Thursday, December 3, 2015

Vandal Savage emerges


 

http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/12/03/arrow-legends-of-yesterday-review

Okay now that part 2 of the Arrow/Flash crossover event is over, let's see who the villain really is.
Seems DC has an abundant of immortals going around, Ra's Al Ghul, the Sensei, Hath-Set and Vandal Savage to name a few.
The Flash/Arrowverse has introduced us to their version of Vandal Savage.  Funny how the TV or any other version of a comic book character becomes something else but somehow it makes sense. Well Vandal Savage turns out to be Hath Set, the Egyptian high priest who kills Prince Khufu and Chay-Ara. Orignally written  in the 1940's  by Gardner Fox and later on enhance by writers William Messner-Leobs, James Robinson, David Goyer and Geoff Johns. The writers of the Arrowverse then somehow connects all the dots and made Hath-Set and Vandal the same person.
Somehow after the end of the episode and what Malcolm plans to do, we'll see Vandal wreck havoc again and being the main villain for coming show "Legends of Tomorrow", kind of makes it exciting on what's about to happen next.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Legends of Hawkman and Hawkgirl



Now that we've seen part 1 of the 2 part Arrow and the Flash crossover this year, let's examine the other 2 heroes who made their debut this season, namely Hawkgirl Ciara Renée and Hawkman Falk Hentschel.



Similar to the version but a bit different from the Smallville version  (http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Carter_Hall_%28Smallville%29; http://smallville.wikia.com/wiki/Shayera_Hall)Image result for shayera hall smallville
highly influenced by the pre-new 52 version of the Hawks and a bit similar to the Hawk Avatar/God story arc (only the wings and the fact that it is Vandal Savage who is out to kill them).



We see Kendra finally emerging as Hawkgirl and Hawkman's battle with Flash and Green Arrow. Makes the fanboy inside me really excited. Can't wait to see part 2 later on Arrow.



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Sunday, June 26, 2011

In memoriam of Susan Fernandez Magno

Susan Fernandez Magno (August 3, 1956 - July 2, 2009) was a Filipino singer, activist and academic. She was known for her protest music, especially at the height of the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos.
An alumnus of the University of the Philippines, where she earned a degree in A.B. Sociology and Master of Arts in Philippine Studies, Susan Fernandez (later known as Susan Magno or Susan Fernandez Magno) first gained prominence as a performer during anti-Marcos rallies in the first half of the 1980s. She would come to be hailed as "the voice of a protest generation". She also became known for her rendition of the feminist anthem Babae Ako, which was released as a track in her 1990 album Habi at Himig.

For eleven years, Susan Fernandez Magno hosted the television variety program Concert at the Park. In the 1990s, Fernandez co-presented the children's show, Bulilit, alongside Bodjie Pascua. In 2008, Susan Fernandez Magno was featured, along with other Filipino celebrities such as Ely Buendia, Chris Tiu and Angel Locsin, in the Ako Mismo television advertising campaign.
Fernandez was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008. Despite her illness, she continued to teach at the Ateneo de Manila University and perform at nightly gigs. She died at Pasig City on July 2, 2009, aged 52. A friend of hers was performing her favorite song, Both Sides Now, at the moment of her death.

She taught at the Ateneo de Manila University, St. Scholastica's College and the University of the Philippines, where she earned her master's degree.
Susan Fernandez was married to Philippine Star columnist Alex Magno, with whom she had two sons, Kalayaan and Sandino Magno.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

3 months

Time really flies. I’m working for almost 3 months here at Nestle. I started on Dec. 8 last year. Work here is not that hard. I feel almost no pressure although sometimes I feel lacking compared to the rest of the crew here. My body and mind seems to have adjusted fine here. Unlike my 1 year stay at that audit firm (shivers), I’m looking healthy here. it was a good decision for me to just leave on that fateful day in August. I just didn’t show up. It was a very gratifying experience. Sometimes I have nightmares of my former boss. Sigh.

Last night I joined the rest of the TBMC crew for a birthday party. Everyone seem to be drunk including me. I drank about 5 bottles of SMB lite. I didn’t like the taste of brandy for the 1st time.

I’m going home earlier today because I have a task to perform.

Getting sleepy. Yawn.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Senators suspend inquiry into military fund scam

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:49:00 02/08/2011

Filed Under: Graft & Corruption, Congress, Military, Obituary, death notices

MANILA, Philippines – Senators have agreed to suspend the Senate hearings into the alleged corruption in the military in the wake of the death of former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Reyes committed suicide this Tuesday morning amid allegations that he received
millions of pesos when he retired as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The consensus is to defer the hearings in the Senate,” said Sotto in a text message to reporters.

Sotto said those who agreed with the suspension of the hearing were Senate
President Juan Ponce-Enrile, Senators Francis Escudero, Jose "Jinggoy"
Estrada, and Gregorio Honasan.

Escudero confirmed this, in a separate text message to reporters.

"In deference to and given the untimely demise of Secretary Reyes who once served as a soldier and co-worker in government as co-chair of the Senate Committees conducting the inquiry given that Senator Guingona is presently out of the country, I am deferring the hearings of the Senate on the plea bargain of Garcia for a week," he said, referring to former military comptroller, General Carlos Garcia, who is facing plunder charges for allegedly amassing illegal wealth.

Guingona is Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, investigating the controversy.

"This would also enable all of us to take stock and gain perspective of recent events and the steps we should take in the weeks and months ahead with only the best interests of our country and people, as well as the men and women in uniform in the AFP, in mind," Escudero added.

The hearing by the committee being was set to resume on Thursday next week.

Guingona could not be reached by reporters for comment but in a statement, he joined his colleagues in condoling with the family of Reyes.

"The news of former Secretary Angelo Reyes’ untimely death has come to us as a shock. We share the pain of the Reyes family in this time of great loss. We condole with them and assure them of our prayers," he said.

It was unfortunate, Guingona said, that that their last interface with the late Secretary should be under "difficult circumstances.

"However, Secretary Reyes’ untimely death can only further strengthen our
resolve to bring the current probe on issues hounding the Armed Forces of the Philippines to a swift, just and rightful conclusion. We are confident thatSecretary Reyes shares with all of us the aspiration to help shed light on AFP-related issues and help reform the institution," he further said

Thursday, January 20, 2011

My day today

I managed to extend my readings from 7:30am to about 9:30am today. I did this random readings in order to check up on any new equipment they might put up or any new meter I should read.

Freaky, I’m going to the high hygiene area here at the plant. Sigh. I am geared up for it with white shirt and white pants.

Feel like a geek in my suit. Sigh.

JM is taking a while with his meeting. Lunch break will be in a few minutes. At least I have work to do this afternoon. Yey! I’m getting to be a bit busy now. Unlike the previous weeks.

I really think when people call you sir it’ll get in your head. That must be the case of that guy. Sigh.

Lunch time break! I’m gonna sleep for a while.

Sigh. People seem to notice that I go to areas every time. They think I’m really busy today. Truth is I am. I feel like a part of the company. And not just a contractual guy. I should have had training at TNC’s Calamba plant when I was there. I should have asked to be transferred somehow. I really need the exposure to real life on the plant and not just inventories during those years. It’s a blessing though that I am able to cope up with the system here at my age.

I’m going home earlier today. The new computer shop very near our house has a very fast internet connection so it’s worth the 1-hour rental. Last night I wrote about 3 or 4 new blogs for publishing today and tomorrow.

The weather is still cold during nights and mornings.

Ate ice cream for snack today. only about an hour left before I go home.

Need to go home. Brought pizza for the kids.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

the week starts

January 3



Well this is the real start of work for most of the people here at the plant. It seems a lot has happened in the period where everyone was on vacation. A few of the folks here didn’t quite made it back. They’re either resigned or are at their contract’s end. Still no Delta V data. It’s been 3 days already since the power shutdown. My work really depends on that data. For now, I’ve monitored the readings of just about everything on my list for the last 3 days. ok now I’m technically did my job. I hope I can repeat everything again next week somehow. I want to do it alone again just like the last 2 days.

It’s hot here at the office today. Wearing my sweat shirt would be a waste and it would be too hot. Already the day is half over. The 1st Monday of the month and of the year. Next week will be my 43rd birthday. I think we’ll celebrate it this Sunday with mom, pop and Dodo’s family. I hope we have money on that day.

I hope kulit sets our gathering soon. Sigh. I think they’re waiting for Arnel to be available. I hope I have money then.

Damn it’s so hot.

Lunch break is over for most of us. No Milo on the dispenser. I’m settling for coffee since yesterday.

They have a meeting here again. Sigh.

It’s 1:01pm and already I want to do something else. Our data center is still kaput.

Thinking about it, I can write a couple of stories with my free time here at my PC. I hope I can find inspiration for some fan fiction or original work. It’s that time.

It’s getting cold outside but the air conditioning system in our office seem to be off. I’m really sweating it out here. It’s freaking hot in here.

The guy I replaced appeared today. Looks like he’s coming back here. I wonder what position he’ll be given. Sigh.

I’m on my 2nd cup of latte. Yesterday I drank 2 cups of cappuccino. There’s still no Milo on the dispenser.

Technically finished my duties for the day. I’m on standby for any orders from the top guys.

It’s still a wee 27 minutes before we take our break for the pm.

Finished my afternoon break. It’s less than an hour to go before we all go home.

You can never really get rid of office politics. I hope I won’t have the problems some of the contractual people here had today. I’m totally sweaty today. It’s so damn hot.

Only about 33 minutes to go before I call it a day. I’m just doing some finishing touches on my reports.

That’s my day today. Tomorrow will be another.

I hope dinner’s ready once I arrive home.

January 4

Well this morning was a busy one. I got dusted by debris left over from the construction of some cables near the boiler. I got the ladder from the chiller area. All just to find the reason for our data center’s breakdown. I think I still have concrete on my hair. At least I’m doing something right and I’m not just sitting around.

My hands are sore from carrying that big ladder. Sigh. Still standing by and watching the tech do her job on the delta V data. It seems that lost data stay lost with this program. Sigh. Unlike the last accounting program I used at TNC when we can write a script and all lost data could be retrieved. I think it’s because no outside instruments are involved unlike here at the plant when everything is connected.

I’m going to the bank today to check if my ATM card is already available for release. It’s been 3 weeks already. I do hope it’s available so I can withdraw without being shy or embarrassed.

My head feels like it’ll explode. It’s freezing all of a sudden here. I’m getting hungry. Sigh.

We’re all busy today, the kids are at school, Joyce and me are at work. It seems like a long time since we all were this busy. I wonder how my folks are doing today.

Every day that passes gets me near to my 43rd birthday. What to do on my birthday? Sigh.

I can’t get over the fact that these contractual works jumped from one contractor to the other in the span of 2 days. When their output was in check, everyone was in an uproar. I think it’s a bit unfair on some level. But that’s just me.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Last working day for 2010

Ok, my vacation was on the 24th, 25th and 26th. 3 days was very short. It I enjoyed that holiday period. On the 24th we stayed at mom’s house from lunch time till dinner time. We had debates, fun and food. About 9pm that day Mang Mar and I along with Nelson drank 4 bottles of Red Horse. We ended our drinking session around 1am? That was Christmas morning already. On the 25th we just stayed home. I scolded my daughter. Slapped her face harder than I would like to do. Sigh. That’s our Christmas down point. I was really shouting to let them get my point. Sigh. Oh we had a dinner bash at my aunt’s house but it was not that exciting.

On the 26th we went to Markina for our family reunion. Drank tons of wine again with my cousins’ husbands and my uncle. Luckily I didn’t get drunk because I have work today. I wish the time in Marikina lasted longer. We had fun there. Everyone was not afraid to let loose.

Officially I'm on my new year vacation...no work from tomorrow until the 31st.......

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Manic Monday and Just A normal Tuesday

It’s been a very manic Monday for me yesterday. Not only was the data I needed corrupted but this was the 1st time I went and did the weekly routines I inherited here. The weather was not really that conducive but I needed to finish the task before 4pm.

Also, I was distraught on applying for a new payroll account. I wasn’t ready with the requirements. I hope I can do it today.

My cp was caught yesterday. I was pissed off really. The HR guy didn’t approve my cp being brought inside the plant. Pretentious if you ask me.

I need to finish some tacky stuffs.

I finished my daily routine and now I’m just updating some stuffs. I hope to get this right next week. I still got a lot to learn here. I still don’t know where everything is.

I seem to be having a hard time with certain you know what. Red tape is all I see.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

My letter to Pro Pinoy

From: Cocoy Dayao [mailto:cocoy.dayao@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2010 12:42 PM
To: Colcol,Alejandro,CABUYAO,ENGINEERING - TBMC
Subject: Re: Letters to the Editor



i've set it for publishing tomorrow at 8AM (Dec. 12)



C





On Dec 11, 2010, at 12:02 PM, Colcol,Alejandro,CABUYAO,ENGINEERING - TBMC wrote:



I just want to put it to the attention of Pnoy or any government person out there. What’s the standard procedure in releasing the Christmas bonuses promised to government employees? Media has announced the amount of the bonuses on air and in print over the last week or so. My question is why didn’t my wife receive the whole amount? According to Pnoy, the bonuses should be received in full whether you’re a regular or a contractual employee. According to my wife, they have certain item numbers including it seems item 0 which is basically saying you have no item and management of the government office involve can do anything they want with their account. What happens to the amount slashed from the employees? Where does it go? How can these employees find out that whether or not they were given their fair share?

Pnoy has promised a government of accountability and transparency. I hope they explain to their people what’s what.

Thanks for your day.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Superman: Earth One Reviewed



Okay what to say about another secret origin of comicdom's first superhero? From John Byrne's Man of Steel to Mark Waid's Superman Birthright and Geoff John's Secret Origins, another Superman origin tale seems redundant. But since it's Earth-one, it tells me that DC wants to have a brand new template well sort of.
Doug Zawisza of CBR writes an interesting review: Superman: Earth-One review:

The most interesting aspect of this book for me was Clark’s search for a purpose in the beginning of the book. A small town boy, Clark makes his way to Metropolis to try and figure out what exactly it is that he wants to be when he grows up. When you can be absolutely anything in the world that you want to be, what is it exactly, that you want to be? There are some interesting choices presented here as well as some great insight into why Clark is super even when the cape isn’t on his back


All in all a great choice to buy and read. Well, it's not Smallville so I guess it's another fresh take on the Superman mythos. Enjoy reading.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

DC Legacies GL and GA

<
We have Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern: Newsarama\'s field guide to Green Lantern (Alan Scott)

Alan Scott, the One, Original Green Lantern: The first Green Lantern found fictional life in the pages of All-American Comics #16, cover-dated July of 1940. The concept began with artist Martin Nodell who, with writer Bill Finger, gave us the character that had its partial roots in the railroad. Proving that inspiration can come from any place at any time, Nodell fused the sight of a subway rail employee waving a green “all clear” lantern with the idea of Aladdin. From that germ came the blueprint for the story of a man with a “magic ring” powered by said lantern that could accomplish feats basically limited by his imagination and willpower and the energy’s weakness in the face of . . . wood.

In terms of comics continuity, Earth-2 dweller Alan Scott’s lantern was composed of a green flame that came to Earth in the distant past. When Scott came into possession of the object, it “told” him how to make his ring from the lantern itself, and the young engineer created the identity of Green Lantern. In the wake of “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, Alan Scott’s story would become more complicated. The original green flame turned out to be The Starheart, mystic energy collected by Oa’s Guardians and hidden in a star, which then attained sentience. This made for a direct connection between Scott and the Corps, even if he himself is not an official member.

Scott can proudly boast membership and founder status with the Justice Society of America. When the security of America and the life of the president were in danger just prior to World War II, GL and a number of other heroes (including the Jay Garrick Flash, the original Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Hourman I, the Atom, and more) saved the day and remained a team at the behest of the president. When World War II began, the JSA became the Justice Battalion and also held simultaneous membership in the larger group of heroes known as the All-Star Squadron.

Thanks to his mystical roots, Scott has been a member of the loosely affiliated Sentinels of Magic, heroes tasked to deal with supernatural threats. He’s also been a part of Checkmate. For a period of time prior to Zero Hour (1994) and on up until 2003, Alan Scott went by the name “Sentinel” partially in deference to the destruction of the GL Corps and the fact that Kyle Rayner operated as the only remaining GL for much of that time. During the “Princes of Darkness” storyline which led to the redemption of Obsidian (more later), Scott took back the GL name.


>
Next is Green Arrow: newsarama\'s guide to Green Arrow


Golden Age/Earth-2: Shipwrecked millionaire Oliver Queen learned to survive by becoming the world’s greatest archer; upon his return to civilization, he battled crime with trick arrows as Green Arrow (More Fun Comics #73, 1941). That was easy! As you know, the Golden Age versions of DC’s icons found themselves relegated to Earth-2 at the advent of the Silver Age. The Golden Age Green Arrow and his sidekick Speedy (Roy Harper) held memberships in the Seven Soldiers of Victory (aka The Law’s Legionnaires) and the All-Star Squadron. During the “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, the Earth-2 Green Arrow was killed fighting the Anti-Monitor’s shadow demons. When the history of the new Earth was shown later, Green Arrow and Speedy had been retconned out of the Soldiers and the Squadron, replaced by, depending on the retcon, by some combination of Alias the Spider, Crimson Avenger’s sidekick Wing, or Vigilante’s sidekick Stuff. Weirdly enough, yet another retcon line-up was introduced in DC Legacies #2, this one including TNT and Dan the Dyna-Mite.

”Our” Ollie: The updated Green Arrow had essentially the same origin as his counterpart, though other tweaks and details have sunk in over time. Originally clean-shaven and wearing the green and red, Ollie popped the Vandyke and adopted his classic look in 1969. This Green Arrow was the first post-founding member of the Justice League of America (though JLA Year One, which probably isn’t even in continuity anymore, suggests that Queen secretly financed the young team from the beginning).

Monday, October 4, 2010

God Does Not Dwell in a Temple Made With Hands

In the Old Testament, when God commanded the Tabernacle to be built, it was a place for God to dwell with the people. The people did not meet inside the Tabernacle. Only the priests entered the Tabernacle. The people met together and worshiped God outside under the open sky. They never entered the Tabernacle or later the Temple.

Today, God does not dwell in a building, He dwells in our hearts. We do not have to meet at a special building or enter a special building to worship God. A church building is not needed for us to meet or worship God, nor is it needed for the center of the life of the church.

Acts 17:24-25 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
God does not dwell in a temple made with hands

Acts 7:48-51 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? 50 Hath not my hand made all these things? 51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Jeremiah 7:1-14 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD. 3 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4 Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. 5 For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor; 6 If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: 7 Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, forever and ever. 8 Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. 9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; 10 And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? 11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD. 12 But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. 13 And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spoke unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; 14 Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

2 Corinthians 6:16-17 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.

We, as Christians, are the temple of God; we are the church. It is totally unnecessary to worship Him in a special building.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Jueteng costs

VIEWPOINTS
Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

09/30/2010

During the previous administration, the committees concerned in the Philippine Senate scheduled and conducted many and long hearings about the “What?,” the “Why?” and the “Who?” of the disgusting and nauseating illegal, sick and sickening illegal numbers game called “jueteng” — a distinct racket that has been long since commonly considered as a most vicious cause of the exploitation of the poor vis-a-vis the indecent enrichment of the jueteng lords and their cohorts. Herewith infallibly goes the big and regular jueteng payolas that go regularly to corrupt collaborating local public officials who see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing about the downright illegal numbers game being played under their noses. In the same way, fat and continuous jueteng bribes also go to crooked police authorities who act as very willing and able protectors of the same rigged and crooked numbers game.

Let it be herein formally and specifically said once and for all, that the said long existing and well operational illegal numbers game in this country has the following three major social costs — without even any reference to their downright grave immoral nature and serious unethical dimension, concretely in conjunction with the natural societal mandates of “Do not steal.” and “Do not desire what belongs to others.”

One: Jueteng ravages and even demolishes the good name and rightful reputation of the whole Philippine National Police (PNP), despite the standing truth that only a few of their members are bought — body, soul and spirit — by jueteng payolas through the jueteng protection they undertake. It is not simply unfair but downright unjust that the national agency that precisely stands for law and order, is perceived as exactly otherwise.

Two: Jueteng in fact demeans the offices and in effect debases the persons themselves of the public officials in the country — judging by the way people in general praise said officials to high heavens when facing them, but look down at them as dirty rags when their backs are turned. This is not only basically wrong as they are all public servants — and that only but few of them are jueteng protectors or operators, and thus act and behave like Royalty in a Republican democracy that is the Philippines.

Three: Jueteng does the most detestable disservice to the country categorically in terms of destroying the nature and spirit of its electoral system: Reason: Millions upon millions of jueteng payola transfer hands — ending in the hands of these and those political candidates. This means: One, when these candidates win the elections, they are much beholden to the jueteng lords. Two, when they assume office they cannot but allow jueteng to have its merry way and fun-time in their respective territorial territories. Three, jueteng then merrily goes on and on and on and...!

(Reprinted with permission of Archbishop Emeritus Oscar V. Cruz, from www.ovc.blogspot.com)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

DC Legacies continued


Well this time it's Flash.
You’d think that the legacy of the Flashes would be much more complicated than the legacy of Aquaman. I happen to believe that the Flash legacy is fairly easy to understand. It’s a tight group of allies bound around a central family and its many branches. Let’s visit the past, present and future of the Fastest Legacy Alive.


DC Comics LEGACIES: A Field Guide #3: FLASH FACTS is a good read on some Flash facts.

Pre-Crisis: Your original Flash was Jay Garrick, who debuted in “Flash Comics” #1 in 1940. He got super-speed thanks to hard water fumes (just go with it) and adopted the look of Mercury (winged hat). Flash became a member of the Justice Society at their founding, and, along with girlfriend/later-wife Joan, was present during the battle with Ian Karkull that gave most of the JSA and their wives energy that prevented them from aging at a normal rate.
You can blame Jay, in part, for the DC multiverse, if you like. I explained that all back in 2005, which you can still read by climbing on our cosmic treadmill here. As you now understand, when the Silver Age began, Jay and the other original heroes became the denizens of Earth-2, and would frequently visit the heroes of the then-current DCU, Earth 1. Earth 1’s Flash was, of course . . .

Barry Allen: Barry Allen became The Flash of Earth-1 in “Showcase” #4 (1956) when a lightning bolt struck the rack of chemicals that he was standing next to, bathing the police chemist in speed (actually, the likelihood that speed is on a police evidence shelf is fairly high). Barry made his mark as the hero of Central City, and was a founder of the Justice League of America. Barry later married his girlfriend, Iris West. Iris had a nephew named . . .

Wally West: Wally happened along in “The Flash” #110 in 1959. On a visit to Barry’s lab, Wally experienced the same exact accident as Barry, and the young man gained super-speed powers of his own. It’s been suggested that the lightning bolt that caused Wally’s accident was actually Barry traveling back in time after the events of “Crisis on Infinite Earths”. As it was, Wally became Kid Flash. He adventured for years, helping found the Teen Titans, until afflicted with a disorder that was slowly killing him when he used his powers. Then came . . .

Crisis on Infinite Earths: After a lengthy trial fueled in part by the machinations of Kadabra, Barry and Iris retired to the 30th Century, from whence Iris had actually originally come. The couple had twin children, Don and Dawn. When the red skies and crazy weather of Crisis began, Barry went into action. Pulled through time, Barry became the prisoner of the Anti-Monitor. He eventually broke free and destroyed the villain’s anti-matter cannon at the cost of his own life. At his death, Barry’s image travelled back through time, allowing him to be seen briefly by others, like Wally. Wally went along with the heroes that went to confront the Anti-Monitor for a final battle. During the conflict, Wally was hit with a blast of energy that cured his disease. At the close of the Crisis, Wally became the new Flash.


Can't wait for part 4

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Usagi Yojimbo



Think feudal Japan but with funny animals. Usagi Yojimbo is one of the best indie comics to be published back in the 1980's when manga was still strictly Japanese.
Created by Stan Sakai, it tells the story of a rabbit ronin set in the Edo period Japan. It tells the stories of Japanese History and Japanese folklore and such.

Concept

Set primarily at the beginning of Edo period of Japan (early 17th century), with anthropomorphic animals replacing humans, it features a rabbit ronin, Miyamoto Usagi, who is partially based on the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Usagi wanders the land on a musha shugyo (warrior's pilgrimage) occasionally selling his services as a bodyguard. Usagi Yojimbo is heavily influenced by Japanese cinema and has included references to the work of Akira Kurosawa (the title of the series is derived from Kurosawa's 1960 film Yojimbo) and to icons of popular Japanese cinema such as Lone Wolf and Cub, Zatoichi, and Godzilla. The series is also influenced somewhat by Groo the Wanderer by Sergio Aragonés (Sakai is the letterer for that series), but the overall tone of Usagi Yojimbo is typically less comedic.

The books consist of short stories, and occasionally novel-length stories, with underlying larger plot-lines which culminate in long extended story lines. The stories include many references to Japanese history and Japanese folklore, and sometimes include mythical creatures. The architecture, clothes, weapons, and other objects are drawn with a faithfulness to the period's style. There are often stories whose purpose is to illustrate various elements of Japanese arts and crafts, such as the fashioning of kites, swords, and pottery. Those efforts have been successful enough for the series to be awarded a Parents' Choice Award in 1990 for its educational value through Stan's "skillful weaving of facts and legends into his work."[1] The series also follows the standard traditional Japanese naming convention for all featured characters: their family names followed by their given names. Usagi was named the thirty-first greatest comic book character by Empire Magazine.[2]

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Trinity Blood: A history



The first time I watched this anime about 2 years ago blew me away. The graphics was really good. The openning theme from the group Buck-Tick was perfect for the story.

Trinity Blood (トリニティ・ブラッド, Toriniti Buraddo?) is a series of Japanese light novels written by Sunao Yoshida with illustrations by Thores Shibamoto and originally serialized in The Sneaker, freely inspired by a historical personality, Caterina Sforza. Set 900 years after an apocalyptic war between humans and vampires, the series focuses on the on-going cold war between the Vatican, the human government, and the Empire, the government of the Methuselah. Fighting on the Vatican's side is Abel Nightroad, a Crusnik–a vampire that feeds on vampires. A blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and political intrigue, as some in the Vatican and the Empire strive for peace, the Rosen Kreuz Order will do anything to stop it.



Trinity Blood has been adapted into both manga and anime series, with continuity differences between the three versions. After Yoshida's death on July 15, 2004, Kentaro Yasui, his friend and the author of Ragnarok novels, stepped in to complete the remaining novels. Yasui also aided in completing the manga, with illustrations by Kiyo Kujō.[1] The anime series, spanning 24 episodes, was produced by Gonzo and originally aired on WOWOW network.

When Earth's population drastically increased, humanity, led by the United Nations, attempted to colonize Mars. During the colonization, they discovered two alien technologies: the Bacillus and the Crusnik nanomachines. The colonists installed the Bacillus in their bodies which transformed them into Methuselahs. They installed the Crusnik in the bodies of four test tube babies: Seth, Cain, Abel and Lilith whose enhanced bodies were the only ones able to survive the procedure.

Continuing wars on Earth eventually led to "Armageddon," the apocalyptic event that happened 900 years before the start of the story, and the colonists returned to Earth to help with rebuilding. However, when the colonists returned to Earth, a war broke out between the Methuselahs and the humans who had remained on earth. Abel, Cain, and Seth took the Methuselah's side—while Lilith supported the Vatican, which guarded humanity. During the war, Cain went insane and killed Lilith. In grief, Abel took her body to the Vatican where she was buried. Abel remained at her side, weeping for her, for 900 years.

At the start of the story, the vampiric Methuselahs, still a major political and military force, continue to wage war on the "Terrans," as they call regular humans. The Roman Catholic Church is a major military power determined to protect humans from the Methuselahs, with its seat of power based in the Vatican. The Methuselahs have their capital in Byzantium, which is surrounded by a field of particles to filter out UV radiation, protecting the Methuselah population.

Both groups use "lost technologies", such as airships, missiles, and computers, to engage in a cold war with one another. A third great power, Albion also plays a role in the war with its superior arsenal of lost technology and weapons and higher level of manufacturing ability versus the Vatican. The independent monarchy of Albion is a primarily human country, however the secret of their expertise in lost technology is found in the Ghetto, an underground city of enslaved Methuselah. It is these Methuselah who operate and manufacture the lost technology, but with the death of the Albion Queen, some of the enslaved vampires begin a rebellion for the freedom of all of the Ghetto residents.

While the novels, manga, and anime series all cover the same basic story and feature many of the same characters, they do have some minor and major differences. Each has its own unique variation on the major story arcs, and in general the novels give the most detail concerning the political elements and background information on the stories. There are a few minor name changes and many details found in the novels are not given in the anime or manga.
Dietrich's character design, as seen in the manga, is younger and more boyish than in the anime

The artwork also differs from all three versions, as the character designs were each created by different artists. There are similarities, however, as Shibamoto is responsible for the novel illustrations, while Kiyo Kujō based his work in the manga on Shibamoto's original designs.[1] In the anime series, Dietrich von Lohengrin's cold, evil nature is reflected in his appearance, while in the manga he has a softer, bishōnen design that is incongruous with his actual nature. Similarly, Endre is described as looking like a boy of around 10–12 years old,[2] while in the anime he is given an adult appearance.[3] In additions to variants in appearances, there are differences in personalities relationships between the versions, and there are some characters that are unique to each adaptation. Sister Noelle, whose death devastates Abel in the anime series and in the novels, does not exist in the manga series. Alternatively, neither the anime nor manga adaptations mention Tres' two "brothers".

Depending on the adaptation, some events occur at varying points in the story, while other events are unique to a single adaptation. The anime series' introductory-style episodes are based on the novel segments with the same names, but they are told in a different story. For example, in the novels, "From the Empire", the chapter in which Abel meets Asthe is the third chapter, following Flight Night and Witch Hunt,[2] However, in the anime, From the Empire is the eleventh episode, coming after the Star of Sorrow arc and the Silent Noise incident. Conversely, the manga starts right with the Star of Sorrow arc and Abel meeting Esther and Dietrich. The Neumann brothers and their related story elements are found only in the novels. In the novels, it was Abel who interrupted the Cardinal's gathering, rather than Caterina or Leon, and the only people available to investigate the Silent Noise incident in Rome are Abel, Tres, and Leon.[4]

Trinity Blood Opening

Trinity Blood ending theme

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

DC comics Legacies part 1

Well part 1 features Supes and Bats.


Check out the newsarama link.


Superman: Most of these entries will have to carry some kind of designation as to whether they report on Pre-Crisis or current continuity. Frankly, there have been a lot of “imaginary” stories about the Superman legacy, including a great take from Superman Family #200 from 1980 that shows “Laura Kent”, the daughter of Clark and Lois, slowly realizing that she’s developing super-powers in her teen years. The Superman legacy also contains an added wrinkle in the form of Power Girl. How’s that? Read on.

In terms of “our” Batman, his legacy consists mainly of the veritable army of sidekicks, students, and allies he’s inspired. First is Dick Grayson, the original Robin; Dick graduated to the identity of Nightwing before recently assuming the mantle of Batman himself. The second Robin, Jason Todd, was killed by the Joker, revived during “Infinite Crisis”, and became the nefarious Red Hood. Robin number three, Tim Drake, has adopted the identity of Red Robin. The fourth Robin, Stephanie Brown, started out as young heroine Spoiler; after a period where she was believed dead, Steph re-emerged and eventually became the current Batgirl. The current Robin, Damien Wayne, is the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia Ah Ghul, the daughter of his enemy Ra’s Ah Ghul.


Part 2 involves Aquaman: read the newsarama article



Aquaman of Earth-2: Aquaman’s actually a surprisingly complicated case. The beginning is rather simple; the Aquaman that we would consign to Earth-2 appeared in 1941 and more or less ran until 1959. That Aquaman had a different origin. His father was a human ocean explorer, and that father “taught” Aquaman his powers after studying texts that came from Atlantis (though he was shown with gills at times). The Earth-2 Aquaman did pop up in “All-Star Sqaudron” in the ‘80s, but vanished from continuity after “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, replaced in his Squadron membership along with other major heroes in the new Earth continuity by the Young All-Stars (with Neptune Perkins being his analogue) and The Spider (who subbed for Green Arrow, post-Crisis).

Aquaman of Earth-1: The more familiar take on Aquaman kicked off in 1959. Lighthouse keeper Tom Curry saved a woman during a storm; she was Atlanna, an exile from Atlantis. They fell in love, and she gave birth to the son they named Arthur. As a toddler, Arthur’s abilities began to appear. Tom later married again, and the issue of that union was Orm Curry, Arthur’s half-brother. Orm would later become the villain Ocean Master, marking Aquaman as one of the heroes that can actually claim a villain as part of his legacy. Make a note of that villain part. We’ll see it again.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Your Faithfulness

This is my devotional song for today and I like to share it with you guys.



This song is brilliant and melodic at the same time. It really helps me in these troubled times.

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About Me

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I'm a comic and movie buff. I love superhero stuffs and anime. I got 2 lovable kids.