The Cry of the Halidon - Robert Ludlum

Summary & REVIEW of The Cry of the Halidon by Robert Ludlum

Category: Books
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Author: Robert Ludlum

It takes you to a jungle in Jamaica.

Halidon is a “rich” group that lives deep inside the jungle. It is a “hush-hush” group, known only to a few people. They can also be deadly if you inquire or research about anything that could expose them.

They have a nice culture.

“From childhood the Halidonite was told he was privileged and must justify his birthright by his life’s actions. The ethic of contribution we imbued in him early in his education; the need to use his potential to the fullest. The outside world was shown in all it’s detail - it’s simplicities, it’s complications; it’s peace and it’s violence; it’s good and it’s evil. Nothing was concelead; exaggeration was not left to young imaginations. Realistic temptation was balanced - perhaps a bit strongly with realistic punishment” - Daniel

Entertaining and thrilling. So… Robert Ludlum-ish.

Spy Game 2001

Summary & REVIEW of Spy Game

Category: Movies
Genre: Suspense & International Spies
Stars: Brad Pitt, Robert Redford
Tagline: It’s not how you play the game. It’s how the game plays you.

This one is actually a good movie. You would like how it ended. It’s about mentoring. More like father and son also.

SOoo nice. Pretty boring on some cases… but all in all it’s really a nice movie.

The Magic Bullet - Harry Stein

Summary & REVIEW of the Magic Bullet by Harry Stein

Category: Books
Genre: Medical Fiction
Author: Harry Stein

One critic said if John Grisham is a master when it comes to lawsuits and the like so would be Harry Stein in the medical world.

Quite entertaining. It tells about Daniel Logan finding a “cure” for cancer. It’s called Compound J. He is a well-known doctor who quit his job at a hospital to work for ACF (American Cancer Foundation).

He was a newbie back then… and his main goal was to help find a cure for cancer. But, in almost American establishment… the politics in the institute would never be missing. You had to kiss-ass with the higher guys to be promoted. And when you are in your first year… you have to look for a higher-ranking individual as your ally.

Politically inclined + Medical Thrill that involves the White House’s First Lady getting cancer and in the end being treated by Daniel Logan.

Fire - Sebastian Junger

Overview & Review of Fire by Sebastian Junger

Category: Books

Genre: Non-Fiction

Author: Sebastian Junger

I thought it was just some fictitious book(it's not)... and the first part of his story (little did I know, there were different stories in that book) was pretty boring. It was all about Fire! Oh my gooseneck. Jumpers, fumes, forest fires... etc. etc.

Yeah, yeah the title was pretty much related.. I know.. it's Fire.. and literally about fire. -_-

I was expecting some kinda "story" in it... but the first part droned on and on about forest fires. How a couple of fire fighters were killed in a forest fire... and investigation says that it was all sudden.. blah blah. So, I stopped reading the book for a few days.

But then, since I bought it... and it's not good to judge a book when you have not finished it from cover to cover.. I decided to continue reading it.

The next part was about whales. I thought it was part of the first story... and I was confused at first because from fire to whales? -_- Confusing, really.

Finally, as I was reading the book... the characters, the events that took place was real. (di kasi ako nag research about the book.)

From whales to the war in Serbia.... to the conflict diamonds in Sierra Leone. (I even read the book.. with a map.. para ma-imagine ko talaga.. hehe.) From the diamonds to the logical warfare in Afghanistan.

I learned a lot. Really.

I learned diamonds are not exactly rare and should not be THAT expensive. The supply for the diamond was just controlled by some people.. and in that.. they increased it's price.

When the diamonds was discovered in Sierra Leone,and the whites heard about it.. they spread rumors to those "ignorant people" in Sierra Leone. In that rumor, they told the people in Sierra Leone that those stones are electric and they should not touch it, they should wait until a white man comes. *Wah, so mean!* Was that even right? *sigh*

I liked the story about the Afghan leader Ahmad Shah Massoud. He was never "power-hungry". He just wanted to serve his people and lead them away from all those people who wanted to wage war against them. Like the Soviets and the Taliban.

"A few years ago in Kabul, I thought the war was finished, and I started building a home in Panjshir. A room for my children, a room for me and my wife, and a big library for all my books. I've kept all the books. I've put them in boxes, hoping one day I'll be able to put them on the shelves and I'll be able to read them. But the house is still unfinished, and the books are still in their boxes. I don't know when I'll be able to read my books." - Massoud

Though he holds the post of vice-president in Rabanni's deposed governmenet, Massoud is a man with a few aspirations as a political leader, no apparent desire for power. Over and over he has rejected appeals from his friends and allies to take a more active role in the politics of his country. The Koran says that war is such a catastrophe it must be brought to an end as quickly as possible and by any means necessary. That, perhaps is why Massoud has devoted himself exclusively to waging war. - Sebastian Junger

Massoud's strategy has been studied by many soldiers in the Soviet. Massoud outwitted them for years.

One part, I found funny there was...about General Ratko Mladic the Serb's chief of staff who was indicted with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity by South African Judge Richard Goldstone. He was never caught. But they heard that Mladic spent his days on a Bosnian Serb military base, tending beehives and a herd of goats. Each goat has been named after a Western leader or UN commander.

Pretty funny. Hehe. -_-

Follow the Stars Home - Luanne Rice

Summary & REVIEW of Follow the Stars Home by Luanne Rice

Category: Books
Genre: Drama & Inspirational
Author: Luanne Rice

This is my first time to read a Luanne Rice novel. It’s a feel-good inspirational book. About mothers, lovers, daughters, and family. Pretty good. Super. I’m hunting for more Luanne Rice books right now. Haha

It tickles your heart. It made me cry at the last part. *sigh* It was just sooo good. It makes you appreciate life more…. and tells you that love is not conditional. It tells you about “kindered spirits”. Sooo soo nice.

Related Reviews:

• Safe Harbor
• Dream Country
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• Firefly Beach
• Dance with Me
  

The Loop - Nicholas Evans

Summary & REVIEW of The Loop by Nicholas Evans

Category: Books
Genre: Outdoors & Nature
Author: Nicholas Evans

This book is about wolves. I like the way he ended the story… although I cried for the sad life that Mr. Buck Calder ended up with. He seemed so sad losing his family and all that.

You would learn how to appreciate animals, specially the wolves even more. That they are still living creatures and we should not slay them for killing the livestocks.

Here you would know that everyone is connected to each other in a loop.

“Where once there had been life, now was death. And out of death, thus, was life sustained. And in that bloody compact, both the living and the dead were joined in a loop as ancient and immutable as the moon that arced above them.”

I like this funny conversation:

Clyde: I was talking to that outfitter fella, Pete Neuberg, you know? Says it’s been one of the worst hunting seasons in years. Elk and deer numbers are way down he says. He blames the wolves.
Kathy: I hear, they’re to blame for the weather too. *rolling her eyes*
Charlie: How can wolves be blamed for the weather?
Lucy: It was a joke, dumbo. *giving Charlie a shove*
Buck: What do you think Helen?
Helen: About them being to blame for the weather?

Eleanor: At least theyre not eating cattle anymore.
Doug: They never ate mine.
Luke: Maybe yours dont taste good.

I liked the part when Helen and Celia were talking and arguing while swimming clutching their wineglasses.

This is a must read and a great book.

“All that matter is NOW…. and you just need to BE”

War Day - Whitney Strieber and James Kunetka

Summary & REVIEW of War Day by Whitney Strieber and James Kunetka

Category: Books
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Author: Whitley Strieber and James Kunetka

It’s a narrative. It wasn’t a bore, nor was it that exciting. The story was quite interesting.

War Day is a fictional story about USA after being bombed by a nuclear three times by Russia. It tells about the fallout, the aftershocks, what happened to the people in the different states of the USA. It’s about as to who governed the US, when Washington was literally destroyed and is only ashes and dust like San Antonio.

Different groups of people began to emerge. People who believed they do not need a government or a structure, and thus they are called Destructuralist. I like the group’s mission and their outlook in life. I shall be quoting them. They are called the Angels and are outlaws during that time, because they discourage government.

“Social structures are the breeding ground of ideology, greed and territorialism. Agricultural communities are peaceful communities, and families bound together by need and love do not go to war.No matter how benign a given structure seems it inevitably lead to the same consequences, all social structures lead to namely, war and death. Real social harmony comes from the human heart.”

“Government is institutionalized dehumanization. People who deal with paper instead of other people lose the all-important thread of contact from heart-to-heart.”

“In order to survive, mankind needs a whole new being. There is inherent Destructuralism the concept that people can remake their own hearts to include a new valuation of their fellow human beings. By refocusing our energies on our families we can learn never to forget for an instant how it feels to be the other person.For example, the American president and the Russian president could not have done what they did to the rest of us on WarDay, if they have been trained from birth never to forget for an instant that all human beings are partners in life and that everybody is as important as they were to themselves - that the death of the Average Joe was going to be as much a catastrophe for him and his family as the death of a great leader would be to his own precious self and relatives.”

“Only in a truly destructured, rehumanized social milieu can the kind of maturing growth that people need to take place, because only if there are no distancing structures can the individual come to realize , through his identification with his own family, that every life on earth is as precious and valuable as his own.You might argue that destructuralism is old style anarchy all over again, but it isn’t. Destructuralism is based on the caring of mature human souls for one another and for the planetary body too. It is government by putting yourself in the other man’s shoes. The Bible said, “do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.”That is all the government the world needs.Remeber this: If you love life and think that big government is big poison, and you are willing to stand hand in hand with your brothers and sisters on this earth, do not scorn the Angels for you are one.”

-By an Angel.

Nice eh?

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

Your Brain's Pattern

Your mind is a multi dimensional wonderland, with many layers. You're the type that always has multiple streams of though going. And you can keep these thoughts going at any time. You're very likely to be engaged in deep thought - and deep conversation.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

How Machiavellian Are You?

You Are Somewhat Machiavellian

You're not going to mow over everyone to get ahead... But you're also powerful enough to make things happen for yourself. You understand how the world works, even when it's an ugly place. You just don't get ugly yourself - unless you have to!

How Machiavellian Are You?

What's your Superhero Name?

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Manga Bullet Your Superpower is Distant Attack Your Weakness is Midgets Your Weapon is Your Atomic Stinger Your Mode of Transportation is Pogo Stick

What's your Superhero Name?

How Observant Are You?

Your Observation Skills Get A C

You tend to notice the big things in life... But the details aren't exactly your forte

How Observant Are You?

What Is Your World View?

Your World View

You are a fairly broadminded romantic and reasonably content. You value kindness and try to live by your ideals. You have strong need for security, which may be either emotional or material. You respect truth and are flexible. You like people, and they can readily make friends with you. You are not very adventurous, but this does not bother you.

What Is Your World View?

What's Your Japanese Subculture?

You Are a Kogyaru!

If it's cute, you'll wear it. Fake and bake, hair bleach, and bright makeup line your bathroom cabinet. As for clothes - anything that's short and cute ("kawaii!"). You are the prize object of all sorts of men - but you are really looking for a rich foreign guy. He'll find you out hanging out in Shibuya shopping at the 109, text messaging and sending photos over your cellphone.

What's Your Japanese Subculture?

The Three Question Personality Test

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF) You are a passionate, caring, and unique person. You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals. You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily. Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings. You seek out other empathetic people to befriend. Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships. In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily. At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career. With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone. As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style. On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

What Kind of Food Are You?

You Are Italian Food

Comforting yet overwhelming. People love you, but sometimes you're just too much.

What Kind of Food Are You?

The Three Dimension Luck and Power Test

You Are Internal - Skeptic - Empowered

You feel your life is controlled internally. If you want something, you make it happen. You don't wait around for things to go your way. You value your independence and don't like others to have control. You are a total skeptic when it comes to luck. You believe that people use luck as a crutch to avoid responsibility. You control your own destiny. The universe has nothing to do with it. You believe everything can be explained - and you tend to over analyze situations. You have a good deal of power, but you also know the pecking order. You realize that working the system does get you further. You know who to defer to and who to control. When it comes to the game of life, you play things flawlessly.

The Three Dimension Luck and Power Test

Zoya - Danielle Steel

Summary & REVIEW of Zoya by Danielle Steel

Category: Book
Genre: Romance, Drama
Author: Danielle Steel

This book inspired me to research more about Anastasia and the fall of the last Czar in Russia. So amazing that Danielle S. included facts for this fictional novel.

Great read indeeed. Touching (as usual it’s a Danielle Steel). Very nice.

The Parsifal Mosaic - Robert Ludlum

Summary & REVIEW of The Parsifal Mosaic by Robert Ludlum

Category: Books
Genre: Mystery & Thriller / International Spies
Author: Robert Ludlum

This book was a gift from my 18th birthday by JV. Thank you JV!

At first the book was kind of confusing.

Usually when i read a “ludlum” novel, i’d be excited from the very beginning and be psyched about what’s going to happen. But this book is different, the first part was confusing. Maybe, because the story was about “lies”, and the truth should be hidden, and to seek for it in this book, was kinda “difficult”. (of course you can always skip a lot of part and get to the whole thing straight at the back end, where the answers lie…but you would be missing on all of the action and the thrill)

And the title really fitted the content of the book itself. The “lie” was so deep, that it was covered with different lies.. and thus it was called a “mosaic”. A mosaic of lies. It really was a “massive mosaic of treachery”.This was the first time that i finished a book for so long, that it took months. Because i was doing a lot of “first things first” and this book is the least of my priority these days… and since my internet keeps going on and off.. well it gave me more time to finish this book.

This book was also.. the first book, that i hit on the mastermind… right. I know who did this and that before it was really uncovered by the book in detail. I hit on 4 of the different people who were involved in the massive treachery. And was right for my “not-liking-one-character” there, because he was one of the real insane evil. Maybe, because i have tried to understand each character that i can suddenly feel whether they would do that thing or not.

One of the lesson was from the legend of “Icarus”. Flying or soaring too high and then be blinded by the sun.. and then falling on the ground because .. your wings….. wasn’t made for that. Parsifal(Zelinsky) made a man “fly and soar” high because of his “wits” people began to idolize him… they all praised his words… his intellects. He was all THAT, and to think he wasnt even the president of the U.S. of A. But Parsifal drove him far too much.. made him fly higher causing him to make decisions…that blinded him from reality.. that could prolly annihilate the whole world… and then the man.. (anthony m) who was idolized by many from different parts of the globe.. suddenly broke down… too much wit and too much thinking made him INSANE.

Yes, the fact that would astound a lot. Imagine, the one person you thought could bring answers to every problem in the world… suddenly broke down and is CRAZY. For all the things he has to think and bring about the solution of the world…. he suddenly cannot take the pressure. But of course… the fact that he was crazy was concealed to the whole world.. until the man(Michael H.) can bring the answers.. the truth out of all those intrinsic lies.. that started at Shenandoah.It started there… and it also ended there. *sigh* Such a shame that Parsifal had to die.. and also Matthias.. and also Emory Bradford.. and also countless of characters.. that helped them find the truth(and ive grown attached to them).

This is the 2nd Ludlum book that made me cry. Boohoo.And to the VKR.. whose purpose was to the good of their people.. but the ways they try to justify the purpose.. would not.. excuse them.How amazing that there could be people like that.. and it is true. Yes, their purpose are sane.. the fight for “justice”. But the way they do it…. terrorize.. kill… treachery.. lies.. betray.. would not justify for what they are trying to fight for. And they would never win… the law of nature says so.. they might have the advantage.. but they would never rule…An argument from the book that i find quite “funny”.

Michael: I don’t have to!! Try to understand, Doctor. A black-operation officer like MacKenzie….
Dr. Randolph: A what?! Mac was WHITE!

The “black” that Michael was referring to means he was an “engineer, a manipulator, a man in sanction, with the authority to bring about the events in which people might get killed, usually ARE killed because it needs to be done.” while the “black” that Randolph was referring to was his “color”.

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

Your Eyes Should Be Brown

Your eyes reflect: Depth and wisdom What's hidden behind your eyes: A tender heart

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

What Jones Holiday Soda Are You?

You Are Corn on the Cob Soda

Like sucking on a stick of butter

What Jones Holiday Soda Are You?

Spyglass Entertainment

Movies by Spyglass Entertainment

27 Dresses - 2008

What Fairy are you

Your fairy is called Columbine Goblinglow

She is a bringer of riches and wealth. She lives in mushroom fields and quiet meadows. She is only seen in the light of a full moon. She wears lilac and purple like columbine flowers. She has gentle green wings like a butterfly.

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

You Failed 8th Grade Science

Sorry, you only got 5/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

Games of the Hangman - Victor O`Reilly

Summary & REVIEW of Games of the Hangman by Victor O`Reilly

Category: Book
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers / Terrorism / Fiction
Author: Victor O`Reilly

I did not know that Victor had a “Ludlum” in him. I mean he writes soo good and all that. I have to say, he can easily join the ranks of Ludlum! This book is amazing and very intriguing. Thrilling and all that.

About a war photographer named Fitzduane living in a lone island near an exclusive school. Where all the kids of prominent people from all over the world are studying and boarding.

It’s about a very cunning terrorist who has a lot of identities and a lot of followers.

Very very good. Great read. Super.

Icarus Agenda - Robert Ludlum

Summary & REVIEW of Icarus Agenda by Robert Ludlum

Category: Book
Genre: International Spies
Author: Robert Ludlum

One of the best Ludlum thrillers. Talk about conspiracy and thrill. Terrorists in the Gulf and the position of the presidency. Oil and money. Middle East and United States.

A MUST READ. BEST BEST BEST.

A movie-worth book. I want to produce this movie. Rawrrr

What Kind of Date Are You?

You are a Serious Date

Your dating philosophy? "Dating is for finding a compatible partner" You're not so concered with how you date... As much as where the relationship ends up. Guys to look for: Men who write a good bit about what they're looking for. Not only does it show that they are serious about dating as well - But that they've already put a good deal of thought in to it.

What Kind of Date Are You?

What's Your Date Fashion Style? Classy, Sassy, or Trashy?

Your Style is Classy

You've got class, and you know how to put together a guy catching outfit You're more likely to shop at Bloomie's than bebe For you style is looking like a million bucks... And you're always do with your fantastic yet feminine wardrobe

What's Your Date Fashion Style?

Are You A Gold Digger?

You Are Not a Gold Digger

You go out of your way to take care of everything in your life. Including money - which you've got plenty of, thank you very much. And you have no intentions of being a trophy girlfriend for some bald guy. Just make sure that hottie you met isn't scheming to be your boy toy! As a successful woman like you knows, gold digging goes both ways these days.

Are You A Gold Digger?

What's Your Dating Speed?

You are a Cautious Red Light Dater

Your dating motto is "slow and steady wins the race" You prefer a long courtship to a whirlwind romance This doesn't mean that you are anti-social or cold You just need time to warm up to the right guy You're online dating style? You are likely to take your time on your profile Then, wait and see what kind of guy emails you As you get more comfortable, you meet more people.

What's Your Dating Speed?

Are You Romantic or Realistic?

You Are A Realistic Romantic

It's easy for you to get swept away by romance... But you've done a pretty good job keeping perspective. You're still taken in by love poems and sunsets You just don't fall for every dreamy pick up line!

Are You Romantic or Realistic?

Are You a Shopaholic?

You're a Window Shopper!

You know that shopping's a blast, but you prefer to save your money You hardly ever give into an impulse buy, unless it's a total steal You've always got the most money of your friends - and you never have to borrow And you've got a nice wardrobe too ... of classic pieces that last years!

Are You a Shopaholic?

What Kind of Bride Will You Be?

You Will Be an Modern Bride!

While you aren't ready to throw away all wedding tradions, you want a wedding with a twist You're more inspired by celebrity weddings on E! than from bridal magazines Whether this means getting married on the beach barefoot or a mariachi band for the reception... Your wedding will be a blend of old and new - white dress cocktail, personalied vows, whatever suites you!!

What Kind of Bride Will You Be?

What Kind of Handbag Are You?

You Are a Classic Gucci Bag

You've got style mastered - because you stick with what works Like this Gucci Bag, you prefer classic items that stand the test of time You're also a bit of a practical girl, who prefers function over fluff You prefer a big bag, so that you can have your stuff with you at all times

What Handbag Are You?

Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest - 2006

Summary & REVIEW of Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest

Category: Movies
Genre: Adventure
Tagline: Prepare to be blown out of the water.
Stars: Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, and Orlando Bloom

This one is funny. I had a great time watching it. Although, it’s supposed to be not so grotesque since it’s a Disney movie and all that…. but yeah.. those monstrous faces were present. You would then think… “Is this movie for kids?”.

Haha. It sure is for kids. It never lacked the funny parts.

I like the part with those human-eating-humans. Where, the pirates were placed in two skeleton-ball-that-is-supposed-to-be-a-cage part. It is sooo funny.. specially when they were swinging back and forth trying to reach the other side. Nice nice. My favorite part. Haha.

Fun Fun Fun. Though it’s a cliffhanger… where everybody was disappointed. But I’m not. Meaning, there would be more of it!!! More fun!!

What's Your Inner Eye Color?

Your Inner Eye Color Is Blue

You've got the personality of a blue eyed women You're intense and expressive - and always on the go You've also got a sweet, playful side - which draws men in

What's Your Inner Eye Color?

I AM SAM

Category: Movies
Genre: Drama / Inspirational

Directed by	Jessie Nelson
Produced by	Jessie Nelson, Barbara Hall, Marshall Herskovitz, Ed Zwick, Richard Solomon
Written by	Kristine Johnson, Jessie Nelson
Starring	Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning

This movie made me cry. Sam really tried hard to be a father. Dakota is my fave child actress. Wooo. She acted pretty well here.

Very inspiring and moving.

What Shoe Are You?

You are Barefoot!

You're a total free spirit, go with the flow girl You can't be restricted by shoes for very long And unsuprisingly, the same goes for men Your match is out there - and he's as carefree as you are

What Kind of Shoe Are You?