Stupid Gifts

Earlier this week, Stupid.com released their list of the stupidest Christmas gifts of 2007. If anyone is willing to give me the Hillary Nutcracker or the Inflatable Moosehead I will be your friend for life.
Gift Ideas

AIDS Experience

Last night, was able to visit the "World Vision Experience: AIDS" exhibit. It was staged at Saddleback Church in conjunction with the church's Worldwide AIDS Summit which kicks off tomorrow. Each person is given an ipod shuffle and is led on a journey through the lives of real individuals living with or affected by AIDS. The exhibit has multiple story-lines and everyone embarks on a different journey. My tour was of a Kenyan Boy named Kombo. Living with AIDS, each stage of the experience gives some small insight into his daily life. Near the end of the exhibit everyone congregates into a room designed as a clinic. Each person is told to get their hand stamped to learn their fate. My stamp was a bright red "+"

In most industrialized nations, AIDS is still a major problem but with new medicines, people are living longer lives. However, in Africa this is not the case and millions of men, women, and children die every year. Its a sad reality. Often the biggest culprit is unsafe sex or drug abuse. AIDS is in many ways, a preventable disease but it is filled with many cultural barriers, especially in Africa.

Over 15 years ago, a very close relative of mine died of AIDS. I still remember visiting him when he was sick. At the time, I did not know what disease he had, I just knew he was sick. A few years later, my parents told me the cause of his death and his circumstances. Since he opted for hospice care, we were able to visit frequently during his illness. I will never forget the stench of the ointments to sooth his wounds and I hope I never do...Near the end of his life, he accepted Christ into his life and I have no doubt that he will be in Heaven one day. Even though, I am sad he is no longer with us, I am glad he is in a better place where there is no pain.

Even though Saddleback receives a lot of criticism for hosting an AIDS conference, I feel that it is vital that the Christian community stands against this disease. We in America have been given so much with regards to technology, money, and influence. In my mind, it is a greater sin to ignore the beggar on the side of the street who is pleading for help. Ignorance is not bliss...IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

World Vision Experience:AIDS
World Aids Summit

Fittest Women

Yesterday, I heard on the news that according to SELF Magazine, Orange County is the home of the "fittest women" in the United States. I could not agree more and I don't think that it is necessarily a bad thing. I think its great that people in our local communities value the importance of living active lifestyles. People who are physically active have lower levels of disease and depression. Given our perfect weather, it also contributes and motivates women to look and feel their best. On the other hand, the Los Angeles-Long Beach area was rated as the "unhappiest city" in the US.

Fittest Women

Coconut Records

Once every so often, a person stumbles upon a record/band/or song that captures a moment or period in one's life. While at work I was listening to the radio and I came across a song by the band "Coconut Records." They are an indie-rock band headed by former drummer of Phantom Planet and actor, Jason Schwartzman. Now normally, actor-bands are horrible and bring nothing to the table i.e. Eddie Murphy. But this album is quite different. Its a very eclectic mix of folk, dance, and a easy blend of country soul. Vocally, Schwartzman reminds me of Matt Costa and his songwriting is poignant and introspective.

If you like the Shins, Matt Costa, or even Keane you might enjoy this record. Its classic indie-pop but carries enough substance that it will leave you satisfied.

Coconut Records

Everest: Beyond the Limit

Over the weekend, I became hooked on the new season of Everest: Beyond the Limit. On the Discovery Channel, it is a must see. This show is incredibly dramatic on earth's most extreme and deadliest places.

Everest: Beyond the Limit

No Country For Old Men

Tonight I was finally able to see the highly acclaimed motion picture, "No Country For Old Men." It is a story of a botched drug deal in West Texas during the 1980's. Directed by the Cohen Brothers (Bad Santa, O Brother Where Art Thou? and Fargo) it is an adaptdation of a popular novel. The film's nihilistic sentiments overwelm the characters. I have one word to describe this film, "Intense." The role of Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) is perhaps the best performance of 2007. Acting as a psychopathic killer, Bardem methodically hunts those who get in his way. Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin both have strong performances in the movie. Jone's performance as Sherriff Ed Tom Bell might be his best yet, as he attempts to understand the nature of man and expresses his fultility to combat it. Josh Brolin's role as Llewelyn Moss who stumbles upon a suitcase full of money and is thrust into the plot. Down on his luck, a lousy hunter, and full of pride, Moss decides to take the money and casts his life into the hands of fate. In a famous line, Moss remarks "You can't stop what's coming" and the audience is left thinking the same thing.

This movie may not leave audiences fulfilled in the ending but such is life. This is truely the best movie of the year and I am sure it will be nominated for Best Picture. A film not for the weary, this movie is very violent and very suspenseful. It is an absoulte thriller and I recommend it if you are tired of typical hollywood release. A entralling story that will leave each person questioning the course of humanity, No Country For Old Men is a powerful, monumental, and introspective examination of reality.

Moving Out (the countdown)

Well, the time has finally arrived...I will be moving out on my own in less than two weeks! The past couple of days have been a rollercoaster. On one hand, I am excited to finally set out on my own and to experience life on a new level. On the other hand, I am a bit saddened knowing that our family will be seperated and things will not be the same. Our family has always been together and that is one of the qualities that makes us unique. It will be very difficult for everyone to adjust to this major change.

I will be moving to Irvine (northwood) into Corby's spare room (pictures to come soon). I will have my own bathroom and the place is in pristine condition. I know that I am mentally ready to move out and that I will be responsible with all of my finances. I wish I could have saved more but I can't change that. I will be determined to make this a positive experience that will help me to grow as a person. Between now and the big day, I will record some of my feelings and aspects as the big day approaches.

Thanksgiving Meal Poll

I am very curious to know what time everyone eats their Thanksgiving meal. I just asked my mom when we would be eating and she said around 1 o'clock. I think that is too early to begin the most important meal of the year. My reasons are threefold. 1. I over slept and my stomach is not ready to eat a full dinner at lunchtime 2. Why the rush? Does another family have a later reservation? 3. I view the Thanksgiving meal more as a dinner than a big lunch.

I hope you can vote on the poll at the right side of my blog. It will be up until Sunday evening.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Wooden On Leadership

With no more homework, I am determined to not watch excessive amounts of TV, play video games for hours, or waste my time doing things that will not help me to be a better person.

Tonight, I bought a new book entitled, Wooden On Leadership by John Wooden. I read the first two chapters tonight and I am excited for the rest. I have always respected John Wooden for his wisdom, faith, and accomplishments. Chapters one and two are filled with so many wise sayings and simple advice on how to approach success.

Wooden on success..."Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable."

"Don't worry about whether you're better than somebody else, but never cease trying to be the best you can become. You have control over that; the other you don't."

"Be at your best when your best is needed."

"The heights by great men reached and kept,
Were not attained by sudden flight.
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night."
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

After reading the first 30 pages, I cannot wait until tommorrow and the rest of the weekend to read the rest of this insightful book!!

Tusca-new-la-stin-lin

Check out the new AT&T commercial featuring the Undefeated store in LA and the owner Eddie Cruz. Also, in the third store, there are a few Stussy shirts in the cube-shaped display.

Pena Picks

Here are some bands that have been in heavy rotation on my itunes. Give a listen.

VHS or BETA "Bring on the Comets"


Radiohead "In Rainbows"


She Wants Revenge "This is Forever"


Jimmy Eat World "Chase This Light"


Joy Division "The Best of Joy Division"

Free Time

If you have not heard, I am done with my business program at Vanguard. The last two years have been a complete blur with many great experiences and countless trials. I have learned a lot and I am glad that I enrolled. Now that I am done, I have a lot of free time on my hand. Normally, Mondays were my study/cram night. Tonight was very pleasent. I cleaned out my closet, threw a few school papers away which was quite enjoyable and I just relaxed. It feels so good.
Having an abundance of free time, I need some ideas. I want to start reading books, being on the computer less, and be more physically active. Any ideas?