Nabber, I'm Not Bragging But...

:>
It's like watching the Draft itself.

Miss Na Kita

I have looked upon myself in the past week more than I had in a year. Lingering indoors has done nothing to me other than imbrue my clothes and pain my arms. Outdoor exercises as walking and jogging, on the other hand only makes me doubt what I already believe from reading health columns. I have chafed the entire area round my neck, and it has been as red as the darkest shades of crimson. It’s a 30/70 chance of feeling better. I don’t want to believe that I have completely given up. Day by day, I would easily recognize dinner to be breakfast; lunch to be dinner; breakfast to be snack. The cycle is repetitious and as vicious as the busiest breweries out of town. Even when things become completely unexciting, time still runs so quickly. I don’t even know when's the best time watch television anymore, or how to insert the schedule in my day for that matter. I am praying for May to dawn. I see it as a grace that will make me happy.

I actually really meant to write an ode. But I'm afraid my poem-writing ability has stopped working for me a long time since. It has departed. And frankly, I don’t believe I will ever get it back again. It’s a sad thing, yes: to lose something that mattered to you as a decadent child, and to end up coveting that very same thing as a teen. Here you are yearning and desiring for the whole world to see, just so you can have it back. This reminds me of a scene from Step Brothers, in which Dr. Doback revealed his childhood dream of wanting to become a dinosaur. It strikes me funny because that take is relevant to me now. I mean, how much would he have obtained had he not rested from it? In some such way, I have become familiar with that question at the back of my mind.

The heat has come down like a terrible plague. I have been rejecting it more than ever as well. I have actually been in so many escapades already, hoping to take a short walk down the street or up the street; depending on how much I wish to get inspired. I have seen this town grow before me, and it is a slow and steady growth that I get to be a part of. It’s not such a horrible thought, I guess. But it also isn’t very romantic when you think about it. This house feels bare and the entire street has turned a molten gray of cinders and waste. As of late, I have realized that this is a lazy town, and it has reminded me more of my childhood more than I thought it can ever do. As a child, I had often wondered how it would be like to be a little bigger and how great it would be to be my own man. Well I am almost fifteen now – seventeen days, six hours and fifty minutes to be exact. And honestly, reflecting upon those many, many walks I charged myself doesn’t exactly mean a thing anymore. It didn’t mean much after I had come home, it doesn’t mean anything now, and I am more than certain that tomorrow will speak of the same.

In the morning, cars are started; revving and ready. Tricycles blast at full velocity; a commuter would walk away with a solemn face; and garden hoses are opened in frenzy. At noon, the dogs lay asleep; the streets become quiet until the silence turns deafening; the sun leans down even more; workers have their lunch set; carenderias lay full. In the evening, the cars come back from a day’s repose at some random parking lot; tricycles eagerly search for one last passenger; commuters return with a friend or two; water declines and insects gnaw at the garden; cats beg for food; workers hog the karaoke; shops are closed as early as nine. The routine is so predictable; I can probably tell you what one of my neighbors will be doing right after watching the evening news!

I can now feel the summer temperature almost literally in my head, dancing; swaying. It is a sting that I’ve known before, but hadn’t felt for quite some time. Truly, it is an odd feeling being in a condition as such. Lunch feels five inches up my belly and my eyes have become more than lethargic from the incredible heat. These are the moments where I can’t help but feel lonesome and discomfited. No one knows. And the thought of this quietly sinks down uncomfortably, watching people writhe and wither out of defenselessness. Lying at home isn’t such a difficult thing for me to do. I’ve done it for the past fourteen years: every day, every month, every year. Only now, I can’t help but wonder why I feel a little slighted and a little ensnared; trapped. I don’t entirely don’t care. I actually have contemplated about summers past more than anyone I know. I think and I think and I think until I only start to wonder just how blue my heart has become. I have reached a nadir of my existence, yet I'm still here - in between the vital lines of being young and being old. I feel like an ode that is long forgotten. A poem with no more verses. An ability that has long gone. I want to get back, of course but I can’t, nor do I have the slightest idea how to. I doubt anyone would have recalled either way. And once I try, once I feel as though I have already won life's biggest accolades, another day dawns and I realize just how far happiness drives on.

I'm not Compeyson because he’s too stubborn; and I’m not Provis because he’s too batty. I am pissed and scared and and lonely and tired all at the same time. But I still have my senses in tact. In a while, I’d know that I love what I am doing; only I can’t sense that now. Everything will pass so soon. Happiness, though least likely, will come to me when I’m at my best. I know that. I just need a little breather and someone to prove me that. It’s a problem not having an inspiration, isn’t it? Well, it won’t be for so long. Never had I experienced getting sick on summer day up until this moment. Stay put, soldier. Even Pip got sick on his back.

It’s funny how I remember so much from the past and tend to forget the present. I have made this entry a recollection hub. It honestly feels like an arm dealt with great apoplexy. I don’t want to feign to make you see the obvious. But I certainly am not getting any younger. I am growing each day, but I’m afraid I’m learning less.

“You just need to rest.”

The Pacific Part Five: Peleliu Landing

Holymotherofpearl.This episode left me utterly speechless. Even now as I write this, I am still deep in thought, thinking of the most appropriate interjections I can insert within this entry’s paragraphs. Oh gawd. That was only the first of the many combats. And to think that the mêlée lasted for two months! It also was so close to the Philippines - probably the closest call the Marines could get from having the country raided even more by the Japs. It scares me that even to this day RV Burgin himself still sees the battle at Peleliu Landing as a “nightmare”.

In the beginning of this installment, we were taken to the rich(?)-and-famous life of one John Basilone. He still hasn’t dressed up for battle, by the way. Nevertheless, he had it going good! It was amusing seeing him next to Virgina Grey: he’s a lost boy who didn’t seem to know whether he wanted to quit this war bond trade and go back with the NCO’s, or continue the fate Chesty sealed for him. And speaking of Chesty, I also had not seen him since Melbourne. Also… wth? Was it only Jon Seda or did Basilone really have those massive tats? That’s some revelation, I’m telling you! We also got to see John’s kid brother, who I first thought was JP Morgan. It was an intense conversation, with John Basilone ending it with a sole advice (“don’t feel like you’ve got to prove nothing”). It led me to wonder if whether we’d catch a glimpse of George in the next Pacific episodes as well.

We also get a substantial view into the first war struggles of Eugene Sledge. Joseph Mazzello has grown up, that’s for sure. He’s very diverse from the Star Kid pubescent, but in some such way still gave me shades of Radio Flyer. It was short-lived but I was happy when Sledge and Phillips met again after such a long time. If only it wasn’t interrupted by Captain Ack-Ack (putting Eugene in hot water on the first day, Sid?). I was also impressed with Ashton Holmes in this installment. A poignant part was when Sidney explicated how bad the war was. It’s as though he never wanted to talk about Guadalcanal or Gloucester at all, and that one word about the war will spoil the reunion. I felt as though I was Eugene myself and that I have again convened with the best friend I ever knew. But he has become a gloomy, traumatized stranger, who even got in close proximity to burning a beach crab. And it’s sad because I was never really there to see how this change had come to pass. What’s even worse was Phillips shipping out of Peleliu without bidding Sledge goodbye. Well, at least he received the privilege of going back home.

And ho-ho-ho, Leckie got back to his buddies. Not a word about Banika, but he did play the role of Santa Claus (“In the south, Christmas starts in June”). It was a nice gathering that also made me smile. I can never actually imagine an episode without the four of them! The surprising thing was Leckie and Sledge’s meeting at a tent. I knew it was going to happen, but never thought it possible with Phillips out of the picture. It was also very quick, I was flat-out surprised. Leckie then plays a short naivety towards the “other” war across Europe. And seeing that Sidney Phillips was his biggest customer, Leckie’s book collection would also serve as the very element to connect himself with Sledge. Leckie’s brooding about God was also very scary. I remember seeing him climb down the church steps in the first episode. But now as he talks about “the old geezer” to Eugene, there was absolute disbelief and loss of faith from the guy. James Badge Dale, of course still plays Robert Leckie beautifully.

I thought I was going to watch this time and again like I did the last four episodes. But I sort of slacked off for some personal reasons. If I had not, I think I would have recognized everyone even more. I admit that I was a little irritated with so many characters suddenly popping up. So far, I remember Snafu Shelton (played by Rami Malek). Monotonous; deranged; ominous; and somehow finds eerie amusement seeing “new guys sweat”, he is closely becoming one of my favorite personas. The first time I saw him in the cabin (what was he doing with his foot then anyway?), I knew he wasn’t exactly going to be very cordial – not towards newcomers like Sledge, Oswalt and Leyden, most especially. But I definitely – definitely - I received a spasm of tingle at the back of my spine when he abruptly removed a gold tooth from a dead Jap’s mouth. I also enjoyed Gary Sweet's appearance as Gunny Haney. It struck me amusing that I even laughed the first time he got himself in cameo (“Take. That. Jap!”). He must have appeared at least thrice in this episode, and I hadn’t recognized him until I got the chance to watch Part Five for the second time. It was so rigid to get past the guy that even Ack-Ack was bamboozling other Marines, siding with Gunny. Jay De L'Eau also came off funny, for he had this ridiculous knack of spelling his name (capital D, small E, captial L, apostrophe…) amongst introductory conversations.

At the beginning of the episode, it was also revealed that after Gloucester and Pavuvu, the last thing at the back of every Marine’s mind was to get involved in another combat. They really thought, and wished, and prayed that they could all go back home, or at least rest again at Melbourne. But oh boy, the Japs thought otherwise. The place wasn’t exactly pleasant itself: it reeked, everyone tended to be more captivated with their game of cards, and rats and crabs got along together well. But trust me, the war in Peleliu landing has got to be the most brutal one I have ever gotten to watch! And if you thought John Basilone was badass on Guadalcanal, wait until you see the Japs’ artilleries and the damages they have done to the Marines. I never knew that the war would be even more daunting in the morning than it already is at night. I was inclined to react to Sledge’s sudden apoplexy the first time he landed on shore; I honestly thought that it was his heart murmur acting up. Also, I was immensely shocked when I saw Hoosier pass out from getting hit. The sad part actually was Leckie seeing it happen with his own eyes. And while Hoosier may wind up in either a hospital back home or at a morgue, Chuckler has somehow gone missing. The series has indeed left us hanging with regards to both their fates. It still is horrifying to remember. Just think about all those many, many corpses lying out by the beach. As I said, it only was day one – yet, there already was carnage everywhere. I don’t think there are enough words to express how brutal that combat really was. It really left me silenced and thinking even as the credits rolled.

The most amusing scenes were Snafu disgorging his guts just as their amtrack landed on the beach, Leckie referring to Hoosier as Sleeping Beauty, Sledge easily reddened by his packed "babyfood", and the Marines watching a movie off a projector. It’s a great episode not only because of the extremely awe-striking war, but also because it gave me so very diminutive ripples seeing the exposure of a religious, terribly good-natured and inexperienced boy scout to the dangers of artillery. Faith is also questioned, acquaintanceships are left unclear, and change has come even sooner when we least expected it. For the next two episodes, the Marines will still be posted in Peleliu. How I wish this miniseries would extend to a 20-part!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe Episode 3

I inserted the VCD, and woah! – the hell? Maugrim’s floating head greeted me at the very entrance of Episode 3. To top that off, his impossibly loud echo of a voice still frightens me! And trust me, I’ve seen him at least twice in this episode and I gave the same reaction. But because I found it somehow entertaining, I say Martin Stone did a fantastic job!

There were so many things that surprised me in this episode. It was a jack-in-a-box; silent yet so deadly: artlessly resting upon your dresser, waiting for the passer-by with the weakest heart. And before they know it – bam! – cardiac arrest! :-bd I am honestly torn. I love/hate every scene, and I find the most ridiculous takes amusing. I mean, whoa – BIG BEAVER! Ha-ha. That was “unpredictable”, I’ll give you that. But seriously, it was engaging from the get-go, and I was slightly hooked.

Scene after scene, I’ve come to enjoy this persona that Young Master Scott has concocted. Part Four focused on Edmund more. I like how they showed the “good conscience” and how the evil one wasn’t in any way present (it just proves that Edmund is Malevolence himself!). Edmund had a reason to go to the White Witch: the Beavers were sort of annoying. It’s been at least thirty minutes and they’re still talking about Aslan. And by the way, I heard the latch open in the middle of Mr. Beaver’s tale. And when they realized that Edmund had gone – that was some overreaction (I’m looking at you, Peter). Another funny part was when after "looking" for Edmund (really just positioned themselves in front of the Beavers' house and repeatedly called out, "Edmund! Edmund!"), they all decided to sit down and talk about the little miscreant for another thirty minutes! Sick.

I think there also was a talk about the prophecy. But I was too busy munching on my SkyFlakes to even listen (I’d watch it again tomorrow, don’t worry). Come to think of it, I enjoyed this episode better than the Beavers scene on the Narnia remake of 2005. Sure, the bats in the end suck (the hell was that?), and there was was a weird and cheesy vibe when Mr. Beaver first mentioned Aslan – but in terms of this episode and that scene, I’d gladly choose this as the winner. Just saying.

MacGruber!!!

What happens when a big volcanic cloud of ash hovers over Europe and delays all flights - including that of the RAW superstars? Well, at least SmackDown! and NXT are around. And that means... wait. Vladimir Kozlov is here?! Oh-oh, bravo! I haven't seen him for, like, a year already. IMDB actually posted a photo of him and MacGruber trash-talking inside the ring. I was supposed to put it here but my hands got lazy. Anyway, I got really hooked watching the April 19th episode of RAW. My favorite part was when Kozlov called Jerry "The King" Lawler to read the speech he made for the New Jersey spectator. Just to make it clear, the following was read by Jerry Lawler. Every interjection is his; not Vlad's:

"I, Vladimir Kozlov, am protesting the unfair treatment I have received by the RAW guest host. I am an elite athlete, who demands elite competition. Uh, I don't expect any of you to understand. You are all... and these are your words, uh... you are all spoiled, ignorant Americans. You are, uh, you are physically inferior, therefore you are weak! Worst of all, you are in a state devoid of class or integrity. The single most depressing place on Earth, New Jersey. I cannot wait for my fellow Russian to buy your pathetic NBA franchise, the Nets, and move it out of this horrible state forever."

Also, I noticed Kozlov smile at least thrice (that's hard for him to do) - especially when King was reading his speech. MacGruber was more than happy to come out and wave the American flag right on Kozlov's face ("Nobody rips on the state of New Jersey!"). MacGruber also insulted Vlad's mother - a thing that led into Vladimir Kozlov uttering, "I will destroy you" under his breath, and an almost-brutal match later in that night. But that's a different story. Here are the other great things that happened on RAW:

• MacGruber distinguishing Kane as the "friend" who wet his pants.
• Chris Jericho singing "JERICHO!!!" (MacGruber theme) at the top of his lungs.
• Triple H being the only guy from RAW to have stayed in the US.
• CM Punk and Triple H exchanging bragging rights.
• This
• Khaluber!!!
• R-Truth getting pyroed.
• Jon Bon Jovi, Paul Blart Mall Cop, Snooki AND The Situation all making it to MacGruber's list of great, famous people from New Jersey.
• SmackDown! rosters helping out with the show.
• Randy Orton's twenty-second "live-via-satellite" cameo.
• Wade Barrett and Skip Sheffield's embarrassing "Rock 'em, Sock 'em" match. Whoops, wrong show.

The funny thing is that, RAW was so good that night - and all the RAW superstars weren't even around! Here's The Miz talking about it (too bad Bret Hart wasn't around to declare ShoMiz the Greatest Tag-Team in WWE history). We learned two things throughout this whole setting. Number one, we desperately need other SmackDown! superstars to get drafted to RAW. Number two, Chris Jericho also stars in MacGruber.

Don't miss the WWE Draft Lottery 2010 next week.

The Pacific Part Four: Gloucester/Pavuvu/Banika

Part Four came off as a shock to me. In due course, the distressing state of these Marines has taken toll on my susceptibility. Concisely, it's my favorite episode so far. I think if James Badge Dale weren't playing the role of Robert Leckie, I would have been uninterested. But he’s so admirable; I was captivated to my very core.

In this episode, the Marines are initially taken to Cape Gloucester wherein their true mental and physical strengths were defied by the constant rain. The downpour has literally broken down every Marine in all aspects. The place was a mess: it was packed with hundreds of Japs; numerous cases of infirmities wandered about camp; Marines were strained to smoke “underwater”; the jungle ravenously closed in; rain fell hard and heavy; and everyone shared a limited supply of canned-food, all of which are just “basically soup”. It was quite a sight seeing Leckie sink into muck and rolling down a mud-spattered slope afterwards! Another dismal part in Gloucester was Lieutenant Lebec's felo-de-se. Before he blew his brains out, there was a momentary scene in where Lebec had hung his trousers before smelling his fingers. It somehow made me wonder if he was having the same urinary problem as Leckie. Ironically, Leckie was the only spectator upon the said lieutenant's suicide. Also, the war was more than chaotic! I have seen so many Japs with their intestines literally blown out from their body and their faces shot off, I can’t help turning away from the TV screen. It was real sick.

The most confusing occurrence throughout this episode is hands-down, Gibson’s appearance. I honesty had never seen the guy prior this affair, and I actually thought he was inaptly inserted in this episode alone. I had to watch it twice to clearly understand who he was and whatever it was he talked to Leckie about. Sure enough, I also had him located in Part Three as I was skimming through the past three installments. I explicitly recognize him as the “idiot” (Leckie’s word) who was shooting off a “poor farmer’s dairy cow”. If I had known him then, I never would have thought that Gibson could turn into someone so sinister as to even strangle a dying Japanese soldier with his bare hands – which he actually, knowingly did as Leckie and Phillips fixatedly looked on. In fact, the Gibson at Melbourne seemed to be in a rather satisfied disposition (and would even be seen gaily hollering goodbye beside Leckie, just before their ship parted from Australia) whereas the Gibson of Gloucester, Pavuvu and even Banika is almost unfathomable, finally broken with languor; an ultimate paradigm of a worn-out Marine. I seldom mistake him for Hoosier now. It still is eerie seeing them sit next to each other though.

We may also find Leckie training in Battalion Intelligence. I felt sort of susceptible when it comes to Robert Leckie. He had sundry temperaments as he was often undervalued and bigoted by the officers in higher authority. Lieutenant Larkin is the cockiest and most supercilious character I’ve encountered throughout the whole setting. Although Leckie himself embezzled it from a dead Jap in the first place, it still was unfair of Larkin to hide the gun without warning, whatsoever. Never bearing in mind the fact that Leckie killed at least four Japs in Battalion training, Larkin even had the guts of inequitably shifting Leckie to a lower position before humiliating him of his wetting crisis. Leckie’s pilfered gun also seemed to be quite an element in the episode. Not only did I notice that he valued it deeply, but everyone wanted to have it as well. Hoosier wasn’t as half entertained anymore with Leckie’s wisecracks, but I found it funny how Robert actually thought of numerous ways to kill Larkin.

Pavuvu certainly didn’t make things any better. Leckie was made to deal with the most abject points of his life and the awkward effects of enuresis. Soon enough, he falls seriously ill himself and “The Death of Hope” abruptly leads him to Banika - right into the disbelieving arms of one Dr Grant. The scenes hereafter actually marked my amusement and appreciation of Leckie even more. Even inside a “loony bin”, he remains mordant. There were a lot of "holy moly!"-worthy moments and riveting conversations that made me think a lot. Another part I liked was the guys spending Christmas as war ensued. It must have been a sad thing, of course - and I'd rather have them enjoying the holidays with their families. But I found a pleasant feeling towards the Marines as they sang themselves Christmas carols. It has got to be the best part. Along with Grant Cartwright playing the role of the schizophrenic Captain Midnight, Leckie’s conversation with Gibson also stood out. Banika's a frightening place to be in, and Leckie, realizing this, just wasn't about to pass up a "crazy thought". Finally surrendering his Jap gun, he unduly leaves the infirmary.

At length, Sledge got himself enlisted to camp. He opened the episode in training, "shooting" two of his cardboard "friends". I didn’t see much of him in the episode though. I predict the next one to do right by him. Also, I thought it unjust to conclude that Basilone was the true hero of the 1st Marine Division. Some of the guys were getting sick of him, by the by. Furthermore, "Manila" John Basilone was perfectly absent throughout the whole episode. Not much character was used in this installment, and it mainly focused on Leckie. Notwithstanding that, it still gives me those spasmodic sets of goose bumps watching this episode. The last parts were stirring: Leckie looks around him, tries to make out different views of Banika for the last time, and baffled, heads on to his friends before they set out without him.

It felt quickly cut. I was surprised when it suddenly ended. I wasn’t clock-watching, and I thought there would be at least fifteen more minutes left. It was depressing and heartfelt all at the same time; I enjoyed watching it and was silenced when the credits rolled. It really was a great episode. Can’t wait for Part Five!

---

Runner, shivering, sick in bed, throws something at Leckie's head.
Leckie (annoyed): What?
Runner: Read to me, Daddy.
Leckie: Dear Vera, it finally stopped raining. Only making the smell of rotting coconuts worse. Rats and crabs have come out of hiding. I killed more of them in the past week than I will ever kill Japs. Everyone's sores have gotten worse, along with their dysentery. My buddy, Runner has a bone-crashing bout of malaria. This island has an exotic name that translated means 'The Death of Hope'. Thinking of you always, Robert.
Phillips: Pavuvu means 'Death of Hope'?
Leckie: I don't know what it means. And I don't care.

Whoring A Word Is World-Renowned

It's amazing how people could whore such words. Heck, I remember when I was nine years of age: I constantly used the word "shit", as though it was the most beautiful thing that ever came out of my innocent lips. And that alone was by watching Stand By Me on VCD. Of course, because I was an arrogant little infantile, I had the erratic comprehension that I was established enough to execrate and venerate such words. So, whore it is. And here I am. And I groveled my way here with every celebrated cuss at the tip of my very tongue.

Fast-forward a little bit about a year or two after being exposed to absolute liberty: Looking past old notebooks and whatnot, I noticed something unusual. The sight was quite appalling in fact that even to this day, I wouldn't want to read old notes of mine wherein perusing upon inklings may still be possible. How terrifying it is that every time I got extremely upset, I'd use a bad word - and whore that indecent thought/language/syllable throughout the rest of a writing. I didn't like the thought of senseless cussing hence after.

I do really believe that once a word has been whored one too many times (can you see me whoring the word "whore", right now?), sooner or later, a person who once found it exceptionally flabbergasting would dislike even the very thought of it; every letter of it; every memory with it; every fiber of it.

Now that you have grown up, wth?, people around you are starting to use that very word! That's yours! Heck, you've used it so many times, people would most likely see your name next to it in the dictionary! Irritating, isn't it? That you're not the only one who can use the word after all? That people are so strange and so infuriating for using the word in happiness, and not in contempt nor for the price of recognition? That you're not the only whore word-whore around here after all?

It's time to wake up because you're not nine anymore. Or ten, or eleven. You've grown, and it's time to leave the childlike outlook behind. Harsh truth is that, you can't always get what you want (insert Mick Jagger's mic skillz). It's droll how you are easily angered by this. Do you feel fractional that you got earlier into the bandwagon and never received the pleasure of staying in the after-party? Well, too bad, Little Polly Flinders, Sat Among the Cinders. If the Whored Word was too insensitive towards your feelings, and if it had been so numb towards your hubbubs and neurotic antics, I am sure that it is sorry it never took much notice of you. But also, (only because you put on quite a show), I assure you: it will never in a lightyear like you any longer.

At a time, I have read a certain chapter in Great Expectations wherein Charles Dickens wrote, "Throughout life, our worst weaknesses and meannesses are usually committed for the sake of the people whom we most despise." Applicably, he is nothing but accurate.

Yes, this post has a double meaning.

Eve Earns a Bragging Mark

As I was watching a Hoff-tastic episode of RAW last night, my moments of joy were impudently interrupted by a severely long cable-loss. Now prior this entry, boys and girls, I honestly had no idea that the Divas Championship still existed, nor had I detained the knowledge of whoever held it for that matter. Why, I was just asking about it in my mind! It's surprising how it was the last thing to show up on RAW right before I encountered that temporary loss of joy.

I wasn't watching the match, sorry. I was in fact, about to flip it. But then I heard the three fatal taps, the bell ringing, and saw one excited diva in the center of the mat. Eve won. And from what I've learned, it's her first championship. Hoff-some!

Now that I think about it, I'd also like to see a diva compete in Extreme Rules. Let's see a fresh rivalry that will wow me as with the likes of Lita and Trish Stratus. Those matches immensely entranced me to my very core. :)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe Episode 2

Truly, the second installment is far better than the first. With those wide, evil eyes and big, booming voice, Barbara Kellerman pwned everyone in the show! The Professor (Michael Aldridge) was also very promising. It was a shame that both characters only emerged at least once throughout the whole episode. Nevertheless, I should say that both appearances made me happy.

I take back what I said about Jonathan Scott. His scenes are still a little rough around the edges, but I liked him in this affair. I was amused when Edmund (oblivious to the irony that he, in fact, has been talking to an evil bitch who makes everyone in Narnia miserable) explained how his batty sister, Lucy went to have tea with a fawn. It marked The White Witch's frustration with regards to her plot of (possibly) killing the Sons and Daughters of Adam and Eve and ... she's funny. Pardon me as I stifle a laugh.

Edmund: Can't I have just one piece of Turkish Delight to eat when I go home?
White Witch (enraged): NNNOOO! (tries to calm down and smiles) No. You must wait until next time. Just think how good it will taste then. (the chariot starts to leave) Next time! (echoes) Next tiiiiiiiiiiime!

Hahaha. Priceless.

Also, Peter and Susan - (with an exception of a take alongside Michael Aldridge) gawd, they have the laziest scenes! - finally got into the magic world themselves. Here, Peter berates on Edmund for almost persuading them that Lucy is mentally-deficient. While irksomely, Lucy starts to smile again as if saying "I told you so!".

The episode ends with the four innocent nomads learning that the White Witch has condemned good old Mr. Tumnus for life-imprisonment. That Maugrim guy was seriously scary in the end. Everything literally became frightening when he started talking!

The thing that I noticed in this episode is that, there weren't much special effects. And if there was any particular scene to have one, they didn't come off as too disturbing or distracting at all. It was done well, but it could have been better. There were some dull, awkward moments in which a background music should have been thoughtfully inserted. That's all I have. Let's see how the next episode goes.

---

White Witch: Son of Adam, I would so much like to see your brother and sisters. You must bring them to me.
Edmund: All right. I'll try.
White Witch: Because if you brought them to me, I should give you more Turkish Delight!
Edmund: Oh give it to me now!
White Witch: But I can't. The magic will work only once. It will be another matter if you were in my house. My MAGIC house.
Edmund: I want to go there now. I want more Turkish Delight!
White Witch (stares into space): It is a lovely place - my house. Except for one thing. I have no children. I would so much like a nice boy I could bring up as a prince. He would be king of Narnia when I am gone. He would wear a gold crown and eat Turkish Delight ALL day long. (turns to Edmund) And as you are much the cleverest and handsomest young man I have ever met, I wish to make you the prince - when you bring the others to visit me.
Edmund: Why can't we go there now?
White Witch (getting impatient): Oh, but if I took you there now I shouldn't see your brother and sisters! You must have courtiers and nobles. I will make your brother a duke and your sisters duchesses.
Edmund: I shouldn't bother. There's nothing special about them. I could bring them another time.
White Witch (frustrated): But once in my house you will forget everything - NO!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe Episode 1

What we have is this: a VCD collection of the 1988 TV series, The Chronicles of Narnia. Sounds good. I was watching this set the other day to kill time. Initially, I never intended on giving out any comments regarding the show, but I can’t help it. The special effects, of course aren’t as enthralling as what we have now with Harry Potter; nor is it as fascinating as that with the Narnia remake we have of present. Perhaps they were slick in the 80's. I’m not sure, and I don’t want to disparage about that matter. I wasn't happy with some things though.

We all know the story of this classic CS Lewis tale, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. When the war broke out, four kids, (brothers and sisters) Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy were shipped to the country for comfort and shelter. The kids play hide-and-seek, Lucy sees a wardrobe, she hops in, and boom! – Narnia.

There is something unsettling about Jonathan Scott, and instead of liking Edmund (as I really do because of his early antagonism), I feel as though I am bound to dislike him in this show. But then again, the other kids are also aggravating at one point or another. The two Sophies, for example: Sophie Cook as Susan just never suits my fancy; and playing the role of little Lucy, Sophie Wilcox's grin is always expectant – and dang, she smiles a lot! Although I find Peter as a cocky and irritating character, Richard Dempsey came off as the only kid with good acting skills.

Maybe it was just the mic – again, I’m not sure! Everyone was so soft-spoken. But every time one of the kids yells, I get frightened or nervous! I had to increase-then-decrease the volume every so often.

It was a shock when Lucy opened the wardrobe. There, I said it. I was shocked; not mesmerized. The hell was that? It felt as though I was watching Lord of the Flies! Heck, I was waiting for Jack Merridew to jump out of the greens. Anyway, Jeffrey Perry as Mr. Tumnus is great in the show. In fact, he nailed every scene he was part of.

Oh well, so much Episode One. It ended with Edmund following Lucy during hide-and-seek, and seeing Narnia for himself. In the next episode, we will be encountering the White Witch of Narnia.

Becoming

We change again, and yet again, and it was too late and too far to go back, and I went on. And the mists had all solemnly risen now, and the world lay spread before me.

~Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, p. 197

I must have won at least four games of Free Cell last night. It was the best time I've had with my brother in years. Time sauntered quickly; it was one heck of a day.

The Pacific Part Three: Melbourne

I don't care what anyone says, I was happy with this episode anyway! For some, perhaps a respite from war came a little early for the show, so they never really found this enjoyable. I thought otherwise, despite the program's decrease in rating. With scraggy hair, scarred skins, mud-strewn faces and weary physiques, to be honest, the Marines all looked like shit. It's a good basis for me to assert this breather appropriate. Personally, I never expected the Marines to hang about Melbourne throughout the whole episode. It made me wonder if they might also repose within close range of the Philippines. :)

Starting with the things that surprised me, the first one has got to be Leckie's "fling" with Stella - a composite replica of the real Robert Leckie's many, many women. Of course, with Vera still in the picture, I never really projected their relationship to last for so long - but Stella's reason of "dumping" Leckie wasn't very fair either. Leckie, obviously upset (and possibly drunk), blasphemes Lieutenant Corrigan and gets himself locked up in detention with the unfortunate Chuckler (he only wanted to take a leak!). And if that wasn't bad enough, this attitude gets Leckie booted to a Battalion Intelligence Officer. Another thing that surprised me was Chesty talking John Basilone into going home for war bonds. I never envisaged anything about that matter, and felt it done so soon. Another sad prospect between John and JP. It truly was a distressing moment to see that kind of parting between the two. I felt bad for JP, all the more.

And what with the comfort of food, shelter, and the many, many beautiful girls - it was Paradise for everyone. The Marines going AWOL right after docking was gleeful. Another funny part was a lineup early in the morning, preceding the guys' decadent freedom: everyone was left sleepless and deep-set with a little bit of hang-over left. Heck, even Lieutenant Corrigan couldn't speak right of himself! And a Marine, who couldn't stand straight anymore, eventually fell flat on his face! Hoosier and Runner going about the bar were amusing. And after learning that he was to be awarded the Medal of Honor, a confused John Basilone (strangely getting attractive) heaves alcohol on Chesty's desk (blockbuster is the shiz)!

I can say that Badgett Dale is really good in this episode. Every scene he had was awe-striking. I was most happy when Leckie shared something about his family. Also, I never really expected the presentation of the Medal of Honor to be any grander. I found Jon Seda really good during Basilone's awarding moment though. I thought that it was the complete example of Dr. Sledge's caveat to his son of having "no life left in his eyes" after the war. And speaking of Eugene, he was nowhere to be found throughout the whole episode. Meanwhile, his friend, Sidney Phillips also had his own share of women. It went fine for him, but I never enjoyed much of his account. Frankly, I found his love story tedious whereas Leckie’s was cordial and intriguing.

Really, I liked Part Three. I thought it was rather exciting. I'm sure that after this, the guys will be back in combat and we'll be discovering more from them. But so far, character development was perfectly woven in this episode, and I've learned more about these Marines in some such ways possible. I have no problem with regards to this installment. In fact I have watched this at least five times already, and I've been itching for Part Four every now and again.

Swagger Has Swagger

He's an All-American amateur wrestler wearing red, white and/or blue singlets, who won a title a year after his debut and married a member of the sex industry. This is...?

All right, pencils up! If you answered Jack Swagger... well... I guess that's also correct. I was aiming for Kurt Angle, though. It's hands-down de ja vu between the two superstars.

Well, indeed things do roll on quickly. Congratulations to Mr./Mrs. Jack Swagger/Hager for ringing out the wedding bells just after the All-American-American cashed in his Money-in-the-bank contract and won the World Heavyweight gold. All shall be well.

Props to redeadening of the Wrestling Forum

Million Dollar Baby

Last week at Wrestlemania, my dad, The Million Dollar Man was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. I guess that prestigious honor had some... some kind of profound respect of my father because last week on RAW, he did something he’s never done before. Ever. He tried to act like a father. Well, Dad, newsflash: one act of random kindness doesn’t make up for all those lost years. All the baseball games. The football games. The birthday parties. My graduation. The time for missed opportunities is over. But, but you know better than anyone how to win me over, and it’s not through my heart, it’s through my bank account. So, so thanks Dad for the trust fund. And thanks to your Million Dollar title. You know, it truly is good being the fortunate son.”

~Ted DiBiase; Monday Night RAW, 04/05/10

Looks like The Million Dollar Man has allowed his Juniors to play with his artifices. Or perhaps this is the bridge that Ted, Sr. is trying to create to make up for those "lost times" his son has been raving about.

Save the outbursts about Ted, Jr.'s daddy issues (the football games and baseball leagues that his father failed to attend to). Surely, this Million Dollar Baby is bound to walk on his old man's footsteps (if you can't win it, buy it! But if you can't buy it, make one.).

The Million Dollar Championship seems to be the ultimate juju in the House of the DiBiases. Talk about the chip off the old block uncovering the belt this past Monday and simply pinning Christian with a flat-out 1-2-3. ♥

I say this piece of jewelry has to be defended. Well, at least Ted and Christian have to go somewhere.

The Pacific Part Two: Guadalcanal/Basilone

I admit that I enjoyed watching this episode better than I did the first. I have recognized more characters like Chuckler, Hoosier and Runner. All three have been very funny - period. Humor was actually what made me like this episode best. There were a lot of uproarious moments, believe me. Like that time when both Leckie's and Basilone's groups raided the Army's supplies. The aftermath of that exploit must have marked my favorite scenes. The Peaches/Old Faithful antics were amusing - and you just have to love Leckie wearing those beautiful Moccasins!

On the down side, people are changing more and more. JP Morgan has nearly gone out of his wits just listening to a radio station talk about actual food. Even worse is that, their menu would only consist of "Rice without Beef. Rice Without Chicken. Rice Without Shrimp", etc. Plain rice would have been fine if only they weren't maggot-infested.

The ending was rather sad. Marines and Japs alike got killed like crazy, but Manny's death was truly a shock. John Basilone is officially bad-ass! In the grand scheme of things, he created one big human slaughter just by picking up a machine gun alone. Cripes, everyone was daunted. At any rate, it tuned out to be a depressing day for everyone in combat. It was a relief seeing Leckie and the guys have a cup of coffee. Knowing that they may in fact have a little rest from war eventually puts a smile on my face.

Meanwhile, Eugene would not be heeding his father's advice anymore. I am still excited for his enlistment with the Marines.

---

"Guadalcanal? Everybody's heard of Guadalcanal and the 1st Marine division. You guys are on the front page of every newspaper in America. You're heroes back home."

The Pacific Part One: Guadalcanal/Leckie

This, hands-down, is a great episode. And with me surveying this show, really, there is a catch. I haven't watched Band of Brothers yet (I'm planning to, don't worry), so I won't get to compare this and that with The Pacific. The possibility of owning at least one of the memoirs used in this series is also far from happening. Despite all that, I am delighted to have watched this. In some such way, it brought back my interest in war and history. And frankly, I haven't been so engrossed with either one for quite some time.

To be honest, I never really enjoyed the earlier parts of the show: I thought the explosions between the battling navies were a bit dire; I constantly got the characters mixed up; the war was extremely chaotic and messy. However, things silently turn around after the first twenty minutes or so when Leckie begins writing to Vera. He is becoming the most favorable character I've seen since. It also was nice to see William Sadler. Cripes, I loved that guy in Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey! I will now come to recognize him as Chesty, the colonel in charge of the NCO's.

I like how every dialogue is delivered. All in all, they are exciting, hilarious and sarcastic. Even for the first partings, they never left that comic path. Also, I can say that the Japs had their own side of the story. It was awful how the Marines killed the repenting soldier just like that. It has only been Day One and we can already observe the change that is mutely showering upon these combatants.

I am happy with this first episode, really. I'm glad that I never forgot it nor had I flipped it. When I first thought about watching this, I never really expected anything. And now I am looking forward to the next more episodes. I'd like to see Eugene Sledge enlisted with Sidney Phillips. I think that would be great.

TV Miniseries: The Pacific

Since I've got nothing better to do every Saturday night, I am making it a point to watch The Pacific on HBO Asia.

It basically tells the story of three US Marines during America's battle against the Japanese in the Pacific during World War II: Eugene Sledge, who insisted on signing with the Marines despite his heart murmur; Robert Leckie, an intelligent scout and known writer among his friends; and John Basilone, who was with duty in other countries but chose to combat with the Japanese alongside the Marines. It is produced by Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman and Steven Spielberg.

In the book, there originally were five US Marines narrating their memoir. I guess HBO can't afford to have any more main characters. Two million for this production - explosive!

Some child actors have also grown to be part of this film (Joseph Mazzello from Radio Flyer; Brendan Fletcher from Goosebumps; Badgett Dale from Lord of the Flies), and I somehow find that amusing.

You can catch The Pacific every Saturday, 9:00 PM on HBO Asia.