Spring distractions

I have been slacking off on the blog, partly due to the distraction of Yahoo! 360° and also due to the pockets of sunny days between all the rainy days.

Sunshine means I get to ride my bike, hang out with friends more, and shop for pretty bright colorful things, such as an indulgent pair of blue and green Coach wedge shoes (see right).

I am also tempted to get a pair of metallic wedge shoes at Banana Republic with orchids on them. Not that I have an occasion to wear these anytime soon. Except at weddings. And two of my cousins are getting married, so that works, right???

Yesterday, I finally went to Krispy Kreme when the HOT LIGHT was ON!! And they gave me a free donut!!! But then I froze when they asked me what I wanted to order, because all I wanted was a glazed donut. So I had a custard-filled chocolate donut too. Wow, the fresh hot glazed was sooo good. I should have just gotten more of those. Also I noticed they now sell donut holes!! But managed to restrain myself.

Earlier tonight I just saw the documentary about Yao Ming, Year of the Yao. I won free tix to see it through work (I'm sure because our founder, Jerry Yang, is featured in the film). From what I hear, there's not much that's new in there if you are a basketball fan. However I don't really follow sports, so the film was fun for me.

It was wonderful to see Yao Ming handle the challenge of being both a young number-one draft pick and an accidental ambassador of east-west culture. It's hard enough to represent a whole country like China, which happens to be the most populous country in the world!

While watching this, I am struck by Yao Ming's enormous size. He isn't as bulky like Shaq, but Yao is even taller. Other celebrities can mask themselves in public with hats and sunglasses, but Yao Ming can't do much to hide himself from the spotlight when he is just hanging out at a store.

Yao Ming brings a rare humility, sincerity, and integrity to professional sports. (Unlike the oafy obnoxious Shaq--who made me embarrassed to be from L.A.) Yao even answers questions with rather poetic, Confucius-like statements. I didn't realize that the film would be narrated primarily by his equally young and inexperienced American (and caucasian) translator, which was an amusing and touching story of friendship itself.

Speaking of sensitive muscle-men, enjoy this rap video by Mr. T. "Mutha, there is no utha!"

Teen romp flicks, 15 years too late

I finally watched Fast Times at Ridgemont High all the way through the first time yesterday. (Yes, I missed out in my youth because I was a goody-goody teen with overprotected friends who didn't watch shows about sexually active, rambunctious stoner kids. Now that I'm almost 30 and a big Cameron Crowe/Amy Heckerling fan, I figure I am allowed.)

I still like Clueless better, but Fast Times was pretty fun to watch, partly for the 80s nostalgia, So-Cal references, the remarkably young actors, and Cameron Crowe's insight into American teen life and pressures in high school. (I am so glad I am not a teenager anymore!)

Plus you get to see Nicholas Cage, looking not much different, in a bit part as Judge Reinhold's buddy. Who'da thunk that Nicholas Cage would have become more famous. He must be talented, because it certainly isn't a pretty face that's getting him all those big movie roles and hot actresses. (My favorite Cage role was in Raising Arizona.)

And who would have thought that Sean Penn could move past his Eric Spicoli role to become Madonna's true love and a serious actor (so serious that he couldn't get Chris Rock's jabs at Jude Law's acting ability at the recent Oscars). Plus Eric Stoltz and Anthony Edwards play backup to Sean Penn's trademark surfer dude role. Anthony Edwards has a full head of beautiful surfer boy hair! I bet he misses that!

Phoebe Cates and Jennifer Jason Leigh had super cute baby-faces and little side-french braids. Whatever happened to them anyway? I thought Jennifer Jason Leigh contined to do well into the 90s, but then she disappeared! I can't get over their little carrot demo at the lunch cafeteria. That's as scandalous as the girl-girl kiss in Cruel Intentions!

Also has anyone noticed that Todd looks like a young Judge Reinhold? Even the Reinhold character in the movie was like watching a young Todd. Kinda spooky! :P

While we're at it, does anyone else have a crush on Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson from the O.C.?? Should I feel bad about that? I can't help it. They are insanely cute. (Mischa Barton and Benjamin McKenzie bore me. Plus Mischa doesn't know how to dress.)

Tomorrow I'll finally watch Risky Business! Woot!