them with more care."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 24 -

"Everything your heart has felt is shining through your music. The melodies born from the bottom of your heart.. that's your music.."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 24 -

"It's the last after all. I have to enjoy it a lot so I won't have any regrets."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 24 -

"I'll play music that speaks about who I am rather than just focusing on the sheet music."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 24 -

"The more rivals, the more interesting it'll be."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 25 -

"As long as you make it your performance, it's okay."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 25 -

"I had tough and tearful moments, but right now all those are dear to me."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 25 -

"Life is short. Young girls like you should love!"
- Kanazawa Hiroto, special -

"You didn't give up in the middle, but went through it till the end. It's not such a simple thing to do."
- Kanazawa Hiroto, special -

"You hear the same tune differently when it's played in a different place. The mood of the song depends on the feelings you put into it. So I thought the one and only tune is one you can't hear anywhere else but at that moment."
- Hino Kahoko, special -

La Corda D'Oro Quotes, part 1

"Music is supposed to be enjoyable to everybody who hears it. Don't you want to be able to make music like that?"
- Lili, episode 1 -

"It seemed as if the high notes became transparent. It somehow seemed to pierce my heart. I had no idea that the violin can make such beautiful sounds."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 2 -

"Just making sound come out is different from playing it."
- Lili, episode 2 -

"Don't be hard on yourself. There must be a reason why you were chosen."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 2 -

"Just play like you always do."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 2 -

"You just have to enjoy yourself more."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 2 -

"Yeah, if I don't enjoy playing it, then I'm not doing it justice, right?"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 2 -

"Whether you hate it or love it, such sentiments are worthless."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 3 -

"If I'm aiming for the same victory as she is, I would only like to compete to get a higher level and rank than her."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 3 -

"What you should play is not important. What's important is the story your performance is telling.. how you express it."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 4 -

"Music is something everyone can enjoy."
- Lili, episode 4 -

"It sure is strange. When you turn these written notes into sounds, it becomes so beautiful. How should I say it.. It seems that the performer is resurrecting the notes."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 4 -

"Isn't music written with 'sound' and 'fun' all over it?"
- Lili, episode 4 -

"It's about the attitude we have towards music. Are you really serious?"
- Tsukimori Len, episode 5 -

"Let's look past little mistakes."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 5 -

"[playing 'Tristesse'] If you close down the way to your own path, it will always open up. That's why this isn't a song of ending. It is a new encounter. A song of beginning."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 5 -

"[about Kreisler] Then the reason why his compositions are still liked right now is because it must've been a good lie result-wise, right?"
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 6 -

"When I play, I do nothing but play.. When I play, my fingers move skillfully and when a beautiful sound comes out, I become very happy. I think it would be good to be able to play such an ideal sound."
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 7 -

"Music is something you have to enjoy and also something you have to make other people enjoy."
- Hamai Misa, episode 7 -

"[on Yunoki] He has a good appearance and is also smart. He has a smile that never goes away and he's really popular. There isn't a single bad rumor about him. He's a perfect honor student. How do you call him.. He's too perfect that, conversely, it's suspicious."
- Amou Nami, episode 8 -

"We're rivals now! If I'm going to do it, I don't intend to lose to anyone!"
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 9 -

"But I can't keep relying only on others. Whether it's Tsuchiura-kun or the magic violin.. I must do something on my own.."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 9 -

"Hearing other people's music makes me think of a lot of things. Why is it different from mine? Why do they perform like that?"
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 9 -

"Besides the fact that there is a concours, the manner of being strictly on time is an absolute thing that must be observed no matter what the reason. If he can't do that, he certainly doesn't have the capability to participate."
- Tsukimori Len's Father, episode 10 -

"There are plenty of things I could learn by observing the other participants as well."
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 11 -

"Now I know.. it's got a gentle sound.. Is that why I thought I wanted to hear it some more?"
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 11 -

"Results are results. You're second, I'm last. Results are everything. Everything happening so far has been a result of the effort you exerted."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 11 -

"I've decided to do my best. That's why I can't quit halfway now."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 12 -

"I think the concours is like feelings that are always changing.. like everyone. But the important things never change. I want to everyone to enjoy. That's all."
- Ousaki Shinobu, episode 12 -

"I only thought about myself, huh? Not having time to pay attention to others around me, I wasn't able to become kind."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 12 -

"It's not good to practice with cold-hearted feelings, Hino Kahoko."
- Lili, episode 13 -

"I want you to play the violin with honest feelings."
- Lili, episode 13 -

Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans

My friend sent me a picture of the famous Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. I guess the product is back in demand in the market because of the latest Harry Potter movie.


I dared my friend to eat some (she ate one but I forgot what flavor it was) and see if she could eat the vomit-flavored or the earwax-flavored ones. She refused. I wonder if her Bertie Bott's Beans will ever be eaten.

What Was Wrong With The Mummy 3?

A lot was wrong with the movie. In its production and promotional stages, I did have a feeling that The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor wasn't going to be entertaining and thrilling. The trailer wasn't very catchy, and the public details about the film itself raised some eyebrows of The Mummy fans.

1. No Rachel Weisz

I was disappointed in hearing that Rachel Weisz wasn't going to reprise her role as Evie. She and Brendan Fraser were so compatible with their roles. She knew how to act ditzy and intelligent at the same time, and she knew how to exude humor in her role.

I have never heard of Maria Bello before this film. She has talent, but I would not have traded Rachel Weisz for her. She managed to almost sound like Rachel Weisz, but I noticed something stiff in her tone. It almost felt forced, whereas Rachel was so natural.

2. No Oded Fehr

This was a given when news came out that the setting for the new movie was ancient China. Didn't the film makers know that Oded Fehr brought a lot of charm to the previous The Mummy movies? Casting him out was a loss on their part.

3. China and Chinese mummies

When I hear the word "mummy", I immediately think of Egypt. China would be so far out from my mind. India would've been closer, perhaps. But China?

The Chinese emperor, or the Dragon Emperor (Jet Li), didn't even become a real mummy. The emperor and his army just happened to become terracotta figures. Their insides weren't taken out and they didn't undergo mummification. They were more like sand warriors to me (and even as sand warriors they are way down below the dog warriors of Anubis in The Mummy Returns).

4. Alex O'Connell looks like his just his father's age

Just who did the casting for this film?

I do not doubt that Luke Ford would have clinched the role of an adventurer. But to be the 18-year-old adventurer son of Brendan Fraser and Maria Bello was not a good role for him. For starters, he doesn't look 18. There would've been no problem if he looked 18 even though he is in reality 27 years old. But he looks like Brendan Fraser's buddy instead of his son.

There should've been no shortage of younger actors fit for the role. What were the casting directors thinking?!

5. Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh

I love them. They're great martial artists and great performers. But I didn't like their performance in The Mummy 3. They were both stiff. Maybe it was because of their roles (Chinese nobility and honor and all that), but I would have liked to see some more spirit in their actions.

It was said that they choreographed their sword fight scene. After I saw it, I wished Jackie Chan was a part of the movie. He could'v helped with the action choreography because that one-on-one was lame.

6. Jet Li's No Dragon

Leave the dragon to the Lee and not the Li. Jet Li does not exude the menace of a dragon, much less a three-headed one.

7. Bad 3D effects

The dragon was bad, and the skeleton army was more than messy. The yeti were cute and I would love to cuddle up with them. But to rate the special effects in its totality, I'd give it 2 out of 5 stars. The dragon transforming back into Jet Li had a lot to do with my rating.

8. Lame Humor

The third film just didn't get into the level of previous The Mummy movies when it comes to humor. In The Mummy 3, it felt like the humor and the punch lines were injected forcefully. Even Brendan Fraser's facial expressions and intonations couldn't make me snicker even a little.

9. The Pace

It was so obvious that the director for the third film was not the director of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. Stephen Sommers can make you enjoy the ride of the movies. Rob Cohen, on the other hand, shifts from one scene to another like he was trying to squeeze the movie in two hours. Hey, we can handle more than two hours of screen time (just look at the box-office hits of The Dark Knight and Spiderman).

Really.
If ever I want to watch mummy movies, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor won't be on the list.

How I Met Your Mother Websites

Here's a list of the the websites included in the hit TV comedy series How I Met Your Mother.

1. Ted Mosby is a Jerk!

If memory serves me right, this website was revealed in Season 3 Episode 14 (The Bracket). In this episode, someone was sabotaging Barney's attempts in picking up women. Barney had once introduced himself to one of his "exploits" as Ted Mosby, and this exploited woman ended up making a website on how Ted Mosby was such a jerk.

The site is a real crack-up. ^_^ There are pictures of Barney (aka fake Ted) in very painful circumstances and there's a copy of his "exit letter" aka Dear Resident letter. There's also a page dedicated to another fake Ted Mosby (the pornstar).

2. Ted Mosby is Not a Jerk!

This is in opposition to the first website. Different but oh so similar, these two. Haha!

3. Barney's Blog (of Awesomeness!)

Courtesy of CBS! It feels like awesome Barney is a real person when you read it.

4. Lily and Marshall Sell Their Stuff

Season 3 Episode 19: Everything Must Go

Lily and Marshall are having some financial troubles with their new apartment. One solution they had was to sell Lily's clothes. Lily didn't like it one bit... just watch the show.

Anyways, HIMYM decided to launch a charity auction based on the idea of Marshall and Lily selling their stuff. Proceeds from the auction goes to the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Maybe I'm wrong because I haven't read anything new about the auction, but maybe it already ended. I'm not sure.

Power Rangers Wild Force: Forever Red

Here's an episode of Power Rangers Wild Force, where Wild Force Red Ranger Cole gets to work on a mission with the other Red Rangers. Talk about Red power. I don't really watch Wild Force, but I was a fan of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I just wanted to post this episode because of its storyline --- I mean, c'mon, all the Red Rangers combined! (except for Rocky; I don't know why he wasn't included here)--- and because Jason, the original Red Ranger, is back! Not to mention Tommy is here, as well. I love these two!

Forever Red, Part 1:

Forever Red, Part 2:

I love their flying kicks! ^_^

Emmy 2008: And the Nominees Are..

Here are the listed nominees for the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards to be held on September 21st, 2008!

I will be rooting for House and Boston Legal, of course. I'll also be watching out for the actors and actresses nominated; I have yet to take my favorites.

Best Comedy Series:
30 Rock - last year's winner!
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
Two And a Half Men

Best Drama Series:
Lost
Mad Men
Damages
Boston Legal
Dexter
House

Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
James Spader (Boston Legal) - last year's winner!
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Hugh Laurie (House)
Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment)

Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Glenn Close (Damages)
Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters) - last year's winner!
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)
Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)
Holly Hunter (Saving Grace)

Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) - last year's winner!
Christina Applegate (Samantha Who?)
Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds)

Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Tony Shalhoub (Monk)
Steve Carrell (The Office)
Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies)
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Charlie Sheen (Two And A Half Men)

There'll also be a category for the best host in a reality show, which includes nominees Ryan Seacrest (American Idol), Heidi Klum (Project Runway), and Howie Mandel (Deal Or No Deal). I haven't come across the list for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress yet.


Source: Yahoo TV

White Lion Cubs.. So Cute and Rare!

They're three of the famous white lion cubs that were born last month in Germany. They still don't have names.

I would want them as pets if they wouldn't be so dangerous when they grow up.



More about the lion cubs at DailyMail Online.