Friday, July 29, 2011
My review on the first episode of the 2011 THUNDERCATS animated series
It was what I expected. Gone are the usual cliches and cheesiness that defined the Thundercats cartoons for generations - from little kids to grownup manchilds or fanboys, in particular at the Comic-con. This is a serious retelling of the mythos with a deeper plot and emotional storytelling. The battle between good and evil couldn't have been told any better other than what was seen in tonight's world premiere episode of the 2011 Thundercats series. The animation is superb having the manga-inspired style AND wow, it looks stunning on my LED TV. I am happy to know that Lion's father King Claudus was voiced none other than the original Lion-O himself, Larry Kenney, an iconic voice character legend like Peter Cullen is to the '84 Optimus Prime in the Transformers Generation 1 cartoons. Expect this series to be not like your father's or big brother's Thundercats. It won't have any brighter colors or the humor. This is gonna be one heck of a journey as these Thundercats go through a dark time at first and then emerge victorious over their enemies. However, despite some of the differences it has from the original cartoon, the spirit and the 'feel' still remains intact. I am looking forward to more Thundercats episodes coming up and you bet, I'll be sure to get them on the DVR. I LIKE THIS!!!! Looks like the little kid in me is up for cartoons again as if it was 1984 all over again.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
A Mini-Blog from my PC
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
SPEAK OUT: Guest Blog for 7/26/11
Hoop Day - 7/26/11
Conditions were humid. It was already starting to feel dry. The breeze that came in was little relief. No matter what, I have to put forth my best efforts on the court. I was actually beginning to tire out since I worked a few hours ago in the early morning. This would be interesting as I haven't done anything like that since fall of last year. Despite the tireness looming ahead, I gave it my all. Layups, fingerolls, turn-around jumper, 3pt arc shots from the middle. Most of 'em went in...Then, a young dude went to the court to shoot hoops while listening to his mp3s on the headphones. I was kinda nervous because he'd probably be watching me. But he minded his business and so did I, on him. We had the mutual respect. He saw me hit a couple of jumpers and a few 3s until I really started wearing out. One more, I banked it in! I called it a day and told him to move to my court area since he was shooting at a rim that contained a damaged net. He smiled. I did the same. And that was it! I was satisfied of shooting almost 50+ hoop points today.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Here is the article regarding him and the crime.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER is awesome!
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER is a brilliant superhero masterpiece. Marvel Studios has done it again!!!! Chris Evans portrays another Marvel hero-in-tights, this time as Steve Rogers (a frail young man from Brooklyn, NY who becomes Captain America). His previous role was Johnny Storm (turns into The Human Torch) in the now-forgettable FANTASTIC FOUR films. Evans played the Steve Rogers/Cap role dedicatingly, believability and with precision based on the hero's mythos from the comic book pages ... The rest of the cast were great including Tommy Lee Jones, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Stanley Tucci and Hugo Weaving (as The Red Skull). Director Joe Johnston delivers 40's-nostalgia once again just like he did with THE ROCKETEER movie almost 20 years ago ... One thing I must critique strongly are the action sequences. It seems a bit clipped and rushed. Maybe some of this will be meshed w/ the deleted scenes that can move on as flashbacks for the CAPTAIN AMERICA sequel in a few years. And I do hope for a possible reunion between Atwell's on-screen character, Peggy Carter and Cap himself. It'll be weird as he'll still look young in the modern day and she'll be old then (88 years old, to be exact) - but true hearts never age ... The movie's elements, pace, and visual effects were great overall (especially in the 3D format) and I do look forward to THE AVENGERS next year in which S.H.I.E.L.D. leader, Nick Fury (played impressively by Sam Jackson) assembles the heroes - THOR, IRON MAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA, THE HULK, BLACK WIDOW and HAWKEYE.
Amy Winehouse (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011)
It is with sadness today to know that one of the greatest musical gems of our time has suddenly passed away. English singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse, known to many for her smash hit 'Rehab' was found dead in her Camden flat, as reported a few minutes ago before this blog posting. It is said that she had died from a drug overdose. Winehouse struggled with drugs throughout most of her fame.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Heat Wave
This HEAT WAVE is currently gripping most of our nation right now with high record-setting temperatures reaching the 100+ mark, including that of Virginia and Illinois (places that I have lived/living, respectively). Many prefer to stay indoors while others have no choice but to go forth with their business aspect from the outside. While most kids think of the summer as a fun time, serious measures (no matter if you are young or old) should always be considered especially keeping the body fully-hydrated (up to at least 8-10 bottles) and limiting exposure from the sun's powerful UV rays. And then there are the unfortunate - those that have no choice but to stay home and endure the heat inside. I totally feel for those that lost electricity from big storms and for many who just can't afford a single A/C unit for their homes.
My best advice is to always keep yourselves in A/C-operated environments whether it's at work, in your vehicle, a mall, a museum --- anything A/C, really. LOL. All of that will add a lot of comfort and convenience for your body to feel great like if it is any other summer day!
I'm not exactly sure what's gonna happen next in the coming days ahead, in regards to temps, but hang in there, everyone.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Song Gems Revisited: Bic Runga - Sway
It's a great song all its own. Bic Runga's vocals in 'Sway' are just amazing. It makes one instantly fall in love with the tune. I didn't even know it was in the movie 'American Pie' until I watched it a few years later. I got a hold of Bic's album on CD through my friend Cecelia back in the late-1990s.
Monday, July 18, 2011
YOUTUBE Feature: Extra videoclips from Shedd Aquarium's Aquatic Show
*7/21 UPDATE* The video above had it's audio contents changed. I had to adhere to copyright and licensing rules although I am not at fault. All of the previous audio sounds heard before came from the aquatic show presentation itself.
I am OFFICIALLY in Google Plus now!
A Mini-Blog from my PC
Saturday, July 16, 2011
First-time in Shedd Aquarium
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A Mini-Blog from my Blackberry
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
PHOTOBLOG: Me and my bro Jeff in Aurora, IL
My brother visiting
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Sunday, July 10, 2011
PHOTOBLOG: Rizz at the basketball court
It was another warm day for me to shoot hoops in the park. But I'm glad to have brought Rizz along, as well. Here she is in these exclusive photos taken from my Blackberry just this morning. It's good to know that Rizz is THE HIGHLIGHT other than myself this time around. Looks like I have competition on the court now. lol.
Friday, July 08, 2011
A Mini-Blog from my PC ...
Thursday, July 07, 2011
SPEAK OUT: Guest Blog for 7/7/11
Despite the news that had become during this media-sensation case involving Casey Anthony, our unconditional love will always go out to the beloved Caylee. She will forever be in our hearts as a symbol of humanity, an innocent life championing the great cause in everyone that the REAL truth and justice always prevail.
Resting after a long day of work is essential
There are days when we, as able-bodied employees, put our best effort to work. It can take a toll on our eyes, our ears, and the rest of our body (depending on one's profession in the workplace). Some of us might've gotten enough sleep before we left for work and others probably got the lackthereof. And then there are those that are stuck in between a double-shift schedule taking a nap in the middle .... Through it all, no matter how much or how little we put in our daily work tasks and duties, we must take time to rest. It could be minutes, a few hours, or maybe even longer. Whichever the case, rest is essential. It'll bring a recharge for the next round (bringing about the energy to keep going on and on), a state of relaxation (to rid of any added stress whether big or small), and the power to be mentally focused (rather than tiring out and losing comprehension of what's going on at the job) ... I must advise however that during rest, it must be at a place that is free from the noise and activity going on - plus it must be at a location that's safe from harm and disturbance. For example, we can't sleep in a subway train and let someone take our belongings or sleeping in your car at a public parking lot in a mall or grocery store (in which your chances of being carjacked is likely to happen). Your best bet during work is resting in your vehicle at breaktime the employee parking lot (depending on how safe and secure your workplace is). But being home is highly recommended as that's the best spot to be at for convenient resting ... As for my friend and co-worker Ninh (pictured), he took advantage of his rest during a 1 1/2 hour ride home in which I was driving the company van. With all the time he's invested in his rest, he performs his tasks with good results. Take it from him, rest is indeed essential.
Congrats to Ray & Marilyn on their engagement!
A big shoutout to my best friend Ray & his girlfriend Marilyn on their recent engagement. I am so proud of them....To Marilyn: "You got yourself a good man. I've known Ray for 15 years and he's always been looking for the right lady to call his own. He exemplifies the ideal God-fearing man who carries himself well with dignity, maintains his values and morals, and a friend to society (especially when he joined me in filipino-related functions being that he is always open to other cultures)"....To Ray: "I knew right then and there as I looked at her photo that Marilyn is definitely the one for you. You truly deserved someone special. The chemistry I have observed keenly between you two is inseparable and very real. Both of you are so sweet. I wish you two the very best in the times ahead, maybe we'll see each other in Disneyworld a few years from now (lol)"... Thanks again Ray for announcing the news via text. I'm so excited!
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Shooting hoops in the park - wearing Jordans
It was becoming a hot morning as I went to the court. However, there was a bit of a breeze that kicked in too. Here I was sporting my Jordan gear. Last time I had on Jordans was when I played on the court with my friend & co-worker, Josh. But that was with a different pair of Jordan shoes and the white Jordan jersey. Today I had on the red Jordan jersey and Alpha 1 retro shoes. My performance was good in the very beginning. I was able to shoot left, middle, and right within the 2-point area. However, during the middle of it all, I decided to go on the 3-point arc once again and master what I learned days ago. Turns out, my shots there were average. The arc technique was gone and I struggled a little bit more. There were lucky shots that I made, but it seems that the arc technique was missing in most of my attempts. And I realized that was the missing ingredient to my performance. There's always next time. On the time remaining, I sat down and looked at the kids doing their skateboard thing. It's fun watching them do their tricks.
Monday, July 04, 2011
Job Search Update - 7/4/11
Sunday, July 03, 2011
My own spin on a 'Transformers' sequel story set after 'Dark of the Moon'
So 'Dark of the Moon' is movie history. And so will all of my Transformers blog posts for the meantime, until a new sequel is set into the future.
But before I let that go, I'm gonna put my own spin on a really cool storyline that can possibly move it to a new direction. That has to mean minus brilliant action director Michael Bay and sometimes overzealous, actor Shia Labeouf who plays Sam.
So what do I envision for a great story, as well as the elements? Ok, let me put my creative juices to work...I would want the Autobots to continue working with NEST and let go of the Sam Witwicky continuity. The Autobots should have their own base headquarters called 'The Ark' built somewhere near the mountains since Cybertron is no more. The main computer that they utilize is none other than Teletran-1. Optimus Prime will still be leader to the remaining surviving autobots and a new line of newly made Autobots that are now part of the army. Now here's what's interesting about them: they are made from recycled parts from those that were killed at one point - namely Jazz, Ironhide & Que, all thanks to Ratchet. Ratchet also takes out their memory chips and installs them to the brain area of the exclusive Autobots. Jazz, Ironhide & Que remember what happened to their fate and accept their new identities/vehicle forms. They are given new names and that some of the chassis/facial features they have now pretty much resemble their previous appearances. This reinvention of the characters would honor the G1 1984 cartoon (the concept, in which Bumblebee had a new body being named 'Gold Bug')... New autobots made-from-scratch are also part of the lineup such as Prowl, Seaspray, Cosmos, Hot Rod and Cliffjumper. A veteran also surfaces from the galaxy, as well. His name is Ultra Magnus. Everything seems to go right with NEST operations as they fulfill world peace until the remaining surviving Decepticons from different nations join forces and take the remains of Megatron, Starscream, Barricade, The 3 Dreads, Shockwave, and Soundwave in their possession. The Decepticons forge an alliance with the planet-eating entity named Unicron - a huge bad ass giant robot. He gives them new bodies and new names, especially one Megatron who now becomes Galvatron. Starscream becomes Cyclonus and has a new army called the Sweeps. Sentinel Prime becomes Scourge .... The humans on Planet Earth and the heroic Autobots face a mighty giant battle, not just against a recycled group of Decepticon Army BUT also Unicron. THIS IS THEIR BIGGEST BATTLE YET!
Not a bad idea, right? RIGHT. It honors and remains closely linked to the original '94 cartoon series once again. What can make it work? Let's start with a director and genius. I wish it can be J.J. Abrams. He can pull it off. The man has been successful so far, especially with Super 8 and Star Wars. And he can team up once again with Steven Spielberg who can produce it. They'd make a bonafide team. It would be great for Kurtzman & Orci to take the idea I based here and translate it to the big screen. Under J.J. Abrams' helm, he can show a diff't perspective picturewise. If not Abrams, maybe Peter Jackson who can convey more of the characters likeness and heart into this. The robots should also have a well-known cast of voices. Maybe Tom Cruise as Prowl, Liam Neeson as Ultra Magnus, Will Smith as Seaspray, Jack Black as Cliffjumper and Zac Efron as Hot Rod. And Unicron would be voiced by either Vin Diesel or Michael Clarke Duncan.
So yeah, that's my idea right there all in one blog posting. This is THE END of the Transformers talk for now. Time to focus on the next things in life.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Watching 'TF: Dark of the Moon' for the 2nd Time
(WARNING: Before you go on reading, there are some SPOILERS mentioned)
I saw 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' for the 2nd time this week. In this latest outing, I was with Rizz and our friend/co-worker Shar, once again. The previous movie they saw with me - had a lot of male nudity. I'm referring to 'The Hangover Part 2.' Male nudity no more as we'll all watch a movie that took place in Chicago for the climactic battle finale between the Autobots and Decepticons. A lot of attention came last year when filming was abundant in the windy city. It's time to look into the finished product together in 3D format. For me, it's an encore presentation.
I enjoyed seeing it again - but some of it still remains traumatic.
*SPOILER* The Autobot Ironhide (pictured above) dies mercilessly in the hands of the traitorous, backstabbing Sentinel Prime - once a revered Autobot leader that Optimus Prime looked up to and believed in. Ironhide's last words (in his weak voice) to Sentinel was, 'What have you done?' Because of the effects of the cosmic rust coming from Sentinel's gun, his head and face came apart thus dying instantly. To a kid who adored Ironhide throughout the last 2 TF flicks, this must be heart-wrenching and painful to endure. This is perhaps THE worst death scene in the movies since Apollo Creed died in the hands of Ivan Drago in 'Rocky IV.' And it's not a 'brave, mighty, fight-to-the-death, blaze-of-glory' kind of death either. He was attacked from behind doing what he did to protect Sentinel Prime - and that was just - ugh - bad! This wasn't THE only Ironide death done in the Transformers' lore. While he lay dying (after being shot), Decepticon leader Megatron killed him with no hestitation and no mercy in 'Transformers: The Movie' (animated 1986 movie)... Another Autobot death was bad, too, this time from Decepticon Soundwave instantly killing the wise, aging mechanic Autobot named 'Que'who looks like a professor. That was just soooo wrong. Both of these deaths upsetted me, but I took it in stride being able to finish the movie off bravely for 2 hours and 40 minutes. And I will purchase this movie on Blu-ray once it hits stores soon (like 5 months from now).
I'm still blown away of the great effects they put to make a battle-damaged Chicago ... OHHHH, And it is so funny I found a movie mistake, too. What was the sign (I-88 Tollway to Aurora) doing in a Washington, D.C. highway scene? Only us Chicagoans can spot that error easily unlike the many people nationwide that are watching it now ... It's good to know that this movie is well on its way to setting a box office record as it nears $180 mil, unlike those crazy reports two days ago by the media thinking it'd fall short of expectations. Looks like people were just waiting for the weekend to come to treat their families out to see this flick.
Going back to that death scene, that's just one of many elements that make up the Transformers mythology. Heroes make noble sacrifices risking their lives in the process for the freedoms of many, including human beings. And that good will always overcome evil.
Friday, July 01, 2011
My Wish List: 'The Adizero' (as hyped up by Adidas w/ Derrick Rose)
I'm sure most of my close pals remember the 'customized' Adidas TS Bounce Commander kicks I sported back in 2009 right up to this present day. And there's even one particular friend who says I got a Peter Pan complex when it comes to wearing different kinds of shoes on certain occasions which holds true, but I don't think I'd refer it that way. When it comes to clothes and style, I like to coordinate pretty much ... Looks like there could be THE possibility of another Adidas shoe joining the elite of my shoe collection (that are stored well in the closet). It is the Adizero sneakers as hyped up by Adidas w/ Derrick Rose (current Bulls' star). They are in stores right now, as we speak but I'm still trying to save as much money in the part-time job I'm in. Maybe when the full-time job rolls along, this 'shoe' can become a reality. I've already customized it (once again, in Philippines flag colors - red, blue, yellow & white) in the 'Mi Adidas' website under my saved account. the TS Bounce Commander kicks I bought from there also got the same color coordination/scheme, too ... After shipping costs and such, the total came up to $177.00. That's a lot, huh - but that's what I should expect because it's customization that puts it up a notch ... If I am lucky enough to find the black Adizero sneaks in a shoe store, I can settle for that at $130.00. I can save $47 ... For now, this customized version of the Adizero will stay in my account for now as a 'wish list' along with other almost-bought shoes on that website.
PHOTOBLOG: Archie, Ashley, Jon, Sherwin & Me - at Regal 30 Stadium Theater in Warrenville, IL
Fellow Orlandoan friends - Archie, Ashley & Jon were able to join us Chicagoans (Sherwin and myself) at the Regal 30 Stadium Theater in Warrenville, IL. We watched 'TRANSFORMERS: THE DARK OF THE MOON' in Real 3D. We loved the movie but we're still wowed by what happened to Chicago in that movie. I am glad to have joined them this evening as it is the last day for the vacationers. They leave tomorrow ... I thank God for having the chance to meet Archie again after so long (make that 2 years). I hope we'll get another opportunity to hang out more in the foreseeable future. To Archie - God bless you always, bro! Til next time!