Unorthodox Gambling Method

Ever tried gambling? Las Vegas is probably the hottest place to be in if you want to enjoy some gambling time and spend a few dollars while having fun. Indeed, it doesn’t hurt to splurge once in a while, especially after a hard day’s work.

Sad you can’t go to Vegas? Well, online casinos are the next best thing nowadays. In fact, you can find an astounding array of websites that offers tips, guides, and directories for the best way to experience gambling on the internet. And I tell you, it’s as good as being in Vegas and go splurging a bit. Internet casinos are now proving to be as good of a bet as traditional casinos that most people recognize.

Personally, I haven’t tried gambling but the prospect of trying online gambling seems pleasing and fun enough that I might find myself trying it sometime in the future. This is definitely a good way to get you started!

Since there are different types of way to enjoying gambling on the internet, you must choose ones that fit your gambling preference. Web-based casinos enable you to play directly without downloading any software on your computer. There are also download-based ones that requires downloading before you can start playing. And lastly, live-based casinos offer the highest level of interactivity as you compete with other gamblers in a real-life casino environment. So, which one do you choose?

Survivor Tocantins Bets and Assessments

As of this writing, the third episode for Survivor Tocantins: The Brazilian Highlands almost airs. However, this is only my first post about this new season. Well, if you have seen the first couple episodes, then I shouldn’t be spoiling it for you when I say that Carolina and Candace are already out of the show. And, with different methods of departure at that! Carolina was blindsided, and I’m pretty sure that Candace didn’t take her boot that well.

I haven’t had so much time to assess the contestants prior to the season premier and after the episodes were shown. However, I did have some bets at the start and some of my initial choices were disappointing and a few others impressed me enough to make it on my partial bets list. Here they go:

Let’s kick off with the guys…

Brendan Synnott: Jeff’s assessment of Brendan prior to the premiere was pretty general. If you look at him, he’s probably going to be categorized as one of those good-looking hunks who has nothing to offer in Survivor but athleticism during challenges and a body to feast your eyes on (for the girls, at least). Wrong! As a successful businessman, Brendan really does not need that million dollars. But he likes to compete, which means that if he had to take bold moves in the game..then he would! I hope he does not fall into the stereotype and it’s too early to tell for now. But he’d be able to set himself apart from the recognition as JUST A SURVIVOR HUNK when it’s time to bring strategy into the table.

Stephen Fishbach: When I watched the contestants’ pre-show video, Stephen was one of those characters that I instantly loved. Looking at him, Stephen is one of the most unassuming person to have ever joined the show. But don’t be deceived as this New Yorker is an Ivy League graduate. But he’s not one to flaunt his intelligence nor would he use his educational attainment just to reach a certain pedestal or earn respect from his tribemates (Coach, you hearing me?). He wants to approach the game objectively, stripped off with all his previous achievements, since Survivor is a different world after all. Everyone is equal in the game, and Stephen realizes that. He’s also got a charm to him that makes him one of those people you wouldn’t want to get rid of. Even when he devises scheming plans, he’d probably be the one working behind the scenes, orchestrating things and he isn’t the one to be blamed for it. Athleticism? He did show he’s got enough strength to keep up with the other seemingly more masculine and studly guys this season.

Tyson Apostol: Reading about Tyson’s bio sure did impress me enough to put my bets on him, until… he took off his boxers and got butt-naked during the first episode as they had to take water from the river. This guy is hilarious! He isn’t just a physical competitor but he’s also a character! He stands out so much that even if he were voted out pre-merge, he’s one of those you’d be able to remember. His triathlon experience wouldn’t hurt him too as his tribemates could see him as an asset. With a few other strong guys (physically and personality-wise) in his tribe, he just needs to be able to validate his role within the tribe to ensure his safety. Other than that, he’s good by himself.

On to the girls..

Erinn Lobdell: With Erinn, I’m quite torn.. Many deem her as the next Parvati Shallow, but I believe it’s nothing close. One good thing about Erinn is that, so far from what she’s shown in the game, she cannot be associated with any past players of Survivor. That though can either be good or bad. Her tribemates could start to question her value to the tribe: Is she known for her work ethics? Will she help us win in the challenges? She neither stands out on both aspects. Provided that she is able to take advantage of that, Erinn could slip through the game unnoticed. And before her competitors could realize it, she’s on the finals.

Sydney Wheeler: Contrary to what others perceive upon seeing Sydney, I definitely think she has the potential to become a strong competitor, physically and socially. She is a big girl and could certainly meet the physical requirements needed to survive the tough challenges in this game. Socially, she seems friendly and unassuming that you’d love to keep her company. She’s not as abrasive as Carolina is, nor is she annoying like Sandy is. I’m not exactly sure though whether her fellow castaways see it my way. But I do see Sydney making it (at least) to the merge.

Taj-Johnson George: She is going to be my dark horse player. I wasn’t such a fan at the beginning, HOWEVER, her performance during the second reward/immunity challenge called my attention. Plus, her increased air-time is also helping us (viewers) see more of her personal dimension. It’s safe to assume her as an “old lady” given the age range within her tribe. Yet, she’s the strongest female in her tribe, which makes her an asset. She’s also been to exile, along with Brendan last episode, so her knowledge of the hidden immunity idol being at their tribe camp should give her the upper hand.

That’s it for now. I do expect these choices to change in the upcoming episodes. See you in Tocantins!

Milk It!

*photo courtesy of Thaindian.com

A day after the biggest night in the film industry concluded for this year, an anti-gay protest was held against the film “Milk”, especially after Sean Penn ended up with the Best Actor award for his performance in the movie. During the awarding ceremony, Sean Penn, fully realizing the negative feedbacks produced by his film amongst anti-gay communities, delivered one of Academy Awards history’s best acceptance speech.

Sean Penn’s retort was very touching, not just for people (gays or not) who are proponents of gay rights, but for anyone in search of and fighting for their own individual rights.

“It’s very sad in a way, because it’s a demonstration of such emotional cowardice, to be so afraid of extending the same rights to your fellow man as you would want for yourself.“

You wanna know what living life to the fullest actually is?

It’s waking up on a Monday with no complaints.

It’s knowing you always deserve to laugh.

the justice league

It’s doing what feels right no matter what.

wish we could do this forever...

It’s doing what you want to, no matter how stupid you look.

It’s about being yourself, cause no one can tell you you’re doing it wrong.

On immortalizing feelings

C.S. Lewis: “Don’t use words too big for the subject. Don’t say ‘infinitely’ when you mean ‘very’; otherwise you’ll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.”

Kick-off: American Idol Hollywood Week

And so, we’re off to Hollywood. One of the biggest change in Season 8 of AI was to cut short the crappy audition pieces (which was rather some of the more entertaining parts of the show) to lengthen the Hollywood Week part of the season. Talk about trying to roughen it up! Anyways, Hollywood Week was entertaining, funny at times, but definitely full of drama. Gladly though, a few genuine talent shone through.

First day of Hollywood Week consisted of performances that screened through the contestants that will make it through the next round. To be honest, there is just too much people involved that it’s hard to pinpoint who’s who, so this stage did not stood out that much. Though I was glad Michael Castro safely skirted through.

The second part of Hollywood Week proved to be the more entertaining one, since it is a Group Sing. This allowed the contestants to not only showcase their vocal capacity but also their flexibility when working as a team. Ahuh. Some groups held it together, while others fell apart due to clashing personalities.

The Team Diva, oddly enough, proved to be such divas but minus the lackluster performance. It consisted of orphan girl Rose, Bikini Girl Katrina Darell, Jasmine, and another one whom I forgot the name of. There was too much drama, springing around (surprise, surprise!) Katrina. Even Kara could not withstand her boisterous attitude. I’m glad she’s gone for good in my next American Idol viewing sessions.

There were quite a few standout from the performances and I’m too tired to mention them all, so I’d rather list them down here:

*Adam Lambert – His experience in theatre really proved itself here. Belting out those high notes was rather a pleasure to watch. And damn, he made those black eye-liners look sexy!

those killer eye-liners!

*Jeremy Michael Sarver. Another impressive vocals! Boy, could he sing! I’m no good at predictions, but he’s one of those few real talents I’ve got my bet on to make the top 36.

*Danny, the young widower. Hah, forgot his name. I tend to mix the contestants up for now. But he’s good, cited as one of the best auditions by the judges. So, there’s no surprise he makes it through.

Michael survives Hollywood.

*Michael Castro. He made it, but I was rather sad he did not get that much air time. Is this some sort of conspiracy? Or was he too much of a hands-on favorite that it’ll be not worth the air time? Whichever way it is, I was not pleased. *sobs*

Looks like this is the guy’s season right here. Not too many impressive showing from the women, although I expect that to change in the coming weeks, especially as the number of contestants slim down. Speaking of women, the good ole catfight between Kara D. and bikini-girl Katrina is on yet again! But this time, with Kara having the last say. Ever the poser that she is, Katrina did not let it get her down as she even managed to pose for the camera. No, I don’t find her annoying, instead she’s amusing. Anyways, the crappy stuff are over and AI looks to be more exciting in the coming weeks. Till then!

Oliver’s Twist

Jamie Oliver is a 30-something chef who’s fast becoming one of my favorites in Food Network. He works masterfully in the kitchen whether he’s chopping up veggies, or searing a steak, or mixing his own version of a cocktail drink. This is one guy who brings back art in culinary practice.

To think that at such a young age he’s been able to establish himself as one of the most recognized chefs in the world, Jamie’s cooking style never fails to inspire me, and I’m sure many others too. The spontaneity of it all draws you in. Hence, I’ve been contemplating on attending a culinary school. Hopefully this summer, wish me luck!

Meantime, here’s a video of Jamie preparing his own simple recipe.

Tagged: 10 things about myself

I got tagged by Chi. Here are my ten:

1. I was a varsity at my volleyball team during elementary school. We competed in various athletic divisions, like DCUPS (Davao City Unified Private Schools) and DCAA (Davao City Athletic Association). When I attended high school, I had to quit to focus on my academics. But I still pursued playing volleyball as a hobby though.

2. I’m a geek when it comes to geography. In fact, I know all the capital cities for all 50 States in the US.:D

3. I like kids. Katrina pointed it out to me once saying I sound so “maternal”. Truth is, I’d rather be around cuddly kids than take care of a pet.

4. I have a foot fetish. I could not go an entire week without foot spa or scrub. I’m obsessed with clean feet and getting rid of dead skin. (laughs out loud)

5. My major pet peeve is having my foot stepped on.

6. I love chocolate so much it deserve a number on this list.

7. Random things I couldn’t live without: lip balm, cellphone, basketball, internet, Survivor!

8. People always have my age mistaken. Good thing is, they think I’m younger. As the middle child of 3 siblings, family friends often mistake me as the youngest one.

9. I go by multiple names. Abby – for friends and acquaintances; Bianca – often used by people who I meet for the first time; Abs – for closest friends and barkada; Bea – my nick at home; Bia (short for Bianca) – my other nick, often used by family members, titos and titas; Bing – for Ed’s parents; Gail – a name used only by two people: my dear friend (and former officemate) Joan and friend Melanie from grade school.

10. I love traveling! Here are some of the places I’d like to travel to at least once in my life: Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, Palau (our dream honeymoon), Vatican (or anywhere in Italy, Ed and I already have a map!), New Zealand (to bungee jump, or probably live there! ), Ireland (the Emerald Isle, no this is where I should reside. lol), Edinburgh in Scottland, and every single one of the US’ 50 States.

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The Rules:

*Each blogger should start with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
*Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their ten things and post these rules.
*At the end of your blog, you need to choose ten people to get tagged and list their names.

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Seriously though, if you like doing this, then proceed at your own risk. hehe

history squashed!

Federer in tears after losing to Nadal in their Australian Open Championship match, Sunday.

The irony of it all. Federer was gunning for history by winning this year’s 14th Grand Slam title, joining the ranks of tennis legends and following in the footstep of Pete Sampras. This is not to say that Roger Federer has not already had a major career, being the second longest tennis player EVER to hold on to the World No. 1 rank. But last night, history was cruel. With number one and number two battling it out, what else do you expect but a fierce competition, lasting 4 hours and 23 minutes.

The oddity of it all? It was his greatest nemesis today, World No. 1 Rafael Nadal who instead set history. He was the first Spanish to win the Australian Open Championship.

It was a tough loss for Federer and he wasn’t able to hold back his emotions during his speech at the awarding ceremony, immediately following the match. And I sympathize with him, as the defeat was probably too much to bear and to have that constantly rubbed in your face was a totally different story. I felt for Federer because Nadal was a tough competitor, enduring until the final set of the match despite his 5-hour marathon game against fellow Spanish Fernando Verdasco the day before. The game analyst pointed out, in reference to Nadal, “Isn’t Nadal supposed to be tired?” And prompted his fellow analyst to remark in return, “I guess he [Nadal] does not know the meaning of that word.”

While I was rooting for Federer the whole time, Nadal was a worthy winner. Rafa tried to lighten things up when he said “Sorry” to Roger for defeating him. Indeed, these were two of tennis’ greatest sportsmen during our time.

Regaining his composure, Federer went back to the mic and rounded up his speech, now able to muster a smile on his face and uttered, “See you next year!”