Something as powerful as that would be a natural subject for writers of both fiction and non-fiction. I got started on the latter through the encyclopedia where I got my fill of the Church, the Crusades, the Knight Templars, etc. I got started on the former through David Morrell’s Fraternity of the Stone and Covenant of the Flame. The books, with their with shadowy militant religious orders, captured my imagination. Thus, when Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code came out, I immediately read it and found it reasonably good. It was also controversial because of its subject.
Of course, it’s just a matter of time when movie version comes out. But when it did, I was reluctant about watching it for two reasons: it has Tom Hanks (don’t ask me why) and I’ve already read the book. But I eventually relented for the sake of camaraderie :P
From what I’ve seen, it seems the movie would be a little confusing for those who did not read the book. On the flipside, it is too like the book. So much so that it got a bit dragging and somehow succeeded in becoming boring. Hank’s wooden performance didn’t help either.
Notwithstanding those who always compare the movies to the book and how the movie should be completely faithful to the book, this movie is an argument for keeping the two distinct. The book is a book, the movie is a movie.
One good thing about watching the movie though is that you get to see the things and places in Paris and London mentioned in the book. But that’s about it.
Rating: 2/5
Early in the morning of the 6th, I jumped out of bed and drove off to pick up Val. However, when I got to her place, I learned that due to last minute changes in her schedule she won’t be able to make it. It’s a bummer but there’s nothing that can be done about it. So, I went back home, picked up a few things I’ve left behind and then drove to Park ‘N Fly (nice service) where I parked. They then shuttled me to the airport terminal.
Upon checking in at the counter, I learned that the flight was delayed due to a temporary closureof the airport for some government thing. After a looong and boooring wait at the pre-departure area, it was finally boarding time. A short and thankfully uneventful flight later, I was in Puerto Princesa.
Rating: 4/5
So this noon, Paul and I went to Han’s at Shangri-La to get replacement bulbs. Paul had recently upgraded his headlight bulbs to brighter Philips DiamondVision white-light bulbs. His headlights looked absolutely great and I have decided I’ll also get Philips bulbs though not the white-light version. Also something that doesn’t require upgrading to ceramic sockets and relays which he needed to do because of his bulbs’ higher wattage.
Luckily for me, Philips has just such a product: the VisionPlus. It has 50% brighter than stock bulbs without requiring the aforementioned ceramic sockets and relays. We installed the bulbs earlier this evening just before leaving the office. It was pretty easy and in no time they were installed. I flicked the switch and lo and behold: There was LIGHT! I’m not sure if it’s 50% brighter but it sure is brighter. They work just as advertised and, considering the importance of light, I don’t see why people shouldn’t go for these bulbs when their stock bulbs eventually fail.
Rating: 5/5