RIGHT BRAIN ::: What's On Neptune?

Apparently just a lot of blue.

As I was reading through the papers this morning, I came across a report about a Pinoy being included in the Jupiter research team. They wrapped the text around a photo of Jupiter.

That got me to thinking about Neptune. Why? Because it's the ruling planet of Pisces.

I don't primarily depend on astrology for anything but there are times when I retreat to my fantasy world that stuff about ruling planets and cosmic energies induce self-absorption.

I'm not going anywhere with this, I know.

Just take a close look at that photo and you tell me if it doesn't get you to think about God and your own mortality.

WHIMSY ::: Belie' dat!

You Are an Indie Rocker!

You are in it for the love of the music... And you couldn't care less about being signed by a big label. You're all about loving and supporting music - not commercial success. You may not have the fame and glory, but you have complete control of your career.

What Kind of Rocker Are You?

U2 ::: Bono Gets Waxed

The security guards at the office lobby are singling me out like a marked criminal. They are really getting on my nerves! Like this morning, coming back from breakfast, the guard at the steps saw me and called the attention of the guy at the door who then told me I had to give them gatepasses for leaving the premises even if I left before office hours started (which is at 9 o'clock). Of course, that was never the case and I have never been told of that bit of persnickety by them before. The schmucks are power tripping and I reheeeally hate that.

So this is supposed to be Bono? Well, they got most of him correct except the eyes--too small and not droopy enough. Also, when this figure was unveiled the real Bono was not present unlike other photo ops for new exhibits. I guess he didn't see himself in the project.

Not to take anything away from the coolness of wax figures but I think they relied too heavily on measurements with this one. What they ended up with is a face who looks like someone you've seen before but can't place. Like you've seen that face play a bit part in some forgotten tv show or movie.

I do not agree with their choice of "era" either. As much as I like the 90s, I really believe that today's Bono has a much more infuential and globally significant image than the Zoo TV persona. Besides, didn't they already make one of The Fly some time ago? I think I saw that in the "Even Better.." video.

If I had to pick, I'd go with this Bono simply because it's current and (with a rostrum) highlights his activities in recent years. The B-man also looks great in tailored suits.

U2 ::: St. Paddy's

I'm not Irish but since I am Roman Catholic by birth--and being a U2 fan--let me greet you all a Happy Saint Patrick's.

There was some question on whether the clergy would allow cornbeef and cabbage to be served today, a Friday in lent. Well, guess what? They made exceptions. Heh!

I wonder if they've dyed the Chicago River yet. In any case, I am wearing all green today, natch.

Enough of this. I'm heading home to fumble towards the weekend. (Thank you, Sarah Mac.)

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Years

1978
2006

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Sounds o' Pealing

Let those cracked bells toll for it is my last weekend before I add yet another number to my age!

I have not made a big deal out of March despite its being my month. I could if I had the chance but my ideas germinate when I'm home in front of my own computer. See, I'm currently unhooked at home right now so...

All fans should know by now that the JP, AU, NZ and HI dates of the Vertigo Tour have been postponed (read: not canceled) because of illness in a U2 member's family. My heart goes out to the band because as hard as it is to face these trials, for them to bring on the energy every single night of the tour over the last twelve months takes an inordinary amount of faith and courage. Prayers go out to all of them.

This morning, I left the house at around 5:30 to get to the office before 6:30. We needed to leave early for Cainta because of the Serbisyo Muna Caravan. We arrived at Cainta a little after seven and since they were still setting up, I decided to wander around (like I always do) my childhood semi-stomping grounds.

The first thing I decided to do was get some cash off the atm. I found the only BPI in the area and as I was walking towards it, I passed by some flower vendors that happened to be opposite the town church. I remembered Lolo Iliong's funeral and how I haven't paid a visit to his grave in so many years. That was enough motivation for me so I bought a bouquet of flowers and headed to the cemetery.

The place looked even grittier now than it did back in '88. The large industrial mill loomed in the cemetery's backdrop as if to say it didn't give no shite about those who rest. It was more depressing than being surrounded by the dead, really.

I laid the flowers on top of Lolo Iliong's grave, right at his marble name plate. I kind of said sorry for not visiting as often as I could have. Pretty childish but what am I if not that, huh? In RHETORIC!

I spent like a minute there and left. Two reasons: I didn't want to get all emotional neither did I want to be salvaged the next morning, chopped up and wrapped in newspaper. Come on! The place was empty and seemed like the perfect place to dump slashed out-of-towners. It's them stupid Wes Craven movies, I tell ya.

WHIMSY ::: Useless Web

I have nothing to say about the week that has passed except this: Boo Hoo!

Now that that's off my chest, I'd like to rave about this site I discovered off Carlos Celdran's links. It's not like New York Hack but it still gives you a slice of life with a wider radius. It's a great source of self-consolation--but that could just be me. Go to http://www.overheardinnewyork.com and I swear you'll want to just keep reading it.

Here are some samplers:

at LaGuardia
Woman on cell: Yeah, I have to go. I'm too distracted on the phone, and I don't trust anyone in this terminal. People are speaking Spanish behind me, if you know what I mean.

at Madison Square Garden ladies' room
Chick on cell: It's a long story involving a lot of urine, but the gist
of it is, we can't use that refrigerator ever again.

at 82nd & York
Girl on cell: Can you hear me when I roll my eyes?

See what I mean?