Jun 27, 2009

Do You Know Where You're Going To?

A few moments before I took this photo, this subway was taken out of service and we were kicked out. This man couldn't get off in time; he was sleeping beforehand.



I sang the first line of "Theme From Mahogany" as the train pulled out.

Mid-Year Movie Roundup

So far this year, I've seen the following movies (in chronological order):

Gran Torino
Coraline (3D)
Polytechnique
Monsters vs. Aliens (IMAX 3D)
State Of Play
Earth (twice)
Star Trek (twice)
Up (once each in 2D and 3D; I prefer the 2D version)
Food, Inc.

I must say that I haven't seen any outright stinkers yet; at the very least, I've gained a fun experience from every movie. The more memorable movies from this list, however, have offered more than just pure entertainment - they've also given me topics to think about long after the final credits have rolled.

I plan to see My Sister's Keeper later this morning, even though it looks like a tearjerking chick flick (albeit, one based on a book with an interesting premise). The last time I cried at the movies was while watching Seven Pounds, and given my tendency not to cry at emotional entertainment, I vowed that I wouldn't tear up. Boy, did I ever eat crow on that one.

In the near future, I definitely want to see Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen in IMAX, despite the bad reviews it's earned. Julie and Julia also looks interesting, if only to see an acting legend (Meryl Streep) and a breakout star (Amy Adams).

Jun 25, 2009

"Weird Al" Yankovic - "Fat"

While riding the subway home, I found out that Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest earlier today. A group of strangers told me the news, but I honestly thought I was being punk'd. However, I got the feeling that they were legit even before one of the ladies showed me the news on her Blackberry (at least, I think it was a Blackberry).

No doubt, every blogger on Earth will be posting MJ videos in tribute. You know I don't tend to follow the crowd, so here's my tribute.

Jun 17, 2009

Suddenly Wanting To Reconnect

I ran into a high school acquaintance a few Saturdays ago at a Luminato event. We had a very good conversation, after which I asked if she was on Facebook. After getting an affirmative answer, we exchanged Facebook names; I added her as a friend that evening.

I think the events of that day have served as a catalyst for the recent friend requests I've made on Facebook. When I first signed up, I knew of many people from grade school who were also there, but I didn't rush to add them as friends. The truth is that I was scared of their possible rejections due to past indiscretions with my temper, which I touched on in this post. However, in the past few days, I've made five friend requests to people whom I at least thought treated me with respect back in my school days.

Four have been accepted so far. If number five rejects, it's her loss.

Jun 16, 2009

CD Collection Update #3

I picked up this album just like I said I would. I'm listening to it as I type and I like what I hear.



Artist: Jonas Brothers
Title: Lines, Vines And Trying Times
Genre(s): pop

Download my updated CD collection.

Jun 13, 2009

Luminato 2009: Cirque du Soleil (Day 2)

The world-renowned Cirque du Soleil troupe gave free performances today at Toronto's waterfront.

Luminato 2009: Cirque du Soleil (Day 2)

Jun 12, 2009

Rockin' The Sure Shot

My current camera is a Fujifilm FinePix A510; I've had it for almost three years. My reason for purchase was to take photographs of my 2006 summer vacation in Montreal; I probably thought that I would just use it for subsequent vacations after that one.

As you've probably figured out, I've used it for much more than that purpose - so much so that I've been seriously considering an upgrade to a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. In recent days, I've been researching cameras from companies like Nikon, Canon and Sony. Also, while I was taking photos this afternoon, I checked the brands of the cameras (particularly the DSLRs) which people brought with them, and Nikon and Canon definitely stood out. Interesting fact: while on my way home from church tonight, I looked at a temporary carnival at Jane-Finch Mall and guessed the shutter speed and aperture I'd need in order to take good shots. I've never needed to consider those parameters with my current camera, but once I step up to the DSLR leagues, their considerations would be my bread and shutter.

So far, I've spoken with a few people (about three) about which brand I should go with; they've all said that Nikon is my best bet. Furthermore, one of the trainers at my gym recommended that I go with the Nikon D60 as an entry-level DSLR. In truth, even before I asked him, I short-listed this camera as one of my choices (along with the Canon EOS 450D).

Until I save enough money for this purchase, my Fuji will continue to be my main camera. Furthermore, even if I save enough money, I'll still need to find full-time work before the end of July - otherwise, my savings will go toward my living expenses.