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Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Following Season 1 Episode 1: Pilot





The shows revolve around the lives of former FBI agent Ryan Hardy and the infamous serial killer that he caught named Joe Carroll. Years after Carroll’s arrest and days before his execution, the Carroll killed five guards and successful escaped prison. The now retired Ryan Hardy was called by the FBI as a consultant to apprehend Carroll.
The Police then put Carroll’s ex-wife, Claire Mathews, under protection. Also they immediately put Dr. Sarah Fuller, Carroll’s last victim who survived, under protection as well. Little does Ryan and the FBI knows that Carroll has created a master plan to abduct Sarah and finish his work. At first Carroll sent one of his followers to the FBI and ordered her to stab herself in the eye. They later discovered that a prison guard named Jordy help Carroll escaped. They discovered that he is learning to Carroll’s way using animals. Later Ryan talked to Claire and we soon discovered that they had an affair. Claire mentioned that Carroll’s book was a way of tribute to his hero Edgar Allan Poe and in a way the book was to finish Poe’s work. Ryan soon realized that Carroll would go after Sarah to finish his work. Ryan then rushed to Sarah’s house but they were too late. Sarah’s neighbors Paul and Jacob abducted her and delivered her to Carroll. Ryan found a picture in Paul and Jacob’s apartment taken in a lighthouse in Virginia.


Ryan then went to the lighthouse and heard Sarah screaming. He found Carroll but he was too late. Carroll was able to finish his work and killed Sarah by removing her eyes. Carroll explained that the eyes is connected by 7 seven muscles and that he removes it one by one. In the end the voice that Ryan heard was from a recording. Sarah was hanging upside down with a rope tied to her feet. 
Ryan then jumped Carroll and was about to strangle him to death. Moments later the FBI arrived and Carroll announced that he is surrendering.  Later Ryan questioned Carroll. Carroll explained that Sarah was killed for Ryan’s benefit. He explained that Ryan is part of his plans and that his followers have something in store for him. Carroll demanded that he talks to Claire but Ryan said that she would agree with it. Before the episode ended, Claire’s son, Joey, went missing. Emma, Joey’s babysitter, took him and delivered him to Paul and Jacob. The episode ended with Carroll shouting “Call Claire!”


This is one of best pilot that I have seen in a while. I am personally drawn more to Joe Carroll than Ryan Hardy. I like the idea that the hero has flaws as Carroll has stated in the episode. After being stab by Carroll while saving Sarah, Ryan had to have a pacemaker to keep his heart pumping. In the pilot episode it showed that his heart condition hinders Ryan physically. In the episode it also shows that he has drinking and attitude issues. I am sure we will discover more of Ryan’s reputation in the next episodes.
Since Carroll is days away from his execution, I have the feeling that they would postponed it to get more information from him. As he has stated, Carroll would in some way help Ryan. I bet the series would revolve around catching Carroll’s followers. We just happen next to Ryan. Will he be reinstated by the FBI? I have this feeling that a member of the FBI or some other agency is part of Carroll’s cult. We have met 5 followers so far: Jordy, Paul, Jacob, Emma and the girl who committed suicide. The real question is how many are still out there?

Sunday, January 27, 2013

My thoughts on Stopzilla Anti-virus software

I have tried a lot of anti-virus applications before: AVG, ESET32NOD, McAFee and Bitdefender. Although they have came through for me in the past, there are viruses and malwares that has surfaced recently that could dealt with by the anti virus that I have mentioned.

Recently I tried a new anti-virus called Stopzilla. I did my research before installing the software. Most of the reviews were positive. Off course there are some negative reviews about it as well but which anit-virus doesn't?  Since I have used the other software I figured that it wouldn't hurt to try something new. I am glad I did. It has cleaned my computer of the viruses and malwares that I have been trying to get rid off. I still have to see if Stopzilla would be able to come through in the long run. But for now I have to say that I am very satisfied with this anti-virus. What are your thoughts? Please let me know

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Gun Ban in the Philippines to take effect on January 13, 2013




As the Election draws near, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced that gun ban would take effect from January 13 to June 12, 2013. The gun ban would prohibited ordinary citizens from bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or deadly weapons outside his residence or place of business and in public places regardless even if they have acquire a licence to possess or carry firearms.

Under the Resolution No. 9561-A, the ban would also include airguns, airsoft guns or any replicas of firearms. Bladed weapons, grenades and other explosive except for Pyrotechnics are also ban during the Election period. Only members of the Philippine National Police, Armed forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agency within the government.

Running Candidates are also prohibited to enlist protection from members of Police or Armed forces not unless authorized and assigned by COMELEC. Under the Omnibus Election Code, any person violating the the gun ban and found carrying firearms would be committing an election offence. 

Just days before the gun ban, several firearm related incidents has taken lives of several Filipinos. Several people were victims of stray bullets in the midst of the New Year Celebration. 2 Children were shot during the New Year and were died shortly after. Just last week, a former low level politician named Ronaldo Bae went on a shooting spree killing 7 people and injuring 11 other. Authorities are now investigating the possibility that the shooter was on the influence of prohibited drugs during the shoot out. 

People are now looking into implementing the total gun ban not only during elections but also during holidays while some would like to review existing rules and have them implement them in a more strict manner. 

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Merlin Season 5 Episode 13: The Diamond of the Day part 2

Don’t read if you haven’t seen the episode

 The Battle of Camlann continues and Merlin races to Arthur’s Aid. Outnumbered, Arthur and Camelot were on the verge of defeat. Merlin disguises himself as Dragoon the great and unleashes his magic and rained thunder on the Saxons. Morgana was totally useless again Merlin and a surge of his magic knocked Morgana out so easily. The Saxons were outmatched by Merlin’s magic and retreated immediately.

In the battlefield, Arthur faces Mordred but was stabbed right away. Immediately Arthur stabbed Mordred as well killing him instantly. Merlin found Arthur and brought him out of harms way. Back at the camp, Leon informs Gwen that the battle has been won but they are unable to find Arthur.

Gwen and the others return to Camelot but the patrol is still being dispatched for their missing king. Eira is trying to find out more information from Gwaine about Arthur whereabouts. Her persistent questioning has made Gwaine suspicious. Later they caught Eira sending message to Morgana. Gwaine however provided a wrong information leading Morgana to the opposite directions of Merlin’s destination.  She was later hanged for her betrayal.
Arthur awakens finding Merlin in his side. Merlin then revealed that he has magic that made Arthur feeling betrayed. He was reluctant to have Merlin tend his wounds. Gauis meets them then later and revealed to Arthur the he had known that he was a sorcerer all along. They then travel to Lake of Avalon where Merlin hopes that the ancient Magic of the Sidhe will heal Arthur. But before leaving Arthur entrust the royal seal to Gauis with instructions that it would be given to Gwen. Gauis then hugs Merlin and told him that his dinner will be waiting for him. Gauis however had the feeling that Merlin would not return to Camelot.


A very disturbed Morgana orders her men to keep searching for Arthur. When she received the message from Eira, she immediately rides to search for Arthur. Gwaine and Percival are both waiting for them was able to kill all of Morgana’s men. Unfortunately for them, Morgana was too powerful and they were captured. Morgana used her magic to get the information from Gwaine. The tortured was too much for him and moments later after Percival found him, he died.

On their way to Avelon, Merlin reveals more of his magic to Arthur as he defeated two Saxons who was pursuing them. Arthur asked why he is acting like a servant knowing what he really is. Merlin told him that he was destined to serve him. On their way to the Lake , Morgana was able to catch up to them. Using her magic she magically pushed Merlin and thought he was knocked out. Later Merlin told Morgana that he felt responsible for what she has become and was holding Excalibur. Morgana told Merlin no mortal blade could kill her but as soon as Merlin stabbed her, he explains that the sword was forged with Dragon’s breath. That marks the end of Morgana and Arthur says that they have achieved peace at last. Eventually Arthur accepts Merlin for being a sorcerer and says Thank you to him before he died. Desperate, Merlin called Kilgarrah for a final favor. Kilgarrah informed Merlin that there is nothing else he could do and the he was destined to die and Arthur is the once and future king, and one day when Albion is in great need, Arthur will rise again.


Gwen was then proclaimed as the next ruler of Camelot after the Sir Leon announced that Arthur has died. The episode ended with Merlin walking near the Lake of Avalon while a truck passed by implying that Merlin has lived since Arthur’s time until modern day England waiting for Arthur’s return. 



I felt that the two part Finale was not enough to end the series properly. It would have been great if there was a showdown between Morgana and Merlin using magic. There was no really proof that Merlin was the most powerful sorcerer of all time aside from the defeating the Saxons while disguised as Dragoon the great. I think there was nothing really significant with Merlin’s magic. It seems that Morgana was more powerful. When she saw Merlin on top of the mountain threw bolts of lightning and using his magic to defeat the Saxons, why did she have to shout “Emyrs!” then got knocked out immediately right after?


So did magic return to Camelot? What happened after Arthur’s death? Why did they say that Aithusa is a good omen? She was a burden to Camelot after all. Without Merlin’s ability to talk to dragons, she would have killed Arthur and the rest of them. Mordred was anti-climactic. After all the build up, he died instantly. I know Excalibur is extremely powerful but Mordred’s death was not what I expected.

The series ended with what most Arthurian legend are based from. In the Legends, Arthur killed Mordred but was fatally wounded. In an attempt to save his life, he travels to Lake of Avalon where it is believed that the water have magical healing powers. It is also said that Excalibur was thrown to the lake so that no mortal men could use it. It is also said in the legend that Arthur died before reaching the Lake .

Even though I was a bit disappointed with the finale, I thought they ended the series fairly well and has stay true to legends. As much as I have wanted Arthur to survive and rule further, I am glad they followed the legend. However I felt that they did not portrayed Merlin as the most powerful Sorcerer of all time. I was waiting for more magic. I was waiting for something more extraordinary. I am sad to see the series end as I have been a Merlin fan since it first aired five years ago. I guess I have to wait for another show that is based on the Arthurian Legend.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Revise Sin tax law approved in the Philippines


Picture taken from Yahoo.com


In an attempt to lower the number of cigarette smokers in Australia, a new law was passed ti discourages smokers from lighting up a cigarette. The new law that was passed a few days ago forced Tobacco companies to change the packaging. Now all cigarette packages in Australia are identical. The old trademark of Tobacco company has been changed to warning like "Smoking can cause Lung cancer" or "Smoking can cause blindness" with matching pictures

In the Philippines, a revise version of the Sin Tax has been approved by congress and senate and has been signed by President Benigno Aquino III. The enactment of the law will cost the price of both Cigarettes and Alcoholic Beverage to increase. The government hopes that with this new law, the number of Filipinos who are hooked on Cigarettes and Alcohol would decrease. 

It is good that they have passed this law. During the Christmas season, Filipinos who are catholic are accustomed to attend mass which normally starts at 03:00 AM. This would go start on Dec 16 and would end on Dec 24. Anyway as I was to the church, I see teenagers who are smoking. Most of them are very young. If I am not mistaken, the youngest that I saw was around 11 or 12 years old. It is hard to tell how old they are since smoking affects a person's growth. 

Maybe 10 years ago the youngest smoker in the Philippines would be around 15 years old. The age the kids nowadays learn how to smoke is getting younger each year. This is scary since smoking is a hard habit to kick once a person has started. 

With the price of Cigarettes going up, this might have a positive effect on the number of smokers in Philippines. E-cigarettes has been invented and most of the smokers are using it instead of real cigarettes. Although some would still prefer the real cigarette and some who use E-cigarette end up unsatisfied with the taste, there are some who has completely given up smoking. I would imagine that once prices of Cigarette goes up, the demand for e-cigarette would go high as well. It would be affordable to buy refill for e-cigarette than buying pack of cigarette

The revenue from the sin tax law is targeted to reach 33 billion pesos ($800 million) this year alone. A large part of the revenue would be designated to the government's health programs.

Globe Broadband Speedtest: San Tomas Pampanga





I am not really a fan of Globe Tattoo's broadband service but I was left with no choice since there is completely no service for my Sun broadband Subscription here in San Tomas Pampanga. I tried the sun broadband in San Matias and San Fernando the speed is great. Even my friend who resides in San Fernando is surprised how fast the internet service was when she was downloading a file.

Anyway I borrowed a globe tattoo and it was buffering all the time. It took me a while to open the blogger dashboard. Any form of download was not recommended as the connection is way too slow. I am just starting to have good internet service at around 11:30 PM . Maybe it is because most of the broadband users here are asleep already.

Too bad Sun Cellular Broadband service is still not available here. Well the Cellular service for mobile phone subscription was only available last year for Sto. Tomas resident. Maybe it will take another 6 to 12 months to have sun broadband service here. Well I hope it doesn't take that long.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merlin Season 5 Episode 12: The Diamond of the Day Part 1


Don’t read if you haven’t seen the episode
 
Morgana prepares to wage war on Arthur and Camelot. But before doing so, she wanted to eliminate her biggest threat, Emyrs. Morgana acquired a creature called Gean Canach. It is said that the creature was created from the tear of Earth Mother Nemaine. It has the power to strip a sorcerer or sorceress of their power. Morgana tested it with one of her allies named Ari. When it worked and all of Ari’s magic was gone, Morgana ordered one of Saxons to sneak in to Camelot and bring near Merlin. The creature was waiting for Merlin in his room and was able to successfully drain him of his magic. Good thing Gauis was there to save the Merlin and killed the creature with a shovel. Merlin realizes that his magic was gone. Gauis and Merlin learned that there is a chance to retrieve his magic by going to the Crystal Cave located in the Valley of the Kings .
 
Later on Morgana started the siege on Stawell Garrison north of Camelot. Morgana and Mordred teamed up and use a spell that created something that looks like a burning meteorite falling from the sky. The Lone survivor from the Garrison is Eira. Later it is revealed that Gwaine’s lover, Eira, is as a spy for Morgana and has got vital information on Camelot’s plans against Morgana’s Hordes. She also informed Gwaine taking Merlin to the Valley of the Kings . Mordred then informs Morgana about the Crystal Cave being the origin of Magic. Morgana then went to the Crystal Cave and trapped Merlin inside. Arthur and the other Knights were in Camlann and were waiting for Morgana’s troops. Mordred has found a secret route to enable them to flank Arthur.
 
Merlin was awakened by the spirit of his father, Balinor. He informed him that he could regain his magic by Believing in himself. Merlin eventually regained his Magic. He saw visions inside the cave and using magic he informs Arthur of Morgana’s plan to flank them.
 
Back in Camlann Arthur and his men are outnumbered by five to one. Arthur ordered Gwaine and Percival to meet the group who plans to flank them. Arthur is with Leon and they faced the rest of Morgana’s troops. Mordred is the battlefield as well with the sword forged by Aithusa while Morgana was just watching on top of a Cliff. The entrance of Crystal Cave is blewn apart by Magic and Dragoon the Great appears.
 
I enjoyed watching this episode. Although there are some parts that I didn’t like. The Tavern scene at the beginning of the episode is unnecessary. The way Merlin got back his magic was way too easy. He just slept in the cave and then he regains it. It should have been a full episode and should have put in the series instead for the Gwen Arc. Remember the part when she was under Morgana’s spell? Morgana could have killed Merlin but instead she took the chance of trapping him and keeping him alive. So it is expected that Morgana and Merlin would face off with Merlin disguised as Dragoon the great. I think it might have been better if Merlin fights without disguise. I would expect that the Kilgarrah - Aithusa will be in next episode? Will it even happen?
 
With only one episode left, I hope they fill everything in. The answers the fans are waiting for and I really hope they end the series well.  
 
 

Arrow Season 1 Episode 9: Year's End


Don’t read if you haven’t seen the episode

Christmas season is just around the corner in Starling City. Oliver is trying to put things back to normal by hosting a Christmas Party in Queen’s Mansion after learning that the Moira, Thea and Walter ceased to celebrate it after Oliver and Robert’s disappearance 5 years back.

In the Meanwhile, an archer is terrorizing the city killing people on the list starting with Adam Hunt. Detective Lance is hot on the trail and is not convinced that the vigilante that they call the “hood” is behind the killing. First the arrows used in the killing are not consistent with the arrows used by their vigilante.

Oliver enlisted Detective Lance’s help by acquiring illegally the arrows found in the crime scene. Reluctant at first, the good detective gave the arrows and Oliver started his search. Using one of Queen Consolidated’s employees, Felicity Smoke, Oliver discovered that the Arrow was purchased in bulk and was shipped to a warehouse in Starling City.

Flashback shows a glimpse of Oliver’s past in the Island. Oliver has been trapped in their Cave and has run out of food and water. His saviour Yao Fei has brought him food and water and has brought Oliver’s captor, Edward Fyers. Fyers was caught by Yao Fei and Oliver immediately started to attack him. Yao Fei interfered and suggested that Oliver take his life but that would also mean that he would have to forfeit his chance to escape the island. Later it was revealed that Fyers was captured willingly to setup a trap for Yao Fei. Yao Fei was then captured by Fyers men with the help of Deathstroke. Oliver was able to escape and the flashback ended.

Back to Starling City, the new archer has lead Oliver to trap using hostages as bait. Oliver was shot twice at the back and was about to get his identity revealed but eventually Oliver got the upper hand and was able to knock his opponent out.

Oliver was able to escape with the help of John Diggle. Oliver has awakened in a hospital bed and Diggle provided an Alibi that he was caught in a motorcycle accident. It is then revealed that the masked archer is Malcolm Merlyn. Also in this episode, Walter has discovered more than he should when he found the Moira’s notebook with the list of people who are part of the secret organization that Oliver is targeting. He was drugged and kidnapped. Moira then talks to Malcolm and the later guaranteed that he won’t be harmed and that in six months, their plans would have been finished.
It makes a lot more sense that Malcolm Merlyn is the Merlyn in the Comic books. In the comics, Merlyn is older than Oliver and was his mentor turned arch nemesis. I just hope that they don’t copy the Spiderman plot were the Green Goblin was originally Norman Osborn and later became his son, Harry Osborn. The Show still keeps on coming up with answers but gives us more questions. It has been a great season so far. I hope that they don’t dwell on the Tommy Laurel plot as it seems like it is taking too much air time not unless their building up something that would eventually end the Tommy and Oliver friendship. I am glad the Thea rambling is bearable in this episode. I would want to see more of John Diggle using his ex-military skills into good use in the future episodes.

We have to wait a little longer for the next episode. Arrow’s next episode entitled “Burned” would air on January 16, 2013

Leverage Cancelled after Five Season


Leverage is one of the best shows that I have been watching in the past few years. I am sorry to hear that it has been cancelled and there won’t be a six season. Leverage is about of group of people comprised of a hacker, grifter, thief, hitter and a former insurance investigator turned mastermind Nathan Ford. But instead hitting their marks for financial gains, they help out those people who need it using unconventional means. During the series, the four criminal experts on their respective field has changed their ways and used their talent to help those who could not be help with the legal systems. Nathan also went over the opposite side of the law and was on the brink of going way over the edge. But with the help of his colleagues, they were able to keep him in check.

One of the motivations of Ford was to exact revenge on his former employer IYS insurance run by Ian Blackpoole. Blackpoole refused to pay for the medical expenses of Ford’s son, Sam, which resulted to his death. The partnership of five man team began when Ford was hired by Victor Dubenich, an aerospace executive who deceived the team from stealing aeronautical plans which was first thought to Dubenich’s designs. Dubenich later tried to have them all killed and refuses to give them the payment. The team had their revenge which led to Dubenich’s arrest by the FBI. Instead of going their separate ways, the team decided to stick together and they appointed Ford as their leader with the condition that Ford chooses the jobs that they will accept.

The show had a great run and had great episodes during the first three seasons. However during the 4th season, it seems that the writers are running out of great materials to write and some of the cons seem impossible to pull off. Personally I think it is great show, although the long break between episodes must have had a big effect on the shows rating. I will surely miss this show although I hope that they give fans a satisfying series finale. The last episode of the series entitled “'The Long Goodbye Job” will air on Christmas day.

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