Photo Highlights of the First 25 Years of My Life

Today, I am turning silver -- 25 years old!  

Below is an embedded slide show of my "photo biography" for the 25 years that have passed (since there are 600+ photos, it'll take a very long time to embed them individually), from 1989-2014.  Click the second icon on the bottom left (your left) of the picture (the one that looks like a square word balloon) to activate the captions.

Or go directly to the album itself by clicking the link below:

"Photo Highlights of the First 25 Years of My Life"

(Note: Future notable photos that highlight my life events will be embedded on future "photo biography" posts.)

click here for more photos

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My Tribute to the Most Awesome San Antonio Spurs Team Ever

Growing up as a Lakers fan, I don’t like the San Antonio Spurs to win championships.  But I haven’t really hated the Spurs either.  I might have done at some point.  They were, after all, the ones who dethroned the Lakers’ dynasty back in 2003 and brought about my first heartbreak as a Laker fan.  Ever since the Spurs beat the Lakers back in ’03, I have rooted against them during the 2003, 2005, and 2008 (back when I didn’t disliked LeBron yet) NBA Finals.  (It was only these past two Finals I rooted for them, for they were against the Heat.)        

But as an NBA fan, I can’t help but respect this team as they have sustained playoff presence (while my Lakers missed the playoffs twice already during my time as a fan) with their unique disciplined style of basketball.    You have to appreciate the fact that even though the NBA is a league of superstars, the Spurs have always been known as a “star-less,” teamwork-heavy basketball club – and wins!  Sure, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have been stars at some point, but I what I mean about “star-less” is that the team doesn’t conform to the standard of what a usual NBA team would do: rely on one or two stars that can “carry” the team and then build a roster around them.   Thanks to the brilliant guidance of Coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs, through the years, have always designed their team to be a basketball machinery composed of different efficient parts with respective functions.  It means the Spurs’ players might not excel individually but they can thrive in the role set for them by the Spurs’ team context.  And since the Spurs’ front office – under the leadership of GM R.C. Buford – has always been successful in seeking out and acquiring players that can do well in the Spurs’ system, this distinctive team identity is maintained through the years. 

Again, I didn’t want the Spurs or the Heat to win the championship.  Either of them winning would have a “discounting effect” on the Lakers’ championship glory.  Spurs winning 5 championships would tie them up with the Lakers in the present era.  Heat winning threepeat would replicate the Lakers’ own threepeat earlier in the 2000’s.  They would rival the Lakers as the “winniest” in the modern NBA.  But since it’s the Heat – ugh – I reluctantly rooted for the Spurs at first. 

Eventually, I began to genuinely cheered for the Spurs.  They were fun and quite refreshing.  This team was typecast as boring for their strict adherence to the fundamentals and Coach Pop’s abhorrence for showboating in his team.   But in this Finals, they were anything but boring. The gorgeous ball movements and crisp offense were beautiful to watch.  It was a wonderful, shining display of team play.  

The team didn’t rely on “star” power to win.  In fact, this season’s Spurs is definitely the most “star-less” of all Spurs teams through the years.  Duncan is a sure Hall of Famer, but he’s already past his prime; this season, he has never made into the All-NBA Teams (he missed getting a spot in three of the last four seasons) nor the All-Star Team.  And though Parker made the All-Star Team and is part of the All-NBA Second Team, you will never mistake him for Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo.  The Spurs has no real superstar.      

Even Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard is not a superstar.  Yes, he deserved that MVP and he has the potential to be a superstar.  But him – merely a “potential” at this point and not really an individual stand-out – winning the Finals MVP, and not Duncan or Parker, simply enforced the concept that this team don’t rely on a single individual to win.   Sure, Leonard provided the most impact for the Spurs in the Finals, but Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and Diaw played notably well, too – the San Antonio Spurs played great overall.  This was just the same case in last year’s Finals, wherein Danny Green’s three-point shooting gave him a good chance to win the Finals MVP if the Spurs had won.  The Spurs have no superstar, just awesome teamwork. 

Hence, this is arguably the greatest Spurs team yet.  Why?  Because with their lack of real superstars and still being able to dominate the regular season and win the championship, it can easily be argued that this season’s Spurs team is where the Spurs system has been at its best performance.       

This 2013-2014 Spurs San Antonio is definitely the most impressive and most successful display of balanced, pure team basketball in recent memory.  

How can we tell?  First, let's take a look at the Spurs' top 9 players, i.e. the 9 guys we prominently see in the rotation. 

First, the regular season stats… 

Points per game:
1.) Tony Parker – 16.7 ppg
2.) Tim Duncan – 15.1 ppg
3.) Kawhi Leonard – 12.8 ppg
4.) Manu Ginonili – 12.3 ppg
5.) Marco Belinelli – 11.4 ppg
6.) Patrick Mills – 10.2 ppg
7.) Boris Diaw – 9.1 ppg
8.) Danny Green – 9.1 ppg
9.) Tiago Splitter – 8.2 ppg
Minutes per game:
1.) Tony Parker – 29.4 mpg
2.) Tim Duncan – 29.2 mpg
3.) Kawhi Leonard – 29.1 mpg
4.) Marco Belinelli – 25.2 mpg
5.) Boris Diaw – 25.0 mpg
6.) Danny Green – 24.3 mpg
7.) Manu Ginobili – 22.8 mpg
8.) Tiago Splitter – 21.5 mpg
9.) Patrick Mills – 18.9 mpg

Those are telling stats. Six players are scoring in double figures, but none near 20 (moreover, the two tied for 7th - Diaw and Green - are nearly averaging double figures as well!).  Also, no Spur is averaging more than 30 minutes a game (I think this is first time to happen in NBA history that no single individual in the team has averaged 30 mpg), but the Spurs' top 9 are all playing in double figure minutes per game.  The result of this balanced distribution of points and minutes: the Spurs got the best record in the league and the players are not so strained going into the playoffs.   (The balanced scoring and minute distribution is what my Lakers have actually done in their early games during the season.  It was awesome.  But poor coaching and heavy injury casualties prevented it from being sustained throughout the season.  Bummer.) 

There are some changes, though, in the playoffs stats…

Points per game:
1.) Tony Parker – 17.4
2.) Tim Duncan – 16.3
3.) Kawhi Leonard – 14.3
4.) Manu Ginobili – 14.3
5.) Danny Green – 9.3
6.) Boris Diaw – 9.2
7.) Tiago Splitter – 7.5
8.) Patrick Mills – 7.3
9.) Marco Belinelli – 5.4
Minutes per game:
1.) Tim Duncan – 32.7  
2.) Kawhi Leonard – 32
3.) Tony Parker – 31.3 
4.) Boris Diaw – 26.3     
5.) Manu Ginobili – 25.5             
6.) Danny Green – 23  
7.) Tiago Splitter – 22.4
8.) Marco Belinelli – 15.5            
9.) Patrick Mills – 15.3    

There are differences between the regular season’s stats and playoffs’ stats.  But they’re understandable.  There are drops on the points and minutes of its bottom-tier players for, in the playoffs, the team’s top-tier players are more utilized.  Still, the essential application is basically the same:  the scoring and minutes were evenly-distributed and not dominated by one or two individuals.  (In fact, the Spurs “best” scorer, Tony Parker, averaged just 17.4 ppg in the post season – the lowest average of a team’s leading scorer in the post season since the 1954-55 season.)    

Of course, the story is more complicated than just ppg and mpg. It's worth noting that the Spurs had a poised, well-oiled offensive scheme, as shown by the gorgeous ball movement, as well as their usual great defense. But by just these two basic stats – points-per-game and minutes-per-game – the conclusion is already obvious: the Spurs' success is primarily due to a balanced, deep, and well-trained roster, and a well-managed rotation, which in turn are rooted on a beautiful team basketball philosophy. 

This is basketball at its best.  Thus, this Spurs team deserves a slow clap.

It’s still annoying though that Tim Duncan got to tie Kobe Bryant at five rings.  Spurs fans and Kobe haters will surely use that as ammunition in arguing that Duncan is just equal or even better than Kobe.  Ugh. 

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'Hakuna Matata' is Indeed A Wonderful Phrase, But It isn't A Problem-Free Philosophy

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase

Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze

It means no worries for the rest of your days

It's our problem-free philosophy

Hakuna Matata!

* * *

Hakuna Matata has been my life’s motto as far as I can remember.  It was what I would always write on the “motto” entry back when friendship autograph books were a thing during my late elementary years. 

The philosophy mightily appealed to me.  I wanted to be happy always.  For me, happiness is the greatest end.  And happiness was something that could be consciously chosen, and something you can “force” on yourself even when circumstances are hindering you to be such.  Worrying won’t help you, hence, better to live Hakuna Matata.  Don’t worry, be happy! 

I wrote something about thisduring the first year of this blog.  My argument for the merits of Hakuna Matata was like this:

Our life is short, but beautiful. And we need to get the best out of it. God wants us to enjoy the Life. And God knows what is the best for us. That's why we must surrender all to Him - our lives, our plans, our anxieties, worries, problems, fears - all of it. He promised to take care of those things. He promised to take care of us and never forsake us. "If God is with us, who can be against us?"
I fully trust the Man Upstairs. He has never let me down. For years, the motto Hakuna Matata really worked for me. I let God take care of my worries, since I surrendered my life to Him. Yes, sometimes the problems do not really disappear but God gives me strength and comfort. "No worries…"
I truly believe that I cannot get on with life without the Man Upstairs helping me. I trust him to take care of my life, my future, and me.

Reconciling Hakuna Matata with my Christian faith.  Clever eh?  But, now, I’ve realized that, even though, in a sense, what I had written (and believed) had truth, a part of my perspective was still flawed. 

* * *

With Hakuna Matata as my motto, I got to have a cheerful, happy-go-lucky disposition.  I proceeded to treat problems with apathy.  I “trained” myself to be happy no matter what.  “Happiness” was the ultimate thing to have.  As I now look back, I probably had the right idea then but I definitely mistook “happiness” with getting through life by having a good time and being unbothered by troubles, hassles, inconveniences, and antagonisms.       

Hakuna Matata’s “no worries for the rest of your days” clause is attainable and even reconcilable to my Christian faith, but it is, however, not at all due to Hakuna Matata’s “problem-free philosophy” clause.  In fact, the use of Hakuna Matata as a “problem-free philosophy” is inappropriate and quite fallacious.  Timon and Pumba got that one wrong.       

As I grow older in age and with my Christian faith, I realized that life is not meant to be “problem-free” at all.  And it’s not God’s will for us to be free from difficulties.  God promised to give us peace and strength, but there’s no promise that we will have no hard times while living in this world.  

Christ promised he will provide rest to those who come to him and surrender their heavy burdens… but he didn’t say there will be no more burdens to carry.  In fact, those that surrender their heavy burdens to Christ would have to take Christ’s yoke.  Still, he assured as that his burden is light and we will find rest, but we still have to carry a burden nonetheless (Matt. 11:28-30).  Moreover, Christ also asked us to carry his cross daily (Luke 9:23). 

Besides, God never wastes pain.  It means that every form of pain we encounter has a purpose.  It could eventually result to something good.  And even if the rationale for that pain we experience is not revealed to us in this lifetime, the heavenly reward for any suffering we endured as God’s children is a guarantee (Matt. 5:10).   Furthermore, just like pleasure, the purpose of pain is to lead us to God and reflect on His glory.             

* * * 

However, in living out Hakuna Matata’s “problem-free philosophy”, I was “avoiding” problems.  My apathy for problems would often become aversion for every form of difficulties – minor or major – and I would choose to dismiss them.  Hence, I failed to embrace and face the challenges thrown at me, and rise up from those occasions. 

I kind of missed the whole point of Lion King in the first place.  It didn’t really revolve around and end with Hakuna Matata. 

At first, Simba was already completely sold on to Hakuna Matata.   The philosophy mightily appealed to him for he can choose to avoid the burden of his past – something which he found extremely unpleasant and difficult to face.  When Nala attempted to convince him to return to Pride Rock and take the throne that is rightfully his, he balked for he was unwilling and afraid to face his past.  Even Timon and Pumba, his Hakuna Matata mentors, tried to persuade him since the circumstance calls for an exception to their philosophy.  But the confused Simba fled.  It took an encounter with Rafiki and the spirit of his father that reminded Simba of his identity and compelled him to face the challenge ahead of him.  He fought, embraced his responsibilities, and emerged stronger and victorious.

* * *

I’m turning 25 on the 23^rd.  But I guess Hakuna Matata is still retained as my motto until I find something catchier.  Lol. 

However, I like to think, that I’m no longer good with just settling for the “slimy, yet satisfying”… that at 25, after years of having my goofing-off-with-Timon-and Pumba phase, I’ve already matured enough to be ready for my Simba-going-back-to-Pride-Rock-to-face-Scar moment.   

May God help me have the readiness and willingness to embrace challenges, get out of them stronger, and glorify God during the processes and results.    And that my living of Hakuna Matata – in accordance to its core meaning of “don’t worry, be happy” – is successful, not because I am “problem-free,” but because my happiness and freedom from worries are completely, unshakably anchored in God.   

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Insane Theory: Kobe and Pau Will Go to the New York Knicks

Could this variant 2K10 cover become a reality after all?

When Rick Fox, in his interview with Larry King, said that he thinks Kobe will go to New York if he really thinks that is the best place for him to win another championship, I started thinking about how likely or sensible that would be.   At first, it sounded real absurd to me.  But as I continue to contemplate about it, the scenario started to look a little less crazy and have some plausibility.    

Let’s have a little thought experiment…

It will all start with the Knicks signing Pau Gasol at a discount this off-season.  If the Knicks ever get to sign Pau Gasol,  there will now be three guys in the Knicks organization that have been Kobe’s comrades in winning championships for the Lakers: Pau, Phil Jackson (the Knicks’ new chief executive), and Derek Fisher (which has been recently recruited by Phil to be the Knicks’ new head coach).   Kobe immensely likes and respects these three.  For Kobe, they are people who know how to win championships.    

Now, if the Lakers fail to assemble a team that can contend for the championship, and knowing Kobe’s impatience and hardheadedness, this might lead to Kobe demanding again to be traded.  He would look at Gasol, Jackson, and Fisher there with the Knicks and might see it as the desirable place to be, for he will be around people that, for him, have already proven to be capable of winning.   

That’s just how Kobe thinks. This is the guy who refuses to talk to a teammate until he has proven himself a winner.  This is the guy who would prefer to trade Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd back in ’05.  This is the guy that would loudly demand a trade when unsatisfied and in doubt of management’s dedication to win.  Kobe is a smart guy, but when it comes to this stuff, his impatience and emotions get the better of him – he won’t be able to think with some forethought.    

Kobe won’t consider the fact that Jackson is an unproven, rookie executive; Fisher is an unproven, rookie coach; and Pau is no longer in his prime.  He would see them as guys that had won championships with him.  And that’ll be enough for him to believe that these guys still have what it takes to win again.  This presumption would make the Knicks a very desirable place for him to go. 

More so if Carmelo Anthony is convinced to stay with the Knicks.  Kobe likes Carmelo.  Going to the Knicks will become more attractive for Kobe because of ‘Melo.  This could also work the other way.  Carmelo, brought into the knowledge that the Knicks will trade for Kobe, might readily decide to stay.     

  

Of course, the Lakers won’t really trade Kobe Bryant no matter how strongly he demands it.  This has happened before; they had opted to keep him, and after a season or two later, they won the championship again.  Still, if the Lakers see that the only card left to play to become contenders again is to trade Kobe, they would do it.  Both parties will get what they want.  Maybe the Lakers would realize that for them to get Carmelo Anthony/LeBron James and Kevin Love/Kyrie Irving, there will be a need to let Kobe’s contract go.  Maybe choose to trade Kobe for Carmelo (via sign-and-trade) or, if they don’t want ‘Melo, some of ‘Melo’s teammates that would be waived later.   Or they can choose to keep ‘Melo and pair him with Love/Kyrie… or proceed to waive ‘Melo (and the Knicks will pick him up again) and go for LeBron and Love/Irving (or a multi-team deal, involving trading Kobe to New York, that will have the same effect).  I’m bad at these technicalities, so pardon me.  The point is: a desperate Laker front office would trade Kobe to the Knicks if he asks for it and if it’s the only option that will significantly benefit the organization’s own rebuilding.    

These are merely insane speculations, of course, in my part.  And it’s very interesting to think of it happening, actually (in fact, it’s not the first time I’ve thought of Kobe joining the Knicks).  Still, as a Laker fan, my primary preference is always for Kobe to retire as a Laker.  Also with Pau.  If they will win another championship, I would love them to do it in purple and gold.

But I have to admit.  My loyalty will have a very complicated dilemma if Kobe and Pau will go to the Knicks.  Kobe was a major reason how I became a Laker fan.  I also have great fondness for Pau Gasol, Phil Jackson, and Derek Fisher – they were among the Laker personalities that I had developed affection for since they were significant contributors during the Lakers’ glory days.   Another major reason I began to love the Lakers is because of their legacy and history.  But they were, in a way, anchored on the great Dr. Jerry Buss, but with him now dead, his son and successor, Jim Buss, has never proven yet that he is capable of living up to and continuing that legacy.  If Kobe leaves the Lakers, the only worthwhile Laker personalities that will be left on the organization will be Mitch Kupchak and Jeanie Buss.  And I don’t have enough affection for them to keep me completely loyal to the Lakers.  Sure, I will remain a Laker fan.  But I’ll probably be rooting for both Lakers and Knicks.  I will have my loyalties split. 

                                            

That’s why I hope that Kobe and Pau will not go to the Knicks.  And this insane theory will be just that… an insane theory.  I don’t want it to be an actual reality.  I don’t want to be put in that situation wherein I will have my loyalty to the Lakers challenged. 

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Still Reading 'Bleach' and 'Naruto' Even If They Are Not Good Reads Anymore

Bleach and Naruto are supposed to be in their final respective arcs already, and are implied to be ending this year or next year.  And I am much disappointed by these two mangas’ developments and plots at the present.  Reading them is not as delightful as before; it almost felt like a chore that I have to get through every Wednesday.      

Bleach, at its early chapters/episodes, has been extremely kick-ass.  It had stood out from other mangas/animes for it was filled with electrifying twists, interesting characters, and badass action.  However, its best arc, for me, has always been the Soul Society Arc (the rescue mission for Rukia).  It was well-written, well-paced, and just totally awesome.  It was Bleach’s peak, in my opinion, and its quality has been in a gradual decline afterwards.  I also approve of its succeeding arcs up to the Fake Karakura Town Arc, but they weren’t as exciting as the Soul Society Arc. 

Bleach started actually sucking during the final battle between Ichigo and Aizen.  It felt to me that it lost its kickassery, creativity, and immense enjoyableness.    The Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc (with its Fullbring nonsense) was bland and needless.  And this current arc that features the Quincy – though it provided us the true background of Ichigo and his parents, which was fascinating – is generally underwhelming.  Of course, there were still flashes of awesomeness – like every time Kenpachi Zaraki makes an appearance since his character development remain fantastic and we are assured that something badass will happen with him around, or when the captains who lost their Bankais seemed to have figured out the way to win even without them – which kindle my enthusiasm and delight; but the manga fail to sustain those flashes.          

Kenpachi Zaraki's badassery...

...makes him Bleach's most consistent awesome thing.

Too bad that reputation took a dive when Ichigo has to save him from some girls.

Compared to Pain and Orochimaru, Tobi and Madara fail in comparison as antagonists in Naruto.  And the “big reveal” of Tobi’s real identity was a game-changing development but not at all mindblowingly awesome (it actually felt like “meh” instead).  Still, the stakes and plot kept Narutoin “must read” status.    There were still lots of badass action and developments.  In fact, it looks as if that it was heading to an epic finale.  Sasuke joins Naruto’s side.  Team Kakashi is reunited.  The four dead Hokages are resurrected – or, rather, re-animated – to aid Naruto.   The Third Shinobi War was heading to its climax.  It was great. 

And then everything went downhill when Obito (who adopted the name “Tobi” and had been pretending to be Madara) had a change of heart.  The real Madara was able to manipulate Obito into truly reviving himself and stealing Hashirama’s chakra from him.  As a villain, Madara is powerful but boring.  Further developments didn’t improve the blandness that Madara as a villain infused to the story.  It was revealed that Naruto and Sasuke are reincarnations of the sons of the “Sage of Six Paths” (ugh). And the revelation of the origin of chakra did not appeal to me.  These made Naruto unreadable and it totally undermines the ludicrous but awesome ninja mythos it has.  But the thing that pissed me most is that Kakashi lost his Sharingan! When that happened, it finally made me realize that I’ve lost all enjoyment reading Naruto.

I could have eventually forgiven the horrible costumes, the boring villain, and unexciting mess of plot developments...

...but this was the last straw.  Naruto sucks.

Still I read Bleach and Naruto even though I am not pleased with these two mangas now.  Why?  It’s because I’ve been following and loving their stories ever since I was in high school, and since they are supposed to be in their final arcs already, it felt that I owe it to them to see it through the end – even when they are generally sucking.  That is the curse of fandom.    

Besides, I am also holding on to the hope that, eventually, things will get better.  It’s still not too late for improvements happening on their plots.  The stories can still become epic at moment’s notice.  It’s still possible for them to end in a high note.  And I can’t miss that.  (Again, the curse of fandom)     

Still, I wish they have been consistently good as One Piece and Fairy Tail.  Despite the slow pace sometimes, these two are legitimately the most delightful reads among the major mangas (Kuroko No Basuke is my most favorite manga nowadays but I don’t consider it a “major” title).     

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Top 10 Writers of Fiction

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been a bookworm.  I’ve gotten into all kinds of genre of literature, hence, I can claim that I am somewhat well-read and have been exposed to many writers of fiction (of course, there are probably a couple of great writers that I haven’t encountered yet.  Example, there are plenty of general ravings for George R. R. Marin nowadays, but I haven’t read a single A Song of Ice and Fire book yet). 

There are a lot of talented storytellers out there, but I got only room for ten.  Here are my top 10 favorite writers of fiction, based on my fondness of their works and my preference. 

(First, some honorable mentions [considered, but didn’t make the final cut]: Harry Turtledove, Neil Gaiman, Edgar Allan Poe, John Grisham, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ann McCaffrey, Dean Koontz, R.L. Stine)

10.) TOM CLANCY

Ian Fleming’s 007 books are immensely enjoyable spy thrillers, but it was Clancy’s Jack Ryan books who gave readers an actual intelligent look on the intelligence game through a work of fiction. Hence, Clancy’s technically detailed Jack Ryan novels are as thrilling as Bond’s over-the-top adventures, but also more mentally stimulating. 

I have read (and have in my collection) all Ryan books up to Red Rabbit (though this tale falls on Ryan’s career’s earlier days), and they were all awesome.   However, I haven’t read yet any Ryan book after his presidency (which were more centered on his son, Jack Ryan, Jr.) – starting with The Teeth of the Tiger – but according to several, it’s not as great as the early Ryan books.    

9.) CHARLES DICKENS

 

Dickens is considered by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian Era.  His stories mostly deal with themes of social condition and human morality, and he utilizes his storytelling to effectively critique and analyze those days’ social issues.  I’m fond and have been moved by a lot of Dickens’ works, but my most favorite, for it touched me most, will always be A Tale of Two Cities.        

8.) MARK TWAIN

There is a reason why Mark Twain (pseudonym of Sam Clemens) was called “America’s Greatest Humorist.”  His writings were incredibly witty and entertaining.  He loved to tell yarns and tall tales, that even when he was writing non-fiction, you can’t rely on its truthfulness, but they will be surely entertaining. 

I first got to encounter Twain through his most popular works, Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  I was still in my elementary days then, and those stories mightily appealed to me because of all the fun boyish stuff in it that I could relate on.  But, at this point, my favorite Twain novel is A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.             

7.) STEPHEN KING

The real “Master of Macabre” is Edgar Allan Poe (this is the author that sent me on frequent dictionary trips while reading his works) or H.P. Lovecraft (I am aware of his style and the mythology he created.  But I’ve never really read a lot of his works. That’s why he was not even in my “honorable mentions.”  Most of my Lovecraftian readings came through some Lovecraftian short stories of Neil Gaiman), but if you are familiar with King’s works, you would see why some call him this.   He knows how to use the elements of horror and fantasy to the benefit of his stories. 

There are criticisms out there that brand King as a “poor” or “shallow” writer.  But, for me, as far as the King books I’ve read are concerned, Stephen King is a master storyteller.  His stories are very entertaining and will really grip you,  The Stand and The Dark Towerseries are probably King’s best works.      

6.) JOSS WHEDON

 

Whedon is a storytelling genius.  His written works – mostly scripts for TV and movies – though probably lacking real depth and not really intellectual, are full of heart and wit.  He really knows how to create characters, dialogues, and sequences that will be extremely delightful and notable.   

In making movies and TV series, there are a lot of writers involved in the process.  But when Whedon is part of the project, his participation stands out because infusion of his brand of clever storytelling, amusing humor, and thrilling twists to the product are noticeable.  Some of his most important works are Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Toy Story, and the Avengersmovie. 

Aside from writing stories for TV and film, Whedon also writes for comics, particularly the Buffy comics.  However, Whedon’s best comic book work will always be his run on Astonishing X-Men, which is not only one of the best X-Men stories ever written, but is one of the greatest comic book stories ever written.

5.) ALAN MOORE

Due to writing this list only did I realize that my most favorite comicbook writer is Alan Moore.   Whether it is a superhero comic book, a fantasy comic book, or a horror comic book, Moore has great mastery and versatility in telling stories through the comic book medium.  The Killing Joke is one of the best Batman tales ever.  His run on Supreme has been brilliant, combining elements of the Silver Age of comicbooks to a metta narrative.  Watchmen is the greatest comic book story ever.  League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Miracleman, V for Vendetta, Swamp Thing, etc.   The man might be acting like a creepy and crazy “grumpy, old man” nowadays, but as far as writing comic books is concerned, he’s arguably the best.  (Too bad Marvel never got to make him write for one of their major properties.  Really intriguing to wonder what awesomeness he could have done for Hulk, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, or the Avengers.  He did get to write a couple of Captain Britain stories, and they were well-praised, but I haven’t got to read them yet.)

4.) SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE

 

Conan Doyle had other literary works, but he has made his name in history as the guy who brought us Sherlock Holmes, the greatest detective in fiction.  Being phenomenally proficient in observation and deduction himself, Conan Doyle easily created a fictional character that mirrors his gifts.   Then, he was able to construct brilliantly written adventures that would make this character be exceptional.   Indeed, I’ve read all (canon) Sherlock Holmes stories, and they are among of the most absorbing readings I’ve ever had.    

3.) ISAAC ASIMOV

Asimov is one of the most prolific writers, if not the most, in history.  He has written so many books that if you read one Asimov book a week, it would take you around nine years to read them all!  His written works are highly varied, of different genre and of different topics.  But he is most known for his science fiction works.   There are many science fiction enthusiasts (me included) who consider him as the greatest science fiction writer of all time.    His stories are pretty smart, but they are very easy to follow and are a lot of fun.  My most favorite works of Asimov are his Foundationseries and Robots series. 

2.) MICHAEL CRICHTON

 

So far, the “smartest” reads I’ve ever had came from Michael Crichton.  He has the knack of utilizing a mix of actual and fabricated scientific and historical facts, and build exciting tales around them.   There will be a couple of “technical paper” writings incorporated in his novels, but these are the most entertaining papers you will ever read.   Often times, Crichton will also let his stand on some controversial issues be reflected in his novels.  Reading Crichton’s works are not only enjoyable, but also very informative and thought provoking.  

1.) C.S. LEWIS

In my tribute to C.S. Lewis, here was how I described him as a writer:

He wastes no words; it’s as if he always nails the best words to use to perfectly strike his points home.  He provides thoughtful and clever illustrations to make his ideas more empathic and engaging.  His writings are always meaty, insightful, thought-provoking, appealing, and delightful.  Reading Lewis’ works is very rewarding and refreshing.

Whether fiction or non-fiction, I find Lewis a fantastic writer.  But as a fiction writer, particularly when I read his Chronicles of Narnia, his writing was able to stir a childlike imagination in me (despite of me being a teen then), making the world of Narnia wonderfully vivid, filling me with delight, and, at the same time, the stories’ themes were made very real to me.  I’ve had experienced many “reading highs”, but Narnia was an amazing experience that has never been replicated in any of my other fiction readings so far.       

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Some Thoughts Before the 2014 NBA Finals Starts

With my beloved Lakers out of the playoffs, I was rooting for a Warriors (or Grizzlies)-Pacers NBA Finals match-up.   And I’ve rooted for every team the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat faced against.  Why?  I’m a Lakers fan.  I want neither the Spurs nor the Heat to win the championship.  If either of these two teams will be glorified by a championship this time, they would significantly steal a significant piece of my beloved Lakers’ celebrated “championship thunder.”  But those two are what came out on top of their respective conferences.   Argh.     

This NBA Finals' storyline

* * *

Just like the Lakers, the Spurs have been a championship pedigree team.  Ever since I’ve started following the NBA, the Spurs have consistently been one of the best teams through the seasons.  Even when they were not considered as title contenders, they have always made the playoffs (On the other hand, the Lakers have missed the playoffs twice already ever since I’ve got into the NBA fandom).  This is a large thanks to the fantastic tutelage of their Coach Gregg Popovich and the leadership of Tim “The Big Fundamental” Duncan.  The Spurs have won four titles during this Tim Duncan era.  If they win another one, they will tie the Lakers’ five titles under the Kobe Bryant era.   I don’t want the tie to happen.  Tim Duncan would rival Kobe Bryant in being the “winniest” among modern NBA superstars.  And a 5^th championship could even be enough for Duncan supporters (and Kobe haters) to use as ammunition to argue that Duncan is better than Kobe.  Would like to avoid that.        

And I don’t want the Heat to win another championship because…. well, they’re the Heat. 

* * *

Look, as a Kobe fan, I have nothing but “hate” for LeBron as a basketball personality.   But as an objective basketball fan, I respect and am impressed by the guy.  He’s a real beast of a baller.  He doesn’t possess the same rich arsenal of beautiful moves and mental badassery that Kobe possesses, but it’s because he doesn’t need to.  His innate build, athleticism, strength, quickness, and talent are enough to overwhelm opponents and propel himself to victory.    That has always been his game.  Ever since his Cavs days, the philosophy of the team LeBron plays in has always been about deferring to him to dominate.  Before, I thought such style won’t ever get him a championship.   I was proven wrong.

He has the basketball gifts to excel in almost every aspect of the game: defense, steals, blocks, rebounds, dunks, assists, and playing all five positions to an extent.  His dribble and drive are ugly to watch, but he can amazingly muscle himself inside.  His shooting is ungraceful, but it does make results half of the time.   Still, the point is, there’s probably no other basketball player that ever has been as “all-around” as LeBron. 

Therefore, if LeBron James leads the Heat to a threepeat, I will acknowledge that he’s, hands down, within the Top 10 players in NBA history.  Really.  LeBron’s personal awards and achievements are already impressive at this point.  But winning three straight rings, and getting another Finals MVP, would really solidify LeBron among that pantheon of basketball legends. 

But I’m not cheering for LeBron.  Again, I “hate” him.  I will only cheer for him if he’s winning championships in purple and gold.    

* * *

The Spurs is actually a team that nobody hates. Unless you’re David Stern.  They are an admirable basketball team.  In a league of superstars, they maintained an identity of “no single individual is bigger than the whole team.”  They are not concerned about impressing audience with glamorous plays. Teamwork, hardwork, and solid foundation on the fundamentals are their bread and butter, and they find success by sticking to these principles.  They are often called “boring.”  But they don’t care, as long as they win.  And I can’t help but respect and like this team.  Simply, the Spurs are the anti-thesis of the Heat (and the Lakers, actually).    

So I’m choosing the “lesser of two evils” route here.  I will go with the Spurs in this Finals.  Just I did last season.  It’s a no-brainer, really.

And I really thought they were going to do it last year.  But this happened…   

I was rooting against the Heat, but I have to admit that that was an enjoyable epic moment.  I got to witness that live, and it’s one of the most awesome NBA performances I’ve ever seen.

The Spurs are usually a poised team, cool under the pressures of late game.  But there are times that they do blunder. Like that epic regular season game against T-Mac where he scored 13 points in 35 seconds to steal the win from them.  Another was that Game 6 wherein Ray Allen got the chance to save the Heat.    

If the Spurs win, it would be wonderful for a Spur other than Tim Duncan and Tony Parker to win the Finals MVP.   Last Finals, I was hoping Danny Green would win it (though it was far likely for Parker to win it; despite Green’s record-breaking Finals performance, the Spurs offensive success was all possible due to Parker’s ability to break the Heat defense inside with his drives). This time around, I’ll go with Manu Ginobili.   With that, each one of the Spurs’ “Big 3” would have won a Finals MVP.  And I like Manu.  Would want to let him enjoy an MVP.  And it would be in sync with the Spurs’ identity that no single superstar has won the championship by himself.          

* * *

So (reluctantly), #GoSpursthen.

Exactly.

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