Monday, March 12, 2007

Disappearing Act

Work lately has been busy busy busy but more than a lack of time, it seems to be draining me of energy and motivation, hence the lack of blog entries as of late.

Last week was quite exciting however. Everybody's talking about Frank Miller's 300 for example and I managed to catch it over the weekend with some friends. Another friend, weeks before the movie was shown, was complaining at how people can appreciate this strategic defense of the Spartans but not take pride in The Battle of Tirad Pass where a similar stand was made.

Of course in this there are some facts to bear in mind: 1) It is possible that the numbers in 300 were exaggerated (on either side... the Spartans had reinforcements and support troops too) and the passage of time (in contrast to the Battle of Tirad Pass which occurred less than two centuries) hasn't help either. 2) The Battle of Tirad Pass relied on advantageous terrain (higher ground, narrow pathway) and ultimately they would have held it off if it weren't for the betrayal (much like the movie 300) of an alternate route which caught these Filipinos off-guard. And 3) the biggest difference between the two is the fact that the Spartans were in the end successful in repelling the opposing forces while The Battle of Tirad Pass was simply another fight among many (although it is honored by the opposing forces).

Me being a geek, I remembered the game Starcraft and how the Terrans (the humans in the game) relied on advantageous terrain to win the game. I mean what Terran strategy doesn't rely on bunkers and supply depots?

There were similarly big movers and shakes when it comes to comics. Perhaps the one that made the news was the death of Captain America (and it was well written even if I've never picked up a Captain America comic). Other interesting comics for me last week was Mighty Avengers #1, 52 (thankfully after a dull 30+ weeks, we're finally seeing the pay-off), the end of Brad Meltzer's first arc in Justice League of America, and Death Note Vol. 10 got released! In the manga that I'm following, the Deimon Devilbats are attempting a comeback against the Oujou White Knights in Eyeshield 21 while Ryoma is finally facing his nemesis in Prince of Tennis. Good times.

But that all pales in comparison to the wedding of my friend who finally tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend. I haven't known him long but it couldn't have had happened to a better guy. And a Xaverian to boot, hehehe.

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