American Idol - Season 5

Oh yeah! Here we go again. The new season of “American Idol” starts tonight. I did a blog about the show some times ago. That’s right; I am addicted to the show. I don’t know why but I just love watching the three judges fighting over their opinions about any particular people on the audition. I don’t particularly like Simon, one of the three judges on the show. But, I got to admit, he is honest and gives the best advises to the people who went on audition. Sometimes those advices could be cruel, but it’s better than making people to believe they are good but in reality they are horrible. To me, that’s the best advice I could take. If I was one of those people who went on to the audition, and if I was really serious about pursing my career in the business, I do not need people to lie to me and say things to make me feel better. I got to give Simon for that. But then again, sometimes I feel Simon actually enjoys making fun of those “horrible” singers. Paula is one of those judges who just can not be mean to anyone. She is always smiling and even the worse singer gets her “moral” support. And Randy I guess kind stay neutral and serve as a mediator between Simon and Paula. And yes, watching those horrible singers making a total fool out of themselves on national TV is also fun too.

2 cents stamps

Here is another session of me venting. The new postage rate went into effect on January 8th, 2006 (On a Sunday, which there is no mail might I add). That means, the next time you lick to seal the envelopes and the stamps, you had to fork over an additional 2 cents. How come the price of everything went up but my paycheck remained the same? Well, that’s the subject on another discussion. But what’s the big deal about the 2 cents you ask? Well, let me tell you why my good friends. It’s a pain in the butt!

I’ve just purchased a roll of stamps (which is about 100) just the past December. And, I purchased in the post office after waiting in line for about 43minutes and 17 seconds. Yes! I was counting. You would too after you wait in line for more than 13 minutes and the line does not move! When I was purchasing the stamps, at no time did the postal employee inform me about the rate change. You would think a reasonable (or helpful) person would remind me about the rate change so I can either can buy the new rate stamps (which is 39 cents), or buy additional 2 cent stamps in order to avoid the hassle of buy the additional stamps after January 8th. NO! Not government employees. They just do not care! They probably laughed at me after I left the counter and went “there goes another sucker who is gonna learned the hard way!”

So, since I still got bills to pay, I figured I’ll just go back to the post office (again) and get some more 2 cent stamps. No biggie, right? WRONG! I don’t know how the government agencies do it. If they run their business in the private sectors, they will be out of business just like that! Can you say “Customer Service”? Or “Customer Care”? Or “How can we help you?” It’s obviously not in their training manuals. After the rate change, you would think the post office will take premeditated measures of ensuring the general public can adapt the new post rate change easily and smoothly, right? I would think by making sure of purchasing the 2 cents stamps convenient and painlessly would definitely accomplish that. Ha!

There I was, walked into the post office. The line is at its usual length, which is about 3 times over the ropes by the counter. I figured, conservatively speaking, it’s about a good 37 minutes and 52 seconds wait. So, I looked around and found there is an automated stamp machine. Oh boy, what a break I told myself. An ATM machine for stamps?! That’s unprecedented! I happily walked over to the machine thinking this will save me at least 45 minutes. Guess what? Of all the different denominations of stamps displayed in the machine, the only kind that was sold out was….you guessed it! The 2 cent stamps! Upon learning my fate, I figure the only option I have is get back in line and take it like a man. That’s when I realized I’d just tendered my doom when I saw the line had grown longer!

Shocked, dismayed and heart-broken, I walked back to my car shivering. This can not happen to me. First there was no “Holiday bonus”, and then the USC lost to Texas at the Rose Bowl, then this? I went over to the same post office 8am the next morning and finally got my 2 cent stamps (100 pc to be exact). But, needless to say, this has not been a pleasant experience!

"Thunder and Lightning" turning pro!

Just as I expected, both running backs of USC, often referred to as “Thunder and Lightning” are turning pro for the 2006 NFL draft. . Even though it’s very hard for me to see them leave USC, but I totally understand and respect their decisions. Matt Leinart, the USC’s quarterback, finished his USC career after played his last college game at the Rose Bowl, will also be joining Reggie and LenDale at the draft. That means USC had lost 3 of its best starting players on its football team. Wow! Can you imagine a football team losing 3 of its best players, 2 Heisman Trophy winners might I add, and go from making a history by winning a third consecutive national championship to just perhaps an average team next year? As a true USC fan, I really don't want to see this happening, even though its probably the best for both players. However, after losing so many talent, how culd USC ever bounce back into national contention next season? I really think will be facing a tough season ahead.


Then again, its unfair for me to make this assumption that USC’s football team will be just “average” next season. However, I dont have any clue on the high school recruits USC acquired for next season. Given the success of this season, it's probably reasonable to assume that good high school football players would like to attend USC. But its really hard to remain on top after losing 3 of your best players on the team. Lets see what the “Thunder and Lightning” accomplished in their years at USC: In the past 3 season, Bush rushed for 3,169 yards, and LenDale rushed for 3,159 yards, which helped USC won 37 games (34 straight before losing to Texas) with only 2 loses. Both running backs scored a combined of 99 touch downs, breaking the NCAA record of 97 set by Army's Glenn Davis and Felix "Doc" Blanchard from 1943-46. Well, one thing is for sure, I can’t wait to see what these guys can do playing in the big league. It sure will be interesting to see what they can do in the NFL. I wish them best of luck!

Go Trojans!

Memoirs of a Geisha - A Movie Review

I did not want to see this movie at first. Especially after reading the book, I figure there is no way this movie could be as good as the book. Also, Hollywood has not done good jobs remake a movie from its original novel. But, after I have heard so much about this movie, I figure I better see the movie before I come up with my own conclusion.

First of all, this movie should have been Japanese spoken with English subtitles. It’s a Japanese story taking place in Japan about 50 years ago. When all the actors were speaking English with Japanese accent, it feels like watching bad Kung Fu movies.

Second, all casts are somewhat popular and established actors from China / Hong King. I do not buy the argument that the producers should have cast Japanese actors only. I figure the roles should be played by actors which the director thinks its best fitted for that particular role. Non-Japanese actors (if they are good) should play the roles just fine. However, I was very disappointment after seeing their performances.

From the top, Ziyi Zhang, all of the sudden has become one of the Hollywood's favorite international movie star, did not do a good job in her role. Her English speaking skills still needs a lot of improvement, but I guess it does not make any differences in this movie. Her acting in this movie is substandard at best. Ken Watanabe did a terrific job in this movie. After seeing his performance in The Last Samurai with Tom Curise, I thought he's a great actor. He did not disappointment me in this movie. Gong Li, another famous Chinese actor, did a decent job in her supporting role. But I feel the best performance through out the movie was by Suzuka Ohgo, who played Chiyo (or young Sayuri).

The character of Sayuri had a tough childhood and Suzuka played the role well with great perfection. She made me feel so sad for the little girl and wanted to just give her a hug. Great job by the fine young Japanese actor.

Over all, I was disappointed by how Hollywood as once again portrayed one of the great novels poorly in a movie. The producers misrepresented the essence of the story in the effort tying to tailor the American audiences. A few actors in this movie could be Academy-worth (Ken Watanabe and Suzuka Ohgo), but that’s as far as I'd give my credits to this movie.

Blurrrrr.....!

Its gonna be a cold one this weekend. Some place in S. Florida temperature might get as low in the 30s, which is pretty COLD in my book. I better start digging out all of my heavy down jackets in my closet. Since I moved to FL from CA, I pretty much packed up all of my heavy jackets, thinking that I probably never get the chance to wear them anymore. I even thought of giving them away to charity. But then again, since its pretty much warm all year around, even the “socially challenged” and unfortunate people would have no use for them as well. I cant believe I am beginning to write correct “politically”…

We Lost!

Tough game...but we came up short. Oh well, we'll be back!

It's Finally Here!!!

Here it its! The most anticipating college football game of the season. # 1 Southern California Trojans take on the # 2 Texas Longhorns tonight at 8pm EST. I do not want to trash talk too much about the Longhorns as everyone can see I am a very passionate USC fan! I guess due to the fact that I graduated from USC in 1994 has something to do with it. When I used to attend USC, I used to go to every home football game. And I know we have a very special team this year. I know Mrs. Harley Howie probably would not like this but I’ll be glued to the TV set tonight!

New Year's Blog!

My buddy Big Dog (we call him big dog because he rides a “Big Dog”) called and invited Mrs. Harley Howie and I and a whole lot of our friends to his new place for an open house party on New Year’s Eve. The Mrs. and I had no other plans so we gladly accepted his generous invitation. I have not seen Big Don for a while. It’d be a great to catch things up and see all of our other friends as well.

Big Dog is a very serious and experienced boater. I used to go to his old studio apartment a lot. He has a sixty-footer sail boat which he’s working on it constantly. He used docks right in the back of the studio apartment but he had always stayed on the boat. He had to move because his landlord had just sold the building recently. We used to make fun of him because he is endlessly working on the boat and spending way too much money on it. We all used to call that boat “The Money Pit”. We’d her one day hear he had put in a brand new sail, which I’d imagine would cost a few pennies or two. The other day we’ll be hear him complaining about how much he spent on replacing the plumbing of his bathroom. I guess it all adds up. We all assumed he will fix the sail boat up and then sell it or trade it in for another one. When we got to his house, we realized he had bought another 55 footer cruiser-fishing boat. He actually docks both of this boat right in his back yard deck.

He invited us inside to take a look and boy, was it nice! Flat screen TVs are all around the main cabinet, which consists of the living room, dining room and kitchen. As you walk further inside, which is the lower deck, you’ll see the crew member’s bedroom, a guest bedroom, bathroom (with a shower) and the master bedroom. When we went on the top deck of the boat, you’ll get a clear view of the ocean all around the boat. I am sure this new boat cost a few buck or two. He offered to take us up to Daytona during Bike Week, I told Big Dog I’ll try to get my sea legs together and get back to him.

Don is single but he knows his way around the kitchen very well. He almost handled the entire meal all by himself. We had chips and dips (which I am sure I could also manage), few delightful appetizers, and of course, prime ribs, honey baked ham and all the trimming to go with it. There was an open bar but I stayed with beers all night. I ate so much I don’t even remember how many plates I had. Then after dinner, we all sat around the deck and just chatting.

We sat around for a while and I realized it’s almost 11pm. The Mrs. and I did not stay for the New Year count down because I thought maybe it’s much safer to go home before midnight. But, I already had a bottle of champagne chilled and ready for us at home. The Mrs. and I turned in to Regis on TV and pop the bottle right at mid night.

Happy "Holidays"!

Happy new year everyone! I was going to say “Merry Christmas” but didn’t want to be “politically incorrect”! I remember people used to say Merry Christmas all the time, but nowadays people say craps like “Happy Holidays”. What the heck is that? Weather you are Christian or not, we all know its Christmas. By greeting people with a warm “Merry Christmas” does not mean I am stuffing Jesus Christ down to your throat. So, just relax and chill. It supposed to be a joyful time of the season, no matter what types of religions you believe in.

I had a great time this “Holiday Season”. I don’t remember all the details, because who could remember everything if you’ve been drinking all day and all night. But I did remember we (me and Mrs. Harley Howie) went to a buddy of mine’s house for a “Christmas Eve Drinking Fest”. We drank, shot a few rounds of pool, played a few round of darts. And I think we had a barn fire or something. On Christmas Day, we had a real nice, traditional Christmas dinner. Another buddy of mine made everything. We had turkey breasts, rack of lamb, honey baked ham, sweet potatoes, something and something. We did not drink all that much because most of us (especially I) was still recovering from the night before.

The day after Christmas while everyone else was clutching in the malls and trying to get their Christmas presents returned in the stores, Mrs. Harley Howie and I took a nice and peaceful ride. We ended up in Seminoles Hard Rock Casinos in Hollywood, FL. We walked around the shops and took a nice picture in front of the Christmas tree (as seen above).

Tune in tomorrow for all the fun festivities Mrs. Harley Howie and I encountered during New Years Eve and New Years Day. (Is it politically correct to say that???)