shindotvshindotvessays, creative non-fiction, reviews, comments, rants, and photos by shindotv Articles
Shindo Goes To Washington: Just came home.
2008-06-07 09:45:00 Overall, I had a very good time in Washington DC. I got to see some things, meet Brian and Fredo, and even got caught out in a storm. I saw some things I wanted to see, missed some others, but this trip definitely confirmed the fondness I developed for the city the last time I was there.I had a very safe trip home, despite that airports were on Orange Alert. It was weird to hear a man calmly announce this over the PA system at BWI. Also, security was more stringent than usual.I'll blog more about it later, but here are some pics.No Washington DC-related post would be complete without a photo of the Metro. It was easy to ride as ever, even easier as I've done this before.The Half Smoke, made famous by Bill Cosby, and Cheese Fries from Ben's Chili Bowl. It was good! You should see the pic where the wax paper in this basket is almost cleaned out.Like many cities, Washington can't escape major venues with corporate names attached. In Southern California, we have the Staples Center a... More About: Home , Flickr
Crowd at the entrance of the Metro [Flickr]
2008-06-06 23:10:00 shindohd posted a photo: More About: Metro , Flickr , Crowd , Entrance
Into the Rabbit Hole [Flickr]
2008-06-06 23:09:00 shindohd posted a photo: Yes, that's what going down to the Metro feels like. More About: Flickr , Hole
Smithsonian Station on the Mall [Flickr]
2008-06-06 23:09:00 shindohd posted a photo: More About: Flickr , Station , Smithsonian , Mall
Shindo Goes To Washington: Like A Cat In The Rain
2008-06-05 11:17:00 I've been having a wonderful time in DC so far. The only drawback has been that is has been pouring rain for the past couple of days, especially during the late afternoon and evenings. The first evening, I got super drenched. Yesterday, I brought the umbrella I packed, not expecting rain, but as a contingency plan, and it didn't even protect me. I wore sneakers the day before, but chose not to yesterday more or less expecting a downpour at anytime. However, the Kenneth Cole shoes I packed weren't enough to protect my feet from the rain. I think it's safe to say they're gone. Rest in piece. I wound up making an emergency purchase. It doesn't sound like an equal exchange, Clarks for Coles, but it will have to do. Now, I need to have a shoe funeral.I've posted a bunch of photos on my Flickr page. I haven't labeled and tagged them all yet, but I'll get them all taken care of.I'll blog more of the trip later. It's definitely been an exercise in accidental tourism, but fun. More About: Washington , Rain
Stay Tuned: Shindo Goes To Washington
2008-06-02 17:39:00 Well, I'm off on a three day trip to Washington DC. I visited a few years ago and I've always wanted to return ever since. What lies in store? Mainly touristy things. I plan to visit a few places I didn't get to last time, such as The National Museum of the American Indian. I'll also have to stop by the National Cathedral again (I heard that the parking structure is complete. The lawn was completely ripped up the last time I visited). Also, I'm obligated to get some good eats.Brian, Fredo, and I are still working out a plan to meet up. Wednesday sounds like it will be the day for sure, but the details definitely have to be worked out.I'll take plenty of pictures everyday. I'll post some here, but you can definitely see them on Flickr. I'll also have a video camera handy, but I'm not guaranteeing anything here.The only bummer is I won't be able to catch a Blowoff event. Perhaps I'll plan my next trip around it.I fly out tonight. Stay tuned...
Battlestar Galactica: Sine Qua Non
2008-06-02 17:35:00 Never, never trust a lady who spends too much time in bathtubs, especially one who takes callers. Last time, Laura Roslin (who's got a scarf to compete with the Hybrid's) and Gaius Baltar go about the damaged basestar to meet with her. As soon as she is online, the Hybrid immediately makes the decision to jump. If I were her, I'd bitch about the blood in my bathwater. But, that's me...There are bigger problems then women who have a never-ending supply of Calgon. Natlie, a regular caller to water-logged Hybrid, dies of Sharon's inflicted gunshot wounds. As a result of her irrational assassination attempt, Sharon is barred from seeing her baby. Caprica Six is pregnant with Saul Tigh's baby instead of conceiving one by Baltar's "fragile, ephemeral body." Then Romo, Baltar's trial lawyer, goes nutso and kills his cat over frustration about Lee Adama becoming president. Then, Adama Sr. goes on a quest to rescue Laura Roslin because he can't "live without her."Now BSG simply sou... More About: Battlestar Galactica , Galactica , Sine
Battlestar Galactica catch-up pt 2
2008-05-30 08:59:00 So here is more to catch up on BSG before tonight's episode. I could smack whoever posted spoilers on the Battlestar Wiki. No direct link here.The Road Less Traveled. Kara Thrace begins her first step in accepting her illicit love for Leoben (amongst many things, which lead to a cliff-hanger of a mutiny. Even Sharon is on it). Karl Anders, however, deeply descends into the Cylon closet, fearful that Kara or his long-lost Cylon brother will find out. Baltar, who has become his own personal Jesus, reaches out and touches Tyrol. Ty, on the other hand, takes touching out of control as he's busy frakking Caprica Six, who may or may not know he's among the Final Five.Faith. Starbuck overcomes the mutiny, thanks to the help of her secretly Cylon husband, who more or less frak things up on the mission. Casualties include Gaeta's leg and a Six (this model seems particularly vulnerable to trauma) when Kara takes an team to the Natalie's basestar. Sharon finds herself a celebrity amongst ... More About: Battlestar Galactica , Catch , Galactica
Battlestar Galactica catch-up
2008-05-29 17:03:00 Since I've been out of it for a while, and BSG has been running, here are some brief recaps of the eps. They've all aired, so I shouldn't take any beatings for spoilers. However, there are a few episodes left, so maybe I'll post this coming Saturday morning.If you want to catch up with the series in general, you can always Netflix seasons 1-3, or pluck them up if you find a good deal. Streaming episodes are available on Sci-Fi for the Season 4 episodes. If you have the spare cash, you could catch up with them all on Amazon Unbox.Here are a few.He That Believeth in Me. Baltar finds himself in a sex harem with the women who rescued him after the trial. Interestingly, they all believe in God. Baltar's inner Six still wears red, but stops wearing sexy numbers. She looks very churchy in her red blazer and skirt. She guides him through assuming the Jesus role (for which he gets a haircut from one of his "nymph squad) and and an attack from Connor). Little Timmy gets healed. Starbucks... More About: Battlestar Galactica , Catch , Galactica
ShindoTV: New Season Coming Up
2008-05-28 18:32:00 Somehow, I wound up in my own private version of a writer's strike. I get sick of apologizing for not posting, especially in two months. I think one of my last posts was my recap of Bob Mould's concert, which was literally an ear-shattering, though fun experience.I'll just say the person who guilted me out of hiding did it in a way only a Greek could. Chris sent me a message that made me feel bad about my hiding. I've known someone else to use these kind of tactics (and this person is European).I had some rough classes this semester, which I won't go into much detail. I'll save that for the secret blog. No, I'm not giving out the URL. That's why it's a secret, though I've hidden in plain sight. That's my only clue.Other than the ample drama at the workplace, I had that lovely accident I posted about. I was forced to buy a new car, which is a necessity when the commute can cover a small state (i.e. Connecticut, Rhode Island). I wound up buying a Ford Focus. I never owned a... More About: Season
Everything I Say To You Feels Stupid Now
2008-03-25 22:34:00 I'll get to my memes and they'll strike like a heatwave. I've been working on them, perhaps a little too thoughtfully, as I got too caught up in how they sound. Now, I've been tagged once again by Chris, which means a chance to get back at Danny. ;)Last night, I had a much needed distraction from returning to classes, the car drama, and even the memes I've been procrastinating on. I went with my friend Scott to Bob Mould's show at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, and he rocked!Over the past few years, Bob Mould's been very hard to pin down musically. After the aptly named Last Dog and Pony Show, he took a break from music for a few years. A few years ago, he made an under the radar comeback with Modulate, his experiment in electronic music. Modulate then paved the way for Blowoff, his collaboration with Rich Morel (they regularly host a dj party at Washington DC's 9:30 club). Mould's collaboration with Morel didn't end there, as Morel contributed synthesizer work to Mould's ... More About: Stupid
Spring Break
2008-03-21 02:03:00 I've been on Spring Break from classes, and I've also took a little holiday from the Internet (more like the Blogosphere). Unfortunately, I haven't had a vacation from car stuff. I'm still trying to avoid smarmy car salespeople if I can.I've been watching my fair share of Netflix movies. I've watched some stuff such as Heroes (I broke down and bought the DVD set), Fay Grim and its predecessor Henry Fool, Pan's Labyrinth, and Dan In Real Life. Pan's Labyrinth is definitely worth watching, very moving story that effectively goes back and forth from period piece to fairy tale.Through my favorite Internet movie service, I also got to see why Battlestar Galactica 1980 was short-lived. It really was such a bad and cheesy show, though a few of its ideas seem to show up in the new incarnation of Battlestar Galactica, such as the humanoid Cylons. I wonder if the flying motor cycles will ever make an appearance now that Kara Thrace has discovered Earth. Advice to anyone who sees the B... More About: Spring break
Can I Get That in Euro's?
2008-03-11 19:59:00 In Barbara Ehrenreich's blog, she mentions a few Manhattan stores began accepting Euros, supposedly to accommodate European tourists, but not doubt because US dollars are quickly becoming worthless. Of course, this scenario is very familiar to those of us in Southern California, as Mexico's cities and towns close to the border have long accepted US currency from American tourists.If the dollar gets weaker, I'm sure taking Euros will become more commonplace. I wonder if I can then get my pay in Euros.Now the question is if the temporary White House resident has any solutions. After all, he made it our patriotic duty to shop a few years back.
Heroes, Season 1
2008-03-09 20:02:00 I just started watching Heroes through Netflix. Unlike Chris and Brian, I didn't get into the show early on. These days, if you're out of the loop on a TV show, it's hard to catch up. In this case, the first season's out on DVD, so I get started. Once I go through the set, I can catch up Season 2 through the website.I've only seen the first two episodes and I'm hooked. No spoilers, please. More About: Season 1
This Week
2008-03-09 04:33:00 Without going into much detail, the whole accident deal is stressful and it's not even my fault. I want the whole thing over with soon and I want to avoid the whole smarmy salesman ordeal Chris mentioned in his comment to Totaled. I'm scouring the internet ads looking for the right car at the right price. I don't want to be encumbered with car payments, especially since I had none on my other car. I have a whole lot of financial issues to worry about without car payments adding to them.It hasn't been the greatest week of classes, since I've been stressed out. Strangely enough, one of my students had an accident with his motorcycle, so I was very sympathetic.I kind of feel guilty for not posting as much lately. I've also gotten a bit behind on reading some of my favorite blogs. I miss you all (you know who you are)Spring break is coming up. In the past, especially in my student days, I entertained fantasies of getting caught up. I would use the week outside of school to read up... More About: Week
Project Runway: Season 4 Finale Part 2
2008-03-07 18:02:00 Here, you can see the designers go through casting drama.Needless to say, Christian worked his Harry Potter magic, created some "fierce" ruffles, and had a winning collection. When Tim Gunn checked in on him a month before, he had some feathered leggings. For good or bad, he ditched the Big Bird pants, but he had some amazing garments that incorporated feathers on the runway. The hat on the first look and the feathers on the final gown added to the fantasy, couture aspect of his collection. Christian also retained the giant collar Tim Gunn had some concerns about. He had some bitchy model drama before the show (one complained about the shoes). Somehow, flats wouldn't look right in the Spanish Renaissance inspired look.Jillian had so many shapes and so much variety in her collection. On a creative level, this is great. She can conceive and execute many different looks. The one thing that was missing was cohesiveness, or what they like to call a "point of view." Great work, though. I... More About: Victoria Beckham , Project Runway , Runway , Project , Season
100_0039 [Flickr]
2008-03-07 06:49:00 shindohd posted a photo: The side view. Not fun. More About: Flickr
Totaled [Flickr]
2008-03-07 06:48:00 shindohd posted a photo: Smashed in car. Someone killed my horse. More About: Flickr
Totaled
2008-03-06 19:54:00 Earlier this week, someone wrecked my car in front of my house. It's a goner and I have to drive around in a rental. I can't give any more details than that until this whole issue is settled. I've resisted the temptation to post in detail about it because it is one juicy story.I did watch the Project Runway Finale last night and I'll post on it later. Chris has a fun election parody of the last few minutes.This Tuesday, Bauhaus released a reunion album - the first one of original material in 23 years. Peter Murphy returns to some spookiness with the Love and Rockets guys and they all claim it's a "Final Solution"* for them. Who knows. They'll probably milk a whole new generation of goth kids and record a few more albums. It's a fun listen, though.Back to commuting back and forth in the rental.*Peter Murphy's cover version of the Pere Ubu classic.
Project Runway: Season 4 Final Collections (website)
2008-03-01 19:59:00 Warning: This entry contains some spoilers.I went on Project Runway 's website, and found that they have posted a gallery of the final collections. Like a little kid before Christmas, I just couldn't resist taking a peek. Unlike the coming episode, they show all five finalists' collections go down the Bryant Park runway.Last year, Tim Gunn declared the decoy practice was over. This time they returned to it with some byzantine twists.Sweet P was one decoy. Since she didn't make the cut to compete in the Fashion Week finale, she was perfect for throwing off the press during Fashion Week. However, a decision had to be made about which one would be another decoy and which one would actually compete regarding Chris March and Rami. Even though I still think decoying like this is a mindfuck, perhaps worse than the previous seasons, I am very happy for Sweet P and Chris March for getting to show at Bryant Park.Sweet P's palette is perhaps the most eclectic of the group. Gold, lavender,... More About: Website , Season
What the Frak is Going On?
2008-03-01 06:05:00 If you're a new fan or you just want an 8 minute recap of the previous three seasons of BSG, watch the vid on the Sci-Fi channel. The best part is the deadpan delivery with some jokes. I wish I could embed it, but click, watch, and listen.Speaking of jonesing for some sci-fi programming, Eureka 's most likely going to air in the summer for a third season.Just don't tell me to satisfy my withdrawal symptoms with Lost. More About: Battlestar Galactica
Project Runway: Season 4 Finale Part I
2008-02-29 08:06:00 Here is a teaser vid:Next week is the Fashion Week episode. This episode gives the expected preview of the finalists' collections with drop-in visits from Tim Gunn, who gives his ever so thoughtful editing eye to garments the designers spent months working on. Also, we find see this limbo scenario unravel - will Chris March or Rami get to show in Fashion Week?After Tim visits Rami in LA and Chris March in NYC, we see both their collections have promise. Rami does something not so drapey, but at the same time, his work is more constructed. Chris March's collection is very gothic with a shocking twist - he sewed human hair extensions into some of his dresses. It strikes some of the judges as a bit creepy; however, it reminds me of some of those odd hairstyles that hair dressers, only it extends to the garment. There's also a scene in Hedwig and the Angry Inch where Hedwig has a Cher/Tina Turner moment in blond dress to go with his very straight, long blond wig.After they have the s... More About: Project Runway , Runway , Project , Season , Finale
Yes, I've been hiding
More articles from this author:2008-02-28 06:24:00 I haven't blogged much except to comment on Project Runway and the satirical Stuff White People Like Blog. I'm watching Project Runway right now, but no spoilers until Friday. I'm just waiting through the repeat of the reunion episode and then comes the Fashion Week episode extravaganza* we've all been waiting for. We know about Christian and Jillian getting to show their collections, but the reveal is tonight. No spoilers, please, people on the East Coast. It's not fair you get to see everything first.I've been busy with my classes. I feel like I'm buried in it, but at least I'm not too horribly behind. I've always been very disorganized. It's threatened to bite me on the arse in previous semesters, but I'm working on it. I'm tired of feeling like assignments and papers fall upon me like an avalanche. I'm tired of observing problems in class, but have no proof of it. On the flip side, I haven't always been able to effectively record merit when I see it. So, working on... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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