BF and The Tipping Point

A few months ago, when the MMDA started repainting the walls of the EDSA tunnels, one of my friends asked: "Why bother"? We all know that with the amount of vehicle exhaust spouted on a daily basis, those walls would turn from white to grey within 24 hours. So really, that whole exercise did seem totally pointless.

But now that I'm reading The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, cleansing tunnel walls of accumulated gunk then giving them a new paint job suddenly makes sense. MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando must have read that book, or at least the Broken Windows Theory of criminologist George Kelling. The idea is basically that our behavior is influenced by our environment ("context"), that dirty, messed up surroundings encourage lawlessness. Not bothering to clean things up sends the signal that no one cares and no one is in charge. Thus, things like graffiti (or in Manila's case, grime), contribute to public disorder.

The application of this theory extends beyond tunnel wall cleaning. It also explains the removal of sidewalk vendors and well, graffiti from inner city walls. Hopefully the next thing he does is to paint those lane-marker thingees on the roads (dunno what they're called), so people actually stick to one lane. Right now EDSA is a virtual free for all... it's pretty crazy.

Anyways, whether or not it's because BF read the book, I'm glad he's doing what he does. If the next administration replaces him, it'd better be with someone who has the same respect for order and cleanliness. ALTHOUGH. I still haven't forgiven him for raping Katipunan of its old trees.

Robbery!

This will be really quick...

I just watched Cars and OMG!!!!!!!!!! It was TOTALLY ROBBED at the Oscars!!!!!! It was easily a bazillion times better than the freakin' waste-of-two-hours that was Happy Feet! I am now so furious that I will boycott the Oscars for the rest of my life. Hehe. Cars is definitely up there with both Toy Story movies, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles.

I love Pixar. I want to work for Pixar. I want to market Pixar movies. And get loads of free Pixar merchandise. Weeee!

Hiatus. Boooooo.

No new Grey's Anatomy episode 'til March 15. This time of the week I'm normally downloading the day's episode, but that ain't happening now. I suppose that in a way it's okay because I get to catch up on work and in a bit, I'm going to the gym. Yey.

The second American Idol 6 results show is on tonight but since I already know who's out, I'm not gonna bother watching. I am annoyed that Antonella Barba didn't get kicked out. I mean, she's exactly the type of contestant Simon describes as arrogant but with very little talent. That "You were wrong about Jennifer Hudson, so I'm okay" comment just totally turned me off. Number one, the judges didn't kick JH out, American voters did. And second of all, Salmonella I mean Antonella is nowhere near the same league as JH! How dare she! *rolls eyes* I hope she and the Haley girl go next. They just should not be in the Top 12.

As for the guys, too bad the part-Filipino AJ is off the show. He's a pretty good singer, but I can't say I'm surprised that not enough viewers found him appealing. He's certainly cuter than that Phil dude though. My guy faves at this point are Chris Sligh, Blake Lewis, who had me at Somewhere Only We Know, and Chris Richardson. Haven't made my mind up about my favorite girls, so many of them are really good.


Currently listening to: Always on Your Side by Sting and Sheryl Crow. *sigh*