Humor in the midst of personal study.

*** For mature adults only.

Only true love that is built on friendship shall endure after all superficial attraction diminishes.

Gnomeo & Juliet (2011) is based on William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy with a gnomely ceramic twist. Though Shakespeare’s masterpiece has been told and retold several times in different forms, this movie is commendable for its importance of family and forgiveness. Unlike other movies for children that has implied toilet humor, the movie boasts of clean entertainment.

Technical Assessment (5 = Excellent, 4 = Above Average, 3 = Average, 2 = Below Average, 1 = Poor)
*** 3.5

Moral Assessment: Catholic Perspective (5 = Excellent, 4 = Wholesome, 3 = Acceptable, 2 = Disturbing, 1 = Abhorrent)
**** 4

To be funny is not always about the green jokes or subtly insulting people for the sake of laughter. It is funniest and at the same time heartwarmingly inspiring when one is able to handle the anxieties of life with humor and a nice attitude.

Seriously…I’m Kidding is like reading The Ellen DeGeneres Show for each page is composed of carefree musings written in verbal language. To read this book is similar with having a conversation with a friend over a cup of coffee. A pit stop to the usual reading genres I devour.

A non-conforming and unconventional way of thinking is perplexing and would oftentimes lead one to be castigated and be stereotyped as an Idiot. Yet even in a world of standards and expected demeanor, humankind’s variegated brilliance and unwavering courage will lead to a phenomenon that gloriously astounds. Indeed, chase for the stars.

3 Idiots (2009) is a witty and thought provoking movie that teaches its viewers to follow their passion as one journeys toward self-actualization.

Technical Assessment (5 = Excellent, 4 = Above Average, 3 = Average, 2 = Below Average, 1 = Poor)
*** 3

Moral Assessment: Catholic Perspective (5 = Excellent, 4 = Wholesome, 3 = Acceptable, 2 = Disturbing, 1 = Abhorrent)
* 1 (suicide)

While scanning through the bookstands at a famous local bookstore to find a good reference for my paper’s Chapter II – Review of Related Literature, I came across an interesting title that eventually led me to purchase it.

Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman’s Click: The Magic of Instant Connections is an easy to read book. The book is an affirmation to my observations on how and why people connect with each other. Why people click?

The book explains that there are 5 instances on why people click. Vulnerability, Proximity, Similarity, Resonance, and Environment.

Vulnerability – People may fear to share something intimate about their life but if the timing for self-disclosure is right, a more meaningful relationship may blossom.

Proximity – Remember your childhood friends. Are not they your neighbors and classmates in school? The regularity of seeing and meeting each other becomes an opportunity for a lasting relationship.

Similarity – People have weird and puzzling habits that may turn people off but when they meet a certain individual that has the same craziness that they have, they are in for a long conversation, a good laugh and a gateway to a non-conventional relationship.

Resonance – The attraction to something relevant which may not necessarily be similar fosters a connection that may eventually lead to a relationship that is for keeps.

Environment – People feel connected to an environment that is essential or reminds them of great memories like home. The homey climate, the familiar sound, the nostalgic taste, the delectable aroma…

Ori and Rom further explains in the book that there are also Naturals – people who seamlessly connect with others with ease. They usually have good public relations skills. Moreover, there are also those who are High Self-Monitors – people who readily adjust or adapt to an ambient and modulate emotional expression. And I believe that to be a High Self-Monitor is to be highly disciplined also.

People connect because something feels right and people click because they nurture the connection. The magic of instant connections may happen at an absurd place and time but when the magic sparks it brings people to a different level of consciousness and experience.

*** I wish every reader of my blog to experience the magic of connection.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…

As early as September from which the famous BER months starts, Christmas songs are already wafting in the airwaves. People feel excitement. Nostalgia. Longing. Anticipation. And for some, they say it will pass. Whatever the feeling may be, the holiness of the Christmas Season will still come with the hope that the contemplation on the birth of Jesus brings a more spiritual celebration.

Today, time flies so fast. There are a lot of things to do. Tasks to be accomplished. Good books to be read. Blockbuster movies to be watched. Soothing songs to contemplate. Inspirational thoughts to reflect on. Moments to be cherished. 24 hours may never be enough anymore. Yet even in this life’s crazy schedule and whims, there is a time for everything. The liturgical calendar guides the faithful to balance life’s daily rhythm.

Christmas songs may be playing as early as September yet it is not Christmas time yet. Rice that is rushly cooked does not make a meal enjoyable. In the same way, fast forwarding Christmas leaves people exhausted, irritable and broke. Society’s instant culture of gratification does not go with spiritual nourishment. It requires sacrifice. It takes time. It demands a date. A date with the Lord to truly encounter Him. No short cuts. No fast forwards.

The wisdom of the Advent Season prepares the faithful for a meaningful experience with the birthday celebrator, Jesus. Take time to truly meet Jesus. Have a holy Advent Season!

Love Wedding Marriage (2011) could have intensified its intention of making marriage sacred if it were not for the sloppy script and flimsy plot. The director’s (Dermot Mulroney) attempt to create a trademark by inserting a musical tune during scene transition is a sign of his inexperience in the directorial field. It was unnecessary. A more creative flavor could have been carefully thought of to make the scenes synchronized.

Amidst the incessant deluge of bicker from the critics on the movie’s technical low, its moral high is valuing marriage vows.

Nota Bene [from the movie]: “The greatest love survives the harshest conditions.”

Technical Assessment (5 = Excellent, 4 = Above Average, 3 = Average, 2 = Below Average, 1 = Poor)
** 2

Moral Assessment: Catholic Perspective (5 = Excellent, 4 = Wholesome, 3 = Acceptable, 2 = Disturbing, 1 = Abhorrent)
** 2.5 (implied pre-marital sex, adultery)

Twitter has been around since 2006 (5 years ago) but I was never attracted to joining twittersphere because I do not see the point of tweeting…where I am (who cares?), what I am eating (again, who cares?), what I am doing (I bet others have other better things to do.), what I am thinking (uh, I need some privacy), what I may be whinining about (not really necessary for others to know) and the list goes on of things and thoughts I have seen that are tweeted on famous twitter accounts.

I have been asked and encouraged by some to join this famous social networking trend but I am always confronted with the question, why should I? Is there a greater purpose than to just be on the loop always? I felt that joining should have a noble purpose. Of course, I speak only for my purpose and not others. I have great respect for whatever purpose others have in mind for joining for I believe in the complex beauty of perspectives.

And so why did I join last Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2011? Overwhelmed by the meditative thought I had when I woke up that day – Mary is the most beautiful woman who has walked the face of the earth, I was enlightened and inspired to share good thoughts. In a lightbulb moment, I thought of twitter. Why not? Amidst the stressful noise of some irresponsible twitters, I finally have found a noble purpose – to share good thoughts that would necessarily not be about where I am, what I am eating, what I am doing, what I am thinking, what I may be whining about, etc. But spur of the moment meditations I consider as whispers of the Divine.

May I inspire you in one way or another through the tweets or good thoughts that I will share as the Divine whispers them to me each day. And yes, through His grace…may I always be able to hear it.

Follow me @cruisincherokee and may I always tweet for His greater glory.

As I woke up today still longing to sleep because of late night badminton…the first thought that came to mind was – Today is Mama Mary’s birthday.

And as I was trying to refrain myself from going to back to bed again, a meditative thought crossed my sleepy senses…Mary is the most beautiful woman who has walked the face of the earth.

Inspired by this heavenly thought, I became excited on where this inspiration will take me today.

What makes a person beautiful? A beautiful face definitely gives an advantage. Wealth, prestige, power… Meditating on the person of Mary and how she have lived her life as the Mother of God, her beauty is beyond beautiful as the favor of God rests in her. The radiance of such beauty emanates from her submission to her Almighty. Her soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. The Canticle of Mary is a personal favorite as I could experience the beauty that is within – beyond words and beyond beautiful.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
My Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour
For He has looked with favour on His lowly servant.

He has come to the help of His servant Israel
For He has remembered His promise of mercy,
The promise He made to our fathers,
To Abraham and his children for ever.

Indeed, Mary is the most beautiful woman who has walked the face of the earth.

I was overwhelmingly thankful that the usual stressful pop noise is silent. This I could only hear…a relaxing instrumental tune-up that refreshes the body and soul and angelic exercise of voices that momentarily takes you to heaven – unedited voices with natural modulators and amplifiers that do not brag of man-made high-definition synthesizers. Only heavenly music on earth that is close to perfection.

This time with you was indeed an eschatological experience that left me ecstatic…