Sh*T My Dad Says

"All I ask is that you pick up your shit so you don't leave your bedroom looking like it was used for a gang bang. Also, sorry that your girlfriend dumped you."

"Well, what the fuck makes you think Grandpa wants to sleep in the same room as you?"

"No, you can't go getting mad at people because they're shitty. Life will get mad at them, don't worry."

"Why would you throw a ball in someone's face?... Huh. That's a pretty good reason. Well, I can't do much about your teacher being pissed, but me and you are good."

"Listen, I don't want to stifle your creativity, but that thing you built there, it looks like a pile of shit."

"Are you wearing perfume?... Son, there ain't any cologne in this house, only your mother's perfume. I know that scent, and let me tell you, it's disturbing to smell your wife on your thirteen-year-old son."

"Well, I'll just say it's never a good sign when a fat kid laughs at you."

"I'm sorry I had to be so hard on you, but I don't want people thinking you're a lying sack of shit. You ain't. You're a quality human being. Now go to your room, you're grounded."

"Listen, I know you hate playing with that chubby kid because his mom's a loudmouth, but it's not that kid's fault his mom's a bitch. Try to be nice to him."

"There's chips in the cabinet and ice cream in the freezer. Stay away from knives and fire. Okay, I've done my part. I'm going to bed."

"You always have the right to be an asshole -- you just shouldn't use that right very often."

"No, I'm gonna stay home. You can take a family vacation, and I'll take a vacation from the family. Trust me, it'll make both of our time more enjoyable."

"Snausages? I've been eating dog treats? Why the fuck would you put them on the counter where the rest of the food is? Fuck it, they're delicious. I will not be shamed by this."

"Remember that face. That's the face of a man who hates himself."

"Oh spare me, being stuck in your bedroom is not like prison. You don't have to worry about being gang-raped in your bedroom."

"You got good friends. I like them. I don't think they would fuck your girlfriend, if you had one."

"Your penis betrayed you, son. Made you think stupid. It won't be the last time that happens."

"Nobody likes practice, but what's worse: practicing, or sucking at something?... Oh, give me a fucking break, practicing is not worse than sucking."

"What in the hell is the matter with you? This is the third time! You know, at this point I think it's the neighbor's fault... No not really, it's your fucking fault, I'm just in denial right now that my DNA was somehow involved in something this stupid."

"No one wants to lay the guy who wouldn't lay himself."

"Yeah, democracy ain't so fun when it fucks you, huh?"

"People are always trying to tell you how they feel. Some of them say it outright, and some of them, they tell you with their actions. And you have to listen."


***

I just finished reading Justin Halpern's new non-fictional novel, Sh*t My Dad Says. What started out as a twitter page by 28 year old Justin Halpern dedicated to random statements and words of wisdom his character of a father spews out has now turned into a New York Time's bestseller.

I have to say, never have I laughed so hard in one novel. The relationship and bond enclosed in those pages tug at the heart and is a must read, especially for children who share close connections to their father (which should, as a matter of course, be everyone).

In this heart warming novel, Justin chronicles the random musings of his father coupled with anecdotes of the time he said them. We see how Justin and his 2 brothers were brought up, and how they came to be the people they are today because of their father and his undeniable (tough) love for them.

If you want to read more hilarious quotes from Justin's father, Sam, go to Shit My Dad Says @ Twitter

POLL #7

Favorite Jew, part 1 preference:

Adam Brody

or

Jon Foster

Mmmmm. Though either would be a-okay, I think first choice goes to Adam Brody. There's something adorkably good looking about this guy. He seems like such a sweet person. Jon Foster, on the other hand, is more of a baaaaaaad Jew. STILL, both are equally lovable. I love the jews!

Broadway: It Gets Better

The Return...

Guess who's back...

That's right. I FINALLY finished the big 2 month long project I've been working on. I have to say, I'm relieved that I managed to get through that since my writing skills are usually hired per article, and not per bunch. This is the first semi-long (and semi-huge!) project I've worked on and although there were some definite trying times, I managed to commit to the work and prioritize. The next project is well on its way, but I told my boss that I need a week or two to recuperate from the insane work load. On one hand, I can definitely say that I've learned so much with the re-writing and research that I was asked to do. The pay was also very nice but I've already managed to spend what I have of it on buying Christmas presents for friends and family. It feels good to know that the money I used was hard-earned and came from my blood, sweat and tears. (Actually, it came from my brain cells. No blood, no sweat, and definitely no tears were shed... though there were moments I felt like crying.)

There are so many things I want to blog about, I hardly know where to begin. I've jotted down little notes on my cellphone and notepad; ideas to remind me of what I've thought of sharing my input and opinions on. For now though, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am alive and well.

All good things,

Essa.

Spirit Day

Today, the 20th of October 2010, the world bands together to honor the youth who have been bullied. We remember the youth we have lost from abuse. We look at our friends, our loved ones, who have been told there was something wrong with them.

We look up to the love that knows no bounds. Wear purple. Show your support.

A Review: The Lost Hero

I haven't written a review in forever but it's Rick Riordan, who, sadly, only gives me two opportunities a year to gush, so I gotta seize the day.

"Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up on a school bus holding hands with a girl. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper. His best friend is a kid named Leo, and they’re all students in the Wilderness School, a boarding school for “bad kids.” What he did to end up here, Jason has no idea—except that everything seems very wrong.

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, and her vivid nightmares reveal that he’s in terrible danger. Now her boyfriend doesn’t recognize her, and when a freak storm and strange creatures attack during a school field trip, she, Jason, and Leo are whisked away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood. What is going on?

Leo has a way with tools. His new cabin at Camp Half-Blood is filled with them. Seriously, the place beats Wilderness School hands down, with its weapons training, monsters, and fine-looking girls. What’s troubling is the curse everyone keeps talking about, and that a camper’s gone missing. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist they are all—including Leo—related to a god."

Let me start out by saying that The Lost Hero is amazing. Rick Riordan is amazing. And I'm going to tell you how and why without giving anything, at least anything major, away.

Written in the third person, The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus, Book 01) volleys between the individual and combined experiences of Jason, Leo, & Piper, three out of the seven demigods involved in the new prophecy, revealing the secrets they keep, even from each other. The perspective changes between the three every two chapters and I think it translated better here than it did with The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles, Book 01). This style also keeps the book from feeling like a total PJ rip-off although there are a handful of glaring similarities which one cannot ignore. That said, the tone is slightly older than early PJ and R. Riordan does acknowledge, later in the story, that Percy and Jason serve as counterpoint to each other. As for the prose, well, this man can write. It just flows.

Jason starts out as the most intriguing character of the three for three main reasons: 1. The story opens with him, 2. The mystery surrounding his presence, and 3. the circumstances of his birth. However, R. Riordan fangirl I may be, I do think that he could have done more to make the Jason character meatier. By the end I wasn't as interested with him as I was in the beginning which is a shame, really.

Leo, now this guy, he was the dark horse of the story. Think Nico minus his Prince of the Undead charm. I found him pretty obnoxious initially but his vulnerability, ingenuity, and all around likability makes him, easily, my favorite of the three.

The weak link, in my humble opinion, is Piper who is neither offensive nor spectacular (although it felt like I was being constantly told that she is) but is definitely more likable than other leading-lady type demigods out there. Her godly parent is...blah...but she, at least, isn't as
useless as her cabin mates. The one thing I really did like about her is that she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to own up it. *side-eye Annabeth*

Familiar characters from the PJ books make an appearance, Camp Half-Blood does become their base after all, but they do not figure prominently in the story. Percy is not a part of The Lost Hero at all but his presence, or lack thereof, is keenly felt. By the end, one cannot help but speculate on what his role is going to be in the next installment. There is no question that Percy, who may or may not be "The Son of Neptune" (Heroes of Olympus, Book 2), will be in the next book but I'm positive it's not gonna be his story. The one spoilerish thing I'm going to say about this series is that R. Riordan meshes Greek and Roman Mythology so beautifully and seamlessly (not that much of a spoiler since you'll catch on early anyway) that you don't even question it. The emphasis on how the same God could be two separate deities, genius! Plot-hole problems - solved!

Yipes, already I'm going on and on about the next book in the series - obviously October 2011 cannot come soon enough - so let me end my verbal diarrhea with this: The Lost Hero is amazing. Rick Riordan is amazing. Flaws and all.

The Verdict: A-

****

Review was grabbed (with permission :P) from Reader Reads of The Scarlet Corset, one of my favorite review sites ever.

Fondue Fountain

Mmmmm. Chocolate fondue fountain. Photos were taken from my niece's (twitter|tumblr) surprise birthday party last year.

I'd really like to write a better post buuuut work keeps getting in the way. Hold on tight though, because I'm 2 articles away from being done with the project then it's back to my regularly scheduled blogging. :P So for now, just sit back!

EW Casts the Hunger Games

Katniss
Her book description: She's slender, with long black braids and gray eyes.
Our pick: Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass, Nikita)
Your pick (inset): Kaya Scodelario (Skins, Clash of the Titans)


Gale
His book description: ''Straight black hair, olive skin, we even have the same gray eyes.''
Our pick: Ben Barnes (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian)
Your pick (inset): Gaspard Ulliel (Hannibal Rising)


Peeta
His book description: ''Medium height, stocky build, ashy blonde hair that falls in waves over his forehead.''
Our pick: Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right)
Your pick (inset): Hunter Parrish (Weeds)


Haymitch
His book description: ''Haymitch Abernathy, a paunchy, middle-aged man, who at this moment appears hollering something unintelligible, staggers onto the stage, and falls into the third chair. He's drunk. Very.''
Our pick: Robert Downey Jr.
Your pick (inset): Hugh Laurie


Effie
Her book description: ''Bright and bubbly...''
Our pick: Elizabeth Banks
Your pick (inset): Kristin Chenoweth


Primrose
Her book description: ''Prim's face is fresh as a raindrop, as lovely as the primrose for which she was named.''
Our pick: Elle Fanning (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Nines)


Rue
Her book description: ''She's the 12-year-old, the one who reminded me so of Prim in stature. Up close she looks about ten. She has bright, dark eyes and satiny brown skin.... It's impossible not to think of a bird.''
Our pick: Willow Smith (Kitt Kittredge: An American Girl, I Am Legend)


Cinna
His book description: ''The door opens and a young man who must be Cinna enters. I'm taken aback by how normal he looks. Most of the stylists ... are so dyed, stenciled, and surgically altered they're grotesque. But Cinna's close-cropped hair appears to be its natural shade of brown.''
Our pick: Cillian Murphy (Inception, The Dark Knight)


Caesar Flickerman
His book description: ''Caesar Flickerman, the man who has hosted the interviews for more than 40 years, bounces onto the stage. It's a little scary because his appearance has been virtually unchanged during all that time. Same face under a coating of pure white makeup. Same hairstyle...''
Our pick: Nicolas Cage


Katniss' mother
Her book description: ''In sleep, my mother looks younger, still worn but not so beaten down.... My mother was very beautiful once, too.''
Our pick: Robin Wright


Foxface
Her book description: ''A fox-faced girl with sleek red hair from District 5.''
Our pick: Danielle Panabaker (Shark, Friday the 13th)


Clove
Her book description: She's good with knives and has a ''heavy, branch-breaking'' body.
Our pick: Jurnee Smollett (Friday Night Lights)


Thresh
His book description: ''I remember him as big, but he seems more massive, more powerful than I even recall. I'm trapped in the glare of his strange golden brown eyes.''
Our pick: Taylor Lautner


Cato
His book description: ''A monstrous boy who lunges forward to volunteer from District 2.''
Our pick: Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum in Harry Potter)


Claudius Templesmith
His book description: ''Then I hear the legendary announcer, Claudius Templesmith, as his voice booms all around me.''
Our pick: Jeremy Irons


President Snow
His book description: ''A small, thin man with paper-white hair'' whose eyes are ''as unforgiving as a snake's.''
Our pick: Steve Martin


Avox Girl
Her book description: ''The dark red hair, the striking features, the porcelain white skin.''
Our pick: Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica on True Blood)


The Mayor's Daughter, Madge
Her book description: ''Today her drab school outfit has been replaced by an expensive white dress and her blonde hair is done up with a pink ribbon.''
Our pick: Taylor Swift

SOURCE

So... what do you guys think?

Introducing... the De Niro's.

I've always had a fascination with men's dress shoes. There was just something so sleek, stylish and elegant in the way they were worn. Whether it was during the Roaring 20's where debauchery ruled and burlesque and jazz clubs were frequented, or the smooth days of the ratpack drinking scotch, on the rocks please, at a joint listening to Sinatra woo women, or even during the days of underground mafia businesses, the oxfords represented a time when men were dressed to the nine's; when men cared about how they looked and how they were presented. It adds a little oomph to their apparel. A little panache.

So when I saw these wingtip oxfords while looking at shoes earlier today with my siblings... I immediately thought "Bobby De Niro". And thus came to be... my De Niro's.

My favorite pair of shoes as of the moment:

Wear Purple

On October 20th, 2010, please wear purple in honor of the 7 gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality. Tell everyone.

RIP Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase, Billy Lucas and Cody J. Barker. You are loved.

The Right Medicine

As soon as I got home from sleeping over at my good friend, Criela's, place last sunday, I fell under the grips of a flu very much known to filipinos as Trankaso.

Trankaso is a virus that affects the respiratory system of the victim. Along with it comes a burning fever and unbearable pain in the joints, rendering its chosen prey incapable of walking. The illness usually last about 3-5 days.

I've been feeling down and out because of this tedious tedious disease but luckily, my family and friends were kind enough to lavish me with gifts while I was suffering. :P

Mom got me this really cute babydoll dress that I absolutely adore! The lace trimming along the neckline adds a Victorian feel to the dress. It's so funky.

The print is to die for! It's so messy and colorful. Plus, it's made of really good material. I love thick, structured clothing.

Pop got me this bag that I can use on casual days. It's big and roomy and allows me to bring a lot of the things I usually end up needing. Perfect to just lug around.

Pop also got me this acid-wash jean jacket from Esprit that I just fell in love with. It's something I can wear and throw on during days I feel like dressing down.

A reference to me not leaving the bed during the majority of my sickness. Very cute, Old Man. Top from Rampage.

My father obviously knows me well. I have a penchant for longsleeved tops/ sweaters! This one is from Belle du jour.

Daddy dearest also got me jeans from Banana Republic. This one is my current favorite simply because it is the first pair of my NEW size. I'm a 0 now, baby!!!

The sweetest surprise, of course, came from my good friend, Jenn. She dropped this off at my house without my knowledge.

So hey. Maybe there's something to this whole getting sick thing. If it entails more gifts, I should get sick more often. (;

Recovering,
Essa.

P.S. I promise to write an actual blog soon.

It Gets Better

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