Lakers

I don't know why we have 3 of the best bigs in the league (Gasol, Bynum, Odom) and every time the Lakers are losing, they're always away from the damn basket. The reason Lakers lose these big games is because nobody is rebounding.

Another disappointing much-anticipated afternoon..

Lakers have now lost to both Maimi and Boston.. each by more than 10.. at home.

Bryant scored over 40 points today.. it wasn't Boston vs. LA.. it was Boston vs Kobe today.

WOW, Lakers.. WOW!

They better win their second meeting with the Heat and Celtics.

-M.C.

The Phantom Menace

So earlier today, I watched Star Wars Episode 1: Phantom Menace. I've been googling why people hate the prequels so much because I never realized/knew [until a couple of months ago] there was such hatred that's been going around since the prequels came out coming from "original" Star Wars fan. These people have been and still claiming the prequels have no substance in them. I can kind of see that with the Attack of the Clones movie.. but at the end of the day, to me it's still Star Wars.. I can't complain.

So I decided to re-watch the Phantom Menace today with my brother to review it. From the years I've watched Star Wars over and over again, the Phantom Menace has become one of my least favorite out of all of them. It's ironic because this is the same movie that introduced and made me fall in love with Star Wars. I grew tired of this movie (other than the fact I've seen it a million times) because I began feeling this movie lacked the story and action I'm so accustomed seeing in Star Wars movies.

One of the complaints "original" Star Wars fans complain about is their claim Star Wars have become nothing more than CGI effects rather than using the same technology that George Lucas used back when he made the original trilogy (props, make-up, etc.) That is mainly true in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.. but nobody can blame Lucas for using CGI.. he would've used it before if he had the chance.. the technology was just not available at the time. But I'm bringing this up because I noticed a handful of scenes in the Phantom Menace aren't CGI at all. If you don't know what I'm talking about, compare the explosion scenes and buildings/background objects in the Phantom Menace to Episode 2 and 3.

After watching the Phantom Menace today, I realized how stunning this movie is. It's not as bad as I've concluded in the past. If you pay close attention to the movie's details, you will truly appreciate this movie. From the costumes, make-up, CGI, stunts, etc. Even with Jar Jar and the Gungans' presence in the movie (which was the reason I grew tired of the movie), the movie is still nice, although I still think George Lucas could've used the funds he spent on developing the Gungans on something better.

But after reviewing the movie, I fell in love with the Phantom Menace once again because in my opinion, it captures both the original trilogy and prequels' essence so perfectly. It's balanced between traditional Star Wars and new Star Wars.

-M.C.

Natural High

I'm soooooo fucking glad I bought a BMX with the $100 that I had over the winter.. I was going to wait 'til maybe spring to get a bike but I saw this used bike on craigslist for $100.. it's in a pretty good condition and it's light compared to my brother's new BMX bike.. the only thing I had to change was the tire tube on the rear wheel..

I was originally planning on getting a new tattoo with the $100 and some money that I had saved.. but I thought hard about it and decided I'd get a new bike instead.

I decided to get a bike because, I feel like, I can always get tattoos.. and I shouldn't be getting any tattoos unless I have a job.. and the fact that I was just going to get a rose tattoo to fill up the space on my right forearm [below my other tattoos.]

I've been wanting a bike for the longest.. I've always liked biking.. it brings so much memories from my childhood every time I bike.. like it gives me such a natural high while I listen to music..

And thankfully.. this January has been warm!! This has been the warmest January I've experienced in America.. it's been like 60-70 degrees these past two weeks.

Perfect weather to bike to.

-M.C.

Another Great Season Ended

Wow.. 21-16 Packers-Eagles..
Vick was good all game.. 'til the last throw.
Wow.. I don't know if I'll ever see the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Every year, I'm so confident with each squad we've had.. especially this year, with Vick, McCoy, Maclin, Jackson, Celek, Avant..
Our defense wasn't good all game 'til the end.. they actually made big plays.. except we couldn't execute.
Jackson and Vick will be free agents too.. WOW

-M.C.

I Love My Dad

I really do. I wouldn't be the same man if it wasn't for him. As much as we've disagreed and fought in the past, I've learned so much from him. Whether he knows it or not. I know I haven't been the best son towards him.. but seriously though, I look up to him so much.. for being such a hard worker. We wouldn't be in America if it wasn't for him.

I'm so happy about myself that I'm able to say "I love you" to him now.. cuz back then, it was so hard; we would never really say "I love you" to one another before.. but I made the commitment recently to always let him know that I love him whenever he's here, cuz he barely gets to see our family.. and the fact that he travels across state [alone] just to see us, I just want to let him know that I appreciate him by saying "I love you" to him. I want to let him know that I appreciate him because I know he gets lonely being away from his family.. and we barely get to talk to him unless he's here.

-M.C.