One memorable hour on the set of Attack of the Show!  At one point, Olivia called me over during break.

“So Oakley, where are you from?”

“Los Alamitos…and Thailand.”

“So which is it? Huh? Huh?”

“Both!”

“You’re lying, aren’t you? You fucking liar.”

And then she introduced me to her co-host Kevin.

“This is Oakley. She’s a liar.”

“Oh, hi. You’re a liar?”

“Yes. I am.”

“Really?”

“No.”

“What?”

“Dude, I’m a liar.”

Hence this:

Anyways.

Oh, yes.  Olivia is just like who we see on television, people.  Except even prettier in real life.

She’s hilarious and super friendly.  And she drops f-bombs.  And she talks naughty.

Those haters, listed here in this LA Times story, just keep piling it on.

It’s this whole women hating women thing that women would never get to go anywhere, I think.

Yes, Olivia is beautiful, smart, and hilarious. Yes, she plays to her male audience…you’d be a fool not to when your show’s demographic is the dudes.

Play a ditz? Play a hot chick? Jump into a pie?  What she says is right, in so many words, you’re nobody but who your fans make you.  Much like this blog, if y’all don’t read it, it doesn’t exist. (So…thanks!) You can’t make a living as an entertainer if there’s no audience.

Could she have gone and done something more “dignify”?  Sure. Will her fans follow there?  Probably not.

But having seen her in action on the set, I’ve got to say that she has the brain and sense of humor to back her up.

So, good on you, Olivia.  I wish you well.

Haters will hate.  And everyone has a point of view.  Respect that, and moving on.

As Olivia signed on my copy of Maxim–yes, *MY* copy of Maxim, and I bought the Playboy too–”Let’s braid hair!”

Yes, Olivia.  Let’s join our Asian powers and braid hair.

We have our own brand of awesome.

And everyone else can, well, suck it. 

Ideas worth spreading = Spirit of TED.

TED conference is where the brightest minds came together to share their ideas.  I’ve heard of the event last year for the first time, and have been wanting to attend ever since.

And I finally got to do it this past week at TEDxUSC, an independently organized event hosted by USC.

In a small world, Amy G told me about her friend who were going to TED who turned out to know @FStop23.  As a matter of fact, dude was the one who told @Fstop23 about the conference, who then reminded me to apply for the invitation. I, then, in turn, told my friend Janetta about it.  The next thing we knew, our little posse worked out a great deal.  @Fstop23’s gang, having a more flexible schedule than the rest of us, secured our seats in Bovard Auditorium.  (5th row from the stage, better than my CEO’s seat, no less.  Not too shabby there, gang!)  I showed up with lunch for one of the gang and snacks in hand.

We’re talking innovation here, so I baked Pim’s The Morning After Banana Bread in muffin form. Ah, the glorious blend of bananas, espresso, and Jameson!  Not only I got to feed my little crew, I offered some to the people sitting nearby and some random students as well.

See? Ideas AND muffins worth sharing!

Anyways. TEDxUSC’s format was mostly live speakers with a few videos of  TED presentations, USC student films, and musical performances.

My mind was blown.

So much energy in the place. And so positive!  Bovard auditorium has never felt so large AND small all at the same time.  I mean, there’s so much more out there to know and to discover that you feel so tiny, but yet all the spirit of discoveries and innovation makes you feel larger in life, like you too can do ANYTHING.

Like Woodstock for the brainiacs.

Peace. And free ideas. Rock on, man.

I’m not going to recap everything from the event because they’ll post all of that up on TED website soon.  However, these are the ones that made an impact on me.

Daniel Seddiqui : “50 jobs in 50 states” in 50 weeks: “You make your own destiny,” he said.  Word.

Then we were in space with Dr. Nicholas Patrick, NASA astronaut. How your perception of everything changed when you’re in space. Like the value of letting go and holding on. One of the most intriguing things he said: You can see the [environmental] policies from space.  How the policies are affecting the earth.  We can’t see it down here but they can see it from up there.

And while in space, we explored a little further with Paul Frommer, the creator of the Na’vi language for Avatar. Instead of discussing the language, he instead introduced us to how to use Na’vi in romantic situations. Didn’t see that one coming, did ya?

The video of Temple Grandin’s presentation at earlier TED conference was very fascinating.  “She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids,” says the description.  Ms. Grandin herself said that the world needs all kinds of minds.   And the mentors are essentials in bringing in more great minds.  Funny how in WIRED magazine a few months ago, Thokil Sonne advocates for the same thing for the 12 shocking ideas that could change the world.

Michael Yap, CEO at the Media Development Authority of Singapore, talked about new media in sharing experience. The whole putting another billion people online is one thing.  But then he showed a video of a “Food Lab” which has sensors in your ladle and in your pot, which transmits to the other pot and ladle so you can learn to cook, knowing exactly how much force you need to stir a pot at what temperature.  I’m not alone in thinking that it was a little creepy of a way to learn to cook.

Food should be something personal.  Look at all the processed foods out of the factories, they’re nothing like a home cooked or even restaurant meal.  Human element is needed to make food good.  Oh yeah, I’m off on a foodie tangent there for a bit.  But see? Wouldn’t have stopped to think about how I or we learn to cook and what food really means until Michael showed us that.

Then there’s a sit-down chat wiht Jeb Corliss, the Human Bird.  Dude puts on a flying squirrel suit and jumps off planes.  He said it’s not because he has no fear but that he harnesses the power of his fear into training and meticulous planning of every tiny little steps to ensure that everything goes right. If you do that enough, you have nothing to fear.  While I can understand what he’s saying, I still think dude’s fucking nuts. And awesome.

And of course, Al Seckel.  At this point, we’ve been in the auditorium for 4 hours now. And then Al came in and fucked with all of our brains with his sensory and visual illusions.  It started with all these crazy visual stuff then it was also audio.  You know, Stairways to Heaven going backward on its own was mumbo jumbo but when you look at the “hidden lyrics” while you listen, suddenly you hear every word that wasn’t there.  But all of that comes down to how your perception was formed (by the age of 8 thereabouts) and what we think we believe in.  Total trip.

We closed with the behind-the-scene of OK Go’s Rube Goldberg music video with Adam Sadowsky of Syyn Labs himself with a video intro from the band. (Tricked me. For a second I thought OK Go was REALLY behind the curtains!  Boo on you, Adam!)

Like that wasn’t enough. There was an interactive reception afterward with “toys” you can play with like interactive physical therapy game that needs you to move to accomplish the task–a gentler Wii, if you will–and then there’s this laser thing that traces your image and projects it onto a wall (look at Janetta below playing with her laser shadow), and some models showing off wearable arts by Psycho Girlfriend like a dress made out of plastic tubings or pool foam “noodles”.

Now, at the reception.

<rant>

Us paid customers to TEDxUSC got red badges and no wrist band.  I’m assuming that they too assumed we were all of age.  Students in attendance were carded and given wristbands if they are over 21.

It is a blessing and a curse of looking like a college student even though I graduated from that very same college 10 years ago.  The bartender wouldn’t serve me. because I had no wristband.  I told him we red badgers didn’t get one so here’s my ID.  He refused to check my ID and brushed me completely aside.

Look, motherfucker, if I was an underage trying to get a drink, would I BEG you to check my ID!?  I PAID to be here at this event and have been in the fucking auditorium for 6 fucking hours. AND YOU WON’T SERVE ME MY MOTHER FUCKING WINE?!?!

Yep. I almost went Woodstock 1999 on his ass.

I found another bartender who listened to my situation, kindly looked at my red badge, and checked my ID.  Wine was served with a smile AND an apology for inconvenience.

The kicker?  I went back to the motherfucker who refused service earlier with my empty plastic cup of red wine and asked for a refill. “Of course, miss.  Here you go.”  Not event asking for that godforsaken wristband he couldn’t live without a half hour ago.  Whatever.

</rant>

Despite the ID incident, the event was great.  Our little gang had a great time.

I ran into someone I know during the break.  I asked how he was liking the event.  He said that he didn’t understand why the program should be interrupted by music and student films.  And he thought not all speakers were worthy because they weren’t all innovation that are practical.  What’s with that human bird guy or that autistic lady?  A kid with looping electric violin?  Really?  For business executives like him, he said, he felt like he was cheated out of his precious time to spent 2 out of the 6 hours with what he considered nonsense instead of finding out more about cutting edge innovation.

My friend Janetta just looked at him and said, “You’re not at the right conference then.  That’s not what TED is about.”

He just blinked at her.

Down with the Man, man.

Obeying the Rude Cactus’ call to annual action, here we are once again, folks.

Show yourself, friends and readers!

Please post a comment below if you’re here today.  Come on out of that dark corner of the blogosphere and introduce yourself.  Or not.  That’s totally up to you.

Just. Post. Something!

Dances with Wolves in space, James Cameron even admitted that in his interviews.  And Avatar was exactly that.

And I love every moment of it.

Sure. The story is predictable.  And a little sappy.  And had been told many times before.

But it was told with a completely different visual representation.  A seamless integration of digital animation and live action.  For the first time, the CG characters don’t look like they were fresh out of a botox clinic.  Their big yellow eyes say something.  Their blue faces had nuances that the entire train full of Polar Express or (from what I saw in the trailer) A Christmas Carol didn’t have.

I mean, I *love* Sam Worthington going in.  But who knew I would also fall for his big blue avatar too!  I mean, the Na’Vi were ALIVE.  It’s so totally awesome!

Some critics have issues with the movie’s mix of live action and computer animation.  They said it felt like they were watching someone else playing video game for 2 hours.

Maybe because I am also used to the game graphics, and many of us are, we didn’t have the problem with the blending of digital and live action.

Also, surely, those critics do not play video games.  I mean, seriously, gamers (and game spectators like myself) wish our video games look as good the as Avatar all the way through,  not only just during the cut scenes.

Can you imagine how great Mass Effect, Halo, or even Final Fantasy would have been with Avatar level of facial movements and overall animation?  But I digress.

Most importantly, Avatar is one of the movies in a very long time that I got lost in. I was willing to overlook all sorts of discrepancies and cheesiness so I can stay on that planet with them.  Get lost in the adventure.  Fall in love along side Jake and Neytiri.  And root for the home team.

Okay, fine.  I did crack up when Neytiri told Jake that “You have a strong heart”.  But I guess nobody else got the Terminator accidental reference.

But the rest was pure escape. I would see this over and over again, the way I do with Dances with Wolves.

For almost 3 hours, I was running around Pandora.  And I don’t care about anything else.

I did get my $10 worth.  That is a LOT to say about movies these days.

Is it Oscar Best Picture worthy?  Nah, I don’t think so. But did it steal my heart?  Yes, it did.

Will Avatar make a pop culture impact like Titanic or Star Wars?  I don’t know.  The “I see you” thing is going to make it, I’m sure of that.  But the rest, I don’t know.  Will people take up learning Na’Vi (which, by the way, according to Professor Paul Frommer, a USC professor (Go! Trojans!) is being developed further)?  I definitely see blue, scantily clad bodies showing up at Comic Con though.

Finally, don’t get me started on a waste of Leona Lewis’ voice on that theme song.  My heart cannot go on with that gimmick.  Sorry.

Oh, and final note here for Sam Worthington.

Dear Sam,

Please show some teeth when you smile at movie premieres.  You smile a plenty in the movie and light up the screen with your cute dimples and lovely teeth.

But all the pictures I managed to find from your premieres, you only grinned…and smirked.  I don’t know if you were going for the Russell Crowe tough guy look, or you were trying to keep that piece of gum you were chewing in check.  But I must say that just doesn’t work for you quite as well.  Trust me, we are not going to complain if you break our hearts a little more by flashing us your full smile.  We’d actually enjoy that.  Very much.

Yes. YES. YES!!!

No. Not so much.

Please don’t pull a Posh.  Your mouth is too pretty not smile.

Hope to see you soon on my DreamBoat(tm).

Love,

Oakley

P.S. I watched the LA Times interview of you with gum in your mouth. Sweetie, lose the gum too while you’re at it. Okay?

I haven’ t read the book nor have I seen the first film but from New Moon trailer, I am Team Jacob all the way, baby.

Besides, it comes down to that Werewolf v.s. Vampire debate.  Who would you rather have, a vampire or a werewolf?

Not counting Taylor, my vote has always been for a werewolf.  Why? Let me count the ways!

1. He’s alive. Duh.
2. He eats like normal people. If you can’t share my love for food, you can’t be here.
3. He’s warm. Yep. I need that.
4. He’s definitely not  going to be skinny.
5. You can actually have a normal life with the guy during daytime AND nighttime. Hey, I’m old school. Don’t be talking to me about Daywalking business.  Unless you’re Blade, fuck you and the whole vampires sparkling during daylight crap.
6. He only goes “native” once a month.  And us girls KNOW exactly how to handle that time of the month moodiness. Ain’t that right, ladies?
7. He has a tail.
8. He’s comfortable going around naked.
9. What if I get scratched and become one? That’ no problem. I’ve always wanted to have a tail!

Now yourself.  Werewolf or vampire? Jacob or Edward? Taylor or Rob? Take you battle to the comments!

Brandon was a complete trooper, escorting me up and down the street and once again played photographer and roadie to our rag tag team of zombies.

Obviously, I barely watched USC…and even more obviously, I had a bra on.

Sorry, team. My bad. Moo. Moo…

Sunday came easily. First Sunday with zero schedule. No Thriller. No meeting.

Holy shit.

I had no plan.

I took it in stride and parked on the couch for the first half of the day, picked myself up to go get a massage, took luxurious long shower, and went out to dine stress-free at James & Aurora’s.

A normal Sunday, I quit you for so long. It’s so good to have you back!

How was your weekend?

Worldwide, last counted, 23,000 people.

What a moment.  What an adventure!

You can’t see me in this clip though they did close up on me for the “Coming up next” before this section.

Life is slowly getting back to normal.  I have to lead my little Long Beach team to perform on Halloween at Halloween on Pine and that’s it for Thriller for a while.

This one I’m on the right toward the front.

This is all I’ve been doing outside of work. And work is a whole other issue.  October 24 is Thrill the World at LA Live

Watch out world. Here comes the horde!

Now, the table is being turned around.  I’m making a widower out of Brandon for the next few months.

As in, a Italian Class Widower…

Nora and I are taking Italian lessons together in Irvine on Saturday mornings, starting this weekend on through January.

A USC Football Widower…

If you’ve read my blog long enough, you’d know that Brandon is not allowed to watch any USC game.  Not that he would to begin with, the boy’s no sports fan.  But anytime he actually sat down to watch, even a few minutes, it all went to hell.  It was entirely my fault to have him and his friend sat down to eat dinner and watch the USC-Texas game a few years ago.

A Thrill the World Widower…

It wasn’t supposed to be as big of an event this year with Thrill the World. But then Michael Jackson died.  So now we’re in 120% go for this year’s event.  I’m still leading the PR/Publicity campaign. And now also a dance instructor.  Oh crap, I have to freshen up!

A Big Gala Widower…

Oh yes. The giant work event. A lot of pressure to raise money in this economy. A lot is at stake for the people we serve and for, well, the wellbeing of our non-profit.

And finally, A Thanksgiving Widower…

I’m heading home to Thailand for Thanksgiving for a quick week.

On top of all of this, I have 3 blogs of mine, a Tweet Up social life, and, oh yeah, the monthly cooking challenge.

Thank GOD we are putting long camping trips on hold until spring.  With my Italian classes, we couldn’t go far. And with my crazy schedule, I won’t have time to train. I guess the timing works out.

However, the Mister has scheduled us some together time of date nights, our monthly massages at Massage Evny, and game nights.  Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 just came in the mail.  /rubs hands together…heeheeheehee…

Am I nuts do be doing all this stuff? Perhaps.

But am I having fun with all the madness? Oh fuck yeah.

This will be one of those years I’ll never forget.

I can hardly wait to get going with my first site.  Well, I kinda did…but not really.  LOL.  Need a full geeky weekend, I tell ya.

UCI Engineering quad is an awesome venue for what we had (despite the distance from refreshments and the mystery of hidden bathrooms).  Free wifi everywhere was perfect.  We didn’t even mind that the best lecture hall they had–every seat equipped with power source, great stadium seating, big ol’ screen–was actually inside a freezer.  Well, mild onset of hypothermia might messed with our memories a little.

Oh, a case of nostalgia came free.

We had lunch in the Pippin cafeteria along with their students.  We hauled our stuff from classroom to classroom, our brains exploding along the way.  Annette and I sat together in a few session and we broke out into giggles here and there, writing “notes” to each other via twitter AND actual note paper.

It was like going to college all over again.

There was even an on campus party afterward.  LOL.  (We didn’t make it there, but a lot of people did.)

That got me thinking about how far I have come since college.

Obviously, I’ve gotten a lot geekier than when Frenchy taught me HTML back in 1996.  I am married, living a good life.  Sure, I’m not the high level executive rolling in money, but I love what I do.

Frenchy himself has become an Ubergeek, a swing dancer, and a husband and dad.  Other college friends have become a lawyer, a nurse, and a mom.  One did achieve his goal of getting out of California and doing fine up in Portland.  Another is about to get married for the second time to a fantastic girl.

Look how far our lives have taken us.