My 3rd Favorite Show

TNT's Leverage has officially leap-frogged How I Met Your Mother to become number 3 on my current list of favorite shows (right behind Scrubs and Chuck). HIMYM might get back into my good graces if it shapes up, and gets away from the awful fourth season, but I see Leverage holding on to this spot for some time.

My No. One Reason for Loving Chuck

Homana, homana, homana...Seriously, how is it that more people aren't checking Yvonne Strahovski out on Monday nights? Plus, you get to see her in tons of girl fights, and who doesn't love that?

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My Two-Cents on Chuck: "Chuck vs. The Best Friend"

After last week's really good episode ("Chuck vs. The Suburbs), tonight's was just OK, and probably should have stayed in its original position (i.e. before last week's episode). Man, this is the second of my favorite shows to be preempted for Obama (the first being Scrubs). If I had known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have voted for him. I kid.

The main reason this episode was just OK is because I'm not a fan of Morgan. His man-childness is getting boring, and he's just weighing Chuck down. Part of me just wants him to be killed off, but that's probably too weighty for this show.

Usually, I'm not a huge fan of the Buy Morons, but I actually found myself laughing at the Jeffster subplot. Plus, Captain Awesome is back.

The spy stuff was pretty good, with some good Casey-isms, and I was glad they strayed away from Fulcrum for a little while.

I know some people are getting frustrated with the on-and-off tendencies of the Chuck-Sarah arc, but it is one of the main plot points, so I'm OK with it being drawn out.

Overall, an OK episode, but I'm excited for the continuation of the Dark Intersect story arc that was started last week.

My Whocaresies (aka Oscar Night 2009)

So, the 2009 Oscars are done, and I almost missed them because I forgot that they were this weekend. Whoops.

Overall, it was an adequate awards show. There weren't any shockers when it came to the winners, but the show itself was entertaining despite being long and a bit over done. The biggest change that I really enjoyed was how they had five former winners in each of the acting categories name the nominees and winners. It was like they were welcoming new members into the brother/sisterhood, and it was a better approach than having last year's winners present the opposite award (e.g. Best Actor presenting Best Actress). I could have done without some of the musical numbers, but the comedy was sharp, and I had a good time watching.

Hugh Jackman was OK as the host. He was a little more topical and broad compared to Jon Stewart and Chris Rock, but he was more of a showman which made it slightly more lively.

Outside of the actual production, nothing else really shocked me. I predicted that Mickey Rourke was going to win for The Wrestler, but I was far from surprised when Sean Penn took the prize for Milk. Slumdog Millionaire's dominance just completed the film's clean sweep this awards season, so nothing out of the ordinary there. I guess the biggest surprise was Waltz with Bashir not winning Best Foreign Film, but that was about it.

So, it was a fun although bloated night for the Academy Awards, and I'm excited for 2010 after seeing the closing montage of upcoming releases.

My Lazy Saturday

Apparently, everyone and their dog was being productive today...except for me. My day pretty much involved sleeping in, grabbing some lunch, hitting up Target, and watching some Scrubs. Man, I need a life...

My Roid Indifference

So, it's only been about two weeks since the A-Rod steroids debacle was brought to our attention, but it feels like it's been going on for months because of the non-stop media attention, and to be honest, I really don't care one way or the other.

The only thing that has been getting on my nerves is how some members of the media are complaining that Rodriguez didn't do enough, or he was lying, or this or that. Stop it already! I'll admit that A-Rod didn't totally absolve himself, but he's done more than Roger Clemens has, and Barry Bonds, and Mark McGwire. It may not have been up to everyone's standards, but he fessed up and admitted he made a mistake, but some people will never be happy (mostly Jay Mariotti on Around the Horn). He would've been judged and damned by the press either way.

The main reason I think the media is ready to put Rodriguez through the wringer is because they feel betrayed by A-Rod. Everyone had him anointed as the heir apparent to the home run throne, and he was going to do it clean, so he'd remove the stain left by Bonds...whoops. Now, the golden boy who was supposed to restore baseball's honor is tarnished himself, and people are kicking themselves for being duped.

In all honesty, I don't think the fans really care too much about this new steroids hoopla because it's been going on for so long now. It's getting old, and I'm willing to bet that most fans weren't surprised by the news. People are still going to spend money to watch A-Rod, sure they'll boo the crap out of him, but most fans were going to do that regardless.

Major League Baseball is also adding to the silliness of this whole debacle by entertaining the idea of resetting the home run records back to Hank Aaron's career number of 755, and Roger Maris' single season record of 61. Now, I'm not saying that the steroids-era has to be ignored, but having the records restored is not the answer because while not everyone was juicing, I'm sure a lot were, so the numbers will never be accurate. Plus, if these numbers are reversed, then no one will break them...ever! The next closest to Aaron's 755 is Ken Griffey Jr. at 611, and I don't see him hitting 145 home runs in Seattle. Albert Pujols might do it someday, but he's just at 319. MLB needs to acknowledge that the records were set during the steroids-era and move on. Plus, who is to say that whomever breaks the records down the road are going to do it clean too. Let's face it, the league will never get rid of the steroids cloud.

So, I'm over the whole A-Rod thing, and I'm praying that the rest of the world (i.e. ESPN) does the same. I'll never say that Rodriguez was a saint, but he's taking his lumps, which is more than most of those who were suspected of juicing can say. Let's just drop it already.

My Lone Star Pride

I've never been prouder to be a Texan until now. Seriously, 3 out of the 10 fattest cities are in Texas while Portland is ranked #6 on the Fittest Cities list. Maybe I should stick around the Northwest for a little bit longer.

My Job Hunt

The job hunt has officially started, and so far so good...sorta. The biggest question has been answered, which means I'm focusing my attention on jobs in either the Portland area or back home in Texas. In the end, I felt that these locations are the best options because it's time for me to find a home and get ready to grow up.

Right now, there are some good leads in Houston, San Marcos, Austin, San Antonio, and San Angelo. I'd enjoy living in all of those places, with the exception of San Angelo, but the job would be a good one. So, it looks like I might have some options...hopefully.

The jobs market is more limited in Portland, at least when it comes to student services. There is one job that might have some promise, but it's by no means an ideal fit for me. Then again, I really don't have the luxury of being picky, so more than likely I'll throw my name into consideration.

I know that nothing is guaranteed, but I'm feeling a little bit better about some of the options that are out there. I'm not freaking out as much.

My ______ Valentine

So, here we are at another Valentine's Day, and once again I'm spending it solo, but for the first time in a while I'm totally cool with being single. I think it's because I know that so many things in my life are up in the air, and not being tied down to any specific place or person is somewhat refreshing.

I have some serious life decisions that I have to make in the next couple of months, and I like the fact that I'll be making the right choice for me and just me. That sounds really selfish, but it's true. Then again, it's always nice to share your life with someone else, but I feel like I still have some time in that department...I hope.

My Friday Night Lights

I think that one of the reasons I like Friday Night Lights is because it reminds me of home, especially tonight. This week's episode mentioned both Midland and San Antonio, and I got all excited. Sometimes I really miss Texas.

My Guy Love

I know that some people feel that the bromance between J.D. and Turk is getting too over the top, and it might be hurting the characters, but this storyline saved "My Comedy Show". To be honest, I could do with more bromance on the show.

My Shilling

I know that I'm biased because of my man-crush on Zach Braff, and he did direct this video, but I'm also a fan of Joshua Radin and this particular song. Check it out, and vote for him on vh1.com

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My Own Worst Enemy

It seems like one of my greatest weaknesses, besides my predilection for indecisiveness, is I am my own worst enemy. For some reason, I just can't help but get in my own way when it comes to my professional, personal, and romantic life.

The frustrating thing is that's not the kind of person I want to be, but, whenever I get tripped up, the only feet I see are my own. I've tried to get out of my way, but here I am again. So much for being able to change.

My Reset Button

It seems that my rudderless ship has found a little bit of direction. Recently, I had a moment of clarity that informed me that I have an idea about where I want to set up shop for the rest of my life, or most of it at least.

Some of my previous posts revolved around me trying to figure out where I'd be heading next once I'm done with school. There was a point where I was convinced that I'd be moving on, then I was sold on the thought of moving back to Texas, and then I was back to leaving Portland for Colorado or California. Back and forth, back and forth.

Then I realized that my desire to move to Boulder or San Diego had little to do with being adventurous, rather it was based on my need to start over from scratch...to push the reset button. At the time I figured this was the answer because it shows that I refuse to be pinned down, and that I'm a free spirit. Then it hit me that a big reason for this need to move around stems from fear; the fear of settling down and living my life. My time in Portland has been rough on me, so I figured I'd just leave it all behind rather than finding my place here. When I thought about it, I felt that I was looking for a reason to run away, and I don't want to be that guy.

Now, I'm not saying that I've decided to make Portland my permanent home, but I'm more open to that idea now more than ever. The truth is, I have roots here despite my efforts to avoid such a thing. The only other serious option for me is the inevitable return to Texas. Sure, I'd be moving and reestablishing myself, but at least I'd be home...I have family and friends there.

So, I think for once I have an idea of where I belong, and while I'd like the new experiences that living in a new place would bring, I just need to settle down and start living. I'm not pushing the reset button just yet, but I am going to put my life on shuffle so I can shake things up a bit.

My Two-Cents on the Miley Cyrus Drama

It's been one helluva week for famous people. So far, we've heard Christian Bale curse out a director of photography, seen Michael Phelps hitting a bong, and Miley Cyrus making a slant-eyed gesture in a picture that hit the Internet.

Now, I gave Bale a pass because the guy messed up a shot he was in, thus breaking Bale's concentration, and depending on who you ask this was not the first time the DP did this bone-headed mistake. Plus, people get yelled at in the workplace all of the time. This wasn't that big of a deal.

I was a little disappointed about the whole Michael Phelps thing, because he is America's sweetheart, and a role model to so many kids (hell, his face in on a Frosted Flakes box). I've always been an anti-drug kinda person, so I'm a little peeved that marijuana is labeled as a "harmless" drug. Even if that's true, it's still illegal, so I'm not willing to give Phelps a pass just yet (especially after the DUI he received as a minor).

Then, this whole Miley Cyrus fiasco started up, and I'll be honest...it riled me up a little bit. For those who haven't seen this picture, here you go:
Now, Cyrus has apologized for offending anyone, but she also said that people are making a big deal about this whole situation. I'm not going to say that Miley is a racist, but she's obviously ignorant to think that making this gesture is not offensive to millions of people. To be honest, I'm not too upset with Miley herself because she's just an overexposed, naive, know-nothing brat, and Billy Ray is not qualified to be a parent.

What has upset me is the people who are defending Miley by saying that a.) this is not racist/offensive, b.) there's an Asian kid in the photo, so that means it's OK, and/or c.) she's just a kid having fun, so it's not a big deal. These arguments are short-sighted and more offensive than her actions.

First, I understand that Miley may not have meant for the gesture to be offensive, but it is, and if she didn't know that before she sure as hell better know now. The Asian kid excuse is just asinine. You may have Mexican friends, and they might not care if you call them the s-word, but that doesn't mean it's still not offensive to others. The last argument just makes me sad because it tells me that we as a society still have a long way to go. We shouldn't be dismissing this picture as "kids being kids" because today's kids shouldn't be doing such things...but here we are.

Now, excuse me while I jump on my soapbox. This little scandal has just reinforced the thinking that it is still acceptable to be insensitive towards Asians in America. I promise you that if the kids were in black-face this would be a lot bigger issue. If that happened, the NAACP would put so much pressure on Disney that Hannah Montana would be gone by the end of the week. But they're only being insensitive to Asians, so it's not that big of a deal. I'm not saying that being insensitive to one group of people is more acceptable than another, it's wrong no matter which group is involved. It just seems like we take the feelings of some to heart more than others.

Maybe I'm being too sensitive, but I have a right to be damn it. As a half Asian kid growing up in West Texas, I had my share of slant eyes made at me, I was called "chink", I had people talk to me in Engrish. You see, that was kids just being kids back then, and it hurt, and I'm still dealing with the crap that I was subjected to. It is easy for people to dismiss my feelings, and the feelings of others, and to say that we're being overly sensitive, but that is because most of the people who believe that probably haven't been made fun of for just being themselves. So, maybe she didn't mean any harm by it, but I guarantee you she hurt some people.

Now, I would say that the upside to this whole debacle is she is still young and can learn from this, but this is the same girl who thought that it'd be OK to pose nude at the age of 15. Where are the people who are supposed to be teaching this girl some common sense? Oh yeah, her dad recorded "Achy Breaky Heart", so that may not be his strongest suit.

My New Girlfriend

So, after watching last week's Interns webisode, and tonight's "My Lawyer's In Love" episode of Scrubs, I've decided that I'm now in love with Kate Micucci (the girl who plays the ukulele).

Seriously, how cute is she? And, she can play the ukulele! That's hot and cute all at the same time.

Plus, she's interested in Ted, and for some reason that makes me feel hopeful...

My Tossing and Turning

My mind is racing, and I can't relax. Man, insomnia sucks.

My Super Blog XLIII

I missed the first half of Super Bowl XLIII, but apparently it wasn't all that important. Fortunately, I did get to see the greatest play in Super Bowl history (the James Harrison INT/TD), and that's when the game became interesting.

Now, I was pulling for the Arizona Cardinals, and some may claim that I am not a true fan, but I've been a quiet supporter of them for some years now (around the time Emmitt Smith became a Cardinal), so my heart was broken slightly once the Pittsburgh Steelers re-took the lead.

At the end of the night, Super Bowl XLIII was one of the best championship games I've seen in a long time (although Super Bowl XXXIV - St. Louis/Tennessee was pretty good too), and Ben Roethlisberger and Larry Fitzgerald solidified themselves as the future of the NFL. Seriously, how cluth are those guys?

Sure, I wish the outcome was a little bit different, and I didn't care for all of the calls/no-calls made by the refs, but it was a pretty amazing game.

Other than the 2nd half, Super Bowl weekend was uneventful. I'm over watching the commericals, and I stopped paying attention to The Office, so my evening ended fairly early.

My Pennies are Being Pinched (Sorta)

January was such a rough month, and I'm glad that February is finally here. The main reason January was not too much fun for me revolved around financial stressors. Thanks to all of the snow days, and Christmas break, my January paycheck was next to nothing, so I've been freaking out about how to cover all of my bills. Of course, being the dumbass that I am, I didn't let my lack of funds stop me from acting like I had money. To say thing are going to be tight is an understatement...I can't wait to get a real job.