Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.

Wow, what an epic.

I finally got to see Gone with the Wind last night and it was four hours of cinematic goodness. Even Bea liked it, which says a lot because she hardly likes any lengthy nor seriously dramatic movie. With the backdrop of the Civil War, this sets up as a good dramatic foundation even for the everyday scenes. While it is drama, it's also a big part rom-com in my opinion. Rhett Butler and Scarlet O'Hara's dialogues were always witty, if not sarcastic or comically exaggerated. Lovesit.

Somehow, it occurred to me that this may have been the basis for some of today's rom-coms. I mean, the sassy girl and rogue boy formula is well established. It makes for good cinema, or good laughs at least. In any case, throughout the endless theatricality, bickering and love between the two leads, it was exceedingly enjoyable. 

It may be longer than any LOTR or Star Wars movie, but it's so good you wouldn't mind. 

Wow

Nole defeated Roger! Straight sets. OMG!

Two top seeds out of the running. Amazing upsets. Haha

I need to watch the replays. 

Andy Murray FTW. He deserves a Grand Slam.

Na Li is my bet for the women's title. It'd be so awesome to have a champion from our part of the world.

UPDATE: I'm watching the replay of the Djokovic-Federer match, and I can categorically say that one won because he's playing really well and the other lost because he's playing badly. Hmm, badly for someone called Roger Federer at least. I guess that explains the three set victory, but of course everyone knows Nole is fit enough to defeat Federer. Maybe Roger was having a bad hair day or something, that's why he lost more easily. Hehe

Downgrading iTunes 10 to iTunes 9

iTunes 10 is the first Apple software that failed me. Several months ago I installed it as part of the regular system update of my machine, and I think it was the worst software I ever had. It's a tad exaggerated but really, it didn't live up to at least what it's supposed to do. It refused to import music and crashed a lot so I instantly googled how to downgrade to iTunes 9. The process was a breeze, considering how many had similar (or worse) problems and how many were keen enough just to know how. 

Earlier, my software updater begged me to install an update and so I did and apparently it installed iTunes 10! Gah. Maybe because I've been unchecking installation for iTunes 10 for so long, it's the only software update I need and my updater probably downloaded it automatically and waited for my okay. Still, it should've notified me it was going to be iTunes 10 so I could've prevented the installation. Hmf. I googled the said version, and it's still very glitchy so I'm downgrading again. Bye playlists.

So if you have the same dilemma, back up and here's how:

Downgrading iTunes 10 on Mac
Step 1: Delete the following files:

• The iTunes application in /Applications
• com.apple.iTunes.plist which is located in ~/Library/Preferences (this is the library folder inside your user folder)
• iTunes.pkg which is located in /Library/Receipts (this is the library folder at the root level of your startup drive)
• iTunesX.pkg which is located in /Library/Receipts

Step 2: Give your Mac a reboot, Download iTunes 9.2.1 and install it.
Step 3: At last, you may need to re-create iTunes library and playlist (helpful guide)

Downgrading iTunes 10 on Windows
Step 1: Navigate to C:\My Documents\My Music. Copy the entire iTunes folder and save it on your Desktop as back up.
Step 2: Open the Control Panel -> Uninstall Programs and uninstall the following applications:

• iTunes 9.1
• Apple Mobile Device Support
• Apple Application Support
• Apple Software Update
• QuickTime
• iPhone Configuration

Step 3: Reboot your computer then navigate to C:\My Documents\My Music\iTunes and rename the iTunesLibrary.itl to Library.itl.backup
Step 4: n the same folder, open “Previous iTunes Libraries” and find the most recent library backup, which should be named something like “iTunes Library 2010-09-1.itl”
Step 5: Copy this file, then paste it in C:My Documents\My Music\iTunes and rename it iTunes Library.itl
Step 6: Download iTunes 9.2.1 for Windows and install it 
Step 7: At last, you may need to re-create iTunes library and playlist (helpful guide)


Source: http://www.mob2all.com/2010/09/how-to-install-android-on-iphone-3g_03.html

I just found out the existence of AdeleVEVO but only a couple of her vids are available for viewing. Bleh.

But never fear, you can catch Adele's newest (or older) tunes particularly Rolling in the Deep in some channels/ users.

You can see I've lots of tabs open, most are about Bragg gratings and all that optics hullaballoo. But at almost 4am I'm barely halfway through my slides still. Tapos ayaw pa ako panoorin ng AdeleVEVO ng Chasing Pavements. Naku.

Psuedo New Year's Resolution

I don't believe in making New Year's resolutions. It's kinda pointless, not to mention stupid, to wait for the start of the year to decide to do something for the better. Counterintuitive don't you think?

Anyway, that used up absences issue that I still haven't cleared yet has really highlighted for me the fact that ever since I learned to slack and come to class late I haven't made the effort to do anything about it. And so I will, to the best of my abilities, come to class on time, every time. It's a bit weird that I'm resolving this now that I'm about to graduate (naku dapat lang) but I need and must do it, for STS and for good measure. 

Sabi ko nga kay Ancis, freshie ako ulit sa STS. On time at takot umabsent. Hehehe

Bluuuuuuudgh

I'd like to thank Jane for introducing me to this video. Still can't get enough. :p

And oh, the 2011 Australian Open starts today, Jan 17! Too bad our new cable service does not include a channel that has coverage of the event. Live Scores it is.

UPDATE: Apparently Star Sports and ESPN HD has coverage. Last year, Star Sports didn't have AO coverage as far as I recall so I only watched in BallsTV.

Waiting, Ha Jin

I waste time in bookshops often. I  sometimes take note of the authors and novels which I find interesting, for future reference. Ha Jin is one of those, and I instantly recognized his name when I chanced upon Waiting at BOOKSALE. Boo yeah.

This is my first "review" for the TBR Pile Challenge, so I'll set a few personal guidelines. I'll break down the review to three things: technical stuff, for the author's style, mood/tone, setting/s, etc; story and themes, where I'll state the gist of the book, review the plot and focus on themes that I find most interesting or significant; and overall, where 'llI sum up the feel of the book for me where I'll rate it for fun based on the grading system used in Quebec according to wiki. And also, I vow never to read any other review regarding my titles prior to writing my own.

Technical stuff.
I like Ha Jin's writing style. He doesn't go down that super complicated sentence construction route, he states things simply. How he unfolds the story generates the complexities in the novel, and I must say it is effective. I found the pacing of the novel just right even though it spans a couple of decades, which in theory would've been boring as hell. It's not like an adventure/mystery/thriller kind of book that's meant to keep you up until 4AM, but it's like a short story that does not hurry nor thrill so much yet still draws you in. The characters aren't very loud and extremely conscious with their actions, which fits the picture of the pacified and traditional lives during communist China.

Story and themes.
The protagonist Lin Kong is a married man, a doctor in the military hospital in the city. His wife Shuyu and child Hua are in the province, where he comes home for 10 days each year. He was married upon the insistence of his parents, and does not love his wife. In the city, he found a girlfriend whom he really connects with, a nurse named Manna Wu. This is set in a very conservative and communist China, where rules are strict and divorce is barely in the vocabulary.

The political flavor in the book is rather discernible, as it limits what the characters can or cannot do. It took a long time for Lin Kong to get a divorce mainly because of the traditional and sociopolitical conditions of the time. The people in his province looked up to him and his family, and as in small villages divorce is a big issue. Year after year, some bomb from his brother-in-law would explode and his divorce would have to wait another year. I particularly liked how Gen Yang, a military man who turned out to be absolutely scornful, played out the devil in this divorce debacle since Lin was more of a passive man. For that age in China, Gen Yang was headstrong and quite rebellious. He dares Lin to be more bold, that he had the option to follow his desires. Lin listens, but still conforms to the rules.

The novel scrutinizes what the passing of time, waiting, can do to a person. I can just imagine my English 11 teacher asking who was really waiting in the novel. At this point I'd fail to give the exact answer or get lucky, because I think all the major characters were waiting and for several different things. Take Manna Wu for example, she was always waiting for the person she loves whether it be from a job assignment, from a trip to get a divorce, or just from work. Before, I thought it only takes patience to wait but now I realize it also takes confidence to wait. But time does tend to erode everything, and time elapsed cannot bring back fonder memories nor youthful beauty. Waiting is exhausting, especially for people who have a lot to lose.

From afar, it seems like your usual love story. And frankly I was drawn to the book because of this premise, I thought it'd be one of those long realized what nots and after all the pride and moral obstacles they'd be together. But it as a love story as much as it is a story about being able to feel and love, because I observed that it's more of the protagonist's ability to feel and love that is explored more than the relationships he has. I think I realized this after Lin Kong finally got his divorce from Shuyu, because it was so anticlimactic. I truly believed he felt strongly for Manna, trying to get that divorce for 18 years, I know he did. However, probably all the waiting made everything a tad bit too late. If Lin and Manna were married earlier, they would have been happier. Because when things finally fell into place, it felt like he pushed through with the divorce and marriage because there just is no turning back and it's not a choice to drop his eighteen year old plan anymore after everything that has happened.

At first, he was determined to divorce his wife with bound feet and marry a young and educated woman. After almost two decades when he finally got married to Manna and had twins, life wasn't better for him.  Then there's also that one incident where he endeared to Shuyu when he got drunk. It's such irony to finally get what you want, or wanted, and then not wanting it as much when you get it. Maybe because the time between the two made everything altogether different, but that's just speculation. In the end, this story paints the sad reality that love does not conquer all.

"Yet one thing he was certain about now:  between love and peace of mind he would choose the latter." 

Compounding his rational behavior towards deciding to let go of Manna though with fits of controlled jealousy, his indifference to Shuyu, his lack of communication with his daughter and his initial lack of attachment to his sons it is evident that he's always a few steps behind. I think that it's sadder, to feel but in such a mediocre manner.  

Overall.
It is literally an easy read, but it's quite the opposite of an easy read. It gets you thinking after you put it down, which for me makes for a really good read. I felt sad after finishing the book, maybe because I felt like all the waiting ended up in misery and at the same time it was a very pragmatic (unromantic sounds off) love story. But really, an A- for this one. 

2011 To Be Read (TBR) Pile Challenge

I'm joining the 2011 TBR Pile Challenge!

The Goal:

To finally read 12 books from your "to be read" pile, within 12 months.

Specifics:

1. Each of these 12 books must have been on your bookshelf or "To Be Read" list for AT LEAST one full year. This means the book cannot have a publication date of 1/1/2010 or later (any book published in the year 2009 or earlier qualifies, as long as it has been on your TBR pile - I WILL be checking publication dates).Caveat: Two (2) alternates are allowed, just in case one or two of the books end up in the "can't get through" pile.

2. To be eligible, you must sign-up with Mr. Linky below - link to your list (so create it ahead of time!) and add updated links to each book's review.  Every listed book must be completed and must be reviewed in order to count as completed.

3. Your list must be posted by Friday, December 31st, 2010.

4. Leave comments on this post as you go along, to update us on your status. Come back here if/when you complete this challenge and leave a commentindicating that you CONQUERED YOUR 2011 TBR LIST!  Every person who successfully reads his/her 12 books and/or alternates (and who provides a working link to their list, which has links to the review locations) will be entered to win a $50 gift card from either Amazon.com or The Book Depository!

5.  There may be mini-challenge "check-ins" throughout 2011, to award and recognize those participants who are progressing through the challenge, such as a "Spring Break Check-In!" or a "6 Month Pit Stop!" Participants who are making equal progress to-date (6 books at the 6 month check-in, for example) could win a prize! 

6. Crossovers from other challenges are totally acceptable, as long as you have never read the book before and it was published pre-2010! 

*Note - You can read the books on your list in any order; they do not need to be read in the order you have them listed. As you complete a book - review it, and go back to your original list and turn that title into a link to the review - that will keep the comments section here from getting ridiculously cluttered.  For example, I have completed #09. on my list - so I have crossed it out as completed, and linked it to my review. 

This probably is the best way lessen my unread, just idling by and so so lonely books. Some of the books here, I've mentioned before that I planned to pick up but still haven't read. Sometimes I just can't get through some books, like A Hundred Years of Solitude which I'm not including because I will fail this challenge if I do, so I picked the ones I feel like I can finish. So, here's my list:

1. Animal Farm, George Orwell (Thanks Kirby!)

2. Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll (Thanks Bea!)

3. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

4. Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
5. The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway

6. The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

7. Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi

8. Wicked, Gregory Maguire

9. A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini

10. Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart

11. The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold (Thanks Jomax!)

12. Waiting, Ha Jin

Alternates:

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon

The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas

There are two things you may have observed in my list. First, Persepolis. I have to say including Persepolis was a big decision because it's a graphic novel. But I placed a comment on the challenge post and the moderator agreed, so that's settled. Second, you can see that half of my list are classics and half are more contemporary. I just wanted to read in equal parts so to speak, I don't know if that makes sense but it somehow does to me. Hehe

Too bad I can't include Mockingjay and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest in the books I'll be reading for the challenge, but hopefully I can squeeze them in. After all, I have tons of time to read after graduation. I think all depends on how long it will take me to land a job. :p

Note: I created a stand alone page to keep track of my reading. I will link my reviews there. (See tab beside Home labelled TBR Checklist.)