The One and Only Micker X

2003-05-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Not used anymore: goto www.livejournal.com/users/mickerx

2002-09-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Things I want to be when I grow up:

10)Astronaut
9)Secret Agent
8)Superhero
7)financially successful
6)successful in terms of prestige
5)Colin Farrell
4)screenwriter/director (ala Kevin Smith)
3)happy
2)a good father
1)a good husband

2002-09-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Ah sometimes I love talking to my mom:

iconMarifeM (11:23:28 AM): how are the sodas faring in the coleman thing
MickerX (11:23:39 AM): they are sensually excellent
iconMarifeM (11:23:51 AM): make sure the sun is not beating down on the thing.
iconMarifeM (11:24:00 AM): also make sure they don't get pregnant
MickerX (11:24:13 AM): i'll give them some birth control
iconMarifeM (11:24:21 AM): ok

2002-09-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Things I wouldn't mind receiving as gifts
(in no particular order)

New wallet
Our Man Weston, I Want to go Home, Who is Bugs Potter?--all these books are by Gordon Korman
DVDs: Playing By Heart, Royal Tenenbaums, Sopranos, Oz, 24, The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Grosse Pointe Blank, Notting Hill, Friends (best of collections)
dude kickass DVDs for 9.99-ish at Blockbuster!
a PS2 LOL (man if i was getting married this or a bed/couch would be what i would ask my parents for)
Aqua Di Gio
the heart of that bastard Bob Marley
a world where John Travolta wasn't making movies

ah feels better to finally fill out a registry LOL, hey anyone who sees this that's going to my birthday, these are just suggestions b/c I wouldnt be able to tell you if u asked me. But hey, some of u know me better than others, so you may know what's better for me in general (Francie and Sausage Kingdom I'm looking in your direction *wink*). It's just fun to fill out this type of list too, try it everyone! Anyways, always remember my birthday motto: Your presence is a present to me.

2002-09-04T01:56:00.000-07:00

Hello sorry to those who have been waiting all this time! I am back (for how long I dunno)! Hard to remember to update this infernal thing, it should be able to read my thoughts automatically...wait that wouldn't be good since it would know that I hate you (J/K to all of you except you know who you are). Oh well we can only change the future, so why dwell on the mistakes of the past? Anyways, I had the greatest summer of my life! Not only did I get to spend A -session with my gorgeous and adorable Francie, but I think I made some real good friends in Jimmy and Aimee. Man it was fun, the four of us hanging out, making fun of each other (mostly Jimmy)--I miss you guys, I miss the bonding, the friendship, the ease of life and no amount of words on a blog can express how much I loved it all. Even to this day, Frances and I talk about how we miss the four of us. *smiles*, we gots to continue it during the year, I know it wil be hard, but we gotta! Anyway, in 3 days, we will be celebrating me and Francie's 8 month anniversary! All i have to say is, "WOW." This is so amazing to me! Not only do I marvel the length of the relationship's duration, but I also am awed at how much I love her and want to spend time with her. We see each other everyday in LA, and it's slowed some since we've been at home, but it's still not enough. I've spent complete weeks with her, day and night, and have yet to tire of her. I love her more and more everyday. My emotional and romantic side is living in bliss and can't even muster sentences. He is so deliriously happy that I feel like my rational side is the only one who can talk anymore, and after pondering everything, I truly do think that I am completely in love with her and love her with all my being. There's no one I'd rather spend my days with...nor anyone I'd rather spend forever with...

Got back into Vampires and have been flexing the creative muscle by Storytelling and roleplaying. I love creating characters and having them develop and grow from ideas to complete characters. Helped Drew move to Davis, had fun chilling with him and lifting and cleaning many thigns. Man Norah Jones is phenomenal. Hard to get sick of her. Still doing the No Mercy tweaking. I think that it's the same as cahracter creation in Vampire, the same muscle. I like maintaining and creating characters. Then I imagine scenarios for them that take place outside the game. It's like that with all games I truly enjoy. With Madden and NBA 2k, these people I deal with become real and have life outside their sport.

Birthday is coming up and the plan is optional movie (the transporter), then dinner and karaoke. People who are invited that will be here are: Francie, Drew, Brian, Alex & Edward, Kalyan, James, Steve, Stephy, Lora, Jenny, Kimmy, Krista, Ella & David, Miki & Andrew, Andrew. To the LA crew, Marc, Shane, Minh, Jimmy, the roomies, etc.: sorrie! Y'all can have a party in Socal to celebrate my 23rd!

Man Drew got me thinking about weddings, and I want a registry. I wish I could use it for my birthday b/c it sounds like fun. I always feel bad about asking for stuff on my birthday, partly b/c I can never seem to remember when someone prompts me so maybe I should write it down here as "things I wouldn't mind receiving as gifts."

2002-05-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

Man haven't updated this bad boy in a while! Waddup all. Sorry if you've missed me, my cell phone is totally wrecked (as I've finally paid all of the damn bills). I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, soon i'm out of this debt pit. Got to hit up a rave SOON! Yay we fouond a banquet place (well technically Neil found it while I watched and ate cookies), it'll be on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, huge Titanic-esque boat, so COOL! Took two midterms today that I didn't really study for and go to class, I think I will do well. Umm, Francie report: she is spending the weekend with her family, and I miss her. We're soon gonna be going on four months--my longest relationship ever! Won't even try to describe our relationship--it's so GOOD beyond words. I definitely love her, and I've told her this numerous times. She's the definition of true love for me, and I never expected it to be like this (despite me being a hopeless romantic, nothing could have prepared me for this). Everything before has been so microscopic in comparison (it's like comparing Texas to Jupiter), and I'm so happy that we are this happy and comfortable and effortless and most importantly FAMILY. Haven't gotten sick of her, and we spend almost everyday and every hour together (sans class).

Trying to find housing for next year, dunno how that will work--all I've heard is that we are segregating the races, and Batman and Robin will be sharing a domicile with the Ambiguosly Gay Duo. I notice I make a living out of homoerotic humor...ah Bellarmine did teach me something!

I now own a No Parking Sign and a traffic cone.

Need to rave soon. ATB maybe? Steve you gotta be there...won't be the same without a nice slice of Rho Pi.

Though it's been rocky for a time (mostly due to my having less time b/c of Francie and APHIO), I re-connected with the roomies this week. I'm gonna miss each of them, long live CLUNO gentlemen, and I genuinely mean this: let's stay in touch, you're good people--this has been one of the best roommate experiences I've had (i know, i can't believe it's true!).

I am counting down the time until our APHIO fellowship of SPIDER-MAN occurs. Been waiting for this movie for 2 years, have tracked it through the Carolco lawsuits and it slipping thru James Cameron's grubby hands. LOTR was awesome, exactly how i pictured things (e.g. Bilbo's home), it was great seeing it...on my computer. I promise to see the next ones in the theatre. Why didn't McKellen win a best supporting oscar?

NODS to:
my best buddy Drew, it's been a tough week, but we'll kick their asses once we roll through Mississippi, where they all freakin live. If I was there, we coulda represented Jets-style (that's right, a West Side Story reference)!

Jimmy and Vic--just like in the movies man, totally chill hangin with you guys. HAHA they thought I was a second-year, and Jase was a 4th year, and Francie was a 3rd year. Who's immature? Mick's immature, BOOYAH! Love that scenario of me dating an older woman.

Neil--Gandalf to my Frodo in the Fellowship biz. I have the unenviable task of trying to be you next year in terms of fellowship--big shoes to fill. You have truly been a guiding force and I'm glad to call you friend, brother, ally. DUDE, we gots to hit up a rave man!

2002-03-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

MY CHEEKS ARE POOFY! Swollen and sore, but I've been putting a heat pad ever-so-often and been poppin the pillz. Let's see...I am chatting with Agnes, Phil's gf! She is cool. Found out that Francie's friends like me! And her parents are hopefully on their way to liking me again too! It's nice to hear that people want to meet you, and stil surprising how one comes off in a first impression. If Lora and Stephy read this: I WAS SOO NERVOUS internally when I met you guys. It was like an audition or a job interview--being interrogated and evaluated, and I didn't consciously feel that strongly about Francie at that time...although my nervousness is probably indicative of my true feelings. I wish i could have seen you two during spring break. Woulda been fun to chill.

Me and Steve chatting about work opportunities:
PhotonBomb13 (9:58:29 PM): why express?
MickerX (9:58:36 PM): at 3rd st
MickerX (9:58:38 PM): it looked fun
MickerX (9:58:41 PM): they have headsets
PhotonBomb13 (9:58:42 PM): why not some place where you can use your employee discount
MickerX (9:58:49 PM): well i can use it at structure
PhotonBomb13 (9:58:50 PM): okay maybe you ARE gay
MickerX (9:58:56 PM): it's all owned by the limited
PhotonBomb13 (9:59:05 PM): "it looked fun...they have headsets"
MickerX (9:59:06 PM): but hey, id rather be telling chicks what to wear than guys
PhotonBomb13 (9:59:07 PM): haha
MickerX (9:59:09 PM): LOL
PhotonBomb13 (9:59:23 PM): k so how bout victoria's secret?
MickerX (9:59:31 PM): true
MickerX (9:59:36 PM): but bras are scary
MickerX (9:59:44 PM): i have enough trouble removing them ;-)
MickerX (9:59:49 PM): from GIRLS
MickerX (9:59:51 PM): not myself
PhotonBomb13 (10:00:04 PM): whatever!!!
PhotonBomb13 (10:00:09 PM): from yourself!!
MickerX (10:00:16 PM): LOL
PhotonBomb13 (10:00:36 PM): i bet ur gf wears the boxers
PhotonBomb13 (10:00:40 PM): and YOU wear the panties
MickerX (10:01:08 PM): i wish
MickerX (10:01:12 PM): that fabric is SOFT
PhotonBomb13 (10:01:33 PM): "I wish"
PhotonBomb13 (10:01:40 PM): good god someone record that

Steve is like me, a true and hopeless romantic
PhotonBomb13 (10:01:58 PM): I gotta meet you girl sometime
PhotonBomb13 (10:02:02 PM): your girl
MickerX (10:02:04 PM): i will try to visit
MickerX (10:02:11 PM): or hopefully interchapter stuff
PhotonBomb13 (10:02:12 PM): the lucky lady who got mick's attention

...but he is seriously delusional sometimes!!!
PhotonBomb13 (10:07:36 PM): you gotta pursue
PhotonBomb13 (10:07:42 PM): "honestly without expectation"
MickerX (10:07:46 PM): idont get these girls, dude you are a catch
PhotonBomb13 (10:07:51 PM): haha
PhotonBomb13 (10:07:53 PM): whatever man
PhotonBomb13 (10:08:03 PM): you got me beat in the game department you pimp
MickerX (10:08:11 PM): nonono
PhotonBomb13 (10:08:12 PM): you definitely have more game than candy land
MickerX (10:08:15 PM): HAHAH
MickerX (10:08:18 PM): that's a good one
PhotonBomb13 (10:08:51 PM): i'm am in awe of your pimpness mr. magno
MickerX (10:09:02 PM): *shakes head*
MickerX (10:09:12 PM): luck of the irish
PhotonBomb13 (10:09:51 PM): haha
PhotonBomb13 (10:10:09 PM): you are still ignorant of your awesomeness, grasshoppa
PhotonBomb13 (10:10:28 PM): a typical situation of the big baller not knowing his own game
MickerX (10:10:41 PM): lol right
PhotonBomb13 (10:10:49 PM): hard to feel the power of the hurricane when ur in the eye of the storm

2002-03-28T18:33:00.000-08:00
Sorry I haven't written much lately. Been busy with APHIO, Francie, and finalz...anyways, what is new, what is new...
I write this as I hold an ice pack to the side of my face, that's write I just had my wisdoms pulled today! They insert and IV, I go nite nite, and then I wake up hurting like a mofo. Been icing down my cheeks and popping some Vicodin and Ibuprofen--good stuff, I zonked for an couple hours and feel loads better...eating still hurts though. Hmm home has been OK, but I miss Francie--don't get to see her everyday as per usual. Miss my brother who is down in LMU--now he wants to hang out with me so it's cool! Quarter resolutions: study harder, go to class (got to be at Italian everyday), and work out more--me and you baby! Can't wait to span the dorms when I get back, 5 o'clock am--nothing better to do than bond with some APHIO insomniacs.

Oscars took me by surprise, although I am happy that Poitier, Berry, Denzel, and Redford got their due--not to sure about Opie and A Beautiful Accent though.

Hey I am almost officially out of the hole! Paid off all my parking tickets and just need to settle with Cingular. I got a callback from Express--yeah yeah I want to work there, so what? Rather be helping women try on clothes and assist in their wardrobe than to work at Male Express and saying, "Wow that shirt looks great on you, really accentuates your arms! Do you work out?" Steve, no cracks man or everyone will know about you working Pottery Barn floor staff :-).

Sad I am gonna miss out of both Drew and Francie's birthday--two people I hold dear to my heart. Sorry peeps. Hey Drew, Monterey was fun right? Man the ghost of John Steinbeck would come after us...if the poor bastard wasn't roasting in hell for what he did.

Getting psyched for the new pledges, hope I get cool sibs. Me and you Danny, you can be my wingman anyday. Also, stressing over whre I am gonna live in the summer and next year. As it tentatively stands, it is me, Jason, Danny, Mick, and Pouya. Hope we can find a place to contain the sexual energy of these 5 individuals.

Speaking of which, if you weren't at Neil's party after finals, you missed it but the pictures should be making the rounds (hey I want copies--can anyone say Slideshow?). Yep yep, me and Jason--drunk as sin--kissed for eight seconds. My part in it was funded by my beloved, who promised to pay-off one of my parking tickets. 40 bucks baby! Thanks honey, you have always been supportive (maybe too supportive in this case). The injustice: someone pay Jason man! He was led to believe he get 40 dollah too? Wut's up wit dat? Don't short-change him, that's just wrong! Interesting that with as many girls as there are in APHIO, we don't get to see two girls kiss...not right.

Expectations for the quarter: APHIO = no more sausage. That should be on the t-shirt. We guys like the odds as they are already *wink.* But I know the girls want to get some cute guys into it too. So here's our compromise: Gay guys, all welcome (hey they are typically cute), and on the flyer for info nite: "Guys, bring your girlfriends; girls, bring your girlfriends.

Well gotta get crackin on projects, on of which being the INFO NITE SKIT by Magno ala King productions. Till next time then.

2002-02-16T22:27:00.000-08:00
I have never written about Frances in any blog, so this following blog is a slight deviation of my normal format, I apologize for the inconvenience:

Damn Yahoo, I want my email!! Shaved ice is SOOO good! Thanks Francie for introducing it to me! Man, I could just eat condensed milk from a bucket...

Ok, Valentine's Day, formerly Single's Awareness Day (yes, SAD) but for the first time, me have VALENTINE!! Anyways, things did not go as planned, but we being us, we MADE IT WORK!! She gave me her Valentine which she made (cute cute cute) and then we went off to pick up my bro (he needed to get flowers too). He got Tina some peach roses, and gave one to Francie. Got stuck in traffic (grrr..damn LA), so we went back to my apartment where we made dinner (Baked Chicken, thanks Mom, but too much butter...ugggh). Yum yum yum. Gave her lavender roses, which she liked (woke up early that morn to goto the flower distrcit with my fellow member of the Brotherhood of the Rose, Minh my sib-in-law *wink*--funny thing, ALL GUYS buying their ladies flowers there, not a woman in sight...) Then she made me strawberry shortcake!! I LOVE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE. *BIG GRIN* I gave her my gifts: Boo from Monster's Inc. because she reminds me of her and GIANT PANDA (my bro got Tina a dog from the same place). Her face LIT UP when she saw the panda! I have never seen anyone that excited and happy before--well maybe when you give a lil' kid their first bike or stuffed animal. She kept hugging it, I had to videotape her reaction, Ant knows what I'm talking about. She named it PB and J, PB for short; she brought it along to class where it sat next to her in lectures...I suspect she may like the gift *smiles* Me like when she feeds me. Saw MADTV taping yesterday, almost fell asleep b/c it was soo long, but rock on Gay Chorus of Los Angeles--keep reaching for those stars!

Sorry, I get that way and talk like that when we are together. Again I apologize from the deviation from the normal format--my English major skills and normal grammar will return,

2002-02-12T02:03:00.000-08:00
I am Mario.

I like to jump around, and would lead a fairly serene and aimless existence if it weren't for my friends always getting into trouble. I love to help out, even when it puts me at risk. I seem to make friends with people who just can't stay out of trouble.
------------
I am Mr Do.

I am sedentary by nature, enjoying passive entertainment, eating when the mood takes me, and playing with my food. I try to avoid conflict, but when I'm angered, I can be a devil - if you force me to fight, I will crush you. With apples.

2002-02-03T13:38:00.000-08:00
Perfect analogy:

The difference between men and women is similar to the disparities between automatic and manual transmission. Let's say you've never driven a car and were presented with both an automatic and stick-shift. You step into the automatic and by looking at the mechanism, are able to figure out that 'D' makes the car go forward, and so on. Not to complicated--as guys are, they are simple and easy to use. OK then you step into the manual car, you see the seemingly straightforward number system on the gear shift--1, 2, 3, 4, 5, R. Then you try to start the car and it jumps and jolts. Then you notice there are THREE pedals at your feet. You can sit there for hours and NEVER figure out the you have to push the clutch to start the car then push the gas as you ease off the clutch and shift the gears while pressing down on the clutch in between and letting go...SIMPLE right? Just like women, you never know what makes them go and how the controls really work. Driver training is so necessary for a stick, while some hick 8 yr old in Mississippi is probably driving around in an automatic pickup truck right now.

2002-02-03T12:36:00.000-08:00
Me and Steve talking about "Digital Love" by Daft Punk:

MickerX (12:36:55 PM): MAN GAP SONG ROCKS!!!
PhotonBomb13 (12:37:02 PM): NAH!
PhotonBomb13 (12:37:05 PM): not GAP SONG
MickerX (12:37:12 PM): good job for GAP for writing that song
MickerX (12:37:19 PM): woowee
MickerX (12:37:43 PM): GAP means good electronic dance music
MickerX (12:37:50 PM): GAP is Daft Punk
PhotonBomb13 (12:38:01 PM): om goodness
MickerX (12:38:08 PM): GAP Punk is their new name
MickerX (12:38:17 PM): "One MORE TIME"
MickerX (12:38:20 PM): GAP Punk

2002-02-02T14:09:00.000-08:00
I miss raving...haven't gone in almost two years...arrgh I am in dire need of some rave-itude. I went to the dorm's semi-formal a coupa weeks ago and some guys brought their photons and glowsticks. Again, I am all for honing the craft, but it's just WRONG sometimes. You do not photon to Sir Mix-a-Lot, or J-Lo feat. JaRule. This one guy aggravated me SOO much 'cause he did that, yet when Darude's Sandstorm comes on, he decides to stop!! AARGGH damn these crazy raver kids.

Had a kickass day at work yesterday: worked with D.D., Nick Sweet (my alternate self), and Danny the King (my partner in crime). Had to be the most fun I've ever had at work since the "hide the book" era. We talked about girls, the drama, and movie quotes! Included was racial tension, sexual innuendo, stereotypes, sexual harassment, and basically trying to offend everyone ;-). I like chillin with people who I connect with in an extraordinary manner, and these gentlemen definitely made work not seem like a chore.

WHAT's SPINNING: a thank you to Drew for the GAP song--"Digital Love" by Daft Punk. Man that songs is off the hook, and all that and a bag of chips. "In the End" by Linkin Park remains at the top as well because of its chorus and rap. "No Such Thing" by John Mayer keeps its spot today too.

WHAT's SAYING: I like "That train has sailed." Also, "I am on board that train," and "Come on board the Mick and Danny express." Apparently I have some sort of locomotive fetish.

I eagerly await the arrival of the NWO, and Ex-Comm elections soon. Jason will probably be an awesome pledge mastah, while Pearl will most likely decline. Who will take up a sword and fight alongside me? I hope it is someone of a regal and royal disposition.

Last note: Francie'sspacebarsucks. It took me 2 hours to type all this and I know have carpal tunnel's syndrome. Hey all those videogamers, be careful of vibrating controllers--apparently they can kill you!!

NEXT TIME: I chronicle the relationship of some friends of mine...

2002-01-29T23:14:00.000-08:00
On the subject of candy bars, the greatest candy company resides in the United Kingdom: Cadbury. Simply the best milk chocolate EVER! I like all variations, even with the fruits and nuts (and I normally abhor raisins). But the money candy is definitely Cadbury Creme Eggs! Easter rolls around and I am filled with a sense of excitement and inner peace, and it's not b/c of the Lord's ascension. First there is that sumptious chocolate shell, and then you dig your teeth, piercing the milk chocolate to unleash the ambrosia of sweetness that pours into your mouth, truly food of the gods.

2002-01-29T22:52:00.000-08:00
ODD RANT OF THE DAY: Where have all the tanned M&Ms gone? Replaced by blue M&Ms recently, a good move since blue is a no-brainer, while tanned always seemed a bit suspect (run out of colors?). Why don't more people remember the Mars bar? It is a classic, just almonds and nougat and chocolate. Simple, sensual, and not too sweet. Remember Hershey's Miniatures? Why can't most of them stand alone as candy bars? Instead of getting the push that they deserve for loyal service to the company, Hershey's has placed them into this stable, where they are grouped and defined by their brethren. Krackel is kinda weak to begin with, a knock-off of Nestle's Crunch--akin to Carson Daly, or O-Town. Dark Chocolate, the bastard son and everyone's least favourite--you always feed it to your dad or that one friend who LOVES dark chocolate, comparable to an X-Pac or Saved by the Bell: The New Class. Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar--a proven superstar who has shown that he deserves to be the definitive spokesman for the company--certainly a Rock, or Timberlake. But the one that deserves a Jericho-esque push, who is begging to burst out into superstardom ala Guy Pearce: Mr. Fucking Goodbar! It's nice milk chocolate with just enough nuts not to make you sick--absolute perfection.

2002-01-29T16:55:00.000-08:00
Hmm some things that the viewers at home should know: 1) I am a very cinematically-inclined person--meaning that I view and live my life with the assumptions and rules of film and television (i.e. the good guy gets the girl, justice always prevails, and things happen to tell a story as dictated by the great screenwriter above. 2) I am a firm believer in fate and am still a hopeless romantic (albeit now slightly more realistic/cynical). Things happen for a reason. We meet the people we are supposed to meet, exactly when we are meant to meet them. Everthing we do and everyone we meet, no matter how insignificant it/they SEEMED, has affected us and made us into the people we are. You shouldn't truly regret any of your past because all of it has made you into your present self, and if you are happy with who you are, that should be enough. Sorry to rant on this particular diatribe. 3) I am obviously an English major (as shown in my writing-style and overly-complicated vocabularly). This is how I have been trained to write, so as pretentious as it seems, I apologize--this is how I have been taught. At times, I tend to make up words in order to fully expressorize myself--don't worry, again I am an English major, and have been sanctioned by God to do this. Moreover, another affliction felt by most of my major is identifying with the Dane. I believe that I am the modern-day version of Hamlet--I am complicated as all hell, and labour over all of my problems as if the weight of the world rested on my very shoulders. According to this, there is NO ONE else like me and my problems are unique to all of creation. Sorry. 4) I am a pop-culture enthusiast, and revel in all things trivial. I know all of the Disney Afternoon theme songs by heart; I have watched everyday of Saved by the Bell at least 5 times, I can tell you plot overviews, details, and complete casts of movies that I have never seen; I know more about Fraggle Rock and the Transformers than I do about calculus and physics. 5) I don't want to grow up, I'm a Toys R Us kid. Wish I could be in Nevernever Land. 6) I may not know much, and have no clue about certain aspects of my life, but I do know this: Life is about people and relationships. People are what matter to me. Friends, family, loved ones--they make me who I am, they make me want to be better than myself. They inspire me and delight me. They are why I am here and why I remain a sane and optimistic person--they joy that they instill in me everytime I realize that I matter to them.

NEXT TIME: more into the inner workings of my mind, the method to the madness, etc etc

2002-01-29T16:22:00.000-08:00
Salutations to all. This is an introduction to the world of me, Mick Magno, the Micker X. This endeavor was inspired by my desire to be productive on this day which I have been SUPREMELY lackadaisical and lethargic (yes, in my world, this equals producitvity). Furthermore, I think this would be a good exercise for me, as I have always wanted some sort of forum to voice my feelings and thoughts (ironic as I am usually the priest who is confessed to). I can't afford a shrink right now, so this will serve as a sort of substitute. I'd like to also give thanks to Stephy, whose blog definitely influenced this page's inception. Hers is perhaps the most insightful and entertaining one I have read, and I was so impressed that I decided to give this a shot, so thank you again Stephy. So if you are still interested after this long-winded introduction, please feel free to return and peruse. I will TRY to be entertaining and insightful, but most importantly, I will always be honest. Welcome one and all, and remember, ALWAYS buy the brand you trust: BRAND X.