Sunday, December 27, 2009
The New Nokia E72
I recently bought a new phone, the Nokia E72. Researching the reviews on the internet is already awesome since the feedback for this phone is good. Unboxing the phone on the other hand is a totally different experience, you feel the sudden rush of excitement. Wow! It comes in three colors by the way, copper, grey and black. The copper one is Aileen's the silver one is mine =)
The exterior of the phone is crafted uniquely that sure is a headturner compared to the other E Series phones of Nokia and the other qwerty keypad phones of other brands. It has a metal exterior. The software used in the E72 is an upgraded software from its predecessor, the E71. It has more features and is packed with more technological advancement. It has a 5.0MP camera. If this still didn't lure you in buying the new Nokia E72, check the pics out and read its full review on http://www.gsmarena.com. Never have I loved a phone this beautiful. It is now time to shift from an ordinary kind of phone to the newer business-friendly E series models of Nokia. I am sure you will definitely fall in love once you laid your hands on this new model. Simple wow!
For more information please visit the following sites:
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_e72-review-422.php
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_e72-2831.php
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
PCWORX Christmas Sale
Christmas is fast approaching and I am sure everyone is preparing their gift list and squeezing in their time to make sure every gatherings, get togethers, shopping and work will be able to fit in their 24 hour 7 days a week schedule. Believe me, this is the most busiest month ever since everyone is really in a rush. This is what Christmas is all about and this is the exact reason why I love the holidays so much! Having this in mind, PCWORX shared by totally disarranging your chaotic december calendar because PCWORX will be having its CLEARANCE SALE on DECEMBER 10 to 12 at GILMORE IT CENTER.
So hurry, prepare your Christmas list and head on to Gilmore IT Center for PCWORX Clearance Sale. This is a bargain you wouldn't want to miss!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Lucky Me's Mac and Cheez
I opened one pack today and cooked it, placed the cheese and Viola.... the taste is really really delicious. The cheese as this smoky flavour with a little bit of meat incorporated in the cheese sauce. This is a must-try for all instant noodles lovers out there. It is great! One bad side is that one pack isn't enough for a hungry guy, two is enough in my opinion but one pack will leave u wanting for more.
Go to your nearest supermarket and grocery and grab yourself a pack or two, make it a dozen packs of Mac and Cheez by Lucky Me. You will not go wrong! Trust me.
*** Thanks http://meowbykate.blogspot.com for the pictures... =)
Absence makes the reader grows fonder!
I am sorry for the long silence. I haven't had time to update my blog. I will try my very very best to revive this blog for all of you out there. I have been receiving e-mails and text messages with regards to this blog and why this isn't as active as it used to be and with that I am deeply sending my sincerest apologies to all. Time is what I lack nowdays.
But.... Absence makes the reader grows fonder right?
Keep visiting, keep reading... I will update this blog as much as I can... I promise!
Sorry!
Jonas C. Lim
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel
Grab yourself a copy!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Nokia Booklet 3G - A Netbook!
Watch the video release for the new Nokia Booklet 3G:
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Seagate? WD? Buffalo? The Case of Buffalo's Missing Identity
Alas! At long last, it was explained to me very well that Buffalo isn't a company that manufacturers hard disks. The buy hard disks from their competitors and just installed the so-called shock absorbent casing. I was disappointed. What is the difference between buying a real WD or Samsung or Seagate and buying Buffalo? Nothing!!! Because Buffalo uses these hard disks also. I swear to myself never to buy any Buffalo products in my life ever again!!
Oh... before I forget. Buffalo claims that their Ministation (Portable Hard Drives) is:
- TurboUSB Data Transfer Rates-up to 20% Faster!
- Shock Resistant Chassis
- Automatic Setup - No Drivers Needed
- Supports USB 2.0/1.1
- Plug-n-Play Ready for lmmediate Use
- Lightweight,Compact and Portable
- USB Powered - No Power Supply Needed
- SecureLockWare™ Encryption Software Prevents Unauthorized Access to Your Data
- Memeo™ Backup Software included
- Firefox and Thunderbird included
TRUE.....BUT ARE THEY REALLY BUFFALO? OR ARE THEY SEAGATES OR WD'S ENCLOSED IN A CASING THAT MADE IT BUFFALO??
I'd rather buy the REAL Seagate, Western Digital (WD) & etc. than buy Seagate or WD that were just enclosed in a shock-proof casing to make it BUFFALO...
And also, I heard... their routers are trash products. Configuration is hard and complicated but they are claiming it to be easy and hassle-free. Yes, the price is cheap and we can't argue with that, but is the quality good? I don't think so. I have been using Linksys WRT54G for the past 4 years without even turning the router off and it is still functioning a ok!
My conclusion: If you are buying portable hard drives, I'd go for WD or Seagate (Buy the real thing!!!) and if you are planning to buy routers, go for Linksys and D-Link. If you are budget conscious, Edimax will suffice.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
BeautyBrick Hair Art Salon - A Korean Owned Japanese Inspired Salon
Beautybrick Salon: (02) 473-5108
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thank you MSI-ECS
This day marks my final day in my 1 yr. and 4 mos. (started in April '08 to August '09) stay in this company. I felt both happy and sad; happy because I will be able to explore more of my capabilities and strengths in the new company that I will be joining, sad because I will be leaving behind all the people I love and treasure in the company. But as I have said to those people who indeed made a mark in my heart (you know who you are): "I left MSI-ECS only as an officemate but I will never leave as a friend!" I will be just around the corner, you know my personal number, YM and Facebook account hehehe, the IT industry revolves in such a small world and definitely we will meet again. But I will surely miss you guys! It will surely feel different when I wake up on Monday and will start my day not with MSI-ECS anymore.
To the 2 obvious people who have wronged me; Vince and Andrea, as well as the others (again, you know who you are), I know you guys are happy because I am no longer in MSI-ECS. But equally, I will never forget all the things that you did to me. That made me stronger, that gave me the courage to look for a better job outside, that removed me from my comfort zone. You did me a favor. Thank you! No worries, when I have time, I will write an entry for the two of you separately.
Goodbye MSI-ECS, you've been my humble 2nd home for the past 1 year and 4 mos. Thank you very much for everything. I wish you success and more power! Till we meet again!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
You're the Inspiration Pres. Cory Aquino
I would like to dedicate this song by Chicago to you, President Cory Aquino:
You know our love was meant to be
The kind of love to last forever
And I want you here with me
From tonight until the end of time
You should know
Everywhere I go
Always on my mind
In my heart
In my soul
Baby
You're the meaning in my life
You're the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the inspiration
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me saying
"No one needs you more than I need you"
And I know (And I know)
Yes I know that it's plain to see
So in love when we're together
Now I know (Now I know)
That I need you here with me
From tonight until the end of time
You should know (Yes, you need to know )
Everywhere I go
You're always on my mind
You're in my heart
In my soul
You're the meaning in my life
You're the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the inspiration
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me saying
"No one needs you more than I need you"
(No one needs you more than I)
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me saying
"No one needs you more than I need you"
(No one needs you more)
You're the meaning in my life
You're the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the inspiration
When you love somebody
'Til the end of time
When you love somebody
Always on my mind / No one needs you more than I
When you love somebody
'Til the end of time
When you love somebody
Always on my mind / No on needs you more than I
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Thank you, President Corazon Aquino
Many articles and I am sure a lot of footage and documentaries will emerge after the death of Pres. Cory Aquino but one thing I will remember about this president is that she is the one who brought back democracy here in the Philippines. During her 6 year term as the 11th and first woman president of the Republic, there are lots of ups and downs, that is a given, but she is truly the Matriarch of the Philippines, not only was she a president to all of us but also a caring mother.
I am saddened by the fact that she left us early and suffered from her sickness but her state right now is much better than the rest of us struggling with life. I am happy in a way that she is again rejoined with her husband, a great senator, Sen. Benigno Aquino.
Thank you very much Madam President Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino better known now as Mommy Cory. We Love you... the Philippines loves you.....
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
iCampus - Authorized Campus Reseller - Manila, Philippines
I went to work today, switched on my computer and logged on to http://www.techie.com.ph, to my surprise, there is an Apple Campus Retail store in Ateneo de Manila University, more popularly named as iCampus. It is the first Campus Retail store of Apple according to the said website. It is run and operated by Senco Link Technologies http://www.sencoph.com
According to the article, they are planning to open new iCampus stores in Xavier School, International School Manila and Assumption College.
This blog article is brought to you by http://www.techie.com.ph. For more information about the said article, please visit http://www.techie.com.ph/news/285
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief - NOW A MOVIE!!!
Book 1 of the 5 will hit the big screen this coming February 12, 2010. It is from the directors of Harry Potter's Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets. This will surely big a big hit, the book is wonderful.... lets wait for the movie. Percy Jackson is basically the same as Harry Potter except that its theme is based of Greek Mythology (about the Gods and Goddesses as well as the demons) wherein Harry Potter basically revolves in wizards and witchcraft.
This will be the next Harry Potter, if not Bigger!!! Hooray!!!
Below is the teaser trailer for the upcoming Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (courtesy of youtube)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Resigned at MSI-ECS
Thanks for the dealers who supported me, particularly Power Mac Center (Kath, Trish, Jackie, Sir Lawrence and Ms. Leslie), PC Express (Benjie, Sir Randy, Sir Oli), Octagon (Ms. Arlene), Silicon Valley (Ms. Tina), Infoworx (The Mafias: Sir Ferwin, Sir Mike, Sir Jake, Ms. Gena), TCA (Ms. Heidi), Complink (Sir Jerry, Ms. Monette, Dahlia), iStudio (Ms. Eva, Ms. Jen), Qualicentral (Ms. Minnie, Ms. Grace), Automatic Centre (Ms. Twila), Microstation (Sir Terence, Gen), Brilliant Technologies (Ms. Ailyn), Acenet North EDSA
I would also like to thank the people and friends that I met inside MSI-ECS, thanks for the strength and the determination. Thank you for the trust, the compassion, the loyalty and most of all thanks for staying true to me. Aileen, Badeth, Nhery, Carlo, Ronald, Ethel, Che, Luv, Cathy, Mommy Tim, Angel, Maricel, Fanny, Mace, Donna, Paul, Meg, Issa, Irene, James, OJ, Glenn, Hanna, Janice, KC, Faith, Jayson, Beth, RJ, Francis, Michelle, Jho, Peng, Yoj, Jay, Bong, Gianne, Rain, Derick, Arvin, King, May, Jenny (2), Ms. Lea, Ms. Leah, Ms. Wendy... To anyone I forgot to mention, I'm sorry, there are a lot of you who touched my heart one way or the other and I totally thank you for that. I don't want to say goodbye but See you soon guys!
To all those who have wronged me, to those who created folds in my life in MSI-ECS. I also would want to thank you because without you, life will be boring for me inside. You know who you are! I am not saying I forgive, but Thank you! I bid you farewell and goodbye. I can only think of 2 major ones (you know who you are).
I am leaving MSI-ECS with a clear conscience as I enter into another chapter and challenge in my life. To a company where I know I will be able to grow more and will be able to appreciate more of my capabilities and strengths.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Snow Leopard in September
I am glad I shifted from Windows to OS X. It won't be the world's best operating system for nothing. So hurry and order your Snow Leopard OS X 10.6 now!!
REMEMBER: Buy Apple products from Apple Authorized Resellers or Apple Premium Resellers (AAR's or APR's). You will see the sign posted on their signboards or doors that they are Apple Premium/Authorized Resellers.
Apple Premium Resellers (Tier 1): Accent Micro Products, Inc., Digital Walker, The A.Shop, iStudio, Powermac Center, Anson Emporium, ....
Apple Authorized Resellers (Tier 2): PCworx, Complink, Datalink Technologies, Liteware, LMK Commercial, Microstation, Electroworld, ....
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Percy Jackson & The Olympians
The story line is similar to Harry Potter but it has a different plot and a different theme. Harry Potter is concentrated basically on wizardry and witchcraft while Percy Jackson is concentrated on greek mythology, gods, goddesses, demigods, cyclopses, satyrs, centaurs and etc. There will be a movie which is set to release on 2010 for the 1st book entitled: The Lighting Thief (I can't wait, I bet it will be amazing!) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814255/, for more information regarding the upcoming movie.
I am a fan of young adult/children fantasy books nowadays. I started and finished reading The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, The Mortal Instruments Series (City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass) by Cassandra Clare. The faery love-story which left me hanging wanting for more; Wicked Lovely, Ink Exhange and Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr. I am not on the 3rd Book of the series of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians:
2005 - The Lighting Thief2006 - The Sea of Monsters2007 - The Titan's Curse2008 - The Battle of the Labyrinth
2009 - The Last Olympian
Saturday, June 27, 2009
My New Macbook Pro (MB990)
Opening the box is already exciting for me as I can't wait to get a hold of my new MacBook Pro. I downloaded softwares and programs that would buff up my Mac. I spent the whole day toying with my new best friend. And now, I am blogging using my brand new MacBook Pro... yay!!!
MacBook Pro 13" MB990
• 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display
• 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache
• 1066 MHz front-side bus
• 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
• 160GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive® with double-layer support
• Mini DisplayPort for video output
• built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in iSight® video camera
• two USB 2.0 ports
• one FireWire 800 port
• SD card slot
• one audio line in/out port, supporting both optical digital and analog
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard
• built-in, 58WHr lithium polymer battery
• 60 Watt MagSafe® Power Adapter
Friday, June 26, 2009
Goodbye Michael Jackson
Reports said that he was not breathing when the Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at 12:30am, the paramedic performed CPR and took him to the hospital.
I was also a fan of this icon believing not only in his music but also on his call for unification of black and white Americans as well as putting an end to racial discrimination. Songs such as "Black & White" & "They Don't Really Care About Us" gives us an eye-opener on how we treat each other. Peace and unity throughout the world was one of his call as well.
It is really such a big loss for everyone that the King of Pop succumbs and left us at such a young age but we are thankful that he left us with songs that will truly inspire us and will still be played for generations to come. Songs such as Heal the World, Bad, Billie Jean, Thriller, Man In The Mirror, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Smooth Criminal and etc.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Pink Sisters Convent - Tagaytay City
It is not always that you will be lucky enough to catch the ethreal hyms of the nuns of their afternoon prayers, it was my first time and I am blessed and lucky enough that I experienced and watched and heard them sing. Remarkable, breath-taking, hypnotizing.. whatever you want to call it.
You can write your request and petitions on a piece of paper that can be found on the left and right side of the church and you submit them. You will be welcomed by some donation boxes wherein you can share any amount as you desire for them.
Pink Sisters Convent is located along Brent Road, Tagaytay City having contact numbers:(046) 442-3856 or (046) 442-5203
Tagaytay City
Buon Giorno in Tagaytay City
Friday, June 12, 2009
Happy Independence Day
The Philippine Flag, our symbol of nationhood and solidarity. We often see them flying on posts near hotels, schools, hospitals, government buildings, roads, airports and etc. but do we remember what does it stands for? What does the color blue, red and white symbolizes? The 3 stars as well as the sun and its rays mean?
The blue horizontal band represents peace and justice, below it, the equally red horizontal band represents courage. In wartime, the bands alternate, having the red on top and the blue at the bottom. The white triangle represents equality.
The sun's 8 rays represents the 8 provinces that sought for independence against Spain. The 3 stars on the corners of the triangle represents the 3 main islands of the Philippines, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The NEW Macbook Pro Family
Anyways, for all of those who are planning to buy, I believe the new line-up is a better choice considering it is around Php 2,000 cheaper as compared to the Macbook Aluminum which sells at Php 71,990, now the New 13.3" Macbook Pro retails at Php 68,990. In the United States, the New 13.3" Macbook Pro retails at $ 1,199.00 ( Php 59,950). For all those who are interested, MSI-ECS, one of Philippines' Apple Distributor has placed their orders already. Power Mac Center, one of Apple Premium Resellers already placed their orders too. It should be available in the market in no time. It is now available in the online apple store here in the Philippines, address is at http://store.apple.com/ph
Downside I see in this new line-up is that its battery is non-user-replaceable unlike the old Macbook Aluminum. But its battery life lasts 7 to 8 hours of power.
Please find the complete specifications of the New Macbook Pro Family series.
MacBook Pro 13" Better configuration
• 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display
• 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache
• 1066 MHz front-side bus
• 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
• 160GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive® with double-layer support
• Mini DisplayPort for video output
• built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in iSight® video camera
• two USB 2.0 ports
• one FireWire 800 port
• SD card slot
• one audio line in/out port, supporting both optical digital and analog
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard
• built-in, 58WHr lithium polymer battery
• 60 Watt MagSafe® Power Adapter
MacBook Pro 13" Best configuration
• 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display
• 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache
• 1066 MHz front-side bus
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
• 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support
• Mini DisplayPort for video output
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in iSight video camera• two USB 2.0 ports
• one FireWire 800 port
• SD card slot
• one audio line in/out port, supporting both optical digital and analog
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard
• built-in, 58WHr lithium polymer battery
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
MacBook Pro 15" Good configuration
• 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display
• 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache
• 1066 MHz front-side bus
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
• 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support
• Mini DisplayPort for video output
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in iSight video camera
• two USB 2.0 ports
• one FireWire 800 port
• SD card slot
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard
• built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
MacBook Pro 15" Better configuration
•15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display
• 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache
• 1066 MHz front-side bus
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 256MB GDDR3 video memory
• 320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support
• Mini DisplayPort for video output
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in iSight video camera
• two USB 2.0 ports
• one FireWire 800 port
• SD card slot
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard
• built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery
• 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
MacBook Pro 15" Best configuration - USD2,299
• 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display
• 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache
• 1066 MHz front-side bus
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 video memory
• 500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support
• Mini DisplayPort for video output
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in iSight video camera
• two USB 2.0 ports
• one FireWire 800 port
• SD card slot
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard
• built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery
• 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
MacBook Pro 17" configuration
• 17-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1920 x 1200, glossy display
• 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache
• 1066 MHz front-side bus
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 video memory
• 500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support
• Mini DisplayPort for video output
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in iSight video camera
• three USB 2.0 ports
• one FireWire 800 port
• ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard
• built-in, 95WHr lithium polymer battery
• 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Swine Flu hits Manila
Swine flu first hit Mexico City and spreads globally. Now, it is spreading in other countries in Asia such as Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and now it is here in the Philippines. The strain that is spreading globally is A/H1N1 and it is spreading fast here and elsewhere in the world.
Swine Influenza (A/H1N1) is throughly explained in wikipedia as:
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50-100 million people worldwide. Less virulent H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, worldwide, causing a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006.[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).
In March, April and May 2009, thousands of laboratory-confirmed infections and a number of deaths were caused by an outbreak of a new strain of H1N1.
Just a gentle reminder dear readers: Please be careful and should you feel any symptoms of flu consult your physician immediately. We don't want you catching Swine Flu and affecting others around you. It is always better to be safe than be sorry later on!
*** Illustrations were taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H1N1
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Alchemyst, The Magician and The Sorceress
Series are the following:
1.) The Alchemyst (2007)
2.) The Magician (2008)
3.) The Sorceress (2009)
4.) The Necromancer (2010) - Soon!
5.) The Warlock (2011) - Soon!
6.) The Enchantress (2012) - Soon!
Plot Summary (by Wikipedia):
THE ALCHEMYST
When the necromancer and immortal magician Dr. John Dee steals the ancient book the Codex from its keeper, Nicholas Flamel, two teenagers named Sophie and Josh Newman are caught up in the danger and magic. Dee also captures Nicholas Flamel's wife, Perenelle. Flamel takes the twins to a magical warrior Next Generation Elder (who is 2,517 years old) named Scathach, who travels with them to another Elder's shadowrealm. This Elder is known as Hekate and has remarkable magical power. Hekate is over 10,000 years old.
Sophie and Josh are working at a bookstore and a cafe when Dee comes for the Codex. Here, they witness Nicholas and Perenelle using magic, and discover that Nicholas is not a bookseller, but is indeed an ancient alchemyst being kept alive by making the elixir of life (a secret from the Codex) for him and Perenelle. He can use magic. He needs the Codex back to make the elixir of life again, or he and Perenelle will die before the month's end. Also, if Nicholas does not retrieve the Codex, Dee will summon the Dark Elders to destroy the world and return to an age in which humans are but slaves and food.
Flamel quickly takes them to a Dojo to enlist the aid of Scathach, an extremely powerful ally. Dee assaults the Dojo, but is thwarted by Flamel and Scathach. Flamel then leads the twins and Scathach to attempt to secure the aid of Hekate, who can awaken the twins' magical potential. Dee discovers this, and enlists the aid of Bastet, and Morrigan. The trio mount a massive assault on Hekate's shadowrealm, attempting to destroy the Yggdrasill that is the heart of Hekate's power.
While the Yggdrasill is attacked, Hekate Awakens Sophie; she does not Awaken Josh, as the Yggdrasill is then lit on fire and she rushes to defend her home. After a long, grueling battle, Scathach clears a path for the twins and Flamel. While escaping, they encounter Dee, and witness the power of the ancient sword known as Excalibur, which he draws. They see him transform a wereboar into pure ice, then shatter the statue. Flamel remarks that he thought that Excalibur had been lost when Artorius died.
The twins, Scathach, and Flamel escape the shadowrealm rapidly after, shortly before the destruction of Hekate, the Yggdrasill, and the entire shadowrealm. As they escape, Dee uses Excaliber to freeze the Yggdrasill, and Hekate, whose life and power is linked to the tree, transforms to ice as it does. As this occurs, Dee is informed that Flamel and Scathach have escaped with the twins. In his rage, he shatters the Yggdrasill, which crushes Hekate into dust, killing her. At this point, they travel to Scathach's grandmother, the Witch of Endor (also called "The Mistress of Air"), who teaches Sophie her magical secrets.
While they are there, Dee has found out that the prophecy in the Codex speaks of Sophie and Josh. He tempts Josh to join him, while practicing necromancy and raising thousands of corpses to assault the Elders and Sophie with. Josh almost agrees, but at the last moment he realizes he will lose Sophie if he agrees, and distracts the necromancer long enough to escape with Scathach, Sophie and Nicholas using a leygate (where lines of energy, or ley lines on the globe cross) to escape to Paris, where the book ends. The book ends with the conclusion that the Witch has survived and Dee is still searching, leaving the book with a cliffhanger.
THE MAGICIANSophie and Josh Newman are in Paris with Nicholas Flamel and Scathach, and now face Niccolò Machiavelli, and his colleague and rival Dr. John Dee. The twins seek out a friend and student to Nicholas Flamel named the Comte de Saint-Germain, who teaches Sophie to use Fire magic. They encounter three Disir, more commonly referred to as Valkyrie. The Disir are ancient enemies of Scathach and bring along the soul-devouring Nidhogg, a ferocious monster once trapped in the Yggdrasil. The monster attacks Scathach but fails to slay her. Instead, he captures Scathach in his claws, but flees with Scathach when the ancient sword Clarent, wielded by Josh, wounds it. The monster escapes and flees through the streets of Paris, followed closely by one of the trio of Disir, as well as Josh, who seeks to save Scathach. Meanwhile, inside the house, two Disir duel Joan of Arc
and Sophie. After a lengthy battle, Sophie combines her elemental powers of air and fire and freezes the two Disir in an iceberg. Soon after, Flamel deduces what has happened, and Sophie, Joan of Arc, and Flamel pursue Josh.
Josh manages to fatally wound the Nidhogg, who is being ridden by a Disir. The Nidhogg flees as its skin begins to turn into magma. As the Disir prepares to kill Josh, Dee arrives and saves Josh by placing a wall of fire between him and the Disir. The Disir, furious, attacks Josh and Dee, who escape back to a car with Machiavelli, and the three drive away, just as Joan and her companions arrive. Joan assaults the Disir while Flamel and Sophie try to save Scathach from being entombed within the Nidhogg's molten claws. Joan easily defeats the Disir and Sophie, at the same time, manages to kill the Nidhogg. As Scathach is pulled clear, Machiavelli's driver, Dagon, attacks her. The driver, who was an enemy of Scathach after she annihilated his entire race, drags her into the Seine, apparently drowning her.
Josh is convinced to follow Dee to a Dark Elder who can awaken him. Machiavelli and Dee guide him through the Paris catacombs to the Sleeping God, who is guarded by Phobos and Deimos. The God Awakens Josh, but seeing Josh's true power, grants him a second gift, possibly his memories. As this is happening, Sophie, Joan, Flamel, and Saint-Germain track Josh through the Catacombs, arriving at the cell in which the God slept. Sophie, through the memories of the Witch of Endor, realizes who the Sleeping God is. She sees him as Mars, the defender of Humanity for a very long time, whose son Romulus killed his twin brother Remus. The Witch had loved Mars, but Mars fell into darkness for an unknown reason and became Mars Ultor, the Avenger. Also for an unknown reason, the Witch cursed Mars, turning him into a statue, whose Aura would turn his skin into stone. Sophie then retrieves her newly Awakened brother, but leaves Mars cursed because Mars cannot reverse their Awakenings. Mars, furious, attempts to attack, but Flamel turns the floor into half-melted bone. As Mars attempts to wade through, Flamel and his companions leave. Dee and Machiavelli are ordered by Mars to pursue and capture Flamel, but Dee refuses to do so on Mars' orders. Mars attempts to kill Dee, but is unable to move through the half melted bone, and Dee collapses the ceiling before refreezing it into bone, killing the War God. Machiavelli is ordered by Dee to travel back after Flamel with him. They raise the gargoyles and grotesques of the Cathedral of Notre Dame to stop Flamel, but fail when Joan puts an arrow through Machiavelli's leg and Josh combines his power with Sophie to destroy the rest of the gargoyles. Flamel then takes the twins to London so that Gilgamesh can teach them the mastery of Water magic. Josh bitterly remarks that Flamel doesn't seem to feel anything at Scathach's death at this time, and Flamel acts surprised, before telling them that Scathach, being a vampire, did not need to breathe and most likely killed Machiavelli's driver, Dagon.
THE SORCERESS
The well known immortal Alchemyst Nicholas Flamel must take a risk and take Josh and Sophie Newman (twins foretold to save the world) to London, where the oldest immortal human lives: The master of the element of water, Gilgamesh the King. But what Nicholas Flamel withholds from the twins is that Gilgamesh the King is insane. Though he has no aura - and hence cannot use his powers, he can still pass on his knowledge to an awakened human. If Gilgamesh refuses to teach the twins they will be unable to escape back to San Francisco using the Ley Lines, and will be trapped in Dr. John Dee's city. Even worse, they will be in his hometown of London, where he is at his strongest. Unfortunately, the Dark Elders have awakened an ancient being even more powerful and mysterious than them: an Archon. The Archon is known as the Horned God and is the leader of a pack of wolf people called the Wild Hunt. He has amazing brute strength and retains the power to make people members of his pack. According to myth he was once extremely beautiful, but now only his face is. He is part beast, and Dr. Dee believes that he has little or no magical prowess. Simultaneously, Perenelle is trapped on Alcatraz with the friendly but untrustworthy spider elder, Areop-Enap after narrowly escaping the Sphinx and defeating The Morrigan. A.K.A The Crow Goddess. Morrigan has been suppressed sufficiently by the Words of Power that resided on the island that her body was retaken by her two sisters, Macha and Badb. Perenelle can make fleeting contact with Nicholas and the twins using scrying.Sunday, May 31, 2009
New Moon Movie (2009)
I would just like to share the movie poster that I came across http://www.imdb.com/ when I was surfing for upcoming movies for 2009. Enjoy!!!
Here is the first official trailer of New Moon first shown in MTV Movie Awards, Enjoy!!!
Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange & Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
The prologue begins by retelling a scene from Wicked Lovely where Leslie walks into a tattoo shop with Irial, King of the Dark Court, narrated from Irial's point of view. The first chapter then shows Leslie preparing for a normal day of school, and it is revealed that she is being neglected by her alcoholic father and that her brother, Ren, is a drug addict. When Leslie reaches school, Aislinn, the protagonist from Wicked Lovely, is shown to have adjusted well to her new life, and Leslie is suspicious of the changes.
The book then cuts to Irial, and it is revealed that the Dark Court needs to feed off dark emotions such as anger, hate, and pain from both Fey and mortals to stay strong and that Irial's solution is to have an ink exchange with a mortal (Leslie) where the Dark Court's blood and tears are used as the ink for the tattoo. This joins them together and allows Irial to use Leslie as a conduit to absorb more emotion and thus be able to feed his court.
When Leslie starts to get her tattoo, Irial is curious about Leslie and approaches her, but Aislinn tries to keep them apart. Simultaneously, Niall is also developing an infatuation with Leslie, even though Aislinn has forbidden Niall to interact too much with Leslie as Aislinn wants Leslie to be kept out of the world of the fey.
It is also revealed that Niall had history with Irial, that he is a "Gancanagh", a faerie with a drug in his skin that mortals become addicted to, and that Irial wanted Niall to rule after him but Niall refused after seeing the horror that happened in the Dark Court bruig (the place where the Dark Court feed off humans, usually killing them or driving them insane in the process), causing Irial to order Gabriel (the leader of the Hounds, Gabriel is the name of the position, not an actual name, e.g. "Gabriel's Hounds") to give Niall the scar on his face. After this, Niall swore fealty to the summer court to escape the things he had done with Irial.
When Leslie's tattoo is complete, Irial takes her away while Niall leaves the Summer Court when he found out that Keenan has been using him and his connection with Irial and Leslie to find out more about the Dark Court. Niall and Leslie meet up and Niall tells Leslie that he has a way of breaking the bond between Irial and her, should she ever want to. When Leslie learns that Irial is killing other mortals to keep her alive, she takes Niall up on his offer. He uses sunlight and frost taken from the Winter and Summer Queens to burn and freeze the link and the tattoo off Leslie.
In the end, both Irial and Niall leave Leslie alone so she can pursue a normal, human life. Irial then hands over his throne to Niall, saying that he is the only Faerie he has found in all these centuries worthy to lead the Dark fey after him, and then Irial swears fealty to Niall. The book ends with Irial walking away thinking he has made a good choice.
Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Sniper (Edison Chen - 陳冠希)
As mom and I were surfing the web, particularly in http://www.yesasia.com/, to my surprise, he has a new DVD coming out this coming May 27, 2009. This new DVD is entitled "The Sniper". He is one of the main cast in this movie. I am hoping this is comeback. I can't wait to get hold of a copy of the new DVD.