Dan Brown's New Book

Dan Brown of The Da Vinci Code fame is currently working on a new book called The Solomon Key.

A preview of what's to come and how the scenic spots and architecture of Washington will play a part can be seen here.

I can't wait.

What Happens To Spammers

ONE of Russia's most infamous spammers has been found beaten to death in his apartment, prompting thinly veiled jubilation among many of the country’s estimated 14 million internet users.

Vardan Kushnir, 35, had bombarded almost every e-mail user in the country for years with unsolicited adverts for the American Language Centre that he ran. Police, who found his body on Monday, said that he had been hit several times on the head with a heavy object and his apartment in central Moscow had been ransacked. They declined to comment on a motive for the murder.

"This was not a contract killing or revenge for spam," a detective said.

But Russian media could not resist speculating that Mr Kushnir had been killed by an irate recipient of his e-mail advertisements. "An Ultimate Solution to the Spam Problem," one headline read. "The Spammer Had it Coming," read another. "Ignoble Death Becomes Russia's Top Spammer," read a third.

[ TIMES Online, Jul 27 2005 ]

If Rats Could Talk....

The ISLAND tackles the concept of discrimination and prejudice using a different angle. Set sometime in the mid-21st century, you will be taken to a period when the rich-and-famous can afford to live longer by creating clones of themselves in the hope of getting an endless supply of body organs and tissues to be used for replacement for worn-out body parts ravaged either by disease or accidents. Each clone costs around US$5 million.

In the film, two clones --- Lincoln Six-Echo (Ewan McGregor) and Jordan Two-Delta (Scarlett Johansson) discover the truth painfully when they uncovered the truth behind the lie of a false lottery reward termed "the island." Along with the other clones, both Lincoln and Jordan inhabit a huge utopian center where they live a systematic and uniform life, which can also be described as boring. The only happiness of resident clones is the promise of winning the lottery which promises to send the winner to "the island" for a vacation.

In reality, "the island" is nothing but a poor excuse to harvest the needed body organs from the clones. So, while winners exhibit undescribable happiness winning the lottery, they really don't know the horrible nightmare that awaits them.

Lincoln is an aberration to the harmony imposed in the utopian facility. He has recurrent dreams of being in a boat and escaping the facility. He also questions why they are there, why they are doing their repetitive tasks in the facility, and what awaits all residents. Dr. Merrick (Sean Bean), the facility's founder and doctor, is also puzzled with Lincoln's erratic behavior. When Lincoln and Jordan escaped, Merrick hired Albert Laurent (Djimou Hounsou) to initially capture the escaped clones, but as the days passed, finally decided to have them killed.

Checking its performance and critics' reviews, I felt disappointed that it is not number 1 in the US box office and the amazing thumbs-down given by most movie critics. Most were probably disappointed with Michael Bay's fast paced setting and explosions. With me, it was perfectly fine, relevant, and typical of a Mike Bay film like his Pearl Harbor and Armageddon.

I also think that the movie whose screenplay was done by Caspian Tredwell-Owen (he also wrote the screenplay for Beyond Borders) is very relevant as it tries to address a potential future scientific and ethical problem in the future. Can we really clone humans in the hope of prolonging life? If so, how do we treat and interact with clones? Will we consider them human or plain commodities which can be disposed of when we get their organs and tissues? Perhaps, a more relevant question is: Does a clone possess a soul? If lab rats and other animal specimens could talk, will we give them the time of day to speak their mind on how they are treated?

BOTTOMLINE: Brilliant movie. Watch it with an open mind. Fast-paced as expected. Johannson is lovely and poignant at the same time.

Neil Gaiman for President

Neil Gaiman of the Sandman fame is was in Manila. He was here from July 9 to 11, and he had some amusing comments on his stay here:

"In the Philippines, the people are enthusiastic on a level that makes the Brazilians look reserved and polite. They shout very loudly when they're happy, too. There's a noise that a few thousand of the locals make when they all shout at once to let you know they're happy to see you that made me finally understand the idea of a wall of sound..." - July 9 quote

"I don't think I've ever been more exhausted at any point in a signing tour than I am right now. (Having said that, I don't remember ever having felt so loved by so many people.) But I get to sleep until I wake up and that's so good..."

"PS. I think I'm now addicted to calamansi juice." --- July 11 quote

[Neil Gaiman's Journal]

During his last two days, I have estimated that he averages about 550 book-signings per day. He is very popular with local geeks like me. So, with that in mind, I thought of a strategy of going on a Monday (I took a half-day off) with a working assumption the his batting average might be reduced somewhat because people will either be at work or in school. Was I wrong! There were still more than 500 people who had their stuff signed yesterday.

Here's my adventure with Neil Gaiman in pictures and why I think he should be President.

1. First stop was the Greenhills press conference and writer's forum which was by invitation only. I got to join this event through the help of my soulmate.




2. The Greenhills forum was held at the Music Museum. The place was jampacked.


3. Neil answered questions diligently. This is where I learned that he liked Daniel Pinkwater. That when he writes, he prefers solitude and silence. He says by being silent for a long time, one becomes bored, and when bored, the mind operates creatively. He got the inspiration of writing American Gods while lying still on his bed for a long time. He said that he began writing Anansi Boys (to be released September 2005) while drinking the worst tea at a bar somewhere in Iceland. I also learned that he loves writing using colored fountainpens instead of word processors.


4. We left for Fullybooked Bookstore in Gateway Mall in Cubao, QC., to be early for the book signing. We arrived there around 3:30pm and this was what greeted us. The orange arrow points to the front of the bookstore and the yellow arrow points to what we thought was the end of the line.


5. What we thought was the end of the line was actually a long snake of Neil Gaiman fans that stretched through Stairway 1....


6. ...and Stairway 2....


7. ...and along the sidewalks outside(!!!) of the Mall building.


8. Finally, we found the end of the line near the MRT Line 2 Araneta-Cubao Station. There we were pleased to meet James and Miggey who were the last two people in the long snake of people we tracked from the Mall to the sidewalks. Neil Gaiman, Manila fans love you this much!


9. 4pm....5pm....6pm....7pm.....we were still outside the Mall, along the sidewalks, and enjoying the heat of the sun and the air pollution....people were starting to make friends....and making calls to other friends who might still want to catch Neil on his last day in Manila...




10. This is Mr. Daez, the accomodating and kind owner of Fullybooked bookstore who periodically came out to check out on us, count how many we were, and put us on some sort of cliffhanger because he couldn't give us an assurance right away that Neil Gaiman can still see us. My soulmate and I were fan numbers 508 and 509, respectively.


11. By 8pm going 9pm, we were finally beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel, and were actually becoming more confident that Neil might be able to accomodate us.


12. By 9pm, we finally reached the bookstore and I observed Neil was getting tired. His head was probably whirling now considering he has signed more than 500 items already. He sure has good hands and fingers! I was already proposing to my friends that perhaps it might be better if he just thumbmarked our items instead. It will be easier for him and for us. Well, so much for my bright idea.


13. In spite of hunger and exhaustion, he continued smiling, signing, and shaking hands with people. He even apologized to us for making us wait so long in line. Mr. Daez was right. Neil Gaiman is truly a people-person.


14. He always made sure the fans left the store with happy hearts.


15. Finally, it was my turn....


16. ...and soulmate's, too!


17. My Neil-Gaiman signed book!


18. For those who didn't have any Neil Gaiman item, Fullybooked had on display for sale some of Neil's hot works:


19. INTERMISSION-- On one corner of the bookstore, I saw stacks and stacks of boxes like these. Perhaps the big event next week?


20. After we had our items signed, we said goodbye to our new friends who are all proud owners of Neil Gaiman-signed works like Marvel 1602, the first issue of Preludes and Nocturnes, and The Wolves in the Walls.

Now, before I forget....why Neil Gaiman for President, instead of you-know-who? Well, because Neil Gaiman has a good heart. He truly cares for people. He knows how to sacrifice and emphatize when he sees other people sacrificing along with him. He also knows the value of an apology. He apologized for making us wait for hours. That kind of humility soothes the nerves of equally tired people like us.

Another reason? He's very popular.

Of course, don't take all these too seriously. We all know that this person won't resign. At least, that's what she says.

BOTTOMLINE: Neil Gaiman is not just a great writer. He is also a good man. These days, that is a rarity. Especially in celebrities and....(ho-hum!) politicians.

Armed and Dangerous

Looks neat, huh?

It looks so neat I think I'm going to surprise my soulmate with this cool bag as soon as I get it.

It is called the Peacekeeper Bag. You can place orders from this website. The main feature of this bag is its vinyl aluminum handle which measures 6" x 4" x 7". It sells for a pocket-punching price of US$75.

Yes, I know...pretty steep for a bag. It even comes with a ready Disclaimer, for those places where this item might be prohibited.

I think it is a must for women who are prone to encounter muggers, snatchers, and random blokes who have nothing better to do than prowl the streets for their innocent victims. One cool whallop from this bag, and I'm quite sure the cad will wake up in the nearest Emergency Room. That is, if he still wakes up.

Rating: Very cool item.

Even Mosquitoes Were Turned On By Ms. Norah Jones

Soulful.

If there's one word to describe what last night's show was, it would be --- soulful.

Last night, multi-Grammy winner Norah Jones came and performed for the first time in Manila. The venue was the Araneta Coliseum in remodeled Cubao, Quezon City. I was able to go and watch because of surprise tickets courtesy of my dear soulmate.

The show began when it was nearly 8:30pm, and the VIP and VVIP (that's very, very important people) seats were hardly filled up. 'Talk about Filipinos and their concept of punctuality. The lights were doused off, and only the blue light tone of the stage remained visible.

Norah Jones came out after being introduced and sat on the grand piano to begin.

"Mabuhay!" was her first word of the evening before she began singing her opening song Turn Me On. Her rendition was more beautiful than the one in her CD. Next came Nightingale and What I Am To You from her second album. The applause was profuse and generous making her utter a hesitant "Salamat," (thank you) which further endeared her to the audience.

She was lively and vibrant, although occasionally bothered by the large screen monitor in which she saw herself perform, and was used for the benefit of those seated at the back and the bleachers.

She was so good even the mosquitoes were turned on by her. Flailing her arms to keep buzzing mosquitoes at bay, she played the piano as she sang a very smooth and extended version of The Nearness of You. It was very romantic. Hoagy Carmichael would surely acclaim and want to hear her version of this wonderful song.

All familiar hits in her two CDs were heard: the haunting I've Got To See You Again, the enchanting Come Away With Me, the lively Sunrise, the introspective The Prettiest Thing, and the reflective Humble Me. Her What I Am To You? took me to the first day I fell in love. Each song was an experience. You can almost feel yourself soaring to the seventh heaven as she whisks you away to each song's setting.

I'm been a fan of Norah Jones way, way back when it wasn't even cool to be described as one. One fine lazy Sunday afternoon in September 2002, I was testing new CDs in the QA branch of Tower Records when I chanced upon her Come Away With Me album and that was it. I was stuck with her. When she won multiple Grammys in 2003, I knew that was the end of my unique love affair with her. She is now everyone's favorite singer, and judging from the crowd at the Coliseum last night, I know I'm right.

We were treated to Norah's brand of humor when she talked about her experience with Elmo of Sesame Street.

"Anybody here know what Sesame Street is all about? I was supposed to have a date with the letter Y, but he stood me up. In the show, I sang to Elmo, going Don't Know Why, Y Didn't Come...so every time I perform Don't Know Why, I am terrified that I'd sing the wrong lyrics..."

Her Handsome Band also let its presence felt as we were treated to cool guitar works by Robbie McIntosh and Adam Levy. Her boyfriend bassist Lee Alexander (shown above in the picture with her) was also a revelation. Drummer Andrew Borger was electric as he worked the drums like he was on fire. Norah's long-time friend and vocalist Daru Oda played the flute and was also replendent as she sang and danced with Norah.

Before calling it a night, she also revisited Gram Parson's memory by singing a truly magnificent version of She that was so good it nearly brought me to tears. I've always been a fan of Willie Nelson when it comes to country music, but her rendition made me want to have a second look at Gram Parson's other works.

Her last piece was the bouncy and blithesome Ooh Las Vegas from the Gp/Grievous Angel album of Gram Parsons. It was so good that Norah was able to make some of the high-and-mighty moguls of the VVIP seats stand up and dance to the tune.

There were three encores as Filipinos are not known to leave concerts without extra heapings. Norah was pleasing enough to oblige and the audience wasn't disappointed as she gave a more aperitive version of Come Away With Me and two other sentimental songs.

Norah sounded disappointed when she mentioned that she had only one concert for Manila this year, but she said she'd be very happy to come back.

I can't wait for that day.

My Oscar Bets

It hasn't started yet (at least, here) and I think I still have time to post my bets for the 77th Academy Awards this year...and check out later how right I am or how miserable a guesser I am.

Unlike last year when we all knew that the Lord of the Rings will sweep all the more than ten nominations it got, this year's Oscar's is a tad difficult to guess because almost every nominee is a sure winner.

Complete set of nominations here.

Without further ado, here are my bets:

Best Picture: Million Dollar Baby

Best Actor: Jamie Foxx for Ray

Best Actress: Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby

Best Supporting Actor: Morgan Freeman for Million Dollar Baby

Best Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett for the Aviator

Best Animated Feature Film: Shrek 2

Best Original Screenplay: John Logan for the Aviator

Let's now see how this all works out....


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE on March 1, 1:15PM, Manila Time:

Hmmmm....not bad.

The results are out. It seems I'm not too bad a predictor. I was right on most of the major awards.

I just missed out on the last two. Brad Bird for the Incredibles won the Oscar for best animated feature film and the team of Charlie Kaufman won the original screenplay award for the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Cool, Clean, and.....how much Caffeine?

This is C2 or Cool and Clean.

If you visit the supermarket regularly (I do my grocering on weekends), I'm sure you have seen this new beverage and its other varieties: lemon, peach, and apple.

This was introduced late last year, around October 2004, if I'm not mistaken, and it is advertised as a "refreshing, non-carbonated and green tea-based beverage," by John Gokongwei's Universal Robina Corporation (URC).

Being half-Chinese, you would understand why Gokongwei would see wisdom in launching this product. Other than the usual teabags you find in the Tea section aisle of supermarkets, I do not know of any locally-produced green tea beverage like C2. Also, with news of health benefits from drinking green tea, the entrepreneur in Mr. John might have seen the great opportunity in launching this product.

And so, when I saw this product, I gave it a try.

I tried the plain green tea version first, followed by peach, lemon tea, lemon iced tea, and apple. I decided that the plain green tea flavor was the best for me.

Everything was going great until one night I noticed that my heart rate was going faster (my usual resting heart rate is in the 70s) everytime I drink a bottle of my favorite C2 plain green tea beverage. I counted and I noticed my heart rate increased to the range of 90 to 100 per minute. That was still within normal limits, but the increase was notable. I was not doing anything exhausting and was not also taking any other caffeinated beverage. Also, I noticed feeling more energetic and lively, much like the feeling I get when I take a cup of coffee or an energy drink.

Curious, I looked at the back of the plastic bottle I was holding to search for the nutritional information of the product. I thought I must know how much caffeine it was pouring in my system. Only caffeine can produce that kind of energy boost I was feeling plus the unusual heart rate increase. I also have a healthy heart according to my friend cardiologist (who monitors my cardiovascular health annually) so you need not suspect that I have some cardiac pathology to begin with.

I found NO nutritional information at the back of the C2 bottle. I looked again and still saw NOTHING.

But it was obvious that CAFFEINE was present in this beverage, and URC didn't think it was important anymore to tell the consumers how much it is.

URC says that C2 is "made with delicately brewed tea leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant" and because of this, consumers are assured that they are "getting the healthy chemicals that make green tea today’s choice drink."

I agree with that. If you still do not know the difference between black tea and green tea, read here.

But what I really would like to know is HOW MUCH CAFFEINE is in this product.

To give you an idea how much caffeine is found in our usual drinks, click on this link.

Bottomline: A good refreshing drink, but take it moderately, and preferably with another food item. NOT RECOMMENDED for people with heart problems.