You Sell-Out.

I finally did it. I caved in.

Just like everyone else in this world, I joined facebook. I don't even know how it works or why
people are into it. All I know is that for now, it's my only way of seeing pictures from my cousin's wedding this past weekend.

If you're on facebook and would like to "add me as a friend", let me know (and don't forget, I may not like you anyway) (wink). Then let me know why on earth you joined this weird web thing in the first place.

Recap How Your Birthday Party Went In Four Shots

One More Word

I think I figured out how to pronounce my name as a true ozzie. So many Aussies said my name this past Saturday at my party.

Instead of "Ernie", say "Annie".

(pause)

Actually, it's more like "Uhnie".

Yeah. "Uhnie".

We Interrupt Birthday Month

for this important announcement:

A scene from the full-length film "Sex And The City" was leaked, posted, and spread over the web yesterday- click here to see the four women filming (and two guys kissing at the end) .

Picture on the left is Carrie and Big on set in early September.
.
"Salamat" ("thank you" in filipino) to Jesse for filling me in on the news.

He's 37, Alive, And Reunited With Twin Brother

Happy Birthday, Ernies!

The Birthday That Wasn't Supposed To Be

Tomorrow, I turn 37. It's the birthday that doctors said wouldn't happen.

I vividly remember last year's party, where I told most of my family (37 of them) the news that doctors said I had less than a year to live. We all started crying. We celebrated it as if it was my last.

And here I am, turning older, wiser, and hopefully, as I close my eyes, make a wish and blow out the candles, a little bit healthier.

I've never been so grateful for a birthday in this way. In the past, I focused on presents, the anticipation of surprise, and the pampering of my body whatever way I wished. Today, I'm celebrating life. I'm alive, breathing, smiling, and loving my family, partner, and friends every day in every way possible.

So...as I go to bed, and hopefully wake up tomorrow morning, let's raise a glass and toast, to the "birthday that wasn't supposed to be".

If Miuccia Calls, Take A Message.

Prada, you are truly amazing.

First, you designed stores that captured the hearts of designers and architects. Then you gave permission to build Prada Marfa. Then you make skinny ties cool again. Then you did crazy robot keychains.

And now this. You partnered up with LG to create a slimmer, sleeker, much more fashion-forward version of an iphone that is not available in the US.

I am impressed.

Her Prerogative

"Everybody's talkin' all this stuff about me

Why don't they just let me live? (tell me why)

I don't need permission

Make my own decisions (oh)

That's my prerogative"

Man, I wish people would just leave Britney alone. Five days after opening for MTV's Video Music Awards, the press is still busy slamming and picking on her performance. The latest gossip they're fascinated with and busy telling everyone today is that she had abs "spraypainted" on to enhance definition.

Who cares! People have plastic surgery, do botox shots, color their hair, wear wigs, cake on make-up, and wear black clothing, all to camouflage flaws and all that make their appearance less perfect.

I watched her performance for myself last night. Sure, it wasn't spectacular. Sure, she gained a little weight. (Let me see you pop two kids out and still have washboard abs and a firm butt.) She's a mom. She did fine.

And don't say her career's over. According to Radio and Records, *the* Bible for top radio stations in the US and the hottest songs, "Gimme More" ranked #1 for "Most Added Song" to Top 40 radio stations everywhere, above Rihanna, who supposedly "was not impressed with Britney's performance" and received widely positive reviews from her live performances at previous VMA's.

Let go, people. Let it go. Build a bridge, and get over it.

Basic Math

Australia's "cure for a hangover" + Ritchie Valens = Barack Obama!

The Devil Wears...Manolo?

Will Sarah Jessica Parker play the next Miranda Priestly? According to Variety magazine, American Idol finalist, Jennifer Hudson, will join the cast of the full-length film of "Sex And The City", where she will play Carrie Bradshaw's assistant.

J-Hud, spice it up- giv'em a little sistah' girl talk!

(A special thanks to J-Ho for the leak.)

Now You Can Sound Ozzie!

You'll be surprised that a person with a strong Aussie accent can actually sound like an American. I came up with at least four words where if you pronounce their counterpart like an average American, you'll sound 100% Australian!

"heart"- pronounce "hot"

"please"- pronounce "plays"

"nice"- pronounce "noise"

"turn"- pronounce "ten"

(sigh)

Has someone ever made a comment about you and that remark stayed with you all day?

That's what to me happened today. Earlier this morning, "someone" and I were talking about a friend. I described the friend as "Skinny Twig" (in the nicest way possible). "Someone" retorted with "okay, Black Kettle, you have no room to talk. You're skinnier than he is".

I didn't believe it. There's no way I'm thinner than "Twig". I asked "someone" whether they really believed that. They said, "definitely."

Reader, if their assessment is correct, then I am much more skinny than I think. I must look very frail and weak in reality. Is this true?

I'm not fishing for compliments, I'm looking for the truth.

Toto, We're Not In America Anymore

Man, where do I start? Let's see...the 14+ hour flight from L.A. to Sydney was rough but manageable. It would make a horrible picture if someone took a shot showing everyone packed in like sardines trying to sleep.

Our luggage made it over okay, except for one bottle of cologne which leaked all over everything. You can best believe that I am a little sick of "Bond No. 9 Stateside Drive" right now.

The weather here has been cold for me, probably 70 degrees. I've been wearing my North Face and a beanie to keep me warm. Everyone else is in shorts and short sleeve shirts.

Other than that, Paul and I have been bouncing around trying to meet up with people, either a bite to eat, or a cup of coffee.

Haven't started missing things in the US yet. Give me another day (or two).

G'Day Mate!

Oh wow, I can't believe I'm here!!! I would write more, but I'm at a computer I can't use for a long time, so I'll keep it short:

My cell phone:
country code (61)
4-16-591-098

My address:
Ernie Deomampo, Jr.
1011/1 Kings Cross Road
Darlinghurst, NSW
Australia
2010

More to come...