Eh-hum # 273

This is a tad late, but it is such wonderful news that I just had to share it:

NEIL GAIMAN WINS THE NEWBERY MEDAL FOR HIS LATEST WORK, "THE GRAVEYARD BOOK".

There, I shouted it out for the rest of the world to hear.

An online article from Publisher's Weekly:

Neil Gaiman Wins Newbery Medal for "The Graveyard Book"
By Donna Freitas -- Publishers Weekly, 1/29/2009

Last fall PW caught up with Neil Gaiman to talk about his newest children’s book, The Graveyard Book, which at the time was hot off the press. This week, Gaiman is recovering from some very exciting news regarding his novel: waking up during the wee hours of Monday morning to a chorus of 14 children’s librarians shouting on speakerphone that his book had won the Newbery Medal.

“I was on so little sleep and had not expected or even dreamed that I would win,” Gaiman said about the 5:30 a.m. call to his cell phone—he was in Los Angeles doing a press junket for the film based on Coraline, which is set for release February 6. “The only thing going through my head was: ‘Don’t swear. It’s wrong. They’re librarians.’ And then I was informed I couldn’t say anything for another hour until it was announced. So I just sat there and wrote a blog entry, made myself some tea, and phoned my agent who was over the moon, and my editor, Elise Howard, who was crying she was so excited.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Congratulations, Mr Gaiman, you deserve it!

***

In other book-related news, Stephen King has something to say about Stephenie Meyer: "...can't write worth a darn. She's not very good".

Eh-hum.

Eh-hum # 267

No doubt, I am a Monty Python fan (maybe not as intense as most, but a fan nonetheless). To be more specific, I am a believer of the word according to Michael Palin (see earlier post). So, as a supportive fan, I ordered Palin's Diaries, 1969 to 1979: The Python Years for my reading pleasure.


Though I have finished reading all 650++ pages a month ago, it is only now that I decided to share my thoughts on it my way (obviously, I am no literary critic). So, my thoughts goes as follows and begins now: if you are looking for a funny book, then don't buy this one. Let me elaborate.

The book is not a memoir but rather contains excerpts from Palin's diary, which he started keeping in April 1969. It is organized by year and each passage is headed by when and where it was written. So instead of a long, continuous narrative divided by chapters, the book is essentially a compilation of Palin's diary entries for one decade. Many of the entries extend more than one page, while others are no more than five sentences and are read like simple lists of events and errands.

Would compiled and organized day-to-day journal accounts be considered an interesting read? Well, most definitely, since we are talking about Palin, one of six men who created (wrote and performed in) one of the most enduring comedy series in television. And as I found out after reading New Europe, Palin is an engaging and astute writer.

Palin provides insights into the Python’s group dynamics during the years that catapulted them to international acclaim. He described candidly the individuality (strengths, pet peeves and all) of the other five silly yet brilliant people that make up the group. Monty Python have been a genuine and frank collaboration from the beginning and have remained so even as its members drifted their separate ways. But the stories are not always pleasant; there were the occasional group conflicts and arguments. Aside from Graham Chapman's alcoholism (which he eventually overcame), the biggest source of tension was when John Cleese decided to leave the group after Flying Circus’ third series. It’s very difficult to imagine Python without the prominent Cleese; however, it would be grossly unfair to delegate the group’s success to one person only.

Palin was at times hesitant with Python’s fate after the series, but has been very supportive whenever they reunite for post-Flying Circus projects and resilient in defending the group’s legal rights (e.g. censorship, etc.). But of course, he was keen on making it on his own. One that figures prominently was the production of Ripping Yarns, a comedy series that parodied certain aspects of British culture as well as the pre-WWII schoolboy genre. While Palin co-wrote Ripping Yarns with fellow Python Terry Jones, the show notably features Palin as the lead on and off-camera. Palin relishes this newly found independence, but initially felt apprehensive in expressing this to Jones, his longtime friend and writing partner in Python. We also witness Palin taking the lead role in Terry Gilliam’s film, Jabberwocky and his hosting stints at Saturday Night Live (as encouraged by Eric Idle).

Palin is also generous in sharing stories of his life off-camera. Indeed, interesting and poignant anecdotes on Palin’s parents, wife, and his three children are featured significantly in the book. His busy schedule does not prevent him from being a responsible son, loving husband and affectionate father, which I find truly admirable. His family and non-showbiz friends kept his feet firmly on the ground as Python becomes increasingly popular. We know that fame could either break or make a person, and with all the opportunities coming his way, Palin remains mind-bogglingly level-headed. Honorable mentions are his friendships with other comedians and actors, not to mention the George Harrison.

What I find interesting about Palin is his work ethics. Despite what most people think, comedy is serious business. Palin makes sure that every time he sits down in his working room at his Gospel Oak home in London; he has produced workable materials for his shows or completed a chapter for his novel (which I am not sure if he was able to publish). This is very encouraging for someone like me, who has a tendency to procrastinate. Whenever my mind wanders, I always remind myself that at 28, Palin is already reaping the rewards of his comedic career (he was 26 when Python was formed).

In most of the Python sketches, Palin takes the role of the greasy compere or host, the ineffective applicant to Cleese’ aggressive bureaucrat, the befuddled accountant, and the unaccommodating shop owner. Thanks to this book, the character he portrays on stage and screen is definitely not the kind of person he really is. Palin is often referred to as the “nicest Python”, and for good reason. Whether he realized it or not, his diaries confirm that he really is a nice guy, not to mention intelligent, witty, sharp and straight-thinking (well, except in comedy, where he gets to be hysterical and absurd).

And good news, there will be second volume to be published next year. And I can assure you that I will be ordering my copy once it comes out. I end this post with a video of Palin reading excerpts on shooting Monty Python and the Holy Grail (this and accounts on the Life of Brian were real page turners). Enjoy!

Eh-hum # 258

And now, a word from the man:

"I'm conscious, as ever, that a lot of water has flown under the bridge since my last message. Since then I've been working hard at an edit of my Diaries 1980 -1988 in time for publication next year, whilst watching Archie grow up and trying to come to terms with my identity theft by a hockey mum in Alaska. And no, Sarah Palin is not my sister, daughter or alias. And I'm Sahara Palin not Sarah." (Read the rest of it here)

Damn straight! No way can he be related to Ms. Sarah "I-can-see-Russia-from-my-house" Palin, especially she was born as Sarah Heath. Yes, we should be looking at the husband. But he's not running for VP, is he? Hehehe, sorry, just like to point that out.

***

In other news, I have decided to prioritize my studies over work. Its going to be challenging for me to do this full time since I REALLY like earning some serious dough (I have a lot of stuffs I wanted to buy). Then again, I have to move forward professionally and I can't be a staff forever. I am optimistic that my MA degree would help me secure a better job and open other doors/opportunities both here and abroad (eh-hum). Time is of the essence and I have to accomplish this by 2010.

Gambatte Kudasai!

***

Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book is ALREADY OUT! And as far as I know, only one bookstore in Metro Manila has copies. Excuse me, I need to make a phone call.

Eh-hum # 255

WARNING: This is another post about books.

Please excuse my perceptible enthusiasm; it is only recently (particularly when I was in Japan) that I have reawakened my love for books, a keenness I developed when I was younger. I am trying to allot more time (not to mention money) for reading. I think its a good way to get your mind off the mundane things that plagues one's day to day activities. When boredom creeps in and you really don't have the energy to organize for a friendly get together, just grab a book for entertainment and even learning. Its not so bad, really.

***

So, yesterday I took a break from work-related stuffs and stumbled upon an online article from TIME. It caught my attention because it was about the ten (10) most challenged books of all time.

And I am proud to say, I have read three of these so-called banned books (thanks to my sister for providing me these; it pays to know someone very familiar with the best literary works):



1) Nineteen Eighty-Four – George Orwell
2) The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
3) Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

Nineteen Eighty-Four is actually a favorite of mine since its message remains significant up to now (BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU). Vulgar language, sexual references among other things made The Catcher in the Rye notorious, but I thought emphasis on the lead character rather than the plot was engaging. Finally, it was curiosity that led me to Lolita. It would be natural to despise Humbert for eerily obsessing over what he calls "nymphets". But the book does not support pedophilia, since Humbert's actions led to his demise.

The other seven controversial works are as follows:

4) Candide - Voltaire
5) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
6) Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
7) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou
8) The Anarchist Cookbook - William Powell
9) The Satanic Verses - Salman Rushdie
10) Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling

Numbers 5 and 10 seem to have wandered in the wrong list. However, Twain's book was banned for its coarse language (using slang as demeaning and damaging), not to mention the touchy subject of slavery. Ernest Heminghway thought it was brilliant, but Little Women's Louisa May Alcott criticized Twain for writing it. Meanwhile, the books on the boy wizard were described by a group of parents in Maine as "promoting violence, witchcraft and devil-worship." Huh, imagine that. Anyway, I hope to read the very, the super, and without a doubt infamous The Satanic Verses. It would be quite a challenge to get a hold of a copy, given the reaction of the Muslim community to the book and to its author.

***

Update: I lied. I just finished reading Michael Palin's New Europe and I must say I enjoyed visiting selected countries in Eastern Europe from the comfort of my home. However, I am sure it would be thrilling to actually be there.

Love the photographs by Basil Pao and Palin's writing style, which demonstrates his intelligence and humor. The book, and the documentary it was based on, is not only about the historical places, but also about the people that keeps the history alive. Palin describes the sights and sounds of each city he visits with depth that you can almost see and hear it. I also appreciate the questions raised to the interviewees regarding their views on the state of their countries before and after the Communist years and their expectations of the future with an extended European Union. Well, you have to buy the book to find out. (Note: after reading it, I wanted to check my notes on Europeanization from my International Policy class back at Kobe University. Yes, there is such an area of study; I am proud to say I got an A in that class).

A good read indeed. Now, I am seriously considering of purchasing his other travel books (or better yet, the audio edition of the books). Eh-hum, lapit na pasko mga mahal kong kaibigan.

Eh-hum # 253

I went to school today hoping for some good news regarding my survey/Stat assignment. Unfortunately, things did not went according to plan so I have to make some adjustments in my schedule to meet my requirements for this semester. This is important because:

1. I have to maintain a certain grade (praying for at least a B-); and
2. This is my only subject for the semester, thus it would be extremely embarrassing if I fail (a big IF! Eh-hum).

Dear Lord...

***


This calls for some retail therapy. And I am very pleased I found this in my preferred bookstore:

Hard cover and less than a thousand pesos, very good indeed (of course am biased since its written by my favorite Python). The book is a, uh, book version of Mr Palin's latest adventure in what he describes as the "New" Europe (a discovery of the Europe he haven't explored, thanks to the Cold War). I have read the introduction and seen the initial photos (courtesy of Basil Pao). I must say, I am looking forward to finishing the rest of it (in due time, because I am still busy with my second Umberto Eco novel). Examining the book reminded me of my other dream job (next to Pixar animator): professional traveller/ adventure host, like Ian Wright (or Michael Palin in this case).

Wouldn't it be cool to travel the world for a living (and have the network pay for everything)? So many places to visit, cultures to experience, people to meet and food to taste. But of course, we will not be restricted to tourist destinations and fancy restaurants ala Lifestyle Network (which are not bad, by the way); I am talking about the travel shows in Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channel. Quite difficult since there will be situations wherein you will be forced to step out of your comfort zone (e.g. whacked-out bodily functions, near death experiences, exotic illnesses, custom officials); but I guess these challenges make the exploring and the travelling much more interesting, fulfilling, and life-changing.

But if I am bent on becoming an effective explorer and adventure host, I should learn/develop the following:

1. Learn to swim, or else will be forced to totally ignore places near coastlines and large bodies of water;
2. Develop one's immune system or resistance. Effective when you make your way through rainforests, mosquito infested areas and survive winter;
3. Travel light, or develop a strategy to cram everything you need in just one big back pack;
4. Work on my weak constitutions. To date, the only thing I ever eaten that's considered icky by many is an underaged chick in balut. I remembered trying not to smile after eating it for fear that the chick's feathers were still lodged between my teeth;
5. Nerves of steel, related to number 4. Useful when you ran out of tissue paper, or don't have a proper lavatory to begin with;
6. Map reading;
7. How to assemble a tent;
8. Hunting or food gathering skills (when push comes to shove);
9. Writing skills and a vast knowledge of adjectives, etc. (for good, impressive and share-worthy notes);
10. High tolerance for alchohol. Comes in handy in case a tribal chief force gallons of their nasty local liquor down your throat; and
11. Patience

Eh-hum.

Eh-hum # 249

Updates and stories before August 2008 ends:

1. “And there it is”.

I just finished watching (in YouTube, ehem) the Academy Award-winning 1984 film (including Best Actor, Best Director and Best Film/Picture) Amadeus, directed by Milos Forman and based on Peter Shaffer’s stage play of the same name. The movie (and the play) was bases very loosely on the lives of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, two composers in Vienna during the reign of Austrian Emperor Joseph II. Mozart was portrayed as a coarse, spoiled, childish yet immensely brilliant composer and Salieri as a God-fearing, naïve man whose musical talent pales in comparison to Mozart. Mozart’s genius and his unconscious tendency to repeatedly belittle Salieri’s work caused the latter to question his faith, since he came to believe that God, through Mozart, is cruelly laughing at his mediocrity.

While Salieri plots to get rid of his enemy and rival, Mozart’s owns tribulations affects his life as a supposed celebrated composer in Vienna (his animosity with the Italians in the Emperor’s court, the initial reception to his original music, the constant partying, the death of his father Leopold, etc). He only finds solace in the arms of his wife Constanze and his son, Wolfgang. Salieri uses Mozart’s financial problems to his advantage and found the means to pressure a sickly and stressed-out Mozart to write the Requiem Mass in D Minor. Once the requiem is completed, he plans to kill Mozart and take credit for the requiem mass. In the end, Mozart died and never got to finish probably his greatest work. Salieri never got his hands on the requiem, because Constanze was able to lock the manuscript away. Salieri through his old age was haunted by Mozart’s brilliance that survived the test of time. His guilt caused him to spend his last days in a lunatic asylum.

Again, the film was loosely based on the lives of Mozart and Salieri. Though the fictional liberties were annoying at times, I liked how they depicted Mozart as a rock star and Salieri’s transition from a pious to a vengeful man. The actors were inspiring as well: Tom Hulce (Mozart) and F. Murray Abraham (Salieri) were both nominated for an Academy Award for the same category, but Abraham won in the end. A must see for movie buffs indeed. Oh yeah, you have to watch the movie to know which character said the line above.

NOTE: Dear Lord, hopefully my friends will read this post and consider giving me a DVD of Amadeus (Director's Cut). Thank you. Amen.

2. Went to Cebu and Bohol. 70% work, 30% vacation. It was good, save for a storm that followed me back to Manila. And I am not talking about the kind that begins as a low pressure area off shore. But who cares?

3. Aaarrggghhh. I did not catch ONE SINGLE GAME of the Redeem Team in the recently concluded Beijing Olympics. Sayang! I was hoping to catch the guys in action. And am sure that game with Spain was exciting as hell!

4. I am on my second Umberto Eco novel, entitled Baudolino. The first one I read was the critically acclaimed The Name of the Rose (which has a movie version starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater), an intellectual mystery that combines biblical fiction, medieval studies, literary theory and semiotics in fiction. Lately I found myself interested in the middle-ages, particularly the fall of the Roman Empire. Though this is fiction, it has basis in historical events, and I don’t mind learning this way. I plan to buy Eco’s works; I think it’s worth it.

5. Had a serious Jolibee craving the other day and had breakfast and dinner at two separate restaurants. Happy 15th (?) Birthday to Jolibee Katipunan. Also, quite glad that the Amazing Aloha is back.

6. And a picture of the beautiful Gael Garcia Bernal.

Wala lang.

Eh-hum # 246

As I was saying...

This book is the scariest and most suspenseful that I have ever read.

And yet I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.

Yun lang.

Eh-hum # 245

There are a few things in my mind right now, a couple of which are making me quite uncomfortable. Its not really a problem, but if not handled properly, it could spell trouble for me. This all came about last Friday, when I spoke to two different people with different sets of news. But like most in this world, its all interconnected. Again, its making me uncomfortable, the reality of it all.

I thought I could use some enlightenment. Thus, I asked my siblings' opinions. Whenever my sister spends her weekends in Novaliches-land, we would have these mini-conferences in the kitchen, usually when our parents retire to their room for an afternoon nap. Having these talks are very helpful in times of distress, because it puts everything in perspective.

I am thankful for having smart/witty siblings.

***

People turn to food for comfort when agitated. Well, this doesn't really apply to me since I eat comfort food on a regular basis. What I do is nothing new: retail therapy. However, instead of clothes or shoes, I buy books.

What better way to temporarily escape your worries than to indulge oneself to some good reads and get lost within the pages of a book/novel. And here, in my opinion anyway, are some interesting literary works.

A month ago, I purchased Fugitive Pieces, a story about a Polish boy who lost his family during the Holocaust (narrowly escapes being killed by the Nazis) and was adopted by a Greek archaeologist. The book also talks about his life after immigrating to Canada, marriage and writing poems. Its a wonderful story, and it moved me. There is something so poignant about children surviving an extremely unfortunate event then trying to live a normal life afterwards. I also learned that the novel was translated to the big screen and premiered at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival.


The other book I bought last Saturday, hence, I haven't finished it yet. With its lead characters on a quest, my newest acquisition can be considered an arcane mystery. Yes, its both exciting and frightening. Why? Because The Historian takes another look on the historical Dracula, and the myth that was (and still is) associated with him.

Eh-hum...

Eh-hum # 189

To this I agree. I cannot imagine the pain, suffering and humilation experienced by these women. It is unfortunate that we cannot go back to the past and prevent these things from happening. The least the Japanese government can do is issue an official apology and give proper compensation to those who have not received any.

However, I find it ironic that the US feels it is in the position to demand the Japanese government to issue an apology to the comfort women in Japan's wartime military brothel program. I would like to point out that the US should also issue apologies, to the Japanese women who provided "services" to American servicemen during the military occupation of Japan.

I first learned about this issue through a friend (its her dissertation). Moreover, a detailed account of this can be read in John W. Dower's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II. Mr Dower discussed the process in which destituted women were recruited to "participate in the great task of comforting the occupation force". The prostituted women who became part of the RAA (Recreation and Amusement Association) were considered martyrs, since they served as buffer protecting the chastity of the "good" Japanese women.

War, obviously, is not kind to anyone, especially to women and children. I was appalled that the Japanese government initially had a say in the funding of the RAA's facilities (they have to apologize to that too). On the other hand, I also understood that being under the control of the Allied forces, it was implied that they have to accomodate the needs of hundreds of thousands of American soldiers; and sex was one of those.

The plight of the comfort women is an important issue that must be resolved and that Japanese government should apologize, without a doubt. But its a pity that since Japan lost the war, they are on the spotlight and the atrocities committed by the Allied forces were never mentioned, as if it had never happened. Prostituting women, even for the sake of protecting others, is crap. The Japanese could've protected their women by NOT sacrificing others and the American officers could've said no to the whole thing altogether, but that's highly unlikely. Sex sells and someone is always willing to buy.

Eh-hum # 162

Just a thought: I know there aren't many readers of this blog (save my friends who would visit and have linked mine to theirs), but that doesn't stop me from sharing some ideas and writing down my opinions on matters I've heard, read and experienced. And now, for those of who came upon this blog by accident, let me tell you something about this novel I just finished reading 30 minutes ago entitled Imperium.

I began writing this at 12:38 am Japan time. Am wide awake, thanks to the (free) caramel-blended coffee I indulged in right after a hefty (and free) tonkatsu lunch. Instead of staring at the ceiling, I thought this was a good time for me to update me blog.

To put it bluntly, I thought it was an excellent read and I really liked it (so much so that I've decided to talk about it in a separate post, hwehweh). Indeed, it is "gripping and fast-paced" and humorous as well. I read it obsessively, even on the train to and from the church (I rarely read while inside moving vehicles, I get an headache afterwards). It is a fictional biography of Cicero, particularly on his struggle for power in Rome. Nonetheless, the author did a significant amount of research to breathe life into it, as there were people that existed and events that really occured, such as Cicero bringing Gaius Verres, a corrupt Sicilian governor, to court (one of the highlights).

I also got a good helping of Ancient Roman politics, which amazingly is no different at all from what we are experiencing (at least, by most democratic countries) now. The good, (and mostly) the bad and the ugly in politics are discussed, such as bribery and vote buying during elections; the common people versus the elites; delaying tactics in court/senate; the use of fear and panic as a means (the war on terror...eh-hum); and self-interest before the welfare of the voters. What is more interesting are the politicians, the senators of the time. Some could've been considered as principled men, but the lot were megalomaniacs with huge appetites for power (ex-military men in particular) and serial opportunists always on the lookout for the winning side/group. However, I am of the opinion that politicians of ancient times studied their law, politics, philosophy seriously (for the love of learning), and like Cicero, were brilliant orators. Now, most of them are well-educated actors accompanied by an army of ghostwriters and researchers. Oh well.

My verdict: a must read for anyone interested in Ancient Rome, its politics and intriguing personalities. Plus, it contains some insights worth remembering, example: "Sometimes it is foolish to articulate an ambition too early - exposing it prematurely to the laughter and skepticism of the world can destroy it before it is even properly born. But sometimes the opposite occurs, and the very act of mentioning a thing makes it suddenly seem possible, even plausible." Expressed by the narrator, Tiro, on the night Cicero announced his interest to run for consul.

Eh-hum # 161

Took a break from reading (and buying) Neil Gaiman books.

After my Saturday Nihongo lessons, I visited what I refer to as my favorite bookstore in Kobe: Random Walk in Motomachi (a.k.a. the Foreign Bookstore in my earlier posts). Though a small bookstore, the shop offers a variety books and magazines in English and other foreign languages. However, it also includes a significant collection of titles on Japanese history and culture. I own a point card; and for my twelfth and final stamp, I bought this one (picture from Wikipedia):

I first heard about the book when a Filipina writer and columnist mentioned it in her blog. Since she has good taste in books (I believe so, anyway) and learning that Robert Harris is a bestselling author (Pompeii, Fatherland among others), I went to Random Walk to see if they have a copy. Initially, they didn't; hence I ended up buying Mr Gaiman's novels (again, not disappointed, as I have five of them already). The moment it became available on their shelves, I set aside some dough for it (damn you bills! sigh, they always comes first).

A historical fiction, the book is about the Roman orator, philosopher and senator, Cicero, his early career and later on, his election as consul. The events are told through first-person narration by his secretary, Tiro. So far, I am still on the second chapter, but I sense that this will be an interesting read. Moreover, I really like the title; imperium can be translated as "power". Ancient power politics, now there's something that feeds the henyo mind. Eh-hum...will update this post as soon as I'm finished reading it. ;)

Eh-hum # 153

I did not go anywhere special during the Golden Week. Well, I imagined that the best places (within Kobe and the Kansai area) will be crowded, so staying home where its cozy and safe (not to mention stress-free) was the better option. But I did go to Sannomiya last Saturday, to get out of my room (read: away from the Internet for a change). I took a stroll at Central Gai and it was fine. And then, I found myself spending 5,000 yen.

Well, I had to buy that lotion, I needed it (but as far as lotions go, it was expensive). However, I made an unplanned visit to (my favorite hang-out...sigh) the Foreign Bookstore located in Motomachi. This was not such a good idea, since at that time I haven't received my allowance yet. When I got there, I kept repeating to myself that "I will just look around...llloookkk arrroouunndddd". For the first few minutes, it was fine; no pressure, just browsing. Moments later, I had this uncontrollable urge to buy something. To stop this annoying feeling, I convinced myself to shell out 1000++ yen for one book. But when I saw the sign that the books are 10% off, I just had to get another title. Hence, by the end of the day, I am a (proud) owner of two books:

and

I went home happy and content. And broke. Eh-hum

*images from Wikipedia.

Eh-hum # 149

While still a newbie, I am officially a fan of Neil Gaiman, and I look forward to read his other works, may they be novels, short stories or poems. And for your viewing/listening pleasure, here's a video I got from YouTube wherein Mr Gaiman is reading a "free" poem from his book Fragile Things. He reads his work very well (it helps that he's British, hehehe). Enjoy!

This is just an excerpt; to view the whole thing (yes, almost 2 hours of reading and answering questions), click this link. If you decide to watch it, you won't be disappointed...I wasn't. ;)

Eh-hum # 148

I woke up late today, because I slept early...early the same day I mean (like 2:00 AM). And this time, it was not because of the Internet.

This is to blame:

Bought it yesterday at the Foreign Bookstore in Motomachi. Its one seriously humorous and entertainingly scary novel. And the great thing about it is that the story dwells on the familiar yet complex subject that is family relations. The main character, Fat Charlie, works and lives in London and is engaged to be married. All is normal, until he gets word that his father, whom he hasn't seen in 20 years, died and that he has a brother he never knew. The moment he made "arrangements" to meet his brother, Spider, Fat Charlie's life has never been the same.

But that's not all. Neil Gaiman successfully combines a family story with comedy (funny/sarcastic dialogues, slapstick), romance (meeting the girl/boy of his/her dreams), crime fiction (a financial scam, murder), the supernatural (a ghost out for revenge, the birds) and ancient African mythology (gods in "the beginning of time") in one book. And if you think the presence of a variety of themes makes the novel messy, think again. His witty and matter of fact writing style makes Anansi Boys a very coherent piece of work, and the transition from one scene to the next is as smooth as silk. The characters, may they be mere mortals or divine beings, have depth; they become more interesting as the story progress.

To reiterate, the book is funny, wickedly funny. I find myself laughing out loud while reading it. Its scary also, but not a thriller. The highlight, I think, was the lime. Hmmm, doesn't make sense? Well you have to read it. And believe me, you won't be disappointed. :)

Bookcover from Wikipedia.

Eh-hum # 147

GRAHHHHH! I have yet to receive my allowance, and I need (and want) to buy more books for my Nihongo (self-study na ito) and thesis research. It seems I would have to starve myself for the next few weeks...or worse, find a baito. Haaayyyy.

***

Speaking of books, this book I want (and need, sort of), and for good reason: it was written by esteemed university professor and legendary author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien. Hopefully, it will be soon part of my small collection of books on the vast history and legends of Middle-Earth. Not your usual fantasy stories, Tolkien's fictional universe consists of tales overflowing with adventure, otherwordliness and characters with depth, whether brave, flawed and powerful heroes or terrifying and cunning villains. Like so many fans, I am amazed by Tolkien's narrative style and his unrivalled imagination that brought these stories to life. Aside from the trilogy, I also have copies of the Hobbit, the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. And yes, I have watched the film adaptation of the trilogy as well. As I have said, The Children of Hurin will be a lovely addition to my collection. And most likely, I will scour the shelves of bookstores in Sannomiya or Motomachi for it. And most likely, I will be able to do that once I get my allowance. Double Haaayyy.

***

Nothing to do with books or Tolkien for that matter, are zombie movies. I am not a fan of horror flicks, simply because after watching one, my imagination tends to go hyperdrive and its not good. Especially zombie movies, where people get eaten by the living dead (who recently, can run as fast as normal people, and can sense their presence...YIKES!). However, there are a few exceptions, like the movie Shaun of the Dead. Actually, its not just a horror movie, its a romantic comedy (tagline: A romantic comedy. With zombies). Adding humor to a disturbing movie genre gives it a twist. It also helps that this is a British film, so prepare yourself for a dose of quirky and witty British comedy...while hacking and shooting some zombies. A must see, believe me.

Poster from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_of_the_Dead

And because Shaun of the Dead was a success (at the box office and by critics), I now want to watch Hot Fuzz, which also starred and directed by the team that brought us the former (Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright respectively). Read this article about Hot Fuzz from Time.com. Its a killer. ;)