5 Things in 2011
Lately I've been M.I.A due to lack of inspiration, but today, something random sparked. So here I am with this, what do you call it, 'meme'. It's that time of the year when you decide to look back at what you've done and try to make a list of New Year Resolutions. I don't follow to-do lists but if you do then, hey, it's a good thing. 2011, like the years before and the years to come, has its ups and downs, and of course, first-time moments.
Cheers to epiphanies, revelations and self-discovery. Here are five random things that happened this year:
1. My first attempt at reading a non-fictional book
Having a pet helped me discover a lot of things because taking care of it - him - requires plenty of research. I recently picked up Stanley Coren's How To Speak Dog and it's surprisingly good. Among interesting facts, there are witty and amusing stories (worth laugh-out-loud moments) told by the writer's acquaintances or simply experienced by the writer. If you think that the spotlight of this book is centered solely on canines, you're wrong. I learned a lot about other animals. I won't deny it - this book is life-changing and thought-provoking. You'll be surprised at what your dog is really trying to say. A dog's actions are not what humans assume them to be.
2. The year I spend more than an hour on DeviantArt
I don't, like, have my own page but sometimes when I get bored, I wander over there just so I can search up video game art or whatever I think of and spend hours admiring, observing and appreciating. The art created there is beautiful beyond words. The way talented DeviantArt artists perceive the world is indescribable. And hey, I even found out that getting a BFA in game art is possible. Wow. Never knew that. Am enlightened. On the side note, I'd like to own a Wacom tablet someday.
3. Keeping up with the Kardashians? Heck, no! Keeping up with game updates
I wouldn't say that I'm an avid gamer, but I wouldn't say that I'm not. I like playing video games twice and earning in-game achievements. Gaming isn't just for the sake of winning or completing it faster than your friends. If gamers would just stop rushing through their games, they might actually learn a thing or two and prove that gaming isn't just a brainless activity you do for entertainment. Okay, I'm going waaaay off-topic. I've been reading game news for the past three months or so because, you know, celebrity news is 'so 2008'. I'm kidding. I know just about any game out there now - Skyrim, Super Mario, Soul Calibur, Portal, Alan Wake - and I even remember a few company names of video game developers. You ask it, I name it. Just don't ask me this question, please-- Call of Duty or Battlefield?
4. Taking the time to learn how to pronounce Constantinople (and other words, of course!!)
Surprise, surprise! More intellectual stuff! Reading, writing, learning, it never gets boring. New challenges are great. When I come across a word that I've never seen, I try to pronounce it mentally. It always sounds perfect in my head, but it's a total tongue-twister disaster when I say it out loud. Not weird at all. 'Constantinople' was one of these words. Other words include 'Machiavellianism', 'meringue', 'harangue', 'juxtaposition' and most recently, 'conversazione'. It's those words I hardly use, but 'tis the season to be curious, I went to search them up this year. Lesson learned: Don't be afraid to satisfy your inner curiosity!
5. Everything starts with a base (even cheesecake)
For architecture, it's called 'blueprints'. For fashion design, it's a 'croquis'. 'Outline' for stories, 'biscuit crumbs' for cheesecake. Everything has a base. I didn't notice this until I started sketching. I used to start out with a letter 'U' as the head and chin. Then I would draw hair, features and so on. But I wouldn't know where the legs of the human belonged on the drawing. Are they too near to the right? Are they too short? Too long? I had no idea. So I did some research and decided to begin my next drawing with a croquis. I sketched the entire human form and then 'dressed' the sketch with clothes, accessories and such. Eureka! She shoots, she scores, she wins! Thus, the base is a very important element of whatever you're trying to create.
Wow. This is seriously long-winded. I have so much more unrelated things to say. But I think I'm done. Okay, I'm done. This makes up for all the action I've missed. 
Now it's your turn. Five random and memorable things that you've achieved / learned / realized in 2011. It doesn't really matter. Whatever that comes to your mind. This is a live-in-the-moment meme. What are you staring at? The clock is ticking, the year is ending. Get your notebook out and get creative!
C.
it’s not the first time, it’s not the worst crime
"There is no sense in crying over spilt milk. Why bewail what is done and cannot be recalled?"
I remember I cried once because I lost a few items in a game I used to play. Yes, it was a horrible feeling but I was reminded that it was just a game and the things weren't even real. Then, I realized I had been playing games the wrong way.
Games are for fun and for one to learn how to relax. I wasn't relaxing at all. I was just being an idiot by getting mad or sad at those stupid stuff they had in the game. It wasn't even one of those strategic games that gives us an excuse to become frustrated. It was a childish (but likable) game. Games are made for us to enjoy. We shouldn't be ripping out our hair while playing games because the meaning of 'game' would lose its meaning. That's something I learned.
So, I don't really care what happens in whatever game I play. I try my best to enjoy it. I have to admit that I get overly excited when I play games and sometimes I may seem demanding but I try not to be.
Well, this is just a random thought and a lesson to remember. 
i’m searching everywhere to find her again
This is how I look like :
Seriously. I'm so love drunk.
x
This is Assassin's Creed.
9.5/10 for me! I'm no big or professional game reviewer but I thought this game was so amazing. I don't regret playing it. At first I was like blah then I didn't see any harm in trying a new game. I was so intrigued by the storyline that I was practically glued to the screen.
So the story is about Desmond Miles, a bartender, kidnapped by Abstergo Industries. They use an Animus to recover an artifact in Desmond's ancestor's memories. Then, Desmond goes into the Animus.
Meet Altair.
He's Desmond's ancestor and he's an assassin. Most of the game is from Altair's point of view. He's not Desmond, they just look very much alike with similar features. I love his skills and agility. The way he jumps from building to building and climbing towers and blending in with the crowds. It makes me look up to him as if he wasn't a fictional person. There's also the Eagle Vision ability which comes useful in time. Altair's choice of words are really good and I love the way he walks (LOL).
This is Kristen Bell. She is the face and the voice of Lucy Stillman, Desmond's ally.
I think she looks like a nice person, doesn't she? I loved the conversations between Lucy and Desmond. My brother was right - listening is one of the fun parts of the game.
The whole ride through the game was very enjoyable. It takes days to finish this game because of the impossibly good and long storyline. That's what attracts a gamer, right? A long game with good stuff all the way.
The story is something like this - Altair breaks the rules of the Assassin's Creed. Al-Mualim (the leader of the Assassins) demotes him from Altair's rank, Master Assassin, and gives him another chance to prove himself by assassinating nine people to bring peace but there's a tenth person actually... Well, I won't spoil the ending for you if you haven't played it. I also learned a few memorable quotes. Very unexpected and sudden ending if you did not suspect a thing in the starting.
The game was slightly hard and complicating but challenging and very worth it. I love how things happen in the Animus and outside of the Animus. Amazingly awesome. Oh, did I mention that the music is equally amazing? The music keeps your adrenaline pumping and thrills rolling in your stomach.
All I wanna say is, the game doesn't end as soon as it seems. Don't expect too much and it will be fun.
Meet Ezio Auditore.
He is a descendant of Altair and an ancestor of Desmond. He is Italian and the main character in Assassin's Creed II. He has two hidden blades.
I'm gonna mark down the release date of Assassin's Creed II for PC. (: I'm soooo looking forward to the sequel.
I love you and I'm sorry I'm such a gamer.
you’re bigger than me
Him : Wanna play again?
Me : OMG, yes!!! Play what?
Him : Left 4 Dead 2.
Me : *face falls* 
Okay, anything.
Story of my life.
All I want for next Christmas is a computer where I can download all the games I want and play it whenever I want instead of begging or pretending. 
we rock the satellites
Is it just me or does the radio channel change whenever I hear a song I like?
Maybe because of my really, really bad taste of music. Or you just hate the kind of music I like.
I realize I like some songs other people hate. Like it or not, here is my top ten.
One - Lady Gaga (ft. Beyonce)
Telephone
Two - One Republic
All The Right Moves
Three - Michael Learns To Rock
You Took My Heart Away
Four - Boys Like Girls
Contagious
Five - All American Rejects
Gives You Hell
Six - Adam Lambert
Pick U Up
Seven - Little Boots
New In Town
Eight - Low Shoulder
Through The Trees
Nine - Weezer
Perfect Situation
Ten - Jesse McCartney
It's Over
x
Did I mention I hate the remake of We Are The World?
Totally unoriginal because of the unknown new singers. What's up with the synthesized voices too? Hey, no Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson, no good, okay?
x
What do you call a person obsessed with long sleeves?
The obsession starts only if you look good in them.
x
The review, coming soon.
The game, craving for it now.
Must. Control. Argh.
x
Later.
hey, slow it down
I finished playing Batman : Arkham Asylum yesterday.
The ending was great. I can't wait for the sequel. I really enjoyed playing the game, especially the sneaking around and taking down the baddies silently. I would definitely play it again in normal mode, not easy mode.
But it's not the same reason why I want to play Modern Warfare 2 again. It's because MW2 has eye candy realistic effects, great storyline and everything. Or maybe because I want to play all the maps alone without the help of others. I really don't know how to explain it but I just want to play it. Again.
I spent my morning playing Left 4 Dead 2. Awesomeness. I love playing as Ellis or Nick.
x
These days are just games, games, games.
I hardly listen to music. Only if someone plays some music, I'll just stay and listen.
x
Top 5.
Adam Lambert - Whataya Want From Me
Go watch the video! It's so nice and emotional. Very different compared to For Your Entertainment video. He looks good in that long-sleeved shirt he was wearing. And the colour of his eyes are the nicest I've ever seen. I love it when he doesn't gel his hair. I love this song.. of course.
T.I - Whatever You Like
I mean, I would love to have whatever I like. Don't you?
Simple Plan - When I'm Gone
Always awesome music video.
One Republic - Say (All I Need)
Love Ryan Tedder's Lacoste shoes.
Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You
I love, love, love Adam's vest! It's so cute because it's connected to the shirt.
x
The weekends flew by again.
be careful what you wish for
My nose is screwed up and I feel like crap.
FML.
x
Reflex is not as good as Jumper. Sure, Jumper was about child abuse, crying, wars, relationships and complications but Reflex only had one or two storylines and that was all. This side was all about David Rice trying to escape from the people who kidnapped him and that side was all about Millie trying to save David.
End of story.
Each part was described inch by inch in a really long, boring way and I was itching to jump to the next few pages. The action scenes were pretty good but overall, there weren't as many moral values and the story was so-so only. The torturing parts were.. torturing and scary and slightly sickening.
Millie being able to 'jump' was just ridiculous. Just because David had teleported her around for a decade then she can start 'jumping'. So that means their kids were eventually start 'jumping' and their kids' lovers will start 'jumping' and their grandkids will start 'jumping' and so on? How ridiculous.
Conclusion : I don't like it. The ending didn't even make me swell with pride like I did for Jumper because he made good decisions and the ending was so simple - "We jumped."
I'm sorry but I feel like I lost my interest for this book. Now, I'll just wait for the second movie to be released.
x
I've been playing Batman : Arkham Asylum these days and I find it pretty interesting. Very good storyline and realistic graphics. I'm not done with the whole game but for now, I think it's really nice.
But I really miss playing Modern Warfare 2. I mean, I know a lot of you don't like it but I really enjoy the story and everything.
x
I'm not gonna upload any pictures today and I'm not even sure if I'll do a top ten for next week because I haven't been listening to much music and there aren't many new songs these days. At least new songs that I will actually like.
I don't have a favorite song. Anymore. I don't want to have a favorite song. I don't feel like having a favorite song.
My nose is noisy as hell and there's a mountain of tissues building up on the floor. I feel like flinging the tissue box against the ceiling but I won't because it'll get chopped up and it'll be all my fault.
x
I just know that there's nothing to cheer me up.
How depressing is that?
Later.
the rest of the summer was the best we ever had
What I did these two days.
Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes.
Jude Law as Dr. John Watson.
(BTW, it's his birthday today. So happy birthday, Jude Law. 
)
Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler.
Very smart movie. And very worth watching.
Eddie Murphy as Dr. Dolittle.
Do you believe in talking to animals? (:
Alvin and the Chipmunks : The Squeakquel. Not as bad as I thought.
The Chipettes - Jeanette (Anna Faris), Brittany (Christina Applegate), Eleanor (Amy Poehler).
Alvin, the witty chipmunk, voiced by Justin Long.
Simon, the brainy chipmunk, voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler.
Theodore, the chubby chipmunk, voiced by Jesse McCartney.
Step Up 2 : The Streets.
Starring Briana Evigan and Robert Hoffman.
I am a movie maniac after all. Unexpectedly good movies, I gotta say.
Less music, more movies, please.
x
Craving for :
Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 2.
Why did the freaking* thing crash? No one is willing to reinstall it. First, I'm so happy I get to do something that actually kills time. Then, the freaking* thing has to black out and crash. And then, no one cares. Story of my life.
x
How do you, how do you.. listen to music?
Ignore me.
x
Two more days. Stoked! I think.
we’ve run out of words, we’ve run out of time
Call Of Duty : Modern Warfare 2 (a.k.a COD6)
Realistic graphics and effects, gorgeous characters and personalities, exciting action and thrill, makes Call Of Duty 6 an extremely enjoyable and excellent game. What else could anyone ask for?
Riot shields
The effects are unbelievable. The sandstorm, the blizzard, the rain. It's as if you're living the game. What the player has to do - riding snowmobiles, driving boats and cars, controlling machine guns, using heartbeat sensors, climbing ice mountains, protecting civilians, using riot shields, going underwater, saving hostages - is just crazily amazing.
I'm so glad Sergeant "Soap" MacTavish returns as Captain MacTavish, but as a non-playable character. I am definitely not disappointed with the way he looks because I never imagined him as anything while controlling him in Call Of Duty 4. I mean, he is a really hot cool captain. Check out his haircut! He's got the half mohawk hairstyle going on, like David Beckham. Imagine the young newbie he was in COD4, having Captain Price and Gaz as his mentors. In COD6, he's the role-model! He can even pick himself up when he falls down, unlike the times when he fell down in COD4. That's how professional he is in COD6. Oh, don't be disappointed, he becomes the played character in the last three missions.
Captain "Soap" MacTavish
And Captain Price? He's like the coolest captain since COD4. He was pretty intimidating in the first game but he's warmed up to Soap a lot in Modern Warfare 2. I totally forgot about him since I paid too much attention to the game. When he appeared, I was so excited, the brother was like 
. Oops, my bad. He is still the awesome, caring captain with smart words. He's as professional as his Captain MacMillan and Soap is as professional as Captain Price. I love how Soap respects him so much. It's so nice and so good to see them going on missions together again.
I miss Gaz from COD4, but I guess "Ghost" replaces him, since they're both voiced by the same person. Sadly, "Ghost" died along with Gary "Roach" Sanderson (Playable character throughout most of the game, Soap is his superior officer and mentor) after General Shepherd betrayed them. Damn, just as I was beginning to like Roach.
In the eastern coast, the soldiers there aren't that bad too. Sergeant Foley is a really strict guy. Don't blame him, he's the squad leader. There's Corporal Dunn in the squad too. According to someone, he's good-looking. I wonder if it's the stubs on his jaw or his boyish face. I love the happy ending of popping sparks on the roof. It made me happy because it is a happy ending anyway.
Vladimir Makarov
Makarov is the main baddie of the game, but later on, he tells Captain Price the location of General Shepherd, the traitor. But Makarov shot down Joseph Allen, the Ranger (playable character for first few missions). There's no denying he has the bad guy look.
Then, there are witty and sarcastic conversations between the soldiers. I love listening to those. They make me smile and laugh. Told you the game isn't only about shooting people and violence. There are important moral values like teamwork, friendship and taking initiative. That's what I love.
Oh, did I mention how much I love the guns in Modern Warfare 2? The machine guns are awesome! I love the M240 Heartbeat (first mission with Soap)! It's so cool. I can't even remember what the other guns are called. But they're all really nice.
"Cliffhanger"
The last mission was... painful. Soap is badly hurt after the fall and General Shepherd stabs him in the chest. Captain Price comes at the right time, like the typical hero he is, and has a fist fight with Shepherd. God, imagine the pain when Soap tried to pull out the knife from his chest. Yeah, the player has to do it. After (SPOILER!) Shepherd is dead, Captain Price gets up to help the half-conscious Soap. Nikolai (Russian ally from COD4) comes in a helicopter and helps Soap and the limping Captain Price. It ends abruptly.
Modern Warfare 3? Definitely. No story can end like that.
I love the bonus mission. Press the red button on the desk in the museum and you'll get a really nice surprise. Oh, remember to grab a proper gun before doing that or you'll regret it.
I don't think I'll get sick of playing this game. I played it twice on the same day and I still want to play it again! 9.5/10 rating for this game. Highly recommended!
Modern Warfare 3, I'm waiting.
Infinity Ward/Activision games are ingenious and I love them.
we could fill in all the pages
Left 4 Dead 2 Survivors
Left to right : Ellis, Coach, Rochelle, Nick
L4D2 isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Five exciting maps. Who are you kidding? I love the thrill of playing new games and maps. I enjoyed Left 4 Dead 1 a lot. Not to mention, the new survivors have different personalities.
Ellis seems like a really nice guy and he's the youngest survivor. I love his accent. It's so nice. Coach is like a father figure to them with the group spirit thing. He keeps encouraging them to keep together and keep going. Rochelle is the only female survivor but she doesn't seem to say much, in my opinion, though she has a contagious laugh. Nick is my favorite survivor to play because he's so witty and sarcastic.
Moving along to the special infected. The Spitter has an amazing damage but she's easy to spot because she walks around with a trail of green spit trailing out her mouth. The Jockey is annoying because it pops out of nowhere and jumps onto a survivor and controls his/her movement. The Charger isn't that easy to spot, but it's easy to dodge, since it only walks in a straight line. The female Boomer is taller (and prettier) than the male Boomer. The Hunter makes a slightly different sound and the Smoker is uglier than before. Surprise! The Tank is still impressive and walks faster. The Walking Witch is scary because she looks like any other normal infected and if you're not careful, you may shoot her by accident. She also makes a scarier sobbing sound.
The uncommon infected are really interesting. Like the bulletproof ones and ones immune to fire. It just makes everything harder and more challenging.
I have something to say about the normal infected - they are modern. Yes, the infected in L4D2 are really modern. For the male infected, some are shirtless (pack of ribs included) and some even wear cargo shorts! The female infected wear short shorts with tank tops (just like my classmates! LOL).
The unlimited hordes are extremely challenging because you have to run through them and shoot them. They just keep coming until you deactivate the alarms. It's best to use a melee weapon in these situations. The main weapons are awesome. Some are familiar to me because they existed in COD4 like the AK-47.
Not to mention, there's a real storyline to this game. L4D1 did not have a storyline. Each campaign is connected. I enjoyed "Dead Center", the first campaign, especially the last map. Other maps like "Dark Carnival" (featuring creepy clown infected and the tunnel of love), "Swamp Fever" (featuring Mudmen and slimy mud, slowing down the movement of the survivors), "Hard Rain" (featuring great and realistic rain effects) and "The Parish" are also enjoyable.
Overall : Great game, recommended. (It's not as bad as you think it is. Sorry, haters.)
Okay, I think I've said enough.
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