For as long as I can remember, my grampa told me that dogs are smarter than cats. Well, just because a dog will do tricks isn’t reason enough to say cats are not smart. My theory is that cats are so smart, they won’t learn any tricks unless they want to — it’s not something they have to do. Cats also learn by observation. They’re smart enough to know when they’re scolded not to do that behavior in front of you again — or they simply wait until your back is turned. For these reasons, I am completely convinced that cats are smarter than dogs. This will further prove my point…

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm – Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat’s Daily Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now…

[Author: Unknown]

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At midday on June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world, had died at 50. Today is the one year anniversary of his passing.

My sister is a big fan of MJ and his undeniable talent. I knew how much his music meant to her so I made her a music video and singles collection of all his songs and gave it to her last Christmas. It took me nearly three months to collect over 20 videos, 30 hit singles, and hundreds of artwork to create this compilation. This was the final product:

It’s all very bittersweet, and while fans still mourn him, we can all appreciate the fact that his music still, and will always, live on.

Michael Jackson
1958 — Forever

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That’s me and my dad. I was about nine months old in this picture when we were still living in Canoga Park, California.

My dad and I have a love-hate relationship. I adored my dad when I was a kid because I thought he was the smartest man in the world. He knew so much about everything, especially technology. He taught me how to type, how to use computers, showed me how to build my first PC, he even encouraged me to go into programming because he was confident that I would do well.

Over the years we started drifting apart. As much as he is smart, he’s also the traditional chauvinistic dad, and stubborn at that. We’d get into many arguments over his expectations and my decisions in life. And even though he’s my dad, and I should respect him, I always put up a fight whether they were big or small. I’m just as stubborn as he is and I will never give up an argument when I know that he’s wrong.

I finally decided to moved out on my own during my college years and got involved in other things like going out, having boyfriends, social networking, etc. Having that distance helped my relationship with my dad but our conversations became brief and less frequent. I only see him now on a few occasions: Christmas, Chinese New Years, and Father’s Day. We still talk when I visit but its not like how things were before. And I accept that.

For what its worth, he is the reason for the person I am today. Although no one seems to understand him as much as I do, especially my sisters and my mom… Through the good and bad, I still love my dad and he knows that. Happy father’s day daddy.

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My boyfriend bought me a pair of diamond heart earrings a few Valentine’s ago and they’re my favorite piece of jewelry. I’ve worn them practically every day! But over the years its gotten pretty dull from all the hair styling products and every day grime. The luster and shine isn’t there anymore. So I found a simple cleaning solution:

1. Soak for 20 minutes in a solution of one cup warm water and 1/4 cup ammonia.
2. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush to get into the small areas. Soft and gentle is the key! Don’t use a brush with bristles that are too stiff or apply excessive pressure to scratch the metal setting.
3. Rinse with warm water and lay on a tissue to dry.

I’m a little OCD and I like taking my time with precious things. So after rinsing my earrings with warm water, I dried them with a lint-free cloth and used a pin needle to carefully get in between the crevasses of the diamonds and the setting. After I got all the nooks and crannies cleaned, I used a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to sterilize and now my earrings are sparkly new again!

Diamonds are the hardest known substance, but that doesn’t mean we can bring them back to its glory with any old cleanser. Coatings and other materials used to enhance diamonds can be removed by harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing, so take care when it’s time to make your diamond jewelry sparkle.

For more instructions on how to clean diamonds and other types of jewelry, check out RealSimple.com.

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Happy Mother’s Day to all moms everywhere, especially mine, pictured here in Canoga Park, California with me in her arms, in 1984.

Also, to my grandma on my father’s side who raised me and watched me grow, I’m fortunate to have her in my life today.

To my Aunt Elaine, always an important and influential figure in my life. How could I be the person I am today if it weren’t for you to teach me failure and success, and to push me to strive for the best in life.

To my late mother-to-be, you are always so sweet and patient with me. I miss you every day.

And of course, to my kind, wise, and loving great grandmother… I love you and miss you always.

You are all amazing.

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