Ohohoy!

Remember Melvin Udall, that obsessive-compulsive novelist played by Jack Nicholson in “As Good As It Gets?” Well, I am friends with the inspiration behind the character, and whether that’s a fortunate circumstance or not is a matter of perspective and annoyance threshold.  Just deduce it from the fact that I’m willing to share blog space with him.  And no, I’m not Simon the fag.

Mr. A has a knack for putting a negative spin on all things positive.  One time he saw my grade school graduation picture, an image that presents such a simple either-or scenario – either you hate the younger Mr. B and like the older Mr. B or vice-versa – that any comment from him would still elicit the tiniest compliment for me.  His remark blindsided me: “Nag-improve ka na pala yang lagay na yan?!”  (Loose translation: “I never would’ve thought you could get uglier than that”).  Wow, indeed.

If anything, though, Mr. A is someone you could describe as cheerfully negative, a grinning bearer of bad news, so to speak.  Readers are likely to construe his views as bigoted, smart-alecky, apathetic, off-color, repulsive, or simply obnoxious.  They will not be mistaken.  And they will keep on reading whatever Mr. A churns out because, like it or not, he represents a legitimate view of reality, where real people live to complain, criticize, and bust some chops. 

On lucky days when he takes time off from being himself, Mr. A might share his enthusiasm for food and cooking, this despite his bird-like appetite.  He might also grace us with his latest list of must-haves, must-sees, must-reads and must-listens.  All will be well until you read his new entry on our “WTF! of the Week” section; by then you would know that it’s time to sit back as Mr. A resumes his tirade against anything and everything, most likely with a smile on his face.

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