Marco Online

Battlefield Vietnam

Well, I've added an additonal blogger to my list. "G H O S T" is a Blog site dedicated to my First Person Shooting Games interest. G H O S T is a sniper who favors the M40 sniper rifle in the Vietnam War. Check it out and guess who he is.

What's Hot in Tibet?

Well, aside from junk, "One man's garbage is another man's treasure" (like an ex-lover?), there are other things in life that are free and at the same time hassle-free in acquiring it. I'm dead serious! If you have not received a "treasure" in life, here is the next best thing to a McDonald's freebie.

Smoking?

Burning the Midnight Oil - Ran Out of It!

For the past few days I've been sleeping around 4am, hey I guess even 5am. Heck, a few days ago the sun was coming up.

I've been crazy busy lately. I've basically got four different design projects being worked on and their deadlines are all the on the same day! People think designers can design a piece of art with a blink of an eye. Well, where have these people been.

It's really tough. Most of the time, or can I say majority of it, you have to think real hard about the design - well I have to. I do some branding design. The most common and typical elements are - research competitors, request and use the demographics or marketing plan, think of the budget, and mock-up high quality protoypes. There are many sub-categories, but these are the basic and essential requirements.

Now, the elements of a good designer is aesthetic ability. But, the elements of a smart designer is understanding the market and client. Since I've been working in the design field - I'm pleased that employers and clients see me as the later. What makes it difficult, they expect more. Or even leave a lot of responsibilities.

Well it's fine, but the problem is time. Time is cruel. It can make you wait or make you move in haste. Anyway, the most stupid thing I've done recently is read 270+ pages of White Wolf (David Gemmell) yesterday - around 1:30am. I spent a few hours reading - I should have just rested.

ZZzzzz

The Difference Between Men & Women

Thanks MJ :)

Accident?: Sometimes You Can't Trust Mechanics With Your Car

That's why when I go to the car shop, I just wait even if takes hours. It's hard to trust mechanics these days. Read this, it's about a modded Civic - from a car enthusiast forum. I'm just quoting him:

"2100lb stripped 4 door Civic DX, JRSCed B18c1. Well he got his pulley kit (8psi, new belt and a lot of other stuff). The best he could pull when his S/C wasnt working (belt slipping) was a 15.3 (he really cant drive for shit). So he got the pulley upgrade and took it back to the track. His best time was a 13.2 (the car was good for mid-low 12s). He said that the car was either going to kill him or put him in jail He got skerd of the car and sold it. Well the guy that bought it went to have the clutch replaced. The mechanic decides he was going to take the car for a test drive. He rear ends a car going about 120 down Gray Hwy, went THROUGH A BRICK WALL and then ended up in someone's living room (the car too). He killed his friend that was with him and he is now in jail.

Dont speed guys, it kills."

By the way, the car had a 5 Point Harness seatbelt (for racing) and they did not use it.

Too Young For A Lesson in Animal Reproduction

See what happens when this kid tunes in to Late Night Discovery Channel?

Japanese Signboard & Yakult

Gio sent me this Japanese signboard pic:

Recycling that Yakult bottle:

Yum.

Dawn of the Dead

Check this upcoming horror movie...

Appleseed 2004 Trailer

I'm a huge fan of good anime especially movies. I love to watch but not to research on what's new and notable. Gio my buddy - he's sort of a historian/fanatic when it comes to anime, updated me with possibly the hottest anime movie to come out this spring (unfortunately - it's going to be in Japan only, or even UK) -APPLESEED! Anyway, news has been around since 2002 but now it's coming out!

If you recall Ghost in the Shell, the creator of that anime/manga is Shirow Masamune. Prior to GITS he did a number of different titles such as Dominion Tank Police, Galhound, and more - including the popular Appleseed. Of course it's all about mechs, blazing guns, cool moves, and hot chicks. But, the most inspiring part is the art and style.

Shirow Masamune created Applessed in the early 90s. He is one of my favorite artists. Now, they're coming up with the 2004 movie! They did animes in the 90s but of course that won't do this justice. You have to see this CGI - with cell animation overlapped. It's soo smoooth! Hey and if you think it is sort of a Matrix run off, wrong. The Wachowski brothers were also inspired by Japanese anime and manga, even before Matrix. Thus, Matrix has some influences of the Jap anime culture.

Now, all I have to do is find a way to get an Original/English Subtitled/DVD version of this.

Here is the link to the trailer:

Appleseed 2004 Trailer: Download file

Other info:

Official site
Soundtrack

Happy Hour & Johnnie Walker Journey of Taste

Dinner

After work, Gus, Shawna, Tae, JTK, and I headed out to Tom Sarris's Orleans House off of Wilson Street. We met up with Monica, Sam, and Andy. Orlean’s House specialty is steak and this place possibly is known for the best steak in town. Most of us ordered prime rib (comes with the salad bar selection). I ordered medium-well, regular cut, and 7oz. only. I usually order mine well-done since most places can’t get my medium-well right, but here they always get it right. We also had two bottles of red wine, which I can’t remember the name, but it was Italian. I still had to order Iced Tea. I always do anyway. It was a good dinner with a great bunch of people.

What Next

After dinner, we went to the Renaissance Hotel in D.C. for the Johnnie Walker Journey of Taste RSVP event. In this event, a JW Ambassador guides guests thru a seminar on the JW Scotch process, its culture/heritage, how to be a semi-master blender, and the techniques of understanding what makes a great Scotch. Well, I’m not an avid Scotch or alcohol drinker, it just sounded fun and educational.

The Course

Aside from the two tickets to free cocktail drinks (of course with a mix of Johnnie Walker Black) and free hors d'oeuvres, we had been presented 5 shots of different JW Black blends. From JW Black, Fruity to Smoke. I only consumed one shot and gave the rest to Gus. Man was he excited about the event. Shawna and Monica downed more shots than I did, hey and they took the first shots ahead of the guys. And, Tae was too busy rubbing the scratch-and-sniff brochure on his skin. He was so amazed. Anyway, they have taught us how to blend, what to look for, and some master techniques when taking Scotch/Whiskey. For me the learning process was more interesting than downing all those freebie shots.

Special Treat

Gus was so frustrated because there were no Scottish Men in Kilts. There usually are or is in an event, but this was a late night one. He wanted a picture with them while holding a double-shot glass with JW Black. As a compromise I took a shot of him with the JW Ambassador, Kaye. The good thing is, since we stayed longer with a few avid drinkers, the JW team gave us a special treat - JW Gold and chilled. They also handed out Ferro Rocher chocolates. So what you do is, take a bite of the chocolate, and then take a sip of the chilled JW Gold. I liked it better! Reminds of Chocolate Martini, besides JW Gold is smoother and more expensive, like $60 to $70 per bottle.

What I Learned

Some (I’m keeping some) cool things I learned about Scotch, Johnnie Walker Black in particular:

1. Flavors range from Fruity, Rich Fruit to Smoke. Now these could have many sub categories such as Vanilla, Raisin, Coconut, etc.
2. JW Gold is the only Scotch you can put in a freezer or chill without amplifying the smoky flavor, because it is more of a butterscotch/smoother blend.
3. For Irish, there are only two ways of taking Scotch, with a splash of water or more Scotch. Yes, you can add water. Besides, it already has a mix of it. It makes it smoother as well if it is too strong for you.
4. The only ingredients for Scotch are Barley, Water, and Yeast. But of course there are techniques including the cask that comes either from Europe or United States and the location of aging.
5. The longer the Scotch has been aged, the more expensive because 2% of it evaporates every year.
6. That’s it, there are more, but I’d better keep it to myself.

Later

Doodie Doodie & Instructoart.com

I guess a former classmate of mine has time to search for craptacular stuff. He sent me a ton of different doodie animations. It's funny but definitely not my toilet yoga.

Also check out instructoart.com. Click on the MTV link/banner below. Amusing eh?

Later

Van Helsing

I just talked to my brother a few minutes ago. He's a huge fan of horror and sci-fi movies. He just mentioned the upcoming Van Helsing movie coming this May. If you don't know who Van Helsing is, well he is known as a monster hunter in the 1800s, remember Dracula? Stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale. Check it out. Even if I'm a hermit at the moment, I may go see this. It looks like the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen with a mix of Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Boogie Pimps

Check this funny music video. Skydiving babies landing on a hot chick. For just that moment I wish I were one of the babies so I can land wherever like.

Somebody to Love

The group is Boogie Pimps, I think they are from Germany.

She

Yesterday, I slept around 6 in the morning knowing I had to get up in a few hours to meet a friend. I was on the phone with someone thousands of miles away. I was on the phone for close to 3 hours. Even longer when we’ve got enough time. She’s a special someone.

She’s the type who’d wear cotton undies and a stretch camisole at home when we’re alone. Hair tied back and walks barefoot. She’s the type who’d want to cuddle up every time we’d watch a movie in bed. She’s the type who’d turn doe-eyed if she wanted something. And when she’d cry, her cheeks and lips turn warm pink. She’s a very special someone; sexy for being who she is.

Pity, Going Out, Did I Just Drop a $20 Bill? St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

I got too busy working on my skills in Battlefield 1942. I think I got too addicted. Some BF1942 fanatics developed a modification called Desert Combat. It's cool. I actually felt some pity for a German sniper in game called "God_zilla" or something. I think I sniped him 4 times in a row not by choice but by coincidence. 80% of the time I play an Allied sniper. I go by the name " _ _ _ _ _." Can't disclose, I'm not the best in every game, but 90% of the time I make it to the top 10 usually out of 50 to 64 players. My death rate is so low too. The last game in Berlin, I took out 7 Germans by surprise, I rushed their flag and even got it. It was funny there was a player named "Gay Teen." He always said "Good Luck Straight Guys," I guess they liked him; he was in the top 10 on one of the games I played.

Well, I haven't been going out for 7 months now. Not even to a movie theatre. It's not just work, but I wonder why do I have to? I'm technically engaged but some people here consider me single. My fiancée's 8570 miles (13792 km) away from me, and boy, do I feel like a neutered cat. And even with that distance, I remain loyal (do I get a special price Sweetheart?). The hard part is the temptation from just anything. Last night I dreamt of two women. Someone aside from the two said that one of them likes me. You know what I did? I said, "cool." Then I left, but as soon as I stepped out, one of the girls said "Can we go out tomorrow night?" So, I'm thinking, am I going to dream of her tonight? Heh. I think I read too much of Urecco during my Toilet Yoga. Another challenging temptation is - if a pretty chick is touchy. I'm a guy; it's a known weakness! Fortunately, it will be a blast when my fiancée and I get together. Hah!

Two weeks ago in church, during the offering, I pulled out $3 or $4 (cheap huh, hey I'm saving for our wedding. Heh) from my wallet, placed it in the container being passed around. I glanced at it one more time and see a few dollar bills and a $20 bill in there! Was that mine? Oh no! I had a couple of twenties in my wallet - of course I can't get it back - they'd think I was stealing. Did I feel bad? No I felt guilty because instead of offering it, I wanted to get it back. Oh well, sorry.

I've been donating monthly (direct deduction) to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital since July 2003? Check it out. They specialize in research and treatment of cancer (specifically in children). They help the less privileged or those who cannot afford treatment for their children. I just feel that this is one of the better charities. Kids are innocent - well not all, but aside from that - it is very saddening to see especially children suffer or die. Cai and I have very close friends and family who have passed away because of cancer. Will there be a cure in the next few years?

Muhammad Ali in Adidas & Quiznos Critters

Have you seen the new Adidas TV spot? It made my day. It doesn’t resemble any Nike-style commercial – where extreme human skills are portrayed to prove a point, or odd ideas on how ‘cool’ running shoes are supposed to be. It’s not trying to be cool; it’s just really cool.

There are three spots I know and have seen so far. The concept is all about “Impossible is Nothing.” Here is the creative copy (from Adidas):

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.

Impossible is nothing.”

You have to see the Adidas commercials.

At first I was like “Man, how in the world have they filmed Ali with those guys?” I then realize that I am in the year 2004. Special effects, but very tastefully done.

Ali vs. Ali is now planted in my subconscious mind. It shows Muhammad Ali vs. her daughter, Laila Ali – who happens to be a Middle Weight Champion. Of course it’s M. Ali in the 70’s composited with Laila. The way it is narrated (by Laila?), the background music, and the copy, shows how powerful this creative ad is. I really loved it.

The other ad is titled “Long Run.” Same composited effect, with M. Ali, Laila, soccer star Beckham, runner Maurice Green, basketball player Tracy McGrady, the others I don’t recognize. All getting ready for an early jog – in Ali’s 1974 Zaire early morning jog? In the end you see Ali doing some trademark butterfly fist boxing in front of the camera…really cool.

The third ad is titled “Stacy.” Now, I spent two-thirds of my life in Asia, so my American pop culture is a tad rusty. Or, maybe Stacy is from the XYZ generation and I don’t know who he is. Or, he is a fictional character. Anyway he used to play some extreme sports. From skateboarding to BMXing. The last scene shows him on a ramp (extreme sports), but this time on a wheel chair.

I found out that the agencies responsible for these spots were 180 in Amsterdam and TBWA Chiat Day in Los Angeles.

Also, another notable and funny spot is the new Quiznos (We Love the Subs & Take a Buck Off) ad. Man those two critters make me crack up. My parents found it foolish, but hey, I may be the target market. They looked like squashed squirrel subs (sandwich) with funny looking faces and ultra dorky singing voices. It’s so funny it makes me want to eat Quiznos. Oh well, check out the two ads at Quiznos.com, a link somewhere in the middle of the page can be found.

I’m surprised to find out that Martin Agency in Richmond, Virginia (about an hour and a half or two from my place!) were responsible for the spots.

Later

I Love Movies. MUSA is Spectacular! What's Wrong With Asian Movies?

I love watching movies. Aside from collecting hard-to-find electronica-lounge CDs, I have a growing collection of DVD movies. I am an avid audiophile as well.

Warning, partial spoiler:

I just watched "MUSA the Warrior", a Korean-Chinese movie about a Korean diplomatic envoy/convoy. They were sent to Nanjing, China to settle accusations of the murder of a Ming envoy sent to Korea. The Korean envoy has been accused and exiled. Now I can't tell the whole story. That would be a real spoiler. But, on their way to exile, they rescue a kidnapped Ming princess (played by Zhang Zi Yi) from a Yuan Dynasty Clan - at that time the Yuans and Mings were at war. They decided that if they returned the Ming princess, the Mings would clear the murder accusations and grant favors to the Korea. Now in History, this Korean envoy dissapeard.

Anyway, I just have to say that even if this movie came out in 2001, it still is spectacular for 2004 standards. I read that this is probably the most expensive Korean movie ever made. It's now part of my collection. It's very, very, brutal. I have not seen anything like it. Braveheart may be a movie close to the likes of it. But this is amazingly different. Aside from the story and characters, the cinematography is great. The fight scenes are possible but oh so brutal! No Chinese-style kung fu. My only gripe is the editing.

There is always something depressing about great Asian movies, particularly, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (my first Korean movie) movies. Here comes the spoiler!!! They always tend to end with a sad ending. Like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Hero, Princess Blade, even the animes Ninja Scroll and Devil Hunter D:Bloodlust, etc. I guess happy endings are only for Hollywood movies.

I recommend that you watch MUSA - in DVD of course. It's something greatly different. I read Hero is coming out in 2004. I was able to watch it in Manila off of a bootleg DVD copy from a street vendor. That is a tastefully done movie. Has a good number of Chinese kung fu fighting. Close to CTHD.

Anyway, here's my current setup when I watch movies or listen to music:

Amplifier: Denon AVR2802 (I wish I could afford THX!)
DVD Player: Denon 900, Sony DAVS300
Bang & Olufsen Turntable
Speakers: Boston Acoustics VR965, Boston 910, Boston 80IIx
Sony Trinitron 32

Jay & MJ

Too many Js. I'm MJ too. I got a chance to catch up with some college buddies of mine Jay & MJ. Jay lives in the Philippines and MJ here in the East Coast area. It's lame since I've been to downtown Philadelphia and NY a lot and never got a chance to meet up with MJ. Anyway, finding out about more of my college classmates thru Friendster. It is ssssssoooooooooooooooooooooo sssssssssllllllloooooooooooowwwwww...........and a bug laden site, it's still on beta, bbuuuuutttt.....

Caribou and Starbucks, Iced Coffee and Butter Croissant

Sunday I had a nervous breakdown. But yesterday and today, all was fine. We're not done yet but the chief honorably agreed that quality should be first than getting the beta out. Deadline is set for tomorrow. I actually dreamt of the project last night. That was how worried I was. So far, it's looking good. I'm happy.

Anyway, I was too busy today to get some real lunch. I only had a banana this morning. I ate lunch around 4pm. Caribou Coffee at the first level is just like Starbucks, but I like the ambience better. Reminds me of a partial ski lodge up in Aspen. Starbucks is too commercialized for me. But, I miss Starbucks’ Iced Americano, I always get 2 shots of espresso on it (my previous workplace had Starbucks just outside). Caribou has regular iced coffee only. Not bad, but the barista put too much hot coffee over the ice. It was warm instead of iced. By the way, friends I know who are avid coffee enthusiasts tell me that Starbucks is too strong; not much of a character. They really don't rate it as the best coffee they've tasted. I think it's just popular like McDonald's. I also got some butter croissant. It's bad for my health but I need something. It tasted so good I sounded like a pig eating it. Foods that taste really good are guaranteed bad for you.

I left work around 8:30pm because I had to take a business call around 9pm. Got home around 8:45pm and had a quick dinner-wasn't bad at all. Chinese shrimp fried rice and some beef veggie thing, but after the call, I lost my appetite. Hey, nothing call related, I just wasn’t hungry anymore. Still, I managed to steal some Boston crème donut from the junk food box. Gotta start eating healthy again tomorrow. Well, shower time for me, it’s 12:15am.