Thursday, October 29, 2009
Saddened by Astro Boy
Between 2007's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and this year's Astro Boy, one can see that Imagi Studios' CG animation has improved quite a lot.
That's the good thing. Where do I start with the bad. I know! Nicholas Cage! To put it mildly, I have never liked Nicholas Cage and I avoid his movies like the plague. But Astro Boy's trailer was pretty decent and I thought that Hollywood has finally done good with this particular anime adaptation. So back to Nicholas Cage, knowing that he virtually re-wrote Ghost Rider to his liking (and not for the better, as I am told by those pitiful people who actually watched it), I have a sinking feeling that he influenced the script-writing as far as his character, Dr. Tenma is concerned. The result is a Dr. Tenma so different from the original -- by itself, not so bad, especially since they do have creative license, but it renders the Dr. Elefun character as useless and redundant. A pivotal character in the original, Elefun's existence in this story is truly insignificant, to say the least, and unnecessary, in the grand scheme of things.
Speaking of redundant and unnecessary characters, this series abounds with them. Double annoying villains, two sets of support group / group of friends / comic relief. Inconsistency and continuity errors also abound. That's right, group of friends. Astro is given a group of friends composed of runaways and orphans here, instead of a family. When with this group, Astro looks weird. Because they stuck to the original design, but for the new characters, they opted for a more American style. It is a bit jarring.
The movie left me saddened and drained, I really don't even want to write about it, but someone who holds the original anime and / or manga close to heart might read this and let this blog post serve as a warning, then. They missed the point of the old series entirely!
Speaking of the original... the Japanese title is Tetsuwan Atomu or Mighty Atom. Astro Boy is atomic-powered, you see. But in this version, forget atomic energy. He is powered by blue core energy, whatever that is.
But walking out to the exit, I did overhear a little boy asking his mom, "can we watch it over and over again, please?" So if they wanted to market Astro Boy to a new audience, based on the little boy's reaction, I guess in that respect, the people behind the movie succeeded. But paint me old school, but I like the original better.
Labels: animation, anime, Astro Boy, film, Imagi Studios, manga, movies, Nicholas Cage, Review
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sayonara Samsung?
Today, exactly after one month and ten days since sending my Samsung monitor for repairs, the sob saga is seemingly resolved. (Click here to read the previous chapters of said saga.)
Samsung Philippines got PC Chain, the retailer I got my original unit from, to replace the defective monitor. Only PC Chain supposedly had no more Samsung monitors in stock. Or so they say, maybe this is just Samsung's way of getting rid of at least one irate customer for good...? Who knows, I wasn't going to get another Samsung anyway. They might be one of the world's leading companies, but I wouldn't want to go through their lousy after-sales service ever again. While we still have some Samsung appliances at home, if I can help it, I won't ever buy any of their products again.
A few words of advice to fellow Filipino consumers who should always fight for their rights: Don't rely on government agencies, the added bureaucracy and red tape will just add to the frustration. Do it yourself, be persistent in following up, call Customer Service everyday, if possible. In Filipino, tiyagaan lang yan. Huwag mawalan ng gana if they seem to be giving you the run-around, this is probably just their way of making you give up on the warranty claim. Lastly, be resourceful, look up the email addresses of company higher-ups (both here and abroad) and send them a lengthy, but polite, email detailing your woes. While the powers-at-be at Samsung seem to be immune to this, some companies might be allergic to negative publicity and will do all they can to right a wrong.
So back to the monitor. Like I said, I had no intention of getting another Samsung. I actually got a new monitor already a couple of weeks back. An AOC, not as elegant-looking as the Samsung ones, but I know AOC monitors have a reputation for sturdiness, and I hope, their customer service is better than Samsung's. Though I'm doubly praying that I won't need any after-sales service yet again. Anyway, so PC Chain issued me a replacement today. Surprise, surprise, also AOC. And I am putting it up for selling. Here are some pertinent info:
- Product Description: AOC 717VWX, flat panel display, TFT, 17"
- Device Type: Flat panel display / TFT active matrix
- Color: Gloss piano black
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 15.7 in x 8.3 in x 13.3 in
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Diagonal Size: 17", widescreen
- Viewable Size: 17"
- Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch: 0.255 mm
- Max Resolution: 1440 x 900 / 60 Hz
- Color Support: Up to 16.2 million colors
- Response Time: 5 ms
- Image Brightness: 250 cd/m2
- Image Contrast Ratio: 5000:1 (dynamic)
- Signal Input: VGA
- Compliant Standards: CE, cUL, DDC-1, DDC-2B, TUV S, VESA DDC/CI, FCC, RoHS
- Power: AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
- Power Consumption Operational: 37 Watt
- Environmental Standards: EPA Energy Star
For more info, click here. According to PC Chain's price list, this retails at PhP6,500. But I am selling this for PhP5,000 only. Interested buyers may email me at meowok@yahoo.com
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Condo Cats Origins: Nini-p
Saturday, October 03, 2009
An Update
- Floodwaters have not receded, evacuation centers are still crowded and people are still going hungry. Donations, volunteers and other forms of help are still needed. Please see details in the previous post (scroll below, thanks.)
- In case any one was wondering about my Samsung predicament... Last Sept 24, they sent me a replacement monitor, which was... also defective! I sent it back and I am now going through yet another run-around round. And with no office during weekends and forced leaves enforced because of the back-to-back storms that are hitting (have hit) the country, this debacle will stretch into its fourth week this week. Sigh...
- Flashforward: In one moment, people around the world simultaneously black out for a couple of minutes and experience "flashforwards:" they "dream" of experiences that will happen to them in the future. The series stars Joseph Fiennes as the FBI agent investigating the mysterious event. Flashforward is the newest series to juxtapose fantastical concepts in a real-world setting. This early, it is being compared to Lost. Personally, I found the first episode interesting, but I am reserving my judgment on the series' supposed greatness after I have seen other, future episodes. There are only a handful of series that get me hooked right off the bat, Lost being one of them, which IMO, still had the best pilot episode ever! On the other hand, I thought Fringe was blah at the beginning, but it quickly got me addicted near the middle of the first season. Dollhouse, I waited for with bated breath as I am a big Joss Whedon fan, but I never even bothered to finish watching the first season as the show quickly got boring for me. Heroes... let's not even go there.
- Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea: Trademark Miyazaki quirkiness. Not Studio Ghbili's best, but the traditional hand-drawn animation is a breath of fresh air in this time of CG-saturated anime. Almost every element was moving... a wonderful feast for the eyes (to borrow a cliche.)
- Over at Furry Aficionada, we recently had a Condo Cats artwork giveaway. Please click here to view the contest details. :D
Labels: animation, anime, Dollhouse, Flashforward, Fringe, heroes, Lost, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, Review, television
Monday, September 28, 2009
For those Who Want to Help Out the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy in the RP
Got this from Watson's Facebook page:
(from Facebook sources)
Typhoon Ondoy has caused great devastation in the Philippines. If you can, please help through the following:
RELIEF/SHELTER/DONATIONS:
Red Cross donation through SMS: text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart) or contact your local Red Cross Chapters on how to Donate.
FRIENDS IN THE US AND CANADA WHO WISH TO HELP IN THE RESCUE/RELIEF OPERATIONS,YOU MAY DONATE THROUGH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS. CALL 1-800-435-7669. DONATE THRU THE RED CROSS RESCUE AND RELIEF OPERATIONS OR pinoys abroad they can DONATE THROUGH TXTPOWER'S PAYPAL!
You may also deposit your donations directly to ABS-CBN Foundation's Banco de Oro account: *Branch Name: BDO Mother Ignacia Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Account #: 5630060113 Relief Goods can be sent to Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no. 5639298/5639308).
Relief goods can also be brought Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40). Aquino volunteers: contact Jiggy Cruz who is organizing relief goods collection and distribution. Or call Ms. Clare Amador at mobile no 09285205508 or Jana Vicente at 09285205499 for more details regarding Noy/Mar relief efforts. Roxas volunteers: donations for flood relief can be brought to Balay, Expo Centro, Edsa cor. Gen, MacArthur, Araneta Center, Cubao.
Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT Charo Limaco has posted a list of specific items needed and where to donate them: Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes etc.. are being accepted at the Hillsborough Village chapel for families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios. – Donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy accepted at ARANAZ stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt. –
TeamManila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk, Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas to displaced countrymen due to Typhoon Ondoy. –
Caritas Manila Office and Radio Veritas (see above) appealing for the following goods: Canned food, rice, used clothes especially for children, milk.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Couch Potato Mode
TV Land is a very exciting place for me right now...
- Sad that True Blood season 2 is winding down, but
- Fringe season 2 has just started. Yay!
- Another HBO series, Hung, is a pleasant surprise as well.
- Reality TV shows are also alive and kicking: Project Runway and Project Runway Philippines, Survivor, and the Amazing Race!
Any news on when the BBC's Being Human season 2 will air, though???
And now for a shameless plug... Kit gets pwned over at Furry Aficionada. Please check it out. Thanks!
Labels: amazing race, BBC, Being Human, condo cats, Fringe, furry aficionada, HBO, Hung, Project Runway, Project Runway Philippines, Reality Show, survivor, True Blood
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
How Samsung Philippines is Giving Me the Run-Around
First of all, to give you an idea of the gravity of the situation, let me explain that I am a freelancer working at home. So having a busted computer means no work done and NO INCOME.
So I brought my monitor to the Samsung Service Center in Greenhills for repairs (for now, I have borrowed and am using my nieces' monitor.) This after being told that the Center could provide me with a service unit while work was being done on mine. So I get to the Center and huh, no service units. Rather, they only had TWO service units and both were out. Instead, they would tag my concern as "urgent" and they should have feedback on it in 3 days.
So yesterday, I called them up and was told that they requested for parts (they had to replace the board) and Samsung told them that there were no longer any boards available for that model. So I asked what the next step would be. The Samsung head office has asked the technician to file a report. Things are beginning to sound more and more ridiculous at this point: Technician asks for spare parts from Samsung head office, Samsung says no parts available so Samsung asks for report from Technician. Samsung wants to have a report on something they already know?! Aren't they the ones who said there weren't any parts available? Then and there, why didn't they forward the concern to the proper person? Why request a report on a concern that is out of the technician's hands, that they themselves informed the technician of???
So anyway, the Service Center sends a report to the Head Office and I call again this morning. Notice that I am the one doing all the calling, NO ONE EVEN BOTHERS TO UPDATE ME ON THE SITUATION. I first call the Service Center, they tell me that all my documents have been forwarded to the Head Office. So I call up the Samsung Customer Hotline. Huh, MY RECORDS ARE NOT ON THEIR DATABASE. The CSR asks if I know to whom they forwarded my documents to. Uh-huh, I should've found this out too? Maybe I should've hand delivered my forms from the Service Center to the Head Office myself too! So of course, I don't know where they submitted it. So the CSR tells me that she'll confirm with the Service Center first and get back to me with an update. And around and around we go.
I ask the CSR what usually happens in cases where they can't provide spare parts. She said that they usually give a compensation, after they determine the depreciation value and the cash will be refunded to you AFTER A MONTH. So while I'm waiting, time is ticking and the damned thing is depreciating even more. No offers of replacement for this LEMON. I OFFERED to buy another unit or model instead, even if it means adding an extra amount. The reply: They would have to get back to me on the offer.
I can't help but notice how proudly they banner "DTI Accredited" on the walls of the Service Center. Gee, they do treat customers swimmingly well. Yes, there IS sarcasm in that statement.
