September 28, 2002
I went ahead and played a round of golf yesterday with my friend Rick and boy do I suck. I think I'm getting worse and worse. I'm just thinking too much now. I used to just walk up and hit the ball as hard as I can. I just don't see how old men can play this game. It is so brutal. Especially to my ego.

If we were all part of a mafia, we'd all need some cool @ss names. Here's a little name generator so we can find out. I am Elbert "the Xerox". I put a whole bunch of other peoples names too and some of them are funny. Sorry about yours Gerry Reyes. Don't worry, just fuggedaboutit.

It's been a long week. I'm whylin' out tonight. Probably watch the fireworks at the beach then I'm gonna get my drink on.

September 27, 2002
It's been raining a lot here the past few days. It's been cloudy and gloomy and when it's not raining it's just really humid, and it just fogs my glasses up every time I step outside. I was thinking about playing some golf today, but I don't know if that's going to happen. I guess it's just this Mini Putt game for me for now. At least the sun will come out tomorrow (the Annie reference is an accident, I can't believe I wrote that) and there should be nice weather for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel walk. I think I'm getting fitted for a tuxedo also, so i hope I don't lose any weight during the walk. The wedding I'm in is a little over a month away and I'd rather the tuxedo be a little loose than a little tight.

I think tomorrow night I'm going to be checking out some fireworks down at the Boardwalk on the beach for the Neptune Festival. They've got the coolest sand sculptures too. It gives me inspiration for my winter snow sculptures. And while I'm down at the beach I'll probably check out the clubs at night. I've got to keep everything cheap though, I don't get paid until next week.

September 26, 2002
Work has been pretty busy lately. Hopefully things will slow down as the week winds down because I plan to have a busy weekend.

I'm planning to walk a part of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for the Chesapeake Bay Fun Day on Saturday morning. I did it last year and I enjoyed it so I'm doing it again this year. If anyone wants to join me, I wouldn't mind the company. It's only a 3.5 mile walk one way (you can walk back the way you came to make it a 7 mile walk) and the forecast calls for nice weather. There's also a biking event for those that would rather two-wheel it.They've got details on the website.

I was hoping to have a review of the Tuxedo for you, but because someone effed up and gave out about 200 extra free preview passes, I ended up standing in long @ss line for a movie I never got to see. I have been renting a lot of movies though, catching up on movies I missed at the theatres. I checked out Kissing Jessica Stein. It was better than I expected. One of my favorite movies is Chasing Amy, the story of a screwed up situation in which a couple of people were doomed to fail at their attempt at any sort of relationship. Well Kissing Jessica Stein is in the same category of the effed up romantic comedy, where two women,who are not having success at finding the right man, turn to a lesbonic (is that a word, if not then let me coin the phrase, you get the point) relationship for happiness. It's hilarious and different. It is an indie film, but the mainstream audience should be entertained. (on a side note, the two main actresses are also the writers and producers of the movie, and they often ad lib many of the scenes).

I've also finally seen 40 days and 40 nights. I'd been trying to see it for a while, but when it was in theatres I never got around to seeing it, something always came up. After a while, it got to that stage where it's been in the theatres for a while and I feel that I can wait for it to hit the DVD circuit. Does anyone else do that? But anyways, it was funny. It gets by on cheap laughs - it's a movie based on avoiding sex, what do you expect? So you have your penis jokes, lots of tits and ass scenes, that sort of thing. It made me laugh and Shannyn Sossamon is my girl (I guess you can figure that out since she's been pictured on my page for months, I gotta change that soon). It's a fun movie for those who don't mind the toilet humor.

I also saw Frailty, the story of a crazy serial killer father who believes that he is the hand of God. It was creepy and had that Gothic feel to it. I was into to it until the end. I didn't like how it all turned out. It isn't your typical Hollywood ending (and I'm one who loves movies that end up the way you don't expect), but the ending did disturb me. The kids in the movie are also pretty stupid. It does have that mood of the old, haunting Hitchcock movies. And technically (direction, production) it's done pretty well. I just didn't like the ending.

September 23, 2002
The weekend was an alright one. Saturday night turned out to be a fun night. I went to Excess over at the beach and as usual a good crowd was there. I always see lots of people that I get to catch up with and that's always a joy. Friends and lots of drinks seem to always equal a good time for me. Thinking that my night was going to end as the typical 2am closing time came, I was invited to go bowling with a couple of friends afterwards. Now 24 hour bowling is unusual & unheard of here in hampton roads, I know there are others all over the country (I especially know of the 24hr Rock & Bowl over in Springfield VA). But I was wide awake, a little tipsy, but I wasn't ready to go to sleep yet. So I think that bowling at 2am might be fun. So I head home real quick, pick up my bowling ball and shoes, and head over to the bowling alley with Ryan. We pull up into the parking lot (in ghetto Norfolk) and there were 3 cars covered in dew in the lot. The lights were off outside and there was nobody to be seen anywhere. I'm wondering if the place is closed but I do see one guy moving around inside the alley so I check to see if the door is open. The door opens and the 4 employees turn to look at us, surprised to see that someone has actually walked in. I look out onto the 48 lanes they have and lane 1 is occupied by 3 people.

The silence of a bowling alley was so eerie but the employees were so happy to see people walk in that they were just catering to our every need. The 2 guys that invited us arrived shortly and we bowled for the next 3 hours. My actual bowling game sort of sucked, I'm not sure if it was the fact that I was slightly inebriated or that I was getting sleepier and more sleepier. But I think that's what made it more fun, not knowing how bad you might do as it became later and later in the morning. And it was odd how the bowling alley was basically all ours for the 3 hours we spent there. As we left at 5am , the manager was pleeing for us to come back next Saturday and to bring more people. She said she would "hook us up" if we can get more and more people in there at the wee hours of the night/morning. So next Saturday night, if you just happen to not be doing anything at 2am, try out the AMF Bowling Alley on Military Highway and tell them Elbert sent you.

The summers officially over with and I was sort of happy that the weather is gonna start cooling down and this oppressive humidity will take mercy on my sweat glands. I was happy...until I sneezed. I had one of those good sneezes that cleans your system out in one swoop. Then an hour later I sneezed again. A few hours later I'm snifling. By the time I get to sleep I'm with tissues in both hands and breathing out of one nostril. I'm seeing lots of people around me catching colds and other stuff and I'm nipping this one in the bud. It's the first day of fall today, and I'm going to try to get through this season free of all sicknesses.

American Idol reunion tonight. Grease (it's the word) comes out on DVD tomorrow. And for those of you that know him, the Kurusawa DVD collection comes out tomorrow in limited numbers.

September 21, 2002
After months and months of planning and building, Old Dominion University has finally finished building it's first arena, the Constant Convocation Center. I've been watching them build it outside of my work and the thing is huge. They announced the first couple of events there yesterday.

Events for the inaugural month include:
Friday, Oct. 25 -- ribbon cutting and Old Dominion's Founders' Day dinner;
Saturday, Oct. 26 -- community open house;
Monday, Oct. 28 -- Counting Crows (tickets on sale on Sept. 20 at 10 a.m.);
Thursday, Nov. 7-Sunday, Nov. 11 -- Sesame Street Live "1-2-3�Imagine!" (on sale Sept. 22 at 1 p.m.);
Saturday, Nov. 16 -- Ludacris & Nappy Roots (on sale Sept. 20 at 1 p.m.);
Sunday, Nov. 17 -- Roberta Flack and Virginia Symphony (on sale Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.);
and Friday, Dec. 13 -- World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (sale date forthcoming).

Whoa, the WWE at ODU, I never would have thunk it. What sucks though is that concerts held at ODU previously were really cheap ($5-$15) because of the lack of an arena. Now the prices are just going to skyrocket to pay for the arena and all the people working there. It's still a cool thing.

And tonight, I'm certain about it this time, Blackbird Pond at the Taphouse Grill on 21st street in Norfolk (right off of Hampton Blvd.).

September 20, 2002
Late Correction: Blackbird Pond plays tomorrow night, Saturday, September 21 at the Taphouse grill. If you go tonight, they won't be there. Sorry about that. Thanks to Doug Clarke for catching it.

September 20, 2002
It's Friday, the weekend is upon us, and I have no plans. I'm probably relaxing most of this weekend, catching up on sleep, but if anyone has any good ideas or is going out, keep me in mind.

I don't think I'm up for the movies though, there's not much out there that I haven't seen that's good. Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (what a dumb title) opens today, but I saw a free sneak preview the other night for it and I'm warning you that it sucks ding-dong. Lots of guns, lots of things blowing up, but all for no real reason. A really stupid movie with a convoluted plot, it really drags when there is no action going on and then the action is so unnecessary. When I see a movie for free, I'm usually in a good mood because I didn't have to pay a thing for it, then I end up liking the movie more than I should. This was different though. It was just bad, I'm just glad it was free.

I think I've seen twice as many free movies in my life than I've actually paid for.

There is an air show in VB this weekend for the Neptune Festival. Those are usually entertaining. They've got the Blue Angels and other flying objects. I'm up for it if anyone else is going, otherwise, I'm just going to sit back and look out my window and watch the planes leave Norfolk International Airport instead.

Maybe I'll visit some of my nerdy friends at the card & comic show at Pembroke Mall. I admit that I still pick up a comic or two, or buy a toy figure, or pick up a pack of sports cards every now and then. But I try not to look the part.

Something really cool, though, is the local band Blackbird Pond. They will be playing at the Taphouse grill on 21st Street in Norfolk tonight, just a few blocks from ODU, where I'll be at midnight back on the job. After the show, drop by my work to say hi. Just make sure you've got some burgers or pizza or something for me.

September 19, 2002
Okay, now that Monsters, Inc. is going to be a huge DVD I think it's proper that many of you meet the character designer of most of the creations. He just happens to be a Pinoy working at Pixar in California.

Did anyone else catch Push, Nevada on TV the other night? Interesting show. It's not the greatest of shows, judging from the debut, but it does have a twist. If you can figure out the mystery of some missing money on the last show, you can win a million dollars. It's a quirky show with lots of clues hidden in each episode, so I'm thinking, "hey, I've disected the ultra-twisted Mullholland Drive several times, this TV show should be a cinch." But then again there are still stuff in that movie that I am so lost about. Well I'm watching this show, mentally noting the obvious out of place clues and then a few websites are hidden in the show. Not being one to shy away from a web address, I check it out, thinking "Yeah I'm slick, I'm going beyond the show to do research." It turns out that the show has built this massive website that links to other massive websites that relate to this fictional town of Push, Nevada. I think I've hit the jackpot (or I'm on my way to hitting the jackpot), but then I'm led to a website that is basically a forum for other people to discuss the clues they've found. I come to find out that there are 350 other people who are as clever as I am and this is after only the east coast airing. Two days later, there are 5000 other people who think they are as clever as I am. And you should read some of the clues they've figured out and the theories that have come out of this forum (only works if you have a yahoo account). They note lines as Morse code, they pay attention to phone numbers dialed during the show and then they dial it themselves, they notice patterns in names and the relations to other literary characters. This show has become so complex and only the first episode has aired. Some have already come up with websites.If you are interested in watching, they are re-airing the first episode tonight at 8pm (opposite the Thailand Survivor debut) followed by the second episode at 9pm.

Free movie passes for the new Jackie Chan movie the Tuxedo are being given away this evening at 6pm at a Karate Studio (I can't remember the name) on Virginia Beach Blvd. I believe it's near Witchduck Rd. Email me if you need more specific details. Pick them up when you're on your way to the sushi buffet at Excess tonight - free for ladies.

For you ladies that don't feel like going out tonight, pleasure yourself with a little help from Hello Kitty. Batteries already included.

You're Welcome.

September 18, 2002
There are two letters in the alphabet that many children today learn first before the other 24, those letters are T and V.

I've heard people complain "What's wrong with kids these days?" In this ritalin induced society it seems to me that children are growing up more violent, with short attention spans and some seem just plain dumb. Is it the violence of the world? Is it the parents? Is it the schools? I don't think it's any of those. I believe it's the programmers of daytime TV.

Daytime TV? Yeah, I think TV is not a bad thing for kids, just look at me. I'm the product of television programming of the 70's and 80's. Still daytime television specifically is what I'm talking about and that, I believe, is the root of our problems.

Now a lot of parents let the kids watch whatever in the daytime, especially in the summertime when school is out. Parents may go off to work or are busy during the day and think "If the kids just watch TV, they'll stay out of my way and out of trouble." Again, this is okay with me because that's what I did as a kid.

Where things differ is what I watched. When I was younger, daytime TV started in the morning with cartoons and other kid programs. Then in the later stages of the morning game shows ruled. There was stuff like Classic concentration, High Roller, and Card Sharks. There were so many of them. Every season new game shows came on and I believe I benefitted from that. The early afternoon programming was then all soap operas, again okay with me. I admit, I watched it back then with my mom and grandmother, intrigued in the lives of "regular" people, because our lives were boring and nothing like theirs. Of course there is your occasional steamy love scenes, but it was harmless. The later part of the afternoon had a talk show or two or maybe a cartoon (GI Joe, Transformers, etc.) or cheesy rerun of a now classic television show (like Batman, Wonder Woman, Private Benjamin). After that, the game shows ruled again. They were on all the channels and there were so many... Tic Tac Dough, Jokers Wild, Family Feud and ohters. Watching other people make fools of themselves and exposing their idiodicy,that's real entertainment.

Today, in place of every game show , there is now a talk show instead. Bad talk shows to be more specific. If a game show was bad, it just turned out funny. The sweet innocence of the game show has now stepped aside for the profanity laced and depressing talk show. The shows to me are full of fake people, even some of the hosts come off fake to me (Maury Povich, Sally Jesse). And that is one of my biggest peeves, fake people.

But there is hope. As I type this right now (a lot later than usual), there is a brand new version of 10,000 Pyramid on TV. Although it is being hosted by a guy with a dry personality, Donny Osmond (yep, that guy), it's better than my other option, that pompous Dr. Phil. I can't stand him and his "I'm better than you because I have all the answers" personality. Rather than hear this guy talk down to some woman for being a bad parent because her child is fat, I'm enjoying the comedy as some no name celebrity is making a fool out of himself while he tries to describe some of the "things you see at a wake". And after this, I'm watching "Who wants to be a millionare" with new host, a boring Meredith Viera. We need more game shows during the day.

So to those who decide what syndicated show belongs on the air during sunlight hours, think of the children and me. Keep your depression filled talk show, and give me the joyous game show. Give the children and me the chance to dream about winning $10,000 as I figure out what are "things you keep in your purse".

September 17, 2002
Today is a big day in the DVD world. There is something for everybody coming out today. Some are heavily advertised, some are hidden gems.
For the mainstream movie watchers:
40 Days and 40 Nights (Shannyn Sossamon!!! WooHoo!!!)
Panic Room
For the art house/quirky film folks:
Kissing Jessica Stein
Frailty
Death to Smoochy
Monsoon Wedding
For the kids:
Monsters Inc. (please don't confuse with Monsters Ball, that could cause major trauma for both child and parent)
New Dragonball Z (for the kids & geeks...oops I mean Anime fans)
For the TV fans:
24: Season one (did anyone actually see all 24 episodes, I know they aired them about 3 times a week, I was just going to wait for this to come out so I can spend one whole day watching it.)
My So-Called Life - the whole series (Extremely Hard to find, but fans of the show should already know of this, I should be getting mine in the mail this week - yeah I'm not ashamed to say I liked the show a lot. I get the cool ultra-limited lunchbox too, which ships later on.)
For hip hop heads:
Scratch (my pick of the lot, this should be for everyone, even if you don't like hip hop. It's a documentary on a culture, schooling everyone on the love of the art. Check out how filipinos have quietly reshaped the hip hop world. I'm taking the $20 I have set aside for food and buying this today, I still have some spam in the cupboards to keep me eating. )

And then there is the legendary but uncatagorical Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Next week is the one we've all been waiting for. Warm up those karaoke voices and get ready to sing along with (finally) the release of Grease.

September 14, 2002
This past week I've been getting back into my movie watching mode. I saw 3 new movies: Stealing Harvard, Signs (finally), and the Barbershop. The best of the 3 - the Barbershop.

I already went extensively into Stealing Harvard, but for the Cliff Notes - it's a good rental.

Signs was entertaining. It moves at the same pace as the sixth sense, but had a lot more sly humor. I was extremely disappointed at the ending and the movie turned out to be a modern day sci-fi B flick. Think "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" done by an amazing director. I was surprised to be laughing at Joaquin Phoenix, I didn't know he was a funny guy after my dislike of his role in Gladiator. McCauley Culkin's little brother steals a lot of scenes in the movie. It's turning out that his 2 little brothers are better actors than he ever was. Overall, the good acting and good direction make this mediocre film entertaining.

Finally I get to the Barbershop. This movie was just straight comedy. It was hilarious throughout the movie. The surprising thing is the sentimental mood that they sneak into the movie while you're laughing. It's not the most original of plots, but the conversations and the way we get to know each of the characters is the basis of the movie. Some of the conversations seem forced but most of them are well worth the listen. Cedric the Entertainer is at his funniest as the elder barber and everyone else, in their own distinct way, play their parts well. You might think that it's a black comedy and not everyone might get the jokes, but it's really not like that. Even though race is a theme brought up several times in the movie, it's the kind of comedy everyone would enjoy. To me it was like "Friday" but with more heart & maturity (Ice Cube yells at Eve at the beginning of the movie for using profanity, how ironic for the former member of N.W.A.). The movie puts you through an array of emotions that go from laughter, to concern, then back to laughter. I liked it a lot and I'm sure most of the people I know would too. Go see it.

September 13, 2002 - Friday the 13th
Elbert vs. the Man
A couple of days ago I caved in. I finally gave into the man. I gave into the man that's been ticketing my car. I bought a parking decal at ODU.

My first few years at ODU, I had a decal on my car, and it was expensive - about $65 a semester (it's a little cheaper now). So after awhile, I learn of all the places around ODU that you can park for free, without a pass, public on-street parking. Problem is that there is so little of it. But I refused to pay the parking fees and I thought "those free spots are mine". And every now and then when I was desperate, I could get a visitors pass. If you don't do it too much (about once a month), they have no way of knowing you're not a student.

There are your typical 1-hour parking spots, but the "parking police" are johnny on the spot with that. They make the rounds every hour on the hour, and they don't give an ish about you. I know, I've tried to reason with them. So I leave those spots alone, and anyways, getting to class, sitting through class, and getting back to your car, and often getting distracted (especially in the Summertime) is usually more than 1 hour, and the risk is not worth it.

So I realized that there is neighborhood parking. There is a neighborhood on the east & west of ODU. One is really ghetto, and the other is "suburban". I started parking for free at the ghetto neighborhood. It wasn't bad, it's just that you were parking in big pot holes, the streets were full of loose gravel, the kids were always playing on the streets next to my car, and it was in a high traffic area. But it was close to many of the buildings I needed to go to and I didn't have to fight for these spots. After about a year of that, I decided that the suburban areas were the way to go. Now there are some spots right on the outskirts of ODU that are prime spots, they are closer than most of the parking lots and no decal is required. Problem is that there aren't too many of them and you have to get here pretty early to park there. Most people who do park there are parked all day, but when a spot frees up, it's like feeding meat to the lions. The next best choice in the neighborhood is about 3 blocks into the neighborhood. Those spots don't fill up as fast, but that's because it's in the center of the neighborhood and you have to know you're way around. But you can find a spot here, it just might be a 6 block walk. But to avoid $150 a year, that's a sacrifice I paid. No way was I giving into the money hungry parking man.

I did that until I graduated (I showed the man, ha!), then I started working the graveyard shift at ODU. It turns out that faculty/staff decals cost more than the students, so I'll be darned if I'll pay that. Anyways I thought that I don't need one, I work from midnight - 8am. The parking guys usually work from 7:45 to 10pm, so - except for that 15 minute overlap in the morning - I thought I was safe. I would eventually park in the best parking spots, spot #1, in the faculty lots. I had the prime spot, but of course, there are only 2 cars in the lot at night. But in the morning, the incoming workers would fight over my spot as I pull away to go home. Sometimes when I'm bored and there is only one car waiting for me, I'll sit in my car and wait for someone else to challenge him for that spot, just for my amusement. But a couple of times I would work a little bit over my time, or I would have stuff to take care of at ODU, or I would just want to hang out and check out the "sights" and the man would catch me every now and then. It's a $30 fee per offense, but I figured that getting caught 2 or 3 times a year is still better than buying a decal.

Well, over the past few months the evil parking man has started his job earlier and earlier. It seems that he's on the hunt at 7am now and my car is right out there in prime parking spot #1, ready to be ticketed. He caught me a few months ago, but I was able to get my boss to pull a few strings and nullify the infringement -"Back at ya evil parking man!". But a week later, he got me again. I couldn't go to my boss again, so I sucked it up and paid it - bye bye $30. I now had to move my car in the morning to a free spot on the street before the man comes. This meant leaving the office , which I'm not supposed to do, for a few minutes to move my car at 5am, when it's still dark outside, in the middle of ghetto Norfolk, watching my back as I walk back to work. When I leave at 8am though, the students who are late for their classes are out there looking for spots and I again have my amusement as 2 or 3 fight as I pull out of my spot, meat to the lions I tell ya. There are days though that the work load doesn't give me time to get out, and one of those days came a few weeks ago, and the man got me again. Damn. It has also been raining a lot at 5 or 6am lately, I mean pouring hard, and I've had to run out there just to move my car. This parking thing had become a hassle.

Now earlier this week I got a form in my work mailbox for this year's parking decals. It included a form so we can pay via payroll deductions. Now I'm thinking, I cannot fight this fight any longer. I have done what I can to prove my point, I must not go on like this, looking out the window at my car every hour wondering, "are you there evil parking man?". Someone somewhere in this university is carrying on my struggle against the man, but it is now my time to step aside. I have fought the good fight, but I cannot fight no more. I went and bought a parking decal. Now I'm down $16 every paycheck for the next 10 paydays. Damn.

September 12, 2002
Yesterday, I went to the memorial celebration here at ODU, mainly to show some kind of respects and it started at about the time I got off of work and that was convinient. I was shocked at the amount of people that showed up for this. It was 8:30am, and for college students that's a lot earlier than it is for most other people. With this being a city centralized by the Navy, there were hundreds of military personnel there, including the large population of ODU ROTC students. The ceremony was short but respectful. I was surprised that I got choked up at certain times but as I looked around in the crowd of hundreds, there were lots of people really taking it hard. I wouldn't say that the overall mood of the crowd was sadness, but rather just somber (I'm not sure if I can relay the difference). But it was overwhelming to see all of these people together for the occasion.

I watched the ceremonies at ground zero and the Pentagon on TV. I paid attention to the reading of all the names at ground zero and I couldn't help but notice all of the families that lost more than one person in the tragedy. And later on in the evening I would hear certain stories and I would just remember their names from earlier in the day. I also saw where the people from the Pentagon were from. And I just know so many people from the same places in Northern Virginia. Now I haven't been one to dwell over the tragedy of a year ago. In fact, I was one to turn the channel after noticing it's "another something" about september 11. But yesterday was different.

----------------------

Okay now on a lighter note,

Now this is a freakish coincidence, check out the Pick 3 Winning Lottery numbers from yesterday in New York. Here's the NY Post confirming the numbers. Whoa.

I've got to go to another wedding shower thing this weekend. I was told I didn't have to bring anything, but should I bring a gift anyways? In fact, I'm in the wedding, so does that make me more obligated to bring one? If everyone else were to bring a gift, I would feel bad because I didn't, even if I was told not to. I just don't know about these things.

For the Roots fans and those living in Jersey/Philly. NFL Films will be doing a free live taping of The Roots in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. Check out the okayplayer website for more details. And for those who can get to Central Park in NYC, the big annual Summer Stage Concert is this Saturday.

September 11, 2002
It's September 11 2002. It's been a year now. It's crazy how I can remember every minute of what I did a year ago on this day. From the moment I got off of work at 8am I had plans to go places, do stuff. I rushed home, showered up, then as I was getting dressed my plans just changed. I had the radio on to a morning show broadcasting from New York and a female dj starting yelling "Oh My. We're under attack!!! Turn your TV's on now because I think we're under attack." I abruptly ran downstairs, half-dressed, thinking that she must be joking and then I turned on the TV just in time to see the second plane. At this point I knew I wasn't going anywhere, in fact, I have no recollection of where I was going, but I ended up spending the whole day at home watching TV. I remember every phone call I made, and every call made to me, the exact moment, and every word spoken. I can recall changing channels from station to station and attaching each different image to a different newscaster. There was the moment when one ABC reporter working at the Pentagon interrupted the telecast because he had heard a "bomb" go off in the building, I remember I was still dripping wet all morning and never bothered to towel off because I was too riveted to go back upstairs to grab a towel, but then I just fell asleep when I got comfortable on the couch, knowing I was going to be there awhile, yet unaware that I was so tired from work.

A few years ago, September 11 was designated "Free Mumia Day" as several activist groups elected that day to campaign for the freedom of political activist Mumia Abu-Jamal from a jail in Philadelphia. I remember that because of the 9-11 date and every year I checked on his website to see what was planned for that day, colleges had gatherings, various cities had marches, etc. Until last year. Now this date has a whole different reason for remembrance.

I remember moments like when I heard Reagan was shot, when John Lennon died, when the Challenger blew up, when Biggie died, Princess Di, Aaliyah. But those are just moments. For September 11, 2002, I remember the whole day.

Today as soon as I get off of work, I'm attending a memorial observance here at Old Dominion University. After that, I'm probably going to spend the whole day at home. Not due to fear that something might happen, but rather I just don't feel like doing much today. But there are a bunch of commemerative events going on around the city - Town Point Park, Norfolk Scope, Virginia Beach Amphitheater, etc. - and if you plan on going to one and need someone to go with, I'll be available, and can accompany whoever to wherever, if you need someone.

September 10, 2002
Today I'm probably spending the whole day at home. We've lost our phone dial tone in the house and I called up Verizon to get someone to fix it. They said that they're going to have someone out between 8am and 7pm. Can they be more accurate? They give themselves an 11 hour window and I've got to hang out here all day waiting. Damn.

A couple weeks ago we had the cable guy come out and they told us it would be between 8pm and 10pm and sure enough at 7:59 his van pulled up to our curb and he sat in there for a minute then knocked on the door at exactly at 8pm. But anyways, if you need to reach any of us here at the house, it'll be best to use our cell phones or just email us. I've got some cool sounds coming out of my computer right now whenever I get email, so I would probably respond immediately. Or even Instant Message (IM) me with Yahoo Messenger. My handle is chillee31.

I saw Stealing Harvard yesterday. It was alright, in fact, it was a little better than I expected. But I was expecting something really bad. It actually had a decent story of how a guy was trying his best to raise some money to pay for someone's Harvard education. There is an intricate plot that somehow weaves together the lives of several people, but one problem I had with the movie is that these people were pretty dumb. Many people will shy away from this movie solely on the fact that Tom Green is a main character, but he is sort of tamed, he's on the level as his character on Road Trip, but still, he's the dumbest of all the cast. I was surprised to recognize several of the people and they all did an alright job. Jason Lee probably plays his character best, he just seems to shine in whatever role he's put in from Chasing Amy to Dogma to Almost Famous. The movie has that sly wit that will only make a couple people laugh in the crowd, but that's because they were the only ones that may have caught the joke. It's almost the kind of humor you find in dark comedies, but then there are the scenes that are just downright hilarious. I laughed a lot but not everyone in the crowd did. I did notice some people who left early, but a majority of the packed theatre did enjoy it. I got to see it for free, so I may have liked it more than if I had actually paid, but if you plan to pay for it, catch a cheap matinee. Or just wait for the video, it's good, but not a must see.

I'm a little upset though, because there is a free sneak preview tonight for a movie I really wanted to see,The Transporter, with my current desktop wallpaper and hottie of the momentHsu Chi. They were giving out free passes yesterday and I just found out today. I'm going to see if I can pull a few strings to get to see it tonight but if I can't , I'm going to have to wait a month to see it since it's not going to be released until October 11.

September 9, 2002
It was a fairly busy weekend for me. I did my rounds with all of the filipino parties (got my free food on) and then I spent the rest of the weekend either watching football or playing it on the playstation.

And now I know how much my fantasy football teams suck.

I also know how much my playstation skillz suck. I tryed my luck at playing NFL2k3 online for the first time and I got killed by someone, probably an eight year old kid.

Well all the kids are back in school so it's now safe for me to go out. I can now go shopping durng the day in peace. The rec center will again be empty and left just for me. I can again go to Busch Gardens without having to stand in any kind of line. And the movie theaters won't be swarming with people during the $3.75 morning matinee. It's just going to be me and the elderly again. I'm going to again enjoy my free time during the day.

I've got another free pass for two to see Stealing Harvard tonight at 7:30 at the Regal Cinemas in the Greenbrier area. Let me know if you want it.

September 5, 2002
This is for those of you that keep up with filipino pop culture. Yesterday I met singing diva Pops Fernandez, legendary comic Ai Ai delas Alas, and actor/model Troy Montero. They are all in Virginia Beach for a concert to be held tonight at Norfolk State University. Pasko Productions is promoting the event and that company is spearheaded by a friend of mine, Wil Pasco. Check out their site for more info on the concert. I don't know if I'm going to the concert, but if you are thinking of going, let me know and that will probably sway me to go. Anywayz, I think I can get a "discount" to the show.

For those of you who don't know, Pops Fernandez is a mega star in the Philippines. I guess she's the equivalent of an Aaliyah or Jennifer Lopez. Ai Ai delas Alas is a staple in filipino comedy movies. I recognized her, even with my limited knowledge of the philippine cinema. And honestly, I have no idea who Troy Montero was, but all the aunties were screaming for him, "hey Trooooyyyy *hehehe*...I love you Troy". I've got pictures that I'll put up later today.

They were at Susan's Kitchenette, a filipino restaraunt about 3 blocks away from my house. The place was swarming with people and when she arrived things got crazy. The three stars were there to have lunch, and the whole time they ate, people just surrounded them, staring and taking pictures. It was pretty wild, but people started dispersing after a while and after they ate they did their little meet & greet autograph signing. They were alright except for the fact that all three of them autographed my stuff with "To ALBERT". Damn...

------
Does anyone want to see a FREE sneak preview for the movie "Stealing Harvard"? It's the movie with Tom Green and Jason Lee (Almost Famous, Kevin Smith films). I've got a pass that admits 2 to a screening on Monday night at 7:30pm at Regal Cinemas in Chesapeake (formerly Funscape). Let me know who wants it, first person who replies will get it. And only ask for it if you know you're gonna go. I'll probably be there too, and if I don't see you there, I'll be a little perturbed.

September 5, 2002
Okay, football season starts tonight. Yeah, I know it's not sunday, but this year they decided to start the season on a thursday night. This also means the kickoff to my fantasy football teams. I've got a pair of teams this year and I'm sure both of them are gonna do some major damage. My Yahoo! football team is a little hindered this year. Somehow I ended up in last place for our draft. I think it's a conspiracy for winning last year. But I'll just show my fantasy football prowess and still vie for the top spot with my sorry players.

Okay, with Kelly Clarkson winning the dubious moniker, American Idol is finally over, or is it? Well the AI book just came out in stores and the DVD is on its way, not to mention the AI CD and the AI tour (which comes to the MCI center in DC in November but tickets go on sale TOMORROW). Kelly's single comes out in 2 weeks and now talks are beginning for American Idol 2 to be held in the winter. Simon Cowell has already inked a million dollar contract to return again but the other 2 have yet to be linked to the project. I've read rumors that 80's pop star Tiffany is a possibility and then seeing her last night in the audience only strengthens that rumor. I'm sure a whole bunch of the other finalists will be releasing their albums soon after Kelly and the radio is just gonna be loaded with their music. I know it's my guilty pleasure, but I'm probably gonna be sick of it soon. Time for me to get back to listening to Clipse, Eminem, and my other regularly scheduled music.

September 3, 2002
It's a busy day here at work, with students returning and classes already started, so I've gotta keep this short.

I want to thank all of my hospitable hosts on my quick little Labor Day weekend getaway to NoVa/D.C. this past weekend. Thanks to Chris Yoder & Narni for letting Ryan and me stay at their place without them being there. And thanks Acey for the dinner and for driving us around. Ryan and I had a good time.

We managed to get to the National Zoo on a cloudy Saturday. It was pretty cool. Lots of animals. I saw the pandas. Very cool. We saw the tranquilizing of a giraffe. Very interesting. I saw a 5 foot arrowana fish. Wow. I had a bunch of bees invade my pink lemonade. Ewww. The cost of the zoo was free. Oh Happy Day!!!

Tonite, the American Idol finale. Kelly & Justin go at it for 2 hours.