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Affilliation
Nomad Gaming Log 2008.06/12
Happy Independence Day, Philippines!
To slowly ease out on the D&D wagon, today’s collection are geek and gaming related.
Somewhat Recent Gaming News
- Magic: The Gathering Duel Decks for November - Unlike the new MtG Theme Decks, this one will be complete 60 card decks. Probably like the Elves vs Goblins thing they released a while back.
- Alpha Point: Designing the HeroClix Alpha Rules System
- Cthulhu Dice Now Unlimited!
- The Gamer Dome: Community Game Design Projects
- Rubik’s Cube Algorithm Cut Again, Down To 23 Moves
Gaming Features
Movies/TV/Animation
- Grayskull: Masters of the Universe Script Review - Hmmm. Ok, it could work. I just hope they don’t start thinking that a hip-n-edgy “My Little Pony” would work too.
- Interview: Dave Gibbons talks Watchmen and more…
- Pinoy animators form ‘holy alliance’
- HBO turns ‘Fire’ into fantasy series
- 10 year old cartoonist, Alexa Kitchen, signs with Hyperion/Disney
Misc. Geek Stuff
- Podcast Interview with H.P. Lovecraft Scholar, S.T. Joshi
- 7 Super Heroes We Can Live Without
- McFarlane, Portacio on ‘Spawn’ - Haven’t heard about anything from those guys in a while. I wonder how Whilce’s art style would look on Spawn?
Firefly
I just watched the pilot episode of Firefly, the famous, short-lived sci-fi TV series. I’ve been wanting to see it for ages, but never got around to it. Now, given the kick that EVE Online gave me, I’m feeding myself a sci-fi phase. I read Ender’s Game, I’m halfway through the original Foundation trilogy (both of these in just around 2 weeks, which, given the time I spend on other things, is extremely fast), so I thought this was the best time to see Firefly (not to mention that Tranquility is down outside it’s scheduled downtime. CCP, I hope it was an emergency that warranted the measly 4 minute warning!!!).
I can see why it has a cult following, the pilot episode really hooked me in. I haven’t seen the other episodes yet, but if they’re anything similar to the pilot, I’m going to enjoy it a lot. I remember growing into Farscape thanks to an old co-worker (and thankfully, they’re continuing the series), so I’m glad that Firefly might fulfill my need for a sci-fi fix.
No tags for this post.The Explainer (ANC)
It’s a show from ANC. At first, it seems like a letdown since the title feels so uninspired. Seeing the host try to position himself correctly on the screen and the display behind him doesn’t help. But if you hold on to your patience just long enough for him to start presenting the issue at hand, you’ll quickly find out how well the show’s title describes the essence of the show.
“The Explainer” discusses various issues involving the Philippines, commonly political or economic issues that commonly is the “hot topic of the month”. As a TV host, Manolo Quezon (”The Explainer” himself) appears somewhat ill-at-ease with the camera recording his every word. It’s visually quite awkward. The things coming out of his mouth, however, at top notch. Skipping the visual aspects, you’ll notice that the issues are typically very relevant to the times, the facts are well presented, and as many sides and complexities of the issue is explored. If ever there are guests, the guests (the ones I’ve seen, at least) are highly knowledgeable with the issue and are typically willing to present all sides as they are, regardless of their personal position on the topic. This, plus the fact that Manolo knows how to keep things in track and to ask proper questions to dig deeper or clarify the discussion, makes for a very intelligent show.
Yesterday, the topic was about the “strengthening” of the Philippine peso. Most Filipinos know that currently, we’re experiencing an economic boom, stocks are at a record high, and the peso hasn’t performed this well against the US dollar in years. How does this affect exports, OCW remittances, and alleviating poverty? Is a good Philippine peso versus the US dollar a straightforward indicator of progress as many Filipinos believe (or are made to believe)? The show manages to give a good introduction on this, looks beyond the Philippines and how we fare compared to other countries in the region (is the phonomenon unique to the Philippines? how does our growth compare to the others?), and the guest is very careful with her answers (she even qualifies which of what she says are opinions). Manolo also manages to bring up typical questions the layman may want answered , which makes the whole discussion actually quite accessible to laymen (assuming a certain level of English proficiency).
The show’s title feels uninspired. The host gets occasionally gets awkward, particularly when beside the blue screen. But, by god, it’s a helluvan informative show. Anybody who actually cares or wants to know the different sides, aspects, and complexities of various issues the Philippines is going through would greatly benefit from watching The Explainer do what he does best… explaining.
The Explainer is aired every Tuesday, 18:00 (6pm GMT +8) at ANC (Philippines) with replays on Tuesdays, 23:00 and Saturdays, 10:00.
No tags for this post.Quick Interview with Morgan Webb
I just got back to the Philippines yesterday, and my body still hasn’t adjusted to the timezones. I’ll take it easy until the end of the week. I’ll try to finish-up a summary of my California trip by early next week, but it will depend on how busy this weekend will be.
In the meantime, I’d just like to share this short interview of Morgan Webb i found. I’ve liked her since the 1st time I saw her co-host X-Play because unlike other female TV hosts who tackle video games, it shows that she knows her stuff.
No tags for this post.What This Couch Potato Watches… (as of 2007.02/05)
Since I mostly bum around at the house, it’s a safe bet that TV is a significant part of my current daily routine. Actually, the shows I watch on TV help me figure out what day in the week it is. I thought I’d share with you what shows I look forward to on the good ‘ol boob tube:
- The Contender (every Sunday, 00:00) - Reality boxing. Intense boxing action. Fights are quite action packed, and you don’t know how it goes until the last round (sadly, that’s the 5th round).
- Xiaolin Showdown (weekdays, 17:30 or 00:30) - American cartoon about 4 Xiaolin trainees tasked at searching for and protecting Shng Gong Wu (artifacts with various powers). It was so-so when it started, but the story started getting interesting in the later episodes, which was when I started appreciating the show.
- Alice Academy (weekdays, 11:30 and 15:30) - Anime regarding a school whose students all have powers (called “alices”). The premise is interesting and it’s cute, and the execution is cute too.
- American Idol (Wed and Thurs, 18:00 and 20:00) - Singing reality show. My SO got me into watching this. Of course, we all watch this to hear what Simon Cowell says.
- Law of Ueki (Wed, 19:00) - Fighting anime regarding Ueki, a high schooler endowed with powers (called “talents”) who aims to fight in a tournament to win the prize of the right to create any talent he wants. The powers are interesting. I think the series aired its last episode last week.
- Teen Titans (weekends, 10:30) - American cartoon based on DCs Teen Titans. I absolutely love this, it’s funny, the characters are cool, and the story is good. I’m just not home all the time to see this on sked.
- The Simpsons (everyday, 00:00 and 22:00) - American cartoon regarding a typical American family. It’s been around for so long that there are so many episodes I haven’t watched. I don’t think I have to explain how good this series is.
- The Daily Show with John Stewart (Tues to Fri, 23:00) - News comedy. Political and current events jokes done with wit and intelligence (?). I don’t often get to watch these types of things done this well.
