Tuesday, July 31, 2007

MATH TRICKS
Staying true to the Chinese stereotype, my dad is very good at math. And he used to make sure he imparted his mathematical skills onto his kids, often by teaching us tricks or shortcuts to help get the job done faster.
Two of my favorites are:
(1) Thinking about multiplication of 25 like you're using quarters. For example, I always had to manually do the math for something like 25 x 9. But when I thought about it like 9 quarters, $2.25 just came naturally. Bam! 25x9 = 225
(2) When you multiplying the same number that ends in 5 (like 35 x 35 or 65 x 65), you can just add 1 to the first number and multiply those numbers and add 25 at the end to get the answer. For example, 35x35. Take 3 and add 1 to get 4. 4x3 = 12. Now add 25 to it and you get the answer: 1225. Or 65x65. Take 6 and add 1 to get 7. 7x6 = 42. Now add 25 to the end and you get 4225.

But yesterday, my dad sent me a 5 minute video of a new trick for multiplying any two numbers between 10 and 19 together. The video is both educational and hilarious because the guy has a very strong Indian accent. Check it out!

Sunday, July 29, 2007


THE SINGING BEE

I've had a few people mention to me that I really should go on NBC's new hit show "The Singing Bee." It's a show where they test your knowledge of popular song lyrics. I actually have never seen the show before, but since so many people kept bringing it up, I decided to check it out.

I watched a 2 clips on YouTube of the premiere episode. Clip1, Clip 2.

I've always been intersted in music and can easily remember lyrics from songs spanning many decades. I think I got this talent from my father who can do the same thing. Anyway, I was hooked after watching these two clips.

I knew most of the answers that were featured, but I'll still need a little practice.

But after that, who knows? It'd be fun to give it a try.

Friday, July 27, 2007



2 QUESTIONS

1. I need your help. Does anybody have an Entertainment Book for this year? If so, we were wondering if we could take one of the rental car coupons. Please let us know if you have one. We'd really appreciate it! Thanks.

2. If any of you have an iPod Mini but no cover, we have some silicone sleeves to give you. Let us know if you need or want one.


Thursday, July 26, 2007


HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY EVALUATION

One of the perks of living in Glendale is that the City gives you a free Home Energy Efficiency Evaluation. So, we took them up on it and had them come out this past Tuesday.

During the evaluation, two guys came and changed all our showerheads to low water usage ones and changed 5 of our lightbulbs into the lower-wattage coil ones. They also wrapped our water heater with a blanket and checked our insulation.
But the coolest thing they did was seal off our doorway and used a giant fan to create a vacuum effect. They next used a machine to measure how much air is flowing into the house from the outside, letting us know if air was escaping from inside our house to the outside. We discovered that the biggest problem with our house is our recess lighting lets out quite a bit of our air to the outside. Over time, that means we'll require more A/C to keep our house cool.
And since the guys had their next appointment cancel, they spent some extra time checking things out for our house, including ensuring that our toilets were not leaking and determining that no other leaks were present in our pipes.
And all of this happened for free. I love Montebello, but I'm starting to love Glendale too.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007




I LOVED IT!

Last night, I finally got to see the Transformers movie. And let me tell you, I loved it!
Maybe it was the right group of people. Maybe it was a good mix of humor, action, and childhood nostalgia. I think it was all those things.
The best part was that Karena wasn't even interested in seeing the movie at all. I practically had to drag her in. And yet, halfway through the movie, she leaned over and whispered, "I really like this movie." That was the best feeling I've had in a long time!
On a side note, I know that Megan Fox is getting a lot of buzz lately. But before all you guys go ga-ga over her, just remember that she is dating Brian Austin Green of 90210 fame. That's gotta drop her down a notch or two.
Anyway, getting back to the movie: Shia LeBeouf did a great acting job. I originally felt a little upset that they handed the Indiana Jones role to such a young actor. But now, I'm so happy about it because he will do the role justice.
On another side note, the voice of Jazz is from none other than the guy who played Eddie Winslow on the show "Family Matters." I can't decide if I'm proud of myself or am embarassed that I recognized his real name in the credits.
If you haven't seen it, it's definitely a must-see, especially if you played with the toys as a kid.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

FACEBOOK
I feel so uncool. I know that everybody was originally talking about Friendster. I relunctantly got on that but managed to stay current on that one. But soon, MySpace was the hot thing. Since that was geared more toward a younger crowd, I side-stepped that one.
But now, everybody is on Facebook.
So, when someone asked me to join and be his friend on Facebook, I thought I should do it. It'll keep me current and I wouldn't want to dissapoint my friend by not joining. So, I signed up.
And before I knew it, I've received about 9 invitations to confirm that so-and-so is my friend. I just keep accepting them because they truly are my friends.
But since I'm so uncool, I don't even know what to do on Facebook. I guess you have a Wall that everyone can write on and you can add your hobbies, change your profile, add pictures, and all these other things. But since I haven't had time to sit down and check it all out, all I've done is add my profile picture. I had to do something so it didn't look like I was neglecting my Facebook.
I better get cool in a hurry . . .

Sunday, July 22, 2007

QUOTE, CLOSE QUOTE
It's actually correct to say "Quote, Close Quote" instead of "Quote Unquote". But I think that just makes you sound pretentious.

Friday, July 20, 2007





FAVORITE COMMERCIALS
Over the many years that I've watched TV, it's most the TV shows themselves that I remember. But there are a few notable commercials that have stuck with me.
And thanks to YouTube, I can watch them anytime I want now.
These include:
(1) The Heinz ketchup commerical from the late '80s staring a very young Matt LeBlanc. This is the one where he sets the ketchup bottle on top of the building and then orders the hotdog below. At the time, I thought it was so cool.
(2) The Bo Jackson "Bo Knows . . . " Commercial and the Follow-up Nike one. At the time, these were my favorite commericals of all time. They were clever, funny, and original.
(3) The "Chicks Dig the Long Ball" Tom Glavine/Greg Maddux commercial. My favorite line of the whole thing: "Hey, we got Cy Young winners over here!" So funny!
(4) The California Raisins Commercial. I know this is kind of cheesy, but I was so fascinated with Claymation at the time that I thought this commerical was so cool and cutting-edge. (Of course, now it looks so cheap.)

Thursday, July 19, 2007

I'M SORRY
It wasn't that long ago that I was helping to lead Koinonia as a young adult at church. And I remember having many people in the church turn to our group for help for different ministries. Before long, I felt like our young adult group had been spread too thin trying to patch holes and fill different ministry opportunities.
I remember feeling really terrible about feeling that way, but I was getting sick and tired of everyone turning only to us. Where were the older adults? Why couldn't they help? Why only rely on one age group to meet the needs of practically the entire church? Besides, I believed it wasn't right to ask available people to fill holes just for the sake of filling holes. They should be called to these ministries. Maybe I didn't really believe that. I don't know. Perhaps I was just using that as an excuse. Anyway, I felt like I was looking out for the sake of the church and the sake of the other Koinonia members by feeling this way.
But now that I'm a little older, I've come to realize that it's tough for older young adults. Getting married meant doubling my family and friend responsibilities and get-togethers. It meant making sure I spend some quality time with my wife. It meant also that I would need to find some time for solitude too. And I can only image that things get exponentially tougher once you have kids.
I've also realized that once you take those wedding vows, it's also my ministry to make sure my marriage remains strong, healthy, and vibrant. And although that doesn't mean you should not serve at church, it does mean you have more responsiblities and a new area of ministry.
So, sorry, to all of you older young adults who I was angry at. I was wrong. But now, I've learned and understand much better.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007






KA
This past weekend, we saw Ka, the Cirque Du Soleil show playing at the MGM Grand. Karena has been looking forward to seeing at least one of them (although I think she really had her heart set on "O."
But this show was a great first show. Although everyone was saying there's an easy story to follow, we couldn't follow it at all. But honestly, it doesn't matter since the stunts are so cool. They do everything from making hand shadows to doing cool stunts with books to running around things that looked like a hamster wheel to having them dress up as beach creatures.
But the best part was actually the stage itself. It could go up and down, turn all the way around, go up vertically and serve as a wall, and go forward and back.
If you get a chance, check it out!

Monday, July 16, 2007


DAVID BECKHAM ARRIVES IN LA


Now that soccer superstar David Beckham is here in LA, it's time to share my take on what this new change will mean.

David Beckham will no doubt electrify MLS and the LA Galaxy. There will be a buzz around the Home Depot Center for the rest of the year, especially if Posh Spice Victoria Beckham shows up and brings her Hollywood friends (including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes). It'll elevate Galaxy games to Lakers games status (or at least Clipper status).

But after the initial buzz wears off, David Beckham will just be another big name in a sagging sport because he isn't a scorer and has slowed in recent years. And soccer will go back to being the sports that the international community loves, but American doesn't. The bottom line is soccer is just not in the American culture. And there's nothing David Beckham or anybody else can do about it.

Still, I'm glad David Beckham is here to at least give it a try!


Sunday, July 15, 2007

THE ESPYs
Although I am a sucker for award shows (even though they're long and sometimes boring), I hvae never seen the ESPYs before. I figure, it's just a way for ESPN to promote itself and say how great it is, while filling the seats with athletes and other celebrities.
But, I thought two things Jimmy Kimmel said were funny (I'm paraphrasing):
(1) There are many babies in sports right now. Tiger woods just had a baby girl. LeBron James just had a baby boy. And the Lakers still have Kobe Bryant.
(2) Jimmy Kimmel was talking to Wayne Gretzky about the arrival of David Beckham and said, "Maybe he can do for soccer what you did for hockey and in 15 years, nobody will be watching soccer either!"

On a more serious note, I'm impressed with all the money ESPN is raising for cancer research through the Jimmy V Fund. Jim Valvano was the legendary coach of North Carolina State basketball who died just a few weeks later from cancer after delivering a great 10 minute speech at the first ESPYs. If you have the time, check it out.

Friday, July 13, 2007

LOST AND FOUND

Thursday had already shaped up to be a pretty lousy day at work. I was stressed and just looking forward to leaving. But when I got to my car, I noticed that I didn't have my badge with me. And without it, there was no way for me to get out of the parking lot. Plus, I would have to pay $35 to get a new one and have my parking privileges revoked permanently. I would only be allowed to park about two miles away and take a shuttle to and from work. I REALLY didn't want to do that!
So, I went back to my department and retraced all my steps. I went to every room, upstairs into the hospital, even across the street to the restaurant I had lunch. And still, no luck.
After spending about an hour looking for it, I gave up and decided to head home. Luckily, I had a friend let me out of the parking garage and I went home angry and depressed.
But then, I suddenly had a thought that it might have fallen into my backpack since that is the only place I didn't check yet. And sure enough, there it was, on the bottom of all my stuff.
Afterwards, I felt very relieved, but still very angry and upset.
Still, I'm glad to have it back. Praise God!

Thursday, July 12, 2007













KWIK E MART
If you didn't notice, many 7-Elevens around the country changed to Kwik E Mart to help generate buzz for The Simpsons movie that is opening soon. I'm not that big of a Simpsons fan, but I thought it was a clever marketing scheme.
They also were giving our free Slurpee's yesterday. I was really excited about it, especially because there is nothing Karena loves more than a Slurpee on a hot summer day. And you know, I spare NO expense for my wife. But by the time I got there past 8:30pm, they had ended the promotion. I was sad. =(

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

REAL HUMAN TRANSFORMERS
I still can't believe my mom watched Transformers before me . . . and she liked it! In fact, she forwarded me this YouTube clip of actual people dressed up as Transformers and literally transforming.
It's pretty awesome.
Check it out.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007






TEMECULA

Most people don't get too excited when they have to go to Temecula. But after church on Sunday, we made the trek out there to visit some of Karena's college friends.
But the trip turned out to be a lot of fun. We played "Duck, Duck, Goose" with their young kids. Now, I should let you know that I used to DOMINATE at "Duck, Duck, Goose." But I was no match for these kids. Afterward, we went wine tasting and two different vineyards in the area. Even though it was a hot day, I really enjoyed one of their 2003 Cabernet Port that had a chocolaty flavor to it.
Afterward, we ate at an Irish pub, where we were waited on by an actual Irish waitress with a heavy Irish accent. I had a delicious shephard's pie and Karena had some delicious fish and chips. But the highlight of the dinner had to be the great '80s new wave music they were playing, including Erasure, New Order, Aha, Yaz, Pet Shop Boys, The Cure, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Duran Duran, and of course U2. After all, what's an Irish pub without Bono?

Monday, July 09, 2007


LICKING ENVELOPES

Do you lick envelopes before sending them?

We know people who refuse to lick them because you leave your DNA there. And you never know when someone might take that and use it for bad.

We know some other people that don't because licking them means extra calories, albeit just a few.

Still others don't lick them because they remember that Seinfeld episode where George's fiance Susan licks too many cheap envelopes and dies.
Me, I just lick 'em.

Sunday, July 08, 2007



7/7/07
Yesterday was 7/7/07 and everybody made such a big deal about it. People wanted to get married on that day. Otherwise wanted to play the lottery or go to Vegas, since they figured it was a lucky day.
As for me, I don't believe in any of that stuff. I didn't purchase a lottery ticket. I didn't get married (good thing, cause I already am). And I didn't go to Vegas.
Instead, I watched a pretty entertaining and inspiring movie "Pride" and went to a L.A. Galaxy game with Garth. Even though I'm not a big soccer fan, I had a great time watching the game and hanging out with him. Plus, the former star of the Galaxy and former UCLA Bruin Cobi Jones scored two goals.
One thing I do hate about soccer is that matches can end in ties. There's something that just feels unfinished about that.
Afters I came home and spent some time in prayer and reading the Bible, I spent some good quality time talking to my wife.
And as I lay in bed just before falling asleep, I realized, yup, I was lucky.
Not just on 7/7/07, but everyday thanks to my relationship with God, my marriage, my family, my friends, my job, etc.
I am VERY lucky . . . and blessed.

Friday, July 06, 2007

BACK TO THE FUTURE

One of the things I love most is nostalgia -- looking back at the past and thinking fondly upon "the good ol' days." Even though I'm young, I often think back because things were so good then. I had no worries and things just sort of fell into place perfectly. But nowadays, things seem to be tough all the time, making me wish things could be like they were.

Back then, I got good grades. I had a lot of friends. The Lakers were winning championships. My spiritual life was good. I got along well with my parents and family. Everybody was healthy.

But in recent years, I loved close family and loved ones. The Lakers have tanked. I've had so many bad days at work. Things don't seem to be going my way personally. I feel like my life has been much tougher.

But I've been thinking a lot about Simon's sermon this past Sunday about not looking back, but looking forward to the future and seeing where God leads. There's nothing wrong with nostalgia, but constantly looking back makes me miss out on what He's trying to teach me now.

Here's to the future . . .

Wednesday, July 04, 2007





HOT DOG EATING CONTEST

I'm not really sure why I started watching Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every July, but now I make sure not to miss it.

And I know that this country has a real problem with obesity and over-eating so we probably shouldn't glorify eating contests, but I still love it.

I have to admit that despite Kobayashi's jaw injury, I was hoping he'd win it again. Watching American Joey Chestnut participate in eating contests just makes me want to throw up. The way he moves his body and forces food down his mouth makes me think he's going to hurl at any second.

But alas, in the end of this year's installment, it was Kobayashi who did the hurling. He actually should have been disqualified, but they let it slide anyway. If you watch the last minute, the count got out of hand and they awarded Chestnut with eating 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes (I thought he ate closer to 63).

Still, he deserved the victory over Kobayashi this time. And as gross as it was, I enjoyed every minute of it!

This is some way to celebrate our country's birthday, huh?


Tuesday, July 03, 2007




LESS THAN MEETS THE EYE?
Transformers The Movie comes out today, much to the delight of guys like me who loved the cartoon and played with the toys as a kid.
But one of my co-workers saw a sneak preview of it last week and didn't like it very much. He though the plot was extremely weak. And he found it difficult to differentiate between the Transformers when they were all fighting. He said Megatron and Starscream look very too similiar to tell them apart most times.
Plus, he was disappointed they changed so much of the movie, including Bumblebee being a Camaro (instead of a Beatle) and Megatron not being a gun, but a plane.
Didn't they realize there would be Transformers purists like me who wouldn't want a thing changed? Apparently, this movie is LESS than meets the eye.
But I'm still going to watch it!

Monday, July 02, 2007








INDIAN WEDDING

My co-worker got married yesterday. And even though we weren't allowed into the mosque for the ceremony, we all gathered happily for dinner and to experiece what a typical Indian wedding would be like.
Originally, they were supposed to re-create what they did at the mosque, but that didn't happen. Instead, we hung around for over 2 hours and didn't even sit down to eat until almost 9:30pm.
Still, we didn't let that dampen our spirits. We enjoyed ourselves, took several p;ictures, and did some Indian "pet the dog, screw in the lightbulb" dancing.
Afterward, we went downstairs and had some Pinkberry for the first time. Although it is very expensive, Karena and I both liked the taste and plan to go again.

Sunday, July 01, 2007



FAVORITE SOUNDS


One of my favorite sounds in the whole world is when ice cubes within a cold beverage clang against a glass it's contained in. Since I'm almost always hot and thirsty (especially in the summertime), the ice clanging sound makes me think I'm just moments away from getting cooler and quenching my thirst.

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