Biting the Bullet

Heck. Lately, i can't think of anything to write. It must be lack of sleep again. Anyway, a few random realizations this Friday in bullet points!

(i assume everyone agrees that the "bullet point" is the greatest typographical symbol invented in the history of writing civilization. Imagine! You actually have a chance, and a choice, to not "settle" and use the more formal, and oft-times more required, "paragraph" form of writing. Take that, grammar and writing pow-lice!)

• Our team was assigned to shoot the APT Ray Ban Celebrity Tournament at Dusit Hotel last Tuesday...
  
• i was excited since it involved poker but not everyone in the team felt the same way... Well, i was probably the only one excited...
  
• Poker coverage won't work if the freaking tournament director can not follow instructions!
• Come to think of it, celebrity poker coverage won't work if the freaking celebrities can not follow instructions!
• Quick explanation on the last two bullets: even with a lipstick camera one or two persons can NOT really monitor the cards!
  
• So good luck to our team putting up the graphics because of the tournament director, who wouldn't do his job and the celebrities who couldn't follow instructions...
• Speaking of graphics... Since we will be rather short on the "resources" this calls for another creative escape...
  
• It's called "manipulating the graphics" and you won't ever notice what, how and why it still worked..
• Watch the celebrity tournament 2-3 weeks from now... Yes, it will take that much time to edit this shit..

Other notes...

• Meetings can tell you about lots of people's tendencies... and their potentials... or how worthless your boss (one of them, anyway) is.
  
• Well not exactly worthless... You just hope that your boss showed more errrr... spunk and emotion in that meeting, i mean it's part of the responsibility, right?
• But, no... and worthless was exactly the right word.
  
• ...Impressive was the pair of "bosses" from other channels.
  
• You almost wish you were transferred to those other channels. Indeed, i can learn a thing or two or three or more about my job and other things if i was under them...
• i DID not catch their names but i won't forget how they handled themselves in a meeting such as that one. It was a lesson on organization and poise, we hope one boss took the cue...

Still more notes:

• When i try to talk, and there's is still no conversation, what is it called? Indifference, baby. Indifference is the right word.
  

The sum of a world of difference and your indifference is

...

The Rights Romance

Disclaimer: The persons, names of persons, events and names of events may or may not be a work of fiction and may even be as a disguise to actual persons or actual events. And if you look hard enough, it may or may not be a concerted effort to make an analogy with actual Philippine TV companies and major players. Any resemblance to persons and events and their obvious comparisons may or may not be coincidental.

The Title: The Rights Romance

The Cast of Characters and a brief description of each:

Ricardo Rufus III. Off a family of the rich and the famous and is rich and famous; competent and aggressive. Knows what he wants and most of the times gets what he wants... Be it local or international prospects, he knows the art of selling himself. And most of the time, he succeeds with it. He is getting into sports nowadays after years of flirting with the idea. You could say, he is starting to develop the balls for it.

Sonny Corpuz. Could be as rich as Rufus but not as famous; bright but at times inept with his inability to express himself. Loves sports among others but he also knows his entertainment with a touch of class but lacks the punch when trying to "score" local beauties. Unlike Rufus, he's just a relatively new "player" in this field but has been making a name for himself as of late stealing away precious pretty "properties" in Pacita Manila and Natalie B. Azucena...

Like Rufus, Sonny is clamoring for the newest available damsel in distress this part of town: Fiona B. Azucena, distant cousin of Natalie. Natalie was always the hot one this side of the family but Fiona just reeks with potential...

(With a special appearance by) Mike Strong. The new kid on the block. Might as well be rich as both Rufus and Sonny. Maybe combined. Maybe just a nuisance suitor. Nobody really knows. Which makes him a very interesting, wild-card character.

The Plot and general overview of the story, some of it already mentioned in passing in recent paragraphs:

Fiona has an impending divorce with a certain Alex Brian Carando after three years of marriage. With their break-up an open secret since the start of the year, the general public, which lives and dies and breathes and lies with romantic rumors and whatnots, has speculated about Fiona's fate and destiny--- in any order.

Speculation has concluded that only two major players have been aggressively pursuing the heart of Fiona. As speculations can not be trusted, and even hasty conclusions can not be believed, there came a third player in the form of Mr. Strong who joined the fray, so to speak.

Thus, the simple plot is the simple plan of Sirs Ricardo, Sonny and Mike to ask Madame Fiona's hand, with considerations to prenuptial agreements which varies from one to the other two suitors.

The Actual Story, which may or may not involve actual dialogues that may or may not have actually happened:

January 2008. Even before the turn of the year, there were already murmurs of Fiona's spat with Alex. A spat that could mean a bitter(sweet) end for both. The rumblings in the Carando residence is that the gentleman Alex Brian is having financial problems in his latest business ventures... Losing money so fast that he could not afford anymore giving support to Fiona. As the first month of the year arrived, already the rumors were confirmed as Fiona is said to have decided to date other men--- admirably, with Alex's content.

By March to April, Fiona was said to have taken dating to another level. If reports and rumors are to be believed, Fiona exclusively dated Ricardo Rufus III for eight weeks straight! Paving for even more reports and rumors that Fiona has indeed fallen and that it was Rufus who broke that fall. Rufus reputation precedes him and it indeed helped that he is from a well-off family which most likely means a bright financial future for the the pair. Fiona was starstruck and Ricardo confidently believed that the stars have aligned in his favor.

But Fiona, a respectable if not classy woman (depends on how you look at it...) still found time to entertain other suitors. One of them was Sonny Corpuz, who showed much dedication in the few days that he spent with Ms. Azucena. It is worth noting that last year, in Fiona's birthday party Sonny appeared as guest and handled the opening program for that event. In retrospect, maybe Sonny was setting up the pawns even before any actual battle.

Late in the game, one Mike Strong put his name in the hat to join the fray for Fiona's nod... Apparently, Mr.Strong is another rich gentleman and offered Fiona almost the moon and the stars (By comparison, Rufus offered a quarter and lots of stars; Sonny offered a half-moon and a part of the sun...)

At this point of the story, you have to understand that indeed Fiona is as confused as anyone else in the same situation. After all, this is her future we are talking about. A future that will be defined by her decision... A decision that could mean a replay of the glories or disappointments of the past...

+++

Middle of May 2008. A few days before decision day.

The evening was dark and lovely as Fiona's satin dress. Earlier in the day and even the week, already Fiona's parents were pressuring her to make the choice... Mothers know best and Fathers almost always follow her better half's lead... After all, parents are the invisible hands that pushes their daughters to an unknown yet obvious desires. And Mr. and Mrs. Azucena are not so different in that sense.

+++

(Overheard conversations at a dinner party):

Rufus (after cornering Fiona somewhere in the dinner table): Good evening, Ms. Fiona. It's been awhile now, eh? Two, maybe three months now since i have showed intention... All those weeks we have been together, those are special times, wasn't it? Special people like you deserve special people like me.

Fiona: Yes, Rufus. That was the very reason why i--- and my parents--- invited all of you to tonight's dinner... i have a very errr... special announcement to make. It's---...

Rufus (brimming with confidence): Ah yes. It's such a special evening... And nothing else matters except what you decide tonight...

Fiona: Yes... That's pretty much it... Excuse me, Rufus.

Fiona stands up and tries to get the attention of everyone at the round table. Flanking Fiona were Mrs. Azucena and Rufus. Mr. Azucena, who was talkin to Mike Strong to his left, was beside his wife. A couple of guests, Sonny Corpuz and a trio of other famous personalities, back to Rufus complete the circle.

Fiona: Good evening dear guests... As i mentioned to Rufus just a few seconds ago...

(Smiles at Rufus.He returns a toothy grin)

Fiona: ... i, we, have a very special announcement to make tonight.

(Both Mr. and Mrs. Azucena stands up, the mother holds her daughter's shaking hands)

Fiona: For the past year, all of you know that me and my husband have been in a rather uneven terms... Earlier this year, i had the opportunity of meeting some interesting and real people... And i want to thank them tonight before i make the announcement... Mike, it was a short time but i felt your genuine intention... It's just that i did not get to know you better...

Mike: It was my pleasure, Madam. i do wish as well that we had the time to get to know each other better...

(Mike returns to his dinner of lemon chicken)

Fiona: Sonny. You have shown every bit of desire to be with me. i know, i have been uh, kind of aloof regarding your intention... i admit and i apologize for this, i doubted your capabilities and your past really confuses me...

Sonny: No apologies needed Fiona. i understand very well.

(Fiona turns to Rufus)

Fiona: And you my dear Rufus... It's a bit of an understatement to say that i am impressed... You have been the most... Dedicated. And more than anybody else in the group, you have shown me things which they can only dream and imagine...

(Rufus rises)

Fiona:... i have made my decision. Sonny, i want to marry you.

(Sonny is a bit stunned. Hands shaking a bit but manages to stand up and reach Fiona's hand...)

Sonny: ...

(Rufus IS stunned. His entire body shaking but managed to return to his seat.)

Rufus (whimpers): i don't understand...

(Rufus then assumes his standing position and tries to speak to Fiona or to speak to no one in particular...)

Rufus: i don't understand...

(Rufus half-walks and half-runs off the table... He stumbles a bit but managed to get his bearings back...)

Rufus (half-shout of bitterness): This did not just happen! You will regret this, Fiona!

(Fiona stares at him but looks away as he holds Sonny's trembling hands)

Sonny: Fiona, this is indeed a special evening... Mr. and Mrs. Azucena, i want to thank you for raising your child the right way... Mike, i don't know you and nobody knows you, but you have been a gentleman in all of this.

(Mike stands up and takes a bow of respect...)

Mike: Grateful for all of it, Sonny. Fiona, much respect to you and your family and good luck

(Mike respectfully leaves the table even as the other guests along with the Azucena couple took their cue and went to do and mind their business off the table as well...)

+++

Sonny: i don't know what to say...

Fiona: You don't have to say anything...

Sonny: i won't assure you anything, Fiona...

Fiona: AND you don't have to assure anything. i did make my decision and i hope--- no, it's a we now-- we can only hope that this works for now and the future... Together, Sonny?

Sonny: Yes, Fiona. Together, we will make this work--- one way and the other.

+++

Nobody knows if this is a live-happily-ever-after story. Sonny and Fiona have set their wedding sometime this year. (Fiona has yet to finish the paper works in his divorce with Mr. Caranda).

+++

What everyone knew was Rufus's story. Immediately after the momentous evening, Rufus was said to have told his close associates, friends and practically the entire town of how he "fell out of love" with Fiona.

Yes. Falling out love. Despite chasing her for two, maybe three months, maybe even more. After all, it's easier to soften the fall, rather than to soften the blow.

+++

Stranger things have happened with Love. And In Love.

+++

And even stranger things happen in Philippine TV.

+++

...

+++

Here are the significant links on various news reports over the last few months; where it started and where it will finally end up. And they are not talking about Rufus, Sonny or Fiona.

http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080522-138037/PBA-torn-between-Solar-ABS-CBN
http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080501-133818/Identical-PBA-bids-by-Solar-ABS-CBN
http://pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335342
http://philstar.com/index.php?Sports&p=49&type=2&sec=30&aid=2008052684

Random Poll of the Week: The Life and Death Question

While there are only six people who voted in my initial poll, i must remain an optimist. (Though, i doubt this part) i am still hoping the buzz would pick up and i expect about eight people regularly taking part on this democratic process by the end of 2010.


The initial salvo was about my hair, the second one is about your life. You've voted? Now be heard. The question goes...

Would you rather...
a) Die first? (Meaning, now now and now) - You will suddenly drop dead. The memories, your life will flash before your very eyes right about now...

Pros:
+ All your problems are suddenly solved, well at least non-existent. And at worst, you can do none about it now.
+ Whatever you believe in, whichever God you have faith with, this will be it. You will meet Him at this hour...

Cons:
- You will leave behind your loved ones. Early. Very early.
- For whatever mission you had, for whatever purpose you searched for... It's simple over. (Raise your hands just above chest level, cross left over right, and right over left: It's Ovah!)
- No more text messages from ANYone. (Unless there's a Globe signal in heaven/hell) Although those text messages you want to receive are rather laconic, it still puts a smile on your face every good night and smiley and good morning and smiley.

b) Die last? (Until after every human being is dead which means you are still alive roughly 5 minutes before doomsday)

Pros:
+ More quality time with loved ones
+ Time to change your pathetic lifestyle
+ Time for a dinner or two with ANYone

Cons
- You really want to spend the last hours of your life alone?
- Everyone of your loved ones is dead before it's your time. If you ask me, that's real lonely
- Looooong wait to meet your Maker

c) Not answer the question (It's sick and it's real creepy... i take HYPOTHETICAL questions too seriously. Heck, come to think of it, i am taking life too seriously)

Pros and Cons:
You lack imagination.

Call my bluff?

No bluff, i will be a (Pro) poker player in a couple of years, maybe three. That maybe a stretch (the aspiration not the number) maybe even close to impossibility. But this is the few times when i REALLY KNOW what i WANT. How will i do it? i don't have a freaking idea. Practice through online poker games? i can't do that from the office and even get fired for it. Play amateurish poker with amateurish friends? That can get me the experience, but how will that help me improve my amateurish tendencies?

Noel Old Man's fold-now-and-forever strategy could really test my patience. Don's strange and random tactics could teach me a thing or two about organization. Che or Enteng's not-so-innocent innocent i-dont-know-how-to-play-poker-but-i-got-a-pair-of-aces looks could tell me what really poker is about--- that you don't really know jackshit about anything, you only have an "idea.

Two years maybe three... Pro poker player. i think i can do that one. And if lucky, i might just steal the biggest pot in this hand called life. We will see.

Indecision, indecision

Starting today, i'll have to put all (well,most) life-altering predicaments posted on the right side of my blog (Lookie, there's a shameless poll just right of this post). Make your voice count, the key word here is "life-altering", you can help make a mark on this lifetime!


Blame it on indecision. With this rather irrational mind, i need every grain of sanity i can get.

Irresponsibility

One of my favorite non-Math subjects in college was Philosophy 2. The subject description was, i believe, the Philosophy of Man. i liked it so much that i flirted with the idea of actually shifting to A.B. Philosophy as i was enrolled then as a B.S. Computer Engineering student. i am not sure why i considered such an idea. Maybe because of my childhood dream (True story: Prep Yearbook says "i want to be a priest") and that this course can lead me to that empty attempt. (i fell out of God's favor by that time, i assume.)

Anyway, in one of these classes for Philo 2 (Burns* Hall, 1st floor) we had a short quiz then discussion (or the other way around) that circled around the word "responsibility." It was one of the rather most interesting part of my college life (maybe entire life...) as that same quiz and discussion led to the rather most memorable "quote-unquotes" in this lifetime.

Nothing to brag about but this is what i remembered in the single time that i decided to join the recitation part of the discussion (i believe the question was on the relationship of freedom and responsibility, and i answered something to this effect):

We can only be free if we find a way, intentionally or unintentionally (meaning if we find ourselves in that situation...) to be irresponsible... Because in irresponsibility we have the chance to admit our mistakes and faults and that is assuming responsibility. This is the first step to freedom, knowing that we should be responsible and deciding what to do with that knowledge.

i know, i know it's not exactly those words but i can quite remember what i meant and that's the nearest thing to what i said in front of the teacher and the entire class. i guess i can say i was proud of myself after that... exchange of ideas.

That was the "recitation" part, there was also another exchange this time between pen and paper when we had our prelims for the same subject. The point this time was about how we can find our "real wants" (This was the exact term used by our teacher, i believe) when we live in a "workaday world."--- a normal life that is indeed routine. My answer to this essay-type question (or again, something to this effect):

The workaday world boxes and limits each and one of us into finding our true selves. The real challenges are outside the four corners of this classroom. The real wants live outside the walls of this classroom. That's why i am passing this test paper right now and will try to find my real wants outside.

Again, it's not those exact words. But am sure that it was that short and that sweet. And oh, i did leave the room after answering that one question and submitted my unfinished paper (there were other questions).

i got a B+ for the test. And i dropped that subject. Irresponsible Bastard.

Unsportsman

i hate sports. It has a way of putting you in a pedestal near heaven then suddenly bringing you to the depths of hell. Sure, you knew it beforehand, you understood that the ball is round and that this is after all a game, and ANYBODY can win that game and there's a (very good) chance to you'd be at the losing end. Yet you watch. You cheer. You wake up at 3:30 am even if you have work the same day. Then you can't watch it anymore because your team is losing. At some point, you die as well. You feel their pain. These high-paid athletes who won't ever know that you existed, you actually care for them and their teams.

Sports, i hate it.

Tomorrow, Lakers take on the Spurs even as the Celtics took game one of their series against the Pistons earlier today.

2018

We will see.

The Cagbalete Experience: How to getaway from the great getaway

After meeting Noel and Jester at Petron, EDSA-Boni (2:30 a.m., decided not to sleep and just play pool with Christian a couple of hours before that.) we went... South... In between unforced winks and forcing to gobble a Siopao (asado flavor, no dinner yet) from 7-11, Ron called and asked me which car Jester was using... i said white. White something.
(Picture above: That's isle on the right off the big one, click to zoom)

First stopover, somewhere near Parañaque or Alabang i think (zero sense of direction) to meet up with Ron and his family and other friends. Time for a yosi-break. Went out of the car, and realized it was green. A couple of minutes later, Ron jokes about my colorblind-ness. All he got was a sheepish grin.

From there, it's a three-car convoy to Quezon. Four hours later or so, we arrived at the little town called Mauban and ate breakfast in a little resto called Lech-Gao. Lechon on Lugao sounds tasty but i settled for a Chami, a close cousin of your usual pansit.














(Picture above. Noel and Ron's back)
One hour later we were at a port called Pantalan, 45 minutes away from Cagbalete Island. News reports and text messages said that a storm was expected up north. The waves confirmed it as the people upfront were wet even before reaching the island. i was dripping as well.

+++

A low tide welcomed us. Nobody quite whined especially the wet ones. Noel grabbed the cottage nearest the water. Nobody quite whined as well.

+++

The afternoon turned to evening faster than i thought. The quick siesta rushed into dinner. The day flashed before my eyes... Blame Noel's early invitation (threat, actually) for a bottle of Vodka. Add the fact that Jester brought his own alcohol with the same name... And i hate Vodka for the longest time. Ever since i puked at Bonks' carpet at their place in San Felipe, Naga. So, in short i went away before i could even smell it... Noel must be fuming mad inside because i left him high and dry. Not literally of course. But i did not want to take that risk. Make that a pukeful of risk. Noel understands. And oh, i did take a shot or two or three when i woke up later that evening, but the inuman was already over and what i drank was the leftover. No worries. i can handle that one.

Thus, Day One was about sleep and the first escape.


























Day Two. Saturday. In between text messages to Ron (officemate) and Don (former housemate) about the NBA Playoffs results were... More sleep and Gaiman... Oh, i did wake up early. And actually got a taste of the Cagbalete beach--- thanks to the high tide, you do not have to walk too far--- and swam before anyone awoke. i mean, i keep a six-pack and stuff, i don't want anyone staring at all.














(Picture above: Noel, Jester and Ron explore the island)
Utah lost and Cleveland won. Half a good news to start the morning which featured a walk along the shores. i thought it was half the island. Noel agrees. i loved the walk. Noel (always on these matters where he gets tired for NO reason) disagrees.

+++

Ron, or Noel, should have warned me that the food for the outing was served five times a day. 3 for the major meals and a couple for the snacks. So much for the pretend six-pack, it was never there anyway.














(Picture above: Abusing the Macro-setting of the digital camera; Cagbalete beach at low tide)
By Saturday evening, everyone (Ok not every one, just the poker addicts) was excited for the 3rd (?) Cagbalete Poker Championship. There were only five of us, so i thought this would be my best chance to steal this "championship." Not until i discovered that Richard, Ron's friend and one of the players for the night was a professional poker player. Not to mention Ron is another pro anyway (But we already knew that) and Noel virtually folds every hand. And Jester, who talks his way to every hand (He does back it up on most hands).

But i was "a man on a mission" (Jester) and will "play inspired" (Noel)--- i was in a very different mood by the first hand. Having had received a bunch of text messages that really saved my day (no, make that weekend). Plus, i was also gahdamn lucky that evening.

+++

i beat Jester, who was the first to get booted out, with a pair of 9. Then i risked a 3-3 against Ron... i remember the flop included a pair of K's and i was saved by the river (3) as i hit a full house... Ron bowed out because of pure luck. (Confession: i have been wanting to beat Ron at poker ever since they introduced me to the game, he is the best poker player i know. And hey this is the (former) boss that saved this life. i respect the man. So this particular feat is one for the books.)

The next two players? i had my confidence all build up. All i had to do was wait for the blinds to get bigger and attack... That i did. The Pro Poker Player that is Richard was probably cruising and wanting to get out of the mini-tournament to spend time with his family. Heck, what's a 100 peso buy-in for a pro like him? In less than 20 minutes, he was out too. And finally. Noel. The player who folds every hand. And who settles for 2nd place. And that's just the way he likes it.

+++

While the pot was small, the title comes with a sense of satisfaction. Much like my fantasy win earlier this year. This is a once a year feat. Who cares really that half of the invited guests and previous Cagbalete guests did not come. i won it this year. And i'd like to defend it next summer.

And oh, i can put a smile on Noel's face too: Going (almost) all-in on a 3-3 draw? And against Ron, my own personal hero? Run and gun, Phoenix style works! Even in poker.

+++

Final note for Day Two: Earlier in evening, Noel teased me for not speaking at all for the past 36 hours (oh really.) and goaded Ms. Eula (One of the guests, Chip's girlfriend--- Chip is Ron's friend. She talks in straight in English too.) to talk to me because errrm, well i don't speak at all.

So, over dinner with everybody else within earshot Eula suddenly blurts out a hi.

Me: Hello.
Eula: Enjoying the dinner?
Me: Yeah.
Eula (who i believe was trying to really open up this conversation): So, what do you like?
Me: Hmmmm. Errr. Well, i like NOT talking?

That, my friends, put a sudden stop on the conversation. And i was kidding. Really i was. Thank god, Eula took the joke well but did not ask any more questions.

Thus, Day Two was about that smart-ass escape. And the steal at Poker. Such a nice day all things considered.

+++

Day Three. Sunday. Everyone was a bit tired now and we were scheduled to leave right after breakfast. We ended up leaving at around noon. Eula talked to me over one of the benches and she understood my silence. . Another converted one, you could say. And oh, Chip talked to me on the boat too.

Damn it, i had a 3 paragraph rule for this 2 and a half day outing. i exceeded it and spoke 2 or three sentences more.

The Cagbalete Experience (Intro): How to getaway from the great getaway

Diego Corrales must be trembling in his grave. In what was supposed to be a nice, clean, friendly and social weekend, the exact opposite happened. Some time between Day One and Day Three, Ron and Noel took care of being not nice and dirty and i took care of being unfriendly and anti-social. The latter is rather easy to understand but we'll have to extrapolate on that one however uninteresting in the later part (or later entries) of this blog but first we go back to the two gentlemen and one dead man, Chico.
Meet Diego "Chico" Corrales, former world lightweight champion and meet Ron (controls the buttons) and Noel (controls Ron, well tries to give advice anyway) --- all of them involved for the weekend's Fight Night competition via Jester's PSP! The main card was Manny Pacquiao vs. Corrales with the Pacman climbing up one division to challenge Corrales at the lightweight division (Yes, a la next month's Pac-Diaz fight). However, Ron and Noel suddenly realized that "Chico" was not easy pickings especially as Pacquiao is listed as featherweight in this game console... Despite Packy's power, Chico was just too strong and too tough as Ron and Noel heard and felt every stiff right hook to Pacquiao's head not to mention cracking left uppercuts in the Filipino hero's ribs. (Picture: Corrales vs. Pacquiao in action in EA SPORTS FIGHT NIGHT)

The result: a bloodied Manny Pacquiao in between rounds and a disappointing (Well, Ron and Noel were not just disappointed, they were angry.) loss against a dead man. (Note: Corrales died last year in a motorcycle accident)... That was the beginning of the end for Corrales. For if you know Ron and Noel... you don't want them to get angry; for one way AND the other, they WILL get back at you.

Using Fight Night Total Control Skills and some dirty and unfair tactics, the pair pitted Corrales against a slew of opponents the rest of the way: a (b)low-blowing, head-butting Pacquiao (dirty); Muhammad Ali and Roberto Duran among other heavyweight contenders (unfair); plus a combination of both with Ali in kickboxing mode--- elbows and knees to Chico's private and not-so-private parts. (Picture: Ron, in white and Noel, in blue)

The result: a totally tormented and battered Chico. (Ron wasn't contented though as just earlier today he sent me a text message saying, "he dusted off his PS2 so he could beat on Chico some more...")

Forgive me, that's a rather very strange and far-off introduction for the The Great Getaway to Cagbalete Island (Formerly "escape", as the alliteration escaped me in an earlier entry). But maybe in a remote and weird kind of way that describes my personal getaway from this getaway. To join the escape to escape some more. Or, the out and out of the outing.

Playstation at the beach, how apathetic and anti-social can that be? No offense to Ron and Noel, because after all it's not just PSP that they attended to: they also talked, conversed and socialized with the other guests, so it's not them i meant to describe.

Me? i really enjoyed the six or eight short stories in Neil Gaiman's Smoke and Mirrors; and oh i also quite enjoyed speaking 5 paragraphs (Totaled, outside conversations with Ron, Noel and Jester) in the three-day weekend excursion.

Gahd, i had the most endearing personality in the entire island. And maybe if i can do this some more, master the anti-social skills and muster some more apathy, i will be the most interesting, most exciting, well loved person in the entire world.

The Great Escape: Off to Ron's Isle

All set for weekend's grand outing. (Which is three years in the making as former Solar boss Ron Regis invited me since Year One.)

The things that i might need or not but will bring anyway;
1 bag -
5 t-shirts
4 shorts.
4 undies.
A couple of Bioflu for the headaches.
A couple of Mefenamic acid for the toothache.
1 book, Neil Gaiman's Smoke and Mirrors--- i don't know really if i'll have time to read but...
Cellphone, freshly uploaded with Maya songs (the new album, might as well listen to it again and see if my opinion changes) + Ben Folds Five music.
Some cash --- Noel Old Man says to prepare for the poker games; i agree, obviously.
Newly-bought shades at a cheap 250 pesos - Hmmm. If a tidal wave hits, at least i look a little bit better?
Borrowed digital camera for obvious purposes (Among them probably, for this blog...)

And the memory of you sitting in front of your PC at Floor Number Ten.

i think i am going to enjoy this getaway after all. Praytell, the escape would be doubly better if i am with you.

Pressing the right buttons

This is not at all funny. Suddenly all the buttons necessary for formatting are gone from the "create message/edit posts" page in this site. i tried to look for solutions across the net and in the help pages here but i can't seem to solve the problem. So from hereon out i have to study the HTML codes so i can learn how to post pictures and various formatting needs (quote, link, etc.)

Paranoia says its the admin again blocking features of certain sites... If that is the real issue... Damn it, they just pressed the right buttons and destroyed whatever momentum i had in this writing thing. Adjust and adjust--- that's the only logical thing to do.

Avoiding Confrontations

... Instead of another day (or 1-minute) of: Hello,gpgmvdmvmdvml;amvl;admvalvalfnvlnvlndaklvnavnl
aknvlnvlnvlnadlkvnalvnalnvlandvlanlvnaldvnladnvlandvlandvlnadvlnadl
vnadlvnaldvnaldvna, i chose to be far far away from you. Far far far away as Floor Number Ten can allow...

That is avoiding confrontation, my friends. And it sucks.

Hornets' and Magic's Growing Pains

The New Orleans Hornets need to grow up while the Orlando Magic are in dire need to search for an identity. Both teams need a crucial victory today to stay in the best-of-seven series against their respective opponents.

Hornets are actually in a better situation as losing today would only mean that they will give the series lead to the San Antonio Spurs at 2-3 before visiting Texas for what could be the clinching Game Six for the Spurs on Saturday--- Of course, that's a virtual L already, especially against these defending champions. The Magic are in dire straits. They trail the Pistons by 1-3 in their own conference semifinals and need a victory today, on the road, to stay in the game. As of this writing they can't seem to find the magic at Detroit as they trail the Pistons by 5 in the middle of the 3rd quarter.

Both teams are led by their young stars, Chris Paul for New Orleans and Dwight Howard for Orlando. But only one is mature enough to handle the pressure of a must-win and the challenge of these poised former champions. And it' not superman. It's the little guy who is playing superb the entire year. Nobody, and i mean nobody wants a Spurs and Pistons best of seven NBA Finals. Do your part. Look at the schedule. Cheer for the Spurs' and Pistons' opponents from hereon out. Starting today, cheer for the Hornets and Magic. We need a buzz. We need a miracle.

Bypassing Fate

i have a confession to make: i don't believe in fate. It's not an attempt to be normal or special. It's not an attempt to be the same as others or be different from most. It's just a conscious effort let life be and be like life: a series of random events boxed by people and defined by what you do with such events and such people. i do despise movies and books about fate; about how a single incident is just a part of a bigger picture; that everything is predestined and how destiny controls everything. Despicable as they are, i do watch and read them because once i believed in their magic. The accidents that you wish could happen to you. The preconceived notion of the unknown being expected... After all, after everything is said and done it all boils down to what happened and what did not happen--- either way, you live. And you are back to the randomness of fate.

i have a confession to make; i don't believe in anything anymore. What i know is that they just happen. Fate, random. Random fate. (Ill?)-fated random. Fate. Random. Fate. Random. Random. Random. Fate. Fate. Random.

Game-prod gig, rekindling Heroes-addiction

Fresh meat. That was what in their minds most probably. They. The veterans of the OB van. OB meaning outside broadcasting---basically the mobile studio of a production suit. So there i was at the parking area of Starmall Alabang where the OB van set up. i was beside the graphics guy (Edwin) and just at the back of the technical crew (basically, these are the veterans) including the director (Freddie P.) inside the OB van doing my job as the game producer.

+++

While i spent some time as a game prod during our Sports Desk days this one was entirely a different monster. The event was the 1st Manny Villar Cup Billiards Cup (Yes, the writer in me says that the name is too long; why not just Manny Villar Cup? Or how about the Manny Villards Cup? Nyak. Nyak.) and obviously it involves the game of billiards or pool. Among the competitors were high-profile pool players like Efren "Bata" Reyes, Ronnie Alcano, Lee Van Corteza and the eventual champion Warren Kiamco among others....

+++

It was not an easy task, and as i've said i was fresh meat. i did know that i was assigned to when the graphics (Running scores, balls left, etc...) would come out. i did not know that even the slow-motion replay was to be decided by myself. Moreover, i did not have the slightest idea about the latter and that i could actually "order" some of the "veteran" about the slomo-replays and when they should come out.

+++

Despite the obvious struggle i thought that last Saturday's coverage was a good start for me. Not sure if i'll be assigned again as the game producer in future events but probability says that this is just the beginning of a new phase for me as a member of the production team. i remember three months into this Solar-Antipolo stint i told my new friends officemates/Anti-friends that all i want was, "just to play basketball and to..." (In a semi-drunken state most probably.)...

+++

But fate has intervened. Now i just don't write and just don't "play" one sport--- i now also do jobs meant for the "producers" and not just anymore about the my first love, basketball. Fret not, i am not whining. Time to explore other things in this job. Researcher/Writer/Segment Producer/Game Producer. The slash just keeps adding up but all i can say is... BRING IT ON.

Jack of all Trades, King of None. The story of my life.

+++

Also over the weekend, half of Barranca went to Power Books looking for some covers of interest. Engineer Don Gallardo was looking for a CISCO book which he will use for his "review" so he can pass a "license test" in his line of work. i don't know how many licenses these engineers need... Considering they had a big one already right after graduation right? But it could only mean an additional 10,000 pesos in his salary if and when he passes so i guess Don needs to take that test... Certified Public Accountant Che Sereno meanwhile was just looking for random titles. Maybe because she doesn't need another 10,000-peso increase because she just had one as of late. While myself was specifically looking for any Terry Pratchett book because i want a quick follow up for the Good Omens and see if Pratchett is consistently good or if it's just that single title that he was good at.

We were disappointed to find out that the books we were looking for were not available (So much for Power Books i said, Book Sale actually had a Pratchett!)... But not to say we were completely disappointed...Because as we attempted to exit the store, Don/Che saw a HEROES GRAPHIC NOVEL (Season One) and that literally ended our cravings for a new title to read... No arguments, no questions, not even a little consideration of the price of the hard-bound book... We immediately bought it. After all, this is HEROES we are talking about... i'd like to write more about Peter and Nathan and Hiro and Claire and the rest of the Heroes characters (book and series) but i'd like to be a hero today and do my job as a segment producer (ehem.) and talk about stopping an exploding man next time.

i am JPQZ a.k.a. neuroticism

i can not quite remember when this personal craze began... All i remember was that i was visiting this site: just click more often than normal middle of last year. Not that i only discovered this play with words and letters lately because i did, in one form or another, rearrange letters/words/phrases to make new thoughts/words/sentences in the past--- probably as early as high school. But of course, i did not look much into it other the pun being fun.

So anyway, here i am a bit older, a bit wiser and now a bit more interested in this anagramming thing. So much so that i spent (wasted) a lot of office hours anagramming anything and everything that crosses my eyes. So so much so that me and a friend even had an anagramming contest (See earlier entry this week)... By the first month of this anagramming hobby, i came upon another site, the anagrammy.com forums. This was a good and bad thing. The latter because i realized how amateurish my efforts were compared to these word-geniuses. Suddenly, what i did was really just for the fun and heck of it even as the real "anagrammers" showed me what real anagramming is all about. But still, it's an addictive thing and it's all good that i realize that i am real bad at this (Compared to 'em pro's...) In the spirit of fun, and in the spirit of anagramming i continue doing it for leisure and at times incorporating it in my writing. Doble entendres and subliminal messages, and this writer feels right at home, thanks to such thing called anagramming.

Without further ado here are some of random anagrams from past word files. Credit to Enteng and Che for helping me out on some.

The places:
Boni Barranaca ~ Barbarian con!
Mandaluyong ~ A man, ungodly! ~ A god, unmanly!
Philippines ~ i ship nipple.

The vices:
San Mig Strong Ice = stones grimacing
San Mig Light ~ might lasing
Red Horse Beer = err... sobered, eh?
Cigarettes and alcohol = Collect a soaring death!

Others:
Jesus Christ = Just's riches
Sports Desk = Dork's pests
My Chemical Romance ~ m' comical archenemy
Snow Patrol ~ O! Worst Plan!
Princess of Disguise = Professing Suicides

And my favorite, the names (of friends):
Fielnino Casano = a facile son = an online fiasco = O! Life is a cannon
David Emmanuel Alano = A lead animal unmoved!
Reynaldo Canlas = Don's arcane ally ~ 's clean and ro
Christian Castillo ~ is local antichrist!
Che Sereno = Scene Hero
James Patrick Quizon = Major Pain, Quick Zest! = Quick Pain, Major Zest! = JPQZ a.k.a. neuroticism

On a final note... i wanted to anagram a certain name of a certain person. But i was warned earlier by a certain old man that mentioning her (or at least referring...) in this spot of a blog (at times, after we chat for five minutes i "report" it on my blog though i never named names and i won't do that ever my dear... and that, probably, just probably i can't tell you upfront some of the things so i just write it here...) could probably hurt my chances of those five-minute chats ever happening again.

And so, i won't anagram your name. i'll just keep it to myself just to keep those five-minute chats. Heck, i'd even delete this entire thing if that means dinner with you. i won't do that, no dear ally, i won't.

The Mailman didn't deliver this time

Athletes always get a free pass. Great athletes get more than that... In this article, Karl Malone falls short, as a father, it shows how modern times have changed family values. Correction; it shows how other cultures (In this case, the American culture) and values are very much different from the Philippines way of life.

A few excerpts, first;

"I treat it as if my mother went to the sperm bank. I don't hate him for [not being in my life]. It made me a better person." - Demetrius Bell, illegitimate son of Karl Malone, one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.

Then...

Bell isn't the only Malone child to fall victim to this rather heinous pick-and-roll. Bell is one of three children Malone has fathered outside of wedlock, although he is the only one who Malone has apparently refused to have a relationship with. Malone's other two children outside his marriage are fraternal twins Daryl and Cheryl Ford. Both of them played basketball at Louisiana Tech, like their father, and Cheryl is a forward for the WNBA's Detroit Shock.

And the last one, eerilly funny i might add...

According to Bell, Malone told him it was too late for him to be his father, and he'd have to make it on his own. Nice to meet you too, Dad.

Now, i never really liked Karl Malone as a player and it never really mattered to me what these athletes do with their personal life... But news such as this makes you care a little bit. i do not follow the National Football League much as i am only interested in knowing the winner of the Superbowl--- i mentioned the NFL because Bell was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 7th round and this piece of news just give me one more reason to follow the american football league and see how Mr. Bell pans out as a professional athlete. Maybe, i can cheer for him too.
i am not singling out Malone as many other high-profile pro athletes are on the same boat. Heck even Air 21's Arwind Santos has had his time in the rumormill. True or not, it's already out in the public and that makes you lose a little bit of respect.

So much for the unselfish pick-and-rolls, Mr. Malone.

Maya's New Album: Rico Blanco on Steroids

Before i get burned, might as well put the disclaimer on the first line. Excuse above all, explain later: i am not a music expert; nor i admit i know my music as much as the next real musician. What i am though is a music fan; what i once was was a big-big-big Rivermaya fan since the yellow self-titled album in 1994. Quick rationale on that last line: Out of 48 students in our second year high school class roughly five were Rivermaya fans; the rest were Eraserheads fanboys--- you have to be there to understand how a 14-year-old defended his favorite band, which he thought was the best in the Philippines (Try telling that to 'heads supporters...) In short, i don't believe i know my music like the any expert or average music fan. What i know is i know what it's like to be a 'maya fan over the years. Over the seemingly constant band roster changes... Over the evolution of the 'maya music which i dearly love. And all that said, here's a review of Rivermaya's latest album.

Rivermaya's Buhay (2008)

Rico Blanco on steroids. Squeeze the juice up because that's what first came to mind. In rather normal terms the effort is too much of an attempt to retain the Rivermaya identity rather than create one of its own. A poorman's version of any Rivermaya album of the past, especially the Blanco-fronted years.

Just a little revisionist history; when Bamboo left Rivermaya in 1998, i pretty much gave up and gave in to the idea that my favorite band would never be the same again. That what was left behind was just a collection of musicians, which will be good but not as great in the long term as i hoped they would. (Actually, going a little further back, i never had these worries when Perf left 3-4 years earlier) i was correct on the first thought that they would never be the same again... But was wrong on the next; the 1998-2001 Rivermaya actually matched if not was even better (Don't get us started on this one for this will turn out to be another Rico vs. Bamboo debate) considering the changes that was happening to the band.

Why and how could the triumvirate of Rico, Nathan and Mark match/outdo the foursome which includes the vocal power of a Bamboo? Simple. When Bamboo left, Rico did not miss a beat and just started doing what he do best; Create music with reckless abandon, fuck-the-critics-and-forget-about-the-fans because i am here to experiment and just make MY music.

This raw passion was clearly seen on the freedom of a Nathan and a Mark; both guys clearly HAD their freedom to input their genre of music (Nathan's funk and Mark's jazz) This raw passion and very honest take on their music resulted in Rivermaya's best albums to date post-Bamboo era: It's Not Easy Being Green featuring Nerbyoso as it's carrier single (Worst song of the album by the way) and the classic Free album.

Why and how could the triumvirate of Rico, Nathan and Mark match/outdo the foursome which includes the vocal power of a Bamboo? Simple. Rico, Nathan and Mark did not try to duplicate their previous attempts rather they tried to create a sound that could be unique between the three of them and which they can call their own. Not to say they created their own genre but rather that they redefined a Rivermaya sound--- ultimately as fans, we can adapt to roster changes especially when we see what changed.

This is where my criticism of Rivermaya's new album comes in. The five new guys (Yes, including Mark unfortunately) did not attempt to make new music rather rehash what they knew as Rivermaya. Sure sure, maybe they want to respect the Rivermaya tradition and all, but where does that put you as a musician? What does that tell you about being an artist?

And if we want to get too technical here, the real Rivermaya tradition is being able to welcome change and risk it all to create a new sound--- a new identity. What is missing is the reckless abandon attitude that made Rivermaya... Well, Rivermaya.

Buhay came way, way too lifeless for that basic requirement. It's simply Rico Blanco on steroids, you might get a few good performances here or there but in the long run the real product will show itself.

Maybe i just have to listen to it another 30-40 times like i already have? Will it change a thing? What happens to MY band now; is it still MY band? Well, like a good old Rivermaya fan, i'll probably just hang around and see what happens with this Rivermaya. Who knows, i might even watch a live performance and maybe that could change a thing... or could make the criticism even worse.)

After all, we 'maya fans know the word, "change."

Until then i delay my personal wish for the band to drop the name, Rivermaya because where's justice in using the name if you are just squeezing up the juice?

Foe Outworn ~ Two One Four

A fun, yet stupid competition--- the phrase an easy anagram of a stupid (yet fun) competition--- that's the title for a blog entry of my friend, who takes the saying "life is a game" way too seriously. Too serious that the word "game" for him is replaceable with the word "competition" thus, that "life is a competition." So much competitive bones that i had to make an anagram of the 90's Rivermaya song, 214...

Sure, it was me who was either late (or absent) for work (or school) because i was down, 0-2 in our little Playstation2 NBA Live battles (Hey, a best-of-five wouldn't hurt, right?) Sure, i may have requested another round of beer or two during the drinking sprees because no one is freaking drunk yet (Come to think of it, at these times everyone's competitive spirit is just at an all-time high) just to prove that, well, no one is freaking drunk yet which is the same as proving nothing. Sure, i bet on sports, friendly and not-so-friendly wagers , losing half the time and winning some of it.

Sure, sure i may be a bit passionate about arguing how i don't believe in competition. i hate it, despise it. i don't think human beings are made that way. When challenged to a duel, a man just lie down and play dead. When summoned to a fight, a man just run and go far, far away.

(And about this time an officemate challenges me to a Fight Night, PSP network battle. Excuse me, i have to get this one.)

And oh, click on the link above and read my friend's post--- the anagrammed piece he made is posted there and was made to go up against my piece (Posted image above) Basically, it's an anagrammed lyrics of our favorite bands songs. i hated doing that too--- anagramming lyrics just for competition? Gahd.

B. I. Newsbreakers: Forebeer and ebeer

Fine, fine! The title above is lame but hey, i had to make a reference one lame way or the other... Here's another very interesting article i found over the net...

From beer to eternity

A Chicago man has had a custom-built coffin made to resemble a giant can of his favourite beer.Bill Bramanti, 67, doesn't plan on using it for its intended purpose any time soon, reports the Southtown Star. Meanwhile, he has filled the blue-and-red coffin with ice and beer - and is using it as a cooler.

Mr Bramanti paid £1,000 to have the coffin painted like a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
"I'm going to use it as a cooler until I really need it," he said. "You see, I'm going to get my money's worth. Hopefully I get to use it many times."

Mr Bramanti said he revealed the unusual coffin to his family during a mock-wake at his house. He said the event featured family members drinking cans of Pabst from the ice-filled casket. "I wouldn't expect anything less for my dad," said his daughter, Cathy, 42. "He's a man that loves to entertain. He likes it when people are happy. This is what he does."

Hmmm.. More Don Gallardo reference needed? i guess not as Don would argue that Enteng would be needing that coffin even as the latter in turn would argue that i would be needing that same design for my byebye-box. Of course, all three of us understand that should any of us decide to do so it would be patterned to a different brand of beer: It's colored red not blue; and the one with the horse not a ribbon. Jumbo or otherwise would not matter much...

"Kras" of Rhinos

Another day. Another Magic: The Gathering reference. (Plus am enjoying this too much really as the possibilities of a Magic-life Magic-love Magic-anything analogies are endless...)
(Quick little note: Did you know that the anagram of anything is ___-thing?)

Last time it was about the card name and card (dis)abilities. For this entry we go to another Magic card feature this time about their flavor text. Flavor texts are basically quotes written in some Magic cards just below the card abilities. They don't have an effect to the game-play, but they sure have an effect to the player and how they like the card. (Like even if the card has bad abilities and too much casting cost, they still will keep it because of the humorous or witty flavor text)

Crash of Rhinos, a green creature card has this one for its flavor text (Better yet, read the card):

"Love is like a rhino, short-sighted and hasty; if it cannot find a way, it will make a way."

No explanation needed really. Read between the lines. Or better yet, read between the flavor text.

Airing soon: 3rd CWC Nationals

...and produced by myself! O-kay, it WAS not that difficult... Not as simple as writing's copying+pasting but similar in nature. Of course, of course a little bit of imagination and creativity will surely help... Last month, i went to Camarines Sur to cover the 3rd Philippine Cable Wakeboarding Nationals as a pseudoproducer, because all other actual segment producers of our team were assigned to other shoots. As all features/news coverage goes, it is the (field) producer who does the "on-line/off-line" editing along with the editor so i found myself in front of an avid computer for the past two weeks or so.

To compare, it's just basically putting images together and hope you have one good story told after it's all said and done (the right term is: ... after all is edited and cut and paste and dragged and cut and dragged and inserted and re-inserted and cut and paste...)

i guess i can be called a writer-slash-researcher-slash-producer now. At least for the last couple of weeks or until the next project when i insist that i should be in front of that avid computer again.

The HOTSPOT feature (2-3 minutes sports highlights) airs over Solar Sports on a staggered basis this week. No time has been set yet, hopefully people get to watch it.

Final note: i'd like to emphasize the "not that difficult to be a producer" part... Because Solar has some of the best editors (Of course, i am biased) and they make the job a lot easier for the producers. Ron (del Mundo)--- the nicest editor you'd ever meet (Not too nice though, he hates alcohol these days and that means he chooses not to join the office drinking sprees) guided me through the process and i learned a thing or two about editing and producing. i could sure get used to this, if you know what i mean...

Head-for-content-slash-writer-slash-reasercher-slash... Loving the sound of that.

Define "busy"...

It's a five minute (or even less) chat.

Am not whining. Really, am not.
(And it's not even close to sarcasm)
It's not like i am asking for the rest of this lifetime with you.
Just a little over five minutes next time will do.
Or better yet maybe meet you...
See you...
Meet you...
See you...
Meet you.
See You.

Oh Well vs. Oh Fuck Moments

The oh well moment has just been upgraded to oh fuck moment. Noel "The Old Man" Nacianceno says he understands. But i do NOT. There's the rub.

And oh, a "hey"...

The oh fuck moment has just been reverted! Woot. i will try to enjoy the five-minute oh-well moment.

Beer Complaint

And yet another one for today... For Don Gallardo naman...

Man complains after beer makes him drunk

A Romanian man has lodged an official complaint with the local trading standards agency after he got drunk on a single can of beer.

Iancu Boroi, 35, said he had bought the beer at a local supermarket in Arges in southern Romania but was so drunk after drinking just one can that he nearly passed out.

He said: "I am more than capable of holding my drink and it is ridiculous to think one can of beer can get me so drunk.

"There must have been something wrong with it and I am demanding compensation."

He has written to Romania's Consumer Protection Office demanding they investigate the case.

Ok, maybe the guy is just plain crazy and just wants extra beer... But got to be impressed with the effort. Right, Don?!

Borederline Insanity Newsbreakers: 12 y.o.Favre fan finally...

Time to search news--- bizarre, bold and the simply borderline insane piece of information around the internet! For what use and what purpose? Well, just to realize that indeed "we are not special"... That somewhere, somehow some people are living crazier lives than ours. (And oh, these are real news, just click on the title for the link)

Connecticut boy takes off Favre jersey for good after four years

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Finally, David Witthoft shunned his Brett Favre jersey for the first time in 1,581 days.

The Ridgefield, Conn. boy, 12, wore the No. 4 jersey every day since receiving it as a gift for Christmas in 2003. David's father, Chuck Witthoft, said Monday that his son's last day wearing the jersey was April 23 - his 12th birthday.

Witthoft conceded his son was starting to become more concerned about his appearance after the jersey barely came down to his belt line.

Witthoft first gained national attention three years ago, and attended his first Packers game in December. He's also planning to attend the Sept. 8 game when the Packers retire Favre's No. 4.
His mother, Carolyn, had washed the jersey every other day and mended it when needed.

Take that Christian Castillo!--- Christian is a friend of mine who is supposedly a Favre-addict. Well, Christian looks very normal compared to the 12-year-old David.

Conference Semis Subplots

Except for the Boston-Cleveland match-up every other conference semifinals series has begun. It's about to heat up so might as well take a look at the subplots in each best-of-seven match-up:

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Utah Jazz

Mastermind Sloan vs. Zenmaster Jackson - Both head coaches are inarguably the best in the business today and both among the oldest. Of course, Jackson has been more successful with championships with the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls--- at least two of them at the expense Mr. Jerry Sloan during the late 90's Michael Jordan-led squad that won back to back championships against a Jazz team that featured Karl Malone and John Stockton. Jackson will have to deal with a slew of pick-and-rolls again this time starring new stars Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.

To compare, Sloan has ZERO rings after 20 consecutive years with the Salt Lake City franchise... As important the ring is, in Sloan's mind this personal battle with Jackson might as well define his coaching career in the NBA. If Jackson grabs this series once again, the classy, tough and gentleman Jerry Sloan might as well be known as the Zenmaster's bitch. Yeah, that's a tough one to swallow, a very un-classy and un-gentleman-like eventual description of Mr. Sloan.

D-Fish vs. former team -
It was one of the touching stories in the 2007, an emotional and motivated Derek Fisher returning to the court in the second half of the action in the conference semifinals after spending some time in New York with his daughter*... He hit a game-changing three pointer to help the Utah Jazz win their series against the upstart Golden State Warriors... Fast forward to the off-season, after working a buyout (to be near his daughter) with the Jazz, he re-signs with his former team in Hollywood and now he plays against one of the rising point guards in the league whom he once mentored.
*Fisher's daughter underwent a surgery in her left-eye which was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer

Euro-flavored stars -
Pau Gasol is from Spain, Mehmet Okur from Turkey and Andrei Kirilenko, Russia. Russia and Spain met at the last FIBA Europe with the former edging out the latter with both players considered as the squad's stars for their respective countries. AK47 did guard Gasol in stretches of that match-up, we'll have to wait and see if Sloan uses this strategy to slowdown Princess Pau.

(2) New Orleans Hornets vs. (3) San Antonio Spurs

Parker vs. Paul -
Not really a subplot but it's worth mentioning since we are talking about two of the best court generals in the association. One is more of a scorer, the other the ultimate distributor. You know i am cheering for the latter.

Duncan vs. Rising Bigs -
We all know what Tim Duncan can do, what we don't know is what the young guys (David West and Tyson Chandler) can offer... West (30 points, 9 rebounds) had a big first game to tow the Hornets squad to the Game One W even as Chandler had a big double double of 10 and 15. And TD? 5 points in 37 minutes on 1 of 9 field goal shooting!

Wells vs. his favorite opponent - Bonzi Wells had a great series against the Spurs two years back when he was with the Sacramento Kings averaging a double double against this same squad. With all the attention Paul and Peja Stokakovic will be getting, Wells will have a chance to make some serious dent against the defending champions. The question is which Bon-Z will show up? The aggressive or the lazy one?

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (4) Cleveland Cavaliers

Po-Z vs King James -
This one is really overlooked. James Posey is one of the more underrated defenders in the game. He gives you toughness and he can give you a little bit of offense too. Talk of double teaming Lebron James is valid, but i will not be surprised if James can contain Lebron a little bit even in a single coverage.

That's just a few of the subplots i can think of... Some more random thoughts on the conference semifinals... Carlos Arroyo (point guard, Orlando Magic) has yet to have a good game in this postseason, he's working for a contract i will not be shocked if he explodes for a single game against his former Detroit team... You know how that works, "against ex-teams"... That said, Delonte
West (point guard, Cleveland Cavaliers) is playing against the team that drafted him... Speaking of bad postseason, Ben Wallace has not had a good game so far as well, the timing will be perfect if he can do it against KG...

All in all, every best of seven looks good and should go down the wire... The forecast: New Orleans over San Antonio in six games... Lakers over Utah in six... Boston over Cleveland in seven... and Detroit over Orlando in six games...

While i want upsets (Either one of Jazz, Cavs and Magic advance...) i don't see that happening at all.