I have to admit that my family tends to spend a lot on groceries on a monthly basis. But with increases of food costs due to our sluggish economy, I have started cutting back.

I have asked a lot of friends who are married or have children on how they are budgeting for groceries and many have expressed spending around $200-$400 a month on groceries. Many who feel that the costs are getting to expensive for their families but to them, it’s part of a necessity for their family.

As for the decisions that I have made, partly more for health related decisions and cutting costs, I hardly eat out anymore unless its business related or certain meet ups with friends or family. For the first time, I also started taking an interest on various grocery establishments that give you a great deal.

Recently, I went to Costco with family and although they have great deals on meat, wine and if you want to buy in bulk, I feel that these type of places, I can end up spending more money because of the non-food items available at the store. In fact, I find myself in this position at Super Wal-Marts and probably at a Super Target because it’s one thing to spend little on groceries but once I hit another non-food section, I end up buying things. So, I try to not go to these areas to shop for groceries.

I checked out the Grocery Outlet stores which are great for prices on food, especially canned or processed food. But I’m trying to not be dependent on processed food because of its high sodium content. But it’s great place if you are on a budget.

And that is the first thing that one should do. Establish a budget. How much do you want to spend on groceries. Heck, I would love to spend only $100 on groceries a month if I can. Is it even possible for a family of three? That is the current experiment that I’m trying to see if it’s possible.

For one thing, I have stopped purchasing my favorite “Special K with Vanilla Almond” because the prices keep going up from $2.74 to like $3.29-$3.99. So, I have been trying to find alternatives and found a General Mills version which taste great and bought it at Grocery Outlet for $1.99. What a deal! But I learned that things that come in to the Grocery Outlet, once it’s sold out, you probably won’t find it for months. So, I started trying other brands than the typical traditional, popular cereal brands and trying others and so far, they are around the $2.25, under $3.00 range, so that worked for me.

Friends recently told me about a place called Winco where you can just go in and select cereal that is sold by bulk and not in boxes and just fill up to what you need. I’ll probably be checking on that next.

I also buy whole wheat breads (about $1.89) and started making my own type of sandwiches and also bought a few different condiments, sauces and low fat mayo, since I tend to get bored of things, so definitely like trying different condiments to change the taste. I also buy whole wheat pasta which are also not too costly.

We also are trying the canned tuna (in water) foods. Before we would buy the more expensive Albacore but because we are in this smaller budget, we are eating more chunky tuna.

And as for basics, we are trying out non-major label brands and trying for the cheaper Kroger type products.

Some friends recommended making sandwiches or burritos in advance and refrigerating them. I haven’t tried it but I do know that when we had Japanese students living at my home, they would make a lot of it and since they were living on a budget, survived on tortillas, refried beans and taco bell sauce.

As for beverages, we buy a lot of water and low-fat apple juice. The good thing is I stopped drinking soda a few years ago (I do drink it at a party or if invited to a home and that is what’s offered) but this has helped save money. Although, my wife is addicted to Diet Pepsi and I doubt that she will stop that anytime soon.

So far, we are staying within budget but where I find it challenging is cereal and milk. We go through it so quickly and milk is so expensive. Personally, I thought dairy prices were according to gas prices but with gas prices down, I sure haven’t seen milk prices go down.

Also, I found myself having to stop eating grapes this past week. For one bag, it was about $8 and not sure if that was what I was paying because I just put it in my cart and never look at my receipts but recently I went on a grocery trip for cereal, milk and grapes and was surprised how much seedless green grapes were going for. Not sure if it’s because it’s the season or what…but I should pay attention to the prices of fruits because heck, I used to buy two or three bags of seedless green grapes (which probably cost $21-24) and now I’m probably going to cut this out of my purchase because of the cost.

Anyway, this is just an experiment and I’ll follow up to let you know how it works. If anyone has any suggestions of what they do at home, please share!

Kobe Bryant with an awesome 3 pointer with a minute left against the New Orleans Hornets. Awesome!

As of today, the LA Lakers are the only undefeated team in the NBA and what a great feeling to see the Lakers on top again this season.

Currently the Lakers are 7-0 and in the 1997 season, they were 11-0. I hope the group can keep it up because after the NBA finals loss to the Boston Celtics, I went through a few withdrawals and hoping the team could rebuild in 2008. And its evident that the team is going strong.

But as Phil Jackson has said, it’s one thing to start off with a good record but can you end with a good record. I don’t know how many times we have seen both in the NFL and MLB of a team with great records but not finishing with a championship. Of course, the prime example being the New England Patriots who had went on to the Superbowl undefeated but losing the big game.

But it’s still too early to tell what’s going to happen with the teams and who will stay on top of the NBA but hope the Lakers can remain healthy all season. And for now, just enjoying an undefeated Lakers team! Go Lakers!

It has been several days since Barack Obama won the presidency and I have to admit that it was great to see the worldwide reception of a new president and new era of hopefully responsible government and to see some positive changes for the United States. But what the hell is going on with these charges from McCain aides against Sarah Palin?

But since the election, I have been quite dismayed of the news coming out between the McCain and Palin camps.   Who is leaking all this information to the media in regards to the “towel” incident, Palin the “diva” or the donor flabbergasted about Palin going overbudget.

These leaks to the media started to unravel weeks before the election was over.  But regardless of how one thinks about McCain or Palin, I question the McCain aids who are, in what may seem, like a field day to discredit Sarah Palin.

I have to admit that I’m just shocked to hear about these wild charges by McCain aids. I have to agree with Campbell Brown on this one.

If there is one silver lining that I have found with this dismal economy of our nation, that is the dropping of our gas prices. It was not that long ago, I really thought we were going to go $5 for a gallon of unleaded gas.

I can tell you that I’ve been quite pissy this whole year since the gas prices have pretty much put a halt to my usual surfing getaways this year (fortunately I was able to get nearly a week in Santa Cruz) but what surprised me is how much it’s dropping and I hope it continues.

Just today, for the first time in probably 4-5 years, gas was at $2.59 for regular unleaded in this part of California and I would imagine that it would be much cheaper in different parts of the states (note: Wichita, Kansas reported gas at $2.26 a gallon).

But the drop is due to crude oil prices and demand. In America, less people are driving including during the holiday season and the all-time high was just in July 2008 at $4.11 and oil was $147 a barrel. As of Oct. 24th, oil was $64.15 a barrel.

If it goes below $2.25 here in California, that would be so awesome! I can remember filling up my car in the past for $18-19 and in July, it was at $37. Today it was $24 to fill up my car and again, if there was a silver lining to this bad economy, it’s that we are getting a break on gas prices.

Knock on wood that it continues to stay that way!

In a recent article featured on CNN.com about e-mail nightmares.  It made me think if I may have had any e-mail nightmares myself and all of a sudden, many memories came to mind.

Probably the one I remember the most is back in 1994 or so, when I created a mailing list for a musical group but before Yahoo! groups, a lot of mailing lists were housed at certain companies.  Of course, I had no access at the companies at the time, so we did things the old school way of people sending me their posts and I would use software like Eudora to send it to all of the mailing list members.

I discovered a major flaw or bug when I accidentally mistyped the mailing list address but with an extra period.  What happened was that the message would somehow re-send to the members every few minutes and my ISP wasn’t sure why it was happening and Eudora was surprised by it as well.  By the end of the day, everyone on the mailing list received hundreds of the same message.

The message kept duplicating and duplicating and visions of the film “Gremlins” just came to mind.

Another situation happened between myself and another entertainment writer that I was co-writing an article with for a major entertainment magazine in the US.  It was a written project that included three writers and somehow, the other two didn’t really get along.  So, one of them ranted about the other person and I responded to her.  The person responded to me back but somehow included the other writer in the message and it eventually became a crazy situation and taught me that if people want my opinion, then I prefer to call them up about it, not e-mail it.

Everyone has a distinct writing style when it comes to e-mail.  Some people may seem very stuck-up and some quite ignorant but when you meet them, they are totally different.

I tend to tell a lot of my friends and clients that I receive several hundred e-mails a day from various entertainment industries.  So, I speed read a lot.  But there are times when I’ll miss the questions that some may expect a reply from and some may wonder, “why hasn’t he written back to me”.  Those who know me, know that again, because the massive e-mail amounts I get per day…if you need an important question to be answered, call me.

But yeah, those are pretty much my e-mail nightmares…

I remember in the late 90’s, there were films and even dramas based on people finding love by “accidental e-mails” and although fantasy, I often wondered if any of that happened in real life?  I can tell you that I’ve had my fun (let me emphasize…many, many, many years ago) with accidental phone calls and literally speaking to a women on the other line.  But do people find love through accidental e-mails?

Hmm…

Yesterday’s Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals game was another low in my sports fanatic life in which I go through wide ranges of emotion.  Typically anger and disbelief for several hours and I even lose some sleep over it.

For those who missed it, please watch the above video and feel my pain! Hehe…

The Dallas Cowboys is supposed to be a super-caliber team but these last three weeks, they haven’t shown it. Immediately after the game, a lot of us fans just had to rant about our feelings on the official Dallas Cowboys forum about our take of these past few weeks, how the team needs leadership, needs to play smashmouth football and make adjustments because although it’s only six weeks into the season, not only has the Cowboys suffered multiple injuries with its starters, this game alone has featured some key injuries. And even the punter in that last punt was injured.

But the main topic of this metro media complex posting is not about the Dallas Cowboys, it’s about losing a sports game. May it be New York Yankees losing in the playoffs, the Lakers losing a playoff or championship, the Los Angeles Kings losing another game, the USC Trojans losing a football game, Manchester United losing a soccer match and of course, my favorite team, Dallas Cowboys losing a game, I’m literally going through many hours of pissed off emotions (and I’m typically a calm and collected guy).

It’s funny because there was a commercial on during the game about twin brothers watching a football game. One was calm and one was just screaming. I’m the guy who is screaming and yelling… Like yesterday, “sack that motherf#$!$er!”, “Interception!”, “play some defense damn it!”. Yeah, that’s me!

Even when I go with a friend to the college sporting matches, I try to contain myself because I really get into the match and found myself getting upset when the home team just plays like crap.

I have since found ways to curb my emotions after losing a sports game and that is through playing sports video games. Especially a game like “Madden”. I really get into sports games hardcore! It has taken my thoughts away from a losing game.

But I’m so emotionally vested into a sports game, I just find it interesting how I just really go through the motions of feeling the loss. Having to watch the ESPN or NFL channel to hear the post-game press conference, going online to read the writer’s take and also the fan comments.

But that’s just me. I know many friends watch a game for the sake of watching but not many are hardcore to catch a game every week (note: the Dallas game wasn’t shown until the end on television but thanks to streaming video sites, it is now possible), but every Sunday…it’s football. And when the Dallas Cowboys are playing… I’m on game mode!

Update: ESPN.com reported that Tony Romo is out for 4 weeks due to a broken pinkie.  Also, punter Matt McBriar suffered a contusion during that blocked punt on his kicking foot.  Felix Jones who had an injured hamstring in the third quarter is another key player in the team suffering from injuries.  Too many injuries in the team and the “super bowl caliber” team that we were hoping for is now becoming a scary thought of not happening with all these major injuries happening.  We’ll see how back-up Brad Johnson does but for now…it’s a scary outlook.

There are several foods that I feel that I need to try in different parts of the world. From various incarnations of sandwiches to meatloaf and of course, pizza.

Personally, I would love to try the various “best” pizza’s and if I can stay a week in Chicago, Boston and New York, I would love to taste for myself of which is the best. Granted, here in California, there are a good number of Pizza places up and down the state but I know that I’m a bit spoiled with “gourmet” style of pizzas. But I love pizza and whenever there is a special on television about pizza, I have to watch. Especially the specials between Chicago and New York.

The farthest country I’ve tasted pizza is in Tokyo and the Yokohama area in Japan. The pizza was different in that a medium pizza is $40. And what I tried was a special which I had four parts of the pizza created differently. One quarter was seafood, another was curry, another was their vegetable and the other was various meats. It was actually pretty good. And then there were Pizza Hut and Pizza-La which is known for its pizza with corn and broccoli. Interesting huh?  But yet, I dream of going to Italy and trying different types of pizza.   But I’m always game to try different pizza, if you have any recommendations, please let me know.

Once I get to New York, I need to get myself into Lombardi’s Pizza.  The first pizza in the world.

But here a a few videos on restaurants that claim the “Best Pizza in the World”:

Source: First photo of a pizza from Rome, Italy.

Source: Second photo of a pizza from Pizza Pasquino in Rome, Italy

Source: Third pizza with palma ham and mushrooms

This is probably first time I’ve seen so many people interested in the presidential elections and to hear people in various industries on the phone setting their time to watch the presidential debates is just awesome!

In many conversations, people very passionate about their views and who will they vote for in the November elections. There is definitely a big difference in overall public sentiment over this campaign compared to the last two.

And I have to say that it’s because it’s the Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.

This year’s presidential elections is quite interesting. You have many celebrities really coming out and supporting Obama but then you see this somewhat celebrity status for the Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

From the Saturday Night Live Tina Fey Palin impersonations, to her Japanese designer glasses, Matt Damon and other celebrities coming out, to even former President Bill Clinton on “Larry King Live” giving his two cents about her as well.

But what is it about Sarah Palin that has caught the attention of Americans? Of course, there is worry about her overall knowledge of politics, foreign policy and more and of course, with her coming from Alaska, although she has the political support of her constituents when she was governor, many people feel that due to her inexperience, she’s not suited to be vice-president, especially as president, if anything happens to Presidential nominee John McCain.

But then there is this mystique, almost a celebrity type of aura that she has right now that I noticed people are attracted to.  Maybe because her demeanor is unlike your typical politician and more like a person you would come across at a business function or conference.

Even the politicians I have worked for and have worked with have typically had that “politician” style to them after working many years in Washington and Sacramento.  Palin, well she’s different.

In fact, to watch her with other constituents and how personable she is with them, I often wonder if its that small town mentality that surprises many from the big city.  But nevertheless, as many admirers of her out there who will support her, there are many who can’t stand her and coming out and being vocal.

Neverthless, watching the whole political landscape and how people are reacting… I admit, it’s actually quite entertaining to watch.

But let’s look at a few videos and I love to hear your comments about them.

I feel that a good video that shows the personality of Sarah Palin is a video such as her recent trip to Tony Luke’s in Philadelphia and even a bystander asking if Sarah Palin can talk to his friend on the phone. And she does… I found that quite amusing. Even more so, when another person starts questioning her on foreign policy, specifically, Afghanistan.

Even Showbiz Tonight’s A.J. Hammer had a segment about the celebrity coverage.

And of course, to hear Jack Cafferty and many others talk about her interview on CBS Evening News Katy Couric.

And to hear the McCain aide Nancy Pfotenhauer explain Palin’s performance in that interview.

What is even more interesting was to watch CNN’s Campbell Brown rant about the coverage of Sarah Palin.

But again, I go back to Sarah Palin’s recent visit to Philadelphia and watching everyone react to her.

Of course, watching all the happier videos from her visit to Philly…not everyone was happy in Philadelphia.

And of course, the latest Tina Fey parody on Sarah Palin…

Love her or hate her…Sarah Palin has definitely brought a lot of interest in the presidential campaign. A few more weeks of media coverage and debates and I hope everyone remembers to vote on Nov. 4, 2008.

Image from foxnews.com

Youtube videos are courtesy of youtube.com

SNL video courtesy of NBC.com

It has been so amazing to see young Charice Pempengco achieve worldwide attention.

I have seen her on television via the Filipino channel ABS-CBN (via the Filipino Channel) while visiting my parents and then in 2007, I believe, watching her on “Ellen”.

The young singer from the Philippines was recently featured on Oprah Winfrey this month and just watching her sing “My Heart Goes On” with David Foster was just amazing!

But what touched me was to know more about the life and background of Charice in the Philippines. For so long, I have heard her amazing voice and seen her on youtube.com but for some reason, I have thought, oh…a singer from Manila has been discovered. But in reality, the episode on Oprah Winfrey showed a side of the singer having to support her family and I was truly touched.

The Philippines has amazing vocalists from Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Vina Morales and several years ago, I was just amazed by the voice of Carol Banawa. But Charice Pempengco, has a voice that is just so incredibly beautiful.

And one thing that I enjoy, positively, about the Internet is to see these talent get recognition worldwide, as Arnel Pineda who received recognition from youtube and is now the lead singer of Journey.

But the recognition and the fact that Oprah Winfrey brought the young singer to her show and even went further by getting Charice’s favorite singer Celine Dion to appear on the show via video to invite Charice to perform with her at Madison Square Garden is just incredible.

And before those who bring up the “well, Dennis, you should know by now that Asian singers don’t do well in America”, I agree that the musical marketing of well-known Asian artists in the America has been quite unsatisfactory.

With the latest announcement of K-Pop/J-Pop artist BoA making her American debut in a few weeks, this topic has been a big roundtable discussion amongst me and a few colleagues in the industry. We can hope she is marketed well.

I hope for big things for this vibrant performer. The appearance on Oprah is quite significant and I’m proud of her and the way she has been on television and just singing her heart out!

Charice Pempengco… keep your eyes on this singer with a wonderful voice!

Image linked from  www.dallascowboys.com

Everytime I watch an NFC East divisional game, my heart starts pumpin’.   And whenever you watch the Cowboys and the Eagles go against each other,  I swear I’ve had more frustrating nights watching these matchups than other sports games.

The Eagles have bested my Cowboys for so many years but when the Cowboys are able to beat the Eagles, I can’t help but be excited.

The final Monday Night Football game held on Sept. 15th in Dallas marked the final game at Texas Stadium and what a memorable game it was.

The first half alone feature a combined 50+ points as lead changes between Dallas and Philadelphi kept repeating itself until the fourth quarter and with the fumble by Eagles QB McNabb to Westbrook was a key mistake which the Cowboys capitalized and the final sack by Marcus Ware was just what the Cowboys needed to ice the cake.

But this is football and as much as I enjoyed this game, everyone knows that it all comes down to the end and how many people can keep healthy.  With Roy Willliams fracture arm in the third quarter, I just hope they have a good person playing safety especially the next game against Green Bay.  Another 2-0 team.

Anyway, here are my favorite moments from last night’s matchup.

Felix Jones kick off return was just awesome! He did it for Arkansas and this rookie just exploded through the lane and I swear, this guy has so much potential in the NFL!

Another awesome touchdown by Terrell Ownes and the longest connection from Romo to T.O. No celebration but a cool Usain Bolt head bob at the end.

A boneheaded mistake from one of the most talented receivers in the NFL. Philadelphia Eagles DeSean Jackson celebrated a bit too early before entering the endzone. DeSean Jackson made this mistake in high school back in 2005 but I’m sure he won’t make that mistake anymore.

and Marion Barber…awesome as usual!

If anything, I want to see more from the Dallas defense. Great game but to give up so many points even if it’s the Eagles is a bit much. They will need to get better against Packers Aaron Rodgers next week.

I can’t wait for the Cowboys and Giants matchup and next week’s Cowboys vs. Packers game! That is going to be awesome! And I’m sure the matchup between Dallas and Philadelphia for their second division game at the end of the season will be as explosive. Both McNabb and Westbrook are playing awesome and if they keep healthy, it will be another interesting and explosive game.  But by that next meeting, I hope to see another win by big D and another division title!