Orange Maze: February 2006

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Orange Update: First Edition When I have minimal time and/or little facts to write about, "Orange Update" will come in handy. It will be a list of stuff and thoughts in a brief post. So I will have time to balance blogs and homework, and you will have enough time to leave a comment or do what you normally do. Badda Beem Badda Boom! Just like that!

I am sure that you just about had it with the Olympics, but I have a few things to blog about the next several days. Just for the sake for me to get my routine back to normal.
The Academy Awards is next week, March 5th to be exact. I'll give you my predictions several nights before the most important night in Hollywood. I read in MSN News about different ideas to go all out for a party, while watching the Oscars are awarded to their new owners. I am not going to have a party, unfortunately, but that will not make me stop you from getting interesting tips on how to celebrate!
The reason why I have been MIA the past days is because I have been behind with school work. So hopefully I will be back to my normal self sooner rather than later.

This has been your Orange Update! Enjoy the rest of your day. -- [[V.J. Civic; 2/28/2006 03:19:00 PM 1 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Monday, February 27, 2006

All good things must come to an end

The Olympic Flame before the closing ceremony began and before leaving the face of the earth... until 2008.

I have been in a mood of joy the past two weeks that the Winter Olympics have been on. I got to cheer for my country's athletes as well as learning a different language similar to my native Spanish. I learned to appreciate the Olympic spirit and that it is not all about winning gold or even a medal. Its about the courage and the character that an athlete has to compete just for the sake of participating in the Olympics. I learned about new sports and refreshed on how to play curling. I enjoyed every aspect of the Olympics. NBC did a decent job covering the 20th Olympic Winter Games, although it was not totally perfect. Reports say that Americans were more interested in American Idol than watching a Japanese underdog capture the gold in women's figure skating. The truth is that I don't care if PBS covers the game for the USA. I am in the mentality that I will watch the Olympics as long as it is televised. Even if NBC decides to extend final results of tape delayed events until after I fall asleep. There are many ways, nowadays for people to get their news and watch sports. NBCOlympics.com was a great alternative on getting live results without waiting until primetime.

The fact is, and I mentioned this to James, I am sad that the Olympics are over. The past 17 days was a time that I enjoyed watching underdogs win, national anthems (both USA and Italy) played, Olympic stories told about athletes, the joy of victory, and the courage of competing even after defeat. I will miss the replays of the Opening and Closing ceremonies, which were both great to watch and the Orange-Clad Dutch fans in the speedskating events in the Oval Lingotto. The Winter Olympics of Torino was an escape from the harsh realities of what is happening over in Iraq, where is rumored that a civil war may soon begin. It was also something to look forward on going home and watching the events with my mom, even though I have other shows as well, but the Olympics is something so unique. It is an event that happens every four years, with two years in between the winter and summer Olympics. I am in a "somber mood", not as bad that I began to cry after the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics, but I am in a very sad tone today. Thankfully, yesterday was not as dramatic as I thought it was going to be. If NBC would have showed the Olympic flame dimming slowly, like they did in 2002, I would have begun to bawl in front of my family, no lie. Just like in 2002, though, it will take time to cheer up. Thankfully I am not as emotional as I was four years ago and I have all you guys to keep me occupied from being a victim of my own "somber mood". Arrivederci Torino, I hope to visit you some day. May the countdown begin for Vancouver 2010. But before that, Beijing 2008! -- [Photos: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images, AP Photo/Jasper Juinen] [Yahoo! Sports: Turin bids circus-like farewell to Olympics; Vancouver takes the reins] [Yahoo! Sports: Beijing 2008] [[V.J. Civic; 2/27/2006 04:38:00 PM 0 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Torino 2006: The good and the bad Finally some time off of my study schedule to do what I love, blog for all of you to enjoy! With that mentioned I will begin... The Good Team USA managed to place second in the medal count with 25 "doughnut-shaped" 9 golds, 9 silvers, and 7 bronzes. The Olympic Spirit was alive and well with several living examples of a true Olympian. First is figure skater Evan Lysacek. He performed horribly in the short program with all those falls and stumbles. We later found out that who was battling intestinal flu and was attached with IVs in order to keep him from dehydrating. With all the obstacles of sickness and a black shadow from the forgettable short program, he skated the performance of his life and came back with stunning fashion. Other athletes that did great despite the shortcomings of defeat were Sasha Cohen, finishing her long program after falling twice. Emily Hughes, although did not medal, displayed joy and gratitude for the experience she got to participate in the Olympics after Michelle Kwan, another great Olympian, graciously bowed down with class to let Emily in. The 17 days of the Winter games were great, although many journalists believe otherwise, I enjoyed every minute I tuned in. Of course how can I forget about my favorite Winter Olympian, Apolo Anton Ohno. He finally won an undisputed gold medal in the race he dubbed "Perfect!" Kimberly Derick, short track skater, was too heart broken to think about winning a race. All she could do was finish her Olympic experience, but in a way that no one should experience. Her number one fan, grandfather, died the night before her 1000m quarterfinal race. Her grandfather suffered a heart attack and died in a Torino hospital. What I loved about her was that she finished the race, with courage, knowing she was not going to win. The Tepid Torino, Italy did a great job hosting the games, but again, many people including Italians believed the Olympics lacked spirit. Renaming the motto of the games "Passion Lives Here" to "Passion Died Here". All I care is that I enjoyed the experience of watching the games. Even if the Canadian Broadcasting Company did a better job covering the games than American counterpart NBC. The Bad The feud between Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick was really getting annoying. By the time I thought everything was cool and forgiven, the spat got nastier when Davis called out Hedrick in a press conference. Eventually Hedrick, who started the feud by reprimanding Davis decision of bailing out of a team race, finally gave a hand shake to Davis in the medal ceremony that Italy's Enrico Fabris celebrated his second gold medal. I will sum up the second bad part with the name of the athlete and a link to his dodging escapades. This guy is the antithesis of what the Olympics are about. He obviously got to caught up with his fame and thought he was invincible enough to win 5 gold medals. Yes, Bode Miller, I am talking about you! It is not all about winning medals, he went 0 out of 5 chances, but you gave no effort to try and do your best. What a waste of talent. -- [[V.J. Civic; 2/27/2006 03:52:00 PM 0 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Thursday, February 23, 2006

4 Revelations: v02.23.06 Although this is my personal blog, I find it difficult to display some of my personality and interests. Sometimes I do not want to blog about one silly fact out of the blue. For example it took a while before I blogged about the Miami HEAT and once I did people found out that not only am I a die-hard HEAT fan, but I am also an all-around South Florida pro sports junkie. Then there are other things that are awkward and hard to blog about that one revealing fact... So I have decided to start a new segment named "4 Revelations". Where I will reveal 4 tidbits of information each time you see "4 Revelations" in the subject line. My revelations will be: funny (at times), interesting, embarrassing, controversial, VJ-like, surprising and... Well, revealing! Not to mention, some will be information you may know already. Without further delay... My 4 Revelations are:

My favorite sports teams (some of them I am a loyal fan of, while others I am more casual), in random order, are: Florida Marlins (MLB), Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami HEAT (NBA), University of Florida Gators (NCAA), Florida Panthers (NHL), University of Miami Hurricanes (NCAA, I still root for them although I am going to UF)
I am an alum (meaning I am a graduate) of Felix Varela Sr. High School, located in Miami-Dade county. I graduated from that fabulous school in 2004, which is not that long ago now that I reminisce the good old days... And the drama that goes around any American high school. Go Vipers!
I have moved so many times, it is not even funny! Thankfully, I am settled in Central Florida for now but there are no guarantees I am staying here for an eternity. I am already planning to move temporarily to Gainesville, home of the University of Florida once I transfer out of community college. I have lived in Puerto Rico, Orlando (Central Florida), and Miami two separate times... Each city! I can not forget to mention that although I am a native "Florida Orange" (pun intended), I was not born in this Great State. The truth is that I was born in the Empire State, they formally name New York. More precisely, in one of the greatest cities of the world, New York City!
This might not be very interesting, but my favorite colors are: Orange (no surprise), Green, Dark Gray, Blue, Red and Black.

-- [[V.J. Civic; 2/23/2006 07:14:00 PM 2 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Sunday, February 19, 2006

I did it again Why is it that when I find a guy that is attractive, I do not have the fortitude to start a conversation. After clocking in at work I went to the backroom (the place where all the strollers of the theme park are stored) to begin helping out and do what I was supposed to do... Work! I saw this new guy that I never saw before and my "gaydar" sensed he was either gay or bisexual, but I never got the fortitude to land in first base, start a conversation. How do social people start conversations anyway, well I guessed introducing myself would help but the fact was that it would have been awkward to just go up to the guy and say "Hi, I am VJ!" I like to be subtle and seamless, I rely on to picking up a conversation by getting in the middle of one. The problem was that he was silent the whole time. I guess he did not get along to well with the other 5 coworkers in the room. I thought I had the whole six-hour shift to talk to him, like I have successfully done in the past but then I saw him going to the computer in the back office (where all the managers hangout and do nothing) and clocked out. Ohh what a blow in my stomach... I never got to approach him. To be positive and not drown myself with self-pitty, I rubbed the pain of timidity with the solution that it was not meant to be. He was cute, but it was not love at first sight. It was more of an infatuation because he seemed like a person I would not get along with, personality wise. If anyone has a suggestion on how I can better my social skills, please let me know... Because in the mean time my search for a near-by friend continues... -- P.S. No offense to my distant friends from the blogosphere. UPDATE (2/21/2006, 3:46 PM): I saw, what I believe, is his myspace profile. He looks a lot better in person (turn on), and he smokes which is a big turn off. That's if the myspace profile I saw is really his. My schedule came out Sunday and I am working next Saturday, at night. So I might get to glance at him, and get a second chance to start over... I'll keep you posted [[V.J. Civic; 2/19/2006 03:38:00 PM 8 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Five W's: Jeremy Bloom (Olympic edition) This is the succeeding installment to Fella Friday. Which ended up not working because of the limitations that I can only post about a favorite hot guy of mine on Fridays. In result, my only Fella Friday was Channing Tatum. in Five W's, I will incorporate the journalistic Who, What, Where, Why, and When with a picture of the most awesomely stud of the moment. No matter if they are straight or gay. In this edition, I introduce to you Olympic gold medalist and aspiring NFL player, Jeremy Bloom.

Who?: Jeremy Bloom, Professional Skier What (makes him so hot)!?: Look at him. He has the blessing of a body that little boys dream of, not excluding men. The best part, he is not shy about his physical attribute and there hundreds of photos of him showcasing one of his many talents. Where (is he now)?: he is in Torino, Italy competing in the Winter Olympics for another shot for gold. Good Luck, handsome! Why (do I adore the guy)?: Again, he is physically attractive. Too bad he is only interested in women. When (did I hear about Jeremy)?: In the 2002 Winter Olympics of Salt Lake City -- P.S. Chad Hedrick is not far behind Jeremy, he is also one of my favorites. [[V.J. Civic; 2/15/2006 01:56:00 PM 1 Oranges Left links to this post]]

10 on 3 Inspired by Ryan, Mike and later James... Name 3 great women singers 1. Aaliyah 2. Ciara 3. Rihanna Name 3 great men singers 1. Michael Buble 2. Tyler Hilton 3. Andrea Bocelli Name 3 TV shows you watch 1. Lost 2. 24 3. Desperate Housewives (especially wheh Andrew gets it on with Justin) Name your 3 favorite movies 1. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (The movies were better than reading the book) 2. Sin City 3. Father of the Bride Name 3 books you like 1. Harry Potter sereis by JK Rowling 2. 1984 by George Orwell 3. Team of Rivals: Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln Name 3 things you don't like about yourself 1. Procrastinator 2. I am super Shy 3. my luck with finding a guy Name 3 things you like about yourself 1. Personality (some of my friends say its unique) 2. I am nice and caring 3. I am neutral when it comes to "taking sides" Name any 3 things that make you happy 1. My Family 2. My Freinds 3. When my sports teams win (Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, Miami Heat, UF Gators, more..) Name any 3 things that make you sad 1. Rejection (Because of experience I should be immune to it, but I am not) 2. When I miss my mother.... and family 3. Failure Name 3 people alive or dead that you think are important to America 1. FDR 2. MLK 3. Abraham Lincoln -- [[V.J. Civic; 2/15/2006 01:26:00 PM 0 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Black Tuesday Valentine In case you are celebrating St. Valentine's day with your love, Happy Valentine's Day! If you are like me, that dread this commercialized day of love, Happy Black Tuesday! To be fair, today has not been that bad. I did not have an official Valentine, but I was thankful I had someone besides family to wish them a great special day, of all days. I hope it has been better for you and that you have a love to cuddle with. -- [[V.J. Civic; 2/14/2006 02:34:00 PM 1 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Monday, February 13, 2006

Torino 2006: Chad Hedrick, gay?

What a stud! He gives me fever, be it that he is straight or gay.

The world is dying to know if he is gay or straight? I have been getting hits on my blog from different inquiries from people wondering if Olympian speed-skater, Chad Hedrick is gay. If you ask me, this Olympian stud is one hot body of man, but I think he is a heterosexual. Whether he is as straight as a curving road or the blade of his ice skates, I will still admire his "hotness". By the way, Chad has already won a gold medal in Torino. -- [Photo] [[V.J. Civic; 2/13/2006 05:50:00 PM 0 Oranges Left links to this post]]

The "Guy" from the trip The trip to St. Petersburg over the weekend had several purposes for me. I was there to represent my college when it came to voting for legislative issues, as well as for the chance to socialize with different students of the 28 Florida community colleges. I was even planning to use the time to come out to a fellow Student Government member about me (I ended up not doing so, I did not think he was an appropriate person to know my inner thoughts). Yes, the FJCCSGA conference was also anticipated by me as a breakthrough. A way for me to explore and start friendships with some gay and bi guys and probably keep in contact through MySpace or what not. That is the reason why I wanted to introduce myself to this guy, named Eddie. He seemed very cool to hang out with. My "gay-dar", or my sense of detecting if some guy is gay, predicted that he might be gay from the way he displayed his personality the first night (Thursday) of entertainment. I had many times to say "hi" and start a conversation, but it seemed that I was too shy to speak. I saw him the next Friday morning as well as five separate times on Saturday but each time I found an excuse to keep my lips sealed. There was always the "Maybe next time" or "No, not in front of his friends" explanation. The "right" chance to approach him came Saturday morning, after an educational session, but I was interrupted by my one of my friends and never got the chance to spark conversation. So many signs of fate, the right moment, but I kept my mouth shut. My timid ego prevailed in keeping me from saying something to the guy. After lunch, Saturday afternoon, I felt a wave of sadness and disappointment because after passing my earlier opportunity to approach Eddie after the session. But after bumping into him several other times later in the night and Sunday morning, I just gave up. It might have been fate that brought me the many opportunities to glance at the guy, but I guess I was not destined to create a friendship with him. I found out that he had a "partner", which solidified my unsure prediction that he was gay, so that was a turn off (I don't know why because I just wanted him as a friend). There was other instances that gave me the impression that we might have never clicked as buddies. Now that a day has passed since arriving home, I have lived on, thank god. All I can do is just live from my shy experience and improve. Besides, I have all of you to socialize with. Just in case, I have his MySpace page added to "My Favorites" until the right time comes up to approach him, in the mean time, the search for a friend I can relate to, continues... -- Note: If you want to get the MySpace link to Eddie's page, tell me when you leave a comment. In case you are curious how he looks like. [[V.J. Civic; 2/13/2006 04:51:00 PM 0 Oranges Left links to this post]]

V.J.'s Photo Album: Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies I got a glimpse of the ceremonies when I rushed to my hotel room Friday night. I caught the Parade of Nations, in time to watch Team USA march into Stadio Olimpico. As well as the second half of the show, with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. I did not get the chance to watch the complete opening ceremony until sunday afternoon, it was well worth the wait! All I can say is that I am thankful for my DVR because I got to watch a very artistic and symbolic ceremony. Here are some pictures and captions in case you missed it...

I loved it whenever these guys came out skating! They were known as the "Sparks of Passion"

Carla Bruni, Torino-born singer and model wearing an Armani dress. The stunning flag bearer proceded the former Italian athletes wearing symbolic and beautiful white Armani costumes.

The Olympic Rings

Acrobats made a white dove, a symbol for peace. How cool, right? Fireworks after the Olympic cauldron was lit. Let the games begin!

-- [Photos (In order): Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images, Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images, Julie Jacobson/AP, Julie Jacobson/AP, Clive Rose/Getty Images] [[V.J. Civic; 2/13/2006 01:09:00 PM 0 Oranges Left links to this post]]

I had a 'Drowsy Sunday' What a trip! I had a blast having fun and most importantly representing the students of my college. I spent my long weekend in the FJCCSGA (Florida Junior Community College Student Government Association) State Conference, in St. Petersburg, Florida, where all of the Student government Associations of Florida's Junior and community Colleges delegated future legislative issues that will affect students if Florida politicians decided to accept or reject a bill. I also got to go to educational sessions that were fairly interesting which surprised me. The fun parts were the dinners and night entertainment that went "All Night Long". So you might imagine with all the late-night parties in the lobby and representing I had to do in the day, I was exhausted and drowsy yesterday. The good thing is that I saw the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic games yesterday which I DVR'd (recorded digitally) while I was away, and peaked at the different Olympic events while I was awake. More on that later on... Details of the trip, you ponder? Well I'll say that I was not disappointed with the showing of the cute guys there, some of them were gay. There was one guy in particular that caught my eyes the first night and kept on bumping into him the whole weekend, but I never got the chance to overcome my fears and say something to him. More on that later on... With that in mind, I was glad to have you guys to talk to. You three know who you are. -- P.S. I forgot to take batteries for my camera, so I have no pics of the sights (guys) I had the chance to see (sorry Elmo). I have, though, the MySpace of the guy I was talking about, the one I had an infatuation with. [[V.J. Civic; 2/13/2006 07:54:00 AM 0 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Ciao Torino and the Olympics

The wonderful skyline of Torino, Italy. Ohh Amore!

What I have been waiting for since 2002 and 2004, The XX Olympic Winter Games will commence Friday night with a very anticipated Opening Ceremony. Unfortunately, I was not able to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens because an unlucky event occurred that frightful Friday, 13th night of August (Anyone want to take a guess?). The reason I missed, what I heard as being one of the most creative and artistic ceremonies ever held, was because Hurricane Charley knocked of power the very moment it was going to begin. It was as if fate prevented me from watching it. To be honest, I think I would of been a lot safer with the power knocked off because I continued to prepare and head over to our "hurricane-safe" room, my mother's bathroom. The power eventually came back a week after the hurricane ripped through Florida. Once I got to see moving images of the destruction, I noticed how fortunate I was to still have a house to call home, and the power before Florida's Gulf coast had it. Well enough the the seriousness, I prefer to forget what happened in the 2004 hurricane season. I am fully prepared to not miss the opening ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games, I have set my DVR to record both live and encore (repeat from later on at night) events while I am away at my college trip I am taking to St. Pete, FL. May the Games Begin... Already! -- P.S. I will give you details of my trip when I come back Sunday, I promise. [[V.J. Civic; 2/08/2006 08:37:00 PM 4 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

It is my duty to alert... Umm, I mean inform you that I have not retired from blogging (at least not yet). There is no need to speculate because I am just trying to be up to speed with my studies, as usual. While I am here shaking my head and sighing with self pity I declare that the act of procrastination is addicting like watching gay porn and a bitch to overcome. I'll find time to write something before I leave on a college-related trip. I promise! -- In Another Note: Good thing my baby cousin (7 years-old, to be exact) does not understand English (she speaks only Spanish) because she is right next to me. She has been next to me all morning sad that her mother left for a job interview, she reminds me of her older cousin... Me. The "good thing" is that I could spill my secrets right now and she will not understand what I am typing. Therefore preventing her from doing what little children do, saying things they are not suppose to say. For that reason, I am safe! [[V.J. Civic; 2/07/2006 08:14:00 AM 3 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Oscar Nominations

Felicity is the on the top left

Ohh I was excited that I was able to watch the announcement of the nominees of this year's Oscars (a.k.a. Academy Awards) Live. It was a few days ago, January 31st to be exact, but it has still caused buzzes around the media and of course, Hollywood. I won't go too in depth but I will include a link of the different categories up for grabs of the golden statuette. The big winners were "Brokeback Mountain" (a movie I have still not seen), "Crash" (a movie I have not heard of), "Capote" and George Clooney's "Good Night, and Good Luck." The Oscar voters decided to ignore the big blockbuster movies, like "Memoirs of a Geisha" (I saw. Nothing grand but a good movie) and "King Kong" in favor of the smaller independent films. Which is a plus if you are a "Brokeback" fan. Also, give it up for Ms. Desperate Housewife, Felicity Huffman for her brilliant portrayal of a transexual! I hope she wins by a landslide, better yet, I just want her to win period.

Is there any room for me in between you two?

The same goes for "Brokeback," this country needs a bit more awareness of homosexuality. Even if people do not agree with homosexuality, there should be a level of respect for all gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders. It might be a sin to participate in gay activities, but it is not a sin to respect a fellow human being. -- [Photo: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters] [Oscar-related news] [[V.J. Civic; 2/02/2006 07:47:00 PM 2 Oranges Left links to this post]]

Nurture or Nature? So what is it? Was I, including the millions of girls and guys around the world, born gay or will I ultimately decide to accept my self as a bisexual or homosexual just because it's a "fad." There are many people that believe the final choice of many Americans to accept themselves as homosexual (or bisexual) was a choice that they have made, out of the blue. If I remember correctly, from long time ago in my child years, I was never influenced by anyone when I watched the TV and was attracted to the young guys (Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, and others) of the new Mickey Mouse Club from the early 90's. Even at elementary school, I could not help but admire the beauty of a fellow 7 year old boy. I still remember, sometimes with amazement, when I was in the second grade and one of my male classmates invited me to touch his chest, for a reason I can not remember. All I can say is that I was lucky I had that "touching" experience in my elementary days because I would have had a hard-on if it was in my teenage years. What I felt afterwards was like the moments after a first kiss. From then on, I knew I liked guys more than I "normally" should. Because of my personal experience from my infatuation with boys (my age) and later men (again, my age), I knew that my experience will support that I was born to be attracted to guys. Even afterwards, I was never told by a friend "Hey, being gay is 'in'. Let's be gay!" I was always, and still am, attracted to dudes and chicks... But mostly dudes! Now, I can comprehend why most people would believe the decision of "coming out" would be a choice. Personally, it is up to me alone to decide to come out, which to be honest I am not sure it will happen because I do like girls as well. If there is one thing I know from AIM conversations, V.J. is not the only guy in the USA that besides knowing I am attracted to guys, I will eventually marry to the girl of my dreams. Meaning that from this present day, I will marry a girl after everything is said and done. Anything can happen, so I might change my mind. To get with the topic, I theorize that there are many "straight" guys that are too afraid to accept themselves as gay or follow what I am planning to do which is eventually marry a girl without fully "coming out." Furthermore, because there is the possibility that there are single and married guys that had (or still are) attracted to guys, they never decided to consider themselves gay. Confusing? It's not your fault, when I ramble I might be confusing. What can I say? Many of my friends think I am a unique being, I don't blame them. I sometimes feel that I am the only one that is faced with this uncertainty, but after reading blog posts and advises from guys that already came out, I am reminded that I am not the only one with this task of finding who I really am. No one is perfect, including moi, but I feel that finding my true sexual preference is my biggest flaw. -- P.S. Ryan's entertaining blog post is what inspired me to write this entry. [[V.J. Civic; 2/02/2006 06:57:00 PM 2 Oranges Left links to this post]]

About Me