Just Recieved: Moleskine x Helvetica Limited Edition

It's a good thing I answered the doorbell because I just missed the postman delivering me this package and if I did miss it, I'd have to pick it up in the post office.

Ordered about 2 weeks ago and it just arrived from Hong Kong.

The glory of unboxing a fresh product.

Do the math. I didn't spend $258 for this.
There's a limited run of these [500 produced by Japanese degsigners GROOVISIONS and only sold in Asia]. There are two versions, the red [which I have right here] and a black one.

I've loved Moleskines since I don't know when and ever since I got into design, I've bumped into the very popular/used/exposed typeface Helvetica. I watched a friggin documentary too that's entitled Helvetica! Even if you're not a graphic designer, it's pretty interesting to see this typeface everrrrywhere.



Love it. And oh, being that paid more than I should for this aaand being only 500 made, I'm probably not going to open it. But if I ever do, whatever I write in it better be damn genius.

Hotfreedog

So I'm at my psych rotation for nursing and it's lunch time for all the patients (and for us nursing students). I see what they're having and it's a hot dog! Oddly the past 2 weeks I've been craving for a dog and so I ask if I can get one. And so I do! For free! In addition I get cole slaw,fries, a banana, and a glass of milk. Free.99 at it's best. But oh, for the near future it will cost $2.50 for lunch.

Warp Speed Baby

I'm in traffic on CA-1 heading to Golden Gate Bridge to complete a client case study in Marin City.

Pedestrian's Wait

I'm driving home and I see this young fella chillin on the sidewalk waiting to cross the street. Reminds me that even when we have the few moments to spare, it's important to take time, breathe, and relax. And don't rush... That's how accicdents happen.

Chicken Apple Organic Hot Dog..

..topped with dijon, onions, relish, sauerkraut, and ketchup. Delish.

How it always ends.

Everytime we eat out, I'm always done with my plate and my girlfriend always ends up with a to-go box.

Cheers!

My girlfriend just found out she's officially an RN and we're here @ King of Thai Noodle House having two pad thais and two thai ice teas. Delish.

"Edit:Transform" by Zack Arias

Anyone familiar with Photoshop knows that you once you're on an active layer, you either press Ctrl + T or Command + T and you are going to transform that layer. You are then presented with different options like Perspective, Skew, and CW [clock wise] 90 degrees.

You can basically change that layer--make it greater, fit a certain width, or simply mess it up if you really don't know what you're doing. Do you see where I'm going at now? How Life can be transformed?

I'm becoming cheezy as a Cheeto. But really, watch this video by photographer Zack Arias. It was was originally posted in Scott Kelby's [Photographer, and author of many Photoshop books] blog where he has guest interviews.

Be inspired.

Lily Allen - "The Fear"

So yes, I have her album and it's not bad... definitely for the females but music is music and I like music and this is music.

So there's this song called "The Fear" and it reminds me what people want to see ahead of them and how they lose themselves in the process. The song starts off with "I want to be rich and I want lots of money" and f*ck yeah who wouldn't? And as the song goes on, she lists all the things she wants and starts to disregard the things that are even more important.

Just a reminder that whenever you want to give yourselves a reality check and if you're on track, a mirror has all the answers. You can see yourself see yourself for who you are and who you've become.

That "fear" she speaks of in my opinion is the fear of not seeing yourself anymore.

---

Lyrics below:
Artist: Lily Allen Song: The Fear Album: It's Not Me, It's You

I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don’t care about clever I don’t care about funny
I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds
I heard people die while they are trying to find them

I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
‘Cuz everyone knows that’s how you get famous
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track yeah I’m on to a winner

[Chorus]
I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
‘Cuz I’m being taken over by The Fear

Life’s about film stars and less about mothers
It’s all about fast cars cussing each other
But it doesn’t matter cause I’m packing plastic
and that’s what makes my life so fucking fantastic

And I am a weapon of massive consumption
and its not my fault it’s how I’m programmed to function
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track yeah we're on to a winner

Chorus
I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
‘Cuz I’m being taken over by The Fear

[Bridge]
Forget about guns and forget ammunition
Cause I’m killing them all on my own little mission
Now I’m not a saint but I’m not a sinner
Now everything's cool as long as I’m getting thinner

[Chorus]
I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
‘Cause I’m being taken over by fear

Nuts. But You Don't Have to Be Allergic to Watch.

When Bros Before Hoes Has An Exception

I got this from http://riotclitshave.com/. Seriously.

So when I am bored and passing time, I use this great life I mean time-killer called StumbleUpon. But without it, I would be just plain bored checking out my Gmail constantly, Google Reader, SFGate.com, Sony SLR forum, Alien Bee's Lighting Forum, and Twitter.

And yes, those 6 websites open automatically when I turn on my Macbook Pro.

But back to the image: wouldn't it be amazing if she ran to get that kiss? Dangerous but sexycool. Or stupid because she could've gotten hurt. Badly.

Cardboard Love

Found a new blog to add onto my Google Reader.

http://www.cardboardlove.com

My first viral video: "Iso vs Jo"

Underdog (1634 Irving between 17th and 18th Ave)

So I accidentally deleted the store front. But for a quick pic of that [and other reviews], refer to its Yelp page. Or, go to their MySpace page. Either way, here are pics inside the small shop. This lady, Rizza, was quite friendly already and she asked "Should I smile for the cam?" and she did when I snapped another.
The small shop is littered with cool posters on its walls. It'll keep you interested while waiting for your dogs to be ready.
He knows what I mean.
While you're waiting, you can flip through their books displayed. Or buy? Wasn't sure.
Here's my dog: the fire-roasted red pepper which was $3.89 and my girlfriend got the roasted garlic herb for the same price. And I almost forgot, this hot dog joint serves organic meat and vegan sausages. They also have other small items which we didn't get and even make their own organic drinks which we have to try next time.
We forgot to add the condiments since we were bound to go home to watch some Scrubs ala DVD so we cut up our own onions and put some ketchup on it.
Let me say that this hot dog in itself is my favorite--LOOK: pieces of jalapenos INSIDE the dog. And for my girlfriend's, you guessed it: pieces of garlic inside. Damn that's good. Can't wait next time to put some sauerkraut, relish, ketchup, mustard and even more hot sauce.

I know I know, Costco's dogs are quite a steal since it includes a drink all for under $2 [right?] but when it comes to going to a place and not a warehouse, Underdog deserves to be visited to satisfy that hot dog craving. Even if you don't, take time to look around the shop and you'll find something interesting for sure.

Price: $$
Parking: Not in the busy area of Irving so it shouldn't be that bad.
Goodness: 4/5

Aftermidnight Snack...

Just finished my bowl of cereal at 1:50am

... because if 1pm already counts as "afternoon," anything past 1am or past 12am for that matter should be considered aftermidnight.

I look and easily grab the milk and prep myself a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds--my favorite.

Honestly, I don't know why I cannot sleep early as I did before. I usually read a book as well before going to bed but once I hit the bed I just want to knock out. But if anything, I'm currently reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch albeit very slowly because I knock out by 2-3 pages.

I apologize for those who actually follow this and read this because I know this is a useless entry. But I'll try to make the best of it because if you're reading this, might as well keep going becauses chances are you're gonna keep reading.

Speaking of chances are... go and watch Chances Are starring Robert Downy Jr when he was like iunno, 20ish?! Very good [and weird/odd] romantic comedy. Plus, the theme song is good ["After All" performed by Cher and Peter Cetera].

So back to this entry being useless, I'm really hooked to Web 2.0 and notably Google Reader [go get a Gmail account already and use it..trust me you'll get hooked] and Twitter. And in Twitter, I kind of got out of hand and started "following" other people and I mean a lot of people and now I have a bunch of email confirmations of people following me. I don't know why people have over 10,000 followers when I'm here following a bit 200+ and it's like finding a needle in a haystack when it comes to looking for something worth reading.

And please, you don't have to tell the world that you're going to bed. Who gives. Links I like, as well as quotes, and news clips, something funny, occassionally what you ate and did. Then again, I did join Twitter at my own risk so it's my fault if anything.

But anywhoo, Valentine's Day is coming up. I say bring back the elementary school days back: make something for that chick you know [ladies too: guys like something made with your creativity and hands] and I guarandamntee it'll beat anything made by Hallmark or Russell-Stovers. They're benefiting from your lack of time. Unless you can buy time and give that to her... [cue: "Simple Things" by Usher].

Lastly, watch Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and get the soundtrack as well. And make sure to watch the Outtakes.

Night.

Underbrella's Love

Om my way back to my car and I see this old couple walking by USF. The older gent walks his lady across the street while holding his umbrella to protect her from the rain.. and here is getting rained on the entire time. Why do older couples have to be so cute.

Tuttimelon @ Irving [between 22nd and 23rd]

Despite the cold and rain prone weather of San Francico, I was craving for some froyo.
Called baby girl and here we are finding ourselves inside this small gem of froyo-ness. They don't have much froyo flavors to choose from but I usually stick with the original as the base. There's a bunch of toppings though to compensate for their lack o flavors. As for prices, I don't remember but for 1 small + 1 topping and 1 medium + 2 toppings it came out just under $8.50. I'd agree that it's kinna pricey.
A friend of mine, Nate V, orders his with kiwi and mochi but I decided to go with my favorite strawberries.
She got the froyo with mandarin oranges.
Spoonful of delight.
Despite getting what I wanted, I've been craving some good hotdogs on a bun with crazy toppings so we're gonna head to Underdog this Friday. From what I've read on Yelp, it looks pretty darn good. I'll write a review shortly my hotdogful experiene.

01/24/09: Patience

End of January, I had a last minute call to do a photoshoot alongside a MUA. I decided to go despite the drive [El Cerrito = crossing Bay Bridge from Daly City]. Anyways, my friend Steph [who I met on Ilaw's radio show] has had this model and organized a day for a shoot. She herself was the creative director and already something in mind and needed a photographer and make up artist to execute it.
My main lighting set up was using one large octobox [56" diameter]. I really wished I brought my reflector but they turned out well. Background was the house's wall. haha.
We had 3 warddrobe changes but my favorite were the clean headshots.
Here's patience rocking the sweater and tights she actually refused to wear. haha. Steph basically forced her against her will.

This is my other fav shot. And another shot where a reflector would've really benefited this shot in particular. Note to self: keep reflector in car's trunk.

Now for some behind the scene shots:
Lea applying makeup. When I arrived at the scene, Patience was almost done and I couldn't help but crack a joke saying "You must have patience for sitting for awhile" or something like that. Lame. I know.
I need to work more with MUA like Lea. Makes photographing portraits easier and definitely better.
Steph, Lea, and Patience.
I asked Steph to take a few shots of me as well in the scene and here I am waiting... patiently. Ok, I'll stop.
Here is the main light: a 56" octobox triggered wirelessly. Photos shot with Sony a700 + 50mm lens.
Retouch. We did eat pizza like 10 minutes into the shoot and went back at it.
Lea, me, Patience, and Steph. Done deal!

Bending Straight Gold

I was on my way to my clinical in Marin City and I was amazed for some reason by crossing Golden Gate Bridge. I had my camera in my backback but it was in the back seat so I whipped out my phone. So I prolly shouldn't have taken a photo while driving (and please don't unless you can operate it without looking at it..thats what I did). But hey, I got this very interesting photo while riding down the bridge. Warp speed baby.

I'm a VIP to California Academy of Sciences. Yessir.

Finally got my membership card today.
I used some of my money from birthday and xmas to purchase a membership which set me back $99. But hey, it's worth it because everytime I go I can bring someone in for "free." [Not to mention that general admission is a whopping $25/adult so it pays off in no time.] So be extra nice to me.
I love their pamphlet. I'm using this is my check off list and within a year, I'm going to be an expert and fully capable of giving tours.
I will also experience heavy crowds on the popular weekends.
I flash this and I get to bypass that ridiculous line.