Scratches - Bucky Style

meow, Meow, MEOW!!!

2004-11-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

I'm back! I do apologize to all you wonderful readers and friends for the long absence. Now that I'm rested and rejuvenated, it's time to flex my claws and scratch away.

First on my scratch list, William Hung. Now I'm sure anyone whose remotely tuned-in to pop culture knows who he is. Yes, he is the fool who got on American Idol and sang a painful rendition on Ricky Martin's "She Bang". And since his appearance on American Idol, he has become somewhat of a star. He sang at the Cal games, he's made numerous television appearances, and he's sought after by the Aladdin Casino Resort in Las Vegas to headline one of their shows. Oh, and he's put out his own album and has a contract with Hong Kong TVB to perform on their station variety show. All the above was made possible to William Hung as a result of his courage to get on national television and take the humiliation from the judges of American Idols.

My problem with William Hung's success? Is that his success came with a great price to the image of the Asian American male. For decades, the image of the Asian American male in American media has been negative. The Charlie Chans and the Fu Man Chews. The buck tooth Japanese men and the nerdy engineers. The cheap bastards and abusive husbands of Amy Tan's novels. The Asian American male wasn't what you'd associate with descriptions like sexy, sensual, attractive, atheletic, or sensitive.

In the past twenty-or-so years, the image of the Asian American male has taken a positive turn thanks to guys like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Russell Wong, etc. Progress has been made, but we are still far from winning the battle.

But no thanks to William Hung, the Asian American male has just been whooped back to the Charlie Chan days. William Hung is such a big hit in American media because he is the embodiment of all the stereotypes of the Asian America male. He looks like he's got Down's Syndrome. (The unattractive, buck tooth Chinaman depicted in the politcal comics of the exclusion era and the war era.) He admitted on national television that he's a virgin. (The sexless, undesirable guy with the tiny penis.) Each time William Hung sings at an event, he provides Anglo America an opportunity to laugh at the Asian American male. William Hung is not famous because he has done something great or that he has talent. He's famous because he's the little yellow clown put out there for white America's amusement.

Again, I respect William Hung for his courage. But I really don't appreciate the fact that he is making a name for himself at the cost of the image of his Asian brothers. An image that the Asian America male has worked so long and hard to build.

Promise

2004-08-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I realize that my blog is not too interesting. I also realize that my readership is low...very low. So in an attempt to make my blog a little more interesting, I promise to do that following:

1) learn how to link to other sites, so I can link up some fun stuff for you all;
2) get a digital camera (when I can afford it) and take pics for my blog; and
3) update my blog more often.

Speaking of updates, to all you out there who are interested in what this kitty has been up to, I've been slaving away on a wrongful death case. I can't divulge any details of the case, but it's interesting. It's interesting enough that it actually motivates this cat to come to work even though I'm paid peanuts.

Saying good-bye...

2004-08-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

...to my uncle was hard to do.

My uncle, whose been a big presence in my life for as long as I can remember, have been suffering from emphysema for the past three years. I can still remember the numerous times I've held his hand while I rode with him in the ambulance, the times I'd sat in the ER with him praying to God that he'd keep my uncle safe, the times I'd visited my uncle in the hospital. In the course of three years, I've watched my uncle, a strong man, deteriorate into nothing. For the past year he hasn't been able to get up out of bed. His breathing is labored and his other bodily functions stopped one-by-one.

At 12:06 a.m., Sunday, August 8, 2004, my uncle's suffering ended. He passed away in a calm sleep. His family was there. Each of his daughters held his hands. His son gently bushed his forehead. His wife telling him that she loves him. He passed away in peace and love. He's in a better place now. A place where he's not suffering, his lungs are working, and he can breathe and walk without assistance.

In the week following my uncle's death, I had a hard time accepting the fact that he is gone forever. I keeping thinking that he's at the hospital or that he's home. It wasn't until I watched his coffin lowered into the ground, and the heavy stone cover being lowered on top of the coffin followed by the dirt that it hit me that he's never coming home. He's really gone.

I can only take solace in the fact that he is in a better place. He's not in pain anymore. His final resting place is beautiful. His grave is infront of a man-made pond and small waterfall. There are giant koi fishes in that pond. And the cemetary is right across the street from the Lucky Chances Casino. My uncle loves to gamble, so I think that's a good spot for him.

Funny In Farsi....

2004-08-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

I just bought myself a hardcover copy. I first read this book 4 months ago. I had borrowed it from the library. It's a fast read; I finished it in a day. It's funny, but at the sametime you can feel the love that the author and her family shares. I've read plenty of memoirs and their goal have always been to show the readers the hardship and pain the author has gone through - a whine fest in 300 pages or more. After a few of those, you just get depressed and tired of reading about someone's sorry-ass life. But Funny In Farsi is different. Sure the author and her family have gone through hardtimes, the revolution in Iran isn't something to laugh about, but the author reflected the joy and humor that her family found during hardtimes rather than just hammering on-and-on about the suffering and pain.

I love this book. So, when I saw the hardcover copy of the book on sale for only $10, I had to have it. I don't generally re-read books, but I have a feeling I'll be picking up this book again in the future.

Tightrope walking...

2004-07-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

...in strong wind. I'm balancing on my paws, digging my claws into the rope, praying hard that the wind doesn't blow me off. It's a long way down. They say cats always land on their feet. But at this height, landing on my feet will just mean I'm breaking my legs. I've started this endeavor not knowing that it'd be this difficult. I thought that with my sauve and grace, this would be a cake-walk. Boy am I wrong. But now I'm in the middle, I can't turn back.

The wind is blowing at me headon. My whiskers are whipped against my face. My eyes sting in the wind. But I can't turn back. There's only two ways I can go. Forward or downward. And as I look ahead, there he is, with a pair of scissors, working their sharp edges into the rope. What am I to do? Please god, let me make it across before the rope is severed. Please let me make it across before the next strong gust of wind. They say that cats have nine lives. But I know, if I fall, this is my last.

__________

I feel like I'm walking a tightrope. I hurt, I really do. I wish that I'm not always misconstruded or misunderstood. I'm not an evil kitty. Just an alley cat looking to be loved. Looking to feel secure that she has a place in this her human's heart. Looking to know that he won't cut the rope.

Will Work For Tuna...

2004-07-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

blue fin tuna that is. :) I've had it with this job! Yesterday, my boss pulled me into his room and told me that he thinks I'm unproductive and that I'm not meeting my deadlines efficiently. As he went on and on, I just sat there thinking "what the fuck am I doing here!"

I my defense, it's hard to get things done when I get interrupted constantly with more important and immediate projects by him. To top that off, whenever I give him a draft of a document, it takes a week for him to get it back to me. And, while we're at it, let's top this off with a cherry...which is he changes his mind about what he wants every five minutes. "I want you to draft a motion, no I want you to do an ex parte application, no I want it to be a motion...." And it goes on and on.

After his talk, I really felt bad. He really ruffled my fur. I do a lot, but yet none of it is recognized. I'm at work late and I go in on the weekends. What more can I do to show that I like my work. Now all this would be okay if I wasn't pay so little. I'm paid peanuts. I know receptionists who gets pay more than I do. (No joke.) I can't afford to pay my school loans and other expenses. I'm living on a shoe-string. I'm a sophisticated, smart and no-nonsense cat. I shouldn't have to scrounge around for pennies just to have enough to fly to L.A. to see my boyfriend. :(

Okay, so this kitty needs a new job. Actually, I've been looking for one for a while now, but nothing has materialized. I've done all the online searches and the legal papers. So my next step is to start networking. Can you imagine this kitty hob-nobbing? Rubbing the bottom of a wine glass? :P So if y'all out there have any job search idea for this kitty, pass it on. :)

Have a heart, help out the poor kitty.

Work...

2004-07-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

and loads of it. So I've been bored for the last couple of weeks here at work. We have two new summer interns to do most of the grunt work, so I'm left with the meatier assignments. But there just aren't enough of those. So I sit at my desk and scratch. But let me tell you...when it rains, it pours! I've just been given the following things:

1) Draft a contract under English law for a company in Sri Lanka.
2) Draft and file 12 small claims complaints and 2 regular complaints.
3) Review discovery responses and draft meet-and-confer letter. (The stack of responses are a foot high!!)
4) Draft case evaluation and request for authority letter.
5) Prepare all jury instructions and pre-trial motions.
6) Draft petition to re-open probate.

All of the above crap is due by Tuesday of next week. Can we say "No weekend for Bucky!"

And it doesn't help when this kitty just feels like curling up in a corner and nap. :P

Where are my claws!!!

2004-07-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling really down...floppy down. I'm sorry I haven't written in a while. I just don't know what to write. I don't want to disappoint you. I want to write something worth reading. I want to be entertaining. But I just can't do it. My claws aren't working...so no scratching.

I want to scream. I want to vent my anger. I want to lose my fear. I want to be held in his arms so I can cry. I want to love him. I want him to love me. I want him to hear me.

I feel weak. I feel lost. I feel numb.

I'm cold. I'm confused. I'm not my usual scratchy self.

Will you abandon me too?

Limping...

2004-06-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

like a lame duck. :P Woke up this morning with a sharp pain shooting up and down my left leg. What a marvelous way to start the day! :P

Do you smell something?

2004-06-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

I do. It's my "Dear Bucky" advice. They stink! After reading my responses to the "Dear Bucky" letters, I realize that they don't have the flare, that Bucky touch. I sound more like Dr. Phil than my scratchy self. :P So, I hereby promise that I'll do better next time. So keep those "Dear Bucky" letters coming.

As for whatelse...I'm hating my work! I've been spinning my wheels for 3 days now trying to finish this project I'm on, but I'm not getting anywhere. :P Arrrrrrrrrrrghh! Can we say "brain farting"!

Responses

2004-06-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Yes! I finally got "Dear Bucky" letters. :) So, I now flex my claws, and here we go.
__________

Dear Bucky, I have a problem.I'm addicted to the internet. I can't help it but all my friends are online buddies and my skin has become all pasty because i spend all my time chatting to them on various messengers. Its got so bad now that I even refuse to use the telephone to communicate, its messenger or nothing...please help..I'm afraid I'm going to get sucked into a sick and debauched world....yours...Sore eyed one

Dear Sore eyed one,
You have a serious problem. But you're problem isn't uncommon in this day and age where everything is done on the computer. I'd say take a baseball bat to your computer! Then go out and get a life! Okay, maybe that was a little harsh. But, do evaluate why all of your friends are online buddies. Whatever happened to the friends you had prior to the IM craze? Obviously you enjoy chatting with the online buddies, now how about asking them out for coffee or whatever guys do for fun instead of sitting in front of the computer all day. And here is a few simple things to do to overcome your addiction: 1) the next time you want to IM, turn off the computer and take deep breaths, 2) call a buddy, a relative, just call someone...you need to reconnect with the non-IM world, and 3) monitor your time spent on IM, set a limit and stick to it. It's a struggle, but you can do it. Just take it step by step one day at a time.
-Bucky
________________

Dear Bucky, my boyfriend (for lack of a better word) doesn't really care about me. He just wants sex. He never wants to talk to me about my problems, our problems, his life outside his gay computer games, or things in the future. He never wants to talk about moving things up to the next level. Yes he's nice and handsome and gives me gifts, but they're all so that he can get laid at the end of the day. And he's always saying that if I don't put out, he might be tempted to hook up with the next girl he sees. I'm thinking about dumping him but I'd really feel lonely without him. Please help.

Dear Anonymous gal,
Do you really need me to tell you what to do?! You have the answer already, just act on it. You know you deserve more than just being the guy's "fuck buddy." A pretty face and gifts aren't worth a damn if he can't treat the way you'd like to be treated. Girl, you worry about feeling lonely without him, but you're feeling lonely now. You said he doesn't want to share in your problems or take to you about his life, etc. You're not physically lonely, but you are emotionally lonely...you need something that he is not willing to give. As for him being a nice guy...pleazzz. He's telling you that if he's not getting it from you, he'll get it from somewhere else. Do yourself a favor, don't waste your time when you know you're not getting what you want. You won't be lonely, trust that you're friends will be there for you. Plus, there are plenty of fishes out in the sea, it won't be long before you're with someone who values you.
-Bucky

Have a heart.....

2004-06-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

and help this poor kitty out with her "Dear Bucky" column. Send me a problem so I can comment on it...Bucky style.

Disclaimer: All advice given by Bucky M. Katt should not be deemed as professional advice in any capacity. Advice and comments given are opinions of this crazy cat and should not be taken seriously nor should they be acted upon. Writers to the "Dear Bucky" column should have a sense of humor and thick skin for the comments given by Bucky M. Katt for they do not cater to the sensitive kinds.

Okay, how's that for sounding like a lawyer. ;) But in all seriousness, no legal advice will be dished out by this kitty.

TGIF!...and you can say it again.

2004-06-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a loooooooooooonnnng week. I've been dizzy and sick all of last week and this week. The doctor's diagnosis? Stress and low blood pressure. Today's the first day in two weeks that I'm feeling a bit like my scratchy self. :)

So it's Friday! What do you all have planned for the evening and the weekend? Personally, I am going to just get a little R&R. Gonna curl up on my fluffy pillows with a good book, a can of fancy tuna and some milk. That'll make me one happy Katt ;)

Actually the above is my dream weekend. In reality, I'm going to be at work on Saturday and Sunday. Deadlines, breadlines, headlines...do they ever stop?! :P

Okay, so I have an idea. Listen up folks. I've always wanted to do a sort of "Dear Abby" column. Of course, I'm not an expert at anything...but I have a patient ear and like to dish out nonprofessional, Judge Judy meets Dr. Phil style advice for what they're worth. So I'm thinking of starting a "Dear Bucky" column right here on my blog. But for an endeavor like this to work, I'm going to need people who wants Bucky's opinion. So help me out here... ;)

Who am I?

2004-06-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

On a lexapro day, I'm Bucky M. Katt. I'm witty, funny and a smart-ass in a crass sorta way. Give me any crowd, and I can have them laughing in seconds. Give me any amount of work, and I'll have it completed in a flash. Give me a box of lemons, and I'll give you back ice cold lemonade.

On a lexapro day, I'm a carefree soul. I'm light-hearted, cheerful and an extrovert in a social butterfly sorta way. Give me a foe and I can make him/her a friend within two sentences. Give me the world, and I'll make it a better place in a jiffy. Give me your problems, and I'll give you a list of solutions with an "I care" card attached.

On a lexapro day, I'm the girl he's in love with. I'm loving, understanding and independent in a Hilary Clinton sorta way. Give me him as a frog and I can turn him into Mr. GQ at mach 3 speed. Give me his troubles and I'll set the table for two. Give me his love, and I'll return love twofold along with hugs and kisses to spare.

Without lexapro:
I'm frumpy, dumpy and grumpy.
I can't find the strength to smile.
I'm affraid to be around people.
I can't concentrate on work.
I'm depressed.
I can't see the silverlining behind the dark clouds.
I'm jealous of every girl that crosses his path.
I can't see the point in making an effort.
I'm praying for my life to end.

Without lexapro:
I am M-*#- A. Y@_0

A round of applause for the SFPUC

2004-06-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Now this is San Francisco, so needless to say, we have more colors here than a box of Crayola Crayons. When a city agency or public service organization prints pamphlets, mailers, etc., they are usually printed in English and a few foreign languages. Mailers often include languages such as Vietnamese, Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog.

But, just the other day, I received a mailer from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission regard water quality with information printed in at least twenty different languages. Among them is Farsi!!! This is the first time I've seen Farsi in any public agency publications. Kudos to the SFPUC for recognizing the diversity of our city!!!!

Let the clawing begin!

2004-06-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

So here we go...I'm starting a blog. My very own blog! Hmm...now which direction should I take this blog? Should it be a "Dear Abby" sort of thing? Should it be a place for all my observations and political rants? How about a place for the random "bitchfest"? Hmm....choices, choices. Well, no one says I have to pick just one. So, my final answer, this will be a free-for-all blog.

About myself:

name: Bucky M. Katt
age: 4
height: 18 inches tall
ethnicity: Siamese
best attribute: my claws
my likes: cracking mean jokes about everything and everyone
my dislikes: people who can't handle humor