Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Saw II - 2005

Review and Overview of Saw II

Category: Movies

Genre: Horror

Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman

Written by: Leigh Whannell and Darren Lynn Bousman

Tagline: We Dare You Again…

Detective Eric Matthew’s (Donnie Wahlberg) son Daniel Matthews (Erik Knudsen) was trapped by Jigsaw (the killer!) along with three other women and four men at a place virtually unknown by the police (unless they can track it down). At the same time the people who were trapped by Jigsaw inhaled a lethal nerve gas which would weaken and kill them slowly.

Jigsaw is a brilliant mastermind behind these series of live or die games he loves to play to test the human fiber.

I don’t pretty much like movies that have too much blood or movies that would make you feel sorry for the victims of a lunatic like Jigsaw. But, this one was pretty much O.K. It was gross on most of the parts and all that…. and somehow Jigsaw’s reasoning was out of the ordinary and would probably make sense.. but as to how he was testing the people was just purely inhumane… but that was the point of the whole movie. The movie is all about surviving and of course to test your will to live.

During the whole of the movie.. I kept muttering: “Oh you stupid dummy! Why do you have to go inside that.. it’s obvious it’s a trap!!” referring to the part when the police raided Jigsaw’s base. The movie makes you paranoid when a person opens a door and your mind would wonder over flying daggers or something.

What I like about it is the twist of the story and of course the end part would sure be a giveaway for a Saw III. :)

for me it would be 3 since I don’t like too much blood.. but for the sake of the story.. I’m giving it a four.

Reef Sandals

Ready for summer? I'm sure everyone is... and of course summer always screams BEACH. And when beach is in mind... you would have to buy a new suit(you need), umbrella, shorts, snorkels and of course sandals!!

Now, I just learned that Active Sandals ships Reef sandals direct nationwide. In addition to the largest selection of Reef Sandals Online, they also feature: Rainbow, Chaco, Keen, Medium, Cobian, Crocs, and more! Reef's is the world's leader in authentic surf-inspired footwear. It's not just fancy, with no use or it is just another cute sandal and of no use.. think again!

There are a couple of designs, I really like...

  • Sandy - Red/Green or the Sangria/Pink - It is comfortable... and has a cute design and color I'm sure I would like.
  • Stash - Light Gray - This one is so unique, aside from the fact that I like the color... I love the concept of "Stashing your valuables in this sandal. Believe it!
  • Sand- this one is from Rainbow and it is a premier leather. They are ALL HANDMADE so each pair may vary a bit.
  • Crocs Flip Flops - The Beach(Orange) - This is the original model of Crocs. It is very comfortable and it molds with your feet. It is also anti-microbial and odor resistant. Now that's something!
  • Antigua -Kiwi -This sure takes the luxury of a comfort sandal and thus combines it with a beach inspired flip flop. It has a unique design.. I'm sure most of you would like. :P
  • Payday - Black - from Sanuk (the surfer's choice). I really like this one... since it is just simple and just black (although other colors are available). This a sexy "after beach" sandal. IT has a slight heel lift and a tapered strap.
  • Chica - White - I like this one because of its woven grass stra. Also from Sanuk.
  • Candy Stripe - Pink - From Sanuk as well. I like the vibrant color!!! and it's pink and stripes! It's also on saleeee!! wooo. Looks very comfortable and it has a soft fabric toe thong post.
  • Knot Me - Copper - This also comes in silver and in black and from Sanuk. I like it's simple design. It has a light weighed padded wrapped footbend and it's multi stranded strap with a knot detail.
  • Fiji - White - from Cobian. It has a durable rubber bottom-sole and slightly elevated (for people who likes elevated sandals) and a synthetic strap. I like ittt!
  • Ariel - Lime - which also comes in Coral, Gold, and blue. Its flat and it has a thin and metallic strap which I like.

They also have men styles from different brands that I just mentioned. Whats good is that they are on a CLEARANCE sale!!!MOst of the styles I have mentioned above are sandals that ranges from $9.00 - $25.00. Hurryy and grab your own Reef Sandals Online. They have really good sandals...and nice designs!!! They also have designer jeans and fashion shirts.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Human Bones

World�s most macabre chandelier ??

I once again happen to chance upon Architectural Classics .com's blog which has a new layout I really like. It's black and I really like the header.

But, what interests me most and captured my attention about the blog is their post last March21, 2007 posted by Lucy Atkinson. It tells about the Human Bones Chandelier.

Was it designed like a human bone? You might ask.Ossuary chandelier image from flickr by nixonator Well, you could say that again. They said it is the most unusual chandelier in the world which can be found in an ossuary (a place where bones can be found) in Sedlec of what used to be Czechoslovakia which is now known as Czech Republic.

They have even nicknamed it as the "world's most macabre chandelier", since it contained not artificial bones or animal bones but REAL human bones.

The cemetery there in Sedlec at one time had some earth that came from Golgotha,which we all know from the Bible was the hill on top of which Christ was crucified, sprinkled on it. Soon, a lot of people from different parts of the world wanted to be buried there because of the earth from Golgotha and the cemetery outgrew it's original capacity.

The Gothics built a Church in the middle of the cemetery that was supposed to have a lower and upper level. Since, there were a bunch of dead people in the way of the lower level,according to the legend, they gave a task to a half-blind monk to exhume the bones and stack the bones in the chapel.

In the 1800's, the Schwarzenberg family have decided to employ František Rint, who was a woodcarver at that time, to put the bone heaps in some sort of order. He created four huge mounds of bones in bell shapes in each corner of the chapel, as well as an enormous chandelier of bones, which actually contains at least one of every bone in the human body.

Photo credits: Sedlec Ossuary pictures by the nixonator

The Illusionist - 2006

Review and Overview of The Illusionist

Category: Movie

Genre: Mystery

Director: Neil Burger

Writers: Neil Burger (screenplay), Steven Millhauser (Eisenheim the Illusionist)

Tagline: Nothing is what it Seems.

Starring: Edwan Norton, Jessica Biel and Paul Giamatti

Awards: Nominated for Oscar. 4 Wins and 5 Nominations.

This is actually based on Steven Millhauser’s story called Eisenheim the Illusinonist.

This is a story about a man named Eisenheim in the 1900’s in Vienna. He was a son of a cabinetmaker. When he was still young he met an old man under the tree and there the man performed magic tricks right before his eyes and vanished before him.

Chief Inspector Uhl: As a boy, I’m told, he had a chance encounter with a travelling magician. One version of the story was that the man himself vanished… along with the tree. People began to think he had some sort of special power… or at least that he was a bit different. And then he met her.

He became obsessed with magic tricks and began practicing it and people thought of him as weird.

He also fell in love with Sophie (Jessica Biel), a duchess who was pretty much above his social standing. They were separated and he travelled the world to learn more magic tricks.

It was very captivating from beginning to end.

I really like the way he does his magic in the movie, specially the one about the Orange Tree which was about defying time. It was just sooo amazing. It was pretty unusual, but I believe it could be possible if one focuses their mind into it.

The story gets tricky in the middle of the movie (although I figured it all out before the movie ended and was not a challenge for me) but nevertheless I like it much.

In the movie they showed a necklace made by Eisenheim which was ingeniously made and I want one. Haha. I’ll look for it… muwahaaha. Well.. not exactly the one that turns into a locket because that one would be pretty impossible.. I just like the wooden style of the necklace… hayyy anyone who sells that kind of necklace?

Cinematography was good. Really really good. I like the transitions. [ I can’t get the wooden necklace out of my mind still ]. Hehe

Trivia from IMDB and Wikipedia:

  • So that the crew would not have to use CGI to “fake” the magical illusions seen in the movie, Norton received intensive training in sleight of hand and other stage magic techniques from British magician James Freedman[6] and American magician Ricky Jay
  • The character of Eisenheim is closely based on the magician and supposed clairvoyant Erik Jan Hanussen, who was famous in Vienna in the early part of the 20th century and was murdered by Nazi soldiers in 1933.
  • The trick of the Orange Tree was invented by a 19th Century French magician named Robert-Houdin.
  • At the end of the movie, in the train station, electric wires can be seen above the train tracks. These electric wires did not exist in Austria until 1912.

Movie Lines I like:

  • Josef: Life and death. Space and time. Fate and chance. Theses are the forces of the universe. Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a man who has unlocked these mysteries. From the furthest corners of the world where the dark arts still hold sway he returns to us to demonstrate how nature’s laws may be bent. I give you Eisenheim.
  • Eisenheim: From the moment we enter this life we are in the flow of it. We measure it and we mock it, but we cannot defy it. We cannot even speed it up or slow it down. Or can we? Have we not each experienced the sensation that a beautiful moment seemed to pass to quickly, and wished that we could make it linger? Or felt time slow on a dull day, and wished that we could speed things up a bit?
  • Eisenheim: I thought we might end this evening with a discussion of the soul. All of the greatest religions speak of the soul’s endurance before the end of life. So what then does it mean to die?

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Thin Red Line - 1998

Review and Overview of the movie Thin Red Line

Category: Movies

Genre: War

Director: Terrence Mallick

Writers: James Jones (novel), Terrence Mallick (screenplay)

Tagline: Every man fights his own war
Awards: Nominated for 7 Oscars. Another 17 wins & 19 nominations
This tells us the story of United States forces during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. This was adapted from the novel of the same name by James Jones.

A group of young soldiers were brought as a relief for the battle-weary Marine units.

Most of the scenes were at the hill and above it the Japanese soldiers built a bunker and anyone who tries to pass through it would have a hard time since the Japanese above can see everything and the people below would not be able to see that much. Here you would see how each soldier (specially first timers) would feel during the battles. How hesitant others would be to charge the enemy and sometimes fear gets to them too. Most of the film focuses on the views of each soldiers and their personal life. How each struggle to fight at the brink of fear.

The movie shows a couple of animals and focuses them at one point, like a bird, the snake, and other animals.The bird dying shows that not only humans suffered through the war but the birds as well. Hehe.

It’s a good movie. If you are war-movie person this is for you. It may seem confusing at first…. but the narration is pretty good… you’d get lots of wonderful insights about war there.

Trivia/Fun Facts Courtesy of IMDB:

  • Three actors from Casualties of War (1989) are in this film: ‘Sean Penn’ , John C. Reilly, and Don Harvey. Although they are all higher in rank in this film, Reilly and Harvey are once again under Sean Penn’s command.
  • Producers Robert Michael Geisler and John Roberdeau fell out with director Terrence Malick during pre-production. By the time they were filming, their relationship had so deteriorated that Malick barred them from visiting the set.
  • Geisler and Roberdeau said they would attend the Oscars ceremony. Malick said if they were going to attend, he would stay home. Neither Geisler and Roberdeau nor Malick attended the Oscars. The movie won no awards.

Quotes:

Capt. Staros: I’ve lived with these men, sir, for two and a half years and I will not order them all to their deaths.

Pvt. Jack Bell: [voice over] We. We together. One being. Flow together like water. Till I can’t tell you from me. I drink you. Now. Now.

Private Witt: Maybe all men got one big soul everybody’s a part of, all faces are the same man.

Private Witt: Do you ever feel lonely?
First Sgt. Welsh: Only around people.

Private Witt: [narrating] War don’t ennoble men. It turns them into dogs… poisons the soul.

Pirates of The Carribean 3 - At World's End - 2007

Review and Overview of Pirates of the Carribean 3 - At World's End brought to you by Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer.

Category: Movies

Genre: Adventure

Directed By: Gore Verbinski

Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy, Chow Yun Fat, Jonathan Pryce, and more.

Tagline: At the End of the World, the Adventure Begins

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action/adventure violence and some frightening images.

This is the third part after The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) and The Dead Man’s Chest (2006).

I love this one because it’s a Disney production and and and… it’s a Jerry Bruckheimer film! Muwahaha. As if it makes sense.

On a serious note.. I love the movie from beginning till the end. [ Although, I still think Part II, Dead Man’s Chest is funnier ]

I kinda like the sad beginning where the kid who was about to be executed sang a song known by pirates titled Hoist the Colours and then it lead to Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) singing the same song while rowing at a canal in Singapore to meet up with other pirate’s as well. The first part was to bring Jack Sparrow back from Davy Jone’s Locker which is not easy to bring back unlike Captain Barbossa since both his body and soul was taken with him.

There are a lot of interesting characters in this movie as well since the world’s pirates gathered for a meeting of their brotherhood known as the Brethren Court, that consisted of nine (Sao Feng, Barbossa, Jack, and other pirates of different races African, Arab and Indian) pirate lords. Jack’s father who is/was King of the Brethren Court made his appearance at the meeting as well, and he sure acts funny like Jack.. now you know where Jack got his attitude. Muwahaha.

Whenever Jack Sparrow is around so much trickery is involved…. and it’s quite evident that pirates rarely trusts anyone and if they do they have an agreement where both of them gets something in the end. Even though, they’ve had good bonds with fighting they can still trick each other over something which I’ve come to known as a pirate trait they all have inside them. Although, there are a couple of loyalists and that would be the crew who can stick with you for some time but not the captains.

The same funny crew of the Black Pearl is present, like Pintel and Ragetti [ the one with the wooden eye ] who both acted as a comic relief during the movie’s more intense scenes and they were known to provide storyline information. Without them, Pirates of the Carribean would beee boring! I also like the monkey and the parrot… great acting mumuy [an endearment for monkey!]!

I found the proposing and getting married of Will (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth [ Keira Knightley ] while fighting the enemies really unique.

All in all the movie was great and ended just fine even though it was a bit hanging in the end.. hay but nevertheless the whole of it was pretty good.

Trivia and Fun Facts from IMDB

  • They started filming without a finished script.
  • Keith Richards has agreed to appear in a cameo as Jack Sparrow’s father. He has been pursued for a cameo appearance since the first installment of the series.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Starvation Heights - Gregg Olsen

Overview and Summary of Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen

Category: Books

Genre: Non-Fiction

Author: Gregg Olsen

Some stories are never forgotten……

This is a true story of a haunted house located in Ollala, Washington.

In 1911 there were two wealthy British heiresses named Dora and Claire Williamson who came to a sanitarium near Seattle to undergo the fasting treatment of Linda Burfield Hazzard. Within a month of arriving at what the locals in Olalla, Wash., called “Starvation Heights,” the women were emaciated shadows of their former selves, groaning in pain, waiting for death.

The fasting treatment itself was ok, it’s purpose and all that but what made this wrong was how it was done. And the peculiarity of it, most of the people who underwent her treatment were rich people from Britain and when they died most of their money, jewelries and estates went all to Dr. Linda Hazzard.

It was a nice eerie story…. of how a doctor “murdered” those people. Not letting them eat and turning them skin and bones. She has a strong personality.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Banana Leaf Asian Cafe - Davao

Review and Overview of Banana Leaf Asian Cafe in Davao

Category: Restaurants

Banana Leaf Asian Cafe is located at Chimes(Davao City) beside Figaro. They serve Asian delicacies, from Malay food to Hong Kong Teas to Filipino inspired dining.

It’s interior is O.K. But a banana leaf sounds better if it’s in the open air, right? Hehe. Their chairs matched with the word Asian. So… that’s pretty much A-O.K.

True to it’s name, once you are seated they would place a banana leaf in front of you that would serve as your plate. [Of course, since you are their customer you can always request for a real plate if you are not comfortable eating using the banana leaf].

We ordered their Penang rice… which is pretty much o.k. Although I prefer the rice served by Ah Fat better than this one.

[Image: Penang Rice and behind the banana leaf that serves as your plate ]

We also tried their Roasted Chicken….. [ Image: Left Side ]

As if the Penang Rice was not enough [ which is really not enough ] we ordered their Nasi Gurei that tasted better than the Penang Rice plus it has a sunny-side up egg [which I really like]. Nyahaha.

We also ordered their Malay curry… but it was devoured by my sister before we can take a picture of it. Hehe. Spicy Spicy it was. But, I was soo consumed eating the Nasi Gurei that I practically ignored the Malay curry.

I forgot the name of the next dish [ we ate at Banana Leaf like 3 weeks ago and I can’t remember the name of this one.. I’ll update this as soon as I remember the name of this red-pansit-like dish]. Maybe, because I don’t like the taste and that I have decided to forget the name? Some, would like this… but not me. Not this type of dish.

For the drinks, they have a couple of various tea, and iced teas. They have iced coffee, but unfortunately it wasn’t available when I asked for it so I ordered a weird sounding milk iced tea. I never really liked teas or even teas with milk even with ice. But, I want to like it. Really. My brother ordered the Hong Kong Milk Iced Tea.. which tasted a bit like mine, only mine was bitter. My dad ordered the Lemongrass* tea… and well I kinda like the taste… and I can’t imagine it’s a plant I see everywhere in my school before.

For the dessert, they have a few choices which sounded so local to me. *girl! It’s Asian! It should sound local to you!* No fancy cakes whatsoever, they have rice cakes but not the cakes I want. Muwahaha. Anyway… we ordered the Coconut *edit this part, I forgot the name*. It tasted like Maja Blanca minus the sweet corn and peanut.

All in all it was a pretty nice restaurant. At least, we have another place as an option when we want to eat out. I don’t think a lot knew about this resto since there were only two customers aside from us. Chimes is located at a kind-of remote area and when you go there it’s because you want to go to Chimes intentionally.

*Lemongrass is called “Tanglad” by the locals. They usually place a lemongrass on top of the rice while cooking it, to add a nice smell. I guess the lemongrass tea was boiled lemongrass but I think they have a ready-made tea for that. Hehe. Lemongrass has a good medicinal properties.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Are you Stupid?

You're Kind of Stupid

You got 6/10 questions right!
There's some things most people know... except for you.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Shrek 3 / Shrek The Third - 2007

Category - Movie

Genre: Cartoon

Directed by: Chris Miller and Raman Hui

Tagline: Who’s ready for THIRDS?

Rated PG for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action.

Shrek’s(Mike Myers) father-in law falls ill and Shrek was expected to take his place as king of Far Far Away. When his father-in law, King Harold(John Cleese) dies, the need to be crowned king fell upon him, but Shrek don’t like the high life of the King and insists others can do it. On his father-in law’s death lily (*he was a magical frog… soo it’s death lily for him.*) he managed to say that there was another heir to the throne and that would be Arthur. When he died, Shrek, Donkey(Eddie Murphy) and Puss(Antonia Banderas) went about in search for Arthur at a high school.

On the other side Prince Charming (Rupert Everett), saw the chance to retake the castle while Shrek is away. He managed to encourage the other villains to have their own “Happily Every After”.

The movie is almost jam packed with famous characters and their very own counterpart villains as well. You’d loveee Donkey and Puss. It was fun… on most part.. really. I had a nice time. Others may see this like another Spiderman 3 movie gone haywire because there was just too much character in the movie and the character development was not there…. but it’s ok. *too much of an optimist*

I love the lesson behind it and almost cried at the end part when Arthur “Arty” Pendragon(Justin Timberlake) *yes, yes HIM! and Lancelot, Guinevere “Gwen”, and Merlin(Eric Sidle)was there as well* made his speech in the end to the villains.

Not the exact same words.. but…

“A friend taught me a wonderful lesson, just because people see you as a loser or a bad person doesn’t mean you have to be one. You can always choose to be who you are.”

Like, in most Shrek movies it focuses more on friendship as well… and some could say that most humor are for the older audiences.

The original Shrek cast was there: Three Little Pigs, Pinocchio(Cody Cameron) Three Blind Mice, Big Bad Wolf, and the Gingerbread Man.

Donkey even have his own children there… or dragon-donkey-dren like kids. Whatever.

I really like the additional fairy tale characters, like Captain Hook, the Evil Queen of Snow White, the Ugly StepSisters (one good and one bad), Rumplestilskin(Conrad Vernon), and Rapunzel(Maya Rudolph).

I like the part with the Fairy Tale Princesses.

Snow White(Amy Poehler), Cinderella(Amy Sedaris) and Sleeping Beauty(Cheri Oteri) with the Queen. Shows them their funny side… and they would be different there because they were not dainty… or regal at all. I like the part when they( Queen Lilian (Julie Andrews) and the Princesses with Fiona) charged the castle. Pretty funny.

A lot might say, the story was predictable and all that *although at one part I thought Shrek would really want to take the post as King but did not* but the voices, the humor and the animation of course was superb. :)

And of course three SURPRISEs would be there IN THE END. Ahihihi. Who’s ready for THIRDS? Fits the tagline.

TRIVIA courtesy of Wikipedia.

  • When Donkey takes the body of Puss in Boots, he uses his sword to carve a “D” in some wood. The character of Zorro, twice played by Antonio Banderas, is known for carving a “Z” with his sword.
  • After smashing the second wall, the dazed Queen can be heard humming “My Favorite Things”. Julie Andrews, who plays the queen, sang the same song in The Sound of Music.
  • In the beginning of the film, in Prince Charming’s dinner theater, coconuts are used for horse’s hoofbeats. This same technique was used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which also starred John Cleese and Eric Idle.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Shopping Cart

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Friday, May 18, 2007

Fine Things - Danielle Steel

Overview and Review of Fine Things by Danielle Steel.

Category: Books

Genre: Love

Author: Danielle Steel

It’s about a guy named Bernard Fine who was pretty much contented with working as a senior vice-president at Wolff’s Department Store in New York. He loves everything about New York, even the weather.

But, when Wolff’s decided to transfer him to open a store in California, he was not thrilled about leaving New York he have come to love. But, he has no choice…. he was so good at everything that the company would not want any other employee but him to start Wolff’s at California. In California… he is about to find the love of his life… named Liz who has a beautiful young daughter named Jane.

It’s a short, sweet story, although predictable and not unlike most of her works I’ve read… this was uhmm the least that I liked. But, it’s nice and heartwarming…. it was just predictable that’s all.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Munich - 2005


Overview and Review of Munich directed by Steven Spielberg.

Category: Movies

Genre: True Story

Director: STEVEN SPIELBERG

Rated: R - strong graphic violence, some sexual content, nudity and language.

Tagline: The world was watching in 1972 as 11 Israeli athletes were murdered at the Munich Olympics. This is the story of what happened next.

This is a story about what happened after the Black September *1972*. Israel’s Mossad retaliates by sending out five men (led by Avner) to kill those who murdered the 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics.

Some said the movie is biased. I think not, because it actually does not side with anybody. How the Palestinians killed the Israelites was gory and inhumane and you would begin to wonder how people can do such a thing like that. But, when the Israelites retaliated… you wouldn’t even want to side with them because you would see how helpless those Palestinians were as they were about to be killed.

I’m a BIG SPIELBERG fan.. and I have to say this was one of the best movies he had. Very thrilling, although confusing at the beginning *I have to watch it twice*. I like the five different character, their first kill shows how inexperienced they were and not cut out as assassins but eventually they later got the hang of it. All 5 believed they were bringing their country honor. The terrorists were different as well and were not steoreotyped to a bunch of screaming lunatics.

As they kill the terrorists in their list one by one their convictions changes. At one point Avner, said “Don’t think - Just do it”… but later on he wanted more evidences that the people they are killing are really part of the Black September. And the 5 began to doubt each other’s involvement.

This also shows how an assassin can be paranoid when they are left alone. All of them knew that the blood would come back to get them one day. Avner spent many sleepless nights getting paranoid about a lot of things because somehow he knew one day they will come and get him like he did to them.

Awards:

Nominated in 5 Oscar Awards: Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score, Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay.

Nominated in 1 Eddie Award: Best Edited Feature Film - Dramatic

Nominated in 1 International Award *Australian Film Institute* - Best Actor

Nominated in 2 BFCA Award - Best Director and Best Picture

Won 1 COFCA Award - Best Ensemble

and moreeee……

Monday, May 14, 2007

Ice Cream Lotte

Review of Ice Cream Lotte.

We bought it at a store named Arirang, near Victoria Plaza.

We usually get our desserts from their place after we eat at Ah Fhat Seafood Restaurant (a prominent resto here in Davao, Philippines).

Their Ice Cream Lotte is pretty much expensive { 50 php }, but for the sake of trying it out.. we bought three. Two chocolate flavored ice cream and one strawberry flavored ice cream.

The Ice Cream is pretty much yummy but the way you would eat it is a bit hard… but of course the taste would be worth it.

One ice cream would not be enough… since it contained a little amount and would make you want to crave for more *unless your lip gets tired of biting into it’s almost plastic cover*.

I do hope I have a snapshot of the unique ice cream… because it is out of the ordinary ice cream..

Wordpress Plugin Review


Wordpress Plugin Review

There is a new Wordpress Plugin released by the Internet Marketing Monitor called the IMM-Keywords.

So.. what does this plug-in do?

This was created to give Wordpress users an easy way to add keywords to their WordPress-powered site without the need to modify any existing codes or templates. The plug-in lets WordPress users specify keywords for all new posts and automatically inserts them into the header of the post as properly formatted meta tags. It's an extremely simple plug-in that doesn't require much editing of code or the template tags. Installing it is not a problem too. It is pretty much easy.

If you are a person who pretty much cares about your site rank, you would know it is pretty much a wonderful plug-in. This thing would be a great help to improve a blog's page rank.

It is compatible to Wordpress 2.1. It has the option to supply "default" keywords to be applied to dynamic or special pages. If ever you forget to put commas between keywords, the plug-in steps in and does it for you. It integrates with WordPress admin making the plug-in seem like a natural part of WordPress.

If you want to get more information about IMM-Keywords: Check HERE *to download as well*

This one is a new release and may have a couple of room for improvements. I'm sure their next version would come up with something better than the first and it would empower your website's page rank more.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Digital Frames

We all know that digital cameras and camera phones have become a normal part of our lives, replacing the old school films... and yes, it saved us all the worry of collecting films and developing it... when now we can store it in our memory cards and instantly upload it on our computers and online for everyone to see.

We can only view the pictures once it is developed during the old film days. Now, we can view them through our digital cameras or camera phones.. or call the attention of the rest of our family to take a look at the computer and open hundreds of digital pictures without the hassle of printing.

The idea of frames and photo albums at home has become part of our lives, as well. But, a hundred of wonderful snapshots would mean dozens of photo albums and frames. Would it be nice if a hundred happy and memorable shots make way into ONE FRAME? and a digital one at that.

Digital Frame is a nice idea and a great innovation of the world today. You don't have to worry about having a snapshot developed and then buy a frame or a photo album for it. All you have to do is take a photo or a movie... switch your memory card into the digital photo frame and voila! :) For a more detailed instruction, check the information about having the digital picture frame work: HERE.
Now all your happy snaps will be constantly seen all around your home. It comes in different sizes(7" - 10") and designs. It has a 3 months warrantee.

What a nice innovation.... I just knew about digital frames now when I visited Digital Framez's site. ... and it seems soo good and a great idea. I wanna have my own digital frame one day.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

The Covenant by James A. Michener

Category: Books

Genre: Fiction

Author: James A. Michener

Page Count: 1235 pages.

A long saga of families of different descent.

  • Nxumulo’s from the Zulu clan (blacks), who are inhabitants of a peaceful village unchanged for centuries until Dutch settlers intertwined with them.
  • Tha Java-born Van Doorn’s who were separated into two clans. The Trianorn Van Doorn and the Boer (Voortrekkers) Van Doorn.
  • Saltwoods of Salisbury, England… who were wealthy spice merchants, missionaries, and settlers of South Africa… and later a Saltwood from America.

This is about how South Africa came to be where different people fought for the land.

The Dutch settlers who came to be the Boers led by the Van Doorns fought against the English when they were oppressed, fought against the Xhosa’s (black tribe), and later the whole black colony.

First part talks pretty much about slavery. The Boers always believed that they were brought by God in covenant to keep the place away from other people (English, Blacks and Coloureds) and defend it no matter what like the Israelites. They believe their society should be in order, and that certain people, like whites were to rule and others like the blacks were to serve and be slaves forever. Things gradually change… views…. from farming to mining to sports to diamonds and more.

Opinion: I have sided from one family to another most of the time because as new generations their ways and beliefs does not change while the world does…. and some are not applicable to the present life they have. The Dutch here were pretty much racists and even thought those Hottentots and Bushmen (they killed ALL the bushmen) were not humans. Tsk…. Tsk.. My heart ached for the unjust ways of treating the blacks and coloureds in the end…. *sigh*

Monday, May 7, 2007

1st in Coffee

As Mother's Day draws near, every kid/teenager who wants to honor their mothers have been thinking of what to give their mom, just like me. I stumbled on a lot of websites having mother's day promos.

One site with such offer is 1st in Coffee. An On line retailer of top quality espresso machines and coffee makers and with free shipping if your order reaches $50 and more. If your mother is a coffee drinker just like mine, this is a great site for you to shop. Their Mother's Day Specials are available for their 1st class espresso machines that comes in different variety. They also have different coffee makers from top brands that most coffee lovers (like moi) would enjoy.

I will summarize their Mother's Day Specials.... Machines with Special Prices!

Example: Saeco Vienna Deluxe from their Super Automatics Coffee Centers category. It has a special price. From $660, you can get it for $599 and you can also request to have it gift wrapped for FREE!!. Perfect, for Mother's Day! Wait- there's more... along with it is a free coffee and of course the shipping is free! (2 year warranty).
More Super Special Prices for Super Automatics Coffee Centers: Saeco Vienna, Saeco Magic Comfort +, Saeco Royal Professional.

For their Espresso Machines: One espresso machine I like is this Francis Francis X1. It comes in different colors(Red, Blue, White, Black, Orange, Silver and Aqua Blue) and a retro-futuristic look designed by Luca Trazzi! From $799 to $699 dollars plus free Illy espresso pods and a free gift wrap! LOVELY!!!

More Espresso Machines with Super Special Prices: Capresso Espresso Classic Espresso Machine, Pasquini Livia Semi-Automatic, Pasquini Livia Automatic, Capresso Ultima, La Pavoni Europiccola 8 cup Espresso Machine, Pasquini Livia Auto-set Chrome, Pasquini Set Semi-Automatic, La Pavoni Romatica 8 Cup, La Pavoni Europicoola 8 Cup with Black Base, and Francis Francis X1 Stainless Steel.

I love frothy milk be added in my coffee, 1st in Coffee have their own retail milk frothers too. I want this Capresso Froth Express along with my coffee maker(if I get to have one) . Fortunately it is on sale. From $100 to $69.99! Yay!

They have a lot of Super Special Prices in other categories as well. I suggest you go visit their site and see for yourself.

Of course, a coffee maker would not be complete without it's main ingredient! Don't forget the coffee. 1st in Coffee don't just do retail top quality espresso machines, and coffee makers but they do retail COFFEE as well. They have Illy Coffee, Lavazza (Italy's number 1 coffee), San Giorgio, and Capresso. Just take your pick!

To assure you of it's quality, 1st in Coffee have their 30-Day Satisfaction guarantee. Return in for a full refund. To return an item, just contact them via phone and email. For complete information: Here.

Aside from the 30-Day Satisfaction guarantee, they have a Price Matching Guarantee as well. 1st in Coffee has a low price and if you see a coffee maker from other sites with a lower price, 1st in Coffee can assure you that they can beat the price. More information: HERE.

Saturday, May 5, 2007

What's Your Holiday Look?

Kristina, your holiday look is Merry and Marvelous


You take the season pretty seriously — whether you enjoy making the outside of the house resemble the North Pole, buying every single member of your family the gift they were most hoping for, or donating your holiday gifts to those most fortunate. You know what the true spirit of the season's about — and it comes out in your look.You don't have to wear red and green every day to show your enthusiasm, but that sweet smile on your face tells everyone that you are going to make the most of this time of year. 'Tis the season!

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Spiderman 3 - 2007

Category: Movies

Genre: Action Heroes

Director: Sam Raimi

Lead Stars: Toby Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco.

Tagline: Next summer, the greatest battle lies… within.

There is this mysterious black substance from another world that would bring out the black side of a person found it’s way to Peter Parker’s apartment. It transformed his red/blue original Spidey outfit into a black one and also his dark personality came to view. The black suit makes you feel good, but you would lose yourself in it.

Introducing three new villains: Sandman, Venom (ugly ugly), and the New Goblin (Harry Osborn).

It’s great, got me teary-eyed the last part. Love the message….. Part 3 is all about choices, forgiveness,sacrifices, friendship and the quest for WHO YOU ARE.

You would love to hate the “new Peter” that would surmise here… His hairdo is quite emo… hehe. I like how he acted naughty naughty and being mean here. Funny acting when Toby attempts to cry over the bridge. I don’t think Tobey is all set up for crying…. but he is basically good in being mean and sarcastic.

Strengths: Effects, Visuals, Sounds (the sound made me jump in my seat a couple of times, really).

Trivia: This film is the first “third installment film” to be directed by the same director. Most directors who have done superhero films usually make the first and second films, and then leave.

The film’s translation in Russia is “Spider-Man 3: Enemy in the Reflection”

This film is reportedly the most expensive film ever made in U.S. dollars, with a budget of $250 million. This breaks King Kong (2005)’s record of $207 million, and in terms of adjusted dollars, would be third to Voyna i mir (1968)’s budget of $560 million.

more infos: HERE.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Architectural Classics

Architectural Classics is a website for people who has a passion for architectural detail since 1988(Same year I was born! Wow!). They sell antique chandeliers, door knockers, iron lanterns, clocks, and so much more for your architectural needs. They all have unique designs... and I have a few favorites. If I were to design my house I'd love to get my chandeliers from them. This brass and crystal chandelier they have looks pretty much like that hallucinogenic Datura, I just blogged about. I like this brass crystal table light... ahh perfect for my soon-to-be dream dining table. This one is one cute iron lantern with a stained glass pattern plus with an intricate design.
Architectural Classics is not just a website but they have a blog and a forum to let their customers interact with them as well.

Architectural Classics Blog is a blog for people who loves antique furnitures. In here, they have two professional writers Lucy Atkinson and Ian Evans who writes together to keep the blog alive.

One post i fancied was about a cat opening a door knob, or should I say cats opening door knobs? While watching the videos you would laugh and probably say.. "How cute" or "Clever kitty". But, as what Lucy said in her post, cute as they may seem for us watching but it won't be for people who owns the door knobs who might have spent a lot restoring it or if they don't those scratches would definitely show. Which is actually right. Your lovely door knobs getting scratched> Nu-uh. Here, Lucy provides ways of teaching your cat NOT TO OPEN DOORS.

End Notes: If your company has a website, make sure you have a forum so as your clients can interact with you and other customers as well. A blog is one good thing to keep your site active with updates as well. Nice site and blog they have here.