I got Calvin and Hobbes books! :D

I bought some Calvin and Hobbes comics from Barnes and Noble! They were over 50% off the original price, so I couldn’t resist. >w<

Pixar stamps from USPS!

Based on that success, the Postal Service was eager to work with the Walt Disney Company again, choosing to explore the Disney*Pixar films, which offer exciting, contemporary characters and strong themes involving family and friends.

This pane of 20 stamps includes five different designs featuring Pixar characters: Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars (2006); Remy the rat and Linguini from Ratatouille (2007); Buzz Lightyear and two of the green, three-eyed aliens from Toy Story (1995); Carl Fredricksen and Dug from Up (2009); and the robot WALL*E from WALL*E (2008).

Since the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature was introduced in 2001, all seven Pixar films released since that time have been nominated and five of the seven have won, including Ratatouille, WALL*E and Up.

via USPS News Release: 2011 Stamp Program Debuts.

Stuff I Didn’t Know: What type of dog is Bolt?

Wondering what type of dog Bolt is? The animated canine was loosely based on the American White Shepherd, according to Disney. Bolt isn’t just like the dog, so he is a unique breed all his own, but kids can learn more about the real breed on the American White Shepherd Association Website.

via Bolt (2008) – Movie Trailer and Facts About Bolt – Disney Movie.

Answer: Bolt is an American White Shepherd.

They don’t really look alike aside from the ears. Probably because Bolt is much smaller.

I want a dog like Bolt!! T^T

Back from Orlando!!

Back from Orlando, FL!! Tons of fun. Great family vacation.

off to orlando!

off to Orlando, Florida tomorrow! DISNEYWORLD AND UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO…HERE I COME!

Dinner at the Walnut Creek Yacht Club

Tonight, my mom’s church friends treated us to dinner at the Walnut Creek Yacht Club. I realized, many fancy/pricier restaurants always have dimmer lights…now why is that? 

My 19th Birthday

My 19th birthday was last Wed, Dec. 8. However, due to finals, my birthday celebration was spread out all the way until today and perhaps the next few days.

So…starting with last Wednesday the 8th My mom came over to visit at night after my music history review. She brought over the Korean food from Korea House.

Busking in SF

Today, me and my friend, James, thought it’d be fun to busk at Union Square in SF. We played next to the heart statue from about 3:30-5. In total, we earned $19 together ($9.50 each) for playing xmas carols on violin for about 1hr 30 min. (yay almost minimum wage).

Aside from having freezing fingers after 30 min, it was pretty fun. Fun to see the varieties of people/groups walking by, or just to see people enjoying the xmas music and just to play violin without too much judging. This is one of the few reasons I’m so glad I play violin, so I can bring it almost wherever and play whenever.

Unfortunately, we didn’t play James’ arrangements of xmas carols so much. Instead, we played out of a book I brought. Even then, James did improv on harmonies a lot while I played the melodies. In the end, we kind of ran out of pieces, so we just started modulating the songs, ending with We Wish You a Merry Xmas (modulated in all the major keys– yes we’re music geeks).

Overall, pretty good experience. Glad we busked.

Memory: The first person to give us money was a lady with a baby. She was bouncing the baby up and down to Jingle Bells. She generously gave us $2. Otherwise…the first money we got was a 10 cent coin we found on one of the pedestal things…

There was a little Chinese boy that kept looking at us and running/hopping/doing various actions around us. He passed by us about 3 times. Finally, he did give us 25 cents. He also asked James a few questions which was pretty cute

Scrat analogy

You know those scenes in Ice Age where Scrat the squirrel almost gets the acorn but fails every time? I had one of those moments today.

I was driving to my local community college to send off my transcript. Since I took the highway, when I got to the exit, there was a hobo lady with a “hungry, homeless” sign waiting next to the traffic light. She happened to be right next to my window, so I couldn’t help but glance at her. She gave me a toothy smile and I smiled back and turned back to look at the car in front of me… I thought about the situation for a while then decided “ah..what the heck, I guess I have a buck to spare”. So, while I was fumbling through my wallet for a dollar on the seat next to me, the traffic light changed to green and I drove off. >.> In my side mirror, I saw the lady making a “dang it” motion.

Personally, I’m not sure what to think. Maybe God was trying to tell me something wasn’t right about it, like the lady wasn’t really in need of help. However, I’ll still assume she really needs shelter and food now and pray for her safety. Till next time I see her.

Stuff I Didn’t Know: Do Mice Really Like Cheese?

According to scientists with nothing better to do, the belief that the way to lure a mouse to its death is with a lump of Cheddar is a myth. Mice don’t like cheese; no wonder Tom is never able to catch Jerry.

Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University, backed by the Stilton Cheese Makers’ Association, have found that mice prefer foods with a high sugar content. What will really attract a mouse into the trap is muesli.

via Mice like cheese? A myth full of holes – Times Online.

Answer: No, mice don’t like cheese

On the other hand, mice normally eat food like grains and fruit.