Why " Slumdog Millionaire" is a hit?

If there is one movie that's making a buzz right now, it's no other than "Slumdog". The movie cost $15 million to produce, mix of Indian and foreign talent set in Mumbai which was an ideal backdrop for the story of an orphaned street urchin Jamal Malik, overcoming hardship to win a fortune on a game show and walk away with his childhood sweetheart capped by a Bollywood ending of dance, song love and fame. After winning 4 Golden Globe awards last sunday the movie earned 10 "Oscar" nomination this week including Best Picture. The movie finally was released in India this Friday amid mixed reviews. Some see it as a typical of Western films that focused too much on poverty including prostitution, crime and organized begging rackets. However, during its Premiere in Mumbai, Director Danny Boyle made a comment that the movie seeks to depict the " joy of the people despite their circumstances." Todate, "Slumdog" is the most successful Indian film ever. The movie already earned more than $50 million in the U.S. and elsewhere. The bottom line, it is a great escape movie that provides a salve for a world beset by collapsing banks, loss of jobs and all the signs of hard economic times. For people who live in poverty, they can continue to survive but for Americans who can't adjust to becoming poor is a shame and sometimes the realities could end tragic. Sometimes, living poor could still find joy in being poor as compared to those that could not accept the facts.

Fun Facts about Aquarians

Aquarians present themselves in one of two ways. On one hand, you’ll see someone who is shy and quiet. On the other, an Aquarian can be boisterous, eccentric, and energetic. Both are deep thinkers with a love of helping others. Highly intellectual, this is a sign of fierce independence that prizes intuition tempered with logic. Both personality types have an uncanny ability to see both sides of an argument without prejudice, making them excellent problem solvers. While very much attuned to the energies around them, Aquarians have a deep need to take time out alone and away to rejuvenate themselves. The keyword for this sign is imagination. The Aquarian can see a world of possibilities even when there appears to be none.

Friends and Family:

Even though Aquarians are great with groups of people, it takes a bit of effort when it comes to making close friends. Deeply sensitive and cautious, closeness means vulnerability to an Aquarian, and this is not something to be taken lightly. The Aquarian’s direct, no-nonsense approach in combination with their strong values can make it challenging to get to know the inner person. Yet, those that do discover a friendship that lasts through the years. An Aquarian will go the distance for a loved one to the point of self-sacrifice if necessary. They look for creativity, intellect and honesty in their friends. When it comes to family, the expectations are no less. While dedicated to a sense of duty to relatives, the Aquarian isn’t one for developing close bonds unless the same qualities they expect in their friendships are there.

Career and Money

Aquarians bring an enthusiasm to the work they do, especially when it involves expression. They have an exceptionally high ability to put their imaginative qualities to the task and to think outside the box. Careers that allow for concept development or demonstration can suit this sign well. “I know” is the key phrase for the Aquarian. High intellect, combined with a willingness to share their talents, inspires many who work in the same environment. Natural visionaries, Aquarians love to engage in careers that aim to benefit humankind in the long run. When it comes to Money, this sign really has a knack for keeping a healthy balance between having the things that they need and putting Money away. Often while out shopping, the shiny, glittery and extravagant will catch their eye even though their homes are generally decorated with less ostentatious taste. It’s not uncommon to find the Aquarian dressed in brightly colored outfits that dare to turn heads. Most are well attuned to their individual sense of style and aren’t afraid to show it. Careers that suit the Aquarian are acting, writing, teaching, photography or aircraft piloting. The best work environment is one that gives them the freedom to tackle the task without a lot of strict guidelines. The Aquarian is unconventional, and given the opportunity to show their true talents, they can perform amazing feats.

Love and Sex

For the Aquarian, intellectual stimulation is the greatest aphrodisiac by far. There’s nothing like a lively chat, rich in culture and possibilities for the future, to get this sign going. When it comes to love, people best suited are those that are not thrown off by the Aquarian’s frankness. Open, communicative, imaginative and willing to risk are all qualities that blend well with this sign’s perspective on life. Honesty and sincerity are essential for anyone seeking a long-term connection to this dynamic personality.

TIDBITS

Lucky Numbers

The Aquarian’s lucky numbers are 2, 3, and 7. Aquarians are most compatible with Gemini, Libra and other Aquarians. The Opposite Sign for Aquarius is Leo. The best gift for an Aquarian is something mystical or arts related. Likes Fun with friends, championing causes, helping others, intellectual conversation. Dislikes Limitations, being lonely, broken promises, anything ordinary .

Famous Aquarians - January 20 thru February 19

John Travolta, Charles Dickens, James Hoffa, Ronald Reagan, and Gertrude Stein

Facebook friends who are Aquarians

Jan 25 - Thelma Costello Jan 28 - Mhike C Lazo Jan 30 - Lou Arakelian Golshan, Rudy De Leon Jr Jan 31 - Eugene Villaluz (age 62), Ronnie Liang

Happy Birthday and share the blessings !

What I Want For You - And Every Child in America

In honor of our new Presiden elect Barack Obama who will be sworn in as our 44th President, I would like to publish in my blog the letter he wrote to his 2 daughters Malia 10 and Sasha 7. I found this letter truly inspiring and beautiful. The bonding of a father and a daughter is something to treasure, and those moments are best capture at this age. I truly missed those moments...I wished I had more of this time I could have spent with my daughter when she was younger. Although we can not change the past, we can always go back and reminisce our time together. Here is the letter to them.



Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.


Love, Dad

Mike Mcneilly supergraphic Lady Liberty with the phrase 1969

In case you haven't looked up lately, area resident Mike McNeilly and his SkyTag supergraphic company put up a bunch of supergraphics--of Lady Liberty and the phrase 1969--around Los Angeles last week. I can't help but take a shot of them, as I post it here in my blog.

First Filipino American and woman hired as White House head chef

This just in and I want to share to all the Filipinos in the global world. Another one to be proud of. Quote " The remarkable thing about the first woman hired as White House head chef is that she’s a naturalized U.S. citizen from the Philippines. She has worked as an assistant chef at the White House for the past 10 years . The new chef, Cristeta Comerford , has been trained in French classical techniques and specializes in ethnic and American cuisine. She holds a degree in food technology from the University of the Philippines. Overheard that the First Lady wanted more Mexican dishes. Maybe Cris can even introduce lumpia or even our famous " kare-kare" with bagoong in one of her menus.

Discovering Burbank.

We've lived in Burbank for 3 years now. The proximity of our location to everything you need to visit and see is outstanding. During school days, it only takes 2 minutes or so for my son Randall to cross Olive and walk to Bell-Jeff High School . On sundays, I can always find the best seat at St. Robert's church since it's only across our building. I can always borrow free DVD's and music CD's at Burbank Library anytime since it's just around the corner. We are approximately 4 blocks from the Media Center and it's an excellent walk if you don't want to drive and park. However, these years, I came to discover some hidden secrets that Burbank has to offer and I would like to share them with you. I'm talking about the following: The Original Martino's Bakery, Dough-n-t hut, and Porto's Bakery. I tasted my first tea cakes of Martino's Bakery only last Dec. 31st during our New Year's party at Roslyn Bicol. Someone brought those delicious cupcakes and they are excellent for tea . I always see this bakery on my daily drive to work, but never thought that they have this famous tea cakes. The tea cakes resemble cupcakes but in a rectangular shape. They are perfect in size as one teak cake can easily be devoured in three or four bites. Two components complete the Martino’s tea cake: the icing and the cake itself. When combined into the final product, the two components become one, singing in harmonious deliciousness. The icing is sort of maple-like in flavor and is quite sweet, lending only one thin layer to achieve perfect balance with the not-as-sweet cake beneath. The cake itself is moist without being gluey, buttery without being greasy, and light enough to consume more than one; The tea cakes are made fresh daily and it comes in 3 flavors; glazed, blueberry and cranberry. Martino's Bakery is located at 335 N. Victory Blvd. in Burbank , California . They are open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm, Saturdays 7:00am to 5:00 pm and closed on Sunday. Telephone 818-842-0715

If you're craving for doughnuts in the early wee hours of the morning, you can forget Crispy Creme..there is a tiny Donut house in Burbank at the corner of Keystone Street and Magnolia Blvd., this place start making their famous " Frenchie's " as early as 2 a.m. However, before you drive, try calling first at 818-840-8718 and check if they're ready . The Frenchies come in different flavors - chocolate, strawberry, orange, vanilla, glazed, etc . It's so yummy good and it melts in your mouth. The address of the family owned Doughn-t-hut is 2025 W. Magnolia Blvd.

No introduction is needed for the famous Porto's Bakery who now has a branch in Burbank on the corner of Magnolia and Hollywood Way. Porto's Bakery is a family-owned and operated business that has served Glendale and its surrounding communities for over 35 years. Their expert decorators create exceptional wedding cakes and specialty cakes for all occasions. Both Glendale and Burbank location has long lines so if you are needing some pastries esp. their famous " cheese cakes " or cakes for parties, it is better to order by telephone at 818-846-9100 and it makes it easy to pick up without spending hours in line. I will tell you, these bakeries seemed to never sleeps, every time I go there are lines everywhere. Whatever the wait .. it is worth it.

The Problem with U.S. Cellphones..Why cell phones are better in Asia

Cellphones in the U.S. transmit data more slowly that phones in Europe and have fewer features than those in Asia, where you can make calls on the subway or use your handset like credit card. According to Kent German of Cnet.com, " The U.S. cellphones is going to be behind for a long time because of competition. Carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, a network that works in a completely different way from CDMA, the one used by Sprint and Verizon. Phones are not compatible across networks, and customers can't roam between them. Because Europe and many countries in Asia decided years ago to adopt a single cellular network, GSM, their infrastructure works with all the kinds of phones, and developers can add more bells and whistles. " No one in the U.S. guys have to pick the same technology " explains German, that allowed a complete coordination among carriers. Now each carriers has sunk millions into his own infrastructure, so change in unlikely. ( This article was printed on the Los Angeles Times, Parade Sunday January 4, 2009. )