Day 052 May 30, 2012

Japanese snacks:

Barbie had Japanese guests arrive today, and as a form of gratitude for her helping them today, they had these Japanese snacks all packed up in wonderful packaging.

Now the things is, as most Japanese products are packaged, there is hardly any English language to help determine its contents... so the proof is in the tasting. Still, what little English words it had simply showed this on the box (which was elegantly designed as well) Chocolat - Okoshi. I'd guess, the Okoshi would be a name, and Chocolat would be chocolate - but the thing is, it wasn't. I mean, the contents that is... it was basically rice puffs flavored either with strawberry, green tea and maybe chocolate, the latter because it was really unclear to me if such was choco or more vanilla glaze of sorts.

The other snacks, the one opened are mire like rice crackers with differing sea food flavors. Now... if these are the usual type of Japanese snacks, I won't be surprised as to why they are rarely fat. The snacks may be a bit bland and given their small servings, maybe also calorie conscious. My point? It may be a culturally backed conscious effort to make sure their consumers stay healthy... maybe. Isn't this a great thing?

Day 051 May 29, 2012

He's 17!

The 29th of May is always a milestone, after all... it is Bryce's natal day - or was... in 1995. Yup, when I think of that, and look at this picture, I'm simply amazed at how time flies.

We just had a simple family dinner... private, no invitees and only us family and our house helps (plural only until Mommy, Ben and Jude return from Dubai), and we just had KFC, pasta al tonno and chocolate cake - which Bryce is seen holding and blowing.

As for the blowing part, I wanted to capture Bryce at the point of his blowing the candles off, and lucky for me the candles were sort of spread out, so I was really able to capture him in action, as can be seen by the puffed cheeks and the differently lit (or unlit) candles.

Obviously, this may not be the most endearing picture of Bryce from a simple looks perspective, but it is a milestone moment (as all birthday candle blowing moments are) - so that is why I chose this picture as the one I will post here for this particular day. Happy Birthday kuya! Hope you get whatever wish you asked for.

Day 050 May 28, 2012

Checking the net: 

Thanks to my iPad, I can do this whenever I am in a WiFi accessible area - and most known establishments have this these days, and I usually want this to have quick access to my email, specially for work-related stuff. But, the advantage does not stop there, of course.

I have access to social networking as well, and through that, my ability to check in and interact with friends in Facebook - even when I'm not home. When I'm not  in said establishments and I need access, I use the 3G option - sparingly, but available when needed. This one comes in handy when I need a quick check on how traffic in the metro is shaping up (via the MMDA iPad apps.)

Now as for my serious face - don't let that fool you. I normally look that way when concentrating, and my daughter caught me in such a move. You see, I love taking stolen shots - it shows the person some unguarded/real moments, and naturally, I've done a lot of these with my family. Well, in this instance, Bernice had access to my camera and returned the favor. Besides, this wouldn't be a personal blog if the person doing it did not appear occasionally. Project 365 suggests I take a picture of me once a month (at least) to show the progression of my look as the months (maybe even years) pass by. I'm just taking this suggestion to heart... besides, I like my shirt. 

Day 049 May 27, 2012

The vanishing focus:

I've seen pictures that emphasize this. Normally, with the help of certain patterns, to better emphasize such a clear point and how as the picture drifts to the background, the focus starts becoming blurry.

So when I see patterns - like the weaves of a particular chair, I can't help but want to experiment on such a camera trick (as shown in this picture). How does one do this? Simple enough... you hold the camera close to the end of said patterned surface, and focus on the closer part... though make sure you tilt the camera enough so a sufficient portion of the background can be seen as well.

Then, once the focus is set at the nearer pattern, just take your shot. Review the picture and retake as much as you like (a prime advantage in this digital age - these instantaneous viewing of said shot, and retaking without worry of wasted film). Like I said, this trick works best with patterns, but photographers use a similar trick when achieving the 'macro' shot in portraits. I know I've done this in the past as well. So why do it again? Well, to keep practice is a must... to further hone what I have - or remember it by practicing once in a while. But most important, to just take the pic and be amazed at what I - with my camera, can achieve.

Day 048 May 26, 2012

Sunset:

John asked me if I wanted to come with him and a few friends to take shots of the Manila sunset, somewhere in Intramuros, so you can imagine how I ironed out my schedules to be able to do this.

We went to the Bayleaf hotel... stayed in their roofdeck, and after marveling at surrounding view, started taking pictures all around us. Among all my shots, this became one of my nicer ones. I shot the sun setting... with it's golden rays shining, but framed against a dome-topped window that  somehow matched the distant domes of the Manila Cathedral (hence the cross that you can discern on the left dome). The window also allowed me to avoid a direct view of the sun, and made everything else just visible through their silhouette. I made sure the sun could be partly seen though... and that is how this picture was planned.

Day 047 May 25, 2012

Team Leads:

Once again, it's Gina and I being the tandem of a course - though this time, we've got the Team Lead School to focus on - it's not as dramatic as the title sounds... after all, we're just talking about two days to make up this 'school', and the course is a hodge podge of others put together just to give some ideas to the "team leads" who'd be attending this.

If it sounds like I'm putting the course down - I'm not... not really, just stating facts. I see the possible reasons for the organization's arranging for this course - but on a streamlining perspective, I have to say that this is a redundancy. People taking it - not having taken the other courses may learn surface level ideas... but in some cases, not even. Like I said, hodge podge. Too many ideas introduced - none really carried through to their proper learning.

Oh well... our task is but to conduct and not improve on. Sad really... but after years of such, we've dome to expect it. Too bad - and yes, I feel like a wasted resource in that capacity.

Day 046 May 24, 2012

ChickBoy Lechon:

Barbie and I tried this, as there was a newly opened ChickBoy branch by the corner of Kalentong, right before the bridge connecting Mandaluyong to Manila. We saw this as it was being built and was really curious about it.

Well, one late afternoon, as we had not yet had our lunch, we decided to try it out, as opposed to ordering lunch when we got home. So what can I say about it? For starters, I don't think this was our opted choice... I mean, the place is known for it's supposed Cebu lechon servings, but Barbie was after the chicken - unfortunately, the chicken was sold out, and none was prepared. The lechon we got was rather tough... some were crunchy, but others were not. Plus for a Cebu lechon, it seemed a bit fatty. So I have to say that this was a disappointing experience.

Day 045 May 23, 2012

Starbucks McKinley Hill:

While passing time, I decided to try hanging out in Starbucks at McKinley Hill. Now mind you, this has been around for quite some time - but despite the fact that I do find myself in McKinley on occasion whenever certain training are scheduled, I never got the chance to visit this Starbucks.

The reason you see, is because it is quite an uphill walk from Accenture or even the Piazza to this location. Add to that the typical hot and humid weather we're having and I would really think twice about going here. So... as I was considering where I could hang around to spend more time, I thought, why not this particular Starbucks? So I did. Later, I posted my being here in the internet - and John found out, so he went here to hang with me as well.

This turned out to be a cool (figuratively speaking) morning.

Day 044 May 22, 2012

Barbie's team treat:

Since I had nothing much to do today, I accompanied Barbie to the Piazza as she treated her team to an early dinner. Occasion? it was a send off or sorts as one of her assistant was leaving for Italy. That said, she invited them all for dinner, as a way of also thanking everyone for their efforts these past months.

As for me? Well, aside from convenient driver - as I fetched them from J&J, and drove them to Piazza, I was the unofficial photographer of the mini event/occasion. I don't mind, really... after all, I was going to fetch Barbie anyway, and I also partook of the Vietnam-themed dinner.

Day 043 May 21, 2012

Solar Eclipse fail:

Today was the day I tried taking a picture of the Solar Eclipse, and failing miserably - I mean, just look at my attempt, this is by no means a magical moment shot, as the sun's brightness was just too bright, despite said eclipse.

Heck even when it was supposed to be the ring of fire (the total eclipse), it was still too bright for me to see, and for my camera to take a picture of said sun in in't not too brightest.

As a last resort, I placed my RayBan aviators in front of my lens - which already had a dark filter, and this was what I got. No eclipse yet... but the surroundings turned silhouette-like, making the picture a but surreal. I mean, in any other time, this electric post, with all the wiring would look mundane... maybe even an eye sore. Not this one though. So I guess, even as I failed to get a decent eclipse picture, I ended up having a different, but nice picture of an electric post's silhouette.

Day 042 May 20, 2012

Parlor Bonding Moments:

As is usually the case every Sunday, we go to the parlor - and by we, I mean all of us... for the ladies (as seen in this picture) it's a time to have their nails trimmed and painted - or should I say, polished?

For the guys... meaning Bryce and me, it's to have our nails trimmed and cleaned as well, though we only do it every other Sundays, and this particular Sunday was one such moment.

I took this picture when I noticed the two choosing what color they would like their nails to be. You see, I saw the scene as relatively cute. No flash was used, though maybe I should have... that way the shelf in between the two (in the background) won't have looked overly bright.

Day 041 May 19, 2012

Free Comic Books part 2:

Technically, Free Comic Book Day a.k.a. FCBD is only supposed to be done once a year, but because Fully Booked opts to celebrate FCBD at a latter date, one can actually celebrate it twice in the year - at least, here in Metro Manila, that is.

Such is the case this year when I visited Comic Odyssey a few weeks ago to get the DC free comic/teaser, and today when I got the Marvel FCBD Avengers issue regarding Ultron. So yeah... even if we do only get one issue per visit, I opted to just passively get these comics (one in each outlet) and just enjoy them - as opposed to my more aggressive manner last year.

I still have to drag my family to one FCBD, so we can get one comic each - but it's hard to get them up eraly and ready during the weekend. Hence my need to just get a comic for myself. Who knows? With luck maybe my favorite Filbar's store will have reserved copies of FCBD issues for me like they did last year.

Day 040 May 18, 2012

Yogurt and comics:

This is a sample afternoon where I find myself in the mall on a relatively hot summer day, and I then heard to the nearest cold yogurt ice cream to cool off, while not having to worry about too many calories that accompany your typical ice cream - not that I worry much, really.

Aside from the yogurt, I have some berries placed to add flavor and in this case, I went with raspberries. So perfect relaxation moment? Not yet... what makes this a whole lot better is the fact that I got a new batch of comics for me to read. Now, THAT... is a perfect afternoon.

Day 039 May 17, 2012

At play again:

Actually, these two are at play almost every day - which is good, it means they exercise and are not really living a sedentary dog life.

What I like about this picture, as opposed to the previous one (and it's batch of pictures) is that I was more prepared for this little fracas this time and set up the camera to take clear pictures despite the dogs' clowning around. Take note of Buffy's (the brown one) hind legs seemingly suspended in mid stride - which is exactly what she was just accomplishing - and visibly captured by my camera. Even Bubble's tail is clear here despite their movements and jerkiness. Some day, I will try to take their pictures again, but in a more action-oriented manner (them, not me).

Day 038 May 16, 2012

Retail training:

This training is (as the title shows), is all about Basic Retail training, one that I have not had the chance to conduct... until now.

Yup, it's my first try in doing this. Used to be, Gina and Alex would be the partners in handling this course - but with Alex getting another job, he does not have the time to partner with Gina (seen standing in the picture) anymore.

Enter me... don't know what credentials I have - with exception to the usual daily exposure to business, but I did not back down from a challenge. So teach it (or at least, some parts of it) I did. Now... I took note of what Gina said regarding the modules she handled. I got to handle my end as well. Bottom line? I'll be more comfortable handling it next time... and yeah, I discovered that I actually have some knowledge of Retailing, the training. I just did not connect the experience to the training back then. Well now I know better.

Day 037 May 15, 2012

Shake with some art:

Okay, maybe it isn't perfect art - but come on... it is my first attempt at doing something like this. Not the shake, though, I do that a lot. Nope, I'm talking about putting those chocolate designs on the glass.

After all, I do get impressed by those artistic renditions that make the presentation of the product a whole lot more attractive. I also see a lot of these artistic renditions on top of coffee. Man, they make these things look easy - but in reality, I'm sure there's a pattern that needs to be followed, to get those great patterns and artistic rendition.

Some look obvious, and I've yet to try some of those coffee cream designs - the glass design with chocolate is a bit harder to do though... after all, aside from controlling the flow of the chocolate syrup, I'm trying to manipulate the glass to try and get patterns - and well, as far as first times go, I'd have to say this is a good result (if I say so myself - and yeah, I'm a bit biased).

In case you're curious as to what I used to create this masterpiece, the products I used can be gleaned from behind the shake... you know, just in case you happen to want to try doing it too. No steps on what to do, though... since I still don't have the complete knowledge, nor the skills to do it - much less pass it on to others.

Day 036 May 14, 2012

Cork Board:

This particular cork board happens to be posted in a Starbucks store, and while I was busy waiting for Barbie to attend her meeting at Quezon City, near the City Hall. I happened to noticed it, and what I liked about said cork board was the fact that it was attractive to the eye. I mean, in a roomful of many people and posters/pictures, the cork board actually stood out by the mere fact that it had the different announcements/posters placed neatly beside each other - and in some cases, overlapping each other.

Funny thing is, many of these ads are not really informative in a current events viewpoint - but more of an informative and trivia-related white board... sort of a subtle way for them to show their clients.customers the company's more socially conscious side.

It would make for nice reading too - specially for people like me who are just passing the time. Now here's the kicker... in my usual working day, I; and I suspect, a whole lot of people would most probably, would probably just zip in and out of the place with hardly a glance at the effort done by the makers of this bulletin board - just interested in getting our fraps or whatever it is we'd order. Makes you think of what we may be missing when we're too busy to notice these things (or small the flowers).

Day 035 May 13, 2012

Bernice and Hip hop:

This is what Bernice is doing this summer - she decided to enroll in Hip hop dance lessons with her school-mate/neighbor Ella. I've not seen her make the moves - but there is supposed to be some kind of recital/dance program that all the students will be part of some time end of May.

Arrangements are still to be finalized regarding the date and location - but until then, this pose will just have to be enough a glimpse of such talent. The dance group in charge of all these happen to be the Powerdance group and lessons are happening way back in Eastwood. Oh well... end of May isn't that far off any more. I can wait.

Day 034 May 12, 2012

Remiel's in town:

This is a mini- reunion of I/ACT people. The reason for this is because Remiel wanted to see as many of us as possible, plus he wanted to give Lydda and me a little token of appreciation for our helping document his past (here in the Philippines) for employment reasons. I guess our recommendations worked, and he's in a better job for it.

Anyway, with us is Jay, plus the people not in the camera (Lydda, Sol, Alex and Eric). It was just a small group, this being both a relatively sudden invitation and one at that for people seemingly too busy for weekday evening meetings or gatherings. Needless to say, there will be a part two for this... this time, on a weekday, and more likely a drinking get together.

Day 033 May 11, 2012

Giving a cow?

This gives me some high school memories. I used to love this - never mind that they were spicy (but sweet) and had a slight jerky texture, they were great snacks far as I was concerned, and needed the aid of a soft drink to wash down the spiciness.

To say I was pleasantly surprised when Gina brought this out from her home in one of our impromptu drinking sessions, would have been accurate. I then opened one pack, right there and then to reacquaint myself with an old favorite snack. How did it feel after all these years? Well, for starters, the jerkiness was still there. I don't know if it's my imagination or there are less items in each pack these days... and lastly, the spiciness was... well... not that present. I hoped to feel it, but nope... it wasn't there.

Dang... a childhood experience partially lost I guess. Today's Cow Label were not this bland in our times.

Day 032 May 10, 2012

Truffles anyone?

I love these kind of chocolates... they're rich, tasty and come across as definitely delectable. Not too fun eating them when they're melted though. And the nice thing is, the outer covering is normally a combination of light and dark chocolate, with the truffle filling just waiting to be consumed inside.

The first company that came up with the seafood/sea shells motif (far as I know) was Guylian (see the link at the end of this paragraph for more information) and boy was I hooked. In fact, during those times I would find myself in the Duty Free, I would get at least a box of these. They're a bit pricey though... and like any famous product - subject to cloning or copying.http://www.guylian.be/en/home/ 

Such is the case of these chocolates you see in the photo - I know they're not Guylian (they're seashells by Trefin), but they taste good. Looks like Guylian is in trouble if they don't make things easier for them to be distributed and sold - specifically at a lower price. Specially since there seems to be a new entrant that was able to be close to the real thing. For me, this would be a 'win' situation for the consumers. I just hope that should the competition get fierce, the different producers do not sacrifice quality over cost. Meanwhile I'm off to grab a chocolate (or two) - and no... I won't finish these all in one sitting. I like savoring the chocolates... stretching my eating experience into days. So yeah, that's my E.Q. reason.

Day 031 May 09, 2012

New Photography References:

As usual, I still buy Digital Photographer Philippines on a monthly basis, as it continues to be a source for tips and ideas, coming from both professionals and promising newbies.

On the other hand, I also got the Ultimate Field Guide to Photography by the authors/photographers of the National Geographic magazine.  If the magazine shows tips, the book offers supposed best practices for anyone taking up the hobby. Just reading through the first two chapters have given me added insight about the hobby I practice.

Day 030 May 08, 2012

Light and Shadows:

As I was playing around with shadows and the lighting coming from the windows, I placed this mug, filled with water on the long table top and suddenly saw it from this vantage point. Naturally, I saw how the light's reflections and the shadows played on the mug and table's surface.

I then chose to position the mug partially against the window's lighting, hoping to show the mug's handle against the light, while making sure there is enough ambient light in the surroundings to form the shape of the mug. What I was trying to achieve here is to barely show the cup against the light and shadows.

Had it not been for the poster's slightly bluish hue, it could easily be mistaken for a black and white picture. As far as artistic methods go, I hope I've achieved something here, and am wondering if there is anything I still need to practice, experiment on or muster.

Should I have made the cup a bit more visible? Lessen the glare of the light in the background? I really don't know. I could try experimenting with the photo a bit... that's the advantage of digital pictures.

Day 029 May 07, 2012

Through the Glass:

Today I conducted Leadership Skills for New Supervisors with Alain... nothing new there. Though it has been a long time since I've had this assignment, and I have to admit having to review the materials again - but just like riding a bike - even if it has not been done for years, it easily comes back to me.

Now, as is usually the case, I half the conduct with my partners - in this case, Alain prefers the first half (morning session) while I take the afternoon portion. This practice allows me more time to travel from my usual route. Should it not be necessary, like today, we still follow the same practice. It's a Win-Win situation for us both, so we continue it. This particular picture was shot through the peep area of the glass walls - thus giving it a near panoramic view with the top and bottom whited out. It's a rather nice effect, and I have to admit... one I thought of out of boredom.

Day 028 May 06, 2012

Super Moon:

This weekend happens to be the day when the moon is slightly closer to the Earth, making it about 12% larger than it normally is. It, therefore, makes moon photographers want to maximize the effort of taking their best shots at the moon.

In my case, I already had taken photos of the moon twice... once at a similar proximity, and another when an eclipse afforded a unique look at things. Still... I could not let slip this particular opportunity to try and take another picture... hopefully, a better one than the last time. My challenge this particular evening was the fact that it has been raining the past days, and the clouds were covering the moon. Still, I just waited for the clouds to part while setting up the camera, tripod and timer... after all, if I needed a relatively long exposure, I needed the shot to be stable... no shakes at all.

Clouds parted and I started taking pictures of the moon. Here is one example.

Day 027 May 05, 2012

Free Comic Book Day:

Today is Free Comic Book Day as celebrated around the world. Thus today finds me in Robinson's Galeria... specifically at the comic shop named Comics Odyssey, where around 600+ people have gathered to try and get a free comic book specially created for this day.

The program tries to introduce comics to non regular readers, and gives retailers a chance to give back to their loyal customers (I got a free shirt out of this, since I bought roughly about 2K worth of comics that day. As I was about to leave the place I bumped into Rudy; who also gets some of his comics in this same shop. Thus we were able to get someone to take our picture together. After all, a hobby shared is twice as enjoyable.

Day 026 May 04, 2012

Night shot:

This picture was taken some time around 6:30pm... the time when it's not entirely night yet... but getting there in a few more minutes. Hence the sky looks really blue - while the establishments (specially fast foods like the one in this picture) are already filled with their lights on.

Times like these, the insides are quite visible form the outside - that being the insides are a whole lot brighter than their outside surroundings. This effect makes the overall picture a lot nicer to look at... after all, it's not just the building and it's silhouette that is taken, but it's people as well.

Day 025 May 03, 2012

New dish:

This particular dish Barbie and I learned at one TV channel. It looked easy to do and our curiosity was piqued. Come next grocery time, we decided to get the needed ingredients... namely broccoli, cheddar cheese, powdered black pepper and olive oil. It's not even frying, as more like grilling... the olive oil is more to make sure things don't stick in the cookie pan, and it is rather healthy.

The pepper and cheese add to the taste, and all we needed to do was to place all these in the oven for a few minutes, before enjoying it. Even Bryce and Bernice liked it. I foresee this as not the last time we will be preparing this.

Day 024 May 02, 2012

Dogs at Play:

Once in a while, I let the two dogs out  so they can play in the garage... normally I time it when there are hardly any cars, thus affording them all the space to run and play as this picture shows. When I saw them playing, I grabbed my camera and tried catching them in action - no easy feat as they can run fast (which is why this picture is a bit blurry).

This is their exercise, and aside from running, they play what I consider as their version of wrestling. Once they've been doing this for a few minutes, they usually come back in to drink water. In some instances, Bubbles will then look for the sun (assuming it is shining) and do some sun bathing. I guess she needs it because I noticed that any wounds she may have gets dry a whole lot faster when she goes sun bathing. Buffy, on the other hand, prefers staying indoor, usually at the couch, or under it... specially when she sees me using the laptop by the couch.

Day 023 May 01, 2012

Army Navy snacks:

After an afternoon of checking out a location for a possible business endeavor, Barbie, Bernice and I went to Greenhills (instead of Shang once again), so they could have a few parlor moments, while I went around the shopping area.

Naturally, we would get a bit hungry and before we went home, would decide to go to the nearest eating place (below the parlor they went to, and... ahem, still within reach of said parlor's WiFi capabilites) - which just happens to be the Army and Navy Burgers and Burritos.

Last time we went here, I got myself a burger and it lasted me beyond dinner time. This time, I did not have such plans so Bernice and I got some quesadillas, while Barbie wanted some fries (which are a bit smaller than your regular sized fries... and a bit spicier). If there was any down side to this place, it would be the fact that it looks perpetually full and one would, at times, have difficulties finding a free table. Lucky for us, we were able to find one to share with.

Any way, the quesadillas were fine, from a hunger stopper perspective - but not from a 'too full to have dinner' viewpoint. I tried taking the picture of Bernice but she was moving forward a bit fast, so the camera's focus instead went to the serving window. Oh well... so Bernice's pic isn't that sharp - but it's still clear enough.

Day 022 Apr 30, 2012

Shang's 6th Floor:

First of all... the reason I was here was to accompany Bernice and Barbie. I had no personal reason for coming here. Second... we wanted to take advantage of the Starbucks summer special - namely a 50% discount on all their fraps every Monday afternoon... from 2 to 6pm. On a hot day like this, who'd be crazy to pass up a chance to get these fraps at such a price?

Now after we've enjoyed our fraps, Barbie and Bernice went to do their errands - which was not supposed to last long, but obviously, this did not happen and they probably just went around. This left me alone (with no cellphone) so I could not just get up and walk, because they would not be able contact me afterwards.

That said, I got a bit bored and started looking around for interesting stuff. I then whipped out my DSLR and took a few shots (I also did the same with my iPad earlier). This shot in particular was because I wanted to get the lighting of the corridor right in front of where I was sitting... specifically, I wanted to see how my camera got the lavender lighting not just on the ceiling... but on the shiny floor as well. Turns out, it looked great. Could be better, given some hindsight... but still, with what I have... just great.

Day 021 Apr 29, 2012

Comic Purchases this week.

While I'm still on the fence as a possible consumer of either Digital or Paper-based comics, I will continue to buy comics on an almost weekly basis. That said, I would have to point out that these comics (and those the week before) were purchased at a new place -  that is, new to my purchasing habits. I mean to say that I am now getting my comics from Comics Odyssey in Robinson's Galleria. I've known this place for quite some time, but out of the service I have been getting from Filbars' I would stick with them. However, as I got to know Odyssey longer, and as I was getting a discount form them when I bought large amounts, I was comparing how I was being treated by both places.

Filbar's still allows me to reserve and they hold things for me... but so does Odyssey. Both give me discounts. But here's where Odyssey gets the better of Filbar's. They email me a list of comics arriving - and all their comics come with acid free backing boards and plastics with no extra cost. Filbar's has been inconsistent in giving the boards or plastics (sometimes asking me to pay extra if I chose to get them, in other times, they give it... other times, there simply is no stock). When I ask both to seek back issues - they do... but I feel that Odyssey gets it done better.

I'm sure Filbar's gives me more issues of free comics in Free Comic book Day... but I've yet to experience Odyssey with this (which I shall on Saturday), so I can't compare - yet. Meanwhile... I'll be enjoying my issues. Looking forward to Aquaman, and am curious about Saga. Following the whole Avengers vs. X-men as well. Don't think I'll get to finish reading them all in one day - don't intend to either.