Burger Experimentation

Every once in a while I get in that sort-of zone where I feel like challenging myself to something ridiculous - even when nobody is presenting me with a challenge. Today - well, tonight, rather - is one of those times. One of my good friends is flying in from Japan tomorrow morning, and my friends and I will be driving down to Los Angeles International Airport at 0715ish to pick him up. I figured that between work and some other things I wanted to do afterwards, getting sleep would be pointless. Thus, I concluded to myself earlier today I'd be pulling an all-nighter.

That's not the challenge, however. I had a thought a few hours beforehand on whether or not the whole "food tastes better after midnight" theory was just a placebo effect or if it was a reality. Yeah, I know - some challenge, right?

Either way, I'm prepared to conduct this little experiment. After I got off work, I went to In-N-Out and ordered two Double-Doubles (Animal-style, no pickles or tomatoes) and an Arnold Palmer. Roughly 20 minutes ago I downed a Double-Double and half of the Palmer, and it was de-lish. Now I'm waiting until midnight to eat the remaining burger and drink to see if it tastes better than its earlier-consumed counterpart.

*checks watch*

I Be Talkin', Mon

I have to apologize for posting so bloody late today. I've been busy sorting out my Lego collection. Tuesday's antics (as explained in this past Thursday's entry) ended with us throwing all the Lego pieces I had into boxes and plastic tubs without any regard for the "sorting system" I originally had implemented. We were running out of daylight, so we were in a bit of a pickle.

Now that I've finished sorting all of my Lego pieces (between the "minifigs and models I'll be using for a future comic idea" pile and the "shit I'm throwing in storage until I need to go digging again" tub), I figured it'd be time to deliver on what I said yesterday and how I'd be responding to reader comments. Granted, there's not much for me I could respond two - only two people said anything, and it was from Thursday's entry.

Here goes.





Three Dimensional Moon Building

"This is such an odd mash up of topics. I think playing army makes up for girly anime- so keep your man card. But I think your adult card may be at stake - assuming you didn't trade it for a loly-pop years ago."

- John

To be honest, I thought I lost my "adult card" eons ago. Part of it stems from that whole "3 to 300 years old" thing I lightly skimmed on when I first did a reader response. Another part probably has something to do with psychological conditioning and trauma from the past - and I'm no expert on that field (I speak from experience - the trauma, mind you). And finally, part of that is due to my constant misplacing of things all over the place all the time.

Of course, John, your theory could be correct. Maybe I ran into some stranger in a white van who offered me candy in exchange for a vow to never fully grow up in a mental aspect. Me, being the naïve and then-manipulable self I was, probably bought the lies that were told and sealed the deal.

"The 3DS is getting its price cut because it failed horribly as a handheld. Look at its sales and the sales for its games."

- Arelfel

Like I said, a number of factors contributed to this. Yours is also one of them, but the Nintendo fanboy in me simply overlooked that problem. However, I'd say that it didn't fail "horribly." My guess is that people were finally starting to realize that all this hype on three-dimensional everything was just the latest technological fad for this generation and therefore mistakenly realized that the 3DS' graphics would be stupid. =P

Anyway, while this announcement would at first seem to be a financial loss for the hundreds of thousands of gamers (like me) who bought a 3DS, there's actually a huge amount of gain for anyone who decided to fork over a quarter of a grand. Nintendo simultaneously released news of an "ambassador program" that I heard about at work last night. According to the video game company (link as of 30 JUL 2011), anyone who had a 3DS before the price drop will be getting 20 free games from the online store. The first 10 will be on special pre-release before they hit the e-market for paid prices while the latter 10 will consist of "ambassador-only" exclusives from the Game Boy Advance virtual console.

I look at the sales and go, "Okay. People aren't buying a 3DS." Insert economy issues or incorrect usage during their first encounters or misinformed word-of-mouth or some other financial statistic here. However, in the long run this might aid Nintendo in the fourth quarter. (Someone remind me at the end of the fourth quarter to post my results on this.) Potential buyers who were hesitant are now excited to have a new toy to play around with. 3DS owners who've had the system before this announcement welcome the announcement (probably just for the freebies, but hey, that's something). And I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords believe this could very well be a case of financial equivalent exchange in the future.





I'm refining my Lego military forces while I have Burn Notice playing in the background, so I'm just going to call it a night for today's entry. Ciao!

Updating Updates

Not much to talk about today. I'm just being straightforward.





CURRENT MUSIC:
Kristopher Carter - "Batman Beyond (Main Title)"
Batman Beyond ~ The Original Television Score

I remember as a kid how much I watched this show. I mean, it's Batman - the only DC Comics character I recognize and know a decent amount of backstory for. Throw a new Batman, the future and a darker storyline into the mix and you got a series that got my attention and wanted me to sit down for the whole shebang.

The music was just amazing, too - an industrial-esque sound to match the "new"-ness of Neo-Gotham. "Batman Beyond (Main Title)" fit perfectly with the spinoff's opening sequence. Maybe too well. That guitar riff (as well as the entire opening) just brings me back to my childhood. Before the dark times... before the Empire. before it was disrupted by events I wish not to talk about here until I feel it necessary. And before the Empire.


Seether - "Fake It"
Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces

First Seether song I heard. Can't remember where exactly, but I liked the sound of it. The lyrics don't really require much explanation - the meaning of pretending to be who you're not is pretty much up-front and there. Fun song to sing along with, too.





So I don't have much on my plate for today apart from work and all work-related things I have to deal with. My process of archiving all my blog entries is finally finished, so that makes me really, really happy that I don't have to do that anymore.

It's gotten me inspired to work on some of the other pages I have on here. With some of the new tags I've created, I know that I need to work on my "About Me" (that page looks horrendous IMO). "The Tags Guide" needs to have a few new tags thrown on it, and I'm very certain my infamous "Hate List" requires some updating (I encountered a few things that need to be changed).

Much to my surprise, yesterday's "mash-up" of an entry garnered some attention, so I know that my readers deserve to be listened to. I'll respond to stuff tomorrow. I promise. Which reminds me... if you want me to respond to a question, comment or concern of yours... you should "Ask The White Knight" about it.





I think that concludes my blatant attempt at self-advertisement. Ahehehe... I'll... just get to work on updating the pages now... ...yeaaaaah... *awkwardly shuffles away*

Three-Dimensional Moon Building

Today's title corresponds with the three things I'll be talking about in this entry. For once, it's also in consecutive order, as well. Enjoy that while it lasts.

I honestly don't have much to say today. It's just one of those days where I felt like relaxing before work. Sure enough, I did. So, to make up for today's apparent lack of text, here's some other text (and pictures!) to make up for it.

Cleansing Discovery

So much work before work... if that makes any sense. It doesn't? Eh. Get used to it.

I've been doing some extensive sorting on stuff I have interred in my room. Things I don't need, things I do, things that entertain me, things that don't, things that - if sold - could net me money, things I should just toss. It's taxing for a packrat like myself, but in the end, the room begins to look... well... cleaner than it was.

Of course, you find things along the way you forgot about long ago - unused Legos, an old ID, past debit cards long since expired, posters you want to suddenly hang up on the wall - stuff like that. So when I'm done cleaning, I'm gonna go through all this. There's bound to be something awesome amidst this.

White Knight Live: Some Beach (Road)

I know that the people who read this (tiny) blog of mine are asking what's with the sudden decreas of typed verbal output. Maybe a few of you are questioning why I've been doing nothing but work, work and more work.

Then there's that person wondering what the hell I'm doing this close to an open body of water.

To answe that last question (and only the last question) I shall simply say: a friend and I made plans, but after I got lost and part of our plans went FUBAR, we agreed to make this the impromptu meeting spot until we figure something out.

To be frank, I'm not a huge fan of the beach. It's too warm in the day and too freezing at night. I can't cool off in the water due to a lack of swim apparel and the more-important fact that I can't swim. Plus, I've never been physically fit enough to sport anything that would make me awesome-looking. (Yeah, I'm self-conscious. Bite me.)

But every once in a while, the weather's nice enough to warrant a trip regardless. That crisp, salty breeze... the soothing sound of the tide lapping the shoreline...

*clears throat*

Well, it's a nice day. I'm gonna go back to getting some sun while I wait for my friend. Until the 'morrow, readers!

Stomach-Driven Thought

Sometimes I wonder what it is that makes me so distracted so easily. I mean, for one thing I could be talking about one thing and then the next I'm talking about something else. It's crazy when you think about it.

Why do I do that? It might be some kind of attentive deficit hyperactive disorder, but I have yet to get myself officially checked (although there have been recommendations that I do get myself evaluated.

Oh, I don't know. I'm just rambling. I think the important part is that we all understand that I am currently craving waffles. And lunch food, but that's another topic. But not really. Food sounds REALLY good right about now. It might be my hunger-driven self wanting some kind of food-based nourishment badly, but alas: I have no money until pay day, where I will once again have no money because of bills and what not. Yaaaay.



And without further ado, I present myself with: FOOD! *rushes to work to get some nom-noms before clocking in*

(Author's Note: Good Lord; I don't think I want to post again without food... =/)

This Is This Entry's Title

This is the first sentence of this entry.
This entry will count as a post for today.
This is not Josh almost panicking because he realized he almost didn't post for today.

But he did, so nyah.

Until the 'morrow! *noms on din-din*



(P.S. This is the last sentence of this entry. =P)

Happy Grinding Without Me

As I have much to do today before I head off to work, I don't have the time to leave you with an entry suited for a twisted palette you all possess. So instead, I'll just list some of the notable pieces of music that's been on playback lately on WinAmp. And yes, the entry's title stems from the music.

Enjoy! (If you don't, you can always "complain" about it or something... =P)





CURRENT MUSIC:
Eminem - "Without Me"
The Eminem Show

I've said before that I've always been a rocker at heart, but every once in a while there's an R&B/hip hop/rap artist/group I'll listen to and like. As the evidence here states: Eminem has made my list.

There's an adage out there used by business professionals and crafters alike: the project management triangle. It can be boiled down to a simple "three qualities; two choices" scenario (in business: good, fast, cheap). This can be switched around to fit almost any scenario or topic, and music is no exception.

Since high school I've had a sort-of running joke with hip hop and rap songs that follows the "three qualities; two choices" format: "Hip hop and rap songs can be popular, good and have a deeper meaning behind the lyrics. Pick two."

While most artists out there would have the former two attributed to them, Eminem - in my opinion - is a rarity who branches out to hit all three aspects. He knows he can deliver a message, and while he does it in less-than-tasteful lyrics, he knows this - and he lays down the lines anyway, provoking the responses he want from both fans and haters alike. "Without Me" does just that - it's more of a simple statement that says, "I know I'm controversial, but you know you like it. I sure as hell do."


Flipsyde - "Happy Birthday"
We the People

Now here's a group that I can cite as an example of my running joke in real life. The only reason why the average person would currently know about Flipsyde would be because two of their songs were used as themes for the Olympics:

• "Someday" for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy (used by NBC)
• "Champion" for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China (sponsored by AT&T's Team USA set list)

Granted, yes, Flipsyde's pretty popular regardless, but maybe two of my friends have known of them before they heard me randomly blaring one of their songs one night.

Anyway, "Happy Birthday" is one of those songs that exemplifies my running joke. In my senior year of high school I was part of a group assigned by our ASB to play music out in our quad during lunch on Fridays. Now, for the past three years before my tenure, the committee blared nothing but rap and hip hop because that's what they wanted. Frankly, the school population was pretty sick of not getting a say. So, being the rebellious bastard I am, I polled the crowds who sat outside and as I expected, they wanted rock. I gave it to them (opening with Black Sabbath's "Iron Man") and while the crowd responded with much enthusiasm (people came up to me and my friends, shook hands, gave out heartfelt "thank yous," etc.), ASB didn't.

ASB wanted the committee (and in turn, me) to play more "mainstream" things (i.e.: hip hop), and so after the committee head capitulated and started resuming playing what the crowd didn't want to hear, I decided I'd take a turn at the wheel. I decided to conduct an experiment and made a playlist of songs that I felt as good. One Friday I took the original hip hop-laden CD we were going to play and swapped it out with a modified one I made prior to that day. "Happy Birthday" was among the track listing. As I expected, the crowd didn't respond well to the music, and neither did ASB. When I revealed the playlist and lyrics to the crowd, they were shocked - they took another listen and realized it was actually good music I had given them.

The whole point of this story? Aside from me rambling on because I like listening to myself, "Happy Birthday" is an amazing song. I honestly can't recall many hip hop songs focusing on - of all things - abortion (and the remorse the would-be father feels about it). Give it a listen - I think you'll agree with me.


Frank Klepacki - "Grinder"
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 Original Soundtrack

The whole "archiving my blog" thing can be pretty arduous, but if you have something that can help you with the grind, then you're set. What's funny is that "Grinder" does just that - and what's funnier is that it's called "Grinder."

Like I mentioned before, for those of you who don't know, "Grinder" is well-known as the menu music from Red Alert 2. Opening with cool-sounding Morse code effects (I've yet to figure out what they're tapping out) and then launching you straight into a heavy, bass-driven sound that brings back fond memories for C&C fans and instills into the minds of the musically-inclined the desire to air-guitar and/or headbang along. And don't ask me about the brilliant, unintelligible ramblings the chorus spouts off - nobody knows. Not even Klepacki himself.

Whenever I listen to this piece, my output is increased by like 1000% while the song plays. I could have zero energy at work and this cycles through, and soon afterward I'm rocketing off doing stuff crazy-fast. I could be playing a real-time strategy game and all of a sudden my army production begins to go to immeasurable levels of "oh shit, someone's getting steamrolled somewhere." I could be sitting in a chair feeling all "blah," and then "Grinder pops up and without warning I jump up and air-guitar along.

Klepacki: you are a genius. \m/





Until the 'morrow!

Brann Spankin' New Archives

Long before I have to go to work, I already am at work. I'm sure that makes a lot of sense to you, so I'm going to go ahead and not delve into the meaning of that sentence.

Eh, what the heck; I'll explain. The Internet can be a very unforgiving place, so in order to preserve all my thoughts that I've put on here (and conversely, all the thoughts I will place on here), I'm making an offline archive of The White Knight Chronicles in order to preserve my history for posterity^[1]. Besides, I figured it'd give me a little something to do in-between now and work tonight, so -

Warning! Life form pattern not recognized. Archival processing terminated. Continued interference will result in targeted response.

...oh, that doesn't sound good. We miiiiight have a complication or two... *clears throat*

Anyway, today's entry title, this opening spiel against a fictional AI, and parts of the blog that follow are all direct references to World of Warcraft and the Wrath of the Lich King instance "Halls of Stone" - specifically the part where you protect a dwarf explorer named Brann Bronzebeard against multitudes of enemies. Audio quality on the video is low; I suggest lowering the volume once combat starts. (To WoW players: I think you'd agree with me when I say Brann's current voice sounds much better than this version.)

(Author's Note: Yeah, I know: this whole thing seems childish. But I like having fun, so... deal with it and my hyperactive imagination. Hehehe.)






CURRENT MUSIC:
Matt Uelmen - "Secrets Long Forgotten"
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Soundtrack

A snippet of the music that can be heard in some of Wrath of the Lich King's instances - specifically anything involving old gods, long-forgotten titans and the origins of the modern races of Azeroth. The track carries the sound of discovery and echoes an ancient and advanced civilization's presence.

Quite obviously most of this would make sense to a gamer, but most of you reading this aren't World of Warcraft fans (much less gamers), so this track probably has no significance for you. Shame, though - it's good music. Play it while you're at some long-forgotten location for the first time and you're discovering new things. Should fit well.



"Augh, another computer. Says 'hit any key.' W...Well, which one's the 'any key'!?"
- Unknown Marine
(StarCraft: Brood War - Terran Mission 7: "Patriot's Blood")

Classic computer joke right here. I think one of my life goals is to run into someone stupid enough to believe that there's an actual "any key" in existence. When I do... I think I'll be elated and die a little inside at the same time.





Hello, readers. Today's Friday, and as such, I think I ought to treat you with a good entry today. I'll just grab the past entries' data, process them into my laptop, and we should be good for you to hear about my -

Security breach in progress. Analysis of historical archives transferred to lower priority queue. Countermeasures... engaged.

...uhm... shit. L-Let's get to work!





Working Sleep Breakdown

I have to say that today's process of waking up surprised me. Last night marked the first night in years where I willingly went to sleep before 0100 and willingly woke up roughly eight hours later at 0900.

Normally my schedule looks something like this:

• 0930ish - 1030: wake up
• 1030ish - 1230: zombified actions performed to "wake up"
• 1230ish: shower
• 1300: begin preparations for the day, start any plans I may have made
• 1500: leave for work (assuming I work that day)
• 2355ish: arrive home from work, assuming I was at work
• 0000-0200ish: random stuff on the computer
• 0200ish: quick internal debate on whether I want to sleep or not
• 0200-0330ish: more random stuff on the computer, arrive home if I was with friends all late
• 0200-0330ish: fatigue makes me call it a night, power down electronic stuff and hop into bed only to get shot back awake
• (half-hour afterwards): sleep

According to the typical schedule I have here, I get anywhere from 5.5 to 8 full hours of sleep a night, and usually it's somewhat restless. This past night was different, though - at least 8 solid hours. No interruptions. No nightmares. No waking up in the middle of the night because I realized something that triggered my conscious self to do something. And quite importantly: no fatigue.

Kind of weird in my opinion - I think I'm somewhat used to having the less-than-recommended amount of sleep necessary. Over time I'm sure it'll lead to part of my undoing, but for now, I'll take it.

Despite not having any fatigue whatsoever and possessing a cool and cheery demeanor, I couldn't help but notice something tugging at the back of my mind...

And then it hit me. Today was day three of... six? Again? Oh, gee, I knew something seemed a little off when I woke up. In the event you don't recall, I had to work six days in a row before I had five fun and relaxing days off... and now I'm back to working another straight set of six days. I found out about this last night at work^[2], but I don't think the whole "sandwiched vacation" thing fully registered in my brain until well into this morning.

Eh. I'm still picking up a decent vibe in the air, so I'm sure today will present something fun and exciting. The last few days have so far - day one went by like a breeze with lots of fun while day two offered me... not much. Well, it wasn't negative, at least. So, day three: what do you have to offer me tonight? *arches eyebrow*





Safeguarding Knowledge

So, about this whole "archiving" thing. I've always been one to back up important things in my life - or at least anything that can be stored electronically. This blog is no exception, and I -

Alert! Security fail-safes deactivated. Beginning memory purge...

What!? No, no, NO, NO, NO!!! I thought I had those wired so that - AHA! *smacks the "any key"*

System online. Life form pattern recognized. Welcome, White Knight. Query?

"Query?" Uhm... how 'bout I talk to my (small) fanbase and you just sit there and archive my blog in silence? I'm kinda talking to the readers and your imaginary interruptions are distracting all of us.

Acknowledged, White Knight. Establishing link with offline database and creating duplicate archive.

Thank youuuuuu! *turns back to the camera and audience of readers* Where was I...? Oh, right. *clears throat*

While Blogger possesses a server-side system that can archive all the entries any user has, I've always been one to want a backup archive in the rare event that a server crash ensues. At home I have a folder full of Microsoft Word document files consisting of a blog I typed up. Surprisingly, it's not just a simple copy-and-paste procedure that most people would think of me doing - there's also a data log I have (thank you, Excel spreadsheets) documenting the days I've written something down on the Internet. Naturally, this archive is incomplete and always has room for more data (just like every other archive out there), and it has a story to tell.

A long time ago when I had a Xanga, I never did anything of the sort. To be honest, I'm kind of glad I didn't - I was pretty depressing and emotional back then, and if I were to read those blogs, I'd probably end up wanting to time-travel and punch myself in the face all those years ago. Later on I moved to MySpace when that was the big thing and began blogging there. Then I got a Facebook account, of course (since, y'know... it's the main thing at the moment) and began to somewhat blog on there.^[3]

Anyone stalking watching me will notice a severe drought of bloggage - in my high school days I slapped something on the Internet almost every day. Once I graduated, I pretty much stopped - I didn't have much to talk about. All my high school experiences constituted most of the content I posted during my high school years. Of course, with The White Knight Chronicles, that sort of changes things since I'm posting every bleeding day. Until today I have made no attempt to preserve and archive any of the entries present here.

That's where this entry comes in. I'm currently taking every posted entry present on Blogger and saving a hard copy on my laptop via MS Word. I'll also be rolling through Facebook and MySpace and double-checking to see if there were any entries I missed archiving in the past. Years from now when I do some self-reflection (for whatever reason), I will have this archive to look back on and measure how much I've grown over the years. If only I was smart enough to do this back when I was much younger.

To the archives!





Footnotes:

1 ^ [Pre-Blog Opening] Yeah, because people totally want to read every single unimportant event that occurs in my life. Of course, if I'm famous later on, that'll probably change.

2 ^ [Working Sleep Breakdown] Turns out while I was going through the archives that I already figured this out about a week ago. How this realization eluded me is still a mystery - and I'm very sure it had nothing to do with cactus juice. *sips*

3 ^ [Safeguarding Knowledge] Due to the personal sensitivity of some of my Facebook entries I've refrained from linking any of them. Heck, you probably couldn't even see any of them - my privacy settings prevent anyone who I deem a security risk to be unable to see virtually anything I do on Facebook. When you think about it, it's quite ironic - I'm like "secret agent" status on the social network yet I'm perfectly candid here on Blogger. (Then again, I don't tell you all everything...)





Well, I must be off. Between all this archiving and work, I'm gonna be quite busy for some time. I will catch y'all somewhere between tomorrow and Sunday with another entry, so keep your eyes peeled!

Oh, and while you wait, you should submit some kind of question, comment, and/or concern for me to address and respond to. It'll be fun, and I promise you I'll provide some kind of answer. =D

Until the 'morrow!

Time's Off

You ever wake up and feel like today isn't... today? As if your body and mind assumed it was one specific day when in reality they were totally wrong?

Well, today felt like one of those days. It's confusing, really. I woke up thinking today was my pay day when in reality it's a week and a day from now. *le sigh*

My internal clock is totally off. Shame I can't resynch it with the world in a snap. - it takes time.

Ah, well. In the meantime I'm going to go ahead and go work. And then I'll work on going to work. And then I'll work at work. While working.



(In case you couldn't tell, I really had nothing to talk about. Hence, this "bleh" post.)

Vibing

Afternoon, everyone. How are you all?

Well, if you're going to wonder how I'm doing, I'm okay. Physically, I'm tired as hell - running when you haven't done any strenuous physical activity in a long time can easily take its toll on someone who's not in shape. But as the cliché goes: "no pain, no gain."

Today's the first day back into work after having five straight days off. Five very fun, exciting and straining days off. Despite how contradictory that sounds, I'd prefer a situation like that, because while I might be physically exhausted, it's recharged my mind and got me psychologically fit and ready to handle what's thrown my way today and... well, probably the rest of the week.



I got an interesting feeling about tonight. I can't quite place my finger on it, but I'm picking up some kind of vibrant, positive aura. Yeah, go ahead and start calling me crazy, but I'm pretty sure that's the tone of energy I'm picking up. I'm sure of it... just as sure as I am capable of picking up these waves of metaphysical energy.

Maybe something really fun will occur while I close at Target tonight. Could I meet someone at work tonight who will make a positive dramatic impact in my life sometime in the near future? Maybe I'll stumble across a $20 bill on the street while I get gas for my car? Perhaps a bunch of my friends who don't really read my blog will stumble across yesterday's entry and the "Ask The White Knight" page and feel intrigued to leave a question/comment/concern? Maybe I have a romantic moment with a lovely girl? Spiritual enlightenment? The retconning of the Star Wars prequels? A combination of any or all of those?

Who knows? Today the world feels like my oyster. I'm going to seize the day and take the wheel. Other cliché statements of optimism and self-empowerment here. *shrugs*



Eh. Only time will tell. Until the 'morrow, readers!

Zwei

*looks at the post counter and does a double-take* Wait, WHAT!? Two hundred entries in a row!?
I dare say, it's time to throw some kind of celebration!

*blares all the music in the "Current Music" section and uses old photos as confetti*





CURRENT MUSIC: [Handy "Skip Music" Button for you Lamers who "NEED" TL;DRs]
Koutarou Nakagawa - "The Knight"
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 Original Soundtrack Volume 1

While I listed fitting "introductory" pieces from this album twice already, I don't think they compare to how regal and fitting this particular track can be.

It's such a great fanfare - not only for me and my blog, but for what today's entry will say to you, the reader. After all, as this entry is what it is, it deserves nothing less than amazing fanfare and heroic gallantry.

And so do I, but we'll leave narcissistic issues aside and hopefully get back to them another day.


ON/OFF - "Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi"
Legend of Twins I: Futago Densetsu

(Author's Note: Anyone who's knowledgeable in Japanese: please feel free to jump in. I obviously have little experience in the language. =P)

"Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi" (roughly translated to "Two Heartbeats and a Red Sin") is well-known in anime circles as the opening theme to the first season of Vampire Knight. I really love how this song sounds - especially that lone violin interspersed throughout the thing. If one didn't know any better, they'd think it's just one guy singing, but in actuality it's sung by two people - and twin brothers, at that. Proof? Here. Enjoy the violin while you're at it. =D

I always told myself that if I were to learn Japanese, I would learn how to sing this song. Matter-of-fact, it kinda makes me want to learn it on the piano. If only that were me...^[1]


Hitomi Sato, Go Ichinose, and Junichi Masuda - "Pokémon League (Day)"
Nintendo DS Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Super Music Collection

Years ago (in 2007) when I first got Pokémon: Diamond Version for my Nintendo DS I remember blitzing out like crazy in an attempt to get the game defeated within a week. As the then-sole player of Pokémon games back then in high school, it would seem necessary for me to grab the National Dex and help out the closet players. I grabbed my team, plowed through the game and then came to a screeching halt right outside the Pokémon League building.

Fatigue didn't stop me. Food had no priority. Late homework assignments and newspaper articles couldn't even raise their hands up to dissuade me from being irresponsible. THIS MUSIC PIECE DID. There's a saying out there stipulating that the eyes are the gateway to a person's soul. While I subscribe to that theory, I also believe that there is an aural gateway as well - and the key to that gate would be music.

Rather than have you shake from nervousness with from the marching tones reminiscent of the prior three generations, the musical team behind Diamond, Pearl and Platinum decided to go for one of the most soothing synthesized piano pieces ever. Hearing it for the first time (and all subsequent times) was just soothing - I felt so much at peace with this playing. (Hearing it on a real piano will definitely make your day.)

Out of the previous pieces of music I featured today, I would pick this particular track to represent the overall feeling I had when writing this entry... a sense of accomplishment rewarded by serenity and the feeling that your adventure's only just begun. Maybe I should learn this piece on the piano, too?





Good evening, one and all, and welcome to The White Knight Chronicles! I'm your gracious and eccentric host Josh Blanco, and I bid you welcome to today's celebratory entry!

As this entry will be fueled by a huge amount of triumphant feelings and accomplishment (as well as a hearty brunch of Spamsilog^[2] I'm cooking up), I know this entry will have a lot to offer you. At least I hope it does. Heheheh...

*clears throat*

Now, I'm sure some of you who don't log on to Facebook or just don't listen to my posts on Facebook are probably just learning about this little project of mine. If this is the first entry you're reading here, then hi! My whole goal is to do one of those "365 Days, 365 Blogs" projects akin to people doing those "30 Days of Photos/Music" things.

Today's entry just so happens to have lots of attention on it because (if you haven't guessed already,) this is the two hundredth entry in a row. Counting today, I have yet to miss posting anything on this (barring technical difficulties from the Blogger website itself), so to do something like this can be claimed as quite a bit of an accomplishment.



So, regardless of whether you're a first-time reader or someone who's already been stalking me since Day 4, sit back, relax and have fun reading. Or snooping around, if you wanna be all creepy and what not. *cringes*





Two Hundred Down... One Hundred and Sixty-Five to Go!
(45% remaining? "At 40%, you will stop DoTs!")

More than halfway done with the year and I'm excited for the future. It honestly seems that it was only a few weeks ago when I first started this thing, and look at me now. 200 down, 165 to go.

You'd think I'd have more to say about this subject, but the truth is I don't. While I'm happy I've made it this far, I don't think it's as much of an impact as I'd expect it to be. Sure, some of my friends who placed bets on when I'd miss a day are probably relenting over losing their "Day 200" bet, but apart from their (negative) attention, I don't think anyone else really cares.

Eh. My blog, my story, my life. They're missing out. =P

Maybe they're just waiting for the 300^th entry just so they can spam comments related to 300 in some way. I 'unno. Regardless, I can't wait to see what the next hundred posts will look like and what will happen in my life in those hundred days. Will they be short? Will they be long? Will I get a girlfriend and not talk about it? Will I have some crazy pictures up that you'll laugh at?

All I can say is that we'll just have to wait and see what unfolds.





Ask the White Knight
(It's like Strong Bad answering his e-mails... except no verbal commentary and not as famous.)

As a special treat for the "celebration" of the 200th entry here, I decided to create a page where I respond to questions, comments and concerns from readers who dare to inquire about or state something to me.

The idea for this stems back to last Tuesday's entry, "Some Kind of Educated Response." In that, I responded to a comment made on last Sunday's entry "The Familiar Taste of Poison" - and it was met with praise that I responded.

Like mentioned in "Some Kind of Educated Response," the reasons I'm doing this sort of thing are threefold:

1. it shows that I listen to my readers and their comments
2. it helps promote increased viewership and interaction, and (more importantly,)
3. I get something to write about in the event that I'm lacking a topic to discuss.

It's going to be a fun experiment.



Now, I can hear some of you wondering what the ground rules are for this whole thing. Well, I haven't finely-tuned everything, but the basics are up-and-running.

Step One: Toss Up an Appropriate or "Appropriate" Question, Comment, and/or Concern
Now, to be fair, there will be some things I won't provide an answer to. Despite my apparent openness with all my readers here on this blog, a line has to be drawn somewhere. Example scenarios include:

• spam
• full-on Internet flame comments
• requests for something illegal
• a picture of my future girlfriend's/wife's rack
• anything grammatically incomprehensible^[3]
• the secret ingredient formula for the Krabby Patty
• publicly calling me out on a favor I owe you
• asking me to officially support the Horde
• requesting that I write your term paper/high school research paper/psychology dissertation
• inquiring about things I've already considered taboo
• a thesis on why I should allow you to call me "THAT NAME"
• the location of the Rebel base
• asking me out on a date
• a demand that I replace your ex-parrot

If it adheres to none of the above listed examples, then chances are that you can freely talk to me about it.

Step Two: Expect Some Kind of a Response Within Some Amount of Time
Now, I will respond in one of two ways using a combination of satirical humor, seriousness and all-around sincerity:

1. I will respond on the "Ask The White Knight" page on your comment.
2. If your statement requires a great amount of research or drives me to write a mini-dissertation (or if I just need an idea for a blog entry), then I will whip up an entry and post the link in my comment.

My response time will depend on the content of the response as well as how much traffic I have in regards to questions.

Step Three: Repeat Steps One and Two
Self-explanatory. I'm not going to bother even explaining this one.



Like I said, this is still being worked out, but it'd be great if I had a few people test-running this. So if you want to drop a line or have something to inquire me about, visit the page! Y'all got nothing to lose, and neither do I!





Annals of History - A Random Photo Montage of Randomness
(Like your parents' slide show of their trip to Kenya - plus the fun and minus the animals, disease and the gunrunners.)

I honestly couldn't think of anything to talk about apart from "YAY 200 POSTS LAWLZ" and "Ask The White Knight"^[4], and I was about to call it a day. Of course, that somehow led to me thinking about other things to sidetrack me a-plenty, and I eventually came to my cache of pictures I've hoarded on my computers over the years. Believe me when I say that there's a LOT. I mean, I save stuff if I think it's epic, funny, cool to have as a desktop or cell phone wallpaper or important for some other reason. Of the 6.21 gigabytes of memory spread out amongst 17,600+ pictures, 3.96 of that is from stuff from my various snapshots I've taken with my numerous cameras and camera-enabled cell phones. Ironic considering that I don't find myself photogenic^[5], but eh.

Anyway, I wanted to showcase a few random things from the past years of my life that I found amusing and/or cool while I prattled on about some random subject in a fictitiously depressing manner. The photos just happen to "match" what I'm talking about, so... hehehe.



DISCLAIMER: All photos present here were taken by me or a picture taken by a friend with me in it. Any game content and what not that obviously doesn't belong to me are copyright of their respective owners. Also, I'm not depressed or "bleh" in this "rant" I have going on below. All sub-text for photos, however, is actual truth. The whole "story contrasting with photos" thing is supposed to be funny, so please... laugh? =D



I don't get why I'm not popular.

During the early years of high school, this was how I saw the world.
I like to think that I matured somehow from this.

I went from an immature teenage brat to...

Apparently, my Target profile pic sports character. I was going for a "pseudo-Asian gangster" look but the camera somehow captured "typical Asian tourist."

...a twenty-something in the working class. (As the adage goes, "overworked and underpaid.") From how jubilant I appear to be in the picture, it would seem that I'm somewhat popular.

Where I used to live. Yeah, that was a fun mess to clean up. *sighs*

...eh, apparently not. In truth, I'm somewhat well-known throughout the local friend channels. I don't know why I'm "unpopular," though. It baffles me...

Found this at work about a year or two ago. Three - that's right - three broken mirrors a guest left behind.
I just hope they aren't superstitious.

I'm sure it's not my face. If that were the case, I'm sure I wouldn't be social in real life. I am shy, though, but that doesn't count.

Gefallen - Lv.83 Human Rogue (US-Tichondrius)
This is the Rogue I have to get to Lv.85 as part of "Operation: DREAM EATER."
While this screenshot was taken a looooong time ago, I think it validates the fact that I like Rogues... and that I can be extremely silly when I'm on him. For God's sake, I'm referencing that song by The Lonely Island...!

It can't be because I play World of Warcraft...

Chariselle - Lv.85 Blood Elf Paladin (US-Ravenholdt)
My second main and the other WoW character involved with "Operation: DREAM EATER."
Yes, I roleplay with her; and yes, that is pseudo-T2 armor and an eyepatch. She's been through a lot... =(

...and it can't be because I have a female character on World of Warcraft, either...

August 15, 2007: the day before my 18^th birthday.
While I've been told that I'm one of the more safer drivers out there^[6], everyone had to be clumsy and stupid at some point. The infamous ATC incident serves as one of my prime "clumsy and stupid" moments.
If you want a story... well, I just created "Ask The White Knight" and I need someone to test it...

...and it can't be because I totally suck at driving (because in reality, I'm awesome at it). So, what could be the reason for me to be totally lame and not worthy of being listened to, of having my blog read by a bunch of random strangers and friends alike?

I enjoy a nice tabletop RPG once in a while. That bottom sheet, though... ahehehe. (It's not me, by the way - it's a friend's character sheet. Mine's obviously the top one. 'Cause, you know... it's got my name on it.)
In case you're trying to read my friend's character's name, it's "William von Bootez of Hamburg in Ryanland - AKA: Ryanland of Awesomesauce - AKA: It's Awesome - AKA: The Box Behind Your House." If you think I'm crazy, get some of my friends sleep deprived or on a sugar high.

I went over the paperwork in an attempt to figure out what was the reason behind all this ignorance my friends were throwing my way. I spent hours trying to figure out the source and almost gave up because of the heaping amounts of data I had accumulated...

In order from top to bottom: my cousin, then my brother, then me.
Here's the sad part: despite this being a real scoresheet from an actual bowling game, that's the best I've ever played.

...and then I found a court-issued document chronicling a past few infractions I had performed a long ways ago. I was shocked - I totally forgot about these crimes I had performed! Maybe my brain was just suppressing the trauma said crimes inflicted on my soul.

Every once in a while around work, it's "Random Fact" day. I found one particular note that grabbed my attention because I believed it needed commentary from a fan of Dragon Ball Z and Internet memes...

Apparently I committed 9,001 counts of vandalism...

I can't remember the last time my car's gas tank was that full.
That, and I can't believe my odometer is almost double that number now...

...was found with 33,844 illegally-obtained barrels of petroleum...

Just about everyone my age has played or seen Super Mario 64 in action. To the people who recognize where I am in-game: Look carefully at the star count. No, I didn't cheat for that. Yes, it's physically possible to do that.

...and apparently cheated some turtle-loving king out of 16 dollars in a poker game.

Poker face. (Not the Lady Gaga song, mind you.)

I found this photograph attached to the document - it blatantly showed me cheating that turtle-loving bastard of a king out of his money. I felt sick to my stomach knowing that I had committed something so vile and atrocious.

It's a Lego minifig of me at work in Target, complete with blue blocker shades, one of those gun-shaped PDAs you see us Target Team Members with, and a PDA holster on my belt! (If only I looked this cool at work...)

So I grabbed a few belongings, donned a disguise and fled to "The Great White North" - the land known as Canada.

One of my friends from high school has a bunch of those haiku magnet-things on her fridge.
I forgot which person from our mutual friend circle arranged this, but... I found it funny.

I left behind a note telling my loved ones that they'd never see me again but not to worry about me.

My Lego minifig platoon is semi-customized like this. Trained to be battle-hardened and equipped with reinforced Kevlar (Stormtrooper armor), a ballistics helmet with visor and AK-102s (courtesy of BrickArms), it'll take a lot to mow my guys down.
And yes, Avatar: The Last Airbender fans: that's Prince Zuko in Lego form. Crazy, huh?

I was able to find a group of mercenaries who found me and my silliness to be quite popular, and they've been under my employ since. I haven't had to call upon their services yet, but I pray I don't have to.

Remember these blocks back in elementary school? Yeah, you know you do.
You probably got as bored as I did one day, too.

After all, all I wanted was to be popular, but at least my life can be at peace for now. That's all that matters, right? *sighs* Well, I hope that's all that matters.





Footnotes:

1 ^ [Current Music] I think I have a New Year's Resolution for 2012. So what if it's six months early? I'm not allowed to plan ahead? =P

2 ^ [Opening Paragraphs] Spamsilog is a variant of "-silog" meals that stem from the cuisine of the Philippines. The original word, tapsilog, is a contraction of "tapa" (dried or cured meat), "sinangag" (garlic-fried rice) and "itlog" (egg - usually fried). Most Filipinos have taken the "-silog" part and simply slap on some other meat (dish) of their choice, creating their own contracted word. "Spamsilog" is one widely recognized variant, and those that enjoy this (breakfast) dish enjoy it with great gusto - myself included.

3 ^ [Ask the White Knight] Eh. I might just go all Strong Bad on it anyway and make fun of it. I'm a big stickler on grammar and spelling (in case you don't already know), so it'll be Grammar Nazi Josh's turn at the wheel if I have to respond to something visually heinous to the English language.

4 ^ [Annals of History 1] I can't really talk about how I'll be responding to people's questions, comments and concerns if there aren't any at its conception, right?

5 ^ [Annals of History 2] I once said to a few friends the following:

"STOP! I'm not photogenic... though the photos on my Facebook would say otherwise..."

...yeah, I contradict myself a lot. Hey, at least I admit it!

6 ^ [Annals of History: ATC Photo] As long as I have a live passenger in my vehicle I will be as safe and as responsible as can be. If I'm by myself, that's a different story - assuming the cops aren't around. =P





Well, that about sums it up for this entry. If you'll excuse me, I need to go off and work on Operation: DREAM EATER some - got some running to do.

Until the 'morrow, laddies and lassies! Enjoy the rest of your evening, and look forward to another hundred entries in a row!

Headlines! A Filipino, His Bongo and The DREAM

Today's entry title is stylized like a semi-literal translation of an episode from a Japanese TV show. Mind you, there's no dub, so that's why the title appears as such.

In the event you have zero idea as to what any of those words in the title could be referring to, here's a breakdown list on what will (not) be talked about today^[1]:

• cheese
• not cheese
• Kababayan Fest 2011
• basketballs
• Operation: DREAM EATER

I know, I'm confusing. But you kinda knew that coming in here. *shrugs* Anyway, here's what today's entry title references:

Headlines

I figured it'd get your attention. It did, didn't it?

A Filipino

Kababayan Fest 2011 (the "Filipino Con" 2011 I sorta talked about on Saturday)

His Bongo

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time boss "Bongo Bongo"

The DREAM

Operation: DREAM EATER

That better now?





CURRENT MUSIC:
Halestorm - "Bad Romance (Lady Gaga Cover)"
ReAniMate: The CoVeRs EP

Great cover by Halestorm. In a way, I think it sounds a bit better than Lady Gaga's version. (Then again, rock's always trumped pop in my music preferences, but hey - you never know.)

What makes me laugh a bit is that every time I hear this, I have the urge to sing along. I'm going to end up subconsciously learning the lyrics or something now. If the original song begins playing somewhere and I sing along with enthusiasm, you now know why.


Ryo Kunihiko - "The Tower of Eternity"
Aion: The Tower of Eternity Original Soundtrack

Known by Aion players as the music for the original login screen, "The Tower of Eternity" did more than just welcome Aion's players to the game - it set the stage for a fantasy adventure to take flight into the unknown. I say "did" because from what I've heard, Aion changed its login screen and music for its first expansion (much like how World of Warcraft does for each of its expansions).

Anyway, I decided to give the soundtrack a shot while I did stuff today and I can't help but put this opening track on repeat. It quickly opens with a triumphant fanfare before going into a melodic set of strings that play what I would assume to be the Aion leitmotif. I have to say that Ryo Kunihiko (also known as Yang Bang Ean) did an amazing job composing the soundtrack for this game. Can't wait to listen to the rest of it.

I field-tested this earlier this morning to see how well it meshed with random tasks. I can tell you right now that it qualifies for a certain playlist that I have going on WinAmp and on my iPod. Said playlist has a bunch of music that makes mundane tasks such as driving to the gas station, using an ATM, groggily saying "Hello" to random strangers, and shopping seem more... heroic. Yeah. Heroic shopping. It sounds weird at first, but if you look epic, act epic and have equally epic background music playing whilst you shop (or anything, really), then it'll feel heroic. Just ask Batman.


Glenn Stafford, Derek Duke, Russell Brower and Neal Acree - "The Deal"
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Original Soundtrack

Anyone who's played StarCraft II knows this track, regardless of their knowledge of the soundtrack. Gamers not into the StarCraft games (or real-time strategies, in general) will still probably recognize this piece if they watch preview snippets or anything regarding game trailers and stuff.

Don't believe me? Watch the game's opening cinematic (which was used somewhat in that teaser video a year ago). Hehehehe.

Anyway, for those of you listening at home, fast-forwarding to 1:34 on the track is usually what's done - after all, that's the best part. Obviously this section works wonders with scenes involving construction and setting up some kind of plan. I wanna see if I can find a scene in a movie that would only become amazing with this music in the background.





Good night, readers! I know this entry's coming in rather late for today, but I was busy all day. Whee. So, without further ado, let's get started on what I wanna talk about today!





ID-Tagging this "Filipino Con 2011"
(IFF wasn't working before, and now it is. Yay.)

People obviously have realized by now that I never put any additional thing on Saturday's entry, nor did I slap additional entries and then mash them together. Probably because I had fun. Not in the sun, mind you - that star was murder.

Anyway, I did a bit more research on what the event was on the way there and I got the information I wanted. Called Kababayan Fest, the annual festival is purported as "the largest Filipino gathering in the West Coast [of the United States]." They travel from various locales from Vegas to California to even Hawaii, featuring food, music, entertainment and all-around Filipino culture. It's an event that brings out the inner pinoy/pinay in every Filipino that is around it, which is pretty cool.

That's right - I got to meet with the famed boxer, Manny Pacquiao!
(...well... sort of. *sighs*)

Fictitious celebrity meeting aside, as it was in Knott's Berry Farm, there was obviously more to do than just attend Kababayan Fest. I mean, come on - this is a theme park we're in. So my cousins and I hit the rides and hit the carnival games. While my luck in regards to games of chance isn't great, I did escape with some prizes.

Pay no attention to the Mario Kart-themed bedding.
Instead, pay attention to what's on the Mario Kart-themed bedding. =3

Yeah, a kamikaze bird and a minion from Despicable Me! MOAR STUFF to adorn my car's interior! =D (Special thanks to my cousin for winning me the Angry Bird! <3)

*clears throat* A-Anyway, that's that. As you can tell, I had a fun weekend. Moving on...!




A Fighting Rhythm
(Some random ditty involving a certain music-based boss...)

(Author's Note: I'll be delving into Ocarina of Time here, so for those of you who consider yourselves "lamers who don't play games" or if you were "OoT-deprived" in your childhood, then skip this section. You make me sad face.)

The Shadow Temple was never one of my favorite dungeons to go through in Ocarina of Time. I dislike it almost as much as I dislike the Water Temple. While the Water Temple annoys me with the multiple walls to blow up, the constantly annoying act of adjusting of the water level and the even more annoying act of pausing to switch the iron boots on and off, the Shadow Temple just confuses the fuck out of me. Between forgetting what rooms require the Lens of Truth, the lack of traction with the hover boots and the myriad of mysteries around every corner, I find the dungeon as a whole... very frustrating^[2].

Despite all that, Bongo Bongo has always been one of my favorite bosses due to his uniqueness. Most bosses are usually faced in some open area in the middle of nowhere or an arena ground of some kind or the top of their fortress or the physical manifestation of their psyche or something like that. No, not Bongo Bongo. The "Phantom Shadow Beast" decides that he wants to fight you on his bongo drum of all places.

That alone makes the fight fun. However, I want to try fighting him (and going through the Shadow Temple, for that matter) without the Lens of Truth. It's possible but 150% tougher.

And the best part about the 3DS version of Ocarina of Time? Boss fight replays - I can go back and fight them! *replays the Bongo Bongo fight*





Cleaning!? "RUN AWAY!"
(The goggles do nothing!)

So in keeping with how I made day four of five a personal day to work on things I want to work on, I figured I'd work on parts of Operation: DREAM EATER. To make a long story short, I've been cleaning and attempting to work out.

I learned one thing after today: I am waaaaaaaay out of shape. Also, I think I might be a bit more hallucinatory due to bleach inhalation. Eep.

Back to the topic at hand. It feels good to work on parts of this. I wonder if I should dedicate tomorrow to other aspects of Operation: DREAM EATER. It'd be productive work on my part, and I'd actually be enjoying it. Most of all, I wouldn't be exposing myself to nasty chemicals while I do!

Yippee!





Footnotes:

1 ^ [Pre-Blog Opening] Pre-"The White Knight Chronicles" readers (aka: those who read my Facebook blog) will probably be facepalming now, as this list is reminiscent of an old pre-blog thing I threw on there called "What's (Not) Featured." It was a list of things I slapped on the start of an entry that may or may not be talked about to the readers (inspired by a humorous news post from Bungie's website years ago). Unless you knew me well enough, I could've be lying about every single thing I listed. As much as I'd love to put that on here again, I won't. While it DID help with keeping reader interest, I think the joke got old rather fast.

2 ^ [A Fighting Rhythm] And don't even get me started with those damn SUDDEN SKULLTULAS in that one corridor. I was playing through the Shadow Temple on Ocarina of Time 3D two weeks ago for the first time and totally forgot about those bastards. Eep.





Well, that about wraps up today's entry. Until the 'morrow, everyone!

Marinade

After a fun day spent sorting music, hanging out with relatives and preparing for tomorrow, I'm quite spent. As much as I'd love to put something big for today, I just lack the mental stamina to do so at this time.

Story of my life, isn't it? Heh. Well, if anything, this lets you know that I'm still one for one for the whole "365 Days, 365 Blogs" thing.

I got a long day tomorrow with lots of work to do, but "fortunately," it's not actual work - in other words, I'm not going to my job because I'm not scheduled until Wednesday. I think I'm okay with that - it lets me catch up on some things (like Operation: DREAM EATER, maybe?) and at the same time I can relax a bit more.

Tomorrow I'll definitely have something decent on here - I obviously have to tell more about this supposed "Filipino Con 2011" thing from yesterday, and I need to explain other things as well. For now, I think I'll let sleep claim me. I'm sure my dreams will compose all the thoughts into one well-scripted steak as the past events of this weekend and the events yet to occur marinate said metaphorical steak.

Night-night, y'all. Tomorrow's steak entry will be quite juicy juicy (...huh, maybe I didn't need to cross that out). I'll... see you... to...mor... *zzz*

White Knight Live: "Filipino Con 2011" @ Knott's

So right now I am in a car heading to Knott's Berry Farm with a bunch of my relatives for a sort-of "get-together." I say this with quotes because apparently, there is a Filipino cultural festival taking place on the grounds. Some of my cousins think my uncle who planned this... well, planned this. It's a conspiracy to them, but I think it's just sheer coincidence.

In the event that I end up wanting to post more about this, I'll place more entries and then mash them all together into one giant hodgepodge of an entry.

So, let's see what happens today. If I don't slap anything else on here today, I'll just meet you in the 'morrow, mmkay? Mmkay.

*conks out back to sleep*

High Rollin' Socialite

Three words crossed my mind as I woke up to post today's entry:
PAY DAY, BITCHES! *insert war cry here*

"Wait, Josh; wasn't today the start of your fantastic few days off or something?" I hear some of you asking. My response: "Eh. I can talk about that later." *smiles evilly as he preps for the day*





CURRENT MUSIC:
Hideyuki Fukasawa - "Drive-In at Night Stage (USA)"
Street Fighter IV Original Soundtrack

This track works as excellent backing music for any homemade movie involving a trip to Las Vegas* or a montage sequence for someone winning in a tournament**.

* = Reno, Monte Carlo, and just about every casino out there doesn't cut it - the bass is basically like staring at all the neon, and since most other casino locales don't have much to offer in terms of neon signage... Vegas it is.

** = The way I'd see it for movie usage? Simple - most movies and TV shows following a protagonist through some kind of tournament will usually adhere to the following timeline:

• show the first match and the trials the protagonist(s) endure there; eventually show them winning
• montage sequence of protagonist(s) winning other fights [along with footage of (potential) rival teams and/or antagonist(s)'(s) matches]
• semi-final competition; protagonist(s) usually get by with some kind of miracle win
• finals (oftentimes with the antagonist)
• (optional: sudden death)

DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story follows this quite well to the point where I'd cite it as an example of the timeline. Anyway, the "montage" part - play "Drive-In at Night Stage (USA)" there. Works like a charm.


Mattias Häggström Gerdt and GSlicer - "Casino Lounge (Goldenrod Game Corner)"
Pokémon: The Missingno Tracks

Another track from the Pokémon-themed soundtrack from OverClocked Remix... I like it.

This time, rather than some eerie rendition of the Viridian Forest music I talked about two days ago, I'll instead focus on a pretty cool rendition of Gold/Silver/Crystal Version's Goldenrod City Game Corner (known to the PokéRadio fans as the music for the Lucky Channel).

I'll be honest: I SUCKED at the Game Corner. Like all real-life casinos, it's a huge financial sinkhole if luck is not on your side (and more often than not: it isn't). However, that didn't stop us trainers from visiting the place once in a while and gambling our in-game money away. We felt like winners every time we walked out of there, regardless of our gains (if any) or losses.

While "Drive-In at Night Stage (USA)" is perfect for that panoramic shot of Las Vegas or any casino in general, "Casino Lounge (Goldenrod Game Corner)" seems to be perfect for footage inside a gambling arena - and maybe a few games of blackjack or craps or whatever suits your fancy.

This is going to be playing in my car all day, and I am going to love every single second of it.


Eun Ji Won - "Adios (f. Mr. Tyfoon)"
Love, Death, Introspection

Now, don't be fooled by the sound of this song. It sounds like something you'd hear in Spain, but trust me when I say: it's Korean hip hop. Baffled? I was too when I first heard this song years ago. My God, though... it's awesome. In typical "American" fashion, I don't know much of the lyrics (the only word I know in Korean would be anything involving "kimchi"), but thanks to subtitles and the wonders that is interspersing both Spanish and English in a Korean song (wat.), I'm able to see it some kind of song where a girl left the singer. (Yay for songs whose meanings don't match with the tone of the song! =D)

For some reason, I'm inspired to learn how to flamenco dance every time I hear this song. It's partially due to that guitar, and it's also due to the flamenco dancers in the background of the music video. (At least I think it's flamenco... please correct me if I'm mistaken.)



"A man needs his rest."
- Iroh
(Avatar: The Last Airbender)

This quote holds so true for me right now. After six days, I do need my rest. And what better way to rest than by not working and hanging out with lots and lots of people in multiple pre-planned events? I just high roll like that.

Seriously, though, this is great advice for anyone who seems to be overexerting themselves. I've been guilty of overexertion before, and it's not fun. You end up withering to a husk and go on autopilot, usually biting angrily at anyone telling you to stop and relax.

So, if you or someone you know looks to be physically and mentally exhausted, tell them this. They may be like Zuko at the start of season one and dismiss it as hogwash, but eventually they'll succumb to their fatigue and listen to you.

If only I had listened to this before when I was told this...





Hello, readers, and welcome to today's edition of The White Knight Chronicles!

Unfortunately, as I have a very busy day/afternoon/evening/night ahead of me, I'll have to be quick and to-the-point for today's entry.



After a grueling six days of arduous work, a much-needed "vacation" is finally upon me. It's a great feeling to finally have a day off to relax, have fun, chow on lots and lots of grub, hang out with people, and (most importantly of all,) get away from doing anything productive that I consider "productive." (I thank hedonism. It's fun! *thumbs up*)

So what do I have planned for today and tonight that caused me to detract from this entry to a point? (Look at the pre-blog things; lots of it, huh?)

Well, for starters, I came back from a sushi day with a few friends and had a lot of fun (as well as a lot of sushi), and now I feel all bloated and ready to quit on food. Unfortunately, that is not the case for tonight - in several hours, I'll be meeting up with some relatives for a dinner-fest of their own (if we go to a buffet, I think I'll only be able to handle a salad and some Jell-O) and a sort-of reunion. And then after that I'll be heading off with some of my work friends for some MOAR FOODZ and FUN TIEMS in our pseudo-first get-together-thingy-thing.

Lots of things, lots of social gatherings, lots of people to say hi to and catch up on, lots of grub, lots of time spent not working. Makes me feel kind of like a socialite in a way - not the "famous for being famous" kind of socialite, mind you, but someone who knows a lot of people and goes hanging out with said people (if possible, in high(er)-class venues).

Being that it's also pay day, it means I can afford this somewhat. By that I mean I allotted my remaining expenses after bills to this. Whoo. I'll be broke for, like, two weeks, but I think it'll be worth it to have one awesome day of... well, awesome.





So until the 'morrow, my friends - food, fun and friends await! *drives off*

An Aural Priming

Today, I found it strange how it is cloudy. I knew that day six of this workload would be strenuous physically, but I wasn't expecting a (now-literally) cloudy ending to this. I mean, between cleaning and organizing the store to near-perfection due to our annual inventory process and the fact that I declared last night as my weekly "wear dress shoes to work" day, my energy was drained to the point of hitting the reserves I set aside for today.



But enough melancholic blah-blah. That's not what you're here for. You're here to read about more upbeat things such as butterflies, rainbows, and the obituary of that bastard you beat up for calling your totally hot significant other a "fat, ugly whore."

Well, here's where my apology will kick in: there's no butterflies or rainbows. If you want that obituary still, then go on Google and run a search on "fresh corpse." That oughta be enough to shut you up for that request. =P

Anyway, as I've been doing nothing but blasting music in an effort to prime me with enough energy to get through day six of six, the rest of this entry will be related to the myriad of songs and pieces I listened to.





CURRENT MUSIC:
Junichi Nakatsuru - "Winter Storm"
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Original Soundtrack

I liken today to the final mission or level in a video game - that last act of struggle and conflict we have to get through before the peace and rest can finally kick in. Sure, it can be heavily argued that conflict (or video gaming, for that matter) cannot be compared to something as trivial as a long and utterly-exhausting week of work, but I disagree. In a metaphorical aspect, it works, and it works even better when situationally-fitting music is playing.

Enter "Winter Storm" - one of the last tracks heard in Ace Combat 5's storyline campaign. After a long and taxing campaign defending the skies of their country, the brave "Ghosts of Razgriz" pilots must endure one final and dangerous mission to end the war they've been fighting in since the beginning.

What really haunts me is the piano in this piece. While the strings, percussion and horns build up that "final struggle" feeling, that piano sits there in the background providing a chilling bass line and backing. Eventually the other instruments crescendo and decrescendo in importance (and in-game, it's usually timed well so the fight starts when the music hits that part). Then the piano suddenly breaks through with a hair-raising solo (with backing from the strings and percussion) that chills my soul every time I hear it (especially if I myself am in some kind of struggle). Eventually the black-and-whites trade off the lead with the horns for one last melancholic fanfare before the piece fades out, ready to repeat in case you're not fast enough in-game.

I don't know - maybe it's just me getting all these feelings. As I played and thoroughly loved Ace Combat 5, it would make sense that a soundtrack like this would leave me aurally attached to the game. At the same time, my psychoemotional responses (if such a term exists) seem significant enough to make me talk about the impact of video games as more than a mere platform of media entertainment.

Analytical digression aside, it's an excellent track to listen to - especially if you yourself are in the tail end of some kind of struggle. Listening to this track actually primed my energy reserves to get through this last day of work, so give it a shot as you drive to work or something if you're feeling like "bleh."


O-Town - "Comin' to the Rescue"
Pokémon: The Movie 2000 ~ Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture

Before you start wondering about my musical tastes (even though I made it painfully clear that I listen to just about everything), I would like to tell you that for some reason I felt like watching a Pokémon movie for nostalgia.

Cue Pokémon: The Movie 2000 and my laptop's DVD drive. Before I watched the main feature, I figured I'd watch the Pikachu short, because what's a Pokémon movie without the Pikachu short? I primed "Pikachu's Rescue Adventure" and began watching.

Hehe. Nostalgia. *sips a Capri Sun*

Anyway, for those of you not clicking the link (or in the future if the link no longer works), "Comin' to the Rescue" is the song heard in the opening credits (starts in the video at roughly two minutes in). In terms of the movie's plot (Pikachu and company searching for a lost Togepi), the song fits fine, but out-of-context... well, it still works as a stand-alone song. Damn; what is it about pop songs and them being catchy? O.o


Rob Zombie - "Living Dead Girl (Subliminal Seduction Mix)"
American Made Music to Strip By

Now, I'm going to be honest with you here... half the time I listen to a Rob Zombie song, I usually see no meaning behind the songs. However, I have to say that for some artists, that's okay, because the song possesses a "kickass sound" card in some fashion. This song has that to the point where I see at least two potential real-life uses.

The first seems innocuous enough: the theme to some badass hot girl [or a (military) team of badass hot girls] in a movie or some kind of competitive arena. For some reason the song would only seem more fitting if the girl(s) in question blared this in some kind of airsoft/paintball/live-fire arena while wearing high-strap combat boots in addition to a matching lightly-armored combat suit that involves leather in some form. [I say "lightly armored" not in the sense of tons of exposed skin (which, while hot that would be, is impractical in a tactical standpoint), but in the sense of higher mobility and easier execution of melee combat maneuvers.]

The second use is the not-so-innocuous (and more likely to occur in real life): background music for a strip club, a private striptease or while having sex. (Future wife: if you're reading this and you've no idea what to get me for my birthday, I think I just gave you an idea. *winks*) For Christ's sake, if the album's name isn't enough for you to believe this song is usable in this aspect, then I don't know what would make it more obvious.

I didn't include the third aspect I came up with (background music for street racing nighttime driving) mostly because it's perfect for that already. "Dragula" is on my personal playlist for that, so... *decides on experimenting with "Living Dead Girl" when he drives to work*


John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra - "Cantina Band 2"
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Yeah. Star Wars music. If I ever own a bar I will make sure this is one of the many pieces of background music that plays in the background. I'll get a lot of looks but the Star Wars fans in the crowd will enjoy this... followed by a very heated argument (and eventual brawl) over the quality of the Prequel Trilogy due to some drunkard saying that Empire was the most boring of the six movies.

On second thought: not a good idea to have this as background music. For fighting, maybe (ask anyone who's played Star Wars: Battlefront or Battlefront II and brawled it out in Tatooine's cantina bar), but... hrm.

Anyway, fun song to listen and relax to (assuming you're nowhere near any die-hard Prequel fans).





...well. That was rather lengthy. Time to bid y'all adieu until the 'morrow!