Ferrari the 13th

This is the Ferrari 575 GTC, the latest addition to model cars collection courtesy of my brother.

Now I have 13 model cars in total. Hm, to get or not to get another one… ^^.

...A BRAND NEW CARRRR!!!

Well, at least a model one. I jumped the bandwagon of the Shell Ferrari Model Cars promo. This is the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorrano. It looks pretty on the outside but it’s actually made of light plastic material. It’s also supposed to have real engine sounds but I think batteries are needed. Nonetheless, it’s for display purposes anyway—and I don’t intend to remove it from the box after this.

Now the Ferrari joins my other collection of car models: (1st row: Honda NSX, Mistbishi Lancer Evolution IV and Nissan Skyline GTR; 2nd row: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII and Mazda Atenza).

Add that with my Initial D collection…hehe, I didn’t realize I have 12 model cars in total! ^o^

When lessons in school become real…

Being exposed to the field of Abnormal Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology has desensitized me from the bizarre and socially unacceptable behaviors and thoughts psychiatric patients display. For instance, a random greased-up person clad in mismatched clothes, holding a broom as if it were a gun and acting like a policeman in the middle of the road hardly makes me laugh but rather, fascinates me in an academic way. These ‘taong grasa’, which some label as ‘possible schizophrenics’, are a common sight on the route that I usually take when going around the metropolis.

Today, however, was the first time I’ve seen a person that possibly fit under an intriguing type of schizophrenia—

the catatonic type

On the way to tennis this morning, I passed by this individual who was standing across a church. She was bare naked, appeared to be clean with no apparent smudges of dirt (from my vantage point, at least) and was in the posture as if she was either trying to catch or reach for something with her right arm and hand, while the left was crossed against her chest. Her mouth was open and shaped like an “o” in a protruding fashion. The interesting part was she was completely still.

Seeing these cases on film and reading about them books is fascinating enough but witnessing it in the real, everyday context brought up certain states of pity, concern and responsibility. These people are sometimes mocked and made fun of as if exposing themselves is their intentional way of having a good time. I seriously doubt that’s the case. As a psychologist, I wondered if I should’ve done more than just watch and pass by—a tiny part of me felt so, but the rationale side asked in what way. Pathology is not even my field; I wonder how my psychiatry and clinical psych colleagues would feel.

On route home, she was no longer there. Wherever she is, I just hope the world won’t be too harsh on her.

What Statistics is REALLY trying to tell us...

Now somebody compute this manually with me. Woohoo!

Credit goes to Marie for sharing this.

French Feast

There are several things that I would associate with France, such as the French Open, Zinedine Zidane, Impressionist painters and my feeble attempt to learn French back in sophomore year in high school. Pizza with wine was certainly far off from my list, until recently.

Thanks to R’s invitation, I, along with other bloggers, were able to experience the summer flavor of France last March 3, courtesy of Café Provencal located at the second floor of the Edsa Shangri-La mall. They served us samplers of their Summer in Provence offering ranging from four varieties of pizzas, two wine selections, two main dishes and dessert. The highlight of the Summer in Provence is its varieties of thin-crust Napoletana pizzas and choice wines. Here’s a closer view of the pizzas and their descriptions.

Let the feast begin!

The appetizer—bread and spread, which rhymes and did not disappoint! ^^

Then came the first batch of pizzas—the left half is the Asparagus and the right half is Roasted Garlic. I preferred the Asparagus, where the sun dried tomatoes really made its presence felt.

Next came the second batch of pizzas—top half is the Spicy Chorizo and the bottom half is the Tarragon Chicken. Between the two, I’d go with the Tarragon chicken but overall, it’s still the Asparagus ^-^

Next was the pasta. Don’t let the size deceive you because this is one big helping. The garlic bread does not taste like the usual garlic bread though; it’s kind of heavy. The pasta, however, is good!

Now, this tasted really great—Beef Braised in Burgundy with Mashed Potatoes. I actually wondered how this will taste with rice (Hehehe~ Pinoy, eh : ).

Finally, the dessert…Beignet served with chocolate spread and powdered sugar. WANT. WANT. WANT!!! This has a doughnut-like texture and quite filling even if it does not appear rich. Yummy! Sinful, but who cares!? ^o^

There were two types of wine that were served. The first one, I believe was the Alexis Syrah Grenache Rose Wine. It’s red in color and was a little to strong for me, considering that it was wine. I preferred the second one, the Corail—just the right amount of fruitiness and kick.

Now that concludes the night I got a taste of the summertime in Provence, France. A month has passed and I still recall the delightfulness of this French Mediterranean cuisine. I suggest you treat yourself as well. Allez, CAFE PROVENCAL for an evening well spent! ^_^