I don't understand

by Antonio Berardi

Thanks, Cher

Instant Architect

"Found"

16 x 20 acrylic on canvas

For newlyweds, Auntie Des and Uncle Brice

The Birthday Boys

Mike, Jeff and Chris work with me and are 3/5 of the sketch comedy group,the Birthday Boys. So last night, I went to the Upright Citizens Brigade theater to see what people were talking about. And guess what? They were actually funny.

An interesting fact about the Birthday Boys is that they all live together in one big sized house of brainstorm. This is evident in their sketches through their themes of insecurity, groupthink, and absurdity. Most importantly it shows that they like what they're doing and in result, we like them and their work too.

See them every 1st Wednesday of the month at the UCB Theater in Hollywood. Or here: The Birthday Boys

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My mom with her pet basil plant, Basilio.

Movie Review: No Country For Old Men

No Country For Old Men, 2007
dir. Ethan and Joel Coen
Drama, 122 mins

Unbelievably well executed.


I was late to see this Oscar flick because everyone had already seen it before me.

Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms

Another dreamy Palm Springs getaway by architect E Stewart Williams, but this time Frank Sinatra lived in it so the demand is much higher. Personally I would prefer the Kaufman House over this house any day, but I most certainly wouldn't complain about this one. On the market now for $3.25 mil/$14000 a month to rent.

Learn more here: Twin Palms

Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire
dir. Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan
comedy/crime/drama/romance, 120 mins.


Slumdog Millionaire was the feel good movie of the year. The story takes the audience on a crowd pleasing and emotional trip through modern India. Boyle/Tandan seamlessly go through time and space romancing the story in order to keep us hungry for more plot. Perfect pacing for a very full romance. The performances were convincing and there wasn't a dull moment.

Go watch it.

How was Thanksgiving, Anne?

My mother (as mentioned in a previous post) hosted this year's Thanksgiving. She hurdled up about 40 of our closest relatives into our home despite the fact that we owned maybe 10 chairs altogether.In true Filipino tradition, everyone brought something to consume. From mashed potatoes and salad to bibinka (a dessert made with coconut milk) and lengua (beef tongue), our Thanksgiving meal spanned continents. The food probably took up about 3 normal length dining room tables.

Uncle Ed, an old white uncle, managed to bring Balut. Surely from the outside it appears to be a normal egg. However, once the eggshell is cracked, your dinner is revealed: an "almost" baby chick. This, to me, has always been the most horrifying of Filipino cuisine. It's difficult for me even to be in the same room with someone eating it. So leave it to my mother to torment our "non-Filipino" relatives and loved ones and force them to eat it. (Yes, we are a very diverse family) My mother's method of psychological hazing almost appears to be a "welcome" to the family or just a joke at their expense. I'm still not quite sure. Loud laughter from our doors could be heard blocks away.

After I had caught up with my relatives, some of us explored the world of Rockband. (My father would like to add the disclaimer that Rockband is NOT a performance art and that he has the REAL thing in his office.) Yes even my grandma played the guitar to Ballroom Blitz. Or was it Gimme Shelter? I can't remember.

Overall, an exhausting and rewarding holiday. Typically unorthodox, just like my unbelievably cool family. Maybe you'll be invited next year.