Thursday, December 31, 2009
Starting Right From the Top!
How else better than to kick off the toy reviews of 2010 here on Chese Variant other than with the first letter of the alphabet? That right, "A" is for ...
Abomination! (Raarrrrggghhhh!)
This 2008 movie line version of Hulk's nemesis is a beauty to say the least. What a toy and what a steal at only S$5 (about US$3.60)! I only picked him up on Pre-Christmas clearance because I'd heard (or seen somewhere online) that he was sought after. The amount of plastic used for this guy...let's just say this fella was heavier than expected in packaging, much heavier.
It's funny how they've treated this (I assume) dead Hulk toy line--we get 4 or 5 different Hulks (Mega Kick Hulk, Power Punch Hulk, Transformation Hulk, Mega Clap Hulk...I think those are the names. Or close to 'em....) But we get only one Abomination! And he isn't even in scale with the Hulk! The others clearly are meant to go with 3.75" figures, as evidenced from the Hulkbuster that comes with Mega-Kick Hulkand the Hulkbuster Hummers, which is right at home with GI Joes in it. Abomination is definitely in the 6" scale.
It also boggles the mind that A-Bomb here has 28 points of friggin' articulation, while the Hulks I mentioned above are lucky to even have half of what this guy has. The only movie Hulk figure that matches up in terms of articulation is the Target Exclusive 2008 Movie Line Hulk (I think he's a 40th anniversary special edition too?). But as far as looks go (yes, I'm comparing the looks of the Hulk and the Abomination. Go figure.) A-Bomb here turns out to be the more movie accurate and proportionate. Unfortunately, that Hulk has really long arms!
So click on the link to check out more pics as we talk Hu....er...Abomination!
Like: The awesome look accurately translated into plastic. I just saw the movie again last week after getting one of my cousins the blu-ray (or should we say green-ray? Heheh.) For the first time I saw every detail of each of the two Big Green Behemoths clear as day on high-def and began to appreaciate the design for Tim Roth's Abomination. This figure captures the hard boney spine and othe skeletal protrusions so well. I mean, just look at his big toes in the pic above. No, they're not individually articulated. But don't they look charmingly awesome? :P
Like: Check out that face that only a mother could love.
Like: How about that Sexy Back?
Like: Poseability! This guy is as good as I've seen in the 6-7" range. He's even got swivel/hinge wrists, meaning he can use the martial moves he likely learned in the special forces even when in his mutated Abomination form. The balance of Abomination is also very, very good. Good enough to do a side-kick, with or without hands!
Dislike: That he really doesn't have a decent enough Hulk from the same line to match, though I think Marvel Legends Face Off Hulk (with Leader in 2-pack) might measure up in height (and definitely in looks. Hah.)
RATINGS
Aesthetics: 9.5/10 - Hasbro've done a great job with the paint, especially on the eyes and the spiney protrusions. The details of the sculpt are awesome, and you can see how thay made every inch of his hide look leathery and tough--all this is in the sculpting! He does lose a little bit of points in the expression department. He'd look better with more of a sneer rather than the uneasy half-grimace he has.
Poseability: 9.5/10 - Perfect for a 6" scale figure, except that the rough tough hide of the shoulders prevents Abomination from raising his arms more than 90 degrees at best. With 7 points of articulation in each arm, this shortcoming is made up for somewhat--but while you can pose him so his arms are raised way up above his head, he's still missing the motion between arms parallel to the ground and the fully raised position.
Fun: 9/10 - I only just go the idea to pose him together with the Marvel Legends Face Off Hulk but before that I was scarthcing my head and wondering how he'd fit in with the rest of my figs. He doesn't go with the rest of the movie figs stuff size-wise, and he ceratianly will not look right alongside my DC Universe Classics despite being in them. But with a figure as poseable as he is and with the crushed steel pipe accessory he comes with, I can see him in a knockdown, dragout battle-royale with the Jelly Green Giant (Hulk). The problem here is finding the right one, in stature and poseability, and also detail. Now I don't collect Marvel Legends but thankfully I do collect Hulks (even the Marvel Legends. Lol.
Value: 10/10 - Definitely full marks for this guy since he only cost me less than a cup of coffee at Starbucks. (Yeah, those guys.) But even then, I'd say he's worth his weight in plastic (I think one of him equals 3 movie Hulks in weight) and he comes with a breakable crushed steel pipe. An accessory that really adds value to him despite being only a pipe. Did I mention it was breakable?
Overall: 9.5/10 - I got this guy for a few reasons, the chief of which was because he cost almost next to nothing. He's also harder to find since he's a villain (somehow the villains seemed short-packed compared to the heroes in movie lines) and he's heavy! He's also a 6-incher that comes with an accessory. And if you're a Hulk fan like me, then you'd also wanna find someplaymates guys he can bash up for him. 2008 Movie Abomination fits the bill pretty damn well.
Abomination! (Raarrrrggghhhh!)This 2008 movie line version of Hulk's nemesis is a beauty to say the least. What a toy and what a steal at only S$5 (about US$3.60)! I only picked him up on Pre-Christmas clearance because I'd heard (or seen somewhere online) that he was sought after. The amount of plastic used for this guy...let's just say this fella was heavier than expected in packaging, much heavier.
It's funny how they've treated this (I assume) dead Hulk toy line--we get 4 or 5 different Hulks (Mega Kick Hulk, Power Punch Hulk, Transformation Hulk, Mega Clap Hulk...I think those are the names. Or close to 'em....) But we get only one Abomination! And he isn't even in scale with the Hulk! The others clearly are meant to go with 3.75" figures, as evidenced from the Hulkbuster that comes with Mega-Kick Hulkand the Hulkbuster Hummers, which is right at home with GI Joes in it. Abomination is definitely in the 6" scale.
It also boggles the mind that A-Bomb here has 28 points of friggin' articulation, while the Hulks I mentioned above are lucky to even have half of what this guy has. The only movie Hulk figure that matches up in terms of articulation is the Target Exclusive 2008 Movie Line Hulk (I think he's a 40th anniversary special edition too?). But as far as looks go (yes, I'm comparing the looks of the Hulk and the Abomination. Go figure.) A-Bomb here turns out to be the more movie accurate and proportionate. Unfortunately, that Hulk has really long arms!So click on the link to check out more pics as we talk Hu....er...Abomination!
Like: The awesome look accurately translated into plastic. I just saw the movie again last week after getting one of my cousins the blu-ray (or should we say green-ray? Heheh.) For the first time I saw every detail of each of the two Big Green Behemoths clear as day on high-def and began to appreaciate the design for Tim Roth's Abomination. This figure captures the hard boney spine and othe skeletal protrusions so well. I mean, just look at his big toes in the pic above. No, they're not individually articulated. But don't they look charmingly awesome? :P
Like: Check out that face that only a mother could love.Like: How about that Sexy Back?
Like: Poseability! This guy is as good as I've seen in the 6-7" range. He's even got swivel/hinge wrists, meaning he can use the martial moves he likely learned in the special forces even when in his mutated Abomination form. The balance of Abomination is also very, very good. Good enough to do a side-kick, with or without hands!
Aesthetics: 9.5/10 - Hasbro've done a great job with the paint, especially on the eyes and the spiney protrusions. The details of the sculpt are awesome, and you can see how thay made every inch of his hide look leathery and tough--all this is in the sculpting! He does lose a little bit of points in the expression department. He'd look better with more of a sneer rather than the uneasy half-grimace he has.
Poseability: 9.5/10 - Perfect for a 6" scale figure, except that the rough tough hide of the shoulders prevents Abomination from raising his arms more than 90 degrees at best. With 7 points of articulation in each arm, this shortcoming is made up for somewhat--but while you can pose him so his arms are raised way up above his head, he's still missing the motion between arms parallel to the ground and the fully raised position.
Fun: 9/10 - I only just go the idea to pose him together with the Marvel Legends Face Off Hulk but before that I was scarthcing my head and wondering how he'd fit in with the rest of my figs. He doesn't go with the rest of the movie figs stuff size-wise, and he ceratianly will not look right alongside my DC Universe Classics despite being in them. But with a figure as poseable as he is and with the crushed steel pipe accessory he comes with, I can see him in a knockdown, dragout battle-royale with the Jelly Green Giant (Hulk). The problem here is finding the right one, in stature and poseability, and also detail. Now I don't collect Marvel Legends but thankfully I do collect Hulks (even the Marvel Legends. Lol.
Overall: 9.5/10 - I got this guy for a few reasons, the chief of which was because he cost almost next to nothing. He's also harder to find since he's a villain (somehow the villains seemed short-packed compared to the heroes in movie lines) and he's heavy! He's also a 6-incher that comes with an accessory. And if you're a Hulk fan like me, then you'd also wanna find some
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tiatr Artistes to Perform for Anniversary Celebrations
Tiatr Artistes to Perform for Anniversary Celebrations
An attractive programme of comedy skits and songs will be presented by the popular artistes of tiatr stage namely Comedian Domnic and Luis Bachan, Comedian Pitush & Party, Comedian 64, Sheikh Amir, Bab Andrew and upcoming artistes Steffie and Shenaya Pereira at 4.30 p.m on 2nd January, 2010 at the Black Box, Kala Academy Panjim during the celebration of the Birth anniversary of the creator of Goan Tiatr – Lucazinho Ribeiro.
Mr. Ribeiro scripted and directed the first Konkani tiatr 'Italian Burgo' and staged in Mumbai on 17th April 1892 i.e 117 years back in Bombay. Tiatr Academy of Goa, which has been formed by the Government recently, is organizing this function for the first time in order to make aware the tiatr lovers of the history of tiatr and of those personalities whose contribution to tiatr stage was immense.
All tiatr artistes and tiatr lovers are requested to attend the function and pay homage to late Lucazinho Ribeiro who created a unique form of drama called Tiatr.
Victor de Sa
Member Secretary
Tiatr Academy Goa
31/12/2009
[As forwarded by TAG to www.goa-world.com]
An attractive programme of comedy skits and songs will be presented by the popular artistes of tiatr stage namely Comedian Domnic and Luis Bachan, Comedian Pitush & Party, Comedian 64, Sheikh Amir, Bab Andrew and upcoming artistes Steffie and Shenaya Pereira at 4.30 p.m on 2nd January, 2010 at the Black Box, Kala Academy Panjim during the celebration of the Birth anniversary of the creator of Goan Tiatr – Lucazinho Ribeiro.
Mr. Ribeiro scripted and directed the first Konkani tiatr 'Italian Burgo' and staged in Mumbai on 17th April 1892 i.e 117 years back in Bombay. Tiatr Academy of Goa, which has been formed by the Government recently, is organizing this function for the first time in order to make aware the tiatr lovers of the history of tiatr and of those personalities whose contribution to tiatr stage was immense.
All tiatr artistes and tiatr lovers are requested to attend the function and pay homage to late Lucazinho Ribeiro who created a unique form of drama called Tiatr.
Victor de Sa
Member Secretary
Tiatr Academy Goa
31/12/2009
[As forwarded by TAG to www.goa-world.com]
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
New Research Centre on Automation and Robotics in Spain
Thanks to an agreement between the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) a new Joint Scientific and Technologic Research Centre has been created.
The main objective of the new centre, named “Centro de Automática y Robotica” is to perform applied research with the purpose of producing results useful to the society of the 21st Century. With the synergies created and the critical mass achieved, the centre aims at positioning itself as a reference organization. Due to both human and technical resources of the institutions that combine their efforts together, the centre posseses an excellent potential. The activities of the centre will be centred on control and system integration, artificial perception and robotics.
The Centre will occupy an area of over 8000 squared meters located nearby Madrid, and will employ around 300 staff researchers.
The main objective of the new centre, named “Centro de Automática y Robotica” is to perform applied research with the purpose of producing results useful to the society of the 21st Century. With the synergies created and the critical mass achieved, the centre aims at positioning itself as a reference organization. Due to both human and technical resources of the institutions that combine their efforts together, the centre posseses an excellent potential. The activities of the centre will be centred on control and system integration, artificial perception and robotics.
The Centre will occupy an area of over 8000 squared meters located nearby Madrid, and will employ around 300 staff researchers.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Evil Flunkies!
That's what these guys are! Nevertheless, along with Duke, these bozos are 4 figures out of the 5-pack "Infiltrator" set Toy's R US exclusive.
But before I continue with this review, I'd just like to wish evryone who's reading a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to come. Sorry I've been away feasting and making merry with family and friends these past 10 days (or preparing for it--you wouldn't believe the queues at places like TRU pre-Christmas. All the way to the back of the store. Jeebus.)
I'd also like to add that I already had a room full of toys yet to be opened and reviewed, and now I have more. It's not that everyone I knew got me toys, it's just that while shopping for others I happened to spot great deals. For example, a S$5 Abomination from the 2008 Hulk movie (the dude's got 7 points of articulation in his arm alone!), a S$3, 3.75" scale Green Goblin on a Goblin Cycle that has really great articulation, and things like S15 dollar Hulkbuster Hummers from the movie line and S$10 Indiana Jones Jungle Cutters. Oh yeah, and also a couple of movie Wolverines for 3 bucks, cuz the packaging was damaged. So a great Christmas hunt all-in-all, but I digress...
Let's get on to the Infiltrator 5 pack review of these 4 Joe baddies!
Elite-Viper
Well let's start with the best!
Like: The black wash on his silver armour and gauntlets and the COBRA insignia on his chest. It makes this guy look dark and dangerous, like he could actually hurt some Joes. He should, since he's supposed to be elite. ;)
Like: The colour scheme. with two weapons in his hand he kinda looks like Jango Fett, but cooler! Ok, ok, all you Jango fans out there. But you gott admit, Jango dies rather easily after fighting really stupid against Mace Windu. Lol.
Like: Working holster! It's looks better with his sonic pistol in it though he comes packages with the shotgun holstered. Yup, that fits in there as well. But it looks awkward because the gun's too long. Also, his shotgun fits securely in his backpack, allowing him to holster al his weapons and tend to...
Like: ...His dog! It's almost one more action figure on its own. Almost. ;) One day I'll have to put all the pets from Joes together. Timber, Cobra Commander's snake, Croc Master's crocodile, etc, and do a P.E.T.S. comic. :)
Dislike: Well, only one thing, and it's minor-his visor. I wish it wasn't the same black as they rest of his helmet. It kinda makes his head look really featureless. Another, perhaps better, alternative would be to leave the visor black but make his helmet blue. I think he would look even greater then.
M.A.R.S. Officer
From Jango fett to The Shredder! The way his helmet is shaped and the silver braces and greaves just remind me so much of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles favourite arch enemy.
Like: His colour scheeme is also awesome! The black makes him look fearsome and the silver is just enough to add that touch to his uniform and make him look more important than the other M.A.R.S. grunts.
Like: His working holster under his front left chest and the removeable helmet!
Dislike: His webbing/harness comes tends to slip off his left shoulder when you pose him. It's only connected by the bottom belt piece of the harness but this also means you can tuck his assault rifle in there. Also, he's got no place to put his knife when he ain't usin' it to threaten M.A.R.S. grunts.
Neo-Viper
Like: That even in this five-pack, he comes with 2 rifles and a pistol. He even has places on his backpack to peg his 2 rifles. See? That's the difference between working for COBRA and working for M.A.R.S. You accept some nanomite injections to trade a small amount of sanity for places to store your guns when you don't wanna use them. Good deal! :P
Like: The wash they used on his armour--mask, gauntlets, body armour, and the metal clasps of his boots.
Dislike: The look in general. I'm not a fan of the head design and I'm even less of a fan of his clunky-looking body armour. The high collar of the armour also restricts his head movement. The whole look is just too alien-like for my taste.
Dislike: That his guns aren't painted/aren't black. Those guns magnified to life-size would still look like toy rifles. Even his backpack is black. Maybe HAsbro thought the colour variation would suit him more. Go figure.
M.A.R.S. Trooper
Now this guy's a riot. The two most crucial things on him are red-his face mask and the grenades next to his face. Well, we all know this guy wasn't made to last against the Joes. On the off chance that he did, he'd deserve his promotion. Then, and only then, would James McCullen award you with all the trappings of the M.A.R.S.officer above.
Like: His combat webbing/harness. More sturdy than the officer's but defeinitely more basic with only two grenades and compartments for extra magazines. I actually have this exact same skeleton battle order (since all Singaporean males are conscripted for 2 years service and continue to return to serve every year till they're 40) and mine has more features like a pouch at the back for a poncho and two water bottles. What does this mean? Well, the M.A.R.S. Trooper is more expendable than I am. Yo Joe! :P
Like: Removeable mask. His head is exactly the same as the M.A.R.S. officer's. Then again, he's a repaint of the exact same mold. Lol.
Dislike: The colour! Red and black and grey. Seriously! The grey base torso they use for him is the same for all four baddies in this set, except that his is the only one that's grey and it make him look like some part-time bank robber. Add the red and the cheap plastic look of his assault rifle and presto! Bank Robber! But then again that's what M.A.R.S. does. They chaeat and rob countries by selling to both sides. Heh.
Dislike: That he's got no backpack and no place to store his rifle and pistol.
Elite-Viper: 9/10 - Love the armour, love the look. loses points for a dull, shiny (oxymoronic) head.
M.A.R.S. Officer: 9/10 - I actually think he looks the best among the four! His removeable helmet is what gets him a slightly higher grade. That and not haveing a dull, shiny head.
Neo-Viper: 7/10 - He looks top heavy, both in equipment/amrour and paint apps. The weird blockish backpack doesn't help much either.
M.A.R.S. Trooper: 6.5/10 - This guy jst looks silly. Joes can spot him for miles or in our case, he's probably the first guy one the shelf. Yet, many of him could strangely make a pretty striking army.
They've all got the standard Joe 22 points of articulation and don't really have parts that get in the way (except slightly for the Neo-Viper's head). I think they look great as a group, but individually they don;t look as good as the named character. Of course not. They aren't meant to. :P
A Group score of 9/10
Fun (Group Score): 9/10 - They're awesome since they'll make a nice squad of dudes that your Joes can take out before facing the "names" of COBRA. They'll also look great accompanying the COBRA big guns.
Value (Group Score): 10/10 - I paid S$34.90 for these four guys plus Duke, that's just under S$7 (US$5) per figure. I know the single carded Joes are clearing for that amount in the States, but here you'll never find them that cheap beacuse of shipping charges etc. Their so value for money that all the TRUs here have been cleared of them. I couldn't find the Zartan with Joes 5-pack nor this one only after they hit the shelves about a month ago here.
Overall:
Elite-Viper: 9.2/10
M.A.R.S. Officer: 9.2/10
Neo-Viper: 9/10
M.A.R.S. Trooper: 8.8/10
These guys all scored pretty high because it was mainly due to the great group scores. A singel carded Neo-Viper, for example, would definitely not score a 10 in the Value category. This means while I feel he's not worth getting at retail on card, he's more than worth it in this 5-pack. And so are the others--if you see 'em at TRU, grab them. Now. ;)
But before I continue with this review, I'd just like to wish evryone who's reading a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to come. Sorry I've been away feasting and making merry with family and friends these past 10 days (or preparing for it--you wouldn't believe the queues at places like TRU pre-Christmas. All the way to the back of the store. Jeebus.)
I'd also like to add that I already had a room full of toys yet to be opened and reviewed, and now I have more. It's not that everyone I knew got me toys, it's just that while shopping for others I happened to spot great deals. For example, a S$5 Abomination from the 2008 Hulk movie (the dude's got 7 points of articulation in his arm alone!), a S$3, 3.75" scale Green Goblin on a Goblin Cycle that has really great articulation, and things like S15 dollar Hulkbuster Hummers from the movie line and S$10 Indiana Jones Jungle Cutters. Oh yeah, and also a couple of movie Wolverines for 3 bucks, cuz the packaging was damaged. So a great Christmas hunt all-in-all, but I digress...Let's get on to the Infiltrator 5 pack review of these 4 Joe baddies!
Well let's start with the best!
Like: The black wash on his silver armour and gauntlets and the COBRA insignia on his chest. It makes this guy look dark and dangerous, like he could actually hurt some Joes. He should, since he's supposed to be elite. ;)Like: The colour scheme. with two weapons in his hand he kinda looks like Jango Fett, but cooler! Ok, ok, all you Jango fans out there. But you gott admit, Jango dies rather easily after fighting really stupid against Mace Windu. Lol.
Like: Working holster! It's looks better with his sonic pistol in it though he comes packages with the shotgun holstered. Yup, that fits in there as well. But it looks awkward because the gun's too long. Also, his shotgun fits securely in his backpack, allowing him to holster al his weapons and tend to...
Like: ...His dog! It's almost one more action figure on its own. Almost. ;) One day I'll have to put all the pets from Joes together. Timber, Cobra Commander's snake, Croc Master's crocodile, etc, and do a P.E.T.S. comic. :)M.A.R.S. Officer
From Jango fett to The Shredder! The way his helmet is shaped and the silver braces and greaves just remind me so much of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles favourite arch enemy.Like: His colour scheeme is also awesome! The black makes him look fearsome and the silver is just enough to add that touch to his uniform and make him look more important than the other M.A.R.S. grunts.
Like: His working holster under his front left chest and the removeable helmet!
Dislike: His webbing/harness comes tends to slip off his left shoulder when you pose him. It's only connected by the bottom belt piece of the harness but this also means you can tuck his assault rifle in there. Also, he's got no place to put his knife when he ain't usin' it to threaten M.A.R.S. grunts.
Neo-Viper
Like: That even in this five-pack, he comes with 2 rifles and a pistol. He even has places on his backpack to peg his 2 rifles. See? That's the difference between working for COBRA and working for M.A.R.S. You accept some nanomite injections to trade a small amount of sanity for places to store your guns when you don't wanna use them. Good deal! :PLike: The wash they used on his armour--mask, gauntlets, body armour, and the metal clasps of his boots.
Dislike: The look in general. I'm not a fan of the head design and I'm even less of a fan of his clunky-looking body armour. The high collar of the armour also restricts his head movement. The whole look is just too alien-like for my taste.
M.A.R.S. Trooper
Now this guy's a riot. The two most crucial things on him are red-his face mask and the grenades next to his face. Well, we all know this guy wasn't made to last against the Joes. On the off chance that he did, he'd deserve his promotion. Then, and only then, would James McCullen award you with all the trappings of the M.A.R.S.officer above. 
Like: His combat webbing/harness. More sturdy than the officer's but defeinitely more basic with only two grenades and compartments for extra magazines. I actually have this exact same skeleton battle order (since all Singaporean males are conscripted for 2 years service and continue to return to serve every year till they're 40) and mine has more features like a pouch at the back for a poncho and two water bottles. What does this mean? Well, the M.A.R.S. Trooper is more expendable than I am. Yo Joe! :PLike: Removeable mask. His head is exactly the same as the M.A.R.S. officer's. Then again, he's a repaint of the exact same mold. Lol.
Dislike: The colour! Red and black and grey. Seriously! The grey base torso they use for him is the same for all four baddies in this set, except that his is the only one that's grey and it make him look like some part-time bank robber. Add the red and the cheap plastic look of his assault rifle and presto! Bank Robber! But then again that's what M.A.R.S. does. They chaeat and rob countries by selling to both sides. Heh.Dislike: That he's got no backpack and no place to store his rifle and pistol.
Ratings
Aesthetics
Elite-Viper: 9/10 - Love the armour, love the look. loses points for a dull, shiny (oxymoronic) head.
M.A.R.S. Officer: 9/10 - I actually think he looks the best among the four! His removeable helmet is what gets him a slightly higher grade. That and not haveing a dull, shiny head.
Neo-Viper: 7/10 - He looks top heavy, both in equipment/amrour and paint apps. The weird blockish backpack doesn't help much either.
M.A.R.S. Trooper: 6.5/10 - This guy jst looks silly. Joes can spot him for miles or in our case, he's probably the first guy one the shelf. Yet, many of him could strangely make a pretty striking army.
Poseability
They've all got the standard Joe 22 points of articulation and don't really have parts that get in the way (except slightly for the Neo-Viper's head). I think they look great as a group, but individually they don;t look as good as the named character. Of course not. They aren't meant to. :P
A Group score of 9/10
Fun (Group Score): 9/10 - They're awesome since they'll make a nice squad of dudes that your Joes can take out before facing the "names" of COBRA. They'll also look great accompanying the COBRA big guns.
Value (Group Score): 10/10 - I paid S$34.90 for these four guys plus Duke, that's just under S$7 (US$5) per figure. I know the single carded Joes are clearing for that amount in the States, but here you'll never find them that cheap beacuse of shipping charges etc. Their so value for money that all the TRUs here have been cleared of them. I couldn't find the Zartan with Joes 5-pack nor this one only after they hit the shelves about a month ago here.
Overall:
Elite-Viper: 9.2/10
M.A.R.S. Officer: 9.2/10
Neo-Viper: 9/10
M.A.R.S. Trooper: 8.8/10
These guys all scored pretty high because it was mainly due to the great group scores. A singel carded Neo-Viper, for example, would definitely not score a 10 in the Value category. This means while I feel he's not worth getting at retail on card, he's more than worth it in this 5-pack. And so are the others--if you see 'em at TRU, grab them. Now. ;)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
‘Apurbayecho Kunvor’ – a touching tribute to Dr. Francisco Colaco
‘Apurbayecho Kunvor’ – a touching tribute to a beloved son.
Daniel F de Souza
Adorable Dr. Francisco Colaco needs no formal introduction to Goans, he is not only Goa’s eminent Cardiologist with a very humane heart but a passionately true Goan in every sense of the word. Whenever he speaks his heart out at any public function the audience listens not only with rapt attention relishing every word that comes forth, but with love and respect. And when he writes on any social issues, whether it’s the language or the land and its people he pours out his heart out with his pen. God has gifted him with special genius not only to diagnose bodily ills, but also ills that plague Goan society. Gentle, loving, warm, sincere and compassionate, Dr. Colaco is simplicity personified in letter and spirit.
I am not writing to profile this kind hearted doctor, but to highlight a gesture which many fathers who have gone through similar life situations would have loved to emulate. It was on that fateful day on 17th Nov 1996 that fate dealt a severe blow and snatched away his most beloved son Dr. Melvin Pablo Colaco after he suffered a brain injury in a road accident. He was dong his first year Residency at the GMC then. The tragic incident shattered the entire Colaco clan, for Melvin was the apple of their eye. He was a qualified Doctor who was pursuing his post graduate studies in Medicine at the GMC. He was loving, pious and obedient any parents would be proud of. Melvin was an exemplary boy, soft spoken, humble, very religious, without any vices and was extremely charitable and helpful towards his patients and the poor and the needy.
Melvin’s charitable nature was such that he would even forget himself to help others. He would even spend from his own pocket to buy drugs to his patients. It was but natural that he was adored and loved by all his colleagues and the Staff at GMC. But, Almighty God had other beautiful plans and wanted Melvin Pablo to adorn His Kingdom in heaven. And God did not think twice before He made his ultimate choice. For it is often said, those whom God loves, die young. It was exactly so with young Melvin Pablo in the prime of his youth, thereby plunging the family in grief and suffering. Something they will never ever be able to overcome or erase from their memory with passage of time.
Precisely 13 years after this tragic incident and after having gone through all the silent pain and suffering, the memory still languishes silently like an overlapping shadow. It is on this note that a VCD ‘Apurbayecho Kunvor’ (Beloved Prince) comes as a tribute to the memory of his son who lives in their hearts and memories. The inspiration for this VCD came in a dream, a dream so real, a dream unlike the others, and a dream like never before.
Explaining the sequence of his dream Dr. Colaco says; “ It all appeared so real. He was sitting on a white horse like the prince of the fables and I went to hold and embrace him like before…. believing he was there like before….only to realize it was just a dream. And I broke into tears…….and a song”. The next moment without wasting anytime he wrote the entire melody with the notes on a score. And later with the guitar he penned down the chords. Remembering those moments he says “I later penned down the lyrics in Konkani, the language about which I am passionate about, I have written lyrics for other authors but never like this. This was entirely my baby.”
Armed with the lyrics and the chords he rushed to show them to musical stalwarts like Allan Abreo, Felipe Fortes and Darryl Coelho, they all liked the creative work and encouraged him to move on ahead. Thus began Doctor’s journey in giving a concrete shape to his inspirational dream. It was not easy task though, he had his own share of ups and downs till the right moment came.
‘Apurbayecho Kunvor’ a VCD dedicated to his beloved son Dr. Melvin Pablo Colaco is now ready for release. It is a unique tribute many will treasure for its beautiful outpouring of touching lyrics and sensuous singing. It is bound to bring goose pimples to the listeners, especially to those who have known Melvin Pablo intimately, as the mellifluous voice of Dr. Colaco flows out spontaneously from the heart in a song for his son.
Seasoned keyboardist Darryl Rodrigues a name to reckon with on Goan music scene has created the unique background music and the music orchestration for the track with a equally sublime classical touch. Goa’s legendary Saxophonist Braz Gonsalves a long time family friend of the Colacos, makes his presence strongly felt with his artistry on the Saxaphone. The video is by Spirit and edited by ‘frezio’ with Presley Digital Innovations landing a touch while Aurville Rodrigues has recorded, mixed and mastered the VCD.
The VCD jacket includes a booklet with messages of consolation to the parents who may have lost their children under tragic circumstances and how to cope with it. The VCD is not for any commercial venture but purely for private circulation among family and friends.
The video is scheduled for release at a private function on 29th December 2009, at Daddy’s Home Auditorium’ Gogol Margao. This release function will be preceded by a music programme by artist-friends. Dr. Colaco is thankful to all those who played a role in giving shape to his dream tribute and especially grateful to his wife Fernanda, and daughters Elaine and Anabelle. A word of thanks also goes out to Rajan Narayan, Rev. Fr. Valmiki Gonsalves and Walter Menezes for their guidance.
28/12/2009
[As received by www.goa-world.com]
Daniel F de Souza
Adorable Dr. Francisco Colaco needs no formal introduction to Goans, he is not only Goa’s eminent Cardiologist with a very humane heart but a passionately true Goan in every sense of the word. Whenever he speaks his heart out at any public function the audience listens not only with rapt attention relishing every word that comes forth, but with love and respect. And when he writes on any social issues, whether it’s the language or the land and its people he pours out his heart out with his pen. God has gifted him with special genius not only to diagnose bodily ills, but also ills that plague Goan society. Gentle, loving, warm, sincere and compassionate, Dr. Colaco is simplicity personified in letter and spirit.
I am not writing to profile this kind hearted doctor, but to highlight a gesture which many fathers who have gone through similar life situations would have loved to emulate. It was on that fateful day on 17th Nov 1996 that fate dealt a severe blow and snatched away his most beloved son Dr. Melvin Pablo Colaco after he suffered a brain injury in a road accident. He was dong his first year Residency at the GMC then. The tragic incident shattered the entire Colaco clan, for Melvin was the apple of their eye. He was a qualified Doctor who was pursuing his post graduate studies in Medicine at the GMC. He was loving, pious and obedient any parents would be proud of. Melvin was an exemplary boy, soft spoken, humble, very religious, without any vices and was extremely charitable and helpful towards his patients and the poor and the needy.
Melvin’s charitable nature was such that he would even forget himself to help others. He would even spend from his own pocket to buy drugs to his patients. It was but natural that he was adored and loved by all his colleagues and the Staff at GMC. But, Almighty God had other beautiful plans and wanted Melvin Pablo to adorn His Kingdom in heaven. And God did not think twice before He made his ultimate choice. For it is often said, those whom God loves, die young. It was exactly so with young Melvin Pablo in the prime of his youth, thereby plunging the family in grief and suffering. Something they will never ever be able to overcome or erase from their memory with passage of time.
Precisely 13 years after this tragic incident and after having gone through all the silent pain and suffering, the memory still languishes silently like an overlapping shadow. It is on this note that a VCD ‘Apurbayecho Kunvor’ (Beloved Prince) comes as a tribute to the memory of his son who lives in their hearts and memories. The inspiration for this VCD came in a dream, a dream so real, a dream unlike the others, and a dream like never before.
Explaining the sequence of his dream Dr. Colaco says; “ It all appeared so real. He was sitting on a white horse like the prince of the fables and I went to hold and embrace him like before…. believing he was there like before….only to realize it was just a dream. And I broke into tears…….and a song”. The next moment without wasting anytime he wrote the entire melody with the notes on a score. And later with the guitar he penned down the chords. Remembering those moments he says “I later penned down the lyrics in Konkani, the language about which I am passionate about, I have written lyrics for other authors but never like this. This was entirely my baby.”
Armed with the lyrics and the chords he rushed to show them to musical stalwarts like Allan Abreo, Felipe Fortes and Darryl Coelho, they all liked the creative work and encouraged him to move on ahead. Thus began Doctor’s journey in giving a concrete shape to his inspirational dream. It was not easy task though, he had his own share of ups and downs till the right moment came.
‘Apurbayecho Kunvor’ a VCD dedicated to his beloved son Dr. Melvin Pablo Colaco is now ready for release. It is a unique tribute many will treasure for its beautiful outpouring of touching lyrics and sensuous singing. It is bound to bring goose pimples to the listeners, especially to those who have known Melvin Pablo intimately, as the mellifluous voice of Dr. Colaco flows out spontaneously from the heart in a song for his son.
Seasoned keyboardist Darryl Rodrigues a name to reckon with on Goan music scene has created the unique background music and the music orchestration for the track with a equally sublime classical touch. Goa’s legendary Saxophonist Braz Gonsalves a long time family friend of the Colacos, makes his presence strongly felt with his artistry on the Saxaphone. The video is by Spirit and edited by ‘frezio’ with Presley Digital Innovations landing a touch while Aurville Rodrigues has recorded, mixed and mastered the VCD.
The VCD jacket includes a booklet with messages of consolation to the parents who may have lost their children under tragic circumstances and how to cope with it. The VCD is not for any commercial venture but purely for private circulation among family and friends.
The video is scheduled for release at a private function on 29th December 2009, at Daddy’s Home Auditorium’ Gogol Margao. This release function will be preceded by a music programme by artist-friends. Dr. Colaco is thankful to all those who played a role in giving shape to his dream tribute and especially grateful to his wife Fernanda, and daughters Elaine and Anabelle. A word of thanks also goes out to Rajan Narayan, Rev. Fr. Valmiki Gonsalves and Walter Menezes for their guidance.
28/12/2009
[As received by www.goa-world.com]
TAG to Remember Lucasinho Ribeiro
From: "Tiatr Academy Goa"
tomazinho.goa@gmail.com
TAG to Remember Lucasinho Ribeiro
Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) will for the first time celebrate the birth anniversary
of Lucasinho Ribeiro, pioneer of Goan Tiatr, who scripted, directed and staged the
first Tiatr "Italian Bhurgo" on 17th April, 1892 in Bombay. Lucasinho Ribeiro was
born on 2nd January 1863 at sokol Vaddo, Assagao, Bardez, Goa.
Photo:
http://picasaweb.google.ca/GoanetBlog/Tiatr#5420037590037494338
Lucasinho Ribeiro is responsible to give birth to a unique dramatic form called
Tiatr in which the story of the play is divided into 6 or 7 acts and songs or
kantaran are sung in between the two acts which have no relevance to the theme of
the play. The first tiatr "Italian Bhurgo" that he scripted, directed and staged 117
years back was an adaptation of an Italian Opera. Joao Agostinho Fernandes, who is
popularly known as Father of Tiatr considered Lucasinho Ribeiro as his 'Guru'.
In order to keep alive the memories of this great tiatr personality, TAG has
organized a function to celebrate the birthday of Lucasinho Ribeiro on 2nd January,
2010 at 4.30 p.m. at the Black Box, Kala Academy, Panjim. The function will begin
with a programme of songs and humorous skits by popular artistes of the the Tiatr
stage. All tiatr artistes and tiatr lovers are requested to attend the function. It
is open to public.
Tomazinho Cardozo
President
Tiatr Academy Goa
Cell: +91 9822170102
tomazinho.goa@gmail.com
TAG to Remember Lucasinho Ribeiro
Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) will for the first time celebrate the birth anniversary
of Lucasinho Ribeiro, pioneer of Goan Tiatr, who scripted, directed and staged the
first Tiatr "Italian Bhurgo" on 17th April, 1892 in Bombay. Lucasinho Ribeiro was
born on 2nd January 1863 at sokol Vaddo, Assagao, Bardez, Goa.
Photo:
http://picasaweb.google.ca/GoanetBlog/Tiatr#5420037590037494338
Lucasinho Ribeiro is responsible to give birth to a unique dramatic form called
Tiatr in which the story of the play is divided into 6 or 7 acts and songs or
kantaran are sung in between the two acts which have no relevance to the theme of
the play. The first tiatr "Italian Bhurgo" that he scripted, directed and staged 117
years back was an adaptation of an Italian Opera. Joao Agostinho Fernandes, who is
popularly known as Father of Tiatr considered Lucasinho Ribeiro as his 'Guru'.
In order to keep alive the memories of this great tiatr personality, TAG has
organized a function to celebrate the birthday of Lucasinho Ribeiro on 2nd January,
2010 at 4.30 p.m. at the Black Box, Kala Academy, Panjim. The function will begin
with a programme of songs and humorous skits by popular artistes of the the Tiatr
stage. All tiatr artistes and tiatr lovers are requested to attend the function. It
is open to public.
Tomazinho Cardozo
President
Tiatr Academy Goa
Cell: +91 9822170102
TAKING CENTRESTAGE: Renowned tiatrists honoured by Goa Tiatr Academy
TAKING CENTRESTAGE: Renowned tiatrists who have earned laurels for their stage performances since the Portuguese era pose for a photo with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat after they were honoured in Margao by Goa Tiatr Academy with Life-time Contribution Awards.
http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=31152&cid=1
http://dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/27381
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) to hold 2nd Konkani Literary & Cultural Sammelan
DKA to hold 2nd Konknni Literary & Cultural Sammelan
Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA), an organization working for the promotion and development of Konknni in Roman script will be organizing it’s Second Konknni (Romi) Literary & Cultural Sammelan on 20th & 21st Feburary, 2010 in Curchorem Ravindra Bhavan Hall.
In the meeting of the Executive Board of DKA held recently in Panjim, Tomazinho Cardozo was unanimously elected as the President of the Sammelan, Fr. Manuel Gomes was elected as a President of the Reception Committee and Walter Menezes as Secretary of the Sammelan.
Tomazinho Cardozo a former Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, is the editor of the illustrated Konkani bi-monthly magazine, Gõykar and presently heads the Tiatr Akademi of Goa. A regular contributor to almost all the daily newspapers and periodicals in Konkani and English, he has penned over 22 books in Konkani, notable among them being ‘Kanttech Kantte’, ‘Ami Soglle Ek’ (tiatr), ‘Thembe’ (Stage songs), Manddo (folk songs), Jhelo (Short stories), ‘Polloilam tem Boroilam’ (Essays) and Paklleo (poems) besides two books of collection of English essays, ‘My Journey’ and ‘As I see It’. Associated with several cultural and social organizations, he has been the guiding light of Kala Mogi, Candolim which group has consistently participated and won laurels at various Konkani One-Act Plays, Tiatrs and Manddo competitions.
Fr. Manuel Gomes is the Director of the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate and Professor of Pastoral Institute, Old-Goa. A former Professor of Rachol Seminary and Rector of the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligao – Pilerne, he is an expert in Konknni and was one of the major contributors in the preparation of Konknni Lectionary,
‘Vachpam Grônth’. He has written / edited / translated more than a dozen books, the most famous being ‘From Roots to Fruits’ and the four coloured books on the Bible. He has also translated Sr. Usha’s popular books, Hidden Springs to Healing and Prayers for Healing. But his greatest contribution was that he gave to the Konknni speaking world, the long awaited Bible in Konkani in Roman script, the Povitr Pustok in 2006. He conducts several seminars on the Word of God throughout the length and breadth of Goa.
Walter Menezes is a writer and cartoonist. He has two books in Konkani to his credit: ‘Koddu Sonvsar ani her kotha’ (1987), a collection of short stories, which bagged the Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s Literary Award in 1988; and ‘Zoit ani her kovita’ (2008), a collection of poems bagged ‘Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Pursokar’ of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr this year. On the editorial board of Jivit, a monthly magazine in Konkani, he also contributes cartoons/comic strips to Gomantak Times under the title, ‘Out Of My Mind’.
The 2nd Konknni (Romi) Literary & Cultural Sammelan is an attempt to bring together all lovers of Konknni. This conference aims to create enthusiasm and love and to foster unity among the Konkani speaking people.
(Jose Salvador Fernandes)
Secretary, Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA)
(Mob: 9881810832)
26/12/2009
Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA), an organization working for the promotion and development of Konknni in Roman script will be organizing it’s Second Konknni (Romi) Literary & Cultural Sammelan on 20th & 21st Feburary, 2010 in Curchorem Ravindra Bhavan Hall.
In the meeting of the Executive Board of DKA held recently in Panjim, Tomazinho Cardozo was unanimously elected as the President of the Sammelan, Fr. Manuel Gomes was elected as a President of the Reception Committee and Walter Menezes as Secretary of the Sammelan.
Tomazinho Cardozo a former Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, is the editor of the illustrated Konkani bi-monthly magazine, Gõykar and presently heads the Tiatr Akademi of Goa. A regular contributor to almost all the daily newspapers and periodicals in Konkani and English, he has penned over 22 books in Konkani, notable among them being ‘Kanttech Kantte’, ‘Ami Soglle Ek’ (tiatr), ‘Thembe’ (Stage songs), Manddo (folk songs), Jhelo (Short stories), ‘Polloilam tem Boroilam’ (Essays) and Paklleo (poems) besides two books of collection of English essays, ‘My Journey’ and ‘As I see It’. Associated with several cultural and social organizations, he has been the guiding light of Kala Mogi, Candolim which group has consistently participated and won laurels at various Konkani One-Act Plays, Tiatrs and Manddo competitions. 
Fr. Manuel Gomes is the Director of the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate and Professor of Pastoral Institute, Old-Goa. A former Professor of Rachol Seminary and Rector of the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligao – Pilerne, he is an expert in Konknni and was one of the major contributors in the preparation of Konknni Lectionary,‘Vachpam Grônth’. He has written / edited / translated more than a dozen books, the most famous being ‘From Roots to Fruits’ and the four coloured books on the Bible. He has also translated Sr. Usha’s popular books, Hidden Springs to Healing and Prayers for Healing. But his greatest contribution was that he gave to the Konknni speaking world, the long awaited Bible in Konkani in Roman script, the Povitr Pustok in 2006. He conducts several seminars on the Word of God throughout the length and breadth of Goa.
Walter Menezes is a writer and cartoonist. He has two books in Konkani to his credit: ‘Koddu Sonvsar ani her kotha’ (1987), a collection of short stories, which bagged the Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s Literary Award in 1988; and ‘Zoit ani her kovita’ (2008), a collection of poems bagged ‘Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Pursokar’ of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr this year. On the editorial board of Jivit, a monthly magazine in Konkani, he also contributes cartoons/comic strips to Gomantak Times under the title, ‘Out Of My Mind’. The 2nd Konknni (Romi) Literary & Cultural Sammelan is an attempt to bring together all lovers of Konknni. This conference aims to create enthusiasm and love and to foster unity among the Konkani speaking people.
(Jose Salvador Fernandes)
Secretary, Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA)
(Mob: 9881810832)
26/12/2009
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