Potato Couch

I'm not an intern undergoing internship.
I'm an internet-addict undergoing internetship.

Life is good. So good, I've chosen to post this on my blog instead of on twitter.

-R

Benchwarmer

Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary

(John Keating, Dead Poets Society)

The above line is one quote I find myself, not thinking of perhaps, but rather, vouching for, whenever I go to bed at night during the holidays.

Tommorrow will be another day, a new day.

The sun will shine, clouds will make way, for it will definitely be my day.

A day to set things right, to turn on the green light, to make things happen, to take things by the scruff of the neck.

Giddy-giddy, Ole! Let's go people, time to roll!

Alas, by the time the 10 AM, or 11 AM, or -nah, 12 would be obvious- 3 PM o'clock pokes my insipid eyes the following day, all foolish notions are quickly vanquished. Here we go again. Twitter-set. Facebook-set. Formspring-sometimes set. Youtube-set. Pamper me, fellas.

Most times it's peeking and poking. A lot of times it's a case lalalalala... tube karaoke.

But sometimes, I go around and around and around and I find something worthy of my going around (aside from softcore porn).

That something for me today is the works of Japanese film director, Kosai Sekine.

I was originally googling for ad agencies, as I am currently possibly in need of an internship experience. By unorthodoxically stating 'possibly', I'm saying here that I'm still perplexed and not sure on if I really want such an endeavour or not, and on the reasons for both sides of the issue. Call it a long holiday pre-senior year undergrad complex.

"BUT THAT IS ANOTHER STORY"

(Epilogue text, Conan The Barbarian and Conan The Destroyer)

Anyway, from google I went to tube, a spin-off from the original pursuit. Now, was the time to see some cool ads, I thought (and tell about them to the world to make myself seem like a bloody eccentric, eclectic, hip, cool, quasi-aksara, know-it-all dudey-dude).

Keyword: Saatchi & Saatchi. Not that I want to end up there, but I've heard of the London-based multinational agency as one of the best in business of nabbing awards, and thus, I expected to have my need for some "oohs and aahs" fulfilled. Turns out they had this channel for this cool event at Cannes International Advertising Festival, dubbed the New Director's Showcase (NDS). On it (or is it, in it?) were these really cool shorts from young, up and coming directors from around the world. Needless to say, although they weren't exactly, ads, they were totally cool, and made me go ooh and aah.

One of the up and coming directors was the above mentioned Japanese director. I heart his following work for Adidas.

Original, insightful, and kind of funny. The grin I had from watching it drove me to browse the related video's sections and on and on, to indulge my curiosity further on. And boy I saw some cool stuff.

And lastly, my favorite, the award-winning short, Right Place

I really like how his works connect with the human, especially in Right Place with the OCD theme. The technicalities and the art, are top notch, and as commented by Richard Grey, Creative Director Global Culture S&S Worldwide on Break-Up Service,

"Excellent storytelling. Great editing -not a frame wasted. Love the casting too."

That comment kind of sums up all of my newfound admiration towards Master Sekine, I guess.

And, my something for today. Gosh, how can I someday be at least involved in stuff like those, I have no idea.

One thing's for sure, though. Carpe diem, needs to happen first. Although, for now....

I'm happy watching from the stands. Life is good :P

-R

PS: For more info about Kosai Sekine, visit his tube channel and his homepage

Present

Phew.

I'm in my third year in UI now.

I have a lot of assignments on my hands now. (And I can't f**k it up)

I have a fun part-time job now.

I have a monthly stream of income now. (If I don't f**k it up)

I'm both whining and bragging, for such superficial things now.

and self-depreciating, too.

Long time no see,

but nothing's changed, see?

-R

Tantalus

Rant, Rant, Rant.

is what I am feeling, thinking, saying, and doing.

Why must I,

Rant, Rant, Rant?

Obviously because of a gap between everything I need, expect, want, and hope

with everything I have now.

But if it is so, shouldn't I try, try, try, instead of rant, rant, rant?

Is it because the grapes retract every time I try to grasp it?
Is it because the water dries up every time I try to gulp it?

-R

Late Night Karaoke Song 006: O Vento

O Vento (The Wind)
by Los Hermanos (4)







Posso ouvir o vento passar
Assistir a onda bater
Mas o estrago que faz
A vida é curta pra ver
Eu pensei: que quando eu morrer
Vou acordar para o tempo

E para o tempo parar
Um século, um mês
Três vidas e mais
Um passo pra trás
Por que será?

Vou pensar
Como pode alguém sonhar
O que é impossível saber
Não te dizer o que eu penso
Já é pensar em dizer
Isso eu vi, o vento leva...

Não sei mais
Se tu quer, como sonhar?
Que o esforço pra lembrar
É vontade de esquecer
E isso porque diz mais
Se a gente já não sabe mais

Rir um do outro meu bem
Então o que resta é chorar
E talvez, se tem que durar
Vem, renasce do amor dentro de lágrimas
Um século, três
Se as vidas atrás

São parte de nós
E como será?
O vento vai dizer lento que virá
E se chover demais
A gente vai saber

Claro de um trovão
Se alguém depois sorrir em paz
Só de encontrar

(http://los-hermanoso-vento-lyrics-mp3.kohit.net/_/146166)

R: Call me dated or whatever, but this hit single from 'The Brothers' (as their known in Brazil) album '4', which coincidentally was also released 4 years ago, has been my feel-good anthem for the past fortnight or so.

-R

Spock Says

"I will not allow you to lecture me on the merits of emotion"



R: I've heard this bit of dialogue way back from the debut of the first full trailer of my current favorite summer movie of the year, which happens to be J.J. Abram's Star Trek. With a warp-paced, character-driven (although in parts contrived) plot that focuses on the early years of Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the to-be Enterprise crew, this new take on Gene Roddenberry's creation is fresher, more likable, and definitely more accessible to the wider audience than ever.

A Trek character that has always fascinated me is none other than the most famous pointy-eared fellow in TV & Cinema (yes, even above those regal elves from LOTR): science officer SPOCK.

Played by Zachary Quinto, whose favorite past time is literally slicing open human heads as Sylar in HEROES, this Spock not only emulates the Spock of old, but as a younger version of it, brings an emotional side within the character that has never been unleashed to this extreme before. The dynamic between his Spock and James T. Kirk (admirably played by Chris Pine) is well-fleshed and pans out as one of the strongest points throughout the film.

This brings me back to the line above. Spock (as acting captain) utters it while being provoked by Kirk (why? go watch the movie). It actually sounds a bit cheesy without the context that Vulcans are uber-logical beings, and yet it keeps growing on me.

In fact, after watching the flick for an unprecedented 5th time (no, not because the movie's THAT good), I can't help myself from saying it at least once whenever I'm walking, looking in the mirror, taking a dump, and even when I'm typing a post on this blog (like now).

Seems illogical, right?

Is it illogical to say something,

that simply sounds cool as fuck,

although it's only a stylized version of saying:

SHUT UP!

Or is it just Mr Quinto's delivery?

Every God needs a Metatron.
(which sounds goddamn confusing without the context*)

And I may have just found one

-R



*)context

Late Night Karaoke Song 005: My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady
by The Bird and The Bee (The Bird and The Bee)




























I need someone to show
A little kindness
If he can turn his head
A little blindness
I know that I might seem
A little aimless
And I can also be
A little shameless.

Do you know the way?
I am from out of town
I need a place to stay,
someone to show me all around

A box of chocolates
And a dozen flowers
Just a little room
To sit and think for hours and hours

I will take it all
With little grains of salt
I make anything
Feel less like what it's not
Just say everything
As if it's not been heard
I will listen, hurt
I'm hearing every word.

Do you know the way?
I am from out of town
I need a place to stay,
someone to show me all around

A box of chocolates
And a dozen flowers
Just a little room
To sit and think for hours and hours

Do you know the way?
I am from out of town
I need a place to stay,
someone to show me all around

A box of chocolates
And a dozen flowers
Just a little room
To sit and think for hours and hours

Box of chocolates
And a dozen flowers
Just a little room
To sit and think for hours and hours and

(http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/bird_and_bee/my_fair_lady-lyrics-964965.html)


R: There's something in Inara's (the bird) soothing vocals that flies you away. It's dreamlike, wondrous quality feels amplified in this particular song, especially when the chorus kicks in. Is the fair lady singing in my ears? Ab-so-fuckin-lutely lovely.

-R

Late Night Karaoke (Dance) Song 004: I'm Your Boogie Man

I'm Your Boogie Man
by KC & The Sunshine Band (Part 3)

I'm your boogie man that's what I am
I'm here to do whatever I can
Be it early mornin' late afternoon
Or at midnight it's never too soon
To wanna please you to wanna please you
To wanna do it all all for you
I wanna be your be your lover boy
I wanna be the one ya love most of all - oh yeah


I'm your boogie man I'm your boogie man
Turn me on
I'm your boogie man I'm your boogie man
Do what you want
I'm your boogie man I'm your boogie man
Turn me on
I'm your boogie man I'm your boogie man
Do what you want


I'm your boogie man that's what I am
I'm here to do whatever I can
Be it early mornin' late afternoon
Or at midnight it's never too soon
To wanna take you to wanna hold you
I wanna give me all all to you
And I want you to completely understand
Just where I'm at and where I am - oh yeah


I'm your boogie man I'm your boogie man, ...


I'm your boogie man that's what I am
I'm here to do whatever I can
Be it early mornin' late afternoon
Or at midnight it's never too soon
I wanna be with you I wanna be with you
Yeah we'll be together you and me
I wanna see you ah get near you
I wanna love you ah from sundown sunup - oh yeah oh yeah


I'm your boogie man that's what I am
I'm here to do whatever I can
Be it early mornin' late afternoon
Or at midnight it's never too soon
To wanna please you to wanna hold you
To wanna do it all all for you
I wanna be you be your lover boy
I wanna be the one ya love most of all
I'm your boogie man aha ...

(http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/I%27m-Your-Boogie-Man-lyrics-KC-The-Sunshine-Band/7715DD0094FC59F748256E0500080602)

R: No, I'm not a stalker/boogieman hahaha. The thought of posting the lyrics of this song came to me after watching this year's best blockbuster so far, Watchmen. Played over and over in other films, TV and Cinema, it just works so well in The Keene Riot Act, one of the Comedian's standout moments in the whole movie.



-R

Late Night Karaoke Song 003: Keep Fishin'

Keep Fishin'
by Weezer (Maladroit)

















You'll never be
A better Kind
If you don't leave
(the world)
The world behind

Waste my days, (waste my days)
It Drown aways (drown aways)
It's just the thought of you
In love with someone else
It breaks my heart to see you hangin' from your shelf

You'll never do
The things you want
If you don't move
(and get)
And get a job

Waste my days, (waste my days)
Drown aways (drown aways)
It's just the thought of you
In love with someone else
It breaks my heart
To see you hangin' from your shelf

Oh girl when I'm in love with you
Keep fishin' if you feel it's true
There's nothing much that we can do
To save you from yourself

Waste my days,(waste my days)
It Drown aways (drown aways)
It's just the thought of you
In love with someone else
It breaks my heart
To see you hangin' from a shelf

Oh girl when I'm in love with you
Keep fishin' if you feel it's true
There's nothing much that we can do
To save you from yourself

You'll never be
A better kind
You'll never be
A better kind

Waste my days (ohhh)
Waste my days (ohhh)
Waste my days (ohh whoo)
Waste my days (ohhh)
Waste my days (ohh whoo)
Waste my days

(http://www.metrolyrics.com/keep-fishing-lyrics-weezer.html)

R: I've been fishing for almost two years now, or to be more precise, saying to my folks that I'm gonna fish. The truth is: how the hell am I gonna fish when I don't have a fishing pole and some fresh bait? Haha, sad me :)

Too bad I couldn't find the original video clip. Love those fucking muppets. As a bonus, here's an ukulele cover of the song by Julia Nunes. Sweet.



-R

Late Night Karaoke Song 002: Jai Ho

Jai Ho
by A.R. Rahman (OST Slumdog Millionaire)

jai ho
jai ho

aaja aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale

jai ho
jai ho

ratti ratti sachi maine jaan gavayi hai
nach nach koylo pe raat bitayi hai
akhiyon ki neend maine phoonko se uda di
neele tare se maine ungli jalayi hai

aaja aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale

chakh le ha chakh le ye raat shahad hai chakh le
rakh le ha dil hai dil aakhri had hai rakh le
kala kala kajal tera koi kala jadoo hai na

kala kala kajal tera koi kala jadoo hai na

aaja aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale

jai ho jai ho
jai ho jai ho

kab se ha kab se tu lab pe ruki hai kah de
kah de ha kah de ab aankh jhuki hai kah de
aisi aisi roshan aankhe roshan dono bhi hai hai kya

aaja aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale

jai ho
jai ho
jai ho
jai ho

(http://www.metrolyrics.com/jai-ho-lyrics-ar-rahman.html)

R: Sweet Bollywood homage in the credits of this truly awesome movie. A.R. Rahman's work on the soundtrack is diamond. Every note of music (including the use of contemporary songs) blends in and enchances the emotions throughout every second of the film. Magical.

-R

Movids I: 'Transfomers: Revenge of The Fallen' teaser

Even if there's gonna be some Megatron-sized plot holes and logical lapses in it, I'm still gonna see it for the spectacle and popcorn. It's good to feel like a kid...

-R

Late Night Karaoke Song 001: Bella Notte

Bella Notte
by George Givot, Bill Thompson And Disney Studio Chorus (OST Lady and the Tramp)






Oh this is the night, it's a beautiful night
And we call it bella notte
Look at the skies, they have stars in their eyes
On this lovely bella notte.
Side by side with your loved one,
You'll find enchantment here.
The night will weave its magic spell,
When the one you love is near!
Oh this is the night, and the heavens are right!
On this lovely bella notte!

(http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/classicdisney/bellanotte.htm)

R: Lovely song, perfect serenade for one of the most romantic scenes ever in animation history, from arguably Disney's most romantic masterpiece. The fact that I can enjoy these kinds of tunes is pretty ironic, by the way.

Here's a Japanese take on it. Sadly, it says on the page that the singer passed away a few years ago. Bless her soul.



-R