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I can't recollect when and where I got hold of my Disney's Minnie Mouse rubber stamper -- but it's definitely more than 6 years ago. I vaguely recall that it came with Donald Duck, which I either lost or had given away.

While sorting out my almost forgotten miscellaneous box that had been sitting in the corner of my pantry, I found the stamper, which I thought I had misplaced after my last move. Along with it was a little bottle of black ink. I immediately labeled books scattered in my bedroom, the rest can wait. I transiently contemplated on getting green ink (green remains to be a favorite color) but dismissed the idea. I didn’t want anyone mistaking my Minnie Mouse labels as being Irish.

My way of saying "This book belongs to me" -- albeit the cartoon isn't unique. Originality isn't one of my best traits after all.

B.I.D. Dose of Jack

B.I.D. an abbreviation for "bis in die" which in Latin means "Twice a Day". Jack as in Keifer Sutherland, a.k.a. Jack Bauer, the former Los Angeles Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) director whose death was staged in last season's final episode of Fox's 24.

Two each night of last Sunday and Monday (reason why I skipped The 63rd Golden Globe Award – but channel surfing allowed me to see the nomination of Keifer Sutherland). It goes back to its Qweekly schedule this coming Monday. My Mondays will never be manic again. At least for the next 20 Mondays (Fox is suppose to air new episodes non-stop).

It was 5 years ago when I started watching Fox's 24 in almost the middle of the first season. Its original release delayed because of its plot (terrorism) and proximity to 9/11 and its scenes about a plane being blown-up in the air cut. My TV reception then was absurdly grainy, I can't help but miss several episodes. Thankfully, the website provided quite a detailed blow by blow account on episodes that by the time I discovered the solution to my hopeless TV (hooking it to the cable-outlet), I had followed along the storyline fine. When Season 1 DVD became available in Blockbuster, I completed a 24 marathon in no time. Since then, the only time I would miss an episode was when I am (1)On call and there's either no TV in the call-room or someone needs a physician's attention from 7-8pm (2)Out-of-Town (3)Hmmm, I don't think there is a 3rd reason. You can tell I am a fan.

Gregory Itzin as President Charles Logan (who assumed presidency last season after Air Force One was shot down) plays a very convincing spineless wimp of a moron (at least this is how I see him -- his portrayal so effective that I seriously want to strangle him). I can't wait for him to crack once he learns about the nerve gas threat. And look who stopped by CTU! A hobbit disguised as a CTU agent! My apologies to Sean Astin, but I can't help but fondly remember him as Samwise Gamgee.

The 5th season's premier definitely placed me at the edge of my seat and in panic: President Palmer assassinated?! Michelle Dessler dead with husband Tony Almeda in critical condition?! Chloe almost killed?! I thought, geez, they're wiping out all the original characters in a bloody manner! One day, I really would not be surprised (but undoubtedly wistfully flabbergasted) if Jack Bauer gets killed for real.

But for now I will just go for the thrill ride. For Jack, it's just another one of his extremely bad days.

New Year, New Space, Blah, Blah...

The previous 5 entries here are exact replicas of the ones found in my previous blog space. But beginning today, all new postings will only appear here. I'm likely to still take advantage of the 50 pictures/month space provided by friendster (photo album that is) -- at least until I decide whether I'm willing to pay to put up a website for my shots to get online and whether I would indulge in getting a digital SLR.

And tonight, is just mainly hodge-podge.

It's been a week since 2006 arrived. A week since I've seen enough sunshine. Chicagoland has been blanketed with a dense cloud cover -- although today is the first time the sun broke through it, even for a fleeting moment. There is not a snowflake remaining on the ground, the temperature way above freezing and despite the gloominess of it all, it's a relatively nice weather. I can go out with just jeans and sweater on, and I won't feel any chills. I see the golfers taking advantage of this (there's a golf course right in front of my apartment).

No resolutions for me. I usually don't have any resolutions. Or at least none that I'll admit to anyone (or even to myself). I did however, manage to run 15 miles this week -- an atonement for all the holiday goddies I ate.

A couple of days ago, I browsed Border's to see if I can spend the $40 giftcard I got last Christmas. I could never resist a sale on books (it's 3 for the price of 2!) and ended up taking home three new titles, which will go in the pile of my to-read list. Since I still have about half-a-dozen books left unopened, I wonder when can I actually have time to read the newer ones.

I've got my little list of friends who I haven't returned calls, and I can't explain why I'm taking my time doing it. Maybe I'm in my hibernation mode. Hey, can't blame me, it's wintertime.

I really should take a vacation, even to just catch up on my reading.

LOL

Or Laughing Out Loud, an internet chatting lingo that I learned eons ago. This is what I was doing last night -- not during an internet session but while watching NBC's "Most Outrageous Moments" and about the following clip:
A scene from the UK version of The Weakest Link where it was a male contestant's turn to answer a question that is worth 100.
Quizmaster: Which letter of the alphabet sounds like the term for a female sheep?
Contestant: (hesitating) Baaa?

I should have titled this LOLWT (or laughing out loud with tears). A good laugh can lift your spirit!

It's 2006!

Who took 2005?

New Year's Eve at Grant Park: The Buckingham Fountain & Sears Tower.

Grant Park Fireworks begin. Happy New Year!