The Sterling Sliver

Finally, a compelling issue to bring me out of hiatus. I probably would've been too indolent to write anything about it but this Donald Sterling news is getting in the way of me enjoying the NBA playoffs. And nothing ruins a run to the NBA Finals more than a social issue of this magnitude. So for the benefit of those who are still in outer space or is not in tune with sports altogether, current Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling is in the hot seat for some racial allegations he made coming from an audio tape that was publicly sent out by her girlfriend V. Stiviano. In the recording, which Stiviano's lawyer claims as legit, clearly airs Sterling's racial remarks towards African-Americans. Not surprisingly, this has caught the NBA world by storm and the outrage from all walks of life has been overwhelming.

There is no room for such behavior in professional sports, or anywhere for that matter. This has an undeniable effect to the players, the organization as well as the growing Clipper fans. On a social standpoint, it mirrors the same communal issues in any typical workplace. And like any racial-related case, it must be addressed. Confident enough that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will ensure such actions are dealt with accordingly. On a professional standpoint, how do you see the Clippers deal with this situation? Do you win to play for an owner who does not respect you as a player? Do you win just for you, your teammates or for the team but essentially still winning for the owner? Or do you lose, and as an athlete, give up all you have worked for just to prove a point? As a person, I would understand if each and every one of the Clippers have a different take on this in terms of playing to win or not playing in protest. The problem is, deny it all they want, the Clippers are affected by this one way or another. I think it showed clearly on Sunday's loss to the Golden State Warriors. Not to dismiss the efforts by Mark Jackson's team, but it sure had something to do with the Clippers' lack of focus. As the Clippers go back to Los Angeles, what would the atmosphere be like? Should the Clipper fanatics not watch at Staples? Should they boo or cheer? All of which are distractions if you are making a push for a championship.

As a Laker fan, I almost feel sorry for the Clippers (in fact I actually do) because this came totally from left field. I felt like this year the team would go deep into the playoffs but now I truly have my doubts. Blake Griffin is a monster, Chris Paul is his usual dynamic self and the supporting cast can truly pose a challenge in the Western Conference. However, this kind of predicament has, and excuse my naivety if historically there was a similar incident, is unprecedented. This is not an injury to your star player, not a coach getting suspended, not a loyal fan missing out on a game. This is an owner who runs and benefits from a team that is comprised primarily by African-Americans but ironically is racist. This is not something that a team can easily adjust to. Nobody can just step up and take over the game. This is beyond basketball and should not be tolerated.

Ultimately, as a fan of the game, I wish the Clippers win it all. Not for Sterling but win as a sign of protest against racism. I understand that in the end, if Sterling still owns the Clippers, then he technically wins as well. But Chris Paul and co. still owe themselves, after all their hard work, the sweet taste of victory. I mean if this is in an office setting and you are in the verge of completing a major project, a once in a lifetime opportunity and something you already have worked hard for that would catapult your career to great heights, only to find out you are being discriminated by your boss, would you not go for it and deal with the racial issue later? It is not exactly setting aside a very important issue but rather putting professionalism a step ahead of derogation. After all, being professional would clearly say a lot to being socially profiled right? Perhaps it is the more gallant way to deal with it as a Clipper. But regardless how they show a sign of protest, Clipper or not, Sterling does not deserve to be an NBA owner. Not a chance, not even a sliver.

Breaking Bald

Here's a word for you -- PROCRASTINATE! Almost half of the first month of 2014 gone and it's only now that I finally gave in to the desire, or lack thereof, to revisit my Blogger and type on. I couldn't even come up with an ASMR post eventhough I have so much music to share. But like the misfortunes of my life, I too have reasons on why it took me this long for a follow-up post from 2013. It was just not there. I mean I had scattered thoughts and was not inspired. Go ask Ron Burgundy, he would agree. But the truth is, I got into a funk. One night I just chose to grab a Playstation controller instead of a pen (and by pen I meant my laptop) which was the start of my blogging demise. So every time I have the spare hours to squeeze juices out of my brain, I end up creating new civilizations and battling Genghis Khan in a very outdated console game. The next thing you know, I have a can of Mountain Dew, cold leftover pizza and a few bags of potato chips accompanying me into the night. Okay, it is not that extreme but at my age, that should not be the case unless you work for EA Sports, which I don't.

Not to worry. I'm still active. I play darts and run the tread about once a month LOL! But seriously, I still play hoops as often as I can regardless of how loud the objection my body has. It is the only exercise I get so even if my physical self is deteriorating at a zombie-regressing rate, I always make it a point to burn the basket whenever I can. Besides, I think my boys have sucked me into their sock-matching-the-shoe addiction (an Instagram post very soon to prove this point LOL). And why not? If you can't elevate your game anymore and have accepted that the Iverson speed is no longer there, then might as well look good doing it, right?

Speaking of looking good, I think this perennial battle with baldness is a losing cause. My hairstylist is running out of ideas and it doesn't help that I have an airfield of a forehead.  I already did Clooney and also went Korean but could not pull any of those Patrick Ewing/Vanilla Ice-high flat tops. Thank goodness for clothes, at least I can divert some attention away from my head to my Express-clad torso. Too bad though that I can't clothe cholesterol with my plaid shirts. I would've wanted to look good in a seizure (knock on wood). To be honest, my food regimen is whack! I can't stay off of red meats, and match that with a languishing metabolism, then I'm in constant need for statins. And lately, I have been craving for sweets particularly cakes and pies. Can somebody say Boston Cream Pie please? Tiramisu? The really devilish chocolate cake?? Ugh! Kill me now. And I can't seem to elude the idea that my used-to-be reliable sugar count has jumped ship and went berzerk already every time I sip into a Diet Pepsi.  This sudden desire for sweetness has to account for something right? Ahh! Who cares? Life is supposed to be lived to its fullest and if I can't have my Quarter Pounder and Apple Pie, then I might as well get killed by Genghis Khan.

Anyway, I guess it's not too late (well it's never too late) for prudent confessions. I mean if Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is a self-confessed crackhead and still refuses to relinquish his post, then I guess I can get away with a free 24 water bottle-packed case at Walmart, right? Okay, I don't really know where I was going with that but I thought I throw it out there. But yeah, I finally cracked 2014 with a new post and for those people who reads my blog particularly in Malaysia, Russia, Italy and Germany, well I truly appreciate it. Thank you! I don't know who you people are but I'm happy you get to enjoy my useless, senseless, CAN live without write-ups! I'm back (but not sure for how long) and would avoid too long of a page break so I can spoil you with my unsolicited views of life, puberty (and poverty) and the taking over of Jimmy Fallon of the Tonight Show...

Until then...

ASMR 12.06.13

The holidays are just brutal with the cold weather and all the eating, and procrastinating is indeed the biggest enemy. But I'm trying to get a groove...

Pick of the Week:
Who You Love by John Mayer feat Katy Perry (released 12.03.13)

Might Interest You Pick(s):
Let Her Go by Passenger (released 08.28.12)
Defeatist by Cameras (released 11.26.13)

Retro Pick(s):
Tempted by Squeeze (released 1981)
My Sharona by The Knack (released 1979)
Stay by Lisa Loeb (released 1994 in the Reality Bites movie soundtrack)


Not really a big fan of John Mayer but I know for a fact that he is a great songwriter. This duet Who You Love (with his lady Katy Perry) simply depicts two people in love and it's about damn time a music power couple releases one. It's the classic Mayer voice but with a mellow Perry twist. Great pop pick and I am sure this is gonna be a chart buster.

When I first heard Let Her Go by Passenger, I was like "Why am I just listening to this track right now?" And so I find out that it was released back in 2012 but surprisingly just getting its traction in the US charts. I may have heard this sometime ago but only now had the chance to fully grasp the song, much like Zedd's Clarity which was also released in 2012 but only gained fame this year. Great song nevertheless and distinct vocals by Michael David Rosenberg!

Couldn't really figure out how to define this song Defeatist by Cameras. It is odd but in a good way. I like the mix of sounds and the way all the different parts of the song were blended. The album itself (The Best of Manimal Vol. 2) is an odd collection of songs as well, again in a good way. Dust Season by Papercranes is also a noteworthy song and you may find The Chapin Sister's take on classic Madonna's Borderline a little too different.

I was just browsing on the TV channels on a day off that was supposed to be dedicated for errands. Ready to hit the OFF button, the last channel I clicked on was HBO which then was showing Reality Bites. Sure did it for me! How can I pass up on that? It was a very influential film of my time and arguably one of the greatest movie soundtracks ever! And so Tempted, My Sharona and Stay all got my vote as retro picks clearly because I was smitten yet again by young and extremely cute Winona Ryder a.k.a. Lelaina Pierce. I really love both the movie and the soundtrack and the song When You Come Back To Me by World Party is just the jam isn't it??

Haiyan... again!

I'm no different. I use social media as an avenue to be heard, minuscule my audience or not, and so is the rest of the world. I have read so many posts about the Haiyan tragedy, so many articles, seen so many clips with everyone's take, point of view and what have you. Every praise, every criticism, every opinion. Someone reposting something he/she has read and trying to influence another reader to believe in it. I wonder what really is the agenda behind all of these?? As I said on my previous post, I hope the help is genuine and not in any way political. But interesting enough the political influence that I was hoping would not cloud the initiative to help the victims had gone, well, viral...

This is not about who is right or wrong, who needs to shut the hell up or not, nor influence what a person needs to do. This is about helping and the urgency for that aide. There will always be someone who will not care, who would continue with life as it should be, someone who would talk. There would be people who would provide a smart or stupid opinion i.e. racist comment by a Canadian teacher, and there is nothing we can do about it. That's freedom of speech. Just be ready to own up on what you say, especially in a time of crisis, because you would be subjected to scrutiny and judgement if you do, right or wrong regardless. As they say in the court of law, what you say can and will be used against you. I guess what I don't understand is the need to criticize people who are in the battlefield and can see what is going on as suppose to people who are miles away and who's intel comes from people other than themselves?? The ironic part is the need to defend oneself from reports that may very well be true? Now, this is not to undermine the people and the officials who are truly helping out in this time of need. There is no need to defend them. Their arsenal is the deed they are doing and reports about it would come freely if the act is evident. Maybe not immediate nevertheless it will. I do agree with a lot but not all of what CNN's Anderson Cooper reported and the one that really stands out for me is that there really is no organized effort (organized is the key) to help the victims. Maybe now there are signs, now that it is Day 6 and almost a week after. But it took that long?? The urgency in awareness is there alright but the urgency in action is the one missing.

Case in point.. when Japan was struck by that deadly tsunami a few years ago, on Day 2, the military is already going through debris and rubble to help find survivors and dead bodies. We can't let the actual survivors who just went thru hell be the ones to do this for themselves, right?? Sure there are reasons why it is taking too long to reach those areas that are isolated and remote and that there is no faster way to get through it. But this is what Cooper perhaps is pertaining to (or at least the way I understood it) that if access was the problem, shouldn't that be the first on the agenda? And while a sector of the government or military is doing that, another leg should be in charge for distribution and logistics. Should there be someone to map out what the operation is all about and delegate the priorities to the resources available? I know it sounds so easy and I'm not a certified tactician myself but that is what the government is for isn't it? They have men and women, elected and appointed, at a governing level who are capable enough to come up with a game plan and have it executed effectively and efficiently. A game plan, exactly. Organized as pointed out.

However, this is what I am talking about where politics come into play. The Philippine government, as a whole, has dug itself a deep hole, credibility and image-wise, long before this tragedy had ever happened. So whether their efforts to help is truly legitimate or not, there would still be doubts. It is part of it so let it be. Again, the authenticity of the act will speak for itself and there is no need to go to the Press or social media and defend the efforts of those who are being scrutinized but wholeheartedly is helping. It is not the image you project but the sincerity of your action because publicity should be the last thing on their minds. Filipino politicians are too conscious about what is being reported about themselves and honestly are not used to being criticized intensely and on an international scale. The goal really by CNN and other non-partisan networks is to inform the public. And whether they forget or just choose not to air the positive side of things, perhaps as a means to motivate and push for quicker help, this is nothing to be worried about. The glory will come down the line and the only validation you need would come from the survivors themselves. That is the one that counts, the ONLY one that counts. Unless of course you are (again) politically-driven, then your goodwill will surely be tainted.

I guess there is always a political twist in everything, whether in a time of need or even in triumph. And maybe my plea to make the rescue efforts to be non-political is absurd. Yet that should not deter me from sharing what I believe should be the ideal intention. I am far away and can easily be accused to be in no position to rant as I put myself into an ironic state. But I will in a heartbeat be at ground zero if I am able to. My two-cents may not count, maybe this is just another article worth ignoring. But I have already earned my right to speak because I made my pledge and my drive is not for glory but merely to put in my share of concern. I will say it again, I have and will continue to pray for the victims and for true help to be genuine and not in any way, no matter how preposterous this may sound, be political...

#prayforthephilippines

Haiyan

Sadness and hope at the same time. Sadness, as I read stories about the tragedy that is Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda that hit my hometown, the Philippines. Hope, that such calamity will strengthen the pride and bring out the true meaning of unity within Filipinos and the world as a whole.

I heard the news last week and was worried, almost feeling that I needed to heed the warning despite being oceans away from where the monster storm would wreck havoc. But what can I do, this is what Mother Nature has intended. The typhoon will happen and the path has been mapped. I can only pray that the meteorologists were wrong with their forecast but I couldn't bet on it. Come Thursday night (Friday morning in the Philippines) I wonder what's going on. I relied mostly on social media to status me of how things are in those affected areas and there was not a lot of factual news. Just a lot of speculations at that time as communications, as anticipated, has been limited. Though I know that my family and friends back there are far away from the actual location, it did not at all diminished the worry and sadness I felt for those whose lives will be forever altered.

As Haiyan finally hits central Philippines, news started to flow in. I witnessed a story of how fast the flood has risen from ankle to hip to head deep. The strong winds were scary and the horizon is barely visible due to the heavy rains. All sorts of debris were drifting in the air like fireflies in a bug-infested night. People helplessly trying to find higher ground, shelter or anything dry just to get some form of relief and security. I saw videos one after another of the trending events and it was disheartening for I knew I was witnessing a section of civilization simply getting annihilated. As the sun starts to rise on my morning that day, it was dark as night to my fellowmen on the other side of the planet.

A day after the destruction, the media were a bit free from obscurity but the news were anything but. Finally seeing the wrath and the destruction that Haiyan bestowed upon the provinces, I was heart broken. It was too crushing to watch, almost unbearable to see such carnage. I heard all sorts of things from residents searching for loved ones from piles of rubble, hoping against hope that they are still alive, to looting brought about by desperation and not because of innate evil. Infrastructures were just torn into pieces, lives stolen by fate and an entire city succumbing to bedlam.

Overwhelming the aftermath maybe, the support from all walks of the world were equally astonishing. Several nations answered the call and have pledge monetary and other forms of assistance or aide. I've never seen social media as active as its been, from Tyra Banks to Hollister Co, showing and asking for support and prayers to Haiyan victims. Friends and peers alike have reached out to me to ask if any of my family, relatives or friends have been affected. That simple gesture really made me teary-eyed. Reading posts from friends who are making concerted efforts to provide their own little way to help those affected to me earned a vote of respect. So for those individuals, institutions, countries, the UN and especially the United States who are providing significant help, as I'm sure I speak on behalf of the majority of concerned Filipino citizens, a heartfelt thanks is in order.

Now like in any social event, whether the good, the bad or the different, there is always a political twist in everything and sometimes a slice of truth pie. Days have passed and it seems like the Philippine Government is taking forever to mobilize the Armed Forces to help those in need. Even CNN's Anderson Cooper, who arrived in Tacloban City on Day 5, thought he was too late to capture the actual struggle but clearly showed some disbelief on why the pace to help the victims is so delayed and staggered. There was a call for corrupt elected-officials to take a pause from their ill-doings for if there was a perfect moment for them to earn their stature as leaders of the country, this was it. There were also concerning messages from either naive or simply Filipino-hating people who had nothing better to do but to air their tactless opinions on social media. The timing is certainly not right so it may truly come to many as something unforgiving. I also read articles that challenges a person's conscience to help or simply avoid celebrations in this time of need. Although I understand the rationale for such cry, I do not want to tell a person to halt his life for a moment and feel like he is obligated to do something involuntarily. Life does go on and instead of trying to ridicule those who, for whatever reason, has other things in their minds, it would be more productive to focus the attention to those who actually are helping out. This should not create much fuss at all. But I know that if you have some interest in social events in general, then no matter how disconnected you are from their world, this would move you.

I still wonder how the Philippines would get out of this unfortunate incident. What I know is that the effort is not quite enough and I worry that even in such unprecedented disaster, Philippine politics would still play a deceiving role.  I just hope that the sight of survivors living in makeshift shelters while their dead lies in front of them is enough to humble the greedy. Have and will continue to pray for the victims and for true help to be genuine and not in any way be political.

#prayforthephilippines

ASMR 10.25.13

Pick of the Week:
Rough Water by Travie McCoy feat Jason Mraz (released 09.09.13)

Might Interest You Pick(s): -- gotta few here...
Future Days by Pearl Jam (released 10.15.13)
Dark Horse by Katy Perry feat Juicy J (released 10.22.13)
When You Were Young [Calvin Harris Remix] by The Killers (not yet released)

Retro Pick:
Burning Flame by Vitamin Z (released 1985)

The witty Travie McCoy (who always seems to know whom to collaborate with for a hit -- Billionaire?? Bruno Mars??) now has Jason Mraz by his side for a catchy pop song called Rough Water. I don't think it's Billboard #1 material (coz a month after it's release would've been enough to know that) but it's still a jam song I would love to hear on my iPod (yes iPod, it still lives!) Besides, the line "I'll be the Leonardo DiCaprio to your Kate Winslet" just did it for me LOL!

After watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night and once again seeing Eddie Vedder busting the chords, chills immediately went down thru my spine and I felt transported back in the not-so distant past when Matt Dillon sported the long 'do and Doc Martens were the kicks that mattered. Although the carrier single Sirens is awesome itself, there is nothing more Pearl Jam (Vedderesque) than Future Days. I was instantly reminded of how Pearl Jam tapped the inner rock and alternative animal in me and now I have to add watching them live to my bucket list...

Aaah! Katy Perry! Her songs are lively and she will rake in music award after music award until they find the next teen sensation in The Voice. And though I'm not really a big fan of her music (except The One That Got Away) I love Katy because of her big round.. ehem.. eyes! The woman is drop dead gorgeous. She has the curves, the big blue saucer-wide eyes and yeah, she can sing. I chose Dark Horse instead of Roar as my pick because the latter still reminds me of how Katy stole that song from Sara Bareilles' single Brave, at least in my opinion.

Just a real quick remark regarding Calvin Harris's take on the single When You Were Young. It's alright. I'm not a big fan of most if not all the remixes The Killers allowed DJs to work on their hits. Don't get me wrong, I like Calvin Harris, David Guetta and all those EDM jocks who turns already poppy songs even poppier :)  It's just that I don't like it mixed with my favorite alternative or rock music. Nevertheless, I still recommend you check it out on YouTube since the release of my most favorite band's Direct Hits album is not until November 11.

And as I adieu this write-up, yet again a classic hip single from one hit-wonder band Vitamin Z. Admit it, we all loved it back then. We even heard stories of fans buying the record in drugstores (Vitamin Z, duh?) instead of music shops. It was the jam and who could ever forget the synthesizer guitar intro of the song! "And all along on my trip to nowhere. You annoyed me with your foolish games..." Now sing along...

ASMR 10.18.13

If you don't know what ASMR stands for, then check my last post :-)

Pick of the Week:

Rap God by Eminem (released 10.15.13)

Might Interest You Pick(s): 

Broken Over You by Vertical Horizon (released 10.08.13) 

Cheating by John Newman (released 10.15.13) 

Retro Pick: 

Reasons by Earth, Wind and Fire (released 1975)

My goodness where has Eminem been??? Rap God is freakishly awesome and I may say puts Eminem back atop the hip-hop heavens. One thing I like about the dude is that he always reinvents himself after a long hiatus. Seems like Eminem is set for a great year if the album is as good as the single. I have no doubt this would hit the charts faster than you saying "Guess who's back?" Marshall Mathers STILL rules!!!

Next, Vertical Horizon's Broken Over You from their album Echoes From The Underground. Even with the totally revamped squad (except for frontman Matt Scannel), this brings to us the VH sound that we were accustomed to, in fact even better, since Matt has really stepped up his ante music-wise throughout the years. Despite some hardcore VH fans slow regression of support because of the band member changes, there is no denying Matt's voice and the music that VH has to offer.

On the pop side, at first I thought it was James Morrison singing (really the close vocal resemblance) which made me wonder if James just changed his artist name into John Newman (seriously, both are English). The single Cheating is lively which would make you wanna get into that jam mood instantly. Now if you delve into the lyrics a lot closer, then you know this is a guy accusing her woman of the actual title (if not already obvious). Still a great catchy tune that you may want to pick up and add to your Not-So-Sure-Why-I-Bought-It music folder.

And though I love my alternative and pop music altogether, at the end of the day, my ears still leads me back into the classics. There is no way you cannot like Reasons from EWF simply because it is that good. I always see myself in the living room at night, lights dimmed, glass of wine or a bottle of beer depending on the mood, and the cranked up voice of Philip Bailey on the dock. What can be more relaxing than that?? Trust me, it never fails...