Having a third eye is both a gift and a curse. This can be a blessing for those people who transform the capacity to see beyong the realm of reality. They gain in the acts of altruism whose actions would not deny its benefits to those persons who seek communion with the departed persons - if not literally, it can be through symbols that can further be interpreted. They are the people who are considered the 'instruments' for bridging the gap between the bounded reality and the intangible world of the 'others'. But for others, this gift might be, on the contrary, a curse rather than a gift. Having the ability to see things which others do not would be a mind boggling experience where fear suddenly arises as a form of response to the peculiarity of things. Darkness would be horror characterized by sleepless nights. One will never feel alone because there will always be someone who will be staying right behind you. The experience of having the third eye may vary from person to person. But try placing yourself in the shoes of a person with the third eye. Walking in a dark, dodgy street would never be the same. It would be inevitable to encounter spirits of some sort. If that sounds creepy enough, try entering your house and see what seems to be your grandfather or grandmother welcoming you with their cold eyes. Or better yet, see a vision of a lady just before you sleep.
Having a third eye is simply not about fancying seeing whimsical spirits and wondering souls. For some of them, having a third eye is like having a burden in the back and envisions things that a person would probably not want to see. Bottom line is, not everyone who was given this gift wanted it. Some of them might even want to forget it if given a chance. It's not a joke to have a not-so friendly ghosts around you around the clock.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Are you afraid of the dark?
experiences of two different individuals who have third eye
Call centers, as its present prestige says, are in demand in terms of hiring employees. Work goes on round-the-clock. While the sun starts to set, the graveyard shift employees one by one till the once empty seats in front of the computers. As the trainer opens the night for a new lesson on European accent, an anxious ghost seems busy loitering in front of the desk of each employee, testified a call center agent. This lurking soul has been visiting the new trainees in their floor and its stories have been scaring a lot of employees. For those people who can see the child, they were never bothered of his mischievous presence, what boggled their minds is the cause of his death that gave him his hollowed eyes. They say that at the stroke of midnight, ghosts would be up for their mischievous games where mysterious and creepy experiences end up as headlines for the next day. But the night is still long and chances of being acquainted with the haunted are never far, where the dawn would still take moments before it breaks.
It was around three in the morning, she just came home from a formal gathering. As she entered the second gate of her house, she noticed a lady just two meters away from her. The lady was facing her, she was terrified and clasped her hands and prayed. Hoping that as she opens her eyes, the lady would be gone, she quickly rushed passed her. Unfortunately, when she looked back the lady was following her up the stairs! Still scared to death, she opted to go up the stairs noisily to frighten the lady away. When she reached her bedroom, she ended up praying.
The same young woman woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Expecting that she would just do her "business", she ended up seeing an image of someone on her left eye peripheral. Facing her fears, she saw that some lady was seated on her bed back facing. She chose to act normal upon seeing the image by moving to her right to give space to the lady. Not wanting to know if the lady lied down on the bed, the young woman closed her eyes hoping she would fall asleep as quickly as possible.
Why is it that some people "see or feel" when others don't? Is it consciousness or the admittance or awareness of the existence of this "people" on the other side that makes them special? It maybe exciting to see what others can't but can you stomach seeing more than friendly ghosts?
Call centers, as its present prestige says, are in demand in terms of hiring employees. Work goes on round-the-clock. While the sun starts to set, the graveyard shift employees one by one till the once empty seats in front of the computers. As the trainer opens the night for a new lesson on European accent, an anxious ghost seems busy loitering in front of the desk of each employee, testified a call center agent. This lurking soul has been visiting the new trainees in their floor and its stories have been scaring a lot of employees. For those people who can see the child, they were never bothered of his mischievous presence, what boggled their minds is the cause of his death that gave him his hollowed eyes. They say that at the stroke of midnight, ghosts would be up for their mischievous games where mysterious and creepy experiences end up as headlines for the next day. But the night is still long and chances of being acquainted with the haunted are never far, where the dawn would still take moments before it breaks.
It was around three in the morning, she just came home from a formal gathering. As she entered the second gate of her house, she noticed a lady just two meters away from her. The lady was facing her, she was terrified and clasped her hands and prayed. Hoping that as she opens her eyes, the lady would be gone, she quickly rushed passed her. Unfortunately, when she looked back the lady was following her up the stairs! Still scared to death, she opted to go up the stairs noisily to frighten the lady away. When she reached her bedroom, she ended up praying.
The same young woman woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Expecting that she would just do her "business", she ended up seeing an image of someone on her left eye peripheral. Facing her fears, she saw that some lady was seated on her bed back facing. She chose to act normal upon seeing the image by moving to her right to give space to the lady. Not wanting to know if the lady lied down on the bed, the young woman closed her eyes hoping she would fall asleep as quickly as possible.
Why is it that some people "see or feel" when others don't? Is it consciousness or the admittance or awareness of the existence of this "people" on the other side that makes them special? It maybe exciting to see what others can't but can you stomach seeing more than friendly ghosts?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
A Gift or a Curse?
She knew before everyone felt his presence that he was there; saw the shadows lurking in the corners and heard the silent breathless whispers. She knew when no one else doesnt.
He saw the lady in white; saw the glimpse of the playful child in the mirror and heard the clanging and banging. He knew he experiences them in the middle of the night, where all is in slumber except him, because they would not let him.
Why is it that some people "see or feel" when others don't? Is it consciousness or the admittance or awareness of the existence of this "people" on the other side that makes them special? Or is this what they call the third eye?
THE OTHERS
Man used to fear what they do not know or understand, may it be to envisage something existent and real but cannot be fully grasped by the human mind or to conceive of mystery which is separated from the known reality. Man used to believe that there are certain things that have to be left unanswered. The rise of a new age however paved the way for humans to explore the depths of their world by means of scientific exploration. However technologically advanced we might seem, there are still a number of mysteries that have yet to be explained. There is still a lot to be learned about the full capacity of the human mind. Throughout our history, a number of people have claimed that they have the ability to look into the realm of the supernatural. There is the famous Nostradamus, whose astounding predictions still baffle the world even generations after his death. Some people claimed that they can see spirits of those who have already passed away. They speak of a "third eye", a term that skeptics consider to be nonexistent to begin with.
Some scientists believe that the third eye is actually an inactive body part that they refer to as the pineal gland. Located somewhere deep in the center of the brain, scientists claim that this gland is usually dormant and once it gets awakened (usually by some form of light or trauma to the head), it would allow a person to see things not ordinary people can. On the other hand, religious sects like Taoism and Hinduism see the third eye as a tool for spiritual enlightenment. Minor groups perform surgical operations on themselves to activate this ability. This process is called trepanation which involves boring a hole in the skull to be able to awaken sixth sense.
At present, man has yet to solve the mystery of the so-called third eye. However, people who claim to have this ability can not simply be ignored. In the United States, some psychic detectives are recognized because of the roles they played in resolving incredibly difficult cases. As seemingly vague as it seems, the things or events can be explained or comprehended by mere rational thought - at least for now.
He saw the lady in white; saw the glimpse of the playful child in the mirror and heard the clanging and banging. He knew he experiences them in the middle of the night, where all is in slumber except him, because they would not let him.
Why is it that some people "see or feel" when others don't? Is it consciousness or the admittance or awareness of the existence of this "people" on the other side that makes them special? Or is this what they call the third eye?
THE OTHERS
Man used to fear what they do not know or understand, may it be to envisage something existent and real but cannot be fully grasped by the human mind or to conceive of mystery which is separated from the known reality. Man used to believe that there are certain things that have to be left unanswered. The rise of a new age however paved the way for humans to explore the depths of their world by means of scientific exploration. However technologically advanced we might seem, there are still a number of mysteries that have yet to be explained. There is still a lot to be learned about the full capacity of the human mind. Throughout our history, a number of people have claimed that they have the ability to look into the realm of the supernatural. There is the famous Nostradamus, whose astounding predictions still baffle the world even generations after his death. Some people claimed that they can see spirits of those who have already passed away. They speak of a "third eye", a term that skeptics consider to be nonexistent to begin with.
Some scientists believe that the third eye is actually an inactive body part that they refer to as the pineal gland. Located somewhere deep in the center of the brain, scientists claim that this gland is usually dormant and once it gets awakened (usually by some form of light or trauma to the head), it would allow a person to see things not ordinary people can. On the other hand, religious sects like Taoism and Hinduism see the third eye as a tool for spiritual enlightenment. Minor groups perform surgical operations on themselves to activate this ability. This process is called trepanation which involves boring a hole in the skull to be able to awaken sixth sense.
At present, man has yet to solve the mystery of the so-called third eye. However, people who claim to have this ability can not simply be ignored. In the United States, some psychic detectives are recognized because of the roles they played in resolving incredibly difficult cases. As seemingly vague as it seems, the things or events can be explained or comprehended by mere rational thought - at least for now.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Only but a matter of choice
Are urban legends true or not? David Mikkelson, creator of Snopes, an investigative internet community about urban legends would say that they are possible but unlikely. They are sensationalized, distorted and often exaggerated versions of reality. Urban legends often have a basis for their stories but its how people react and use this knowledge after the story is told that gives them much interest. Most urban legends though detailed, do not have sufficient evidence to prove that they are indeed believable. Amidst all these facts, people tend to believe these stories as absolute truths.
Why do people believe these tales? The answer lies on the nature of man to need retribution from those who abuse their power or rights. Be it in the form of an unfaithful husband who finds himself in a tub of ice with his kidneys removed, after he flirts with a beautiful girl from his business trip or the girl who drives with her boyfriend to a park and then encounters a lunatic holding her boyfriend's head, man has always needed to instill fear to those who do wrong. Believing in these stories would make one act accordingly with one's encounters with others, with himself and the things around him.
The choice to believe in the accuracy of these urban legends depends on the person who hears them. It is an amazing thought how these stories can evoke with such strong emotions and reactions from people. They scare, amuse, and draw people together by the tradition of storytelling. In the end, the question lies not on the validity of the stories told but on how it affects the people and how it reflects the society who makes these tales. Be it one is an avid listener of urban legends or a skeptic, the spread of various forms of these legends proves that it has successfully accomplished its main which is to entertain.
Why do people believe these tales? The answer lies on the nature of man to need retribution from those who abuse their power or rights. Be it in the form of an unfaithful husband who finds himself in a tub of ice with his kidneys removed, after he flirts with a beautiful girl from his business trip or the girl who drives with her boyfriend to a park and then encounters a lunatic holding her boyfriend's head, man has always needed to instill fear to those who do wrong. Believing in these stories would make one act accordingly with one's encounters with others, with himself and the things around him.
The choice to believe in the accuracy of these urban legends depends on the person who hears them. It is an amazing thought how these stories can evoke with such strong emotions and reactions from people. They scare, amuse, and draw people together by the tradition of storytelling. In the end, the question lies not on the validity of the stories told but on how it affects the people and how it reflects the society who makes these tales. Be it one is an avid listener of urban legends or a skeptic, the spread of various forms of these legends proves that it has successfully accomplished its main which is to entertain.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
The truth about tell-tale stories
Man always had insecurities and uncertainties. And for as long as he has had them, he has tried of different ways to assure himself of his control over his environment. Making, hearing and believing urban legends is one way to accomplish this task because they embody basic human fears. Often presented as cautionary tales, they give people a warning or moral lesson by letting them know how to prevent such catastrophes from happening to them.
Origins of urban legends have existed in some form ever since the beginning of time. Early history depended heavily on oral tradition in order to pass of traditions and beliefs of a group. But it was not until the 1940s that people began talking about it. The term "urban legend" was first coined in 1979 by Jan Harold Brunvand, a professor emeritus of English at the University of Utah. In his studies, he likened traditional folklore with urban legends and noted how one could learn much about modern culture by studying such.
Urban legends just like old folk tales focus on things man was afraid of. The fairy tales we read today began as convincing stories, told by people to other people. Instead of mutant snakes in the malll, their stories spoke of the dangers of the woods and of evil stepmothers. However, this does not mean that the past and present do not share any common ground. The fear of being poisoned has been prevalent for a long time. The story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is an example of such a story. The tale fascinate people up until now because the fear has not yet left them though centuries have passed. It is still applicable and possible thus making it memorable.
Urban legends are remembered beacause they show concerns that most people can relate to, providing important insights into the culture that creates them. These legends change as society evolves in order to satisfy the distress of the times. These days, technology has contributed to the propagation of these urban legends. Different kinds of urban legends now surface the internet. With a click of an icon, a person can e-mail stories to friends without much proof on its authenticity. It is not strange to know of a story that has slight variations and new themes. The specificity of the stories feeds into their anxieties leaving them to think that it could happen to them. It also makes the story feel real and true to those who listen to these stories.
Origins of urban legends have existed in some form ever since the beginning of time. Early history depended heavily on oral tradition in order to pass of traditions and beliefs of a group. But it was not until the 1940s that people began talking about it. The term "urban legend" was first coined in 1979 by Jan Harold Brunvand, a professor emeritus of English at the University of Utah. In his studies, he likened traditional folklore with urban legends and noted how one could learn much about modern culture by studying such.
Urban legends just like old folk tales focus on things man was afraid of. The fairy tales we read today began as convincing stories, told by people to other people. Instead of mutant snakes in the malll, their stories spoke of the dangers of the woods and of evil stepmothers. However, this does not mean that the past and present do not share any common ground. The fear of being poisoned has been prevalent for a long time. The story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is an example of such a story. The tale fascinate people up until now because the fear has not yet left them though centuries have passed. It is still applicable and possible thus making it memorable.
Urban legends are remembered beacause they show concerns that most people can relate to, providing important insights into the culture that creates them. These legends change as society evolves in order to satisfy the distress of the times. These days, technology has contributed to the propagation of these urban legends. Different kinds of urban legends now surface the internet. With a click of an icon, a person can e-mail stories to friends without much proof on its authenticity. It is not strange to know of a story that has slight variations and new themes. The specificity of the stories feeds into their anxieties leaving them to think that it could happen to them. It also makes the story feel real and true to those who listen to these stories.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
The Urban Mall: Feeding ground of mutant snake?
As one urban legend goes, The Robinsons Galleria shopping mall is supposedly fixed with trap doors in certain dressing rooms. According to the legend beneath the mall lives a mutant beast, half snak, half man, whose existence causes these trapdoors to open up and swallow unsuspecting female victims. Rumor even claims that this banished beast is a mutant offspring of the Gokongwei family and this was their elaborate scheme in taking care of it. Another claimed proof of this legend is the R in the Robinson's logo, which is in the shape of the snake. According to the Philippine Urban Legend Archive, as an update to the circulated story, an email was sent to the Robinson's Land's PR Department for an official statement on the issue. The response was sent by Roseann Coscolluela of the PR Department stated that they would rather not say anything about the issue.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Matters of the Mind
In psychology there are many remedies to fear. The psychoanalyst uses retrospection through the person's years as a youngster and identifies factors that triggered the phobia. Behaviorists provide succor either by Gradual or Intense Exposure. The latter process involves purposely presenting the object of apprehension in a structured manner until the patient is comfortable with it. The Cognitive procedure alters the phobic's viewpoint towards the fear through reconditioning of thoughts.
Beyond therapy, fear and phobia can be overcomed because of fear's origin. Fear did not grow out of thin air, instead, it's the product of our mind. The mind makes us experience fear in order to warm and prepare the body, not to paralyze us with indecision. The mind has the power to bring us to our knees with fear as well as lift us even as we buckle before fear. Fact is, fear is just in our head and having nothing to fear but fear itself can be the soundest advice to any frightened soul.
Beyond therapy, fear and phobia can be overcomed because of fear's origin. Fear did not grow out of thin air, instead, it's the product of our mind. The mind makes us experience fear in order to warm and prepare the body, not to paralyze us with indecision. The mind has the power to bring us to our knees with fear as well as lift us even as we buckle before fear. Fact is, fear is just in our head and having nothing to fear but fear itself can be the soundest advice to any frightened soul.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
An Immobilizing Worry
Phobias range from fear of spiders to trips to the doctor. Phobias can be about anything but intense fear is constant. The difficulty with phobias is they can happen at any part of our life. Kids ages 4 to 11 are prone to fear of animals, nattural phenomena and illness or injury. In adolescence, people are prone to social phobias like scriptophobia (fear of writing one's name in public) or fear of eating in public. Social phobias don't discriminate, women and men share similar frequencies of occurence. The most debilitating phobia, agoraphobia, occurs from age 18 to 35 and it's capable of inciting fear of what they will do when they're afraid. Essentially, they fear their own reaction.
From healthy children to strong adults, phobias can capture a person and cripple them with fear. Research says that having a phobia is constant because it mirrors our biological growth and matches itself to an object that commands fear at that person's age. Then the question is what can trigger a phobia's onset? A situation that is incredibly stressful, sad, depressing or terrifying can leave an indelible mark on a person that the sight of this object again will cause the fear to recur and become a phobia.
From healthy children to strong adults, phobias can capture a person and cripple them with fear. Research says that having a phobia is constant because it mirrors our biological growth and matches itself to an object that commands fear at that person's age. Then the question is what can trigger a phobia's onset? A situation that is incredibly stressful, sad, depressing or terrifying can leave an indelible mark on a person that the sight of this object again will cause the fear to recur and become a phobia.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
When fear goes bad
It's important to realize that it is possible to master fear instead of letting fear be the masater and this does happen. Unfortunately, there are times that fear can be so overwhelm a person and become a full-blown phobia. The name itself means a morbid fear as it comes from the Greek god Phobos who was worshipped to scare enemies away. Phobias have been around for awhile because hydrophobia, a fear of water, was first identified by a Roman physician named Celsus who diagnosed it as a debilitating effect of rabies.
Presently, the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III (DSM-III) have five symptoms for phobias. To refuse to face the object feared no matter how much other persuade is a symptom. If fear of the object is greater than any harm it can do, it could be a phobia. Miniscule contact or mere glimpses of what are feared leads to sheer fright is a symptom. Should you still be finding ways to get away even if what you're afraid of is nowhere in sight is a symptom. Finally, if you rearrange your entire schedule just to avoid what you fear, that's a symptom.
Presently, the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III (DSM-III) have five symptoms for phobias. To refuse to face the object feared no matter how much other persuade is a symptom. If fear of the object is greater than any harm it can do, it could be a phobia. Miniscule contact or mere glimpses of what are feared leads to sheer fright is a symptom. Should you still be finding ways to get away even if what you're afraid of is nowhere in sight is a symptom. Finally, if you rearrange your entire schedule just to avoid what you fear, that's a symptom.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Fear is in the eye of the beholder
In psychology, fear has categories: intensity, novelty, and over-rationalizing. Intensity is like loud noise that causes us to be afraid, specifically a chain of fire crackers during New Year can make someone jumpy. Novelty is fear of what we do not know like being afraid of the stranger on the bus or of a new face in the crowd. Over rationalizing a situation also draws out fear. Based on William Richman's findings, this form of fear is from situations that we recognize can cause pain. We begin to fear tremendously even if there's no pain. An example is a trip to the dentist and you're quivering with fright at the drill's sound.
Monday, November 20, 2006
License to fear
To fear is natural to human but what is it to fear? For the body, fear is the perceiveption of something frightening and so there are shifts in the nervous system resulting in heart rate, blood pressure, stomach acid changes. A turning stomach, goose bumps and a racing heart are signs of fear so anyone who's felt it can say they've been afraid. For the matter, goose bumps are actually the result of a fear-caused reflex which make one's hair at the back of the neck stand.
A critical question is why does all this happen to the body? The answer to this lie in the mind. A person perceives a situation and labels it as something to be feared and this is done consciously or unconsciously. Consider it a survival mechanism where the mind orders the body to get ready. This is described by Scherbatikh and Nozdrachev in their article The Psychology and Physiology of Fear: Initially, one's sympathetic nervous system activates, mobilizing the available energy in the body and restructuring the work of all bodily organs, preparing for physical activity. This causes sudden increase in heartbeat, enlarged pupils, slows down excretion of acids and fluids (saliva) and other symptoms. At the same time, the endocrine system produces an influx of adrenalin, which narrows veins supplying the skin with blood, and in general acting similarly to sympathetic nervous system, dubbing its functions. The mind has assessed the situation, the body is ready and all that's needed is a decision: to face the fear or run like the wind.
A critical question is why does all this happen to the body? The answer to this lie in the mind. A person perceives a situation and labels it as something to be feared and this is done consciously or unconsciously. Consider it a survival mechanism where the mind orders the body to get ready. This is described by Scherbatikh and Nozdrachev in their article The Psychology and Physiology of Fear: Initially, one's sympathetic nervous system activates, mobilizing the available energy in the body and restructuring the work of all bodily organs, preparing for physical activity. This causes sudden increase in heartbeat, enlarged pupils, slows down excretion of acids and fluids (saliva) and other symptoms. At the same time, the endocrine system produces an influx of adrenalin, which narrows veins supplying the skin with blood, and in general acting similarly to sympathetic nervous system, dubbing its functions. The mind has assessed the situation, the body is ready and all that's needed is a decision: to face the fear or run like the wind.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
FEAR
A simple way of understanding fear is through its associated words: scared, terrified, anxious, petrified and nervous. Some say fear is just a word but when it's there it means a cold sweat, a racing heart, hairs at the back of the neck standing, and a feeling of paralysis, indecision and weakness. To feel fear and the complete helplessness it can bring is something no one is spared from experiencing. Fortunately, the world today is not one that demands people live in fear constantly to survive. Instead, fear comes at particular moments only. Regardless of this fact, it's wise to still deal with fear and come to know what fear is.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
The Grudge 2
Director: Takashi Shimizu
Cast: Amber Tamblyn, Edison Chen, Ariel Kebbel, Sarah Michelle Gellar
Genre: Drama/horror/mystery/thriller
Takashi Shimizu is back with the sequel to his 2004 hair-raising adaptation of the Japanese frightener, Ju-On:The Grudge. After the Saeki house is nearly burnt down, the dreadful curse is released from its confines and terrorizes those who cross its path.
The movie follows three main storylines. It starts with three Tokyo schoolgirls, who upon a thrilling dare to enter the afflicted house, are exposed to the dreaded curse. The main storyline is that of Aubrey Davis (Tamblyn), flying to Tokyo upon their mother's request to bring her sister, Karen (Gellar) home. And to show how far the curse has gone, an American family in Chicago is included in the fray, revealed to be the unfortunate neighbors of the only survivor of the three teenagers. All unsuspecting, they are bounded by the sama fate under the baneful wrath of the curse of the grudge.
The movie is a bag of mixed reactions. The acting could not have been blander. The jump-out-of-nowhere surprise scenes save this movie by making the acting forgettable. Most noticeably is that of Edison Chen, an MTV Asia VJ, he should probably stick to his day job. His character, Eason, fails to establish credibility and his motives and purpose as regards to the Davis sisters are never clearly defined. Tamblyn's character on the other hand is not built up as someone that the audience can feel much emotion from, seemingly floating at times without a real sense of direction. Other characters not on the billing may easily be considered minor and mere victims.
On a higher note, the movie succeeds in making the sequel better than its predecessor. Its psychological twists leave the audience with more to ponder, while its exploration of the dark secrets and origins of the supernatural curse answers some questions arising from the movie series. It's a worthy watch if you enjoy mystery thrillers. Even though you haven't watched the first one, the story is still easy to follow. The best part of this movie - what causes Kayako's throaty "death rattle" is finally revealed.
Cast: Amber Tamblyn, Edison Chen, Ariel Kebbel, Sarah Michelle Gellar
Genre: Drama/horror/mystery/thriller
Takashi Shimizu is back with the sequel to his 2004 hair-raising adaptation of the Japanese frightener, Ju-On:The Grudge. After the Saeki house is nearly burnt down, the dreadful curse is released from its confines and terrorizes those who cross its path.
The movie follows three main storylines. It starts with three Tokyo schoolgirls, who upon a thrilling dare to enter the afflicted house, are exposed to the dreaded curse. The main storyline is that of Aubrey Davis (Tamblyn), flying to Tokyo upon their mother's request to bring her sister, Karen (Gellar) home. And to show how far the curse has gone, an American family in Chicago is included in the fray, revealed to be the unfortunate neighbors of the only survivor of the three teenagers. All unsuspecting, they are bounded by the sama fate under the baneful wrath of the curse of the grudge.
The movie is a bag of mixed reactions. The acting could not have been blander. The jump-out-of-nowhere surprise scenes save this movie by making the acting forgettable. Most noticeably is that of Edison Chen, an MTV Asia VJ, he should probably stick to his day job. His character, Eason, fails to establish credibility and his motives and purpose as regards to the Davis sisters are never clearly defined. Tamblyn's character on the other hand is not built up as someone that the audience can feel much emotion from, seemingly floating at times without a real sense of direction. Other characters not on the billing may easily be considered minor and mere victims.
On a higher note, the movie succeeds in making the sequel better than its predecessor. Its psychological twists leave the audience with more to ponder, while its exploration of the dark secrets and origins of the supernatural curse answers some questions arising from the movie series. It's a worthy watch if you enjoy mystery thrillers. Even though you haven't watched the first one, the story is still easy to follow. The best part of this movie - what causes Kayako's throaty "death rattle" is finally revealed.
Friday, November 17, 2006
NBA 2K7
On the other corner weighing in at 325 pounds is Shaq and NBA 2k7. The 2k franchise is known for pushing basketball video games to the limit. 2k7 offers simulation style gameplay like its predecessors and you'll feel it once you get to the jumpball. It's an upgrade from 2k6 as much of it is retained with new rosters, good graphics, new animations and guess what: signature jumpshots - which Live promised and did not deliver for current gen. Some of the new additions include the ability to pull up a menu and call substitutions. plays, etc. while in-game. It's a nice addition but unfortunately it clogs up the screen. The AI is improved from 2k6 but some issues persist like crunch time decisions. For fans switching over to the series, the controls may feel new, but once you get the hang of things, they feel right. Built on an already tested formula from last year, there's nothing much new, but there's nothing much bad either. 2k7 takes the Larry O'Brien trophy this year against Live.
It's the final year of the Playstation 2 before the next generation of consoles take centerstage. 2k7 wins the competition for building on an already solid formula, while Live tried too many things and failed to put it together. You still might want to take both games for piracy reasons and you can ignore Sony's NBA 07. It's another run-of-the-mill season for basketball videogames, but look forward to the innovative free throw system of 2k7 for PS3. Shaq or T-mac? The pirates win either way.
It's the final year of the Playstation 2 before the next generation of consoles take centerstage. 2k7 wins the competition for building on an already solid formula, while Live tried too many things and failed to put it together. You still might want to take both games for piracy reasons and you can ignore Sony's NBA 07. It's another run-of-the-mill season for basketball videogames, but look forward to the innovative free throw system of 2k7 for PS3. Shaq or T-mac? The pirates win either way.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
NBA LIVE 07 vs NBA 2K7
PLATFORM: PLAYSTATION2
DEVELOPER: EA SPORTS
RATING: 2.5
Ah yes, it's yet another year for cyber-basketball as EA Sports' NBA Live 07 takes on 2k Sports' NBA 2k7 takes on basketball fanatics. It's T-mac of Live 07 against Shaq of 2k7 in these entertaining slam-dunk offerings. Are basketball fans in for a triple-double treat or are they in for a Portland Trailblazers-esque season?
EA Sports' NBA Live franchise have endeared fans over the years with its mix of arcade and simulation style gameplay. This year, Live 07 returns with the familiar frantic gameplay. All your favorite players and their imbalanced "Freestyle Superstar" controls are back with more moves for your enjoyment. Unfortunately, this year's version is a turnover as the so called "redefined" controls are actually very difficult. The new "Freestyle Superstar" combined with all of the other buttons just doesn't cut it. The graphics are really bad, you can't even distinguish Shaq and Bosh from afar; and you'll wonder where they got the Raptors' court from. Add to that the eye-popping bugs and limited Dynasty mode, and you have to think twice before letting EA rip you off. The All-Star weekend is still enjoyable but besides minor additions there's nothing new there either. Still, the gameplay is fun and Live has its distinctive style which fans love. Be warned though: NBA Live 07 feels more like the preseason rather than the playoffs.
DEVELOPER: EA SPORTS
RATING: 2.5
Ah yes, it's yet another year for cyber-basketball as EA Sports' NBA Live 07 takes on 2k Sports' NBA 2k7 takes on basketball fanatics. It's T-mac of Live 07 against Shaq of 2k7 in these entertaining slam-dunk offerings. Are basketball fans in for a triple-double treat or are they in for a Portland Trailblazers-esque season?
EA Sports' NBA Live franchise have endeared fans over the years with its mix of arcade and simulation style gameplay. This year, Live 07 returns with the familiar frantic gameplay. All your favorite players and their imbalanced "Freestyle Superstar" controls are back with more moves for your enjoyment. Unfortunately, this year's version is a turnover as the so called "redefined" controls are actually very difficult. The new "Freestyle Superstar" combined with all of the other buttons just doesn't cut it. The graphics are really bad, you can't even distinguish Shaq and Bosh from afar; and you'll wonder where they got the Raptors' court from. Add to that the eye-popping bugs and limited Dynasty mode, and you have to think twice before letting EA rip you off. The All-Star weekend is still enjoyable but besides minor additions there's nothing new there either. Still, the gameplay is fun and Live has its distinctive style which fans love. Be warned though: NBA Live 07 feels more like the preseason rather than the playoffs.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
just a note
Are you afraid of the dark? Perhaps we have seen that question one time too many. But if you think about it, most of us when we were children or perhaps until now were frightened of the dark. What is in the dark that we fear the most? Is it the things that we might see? Or is it the things that we can't see? Ghosts, ghouls, monsters and spirits are the staples of Halloween. We often attribute fear to things that we can not see or understand, although these are things that can not hurt us physically. What if the entity that is truly terrifying is something more concrete?
Legend has it that when you chant "bloody mary" 12 times in front of a mirror at the stroke of midnight, you just might see your soul mate, a frightening monster or the devil. Mirrors, they say, are also portals to another dimension. What is it about mirrors that fascinate us? Is it the possibility of seeing something that we long to see? Or is it the affirmation of seeing something otherwise we wouldn't have known?
What if the creature that you see staring back at you is the creature that you fear the most? Forget ghosts, monsters and goblins. This is no horror movie, this is frighteningly real.
Looking back at the mirror, what do you see?
Legend has it that when you chant "bloody mary" 12 times in front of a mirror at the stroke of midnight, you just might see your soul mate, a frightening monster or the devil. Mirrors, they say, are also portals to another dimension. What is it about mirrors that fascinate us? Is it the possibility of seeing something that we long to see? Or is it the affirmation of seeing something otherwise we wouldn't have known?
What if the creature that you see staring back at you is the creature that you fear the most? Forget ghosts, monsters and goblins. This is no horror movie, this is frighteningly real.
Looking back at the mirror, what do you see?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
This world doesn't need Superman
Kal-El, The Man of Tomorrow, Son of Krypton. The Man of Steel. Clark Kent. Dean Cain.
Meet the poster boy of heroism. He is the hero of all heroes, a being with nigh limitless powers, a veritable deity above the foibles of mortal men. With his iconic "S" insignia, flapping red cape and perfectly groomed cowlick, Superman is the symbol of all that is good and noble, a bastion of democracy, freedom and idealism in this world.
Or is he?
To answer this question, one needs to examine the myth of the American superhero. Typically, an individual blessed with fabulous physical or supernatural gifts dons a colorful (if somewhat tacky) spandex getup or mask. He or she then scours the streets saving hapless citizens from the forces of evil, which an inept or corrupt government system fails to confront. Often, such heroes must work along or beyond the outskirts of the law, dodging crooked cops or possessing illegal artillery with which to fight crime. Violence is also the standard mode of redemption, wherein the caped crusader ends up destroying millions worth of public property in order to bury a villain - who will mysteriously ressurect anyway - beneath the rubble. Moreover, superheroes often possess a "secret identity", a necessity against the failed society who would persecute them should his persona be unmasked.
The message conveyed? Democracy, society, laws and government leaders will fail you. The system cannot be trusted. A cop can't catch a criminal to save his life - much less yours. The American myth of the superhero presupposes the need for an outside force, a vigilant above and beyond the law. Rescue for the beleaguered populace comes not from a trusted, elected body of individuals meant to serve and protect, but rather from some alien planet on the outskirts of the galaxy. A dead planet at that.
Where are the touted ideals of heroism in this superhero story? While Superman himself is the embodiment of such ideals, he is so because of the glaring lack of such heroism among ordinary men and women. It is a disillusioned portrait of society where we seek salvation from a phone booth or a bat cave rather than working towards it by virtue of our own abilities.
Furthermore, Superman is the ultimate scapegoat for those who wish to shirk accountability for the ills of society. The fantasy of some mythic, invincible hero who will swoop down from the skies and right all wrongs (faster than a speeding bullet I might add) relieves the common man from the burden of doing the same. There will always be someone else, some "other" who will brave the forces of evil, who will endure sacrifice and suffering to uphold what is right. The rest of us will merely applaud from the safety of the sidelines, creating action figures in their honor.
It is true that Superman can serve as an inspiration for the common man. His virtues are indisputable, his heroism genuine. Yet the system Superman represents is one that belittles the ability of man to take responsibility for himself. We need no superheroes because we posses the same capacity for greatness. We need no saviors for within us lies the power to save ourselves.
Th world doesn't need Superman.
Meet the poster boy of heroism. He is the hero of all heroes, a being with nigh limitless powers, a veritable deity above the foibles of mortal men. With his iconic "S" insignia, flapping red cape and perfectly groomed cowlick, Superman is the symbol of all that is good and noble, a bastion of democracy, freedom and idealism in this world.
Or is he?
To answer this question, one needs to examine the myth of the American superhero. Typically, an individual blessed with fabulous physical or supernatural gifts dons a colorful (if somewhat tacky) spandex getup or mask. He or she then scours the streets saving hapless citizens from the forces of evil, which an inept or corrupt government system fails to confront. Often, such heroes must work along or beyond the outskirts of the law, dodging crooked cops or possessing illegal artillery with which to fight crime. Violence is also the standard mode of redemption, wherein the caped crusader ends up destroying millions worth of public property in order to bury a villain - who will mysteriously ressurect anyway - beneath the rubble. Moreover, superheroes often possess a "secret identity", a necessity against the failed society who would persecute them should his persona be unmasked.
The message conveyed? Democracy, society, laws and government leaders will fail you. The system cannot be trusted. A cop can't catch a criminal to save his life - much less yours. The American myth of the superhero presupposes the need for an outside force, a vigilant above and beyond the law. Rescue for the beleaguered populace comes not from a trusted, elected body of individuals meant to serve and protect, but rather from some alien planet on the outskirts of the galaxy. A dead planet at that.
Where are the touted ideals of heroism in this superhero story? While Superman himself is the embodiment of such ideals, he is so because of the glaring lack of such heroism among ordinary men and women. It is a disillusioned portrait of society where we seek salvation from a phone booth or a bat cave rather than working towards it by virtue of our own abilities.
Furthermore, Superman is the ultimate scapegoat for those who wish to shirk accountability for the ills of society. The fantasy of some mythic, invincible hero who will swoop down from the skies and right all wrongs (faster than a speeding bullet I might add) relieves the common man from the burden of doing the same. There will always be someone else, some "other" who will brave the forces of evil, who will endure sacrifice and suffering to uphold what is right. The rest of us will merely applaud from the safety of the sidelines, creating action figures in their honor.
It is true that Superman can serve as an inspiration for the common man. His virtues are indisputable, his heroism genuine. Yet the system Superman represents is one that belittles the ability of man to take responsibility for himself. We need no superheroes because we posses the same capacity for greatness. We need no saviors for within us lies the power to save ourselves.
Th world doesn't need Superman.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Change
We wake up to the same old boring routine. Everyday seems like just any other. Yet little do we realize the impact of little matters in the great scheme of things. There are approximately six billion people in the world right now. It is easily understandable how one would feel tiny and powerless in a world so immense. You'd be surprised how one small grain of rice can up the scale.
Oftentimes, we feel helpless in solving the dilemmas that plague our society. Environmental pollution, increasing crime rates, corruption, and the lack of unity are merely some of the problems that our country is currently facing. Looking at the world around us, it seems so resolute and unyielding that we feel that someone else or something bigger than we are, is responsible to generate the change that is needed to make this world a better place.
We depend on someone else to alleviate us from these problems. We find a savior in someone, a friend, a family member, a teacher, the Mayor or the President, who would make our problems vanish into thin air, like how it is often depicted in movies. But reality is far more different and complex than those made up lines and choreographed scenes. It entails us to face it head on and deal with the consequences of our decisions.
Before we can expect to have a better government, we should be better citizens. Rather than pointing fingers and playing the blame game, take an introspective look at what you can do to solve the problem and not contribute to it. Bickering and nonsensical matters sidetrack us from the issues that need to be addressed. We can not solely hold the government responsible for all the problems the country is facing. The fate of this country rests on the hands of its citizens and not just some selected people in the government.
We may not be influential political leaders, powerful tycoons or famous celebrities who could reach out to countless people. We may not be Superman, who can save the world but in ourselves, we can be catalysts of change. One person can make all the difference.
Oftentimes, we feel helpless in solving the dilemmas that plague our society. Environmental pollution, increasing crime rates, corruption, and the lack of unity are merely some of the problems that our country is currently facing. Looking at the world around us, it seems so resolute and unyielding that we feel that someone else or something bigger than we are, is responsible to generate the change that is needed to make this world a better place.
We depend on someone else to alleviate us from these problems. We find a savior in someone, a friend, a family member, a teacher, the Mayor or the President, who would make our problems vanish into thin air, like how it is often depicted in movies. But reality is far more different and complex than those made up lines and choreographed scenes. It entails us to face it head on and deal with the consequences of our decisions.
Before we can expect to have a better government, we should be better citizens. Rather than pointing fingers and playing the blame game, take an introspective look at what you can do to solve the problem and not contribute to it. Bickering and nonsensical matters sidetrack us from the issues that need to be addressed. We can not solely hold the government responsible for all the problems the country is facing. The fate of this country rests on the hands of its citizens and not just some selected people in the government.
We may not be influential political leaders, powerful tycoons or famous celebrities who could reach out to countless people. We may not be Superman, who can save the world but in ourselves, we can be catalysts of change. One person can make all the difference.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Mga Pamahiin Tuwing Tag-ulan
Isang bagay na hindi na nawawala sa ating mga Pilipino ang mga pamahiing pinamana pa sa atin ng ating mga ninuno. Nagsisilbi itong gabay sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay o kaya naman sagot sa mga hindi maipaliwanag na pangyayari. Isa itong bagay na hindi man masasabing mainam para sa atin ngunit nakapagbigay-buhay naman sa kaaya-aya nating kultura.
Sa panahon ngayon, hindi natin maiiwasang marinig ang mga pangaral ng mga nakatatanda sa paligid natin. Minsan masasabi mo pang mga gawa-gawa lamang ang mga ito o pawang kathang-isip ng ating mga ninuno. Ngunit nagsilbi naman itong sagot ng ating mga ninuno sa mga katanungan ng ating lipunan.
Ngayong tag-ulan, madalas na naman nating maririnig ang mga pamahiing inaasahan ng mga nakakatandang sundin natin para sa ating kapakanan. Ilan sa mga ito ang mga sumusunod:
Sa panahon ngayon, hindi natin maiiwasang marinig ang mga pangaral ng mga nakatatanda sa paligid natin. Minsan masasabi mo pang mga gawa-gawa lamang ang mga ito o pawang kathang-isip ng ating mga ninuno. Ngunit nagsilbi naman itong sagot ng ating mga ninuno sa mga katanungan ng ating lipunan.
Ngayong tag-ulan, madalas na naman nating maririnig ang mga pamahiing inaasahan ng mga nakakatandang sundin natin para sa ating kapakanan. Ilan sa mga ito ang mga sumusunod:
- Isang napakalakas na bagyo ang nagbabadyang dumating kapag naghugis kanal ang dalampasigan o buhangin sa tabing-dagat, kasama na ang pagkakataob ng mga kabibe at malansang amoy ng tubing dagat.
- Kapag may handaan, maglagay ng labingdalawang dosenang itlog sa bubong upang maiwasang umulan.
- Gamot sa bungang araw ang unang pagpatak ng ulan sa buwan ng Mayo.
- Palatandaang hihinto na ang ulan kapag nakakita ka ng bahaghari.
- Kapag nagsimula ang ulan sa Linggo, magiging tuluy-tuloy na ito sa buong linggo.
- Kapag umulan habang may araw, pinapahiwatig nitong may ikinakasal na tikbalang.
- Isang pahiwatig na magkakaroon ng maligayang samahan ang bagong kasal kapag umulan sa araw ng kanilang pag-iisang dibdib.
- Magkakaroon ng maraming iyaking anak ang mag-asawa kapag umulan sa araw ng kanilang kasal.
- Kapag may manok na maglalakad sa kalsada habang umuulan, hihinto ang ulan.
- Tatamaan ng kidlat ang sinumang magpaligo sa pusa.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Walang permanente, matakot ka
Walang permanente sa mundo, may ilang bagay pa rin namang sigurado rito. Tulad na lamang ng mga magulang nating nagluwal at nagpalaki sa atin, hindi man sila habangbuhay nariyan upang alagaan tayo, nakakasiguro naman tayong lagi silang nandyan upang bigyan tayo ng suporta at pagmamahal na kailangan natin. Maaaring may mga pagkukulang sila, ngunit alam naman nating hindi magbabago ang pagtingin nila sa atin hanggang sa mga huling sandali ng kanilang buhay. Halos lahat ay kasama sa ikot ng mundo, sa bawat gulong ng buhay, magulang din tayo balang araw. Dito, nakakasiguro akong gagawin mo rin ang lahat maipakita lamang sa anak mo ang kagandahan at tunay na kahulugan ng buhay.
Kapag wala kang kinatatakutan, malamang lahat tayo'y aastang mas mataas sa kung sino mang nais nating pasunurin o kaya naman utusan upang gawin ang bagay na nais natin. Sa pagtalakay ng mga makabuluhang bagay dito sa mundo, minsan na bang sumagi sa isip mo kung nais mong mangibabaw sa lahat ng tao sa paligid mo? Kung saan palaging ikaw ang bida, tinitingala at hinahangaan ng lahat? Na kung minsan pa, dahil sa sobrang kinaiinggitan ka, aabot na sa puntong kagagalitan at pabababain ka ng kapwa mo?
Pag-isipan mo ito. Hindi lahat ng magandang bagay ay nakabubuti para sa'yo. Kung minsan, mas mabuti nang katakutan mo ito upang hindi mo na ito pangarapin o gawin pa balang araw.
Kapag wala kang kinatatakutan, malamang lahat tayo'y aastang mas mataas sa kung sino mang nais nating pasunurin o kaya naman utusan upang gawin ang bagay na nais natin. Sa pagtalakay ng mga makabuluhang bagay dito sa mundo, minsan na bang sumagi sa isip mo kung nais mong mangibabaw sa lahat ng tao sa paligid mo? Kung saan palaging ikaw ang bida, tinitingala at hinahangaan ng lahat? Na kung minsan pa, dahil sa sobrang kinaiinggitan ka, aabot na sa puntong kagagalitan at pabababain ka ng kapwa mo?
Pag-isipan mo ito. Hindi lahat ng magandang bagay ay nakabubuti para sa'yo. Kung minsan, mas mabuti nang katakutan mo ito upang hindi mo na ito pangarapin o gawin pa balang araw.
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