Car Air Con Blues

Last Saturday, I was just at NLEX on the way to Zambales when I noticed the air con working intermittently. From my limited previous experience, it can be two things: air con system problem or engine cooling system problem. I checked the temperature gauge and I saw to my alarm that it’s above normal. So at a Shell station, I topped up the reservoir with water. It was fine for a while but eventually the air conditioning was still intermittent and the temperature above normal.

When I reached San Fernando, I decided to get the air conditioning checked at a roadside air con shop. They didn’t find anything wrong with it but found out that the radiator has dried up. Apparently, the water from the reservoir was not going into the system because of the high pressure. They released the pressure, cooled down the system by splashing water, and put water into the radiator and reservoir. Voila! Everything works. Or so I thought. At the Subic Tollway, the air conditioning died again.

The next day, I had it checked at another roadside air con shop and they couldn’t find anything wrong. So I instructed them to direct link the compressor clutch to the battery so that the compressor will be engaged all the time. It is a major gas waste and causes more wear and tear on the compressor but at that time, it sure seemed like a good idea. It sure beats driving in the heat.

Everything was well all the way until SCTEx on the way back to Manila. While running at higher RPMs, the compressor overheated. Normally, the compressor automatically disengages at high RPMs. But I had it direct linked and engaged all the time! I had to pull over to the shoulder and splashed water on the compressor. I also disconnected the direct link between the compressor clutch and the battery. I drove without air con the rest of the way.

Today, I had it checked at the friendly neighborhood air con shop and they found out it was just the air con fuse. Sheesh.

2008 July 20 Crystal Beach Resort, San Narciso, Zambales

After several attempts at marshalling people for weekend surfing, Michelle and I finally decided to just push through with or without the others :P And right after Jem and Grace’s wedding, push through we did. As usual, we went to Crystal Beach, rented boards, and enlisted Bobot to assist us. We surfed for only about an hour and the waves were rather inconsistent. Still, it was lots of fun especially since we weren’t able to surf the last time we visited Crystal Beach.

If there’s a will, there’s a way.

The Dark Knight

This has got to be the greatest Batman or even superhero movie to date. Gotham City is still a crime-ridden city. The mob controls the streets as the police, led by an incorruptible councilman and police chief, fight a never ending struggle against them. Vigilantes dressed as The Batman roam the street to take matters into their own hands.

Into this chaos, The Joker steps in. A mysterious figure with no history: No past and only a present and future of anarchy. The Batman must find out who he is and stop him before he bathes the city in fire and blood. As he does, he sets into motion things he didn’t expect.

The mood of the movie is dark and somber. It fits The Batman who is as dark, brooding, and tormented as ever. The Joker was absolutely demented and totally terrifying. This movie is as much about him as it is about The Batman. He’s greatest superhero movie villain to date. This last role of Heath Ledger earns him a position in the ranks of great movie villains like Hannibal Lecter and Anton Chigurh (No Country For Old Men).

This is not your normal adolescent superhero movie. Even though sanitized for PG-13, this is more mature material and even disturbing and thought-provoking.

Rating: 5/5

Bacon-Wrapped Kani Sticks

Michelle wanted me to try this viand which used to be available at Something Fishy.

Kani sticks
Bacon
Oyster Sauce

Cut kani sticks to around 4-6 inches long. Wrap with bacon. If you’re having a hard time with the bacon unraveling, pin with barbecue sticks or toothpicks. Fry untill golden brown. Coat with a bit of oyster sauce and serve.

I’m Yours

By Jason Mraz

      C
Well, you done done me and you bet I felt it
  G
I tried to be chill but your so hot that i melted
  Am                                     F
I fell right through the cracks, and i'm tryin to get back
C
before the cool done run out i'll be givin it my best test
G
and nothin's gonna stop me but divine intervention
Am                             F
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some 

C            G
I won't hesitate no more,
    Am              F
no more, it cannot wait i'm yours 

C                                   G
Well open up your mind and see like me
                                    Am
open up your plans and damn you're free
                                      F
look into your heart and you'll find love love love
C                                                  G
listen to the music at the moment maybe sing with me
                     Am
Ah, la peaceful melody
                                    F
It's your god forsaken right to be loved loved loved loved Loved