The Road to Gandolfo - Robert Ludlum

Category: Books

Genre: Comedy

Author: Robert Ludlum as Michael Shepherd.


This is a funny story about General MacKenzie Hawkins whom they dubbed of as "The Hawk", a military legend who seems to be popular. On an assignment he defaces an important Chinese memorial while being drugged by a Chinese general and in return was asked by the Chinese for the Americans for him to be kicked out. As revenge, he plots to kidnap the Pope, with a ransom of one dollar for every Catholic in the world.


It was ridiculous in most parts. And the two characters were good combo. Sometimes, one of them getting wee bit crazy. It is still intelligent. But I got confused with the ending, really. Anyway, it has quite interesting characters specially MacKenzie's wives, it's a refreshing, comedic side of Ludlum I'm reading. 

Fast Five - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Crime / Action

Director: Justin Lin

Writer: Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson

Producer:  Universal Pictures, Original Film, One Race Productions

Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Joaquim de Almeda and more


Dominic (Vin Diesel) partners with Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and the rest of the elite team of top racers. They find themselves on the wrong side of the law once again as they try to switch lanes between a ruthless drug lord and a relentless federal agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson).

Too much muscle!!!! Vin and The Rock??? At the beginning it was kind of.... a wrinkle in the nose... however I enjoyed the ending and the end scene. It wanted to surprise you.. but was predictable in their surprises though.

Im sure the fans of the F&F films will enjoy this because it collated all the stars from part 1 to 4. :) A lot of eye popping action can be seen all through out but don't expect that much from the story which can be a mix of other movies tis and tat. :) 

A Cool, Dry Place - 1998

Category: Movie

Genre: Family / Drama

Producer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox (Far East), 20th Century Fox de Argentina, Gativideo.

Director: John N. Smith

Writer: Michael Grant Jaffe (novel), Matthew McDuffie.

Tagline: Love, Sex and Starting Over..

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Monica Potter, Joey Lauren Adams, Bobby Moat, Devon Sawa, Todd Louiso, Jenny Robertson, Siobhan Fallon and more.


Overview and Summary of the movie A Cool, Dry Place.

After Russell's(Vince Vaughn) wife abandoned him in Chicago, he moved in to rural Kansas and tries his best to balance his work as an attorney while caring for his five year old son Calvin(Kevin Moat) and his sideline as a high school basketball coach.

Just as he starts to develop a new relationship with a veterinarian's assistant, his ex-wife suddenly reappears and wants to re-assert herself in her husband and son's life. On top of the romantic conflict, he is also suddenly presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to join a major firm in Dallas.

This is a heartwarming Father and Son story. I loved Kevin Moat's acting! What a cute child he is. I find their bond in the movie cute. The movie might seem mellow but I think this is one of those movies which were underrated. It has a few funny parts too. This movie made me teary eyed too.

Disclosure - Michael Crichton

Category: Books

Genre: Corporate

Author: Michael Crichton

Overview and Review of Disclosure by Michael Crichton.

*Already a Movie

A book that involves Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Title VII is a shattering case that would ruin a person's career and family.

This story involves Tom Sanders an up-and-coming executive at a a computer firm called DigiCom. Tom Sanders is a man whose corporate future is certain after working for about a decade in the company. Everybody in the company thought Tom Sanders would lead the AGP Division and would be deemed as Vice-President of the company, but they were wrong. A woman, named Meredith Johnson, Tom Sander's ex-lover back in Cupertino would be everybody's new boss.

After a closed-door meeting with Tom's new boss, Meredith - Sanders finds himself caught in a nightmare where he was branded as a villain.

Sanders tries to defend himself from the accusation, while doing so he unravels an electronic trail into the company's secrets.

At the afterword it says that this novel was based on a true story. But, it is also important to emphasize the fact that the story in it's present form is fiction. Because, all the information and necessary facts can be a risk to individuals and corporations involved, it was but necessary to disguise the real event with utmost care. All the principals in this case agreed to be interviewed with the understanding that their identification would not be revealed.

A clever, swell corporate-slash-techie-slash-law thriller. A modern technology with intrigue. Just like Robert Ludlum, Crichton sure knows how to keep the story moving, saving the best for last. This book shows that sexual harassment is not reserved for men on high positions but for women who can be at the top as well. I think, the book stresses the point that Harassment involves Power and thus it doesn't matter whether you are male or female. Anyone is capable.
Nice intriguing, informative and eye-opening book. I also love the techie jargon in this book. I still like his "Jurassic Park" novel better. Hehe.

Recommend: For people who loves "law and order" stories, "techie people", or for people who is into "corporate intrigue".