The Brave One

Alright, this is not a movie review. We will leave that to the pros, like Andy Briones.

Raft3r caught The Brave One on DVD for the second time.

Surprisingly, I must say I enjoyed it. Because the first time I watched, it didn’t do much for me.

I guess second chances are indeed worthwhile.

Besides, a female vigilante movie is a fun ride compared to those weepy and sappy romantic comedies.

On a recent trip to New York, I remember going through most tunnels in Central Park looking for the exact location where Jodie’s character was mugged.

Jodie Foster is Raft3r’s favorite actress. 

My first Foster experience was The Silence Of The Lambs. She was brilliant in that movie. Since then I was hooked.

Did you know she was originally tapped to play Princess Leia in the Star Wars saga? Jodie had to turn it down due to her Disney contract.

The kid hooker from Taxi Driver who later became the mad astrologist in Contact has consistently given superb performances in all her films.

Even in bad movies like Anna and the King and the recent Nim’s Island, Foster’s acting is their only saving grace.

Jodie is an extremely intelligent actor. A trait most people in her industry can only aspire for.

Persistent rumors about her sexual orientation only makes me like her more.

For the record, girl on girl action is hot.

Anticipation

Our Hong Kong trip is almost here.

My nieces’ excitement is through the roof. They are packed and could only talk about Hong Kong Disneyland now.

Raft3r’s first trip to this part of the globe was in 1997. Due to close proximity and HMV, return visits became pretty frequent.

I am one of those travelers who actually enjoy going back to places I have been to. This is specially true if they got awesome DVD stores.

When I Grow Up

Raft3r’s childhood heroes were Oscar the Grouch, Reggie Mantle, and Donald Duck.

Back then, I had the hots for Veronica Lodge.

Now you know where I got my mean streak.

What Have You Done For Me Lately

A lot, I say.

Despite all the drama with Google, The Deadbeat Club continues to gain a broader readership worldwide. Who cares what they say, right?

From Tunisia to Mexico, from North America to the Pacific, from Australia to Europe, and even Africa, Raft3r’s adventures have indeed gone places.

I don’t think I say this enough. But thank you to ALL my online buddies, readers, and lurkers.

The boy from Mali Bay will forever be grateful.

One

The Deadbeat Club turns one year old today!

To celebrate this joyous occasion, here are some quotable quotes from the past 365 days:

I am in no way an emotional guy. My exes would make sure you know that. (As I Am)

Despite the notorious reputation of my birthplace, I don’t ever recall being mugged, shot, robbed, stoned, stabbed, drugged or gang raped. (Wouldn’t It Be Nice To Be Proud)

I’m no team player. So basketball doesn’t suit me. I have the tendency to just think about myself and forget about my teammates. (The Rafters)

Maybe, even as a child, stupidity has always been my greatest trait. (Don’t Talk To Strangers)

I mean I couldn’t even sustain a relationship for more than a year. How could I possibly survive an eternity with someone? (The Wedding Crashers)

Voyeurism is such a thrill. (The Cure)

Gadgets are like women. They are both temperamental. Gadgets, just like women, are also expensive to keep. (My First Night Without You)

We should not resort to name calling. It reflects poorly on how we are as a Nation. (Bitch)

Adult life is so complicated. Not only do you have to find a job to survive, you got other things to stress about. There’s your love life, your kid’s education, your boss, your meager salary, your favorite celebrity switching to another TV network. It’s insane. (Bills, Bills, Bills)

So to all I had previous relationships with, rest assured I never lied. I just didn’t love you enough. (Would I Lie To You?)

I am more than just a pretty face. (Beautiful Ones)

Maybe one reason I have so many failed relationships is that most girls I have been with pale in comparison to my mom. (Mother)

Home is still the best destination. (28 Days Later)

Wedded bliss comes with its own baggage, wife included. (The Space Between)

I always liked Japan. Regardless of the ruthlessness their people did to my ancestors, Japan remains to be a dream destination. (Turning Japanese)

How can an activity that involves a lot of spending be considered by women as a great stress reliever? (It’s All About The Benjamins)

I know how it feels to lose something you badly want. (Wimbledon)

It's sad that an icon like Janet, who has broken numerous music records and paved the way for artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Aaliyah, will forever be remembered for wardrobe malfunction. (Crying Shame)

Call me a cheapskate or even a tightwad. But I will be laughing all the way to the bank. (Cute Boy Discount)

Pretending is still one of the most popular games people play. (Sunday Morning)

For the first time since my junior prom, I am actually stressing out on what to wear. (All For You)

It's better to be buried in debt than to be buried six feet under. (Somebody Told Me)

Battle Of Who Could Care Less

Victory is mine!

Guess who came crawling and asking for forgiveness?

Globe did!

The bastards called and proudly admitted defeat.

They claimed they value my subscription so much that they have decided to waive all internet browsing charges.

Sweet, huh!

Since the fiasco, Raft3r refused to pay his phone bills. With the battle almost over, I couldn’t help but gloat.

A Life Less Ordinary

Don’t you sometimes think your life is boring?

Raft3r just had that realization today.

I want something exciting to happen.

It would have been nice if today I got engaged (like my friend) or at least have fallen off my chair (like a colleague).

Sadly, life now revolves around work. I no longer feel like going out for drinks after five. I am way damn tired to even do that.

Raft3r would rather head home right away and sleep.

Now can someone please hand me my pillow?

Flightplan

Raft3r is flying to Hong Kong next month.

I have been there several times. But this particular trip will be a pretty exciting.

This will be the first time I will be traveling overseas with my nieces.

Ages 5 and 3 spell F-U-N! Plus, Raft3r love those girls to death. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. My nieces are so adorable. Their casting agent would attest to that.

Visits to Macau and Hong Kong Disneyland are in order. The kids are also looking forward to meeting Mickey Mouse and the gang.

This got Raft3r thinking. Why are children so fascinated with a rodent? For crying out loud, it is a disease carrying creature.

It's Not Me, It's You

Being the plagiarist that I am, I have intentionally and deliberately reposted the 40 questions from Yummy Friend’s blog.

What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Lived for three months in Baltimore. That was fun.

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I’m not big on resolutions. I haven’t made one in more than a decade.

Did someone close to you give birth?
Yes. Do check out Raft3r’s previous post.

Did anyone close to you die?
What a morbid question this is. But the answer is NO.

What countries did you visit?
US and The Marshall Islands.

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Money. Isn’t that what everyone wants?

What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
September 13, 2008.

What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
Raft3r got promoted.

What was/is your biggest failure(s)?
Financial management. I used to be great at it.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Does laziness count?

What was the best thing you bought?
That’s a no brainer - more DVDs.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom’s.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one has that kind of effect on Raft3r.

Where did most of your money go?
Bills, bills, bills.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Rock Witchu Tour. Was there anything else?

Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? Happier.
thinner or fatter? Fatter.
richer or poorer? Poorer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise.

What do you wish you’d done less of?
Shop.

How will you be spending or have spent Christmas?
With family.

Did you fall in love in 2008?
I’m always in love.

How many one-night stands?
Three.

What is your favorite TV program?
Chelsea Lately. White trash is the best.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Let bygones be bygones.

What was the best book you read?
Without Seeing The Dawn. That was way back in high school.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Marc Cohn. He's a genius.

What did you want and get?
Janet Jackson.

What did you want and not get?
The complete X-Files series on DVD.

Favorite film of this year?
In 2008, Raft3r bought only two movie tickets. To wit: The Dark Knight and The X-Files: I Want To Believe. (Desperadas 2 doesn't count. I watched it because I'm a fool in love.)

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Raft3r turned 32 in the Central Pacific.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Be leaner.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I don’t have any fashion sense.

What kept you sane?
Blogging. The Deadbeat Club saves the day. (Yeah, right!)

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Janet. Isn’t it obvious?

What political issue stirred you the most?
The entire Gloria presidency.

Who do you miss?
My nieces. I don’t get enough time to play with them.

Who was the best new person you met?
My seatmate during the Baltimore training. She was awesome.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
It’s better to be buried in debt than to be buried six feet under. (A patent for this statement is now pending.)

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
This is the book I never read
These are the words I never said
This is the path I'll never tread
These are the dreams I'll dream instead
This is the joy that's seldom spread
These are the tears...
The tears we shed
This is the fear
This is the dread
These are the contents of my head
And these are the years that we have spent
And this is what they represent
And this is how I feel
Do you know how I feel?
'Cause I don't think you know how I feel
I don't think you know how I feel
I don't think you know how I feel
You don't know what I feel
(Why, Annie Lennox)

New Beginning

What better way to begin the new year than by attending a baptism.

New year connotes a fresh start. Baptism represents the beginning of a new life.

Raft3r was again designated as a godparent by one of his friends. What were they thinking, right?

After having a rough night, I had to get up early for the church ceremony.

I got to the Sacred Heart Parish late and the priest was kind enough to make a repeat performance of the first part of the baptism Raft3r missed.

I got a smirk from the parents of the child. Whatta a great way to establish rapport as co-parents.

The entire baptismal rite was a complete riot. The priest was one heck of a character. He started quizzing everyone in sight about the importance of the occasion.

Raft3r doesn’t like it when religious rites turn interactive. It freaks me out.

There is nothing scarier than answering questions from a priest.