This is from Tin:
1. Your former students have gathered to reminisce about former teachers. What would you want them to say about you?
That: one, I was a fun teacher to have, two, I had an impact on their lives, and three, that I always made sure they wore their I.D.s. Aaand maybe that I taught Shakespeare pretty well.
2. What's the one thing you want your daughter to learn from you?
I'd like her to learn to appreciate life as it happens, to take one day at at time.
3. Would you be on Santa's "Naughty" or "Nice" list this year?
Naughty. Definitely naughty.
4. Name the one movie you would like to change the ending of.
Damn, there are several. I'll probably go with Disney's "The Little Mermaid." While I understand the reasons behind the change, I'd like the literature to be kept as it is.
5. If you were a condiment, which condiment would it be and why?
Mustard, because it's nicely spicy. :D
I'll post these now, but I'll try to think a little more about the questions, and my answers might still change.
The Official Interview Game Rules:
1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person’s will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Grammar Points
Yesterday in in-service, the Director for Basic Education, Fr. Ampil, SJ, gave a session on communication, on being correct/precise in one's usage of the language. In reality, it was a session on correct use of English grammar. While informative, it was also an overload of information, because it was like cramming the whole grammar portion of the 1st year curriculum into the span of 2 hours. Granted, we teachers are much older than the students, and could probably grasp the concepts more easily, but it was still draining.
What I would've preferred is to discuss the importance of avoiding code-switching, which some teachers are wont to do during their classes. I've lost track of the times I walked through the corridors, and cringed whenever I hear the Math or Science teacher in the classroom lecturing in Filipino. This in itself isn't bad, IF the subject was taught in Filipino to begin with. However, since both subjects' default medium of instruction is English, there are problems in code-switching. This wasn't on the agenda yesterday, but it should've.
It got me to thinking, though: what are some of the common English language errors that we commit? Here are a few, along with some possible reasons why we commit them:
1. The use of "cope up with": Of course, we should know that it's "cope with." So why the error? Most likely, people confuse the idiom with "keep up." Since "keep" and "cope" sound similar, people think that, logically, the usage of "up" should be followed. But when has the English language ever been logical?
2. The confusion between "like" and "want": How many times have we heard this? "I like to go to the movies now." (shudder) People often confuse "like"(to find pleasant or enjoy, www.dictionary.com) with "want" (to desire greatly, to wish for, www.dictionary.com).
3. The misuse of "like" to construct comparision: ex. "Like the Pistons, Detroit always plays good defense." I've lost track of how many times my students have come up with similar gems, but it's only recently that I figured out what the cause was. It appears to be a direct translation from Filipino: "Tulad ng mga Pistons" I'm just not sure if it's used that way in Filipino.
4. Dropping the "d" from the past participle: A sign on a store: "We are close on Sundays" How sweet.
5. Combining words: Some examples, "infront," and "inspite." "Infront," in fact has cropped up on signs over Metro Manila. No wonder people think that it's correct.
6. Pluralizing singular nouns: "Homeworks," "furnitures," and so on.
7. Using "loose" instead of "lose": "We are loosing the game." They're not restraining the game? They're not tightening the game?
These are just some of the errors I come across. The problem is that local media, which should be more conscious of language usage, commonly commit these errors such that people come to believe that the usage is correct.
A teacher of mine once railed against the bilingual policy of the government, arguing that it will create a situation wherein Filipinos no longer speak correct English, or Filipino. I'm afraid we're moving towards that direction.
Let's be conscious of our language use. It's one of the gifts we have as a nation. Let's not lose it.
What I would've preferred is to discuss the importance of avoiding code-switching, which some teachers are wont to do during their classes. I've lost track of the times I walked through the corridors, and cringed whenever I hear the Math or Science teacher in the classroom lecturing in Filipino. This in itself isn't bad, IF the subject was taught in Filipino to begin with. However, since both subjects' default medium of instruction is English, there are problems in code-switching. This wasn't on the agenda yesterday, but it should've.
It got me to thinking, though: what are some of the common English language errors that we commit? Here are a few, along with some possible reasons why we commit them:
1. The use of "cope up with": Of course, we should know that it's "cope with." So why the error? Most likely, people confuse the idiom with "keep up." Since "keep" and "cope" sound similar, people think that, logically, the usage of "up" should be followed. But when has the English language ever been logical?
2. The confusion between "like" and "want": How many times have we heard this? "I like to go to the movies now." (shudder) People often confuse "like"(to find pleasant or enjoy, www.dictionary.com) with "want" (to desire greatly, to wish for, www.dictionary.com).
3. The misuse of "like" to construct comparision: ex. "Like the Pistons, Detroit always plays good defense." I've lost track of how many times my students have come up with similar gems, but it's only recently that I figured out what the cause was. It appears to be a direct translation from Filipino: "Tulad ng mga Pistons" I'm just not sure if it's used that way in Filipino.
4. Dropping the "d" from the past participle: A sign on a store: "We are close on Sundays" How sweet.
5. Combining words: Some examples, "infront," and "inspite." "Infront," in fact has cropped up on signs over Metro Manila. No wonder people think that it's correct.
6. Pluralizing singular nouns: "Homeworks," "furnitures," and so on.
7. Using "loose" instead of "lose": "We are loosing the game." They're not restraining the game? They're not tightening the game?
These are just some of the errors I come across. The problem is that local media, which should be more conscious of language usage, commonly commit these errors such that people come to believe that the usage is correct.
A teacher of mine once railed against the bilingual policy of the government, arguing that it will create a situation wherein Filipinos no longer speak correct English, or Filipino. I'm afraid we're moving towards that direction.
Let's be conscious of our language use. It's one of the gifts we have as a nation. Let's not lose it.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
"Episode III"
Well, it wasn't as bad as I initially feared it to be.
H and I caught "Episode III" at Gateway, and we weren't disappointed. The movie was a relatively successful concluding bridge to the initial trilogy. A good number of threads were tied up, and the result was breathtaking.
I particularly enjoyed the action scenes, which were jampacked, as they should be. I also liked the chilling transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader.
Of course, the dialogue, particularly between Padme and Anakin, was a bit cheesy. While George Lucas is very good at creating the effects and the mood, he probably should've gotten some help in writing the dialogue.
Still, it completes a 30-year journey into a world so much like, and unlike ours. Getting to the end was worth it.
Random Musings:
- One thing that distracted us from enjoying the movie were two girls to our left, who were talking loudly, and worse, keeping their cell phones noisy. I had to resist the urge to grab the phone and hurl it, especially after the third time it went off. Don't people have any basic knowledge of etiquette? Apparently not these two.
- I agree with T on what she wrote in her blog. There is simply no way that "Episode III" merits a GP. I wonder what drug the reviewers were on while they watched the preview, because, from where I stand, the movie was definitely a PG-13. Beside us was a family, with a little girl about G's age, and I could see her cringing during some of the movie's darker moments. Yep, definitely not GP.
H and I caught "Episode III" at Gateway, and we weren't disappointed. The movie was a relatively successful concluding bridge to the initial trilogy. A good number of threads were tied up, and the result was breathtaking.
I particularly enjoyed the action scenes, which were jampacked, as they should be. I also liked the chilling transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader.
Of course, the dialogue, particularly between Padme and Anakin, was a bit cheesy. While George Lucas is very good at creating the effects and the mood, he probably should've gotten some help in writing the dialogue.
Still, it completes a 30-year journey into a world so much like, and unlike ours. Getting to the end was worth it.
Random Musings:
- One thing that distracted us from enjoying the movie were two girls to our left, who were talking loudly, and worse, keeping their cell phones noisy. I had to resist the urge to grab the phone and hurl it, especially after the third time it went off. Don't people have any basic knowledge of etiquette? Apparently not these two.
- I agree with T on what she wrote in her blog. There is simply no way that "Episode III" merits a GP. I wonder what drug the reviewers were on while they watched the preview, because, from where I stand, the movie was definitely a PG-13. Beside us was a family, with a little girl about G's age, and I could see her cringing during some of the movie's darker moments. Yep, definitely not GP.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Random Ramblings
Been a while since I've had the time to write; everything's been so hectic what with the onset of the school year just two weeks away. Add household chores and taking care of G, and it's a little difficult to make time to write anything. Oh well. C'est la vie.
Departmental work took the bulk of last week, and it was spent looking at the syllabus and what revisions could be made to it. A bit daunting, but still a doable task.
I haven't gotten to see Episode III of Star Wars, but I'm in no hurry. I'll get around to seeing it sometime.
What I have been doing is play around with topics to write about in my head. Some involve general reflections, some are political in nature. One of the issues I've kept an eye on are the current moves about the Charter Change, or Cha-Cha. I've been reading the columns, and the pros and cons, and I don't think a change is possible at this time. Given the proclivities of our Congress, I can't trust our esteemed (heh) Representatives to make the changes in our Charter. Admittedly, the Charter is probably in need of revision; hell, the U.S. Constitution has no less than 27 Amendments. But to entrust this to a self-serving Congress? Hell, no way.
I've also kept an eye on the international level, where it appears that the U.S., or rather its President, continues to bully its way through the international community. I don't think any high-level U.S. official will be charged with the abuses happening to their prisoners of war. I don't think the U.S. will apologize for its heavy-handed ways.
I'm hoping to manage my time more wisely this week, and hope that I'll be able to organize my thoughts into something more pithy.
Departmental work took the bulk of last week, and it was spent looking at the syllabus and what revisions could be made to it. A bit daunting, but still a doable task.
I haven't gotten to see Episode III of Star Wars, but I'm in no hurry. I'll get around to seeing it sometime.
What I have been doing is play around with topics to write about in my head. Some involve general reflections, some are political in nature. One of the issues I've kept an eye on are the current moves about the Charter Change, or Cha-Cha. I've been reading the columns, and the pros and cons, and I don't think a change is possible at this time. Given the proclivities of our Congress, I can't trust our esteemed (heh) Representatives to make the changes in our Charter. Admittedly, the Charter is probably in need of revision; hell, the U.S. Constitution has no less than 27 Amendments. But to entrust this to a self-serving Congress? Hell, no way.
I've also kept an eye on the international level, where it appears that the U.S., or rather its President, continues to bully its way through the international community. I don't think any high-level U.S. official will be charged with the abuses happening to their prisoners of war. I don't think the U.S. will apologize for its heavy-handed ways.
I'm hoping to manage my time more wisely this week, and hope that I'll be able to organize my thoughts into something more pithy.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
New Blogger on the Horizon (Plug)
I neglected to mention that L, my friend the food writer, has put up her own blog, dessertcomesfirst, which covers everything you need to know about desserts. What I like is the way she breaks things down, a la Alton Brown (if you watch ' Good Eats' on television), and makes the whole process more understandable. If you have time, check it out.
2011 update: I changed the link when I discovered that someone else has appropriated the dessertcomesfirst blogspot; the writer has since moved on to wordpress. It's not a bad blog, either, so readers can check it out here.
2011 update: I changed the link when I discovered that someone else has appropriated the dessertcomesfirst blogspot; the writer has since moved on to wordpress. It's not a bad blog, either, so readers can check it out here.
More Quizzes
You scored as Idealist. Idealism centers around the belief that we are moving towards something greater. An odd mix of evolutionist and spiritualist, you see the divine within ourselves, waiting to emerge over time. Many religious traditions express how the divine spirit lost its identity, thus creating our world of turmoil, but in time it will find itself and all things will again become one.
What is Your World View? (corrected...hopefully) created with QuizFarm.com |
Thought so.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Phone Stories
I finally replaced my venerable cellphone (Nokia 5110) with a newer but still venerable one (Nokia 3310. update: too many Nokia number models. One of my friends took a look at the phone and proclaimed it to be a 3330. Oh well.). While I didn't want to let go of my old phone, which I've had for 6 years, I could no longer ignore the fact that it was pretty close to breaking down: the battery was loose, it would often shut down without warning, and the LCD would often break down into indecipherable pixel pictures. So, I had to accept the inevitable, and switched phones.
For a while, H and I went phone-hunting, and toyed with the idea of subscribing (we're both pre-paid) to be able to avail of the phone offers; it's something we're still thinking about. Then, H was able to get her old phone fixed, and then my parents offered me the 3310 because they were no longer using it. So, all plans on getting new phones are on hold, until the two phones irreversibly break down, or a new plan comes out that we can't resist.
At any rate, I don't understand the need to get the newest models, as texting and calling are all I need at this point, perhaps a camera to record unexpected moments. As long as I have those functions, I'm fine with whatever model is serviceable.
For a while, H and I went phone-hunting, and toyed with the idea of subscribing (we're both pre-paid) to be able to avail of the phone offers; it's something we're still thinking about. Then, H was able to get her old phone fixed, and then my parents offered me the 3310 because they were no longer using it. So, all plans on getting new phones are on hold, until the two phones irreversibly break down, or a new plan comes out that we can't resist.
At any rate, I don't understand the need to get the newest models, as texting and calling are all I need at this point, perhaps a camera to record unexpected moments. As long as I have those functions, I'm fine with whatever model is serviceable.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Laid to Rest
Fr. Macayan was laid to rest with his brother Jesuits at Sacred Heart Novitiate yesterday.
It began with a mass at the Church of the Gesu. One of his nieces, who knew him as "Uncle Father," gave a very stirring and humanizing eulogy for him. After the mass, we headed for the Novitiate; with me were my co-teachers M and G, and we had a very animated discussion on random stuff on the way.
At the Novitiate, a short ceremony was held, and the procession to the cemetery followed. When we got to the cemetery, we had a final opportunity to gaze at Fr. Macayan before he was finally laid to rest.
The people Fr. Macayan touched in his life were myriad. I can only hope that I would be able to accomplish a third of what he has done.
It began with a mass at the Church of the Gesu. One of his nieces, who knew him as "Uncle Father," gave a very stirring and humanizing eulogy for him. After the mass, we headed for the Novitiate; with me were my co-teachers M and G, and we had a very animated discussion on random stuff on the way.
At the Novitiate, a short ceremony was held, and the procession to the cemetery followed. When we got to the cemetery, we had a final opportunity to gaze at Fr. Macayan before he was finally laid to rest.
The people Fr. Macayan touched in his life were myriad. I can only hope that I would be able to accomplish a third of what he has done.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
About Fr. Macayan, SJ
I got this detailed biography of Fr. Macayan in my email, and I thought I'd post it here and share it with people:
"Math teacher's teacher, Fr. Prudencio F. Macayan, S.J., 84Fr. Prudencio F. Macayan, S.J., who taught mathematics at the Ateneo deManila University High School for 33 years, passed away at the JesuitResidence on 8 May 2005, at the age of 84.
"Father Mac, as he was fondly called by his students, was born in Ballay,Bauang, La Union and finished his elementary schooling at NaguilianElementary School, also in the same province. He went to Baguio City HighSchool for his secondary education and then studied at Mapua Institute ofTechnology, in Intramuros, Manila until the war broke out in 1941.
"He entered the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City on 26April 1944 and continued his Jesuit formation there until 1951.
"During his regency from 1951-1954, Father Mac taught religion, English,Latin and mathematics at the Ateneo de Cagayan High School in Cagayan deOro City.
"From 1954-1958, he attended Woodstock College in Woodstock, Maryland,where he completed his Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree. He was ordained on 22 June 1957 by Francis Cardinal Spellman at the FordhamUniversity Chapel, and took his final vows at the Ateneo de San Pablo inSan Pablo City on 15 August 1960.
"Father Mac was first assigned to the Ateneo de San Pablo as Prefect ofDiscipline and mathematics teacher from 1959-1966. After San Pablo, he began his long and memorable stint with the Ateneo de Manila UniversityHigh School, where he taught mathematics from 1966-1999, and served as assistant to the Physical Plant Supervisor from 1999-2003.
"His countless students remember him as an exacting tutor who taught them not only competence and ease with numbers, but strength and refinement ofcharacter as well. To them, he exemplified a life of "simplicity and truth" and they observed that, through the decades, "he took on life morefully, and growing old, as a moment laden with grace."
"He spent the last two years of his life mostly in the infirmary, consoledby the companionship and prayers of friends and of brothers in theSociety, until his death on Sunday, 8 May 2005.
"His remains lie in state at the Ateneo de Manila High School chapel,Loyola Heights, Quezon City. There will be a mass every night at 8:00P.M. Interment will be on Thursday, 12 May, at the Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches, Quezon City after the 8:00 A.M. funeral mass at the Church of the Gesù, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights,Quezon City.
"Notes of condolence may be sent to his sisters: Mrs. Virginia Canivel (951Dogwood Drive, South Slocan, British Columbia, Canada VOG 2GO) and Mrs.Filomena M. Andres (511 Q-M Subdivision, 2600 Baguio City)."
I'd forgotten that Fr. Macayan had also started at the long defunct Ateneo de San Pablo, the same as another long-time Ateneo High School Jesuit, Bro. Dunne had.
Sigh. I miss them both.
"Math teacher's teacher, Fr. Prudencio F. Macayan, S.J., 84Fr. Prudencio F. Macayan, S.J., who taught mathematics at the Ateneo deManila University High School for 33 years, passed away at the JesuitResidence on 8 May 2005, at the age of 84.
"Father Mac, as he was fondly called by his students, was born in Ballay,Bauang, La Union and finished his elementary schooling at NaguilianElementary School, also in the same province. He went to Baguio City HighSchool for his secondary education and then studied at Mapua Institute ofTechnology, in Intramuros, Manila until the war broke out in 1941.
"He entered the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City on 26April 1944 and continued his Jesuit formation there until 1951.
"During his regency from 1951-1954, Father Mac taught religion, English,Latin and mathematics at the Ateneo de Cagayan High School in Cagayan deOro City.
"From 1954-1958, he attended Woodstock College in Woodstock, Maryland,where he completed his Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree. He was ordained on 22 June 1957 by Francis Cardinal Spellman at the FordhamUniversity Chapel, and took his final vows at the Ateneo de San Pablo inSan Pablo City on 15 August 1960.
"Father Mac was first assigned to the Ateneo de San Pablo as Prefect ofDiscipline and mathematics teacher from 1959-1966. After San Pablo, he began his long and memorable stint with the Ateneo de Manila UniversityHigh School, where he taught mathematics from 1966-1999, and served as assistant to the Physical Plant Supervisor from 1999-2003.
"His countless students remember him as an exacting tutor who taught them not only competence and ease with numbers, but strength and refinement ofcharacter as well. To them, he exemplified a life of "simplicity and truth" and they observed that, through the decades, "he took on life morefully, and growing old, as a moment laden with grace."
"He spent the last two years of his life mostly in the infirmary, consoledby the companionship and prayers of friends and of brothers in theSociety, until his death on Sunday, 8 May 2005.
"His remains lie in state at the Ateneo de Manila High School chapel,Loyola Heights, Quezon City. There will be a mass every night at 8:00P.M. Interment will be on Thursday, 12 May, at the Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches, Quezon City after the 8:00 A.M. funeral mass at the Church of the Gesù, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights,Quezon City.
"Notes of condolence may be sent to his sisters: Mrs. Virginia Canivel (951Dogwood Drive, South Slocan, British Columbia, Canada VOG 2GO) and Mrs.Filomena M. Andres (511 Q-M Subdivision, 2600 Baguio City)."
I'd forgotten that Fr. Macayan had also started at the long defunct Ateneo de San Pablo, the same as another long-time Ateneo High School Jesuit, Bro. Dunne had.
Sigh. I miss them both.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Requiem, Fr. Macayan, SJ
I wrote about Fr. Macayan almost a year ago. Last Sunday, May 8, 2005, at 6 am, our Lord called his servant back.
It seems almost appropriate that Fr. Macayan passed away on Mother's Day; perhaps Mama Mary was sent to call him back.
His wake will be at the Ateneo High School Chapel until tomorrow, and daily masses will be celebrated at 8 pm.
On Thursday, there will be a Mass at the Church of the Gesu at around 8, I think, and then, he will be buried with his Jesuit brothers at Sacred Heart Novitiate.
Fr. Macayan, in his long tour of duty in the High School, touched many a life, including mine. I am glad he helped prepare me for the work that I now do.
Requiem in pace, Fr. Macayan.
It seems almost appropriate that Fr. Macayan passed away on Mother's Day; perhaps Mama Mary was sent to call him back.
His wake will be at the Ateneo High School Chapel until tomorrow, and daily masses will be celebrated at 8 pm.
On Thursday, there will be a Mass at the Church of the Gesu at around 8, I think, and then, he will be buried with his Jesuit brothers at Sacred Heart Novitiate.
Fr. Macayan, in his long tour of duty in the High School, touched many a life, including mine. I am glad he helped prepare me for the work that I now do.
Requiem in pace, Fr. Macayan.
'Kingdom of Heaven'
As far as epics go, this doesn't disappoint. The battle scenes are painstakingly detailed (i.e., gory), and the sets are tailormade to give us an idea of Jerusalem at the time of the Crusades. The cinematography was breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the land, and the world of the Crusades.
However...
I know Orlando Bloom is the reigning pretty boy in Hollywood mainly because of his Legolas stint in "The Lord of the Rings," but in this movie, he has about as much range as Hadyen Christiansen had in "The Attack of the Clones." One of the reasons I like the characters in a movie is their ability to make me feel what they felt. I didn't get that in "Kingdom of Heaven." Liam Neeson and David Thewlis give better performances, though. Then again, the movie doesn't really focus on the characters, but on the overall story of how Jerusalem was retaken by the Muslims.
The love story angle between Balin and Sybilla didn't generate any sparks for me, as it wasn't given enough attention; it seemed to be there mainly to give Balin a more human face.
Still, "Kingdom of Heaven" is worth a watch, and the 2+ hours go by pretty quickly as one gets wrapped up in the epic tale.
However...
I know Orlando Bloom is the reigning pretty boy in Hollywood mainly because of his Legolas stint in "The Lord of the Rings," but in this movie, he has about as much range as Hadyen Christiansen had in "The Attack of the Clones." One of the reasons I like the characters in a movie is their ability to make me feel what they felt. I didn't get that in "Kingdom of Heaven." Liam Neeson and David Thewlis give better performances, though. Then again, the movie doesn't really focus on the characters, but on the overall story of how Jerusalem was retaken by the Muslims.
The love story angle between Balin and Sybilla didn't generate any sparks for me, as it wasn't given enough attention; it seemed to be there mainly to give Balin a more human face.
Still, "Kingdom of Heaven" is worth a watch, and the 2+ hours go by pretty quickly as one gets wrapped up in the epic tale.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Favorite Movie Quote/s
One of the sites I like visiting is IMDB.com, otherwise known as the Internet Movie Database. The site contains information on movies, actors/actresses, and just about anything that has to do with the big and small screens.
One of my favorite haunts on the site is the memorable quote areas. People who know me know that I love quoting/mimicking movies, and, while it's generally a knack for me to be able to mimic the lines, sometimes, checking out the site helps. (L, if you're reading this, no, this is not how I get to memorize so many lines. :))
One movie quote I've liked was Marisa Tomei's from "My Cousin Vinny," in which she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. It's the matter-of-fact, in-your-face manner which makes the following quote so funny:
(Warning: SPOILER!)
Background: Marisa Tomei, as Mona Lisa Vito, Vinny the lawyer's fiance, is called to the stand as an expert in general automotive knowledge. The District Attorney decides to test her knowledge...
D.A. Jim Trotter: Now, Ms. Vito, being an expert on general automotive knowledge, can you tell me... what would the correct ignition timing be on a 1955 Bel Air Chevrolet, with a 327 cubic-inch engine and a four-barrel carburetor?
Mona Lisa Vito: That's a bullshit question.
D.A. Jim Trotter: Does that mean that you can't answer it?
Mona Lisa Vito: It's a bullshit question, it's impossible to answer.
D.A. Jim Trotter: Impossible because you don't know the answer!
Mona Lisa Vito: Nobody could answer that question!
D.A. Jim Trotter: Your Honor, I move to disqualify Ms. Vito as an expert witness!
Judge Chamberlain Haller: Can you answer the question?
Mona Lisa Vito: No, it is a trick question!
Judge Chamberlain Haller: Why is it a trick question?
Vinny Gambini: [to Bill] Watch this.
Mona Lisa Vito: 'Cause Chevy didn't make a 327 in '55, the 327 didn't come out till '63. And it wasn't offered in the Bel Air with a four-barrel carb till '64. However, in 1964, the correct ignition timing would be four degrees before top-dead-center.
D.A. Jim Trotter: Well... uh... she's acceptable, Your Honor.
One of my favorite haunts on the site is the memorable quote areas. People who know me know that I love quoting/mimicking movies, and, while it's generally a knack for me to be able to mimic the lines, sometimes, checking out the site helps. (L, if you're reading this, no, this is not how I get to memorize so many lines. :))
One movie quote I've liked was Marisa Tomei's from "My Cousin Vinny," in which she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. It's the matter-of-fact, in-your-face manner which makes the following quote so funny:
Background: Marisa Tomei, as Mona Lisa Vito, Vinny the lawyer's fiance, is called to the stand as an expert in general automotive knowledge. The District Attorney decides to test her knowledge...
D.A. Jim Trotter: Now, Ms. Vito, being an expert on general automotive knowledge, can you tell me... what would the correct ignition timing be on a 1955 Bel Air Chevrolet, with a 327 cubic-inch engine and a four-barrel carburetor?
Mona Lisa Vito: That's a bullshit question.
D.A. Jim Trotter: Does that mean that you can't answer it?
Mona Lisa Vito: It's a bullshit question, it's impossible to answer.
D.A. Jim Trotter: Impossible because you don't know the answer!
Mona Lisa Vito: Nobody could answer that question!
D.A. Jim Trotter: Your Honor, I move to disqualify Ms. Vito as an expert witness!
Judge Chamberlain Haller: Can you answer the question?
Mona Lisa Vito: No, it is a trick question!
Judge Chamberlain Haller: Why is it a trick question?
Vinny Gambini: [to Bill] Watch this.
Mona Lisa Vito: 'Cause Chevy didn't make a 327 in '55, the 327 didn't come out till '63. And it wasn't offered in the Bel Air with a four-barrel carb till '64. However, in 1964, the correct ignition timing would be four degrees before top-dead-center.
D.A. Jim Trotter: Well... uh... she's acceptable, Your Honor.
Catching Up on Movies
Over the past few weeks, I was able to catch several movies I wasn't able to view on the big screen, courtesy of cable.
"The Emperor's Club"
I'd wanted to watch this in the theater, but didn't have the time. I wasn't disappointed, as the movie joins my personal favorites of teacher movies ("Dead Poets Society," "Mr. Holland's Opus," and "Stand and Deliver"). One of the differences is that the teacher isn't successful in transforming the student on whom he focused. Still, the movie reminds me as a teacher that not everyone will get the message, not everyone will be touched by the message. The important point is not to dwell on them, cut your losses, and think of those who were touched. As Kevin Kline's character in the movie said, "The worth of a life is not determined by a single failure or a solitary success."
Kevin Kline, always the consumate actor, is brilliant as Mr. Hundert, the Roman/Greek history teacher. I think one of the reasons I like him is that I teach Julius Caesar, and it helps me appreciate what he does a little better.
"Underworld"
Also a victim of "no time," I really wanted to watch this film, being a Vampire player and all. While the effects and build-up were okay, I found the ending disappointing. Still, vampires vs. werewolves (Lycans) made for an interesting story. It was interesting how similar the movie details were to the game itself, and helps me visualize the game a little better.
"The Jungle Book 2"
Sequels to the original Disney movies often fall short of their predecessors. Perhaps the sequel makers didn't put as much effort and love into the movie.
"The Jungle Book 2" is not an exception to this, but it doesn't fall by much. The characters are still entertaining, although some, like Kaa, seem to be dropped into the movie just for the sake of including him.
It was rather uneven, although I liked how Baloo finally let Mowgli go (sort of), to provide some closure to the original movie.
I also liked how the voice cast, such as John Goodman as Baloo, Haley Joel Osment as Mowgli, and Jim Cummings as Kaa.
"The Emperor's Club"
I'd wanted to watch this in the theater, but didn't have the time. I wasn't disappointed, as the movie joins my personal favorites of teacher movies ("Dead Poets Society," "Mr. Holland's Opus," and "Stand and Deliver"). One of the differences is that the teacher isn't successful in transforming the student on whom he focused. Still, the movie reminds me as a teacher that not everyone will get the message, not everyone will be touched by the message. The important point is not to dwell on them, cut your losses, and think of those who were touched. As Kevin Kline's character in the movie said, "The worth of a life is not determined by a single failure or a solitary success."
Kevin Kline, always the consumate actor, is brilliant as Mr. Hundert, the Roman/Greek history teacher. I think one of the reasons I like him is that I teach Julius Caesar, and it helps me appreciate what he does a little better.
"Underworld"
Also a victim of "no time," I really wanted to watch this film, being a Vampire player and all. While the effects and build-up were okay, I found the ending disappointing. Still, vampires vs. werewolves (Lycans) made for an interesting story. It was interesting how similar the movie details were to the game itself, and helps me visualize the game a little better.
"The Jungle Book 2"
Sequels to the original Disney movies often fall short of their predecessors. Perhaps the sequel makers didn't put as much effort and love into the movie.
"The Jungle Book 2" is not an exception to this, but it doesn't fall by much. The characters are still entertaining, although some, like Kaa, seem to be dropped into the movie just for the sake of including him.
It was rather uneven, although I liked how Baloo finally let Mowgli go (sort of), to provide some closure to the original movie.
I also liked how the voice cast, such as John Goodman as Baloo, Haley Joel Osment as Mowgli, and Jim Cummings as Kaa.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Back to Work
*sigh*
In an hour or two, I will be back at work after a rather hectic vacation. It almost makes me want to come back to work, being less hectic and quieter. Almost. Still, it'll give me something to do for the rest of the summer.
*argh*
H took her oath last Friday, and completed the second leg of her quest to be a lawyer. I think we waited longer than the time it took for the ceremony. Still, aside from H, I ran into people I knew: a former student (one from my first batch of students), and a co-teacher, whose wife also passed.
I took G to the doctor last Saturday, and it turns out that she has to take a few medicines for a week and a half. Ever tried giving a 3-year old medicine she doesn't want to take? It's not pretty.
H signed the rolls yesterday, and is now, officially, a lawyer. We and her folks met up with my folks to have lunch at Gloria Maris on Pedro Gil; pretty good food, and I liked the dimsum.
However, the moving around, and the heat, must've taken its toll. I'm currently nursing a cold, as well as a slight fever, products of little rest.
I'll just take it easy today; it's a good thing the first day back won't be very heavy (I hope).
In an hour or two, I will be back at work after a rather hectic vacation. It almost makes me want to come back to work, being less hectic and quieter. Almost. Still, it'll give me something to do for the rest of the summer.
*argh*
H took her oath last Friday, and completed the second leg of her quest to be a lawyer. I think we waited longer than the time it took for the ceremony. Still, aside from H, I ran into people I knew: a former student (one from my first batch of students), and a co-teacher, whose wife also passed.
I took G to the doctor last Saturday, and it turns out that she has to take a few medicines for a week and a half. Ever tried giving a 3-year old medicine she doesn't want to take? It's not pretty.
H signed the rolls yesterday, and is now, officially, a lawyer. We and her folks met up with my folks to have lunch at Gloria Maris on Pedro Gil; pretty good food, and I liked the dimsum.
However, the moving around, and the heat, must've taken its toll. I'm currently nursing a cold, as well as a slight fever, products of little rest.
I'll just take it easy today; it's a good thing the first day back won't be very heavy (I hope).
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