Farewell Conan

My first encounter of the Conester was through a video clip of Triumph the Comic Insult Dog. Back then, I didn’t know that stupid puppet originated from this show called “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” Of course I know Conan from his wacky antics but I never really knew what the guy has to offer. That was until ETC was launched to cables nationwide.

Armed with a bowl of cereals, sitting in front of our TV at exactly 12:00 am, it was five years ago since I watched my very first “Late Night.” I don’t even remember his guests and jokes back then. All I remember was a statement from Jay Leno in a clip about him retiring and something like, “In five years, Conan, it’s yours.” Leno was of course referring to his “Tonight Show.” That was five years ago. It seemed like a long time since then. Now, Conan’s about to join the ranks of Johnny Carson, Jack Paar, and Steve Allen, previous people sitting behind the “Tonight’s” desk. Jimmy Fallon replaces our red-haired albino as the new host of Late Night. Yes, Conan heads to the West Coast as Late Night with Conan O’Brien had its final broadcast last Friday, February 20. 2,725 episodes: not bad for a guy who only a handful people believed in when he was just starting out.

Conan’s brand of comedy is silliness to the point of sheer stupidity. But he delivers every line and joke with finesse and assurance. He always makes fun of himself and usually gives out exaggerated expressions. For 16 years he did that and it won the hearts of his viewers. Whether he was taking over a European country (he had this long-running skit about him taking over Finland because he looked like its female prime minister), insulting every nation in the known free world in Conan Hates My Homeland (one of my faves), interviewing celebrities in a flat screen with only their mouths moving, showing clips of Walker Texas Ranger, his witty monologues and A-list guests, his trademark string dance…Conan O’Brien entertained the world.

Who would have thought that this comedy writer from Harvard, who once penned for The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live, will host one of the most iconic shows in late night viewing? I will miss “Late Night.” For five years I was a fan, most of my “materials” I got from watching the show. Will he be as effective in an earlier timeslot? Here’s what he had to say:

“There are people that have hosted these kinds of shows who are better than I am. Nobody has ever enjoyed it more than I do. It’s an incredible, amazing honor to do this show for you people.”

“I want to say something about--we’re going on to this next gig, and sometimes I read that it’s time for Conan to grow up because he’s going to 11:30…And I assure you, that’s just not going to happen. I can’t. This is who I am, for better or for worse.” -- Conan O’Brien, 2009

He’s Alive...

In an effort to keep my thinking sane and not slothness take over me, I will try to revive my blogger self. Ever since Christmas season came, I’ve been much too busy doing nothing to write. And the span of December to today, middle of February, is just too long to not get any updates from yours truly. As if people care. Okay, so I never really abandoned the idea of writing. You could see some miserable entries over the course of the holidays and the beginning of this year. I even found time to write how my 2008 went and what to expect this coming year. But gone are the useless entries I write about things that tickle my fancy.

Since December, two college friends tied the knot, I celebrated my birthday, countless reunions and sessions, lost my beloved parking space, lost and gained some individuals, and a slightly life-altering situation. Insignificant, really. But who cares, right? Humankind are suffering from the global financial crisis and here I am rambling about silly things that I went through. Sorry, earthlings. Blame Bill Clinton.

So much happened that writing about them just isn’t feasible for a Grandmaster Sloth that is me. Anyway, I’ve summarized events that I partook in at the end of every month. So far, I’m getting by. Especially now that I ain’t distracted anymore.

I believe that people are richer during holidays for some reason. Now, I’m feeling the after-effects of living “the” life. The caption “Insufficient Funds” is blinking whenever I think of purchasing something. My birthday really took at toll on my riches as this is the first time that I shouldered almost everything. This is the first time colleagues are going to experience an event by moi. Mustn’t disappoint. It didn’t. I was though.

Speaking of disappointments and frustrations…I’ve been really feeling miserable with what’s happening to the office right now. Think the ruling of Marcos and the brains of ERAP. Perfect combination, lovely, isn’t it? I want to break free… But is it possible to without any direction to go to?

Recently, I’ve been catching up with TV shows that I missed because of parties and social life. (Naks!) And this is because of this “no-more-distraction” condition that I’m in. It’s that condition yet again that the focus of Tim is Tim, the most important person in Tim’s life. Why? It’s obvious.

I don’t know how to end this. With a quote? Let me think of one…

Okay, I spent the last 10 minutes searching in Google and I can’t find one. Bah! (--,)

January

Start the year right. January always delivers. Yay! Fun-filled month and not one boring moment. Lots of ups and plenty of downs, but the ups and highlights trumps the downs. The negative side took its toll on us work-wise though. I feel the end is near and an uprising is at hand. Anyway, let the pictures narrate to you how my January went. I turned a year older and interesting things transpired. Woot!

January 1, 2009 | New Year Morn at Merville

January 1, 2009 | In-Between Nights

January 3, 2009 | Arfel & Len’s Wedding

January 3, 2009 | After Wedding Party with Classic ABE

January 3, 2009 | Nay-in-Law’s Despedida

January 17, 2009 | T&O’s Screwdriver Bash

January 19, 2009 | 23

January 25, 2009 | FROLICS ‘09 with High School friends

January 30, 2009 | Dinner with Friendships

January 31, 2009 | Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Lots of people don’t like February for some reason. I don’t like the occasion it signifies but I’ve always found Februaries to be interesting, at least, for me. So, let’s hope the month of hearts won’t disappoint.