Countdown vol. 1

COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS VOL. ONE collects issues #51-39 of the weekly series starring Jimmy Olsen, Mary Marvel, Donna Troy, Karate Kid, and all the other major characters of the DC Universe. COUNTDOWN is what follows after the events of INFINITE CRISIS and 52 and leads to DC's next major event, FINAL CRISIS. It is written by Paul Dini, Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Adam Beechen, Tony Bedard and Sean McKeever; Breakdowns are by Keith Giffen; Art by Jesus Saiz, Jim Calafiore, Carlos Magno, David Lopez, Tom Derenick, Dennis Calero, Manuel Garcia and others; Cover was done by Andy Kubert.

Unlike 52, this compilation does not have extra features and is not in "realtime". I will reserve judgement on the series until after I have read through the 4 volumes. Offhand though, the plot and stories are as interesting as those in 52.

The High Lord

The High Lord is the last book in The Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan. Sonea has grown much in strength and skill as a magician due to her hard work and diligence. Many things have changed and with her new-found knowledge and insight on things, she makes choices that lead her to sacrifice for what she belives in and for the people that she cherishes. In this finale, events from the previous two books steamroll and finally come to a climactic battle and conclusion.

I enjoyed reading this trilogy and I was mildly surprised at the ending. Though the main story itself follows classical fantasy patterns, it has several unconventional subplots. I rate the trilogy 4 stars.(The trilogy, offhand, seems to have some similarties to the Harry Potter series. The Black Magician Trilogy was written in 1996, however, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was first published in 1997.)

Canavan has since also written a prequel, The Magician's Apprentice, due out in Feb 2009. The Traitor Spy Trilogy which is the sequel to the Black Magician Trilogy is yet to be finished and published. They are books to look forward to, and they also promise to be bestsellers following the success of The Black Magician Trilogy.

p.s. I like to read trilogies/book series because the scope and breadth of the main story is much more extensive. Characters that are introduced in the first book also grow on you and you are able to get to know and appreciate them better as the story progresses. As a reader, I also hate spoilers that is why I do not expound much on plots and endings. :-)

52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen

The Four Horsemen previously seen in the weekly series 52 are back in this volume collecting the 6-issue miniseries (written by Keith Giffen and art by Pat Olliffe and John Stanisci). War, Pestilence, Famine, Death — previously thought killed by Black Adam, now face the the returning Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. I rate this 3.5 (stars), because even though it was a nice story for the DC trinity's comeback, it was kind of predictable and also too stretched out over 6 issues.

52

"52: A year without Superman; a year without Batman; a year without Wonder Woman… but not a year without heroes."

52 (vols. 1-4) is really a brilliantly written and spectacularly drawn comic series.
DC came out with a weekly comic for 52 weeks/1 year that chronicles in "real" time the events after Infinite Crisis. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman took time out from their superhero work but other heroes (Booster Gold, Batwoman, Steel to name a few..) more than adequately filled up the void in this series. Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucks and Mark Waid were the writers and Keith Giffen provided the breakdowns for art continuity. The TPBs contain commentary on each issue by creators and editors, conceptual drawings, sketch material and thumbnails. Definitely 5 stars!

On another note, DC Comics revised its website and it is now called DC Universe. It is a welcome change since the site now looks more sleek and streamlined. Although I very much liked the previous page because of its simplicity, the new one still is easy to use and very organized (as compared to that of Marvel Comics). There is also a new feature/online comics, Batman: Shadow of Sin Tzu, in the revised site.

parting shot...
Game show host: Anong "V" ang bansa na kung saan ginanap ang katatapos lang na Miss Universe?
Contestant: Valenzuela?!
:-)

The Bourne Sanction

The Bourne Sanction is Eric Van Lustbader's newly-released 3rd novel using Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne. You could say that he now has his own Bourne Trilogy...
Events here take place more than a year later from events in the 2nd book. Jason Bourne is back at Georgetown University as David Webb, but amidst his attempts at living a normal life intrigue and danger seem to continually hound him. The book has the usual ingredients of espionage, terrorism, violence, betrayal and suspense.
Bourne is also faced with an enemy that is as good as himself but definitely more unstable. Being the 3rd book in the series, I think it was able to delve more into Bourne's humanity and tied up a few loose ends that were unravelled in the 2nd novel.
Though not as action-packed as the 1st and not as ingenious as the 2nd, this book definitely gives closure to this trilogy. I'd also rate this as same as the other two.

tedbits...
...MYMP's latest album will be out on Aug. 19!
...Powerbooks will have a WAREHOUSE SALE from Aug. 1-3, 10AM-7PM, at their Powerbooks Outlet Store (#25 Brixton St., Capitol Subd., Pasig City)!

The Dark Knight

If you get to go to only one movie this year, make sure that this is the one that you watch...
The Dark Knight is rated PG13 but this movie is actually much darker than that. The violence is not gory or too extreme but the intent and malice is somewhat senseless at times (because of the Joker's nature). This makes the movie much too mature for young audiences. Nevertheless, the story and action is entertainingly suspenseful and thrilling. A rare movie wherein both critics and fans alike agree in giving the film "two thumbs up".

The previous cast is back except for Katie Holmes (replaced by Maggie Gyllenhall). All the hype regarding Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker is actually substantiated and he delivers a maniacal Joker worth remembering. Christian Bale really captures the Batman's dark side and the rest of the cast also did well.

Story-wise, it is so unlike the comic book Batman, but at the same time distills the essence of the comic series and puts into perspective the reason behind the constant struggles of Batman against the Joker. The movie highlights not mostly Batman's tech-savvy but more of the Joker's devilishly deranged genius.

I rate this movie 4 1/2 stars (out of 5).

The Novice

The Novice is the second book in Trudi Canavan's The Black Magician Trilogy. Sonea joins the Magician's Guild and becomes a novice. The novel primarily concerns Sonea's trials, training and progression as a student. The Black Magician gains an upper hand as the story moves on, and there a few unexpected twists later in the book. Everything seems to be leading to the climactic third and final part of the trilogy, "The High Lord".

Felix

It looks like Richard Gomez advertised his resto well when it was featured at Mel&Joey... I ended up being interested enough to have dinner there. Located at the 1st floor of Greenbelt 5, just very near the church, the restaurant is co-owned by Ben Chan and several other investors. Felix is the father's name of one of the owners.

They have tables outside, near the garden/church. Some pics of the interior, which was quite cozy:


A real yellow orchid adds a fresh touch to the simple table set-up.

The menu has thin wooden covers and was designed well. It was divided into food categories that they serve/are available: appetizer, salad/soup, entree, from the grill, all Filipino / pasta noodles rice, dessert.

They serve a variety of food and they also have vegetarian, South beach diet-friendly, kid's choice meals. The names of the dishes are peculiar in that they named them after places and popular people. Some of the names also have a "connection" to the dish itself, sort of sounds-like. Examples are Sharon (sugar-free and flourless chocolate cake), Dyesebel(fish entree), Banagan (Palawan lobster) and Roxas (fresh oyster with red vinegar) to name a few.

Their complementary bread is hot/freshly baked and has a dash of herbs/spice to it.

Gensan is an appetizer made of "devilishly spicy tuna (sashimi) with garden salad." The tuna had wasabi and was quite hot. The salad had an oriental-tasting dressing.

Sebastian is pan-fried Chilean sea bass with lump crabmeat served with mixed grains vegeatable risotto. The fish was soft and succulent, and the risotto tasted good. The brocolli siding was crunchily fresh.

Folger is U.S. Angus rib eye with wild mushroom sauce and twice-baked potato with truffle cream sauce. The meat was cooked to my satisfaction (medium-well) and was thin and soft.

Lipa is probably one of their bestsellers. It is suman sa latik dipped in Batangas tsokolate. It is a great dessert to cap off a good meal.

The service was quite prompt and good. There is a 10% service charge and the prices of the dishes were slightly on the high-end. I rate the place 4 out of 5 stars.

Miss Universe 2008

Miss Universe 2008 was held at Nha Trang, Vietnam today and it was covered by ABS-CBN. The event was hosted by Jerry Springer and Scary Spice Melanie Brown. Unfortunately for us, Miss Philippines Jennifer Barrientos did not make it to the top 15. Miss Vietnam, Lam Thuy Nguyen, was expectedly (it was the 45th time in pageant history that the host country made the first cut) able to get into the final 15. She was my initial favorite going into the top 10 but she did not make it further...

Miss El Salvador was Miss Congeniality and Miss Thailand won Best in National Costume. Prior to the Evening Gown Competition, Springer spoke too soon in declaring that he hoped there would be no repeat of the mishap that occured to Miss USA Rachel Smith (she tumbled) in last year's pageant. The current Miss USA, Crystle Stewart, also slipped and fell just as she was about to make her walk around the stage. In the top 10, my bet was either Miss Venezuela or Miss Colombia to win the crown.

Among the finalists, 4 were from Latin America: Ms. Colombia, Ms. Venezuela, Ms. Mexico, and Miss Dominican Republic. Miss Russia rounded up the final/top 5 candidates. Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza eventually bested all the other 80 contestants and is this year's Miss Universe...

She was absolutely stunning in swimwear and in her evening gown, but she gave a weird answer during the q&a portion. The 22 y.o., 5'10'', green-eyed former kidnap victim becomes the 5th Venezuelan to win Miss Universe. Venezuela ties Puerto Rico as the 2nd country with most Miss Universe titles (USA leads with 7).

NBA Madness

The final leg of NBA Madness '08 was held at Glorietta Activity Center from July 10-13. I just happened to pass by today and I was not really aware of it. There were lots of mini-hoop games by the different sponsors and a lot of people were joining. Among the guests were New York Knick Malik Rose and Charlotte Bobcats mascot Rufus Lynx. I did not stay long but I was able to see some of the Sacramento Kings Dancers being interviewed by Lia Cruz for BTV/House of Hoops. I could not get close enough to get pics but I was able to take pictures of BTV's Lia Cruz when she went downstage/courtside for a report...


I also took a picture of a replica of the NBA Championship trophy:


tedbits...
...Reyes' Barbecue has a branch in Glorietta 3 (food court) and also in Greenbelt 1. Their Grilled Burger in G3 costs P75 while in GB1 it is P95!? Their pork barbecue meanwhile costs P40 in G3 while it is P47 in GB1! To think that it is the same resto/brand and the same quality/quantity of food, the price should also be the same...
...National Bookstore has more updated book shelves (especially in new releases of Sci-fi/Fantasy books) than Powerbooks. Fully Booked, though, has a more complete line-up of that genre than either...
...Mel & Joey (a GMA 7 show) just featured Felix, a restaurant in Greenbelt 5 that is partly owned by Richard Gomez. The menu/food looks good. I plan to try out the place soon...
...celebrity sighting: Bianca Gonzales at Cafe Breton in GB3. She is a real morena beauty and she looks prettier in person. :-)

Bratpack

Bratpack is currently promoting it's Graphic Remix Program in malls around Metro Manila. Bags are graphically designed in order to "Inspire. Interpret. Express." A bag is being spray painted a unique design:

A closer look, but this bag's design is not yet finished:

Oblation

UP's iconic symbol is the Oblation. There are several replicas of the statue in the different UP constituents. UP Manila and the Philippine General Hospital recently unveiled a new Oblation and main gateway in front of PGH, as part of the Centennial of UP.


The new gate is pictured below. This view is from the inside, and the gate is along Taft Avenue.


The new Oblation stands on a pedestal with designs of flowing fabric interspersed with leaves and the symbols of PGH and the different colleges. The fabric symbolizes scholarship, while the leaves symbolize nature.


There is also an Oblation in front of the UP Manila campus. Another popular statue that is the symbol of the UP College of Medicine is pictured below.


Entitled "The Triumph Of Science Over Death", it is a much bigger replica of Jose Rizal's original statuette.

tedbits...

... Nadal beat Federer 3 sets to 2, in the longest ever Wimbledon Men's Singles Finals. I was up until almost dawn because the match became much longer because of 2 rain delays. They both played so hard, and so brilliantly that both of them really deserved to win. The tightly-contested match is already being touted as one of the best ever...

... I saw the new "line" of David & Goliath shirts like Ms. BJ, Mr. Masturbator, Mr. Well Hung, Mr. Horny, Ms. Boobjob, Ms. Bitch. There are accompanying cartoon characters that are quite graphic. I haven't seen anyone wear them in public though, and I would really be surprised if I saw anyone blatantly wearing them...

... I found out and confirmed that PowerBooks' Power Card system is not coordinated between different stores. It is supposed to be centralized but they do not seem to be up-to-date, nor do the different branches apparently care. Points you may have gained during a purchase at a certain store do not reflect when you use the card at a different store. My card which has already been renewed more than 3 months ago turned up expired at their branch in Robinson's Midtown...

The Bourne Betrayal

The Bourne Betrayal is Eric Van Lustbader's 2nd novel on Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne. Events in this story take place 3 years after The Bourne Legacy and after's Jason's wife Marie died. Central to the story is the kidnapping of Bourne's friend and Bourne's attempt to rescue him. This is one novel that when I was reading I was simply surprised at the ingenuity of the twists and turns of the plot. In that aspect alone, Lustbader has outdone himself compared to the first novel. I'd rate this also as 4 stars.

The Bourne Contract, Lustbader's 3rd Bourne novel, will be released this late July.

tedbits...
...The Mango Farm serves great mango (and mango combination) shakes that are more creamier than that of The Big Chill. They have stalls in most of the malls in Metro Manila. I think they are connected also to Buko Ni Fruitas. In their printed receipts, there is a saying that caught my attention and which I found quite funny: "One Buko A Day Drives Urologist Away."
...celebrity sighting: singer and former PBB housemate Roxanne Barcelo at Galleria. She's looks petite and cute.

iPersonic: I'm a Reliable Realist

(click on the button or just read below...)

Reliable Realist (RR)
(Take the free personality test and determine your iPersonic type!)

Reliable Realists are down-to-earth and responsible-minded. They are precise, reserved and demanding. Their most prominent quality is reliability and they will always make every effort to keep any promise given. Reliable Realists are more quiet and serious persons, they do not talk a lot but they are good listeners. They sometimes seem reserved and distant to outsiders although they often have a great deal of wit and esprit. Their strong points are thoroughness, a marked sense of justice, doggedness bordering on pigheadedness and a pragmatic, vigorous and purposeful manner. Reliable Realists do not dither about if something has to be done. They do what is necessary without wasting words.

This personality type not only expects a lot of himself but also of others. Once Reliable Realists have set their mind on something, it is difficult to persuade them otherwise. They do not like to leave anything to chance. Planning means safety to Reliable Realists, as well as order and discipline. They have no problem respecting authorities and hierarchies but do not like to delegate tasks. They are certain that others would not deal with them as conscientiously as they do. In management positions, they are very task-oriented - they make sure that things are well done; however, they do not have a great deal of interest in personal contacts at work.

In relationships too, Reliable Realists are reliability itself. As partners, they are faithful and consistent, well-balanced and sensible. Security and stability are very important to them. They have little time for extravagances and flightiness. Whoever has them as friend or partner can rely on them for a lifetime. However, it takes quite a while for Reliable Realists to enter into a relationship or friendship. They have little need for social contacts; they therefore take great care when choosing partners and friends and limit themselves to a small but exclusive circle which meets their high demands. They tend to show their closeness to people who are important to them by deeds - their partner should rather not expect romantic declarations of love.

Tsumura

I was able to try out a Japanese sushi bar and restaurant called Tsumura. It is located at the 2f of 88 Corporate Center , Sedeno (cor. Valero) St., Salcedo Village in Makati. Like other Makati restos, it is open for lunch and dinner but is usually closed in between.

The interior of the resto is minimalist but cozy. The servers are not in Japanese attire but they greet and thank customers in Japanese. The menu is in Japanese and English and features a variety of Japanese cuisine and Japanese wine/drink. Prices are at par with most authentic Japanese restos.

Among the dishes I tried were their Agedashi Tofu (not quite crispy exterior, but with a great sauce and added mushroom), Ebi Tempura (standard taste, nothing spectacular), Yasai Itame (mixed vegeatables), and Tonkatsu Jumbo. Their Tonkatsu was a revelation because the meat was soft and easy to chew. There were two big pieces of pork meat with the breaded crust being just thin. The sauce was sweet and tasty. It was served with accompanying fresh green salad and was all in all very filling. They also have complementary sliced fruit for dessert.

I rate the place 4/5. It is somewhere to go to if you have a craving for Japanese. Their contact nos. are 8874848-50 for inquiries and reservations.

Suspicious Lines

Nabasa ko sa Inquirer ang pagtawag sa Sulpicio Lines bilang Suspicious Lines. Sa mga kasulukuyang pangyayari pagkatapos ng paglubog ng MV Princess of the Stars ay tunay ngang lumalabas ang kahina-hinalang mga pamamalakad ng Sulpicio...

Kalimutan na muna natin ang mga nakaraang trahedya na nasangkot ang Sulpicio dahil mukhang hindi naman sila talaga natuto doon, at tumutok sa kasalukuyang sakuna. Kung sinu-sino na lang ang sinisisi ng Sulpicio tulad ng Coast Guard, ang Diyos, at pati PAGASA. Pero sa bawa't pagturo ng Sulpicio sa iba ay lalong lumalabas ang kapalpakan ng prangkisa na ito at lalong dumadami ang nanggagalaiti sa kanila. Lalo pa nilang inilulugmok ang sarili nila sa bangin ng kanilang kasalanan at kapabayaan.

Lumang mga patakaran pala ng PCG ang sinusunod ng Sulpicio. Sinisisi nila ang PAGASA pero sila ang hindi nakinig sa mga babala ng PAGASA tungkol sa bagyo. Hindi nila ipinahayag sa Del Monte ang plano nila tungkol sa kargamento nito, at noong lumubog na ang barko nila ay hindi kaagad nila inamin ang pagkakaroon ng pestisidyo sa loob ng barko. Hinayaan nila ang mga taga-saklolo na dayber na magtagal sa paligid ng lumubog na barko na di man lang nila alam ang maaring panganib sa kanila. Napakabagal ng naging pagkilos nila ng magyari ang trahedya, at magulo ang patakaran nila ng pagtulong sa mga kamag-anak ng mga namatayan. Imbes na magpokus sila sa mga paraan upang makatulong sa pagsasaayos ng problema sa barko at mga nasalanta ay ang mas pinagtutuuanan nila ng pansin ay ang pagsasalba sa kanilang bulok na imahe at paghahanap ng ibang masisisi at mapagbibintangan.

Imbes na umamin sa kanilang pagkakamali ang Sulpicio, at humingi nga kaukulang dispensa at patawad, ay lalong lumalabas ang tigas ng ulo at itim ng budhi nito. Nagkakaisa ang mga pahayagan, ang BMI, PCG, PAGASA, ang Kongreso at Senado, PAO, Del Monte, mga Obispo, at marami pang iba sa pagbatikos at pagkundena sa Sulpicio Lines.
Pagkatapos ng lahat ay sana maranasan nila ang "ganti" ng Diyos at sila'y matanggalan ng prankisa at mapanagot sa batas ng tao.