Top 5 Reinventions of Sherlock Holmes

"I am awesome."

If you already know me enough, you know Sherlock Holmes is my most favorite fictional character since I was a kid.  The greatest detective in fiction charmed me greatly.  And I’m not the only one.  Plenty of people out there who encountered Sherlock Holmes became passionate devotees of the literary icon.  These fans even wrote their own original Holmes adventures.  There are countless stories out there starring the legendary detective that were not penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  Aside from books and short stories, there are also plenty of Sherlock Holmes films already made through the years.  As an icon, he was already depicted many times by media.  Heck, he even teamed-up with Batman one time!  

However, I am a bit wary of encountering Sherlock Holmes adventures that are not written by Conan Doyle.  Though some succeeded in delivering the “original feel” of the character, I found that it’s still not the same thing as the original adventures.  

Nonetheless, there are those who totally stopped trying to completely mimic Conan Doyle but instead reinvented and reinterpreted the character.  Not all were that awesome.  But there were some that I found fresh and lovable in their own original way.

Again, as I’ve mentioned, I am limited to exposure to Sherlock Holmes material that are not Conan Doyle’s.  That’s why this is only a top 5, since, honestly, I only can think of 5 that I really like.

Awesome cats

This blog loves cats. Remember the "Onward" pic. :)

I’d like to introduce you to five awesome cats that makes me go ooooh, ahhhh and kawaii!!

1. The Lynx

Wha.. what wazzat?

There are actually four of these medium sized wild cats (take note, wild, that means they should be out there in the forests or woods freely roaming about). The name means light or brightness which refers to the way their eyes shine. What makes them unique is the tuffs on their ears. Some say its to hear or communicate better... ooohhh... somewhat like an antenna eh?

Fact: Lynx cubs look like domestic cats at birth until about a few months and the kittens are pretty much aggressive.

2. The White Tiger

We are bored. Yup. Definitely. Bored.

They have blue eyes and white fur. These cats are pretty amazing to look at and I really want to see one live. They're pretty rare too. The White Tiger is an animal that I'd like to classify together with the Red Phoenix and the Turtle who carried the world (Fushigi Yuugi anyone?). They make me believe that the stuff in legends are true and that nothing is impossible. These tigers are also very rare with about a hundred in number in India.

Fact: White tiger cubs are generally larger than any other kind of Tiger.

3. The Black Panther/Jaguar/Leopard

I eat cat food!

Next to White is Black. Ever since the movie "The Jungle Book", black panthers have always had a significant place in my heart.

They give off an image of strength and . They're like princes. Their skin is like satin... sigh. They're pretty cool.

Fact: The color is either due to a dominant allele (for jaguars) and a recessive allele (for leopards). Two black cats can't produce another black one. :)

4. The Cheetah

Last one to the finish line eats the skunk.

The Cheetah is the fastest cat in the animal kingdom with speeds that can reach up to 70 to 75 mph. Wonder how it would feel to ride one. But it probably can't carry me. :p

Some Indian tribes even keep cheetahs for hunting animals like the antelope.

Fact: Its weak genes contribute to this cat's rarity.

5. The Domestic cat

Well, of course I couldn't leave out the domestic cat. The greatest thing about them is... you can have them for free. No red tape, no smuggling, no taking them out of their own habitats. They're less moody and they're very cuddly too.

Fact: They eat almost anything. Meow!

Having pets can be therapeutic to you. They can ease your mood when you get home. They can even eat the extra food on your table (voila, no waste). Although, I do not recommend them for those who have asthma and allergies.

*random fact: All the pets/ pests we have in our house were all just accidental. O_o

She talkin' about us?

Keeping My Summer Cool

Summer season has just started and I can feel the heat prickling my skin already. What I would give for some Halo-Halo or maybe even just a sundae at McDonald’s.If you haven't got it yet, this post is gonna be all about food. Summer food. 

One of the cheaper and faster way to cool down during a hot summer day is go to the neighboring mini store and buy some ice candy. It's cold, its convenient, and it has a lot of flavours. It's also easy to make one at home. One satisfying treat if I must say so myself.

In my pre-college days, some classes or rather cleaning activities extended beyond March. And after those activities I always remember one or two peddlers selling those yummy looking colored liquid with floating jellies (gulaman). Memorable afternoon delights that lightened our tired moods.

Another summer treat that makes me reminisce my high school days is the Mais con Yelo. There was this place a few blocks away from our school that was everyone's favorite store to buy similar treats. Students also spend their afternoon dates there or hang out with friends.

When you're in the city area of Cebu, you can't really find an ice candy in the nearby store or a "clean" looking sago and gulaman on the dusty high way. If you're in a hurry and want something cold soon. You can always go to the nearest McDonald's or Jollibee and get a sundae. Hehehehe

But the best cold treat I choose would have to be the Halo-halo. Shaved ice combined with tropical fruits and beans, add some evaporated milk and top it off with a scoop of ice cream or maybe even 2. I have a lot of memories with this Filipino delicacy and I'm sure you have too.

Apart from the top choices, I'd also go for a gelato anytime.

Sheesh, writing this post is making me hungry... Off to find a sundae. Did I say it's also available 24 hours a day? ^_^

*all pics taken from Google

Manga: My Top Five Faves

How has everyone fared in February? I do hope it has been a good month for everyone. :)
Its been a busy month for me and I'll try making it up to everyone. Anyway, for this week's post, I'd like to share one of the things I am interested in which is Manga or Japanese comics. I also watch anime but since I have lesser time, I read. I'd like to share with you the top five titles I try to get myself updated with regularly.

                                                                          5. Bartender

Ryu Sasakura

Written by: Araki Joh
Illustrated by: Kenji Nagatomo
Genre: Slice of Life

It is about a one of a kind bartender (Ryu) who makes the perfect cocktail mixes for his customers. His cocktails are called "glass of the gods" because they are perfect for whatever mood the clients are in.
The manga changed my view about bars and bartenders. In a bar, different stories are told and sometimes a drink can heal old wounds and make bonds that lasts after years.
It also introduces different types of wines and their history. It actually makes you wanna drink the wine that the story talks about.

"I think... what this liquor holds is a prayer" Ryu Sasakura when asked what a bottle of Eau De Vie (Brandy) contains. 

4. Skip Beat

Ryu, Kyoko and Sho

Written by: Nakamura Yoshiki
Illustrated by: Nakamura Yoshiki
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Shoujo, Romance
The story is about a girl (Kyoko) who wants to become a star to get revenge on the man who broke her heart.
I really like this manga because Kyoko is a sweet girl at first, martyr and kind but as the story progresses, you get to see the reason why she takes on a stronger personality and still maintain a feminine stand. And also because, she maybe the protagonist but she doesn't get beaten around like some other stories.

"Even if..It’s God’s will..,
Even if..It’s Destiny..
I shall..Destroy it.
Even if....I must go against God" Ren Tsuruga, one of the male protagonist, on making a move on Kyouko.

Kawai Maria

3. Akuma To Love Song
Written by: Tomori Miyoshi
Illustrated by: Tomori Miyoshi
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Psychological, Romance, Shoujo
She looks like an Angel but every time she has a very sharp tongue and very straightforward. The Manga centers on Kawai Maria. She looks so innocent and fragile but actually she's a girl who is very frank and honest with what she says to the point that it offends other people.
I like the drama in this series because it isn't common. Also, you learn to appreciate the honesty that she shows others and the effort she gives in making friends who accepts her for who she is. Also, the manga makes you contemplate on a lot of things.


"Why doesn't the witch, who can use her magic to transform a shabby girl into someone lovely, cast a spell on herself? The witch does not use the magic on herself because she knows the emptiness that follows when the spell breaks." a quote from the manga.

Daisuke and Hina

2. Bitter Virgin*
Written by: Kei Kusunoki
Illustrated by: Kei Kusunoki
Genre: seinen, slice of life, drama, psychological
A playboy who falls in love with a girl who seemed to hate men. Sounds cliche right? But the manga is totally not that. Daisuke (male lead) is a playboy who accidentally hears the confession of a classmate (Hinako). Surprised that it was the most quiet and reserved  girl in his class, he is intrigued and hides her secret suddenly understanding why she is the way she is.
What I really love about this manga is the depth of the story. The author writes the emotions well and even though you cannot relate with the characters, you can feel the realistic plot that has been woven.


"If you can't have it... you tend to destroy it." a quote from the manga
 
*note: This manga is already finished

One Piece Logo

1. One Piece
Written by: Eiichiro Oda
Illustrated by: Eiichiro Oda
Genre: action, adventure, comedy, drama, shonen
My favorite Manga ever, One Piece is about a group of interesting individuals gathered together by the main character, Luffy, and their adventures together. It already has about 600 plus chapters and still ongoing.
Because of the many characters this story has, you get to read a lot of stories rolled into one. I like this manga because I like the characters and the inspiring mini stories it has. I also like the fight scenes. It is interesting to witness the different powers of the magic fruits in the story.

Reading, is the cheapest way to get to different places. ^_^

 Other mangas I also like;
Nana by Ai Yazawa
Fairy Tail by Hiro Mashima
Othello by Satomi Ikezawa

My Favorite All Time Cartoon

My favorite all time cartoon is.... Nope, not Tom and Jerry. Sheesh. But Popeye The Sailor.

Popeye and his spinach

For those who haven't been exposed to this awesome cartoon. hehehe
Popeye the Sailor is a fictional hero that becomes strong when eating spinach.It first appeared in some comics, though I was only exposed to it on TV.

Top Five Reasons for liking Popeye;

5. He is Patient
Yup, that he is. It usually takes several taunts from Bluto (the main antagonist) before he fights back and when he fights back, its just one hit that settles it all
Popeye the Sailor: Cooking with Gags

4. He is Kind
He is so kind to a fault. Olive (his love interest in the movie) even demeans him several times and still he loves her. Bluto just asks an apology and he accepts it (even if Bluto's just faking)

3. He's not Perfect
He has speech problems but that doesn't make him bitter. He has a squinty eye but still that doesn't make him lose his self esteem.

2.He's Loyal
He only loves Olive. Hehehe

1. He can give a mean punch
This one's actually my favorite and that's why its number 1. When he punches and wood become chairs, beehives become honey and etc.... I like it when he punches things and it transforms into shaped things. It amuses me. Hehehe

And that's it for Popeye the Sailor Man... Toot-toot!

(I'm not good with these top whatevers... but bear with me :p)

My Top 5 Favorite Animated Full Length Films ^_^

5. How to Train Your Dragon

By DreamWorks

Based on the book How to Train Your Dragon

Now Hiccup is such an odd name for a leading male protagonist.

The story goes around a Viking chief’s son, Hiccup, and his dragon Toothless, which is a Night Fury.

I love this movie, primarily because I find Toothless cut. ROFL X].

I love how they conceptualized the kinds of dragons in this story. They are described to be gruesome and ferocious beasts, however in the movie, I find their characters funny. Hehe ^_^

4. Summer Wars

directed by Mamoru Hosoda and written by Satoko Okudera from a story by Hosoda. The film was produced by Madhouse and released by Warner Bros. Pictures Japan.

This for me is by far the best anime movie I have seen.

The human characters are really just designed so typical anime style. But it’s the part when they get in to the Ethernet, the animation and the concept designs amaze me, not yet mentioning the plot and twists.

I highly recommend everyone to watch this. Bear with the English subs.

It is a great story about technology, family, and friendship.

3. Final Fantasy VII—Advent Children

This is one long animated movie, and the oldest among my selection. This one has been released on 2005, however until now, this animated movie might forever be my favorite game based 3D animated movie that I have seen…unless something more awesome comes along.

Must be how perfect each character was created, the effects, are just so organic. I have to admit that they could have worked more on their facial expressions—they all look so serious. But the animation, especially where the action scenes are, is just so flawless and unbelievable.

I hope someday they could create an animated movie as detailed and as lifelike as this one… or even more awesome. ^___^

2. Despicable Me

And he turned out to be a good dad. I love this story of an aspiring supervillain named Gru. He he adopts three little girls so he could use them for his plans against his rival Vector. Later it turned to hit that soft spot in him.

For me, the reason why I love this movie, is because the producers and the makers of this film could actually put up with what the big animation companies do.

I loved how they conceptualized the characters and how their personalities were developed. The little yellow minions too are by far irresistibly cute and hilarious. XD

Aside from the character design, the concepts behind Gru’s technology and Vector’s technology, amazes me. One of my favorite parts is when he read a bedtime story for the 3 girls and when he took them to the theme park.

1. Tangled

By far my favorite fairytale animated movie! XD It greatly made Rapunzel’s story so much better than the original. The writers made a lot of good twists to the plot as well. I believe this is Disney’s greatest (and sad to say, last) fairytale princess movie ever showed. Incredibly hilarious and touching, the movie has reached down the little girl in me who dreams to become a princess.

Aside from the two leading human characters, the step mother, the bandits, the warriors, Pascal the chameleon and Maximus the horse, were remarkably portrayed.

The stepmother is portrayed like as if she was the good person that Rapunzel could depend on... the way she was portrayed indicates the evil that blinds people from really enjoying the light.

Pascal the chameleon, is just so adorable. Who would have thought of having this kind of character as a princess's pet and bestfriend?

Maximus, the horse who acts like dog, really got me laughing... horse portrayed like a K9, why not? I was highly entertained.

Now the songs were superb as well...wanna make a playlist of them all haha..."at last I've seen the light...."

^______^

I don’t care what other people think. As for me, these are the TOP FIVE that I found most entertaining and exciting. ^____^ But if you want to know the rest of the nominees, here’s a list of those who almost got to my top 5…

Shrek, 2, 3 and forever after

Toy Story, 2 and 3

Princess and the Frog

Aladdin

Monsters Inc

Mulan, 2

Steamboat Willie (oh yeah that first appearance of Mickey Mortimer Mouse)

Samurai X movies

…and actually many more…hahaha

Oh well..so there goes my post ^__^

Love you guys…

HUUUUGGGG!