Its been two years since I started teaching, I'm still nervous. Its been two years since I started teaching, I still need to rehearse my classes in my head every night before I go to bed. Its been two years and I still pace back and forth thinking of how I should conduct the class and myself. Its been two years and I'm still nervous. To be honest, after two years, I expect my mind to have accustomed to all this. It would be automatic. It would feel natural. Everyday at work is another regular day.
Is it because I'm scared? Is it because I dread the thought of having to do more than just interact with other people? Is it because I am avoiding being emotionally invested and actually showing any genuine emotion in my work?
All of us, in general, dream of a job that is fulfilling at multiple different levels. I have always imagined myself doing repetitive and mundane work. One that does not involve high level of interpersonal interaction. One that involves working with non-human entities; like computers, papers or machines of any kind what so ever. A job that does not oblige me of being emotionally invested. A job that allows me forget what happens at the office as soon as I press my thumb on the scanner. To return home without having it to cling on the back of my head as I watch TV, have dinner, wash dishes, have conversations, brush my teeth, iron my clothes, prop my bed and lie down to sleep.
So, this is a silly, immature and unrealistic thought. I am still very grateful of everything. I do realize that I still have better work benefits than most people deserve.
Here's to the start of the next day.
Cheers. Good night. And early to rise.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Awkward-Zone Veteran
I think I'm always stuck in the most awkward of situations more than any average person should. After all this time I've always wondered why haven't I ever wither and die to continuous over-exposure of element Awkwardium-116. I'd like to think I'm a strong person because I went through most of those situations alone, unflinching and unyielding.
Wherever I go, I will always be locked in these super-awkward situations. It's like im gravitating towards them. and from the way I see it, there's bound to be more of them soon. People must've think that I could a face like the great wall of China by now.
Here's a great song to inspire yourselves with, it comes highly recommended (by me, of course):
....Cheers.
p/s: Jason Mraz concert on 19th June and I can't go. My heart breaks.
Wherever I go, I will always be locked in these super-awkward situations. It's like im gravitating towards them. and from the way I see it, there's bound to be more of them soon. People must've think that I could a face like the great wall of China by now.
Here's a great song to inspire yourselves with, it comes highly recommended (by me, of course):
....Cheers.
p/s: Jason Mraz concert on 19th June and I can't go. My heart breaks.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I could just scream
So, this pretty much sums up what happens today:
p/s:
SO. MUCH. CUTE. HNGGHKHH...*diabetes*
p/s:
SO. MUCH. CUTE. HNGGHKHH...*diabetes*
Monday, January 30, 2012
Good Birds Don't Fly Away
Just the other night I was playing Armed Assault 2 (ArmA2). It is a brilliant military sim, to say the least.
while i was playing on Armory mode, which lets me test out weapons, vehicle, characters to unlock more of those (you can even play from the eyes of a GOAT), suddenly something really bizarre happened.
So, it goes like this: it was a fine day. I was out stalking my target as usual.
while i was playing on Armory mode, which lets me test out weapons, vehicle, characters to unlock more of those (you can even play from the eyes of a GOAT), suddenly something really bizarre happened.
So, it goes like this: it was a fine day. I was out stalking my target as usual.
dududu duu hmm.. this is not the guy i want.
this guy fits the description of driving a vehicle, unarmed. now, i'll just position myself and wait for perfect time to pull the trigger. okay, deep breaths, here we go......
.....and, what is THIS? What the hay is going on here? why am i a bird? A message reads: "Good birds don't fly away from this game. I have only myself to blame". Wow, that's deep..and cryptic.
So, after flying for a few minutes and there was some gunshot below, i was brought to the black screen telling me that my character died.
Respawned. Challenge failed. What in the hay just happened back there?
So, I was left completely puzzled for a few minutes, later, dashed for the forums. It appears that you turning into a bird is actually a DRM (digital rights management) thing. Oh yeah, did i mention i was playing a pirated copy of ArmA 2? In other words, its how Bohemia Interactive Studios punishing you for pirating their game. I've heard of DRM blocking people midgame once they detected your license is a fake. or blocking you from starting the game. But i've never seen the developers trolled on pirates before. Oh yeah, except in that Batman game where you can't hurt the final boss if you're playing a pirated copy. Or Macrovision on DVDs that produces uneven audio and visuals when it detects a duplication process.
Maybe i should get a copy of ArmA 2. Its a pretty good sim, if not ridden by bugs and glitches.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
yup mondays
fluttershy is not pleased.
I don't have elevator rides on my way work nor elevator music to mock at a weekend past. Monday is now out of the way and its time to get to business.
I don't have elevator rides on my way work nor elevator music to mock at a weekend past. Monday is now out of the way and its time to get to business.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
i woke up to a sweet dream last night. it was pumpkin pie sweet when i woke up i can feel myself blush in the dark and then fell back asleep, smiling.
woke up early in the morning. today everything went a-okay. i enjoyed teaching Civics. Class went okay. Work was okay. some suit from the ministry came visiting and I was seen at my best. Had a good discussion.
up until now, i still wonder: could that dream really will happen? It was so everything about it was so real. so vivid. I really wish it does. I haven't had a sweet dream like that in, like, years.
woke up early in the morning. today everything went a-okay. i enjoyed teaching Civics. Class went okay. Work was okay. some suit from the ministry came visiting and I was seen at my best. Had a good discussion.
up until now, i still wonder: could that dream really will happen? It was so everything about it was so real. so vivid. I really wish it does. I haven't had a sweet dream like that in, like, years.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
something everypony can relate to
i like the duality theme in these pics. they accurately represent the insecurities and neurotism of the neurotic ponies in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Everypony knows some of the fun episodes are the ones that focuses on a pony and how they experience mental/nervous breakdowns (see Season 1 Episode 24, Season 2 Episode 3). How's that for a kids show? (photos taken from bronies.memebase.com)
pinkie pie on 0:43 is freaky as shit.
creepy on 0:06 and 0:23
pinkie pie on 0:43 is freaky as shit.
creepy on 0:06 and 0:23
the dragonborn comes (cover) by Malukah
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Monday, November 14, 2011
in the dark
counting today, its been, like, 2 weeks and a half without electricity. Well, not exactly 2 weeks. there were blackouts varying 3 to 4 days in length. Then, interrupted by the electricity turning back on for, also, varying lengths of time - from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. From 1 to 3 hours but never close to 24 hours. Its like they are toying with your feelings. this is breaking my heart.
from what i heard, there's a major problem with the island's generator causing all three of them unable to run. Auxiliary generators included. The cause: some say due to someone cutting corners, someone took a cut on the fuels, they were second-hand generators, the generators somehow blew their compressors. Damn, i heard a lot of rumors. as of right now, i am depending on the electricity provided by the school's independent power generators, which are available at a particular period of time. So, we are seizing those opportune times to charge the devices we city-dwellers so depend on.
What's worse: Me and my housemate were so busy we TOTALLY forgot about our fridge. We were eating by the jetty (beautiful view. for REAL. there are colourful fishies swimming below as we have our meals. Will post something on that.) every evening. When we got back we were so tired and it was really dark. We noticed it last sunday afternoon, when we returned from our sleepover at the office. to our despair, we left the meat we got from a "korban" for a week in the fridge. Allah is Merciful as He is Gracious! I've handled rotten chicken meat but this defecation hits the oscillation. the meat was practically rotten its falling off as i carried it. Like its melting. I am a trained professional when it comes to handling rotting wastes - at home the duty was trash, handling dead animals, cleaning where the animal died, burying dead animals, disposing of maggot, fungus ridden things, to name some - but this hits my gag reflex. I gagged. I even tried my usual technique - inhale deeply and accept the odour into my system - which failed. threw it away, the dogs took it away, problem solved.
but cleaning the fridge is another challenge. We had to clear everything as there were maggots in every shelf and every compartment. It was literally an infestation. and infestation you can't do away with a flamethrower. So, we got our hands dirty started cleaning. We were so methodical and structured in our cleaning efforts. i had maggot bits in my finger nails and some even landed near my mouth. but the day was won and now we only had find a way to get rid of the lingering odour.
night time is another challenge. usually we would hang out at the school trying to get some paperwork done. when we were tired or it is raining or the night is just too dark and scary to navigate, we would just sit in the dark being bored. occasionally filled it with gossip, jokes and whatnot. for dinner we had, if we did not feel like hitting the jetty, we would resort to dry foods. Instant noodles, canned food, crackers and junk food. The usual stuff, just like back in varsity. heh, memories. couldn't have the good stuff cuz the fridge is useless without electric juice.
today, my housemate had to leave the island for a meeting. tonight, i realized something worse than eating by yourself (well, i'm quite used to eating by myself. but just trying to get the point across). It is eating instant noodles by yourself in the dark, at a distance from civilization. Somehow, the dark acutely increases your perception. I can hear all sorts of noises. the sound of geckos tangling with each other. dogs howling from the edge of the village (seriously, dogs here can really do the horror movie howls, fo' shizz!). Water dripping from the tap. the wind. something walking on the roof (oh snap! for real). and most of time, absolute silence. your mind can't help but hoping and wanting to hear, or to see, something. anything. it makes the untrained mind desperate for stimulus. Despite of it being so, I have my DSi to keep me company (if i get to charge the thing).
I have to admit: being a guy who used to live with all the modern amenities, the absence of electricity can leave you dazed, baffled and confused. We are just so used to live with electricity and all gadgets that depend on it. the engineers that came into the island didn't really solve the problem. as long as they were in here, electricity was okay. as soon as they leave, power's gone. Don't you smell something suspicious? So far, I'm adjusting. the darkness and silence leaves with so much time for introspection: about my personal life so far. about other people. about my actions. about love and relationships. about my personal economy. and stuff like that. Apart from that, i don't see the power supply returning to normal anytime this month.
on another note, in a recent broadband spike (due to declining numbers of users online), i got to test out the multiplayer side of Battlefield 3. IT. IS. AWESOME. its far from the usual run and gun affair of other shooters. teamwork is key. you can really contribute to your team's victory even if you are not fastest gunner of them all. even if you have bad reflexes and aiming skills, you can still provide covering fire from a fixed position - suppressing the enemy while your mates get into position and you don't have to hit the enemy! now thats authentic combat tactics. getting kills doesn't matter. you and your mates will work to achieve the objectives. in fact, chasing after kills can be the reason that brings your team to defeat.
ok i will cover on that in a later post. probably will do a Battlefield 3 VS Call of Duty MW3 discussion. So, yeah. I hope you are all having the time of your lives. Here's to presevering in the name of moral obligation. Night.
from what i heard, there's a major problem with the island's generator causing all three of them unable to run. Auxiliary generators included. The cause: some say due to someone cutting corners, someone took a cut on the fuels, they were second-hand generators, the generators somehow blew their compressors. Damn, i heard a lot of rumors. as of right now, i am depending on the electricity provided by the school's independent power generators, which are available at a particular period of time. So, we are seizing those opportune times to charge the devices we city-dwellers so depend on.
What's worse: Me and my housemate were so busy we TOTALLY forgot about our fridge. We were eating by the jetty (beautiful view. for REAL. there are colourful fishies swimming below as we have our meals. Will post something on that.) every evening. When we got back we were so tired and it was really dark. We noticed it last sunday afternoon, when we returned from our sleepover at the office. to our despair, we left the meat we got from a "korban" for a week in the fridge. Allah is Merciful as He is Gracious! I've handled rotten chicken meat but this defecation hits the oscillation. the meat was practically rotten its falling off as i carried it. Like its melting. I am a trained professional when it comes to handling rotting wastes - at home the duty was trash, handling dead animals, cleaning where the animal died, burying dead animals, disposing of maggot, fungus ridden things, to name some - but this hits my gag reflex. I gagged. I even tried my usual technique - inhale deeply and accept the odour into my system - which failed. threw it away, the dogs took it away, problem solved.
but cleaning the fridge is another challenge. We had to clear everything as there were maggots in every shelf and every compartment. It was literally an infestation. and infestation you can't do away with a flamethrower. So, we got our hands dirty started cleaning. We were so methodical and structured in our cleaning efforts. i had maggot bits in my finger nails and some even landed near my mouth. but the day was won and now we only had find a way to get rid of the lingering odour.
night time is another challenge. usually we would hang out at the school trying to get some paperwork done. when we were tired or it is raining or the night is just too dark and scary to navigate, we would just sit in the dark being bored. occasionally filled it with gossip, jokes and whatnot. for dinner we had, if we did not feel like hitting the jetty, we would resort to dry foods. Instant noodles, canned food, crackers and junk food. The usual stuff, just like back in varsity. heh, memories. couldn't have the good stuff cuz the fridge is useless without electric juice.
today, my housemate had to leave the island for a meeting. tonight, i realized something worse than eating by yourself (well, i'm quite used to eating by myself. but just trying to get the point across). It is eating instant noodles by yourself in the dark, at a distance from civilization. Somehow, the dark acutely increases your perception. I can hear all sorts of noises. the sound of geckos tangling with each other. dogs howling from the edge of the village (seriously, dogs here can really do the horror movie howls, fo' shizz!). Water dripping from the tap. the wind. something walking on the roof (oh snap! for real). and most of time, absolute silence. your mind can't help but hoping and wanting to hear, or to see, something. anything. it makes the untrained mind desperate for stimulus. Despite of it being so, I have my DSi to keep me company (if i get to charge the thing).
I have to admit: being a guy who used to live with all the modern amenities, the absence of electricity can leave you dazed, baffled and confused. We are just so used to live with electricity and all gadgets that depend on it. the engineers that came into the island didn't really solve the problem. as long as they were in here, electricity was okay. as soon as they leave, power's gone. Don't you smell something suspicious? So far, I'm adjusting. the darkness and silence leaves with so much time for introspection: about my personal life so far. about other people. about my actions. about love and relationships. about my personal economy. and stuff like that. Apart from that, i don't see the power supply returning to normal anytime this month.
on another note, in a recent broadband spike (due to declining numbers of users online), i got to test out the multiplayer side of Battlefield 3. IT. IS. AWESOME. its far from the usual run and gun affair of other shooters. teamwork is key. you can really contribute to your team's victory even if you are not fastest gunner of them all. even if you have bad reflexes and aiming skills, you can still provide covering fire from a fixed position - suppressing the enemy while your mates get into position and you don't have to hit the enemy! now thats authentic combat tactics. getting kills doesn't matter. you and your mates will work to achieve the objectives. in fact, chasing after kills can be the reason that brings your team to defeat.
ok i will cover on that in a later post. probably will do a Battlefield 3 VS Call of Duty MW3 discussion. So, yeah. I hope you are all having the time of your lives. Here's to presevering in the name of moral obligation. Night.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
the vet and the n00b (a MW3 trailer)
the expression on the noob's face is totally priceless. i think the trailer has managed to catch some of the multiplayer essence of COD:MW. how newbies tend to wantonly fire the grenade launcher for easy kills and how most forget to aim down the sights (ADS) for accurate and efficient kills.
Despite the awesome trailer, I still remain skeptical towards MW3. will wailt for the reviews and youtube gameplay footages. the usual retailer have notified of limited copies of the games prior to release but i'm not gonna let that influence my purchase decisions. There's also TES:Skyrim coming this november.
Monday, October 10, 2011
2011: the year of unaccomplishments
just browsed through facebook. rummaging the old photos, by me and from friends. I miss the old times. everything was great (well, everythings kinda great now). youth is a wonderful thing. i miss the life. i miss the old friends. and i miss the joy of being able to accomplish something.
this year, i have adopted several bad work ethics. a lot did not get done. some things did not go well as expected. I am going to lose some important things. I am going to lose my postgraduate status. I might lose the trust of several people. i might as well stop whining about work now. gotta keep a positive, right?
you have to admit. at this age, you could feel the pressure to be tying the knot. the other workmates have been bugging the still-single ones about getting married. One may goes as far as trying to be a matchmaker. I have nothing against, and its great, but I hate to be forced into anything. but yes, i am currently interested in someone - is it mutual? now that is something i cant answer. i wouldn't make a bold step anytime within this year or the next. I don't know if i can handle the outcome - good and bad.
I'm taking too much unnecessary precautions. I avoid being nice to the opposite gender. I usually limit eye contact when talking to them. i try to keep conversations as brief as possible while trying to be polite. Heck, even when I'm in the mood of flirting I'm calculating the risks of actually getting serious its-crazy-i-know. I don't actually lead a tragic love life. I'm pretty tragic at relationships. I would bomb it out crazy nowhere. sometimes, i would bomb a relationship even before it has begun. i'm suicide-bombing my own love life. I wish i could have it normal like other people do. Introduce ourselves. Go out. Get to know other and stuff like that.
oh, yeah. I've just downloaded Bastion on Steam. Its huge fun. The colour palette in this game is very lush and dazzling, in an arty kinda way. get an XBox360 controller for Windows. its goes pretty well with a lot of games these days.
p/s: I've also picked up a Warhammer 40k's Assault on Black Reach miniature set. the paint set was rather expensive. Will be doing some assembling and miniature painting with the sister this coming holiday. I would probably let my little brother paint the Orks. Im watching and downloading some lessons on miniature painting techniques. Check out awesome paint vids by Les Burley on youtube and his site on http://www.awesomepaintjob.com/. His brush control is totally wicked.
this year, i have adopted several bad work ethics. a lot did not get done. some things did not go well as expected. I am going to lose some important things. I am going to lose my postgraduate status. I might lose the trust of several people. i might as well stop whining about work now. gotta keep a positive, right?
you have to admit. at this age, you could feel the pressure to be tying the knot. the other workmates have been bugging the still-single ones about getting married. One may goes as far as trying to be a matchmaker. I have nothing against, and its great, but I hate to be forced into anything. but yes, i am currently interested in someone - is it mutual? now that is something i cant answer. i wouldn't make a bold step anytime within this year or the next. I don't know if i can handle the outcome - good and bad.
I'm taking too much unnecessary precautions. I avoid being nice to the opposite gender. I usually limit eye contact when talking to them. i try to keep conversations as brief as possible while trying to be polite. Heck, even when I'm in the mood of flirting I'm calculating the risks of actually getting serious its-crazy-i-know. I don't actually lead a tragic love life. I'm pretty tragic at relationships. I would bomb it out crazy nowhere. sometimes, i would bomb a relationship even before it has begun. i'm suicide-bombing my own love life. I wish i could have it normal like other people do. Introduce ourselves. Go out. Get to know other and stuff like that.
oh, yeah. I've just downloaded Bastion on Steam. Its huge fun. The colour palette in this game is very lush and dazzling, in an arty kinda way. get an XBox360 controller for Windows. its goes pretty well with a lot of games these days.
p/s: I've also picked up a Warhammer 40k's Assault on Black Reach miniature set. the paint set was rather expensive. Will be doing some assembling and miniature painting with the sister this coming holiday. I would probably let my little brother paint the Orks. Im watching and downloading some lessons on miniature painting techniques. Check out awesome paint vids by Les Burley on youtube and his site on http://www.awesomepaintjob.com/. His brush control is totally wicked.
Friday, September 23, 2011
she has a well-rounded personality
the world as i see it.
i have just listened to his latest single this week. its a pretty good song. the lyrics are pretty well thought out and i love how the lyrics have more than one layer of interpretation. One, describing how the world is loveable. Two, using the same words to comparing the loveable wonders of the world to describe a loveable loved one.
Songs like this are the reason why I really love performances by Jason. Its an escape from the American Idol and Akademi Fantasia norms (or trend) in singing and music in general - over-the-top, overly vain and critical emphasis on one's vocal power with on-stage choreography; rather than the enjoying the song the way it is written. Jason's music reminded how live music can be much more enjoyable through his organic performances. There's no need for blinding blazing lights with every color in the spectrum. No need for glittering snazzy clothes, changed in between every two songs. No need for group of dancers, who dance moves sometimes have no coherence with the song performed.
When I say organic, I don't mean its "natural". You can be natural but not be organic. To me, natural is when you can pull a song off or made it enjoyable to listen with little effort. By organic I mean that the performance is natural and it does not feel highly choreographed. Its full of simplicity, like how Jason has a beerstein of tea on stage with him onstage. Its all so relaxed, warm and comfortable. just like singing around a campfire. I like to be reminded how simple can be enjoyed from time to time.
i have just listened to his latest single this week. its a pretty good song. the lyrics are pretty well thought out and i love how the lyrics have more than one layer of interpretation. One, describing how the world is loveable. Two, using the same words to comparing the loveable wonders of the world to describe a loveable loved one.
Songs like this are the reason why I really love performances by Jason. Its an escape from the American Idol and Akademi Fantasia norms (or trend) in singing and music in general - over-the-top, overly vain and critical emphasis on one's vocal power with on-stage choreography; rather than the enjoying the song the way it is written. Jason's music reminded how live music can be much more enjoyable through his organic performances. There's no need for blinding blazing lights with every color in the spectrum. No need for glittering snazzy clothes, changed in between every two songs. No need for group of dancers, who dance moves sometimes have no coherence with the song performed.
When I say organic, I don't mean its "natural". You can be natural but not be organic. To me, natural is when you can pull a song off or made it enjoyable to listen with little effort. By organic I mean that the performance is natural and it does not feel highly choreographed. Its full of simplicity, like how Jason has a beerstein of tea on stage with him onstage. Its all so relaxed, warm and comfortable. just like singing around a campfire. I like to be reminded how simple can be enjoyed from time to time.
Friday, September 09, 2011
magic the gathering
Hay everybody! watsup? Been away for quite some time now. yeah, there's much to talk about but, as always, I'm putting them away for later. Being a working a man, I am able to afford to pick up new hobbies (hobbies that cost money. a significant amount). One of them is Magic the Gathering.
I've picked up Magic: The Gathering as a pastime recently. Its one of those trading card games except its not any of those trading cards in the market. MtG is the oldest trading card game there is (or at least the one that i can think of.
It was founded by Richard Garfield (deceased) back in the 90s. Back when I was in my studies, I used to see Magic the Gathering at a friend's place. Didn't quite get it on how it was played and such. Back then it was quite an expensive hobby as it is today.
Backstory: So, how did I come to pick MtG up? I frequent this tumblr a lot: pocketfulofgeek. Long story short, I saw several card showcased in many of the author's post and I was rather intrigued. Intrigued by the admirable artwork in the cards and intrigued by its play mechanics. Thus, I began my google quest looking to procure myself some MtG. Stumbled on a local game shop in the Peninsular: CCEGames and found out they take delivery orders. And that was that. Want to find out more about MtG? head on to: wizards.com\magic.
For its price point, its quite discouraging to get into. It is. My personal justification is that Magic is an economy. These paper cards, like them baseball cards, will fetch a fine present in the future. Even in the near future. The most expensive card I heard to date is the Black Lotus (1995), going for USD 1000(!) a piece. Collectors paid USD 15k for that! Even present day cards like Jace is worth RM 200 a piece. But all this is just secondary, I'm in it for the fun and I find them kinda cool. Just be sure to sleeve the cards before I play them.
From my starting experience the best way to start getting into Magic is by purchasing a Fat Pack:
I find fat packs to be the best value deal Magic has to offer. It suits starters and old-timers alike. Each will usually cost you RM 100 (ouch! but wait, it isn't that bad). What you get: 9 booster packs, 80 land card, a life counter (its a 20-sided die. A TWENTY. SIDED. DIE. How awesome is that?!! eeeeeee), a booklet/catalog thingy, 2 deck boxes and a box with box art. A booster contains fifteen random cards and to make sure buyers don't feel ripped off each pack will contain 1 mythic/rare card, 3 uncommon and other commons.
Individually each booster will cost you RM 12. For RM 100, you'll get 135 + 80 cards. I find the fat packs come in packaging and extras of exceptional quality. I really admire the quality materials used in their products.
On a side note, MtG also offers intro packs and event decks. Intro packs are themed decks offered to introduce new play mechanics and style that comes with each expansion, i.e. poison, illusion, aggro. Event decks are themed decks that are constructed ready for competitive play from the get go and usually come in 2 flavors with every expansion. If you'd like to skip the hassle for arranging cards and play, for the sake of playing, with your style of choice, go with intro decks. If you'd like to start out with an edge, go with event decks. Of course, you can customize your set with your existing cards.
As of right now, I find it difficult to find people who are interested in playing a game of Magic. I can't find people who are existing players. Others think its too complicated and immediately turned off. Some has just moved on from these kinds of things. So, I'm only playing Magic with my sister. And recently, I found a shop in Karamunsing Capitol called Just Wargames. They specialize in Warhammer 40k (which i am also interested in getting into) but they also sell MtG on the side. And host Friday Night Magic every week.
p/s: yes, i know being a Magic (or Warhammer 40k) player doesn't make you a lady magnet. I'm sick and tired of being expected that everything I do has to be related with winning the hearts of the ladies. I don't have to. Yes, I'm single. I'm a loser. Yes, I'm hopeless with the ladies. But, please, I just want to indulge in my "geeky" interests. BTW, one of my favorite cards from the New Phyrexia block is this:
I've picked up Magic: The Gathering as a pastime recently. Its one of those trading card games except its not any of those trading cards in the market. MtG is the oldest trading card game there is (or at least the one that i can think of.
It was founded by Richard Garfield (deceased) back in the 90s. Back when I was in my studies, I used to see Magic the Gathering at a friend's place. Didn't quite get it on how it was played and such. Back then it was quite an expensive hobby as it is today.
Backstory: So, how did I come to pick MtG up? I frequent this tumblr a lot: pocketfulofgeek. Long story short, I saw several card showcased in many of the author's post and I was rather intrigued. Intrigued by the admirable artwork in the cards and intrigued by its play mechanics. Thus, I began my google quest looking to procure myself some MtG. Stumbled on a local game shop in the Peninsular: CCEGames and found out they take delivery orders. And that was that. Want to find out more about MtG? head on to: wizards.com\magic.
For its price point, its quite discouraging to get into. It is. My personal justification is that Magic is an economy. These paper cards, like them baseball cards, will fetch a fine present in the future. Even in the near future. The most expensive card I heard to date is the Black Lotus (1995), going for USD 1000(!) a piece. Collectors paid USD 15k for that! Even present day cards like Jace is worth RM 200 a piece. But all this is just secondary, I'm in it for the fun and I find them kinda cool. Just be sure to sleeve the cards before I play them.
From my starting experience the best way to start getting into Magic is by purchasing a Fat Pack:
My favourite expansion so far cuz they're full of Horror themed cards. Like the Hellraiser-like Elesh Norn
I find fat packs to be the best value deal Magic has to offer. It suits starters and old-timers alike. Each will usually cost you RM 100 (ouch! but wait, it isn't that bad). What you get: 9 booster packs, 80 land card, a life counter (its a 20-sided die. A TWENTY. SIDED. DIE. How awesome is that?!! eeeeeee), a booklet/catalog thingy, 2 deck boxes and a box with box art. A booster contains fifteen random cards and to make sure buyers don't feel ripped off each pack will contain 1 mythic/rare card, 3 uncommon and other commons.
On a side note, MtG also offers intro packs and event decks. Intro packs are themed decks offered to introduce new play mechanics and style that comes with each expansion, i.e. poison, illusion, aggro. Event decks are themed decks that are constructed ready for competitive play from the get go and usually come in 2 flavors with every expansion. If you'd like to skip the hassle for arranging cards and play, for the sake of playing, with your style of choice, go with intro decks. If you'd like to start out with an edge, go with event decks. Of course, you can customize your set with your existing cards.
As of right now, I find it difficult to find people who are interested in playing a game of Magic. I can't find people who are existing players. Others think its too complicated and immediately turned off. Some has just moved on from these kinds of things. So, I'm only playing Magic with my sister. And recently, I found a shop in Karamunsing Capitol called Just Wargames. They specialize in Warhammer 40k (which i am also interested in getting into) but they also sell MtG on the side. And host Friday Night Magic every week.
p/s: yes, i know being a Magic (or Warhammer 40k) player doesn't make you a lady magnet. I'm sick and tired of being expected that everything I do has to be related with winning the hearts of the ladies. I don't have to. Yes, I'm single. I'm a loser. Yes, I'm hopeless with the ladies. But, please, I just want to indulge in my "geeky" interests. BTW, one of my favorite cards from the New Phyrexia block is this:
(images are property of Wizards of the Coast)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
the HUMBLE INDIE BUNDLE pack!!!
here's an opportunity: to buy 5 of the hippest indie games at dirt cheap prices and, wait for it, contribute to charity. Humble Bundle has recently collaborated with several indie gaming's renowned developers and got together for the 3rd Humble Bundle (means there were 2 bundles i did not know of). Games included in the bundle: VVVVVV (catchy 8-bit soundtrack), Crayon Physics Deluxe (doodle to win FTW), Cogs (great puzzles FTW), Hammerfight and And Yet It Moves.
What makes this sale so special? For starters, YOU GET TO DECIDE HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO PAY FOR THE FIVE GAMES. Seriously I could not believe it myself, at first. $10. $1. you can even opt to pay for just 50 cents (and it can go even lower than that, you shameless cheapskate). Non-promotion price for all five may range from $40 - $50. Even better you have the privilege to determine how much of your payment goes to the developer, how much goes to the charity funds (Child's Play , Electronic Frontier Foundation) and how much you'd like to tip Humble Bundle. Now that's power to the buyer.
To sweeten the deal, the 5 games you're getting will be DRM-free (that's Digital Rights Management for you). Meaning? Once you buy it, the games are yours. No internet connection required, no time limit for downloads, install them anywhere and as many times as you like, make copies, make backups and even redeem them from your existing STEAM and DESURA accounts. the amount freedom you're getting is as good as owning a pirated copy (but better, IMO. You're eligible for online support from the devs). You'll not only feel good for not stealing the labour of love from generous indie devs - you'll also feel good about yourself for contributing to charity.
As the time of typing this post, there's about 13 days left before the bundle ends.
p/s: a revelation. statistics shown in the site shows that Windows users are a bunch of cheap ass gamers. The average purchase price for Linux users: $11.00. Mac users: $6.33. Windows users: $3.83. Well, it is for charity after all.
via the escapist
Monday, July 25, 2011
photos. i got them photos
any title i can think of for this post would end up sounding pretentious and would detract a bit from the overall theme. I'd like to say: i had quite a sublime weekend. Sitting on the platform having lunch while watching the schools of colourful fishies swimming below. took some photo while fiddling around with my housemate's D7000. Above is a picture taken from a beach on the island. the fence in the left contains an isolated grave. its quite romantic to have been buried on the beach. However, the lighting makes it extra creepy. its like we were going to notice some ghostly image after a while looking at it.
Took the chance to test them Cold Steel folders, Left: Rajah III, mini kukri in your pocket. Right: Recon 1 tanto, extremely durable and highly recommended. Yeah, I knot the lanyard myself. DIY. Or DIM, to be exact.
I think the view in this photo is awesome. Is it me, the photographer, who is awesome? Or is it just the camera? (sad horn)
In the night, I had the opportunity to witness a spider successfully stalking and preying on a mole cricket. It feels like I'm doing some NatGeo footage.
I think this the time when it finally noticed me prying on its privacy. Shame on me. then, it slowly moved backwards to make away with its prize.
with stuff like this, it makes one wonder why so many people want out of this island. I don't plan on settling down here in this island. well, i figured if I'm going to be stuck here for a while I might as well enjoy it.
FYI, photos are raw. Peace out.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
relationships
hey peeps. been away for some time. been busy i can tell ya that.
i suck at a lot of things. one of them is relationships. i'm not gonna talk about how i suck at keeping a relationship. i totally suck at starting one.
there's, like, a pattern: i hit on a girl and i'm all charming-like. We start out ok, getting to know each other and stuff. Then, as the momentum builds up, i started acting weird. she freaks out. i freak out. it goes downhill from there. its all jumbled up in a mixed-feelings du jour. it seems as if i couldn't stay likeable long enough to make it through the early phases.
just last week i flirted with a girl during some outstation. the way she responded was not promising but still very positive. yet, somehow i felt really guilty that i did. guilt\? how did that happened? isnt it supposed to be small amounts joy with a bit of giddyness and glee? this is somehow fucked up and it obvious that i have issues.
maybe it means i'm still not ready to be romantically involved. or maybe i should jump on the opportunity whenever it arises? i don't know this is all so confusing gosh.
i guess at this age its pretty common to have people tell you to get marry and stuff. Even my boss tell me that I should get married. but its all just social pressure and should give them the same answer as always: "When the time comes". (surprisingly, it kinda works across various situations. like "when are you going to do [activitiy A]?")
on an unrelated note, i sifted through my unpublished posts draft and i saw a post titled "akmal farahatul wahida". the contents were empty. i sure don't remember writing that one and i can't remember knowing anyone who goes by that name either. i guess i'll just delete that. or maybe just check what its all about later.
i suck at a lot of things. one of them is relationships. i'm not gonna talk about how i suck at keeping a relationship. i totally suck at starting one.
there's, like, a pattern: i hit on a girl and i'm all charming-like. We start out ok, getting to know each other and stuff. Then, as the momentum builds up, i started acting weird. she freaks out. i freak out. it goes downhill from there. its all jumbled up in a mixed-feelings du jour. it seems as if i couldn't stay likeable long enough to make it through the early phases.
just last week i flirted with a girl during some outstation. the way she responded was not promising but still very positive. yet, somehow i felt really guilty that i did. guilt\? how did that happened? isnt it supposed to be small amounts joy with a bit of giddyness and glee? this is somehow fucked up and it obvious that i have issues.
maybe it means i'm still not ready to be romantically involved. or maybe i should jump on the opportunity whenever it arises? i don't know this is all so confusing gosh.
i guess at this age its pretty common to have people tell you to get marry and stuff. Even my boss tell me that I should get married. but its all just social pressure and should give them the same answer as always: "When the time comes". (surprisingly, it kinda works across various situations. like "when are you going to do [activitiy A]?")
on an unrelated note, i sifted through my unpublished posts draft and i saw a post titled "akmal farahatul wahida". the contents were empty. i sure don't remember writing that one and i can't remember knowing anyone who goes by that name either. i guess i'll just delete that. or maybe just check what its all about later.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
kirsten dunst turns you japanese
I was like:
muh buh wha~?
I bet watching this video would turn you Japanese. Then, I'd be all like:
nuh duh nanii~?*
*copyright of Yahtzee, in his opinion on Yakuza 4. it is hilarious. seriously.
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