Resolution Absolution

Today's a lovely Friday, and as it's the end of the start of the new year, I think it's time I deliver something so large and outrageous it'll take you a good while to read and digest.

I guarantee a great entry today and awesome things to boot - this post took almost a week to make, so consider this a late Christmas present or a belated "Happy New Year" greeting of some kind.

Much, much better than fireworks.

So without further ado, kick off the new year for us, Nyan Cat!





CURRENT MUSIC:
Hideyuki Fukasawa - "Skyscraper Under Construction Stage (North America)"
Super Street Fighter IV Game Music Recording (Fan Soundtrack)

Fast-paced action calls for fast-paced music. More often than not, fighting games can readily be pulled into the audio mix because they are usually fast-paced. "Skyscraper Under Construction" does this well enough to the point where it could also be used as street racing music. (Yes, I've field tested this. Don't ask me when or how. *shifty eyes*)

As I worked on this entry, this played a few times, and it did its job in pumping me up and keeping me alert for all the fast typing I had to pull off whilst making this entry.


Bear McCreary - "Prelude to War"
Battlestar Galactica: Season 2 Original Soundtrack

Before you ask: yes, this particular piece has been featured on this blog about four times already. Honestly, I don't care. That's what happens when you listen to an amazing soundtrack for the first time after hearing one particular track from the album. "Prelude to War" is that for me and Battlestar Galactica, so that's reason enough for my bias.

I don't think there's a better track from Battlestar Galactica to wake up to. Sure, "Apocalypse, Part I" has a killer sound to it, but it lacks the taiko. Oh, sweet music, the taiko. I don't think you can get a killer pulse that robust and rich anywhere else.

It goes without saying that "Prelude to War" makes for excellent background music for combat (and any of those scenes that serve to heighten the tension before a battle). It also makes for excellent working and/or thinking music - it's helped make typing this entry today much more bearable.



"Fifteen hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat. And fifteen minutes ago, you knew that people were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow."
- Agent K
(Men in Black)

Very insightful, really - which says something considering how Men in Black is a sci-fi action/comedy flick. This further proves the adage "you learn something new everyday" and also bolsters the idea of "infinite knowledge." There's just so much information out there on so many differing subjects that everyone can look at... and yet hardly anyone takes the time to grasp that information. Sad, really, but hey - that's "people" for you.





Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to a great entry on The White Knight Chronicles! As always, I'm your host Josh D. Blanco, and I'm here today to talk about stuff... because I can.

As it's been 2012 for nearly six whole days now, I'm sure many of you have gotten sick of hearing other people remark about how it's already 2012. I mean, that's nice and, but I think we're all tired of hearing that. Of course, with me being the same ol' jerkass me, I decided to torment you just a bit more.

Real Life Comics © Greg Dean

2012 has brought to us new changes to the world - mindsets have been altered in many people. Some believe that the apocalypse is going to be occurring at the end of the year and are making amends wherever possible. Some people are wondering what changes in world leadership are going to take place. Despite that, most people are just concerned about themselves and are making plans to make changes to their lives - for better or for worse. They do this in the form of New Year's resolutions, and

So, without further ado, I present:




Josh's New Year's Resolutions - 2012 Edition
(Listed in no particular order whatsoever.)

1. Go Two Years in a Row on this Blog^{(AF) (EC)}
2. Write & Complete a New Screenplay
3. Learn Something on the Piano^{(EC) (LI)}
4. Begin & Complete the United States Quarters Collections^(LI)
5. Get Out of the Financial Red & Have $1,000+ in Savings^(EC)
6. Get/Stay in Shape
7. Complete a Tuxedo Mask Cosplay Outfit
8. Complete (50%+ of) a Second Cosplay Outfit^{(EC) (LI)}
9. Successfully Cook at Least Five Dishes^{(EC) (LI)}
10. Re-Create Anything Displayed on Epic Meal Time

Overall Objective: Attain a Grade of 90% or Better

Now, I'm very certain that some of you were confused with parts of this list - namely, the little markers at the end of each entry and that "Overall Objective" listed above this sentence. We'll start with the latter, as it's easier to explain.

If we were to take my list of New Year's resolutions and treat it as your average test that was worth 100 points, then each completed resolution would count for 10 points. In the traditional sense, a 90% is an "A" - and since I'm Asian, I can't get anything less than an "A" lest I face the wrath of the parentals. But seeing as how I don't really get along with them, this will instead be a case of (harsh) self-criticism. This means that if I want to be "successful" and happy with myself, I can only get away with missing one question - er, task.

As for the other little notes there attached to some of those entries? Here's what they mean:

AF: "Auto-Fail." Should this resolution fail to be completed, the entire list - no matter how many points are earned - is all for naught. The exercise will be considered as a failure.
EC: "Extra Credit." Resolutions listed with an "(EC)" have the potential for adding additional points to the overall score. Like most extra credit offered in schools, there's no points for partial answers or completions - it's all or nothing.
LI: "List." Any resolution with marked with an "(LI)" has an attached sub-list in the details mentioned below. They could be requirements for a resolution or choices I could make in completing the resolution. Regardless, these lists are important.

Any entry with any footnote(s) will address why they have each note at the end of the spiel I write for each one, so in case you think I'm going on a tangent, I won't be. (Not yet, at least.)

Now that you've been briefed on everything you need to know (about the basics, at least), it's time to take an in-depth look at this gargantuan group of decuplets. (I'd say "dectet," but only one of these tasks is musical in nature.)





1.) Go Two Years in a Row on this Blog^{(AF) (EC)}
(Because one whole year was just a fluke. Anybody could do that.)

As if me bragging about my blog all last year wasn't enough...

This one is self-explanatory. As my readers already know, my one and only resolution last year was to write one entry each day on here last year. As can be seen in the archives (and the personal archives I have stored at home), I achieved that goal.

I figured, "Why not do it again? =D" (And yes, there was a bright smile at the end of that sentence when I thought it up.) I mean, it wasn't that hard (barring those moments of lethargy or those times where I was devoid of Internet access and/or extremely bedridden with sickness). Besides, with something as simple as this spearheading the list, it would make the other nine tasks look easy over time. (That's the theory, at least.)

Now you know why January 1st's entry was titled "All Over Again."

Auto-Fail:
Quite obvious why I'd mark this as the auto-failing task. I mean, considering how updating this blog is quite a simple feat, I would find it impossible for me to even make a half-assed entry. (I've done so on multiple occasions last year, and don't be surprised if I end up doing the same thing a few times this year as well.) However, knowing how life and Murphy's law can be, I will say the following disclaimer that affects both this year and the future: I will actively go to my best effort to post something on this blog on a daily 24-hour period, barring extreme circumstances such as server-side problems (such as Google taking Blogger down for maintenance), legal problems that force me to not be on the Internet (such as being jailed), or medical incapacitation (such as a coma or death).

Extra Credit:
Obviously as time passes I will do everything I can to make this a fun website. I'll soup up the look of the place; I'll use fancy fonts when the time calls for it; I'll throw the occasional poll up. There are times when I'll announce a "project of the month" of sorts or perhaps something even bigger. Mind you, we're not talking about a "month full of nothing but 'Motivationally Speaking' entries" kind of project. Rather, we're talking about a "month of entries with over 1,000 words in them" and "two dissertations a month" kind of bigger. Should I actually follow through with the task in question, it will add an additional 2.5 points to the total score.

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



2.) Write & Complete a New Screenplay
(Heaven forbid I finish an old one. We'll save that for another day.)

When I complete this resolution, someone remind me to photograph it in a manner similar to this.
Angled shots for the win.

As a writer with a hyperactive imagination, one would at first glance assume it's easy for me to come up with ideas. While it is indeed quite easy, the difficult part most people don't see is how to apply said ideas to the page. This has resulted in many a writer (myself included) dumping ideas due to being unable or "unable" to translate their story ideas into a format of their choosing.

I've had this problem ever since I decided on making writing a hobby. It's been a bit of a curse, but at the same time it's been a blessing - it gives me a bit more of a read with ideas that are thrown at me by friends trying to pitch their own ideas for their own projects.

Of course, this means that I've had about several thousand ideas just swirling around in my brain somewhere - all of them possessing a combination of insanity and brilliance. I'm sure one of them would make for a good movie somewhere.

Besides, it's always fun to read a movie. It's even better if it's considered by an actual film group to be made into a movie, but that's just wishful dreaming right there. Regardless, it'll be a fun project - and also a good way to stretch my writing talents again.

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



3.) Learn Something on the Piano^{(EC) (LI)}
(Pianos are a beautiful thing to listen to. Allow me to play you the reasons why.)

If Haruhi is allowed to be a multi-talented jack-of-all-trades of sorts, then so can I.

Out of all the instruments in the world, I think the piano is my favorite. Sure, it could be said that I'm biased because it's the one instrument I have decent skill playing with. It can also be claimed that most musical pieces in the world can be played on a piano in one way or another. While those facts may be so, I also chose the eighty-eight-keyed instrument because of its ability to carry just about any emotion with whatever song or piece it played.

That being said, I think it's about time for me to learn something new on the piano - just because I can. But what could I learn? There's so many songs and pieces I could try picking up, but I decided to settle on just one instrumental piece and one song.

The two finalists in question? Here they are (listed alphabetically by title). Each entrant has both a link to the original audio version on YouTube and an accompanying video featuring someone who's already performed the piece on the piano.


"Battlestar Sonatica" by Bear McCreary
When TV's Battlestar Galactica began to show us the Cylon side of the conflict, there needed to be a theme to represent them. Rather than a big brass band and low strings, we get nothing but a piano. Strangely, it does a much better job than expected - and part of it has to do with Bear McCreary's work. Bear himself even expressed his uncertainty of using this to represent the Cylon side, but we fans found it to match quite perfectly.



There's something hauntingly calm (yeah, not a juxtaposition at all there) about the whole piece - especially when it segues into a variation of Baltar's theme midway through.


"Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi" by ON/OFF
Best known as the first opening theme to Vampire Knight. While I haven't seen the series in its entirety, I know I have to finish it. For one: it's anime, and I like anime. Two: I actually like it (and that's partly because the vampires don't frakkin' sparkle).

And most importantly, three: "Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi" has a beautiful sound to it. You can hear tragedy, sin, depression, and romantic emotions all wrapped up and packaged in a Japanese pop song that just plays harmoniously.



It also helps that this is, like, the one Japanese song I want to learn the lyrics to. From what I've tested in private, I can match the pitch quite well, and with a bit of training, I can probably belt this out while driving down the freeway or putting things away at work. Or if I become awesome: sing this while playing it on the piano.


I don't know how long it'd take for me to learn any one song. It takes a decent amount of practice and dedication to stick it through - like say, a month-and-a-half or so. However, with me getting sidetracked and bored all too easily, this actually will prove to be quite a challenge. Fortunately for me (and my supposed ADHD), I decided to make this a bit simpler for myself by saying that I'd only pick one piece. But God knows how long it would take for me to learn it...!

Extra Credit:
An additional 2.5 points will be added to the total score if both musical pieces are learned.

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



4.) Begin & Complete the United States Quarters Collections^(LI)
(Money to be saved and not used as money? What manner of sorcery is this!?)

These aren't the quarters I'm looking for.

I'm a collector. I collect a lot of things. Whether it be autographs and posters that represent my younger days and my present ones alike, (children's) trading cards, or even Pokémon, I just have this insatiable urge to have things.

This includes the state quarters. Back in 1999 when the U.S. government launched the program, I got a bit excited. Sure, they wouldn't amount to much - after all, we're talking about $12.50 in change here - but the fact that each and every state would be featured made it interesting for collectors all over.

I once had a collection, but it was devoured by the ever-hungry form of reality. One day last year I found myself with a huge pile of laundry and absolutely no cash to spend at the laundromat. I like wearing clean clothes, because wearing dirty ones just makes me feel gross. So out of desperation, I broke the container containing the state quarter collection I owned and used what I had (I had about 37 of them at the time).

Now, I have to rebuild that collection from scratch. Since the U.S. government is continuing its quarters campaign with America the Beautiful, I figured a good way to do this would be to get the quarters from the prior series:

• the original 50 states
• the District of Columbia and U.S. territories

This is probably going to be the simplest to complete in terms of difficulty. In terms of availability, however, this may prove to be a challenge, as I've rarely come across newer state quarters even though I'm at a register for a considerable amount of time.

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



5.) Get Out of the Financial Red & Have $1,000+ in Savings^(EC)
("How!? How did I spend that much money!?")

I don't want my financial security to end up like Terry Benedict's vault.

It goes without saying that these are dark financial times. Prices of gas are still high; real estate's gone downhill; the poor are selling their firstborn children to pay for gas; celebrities can no longer afford their multi-million-dollar botox treatments. Just horrible.

Of course, it also goes without saying that since I'm a twenty-something without a silver spoon in my mouth, I'm also flat broke. So broke that I'm in the red, but that's nothing new. We've all been in the red at some point in our lives, so no need to get worried there.

So, it'd be nice if I could at least turn my financial situation around. It'd make things a lot more bearable and at the same time would provide me with stable footing to carry on with life. And while I'm at it, some financial security of some kind would be nice.

To be honest, I think this is going to be the most likely task to fail, just because of how crappy the economy is. Hours get cut; I don't get paid much; I get driven to live from paycheck to paycheck despite how much I hate it. This means that I have to work extra-hard on the other nine tasks, huh? =D

Extra Credit:
An additional 2.5 points will be added for each additional $500 in savings.

Maximum of 5 extra credit points.

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



6.) Get/Stay in Shape
(This actually has more positive results than just "get to live longer.")

Iroh's not doing push-ups - he's pushing the world down.

I don't like how I look. I'm overweight, not as energetic as I once was, and probably in dire need of a medical checkup. It's just downright despicable - and it only gets worse when I'm lamenting about something and I turn to glance at the mirror. I catch my physical self and realize how pitiful I appear to be.

I want to change that. And when I do get in shape (because it will happen), I'm going to do everything in my power to maintain that healthy state, because being in shape means I have a higher chance of being awesome.

There's a lot of reasons why I want to do this. It's not just because I don't like how I look anymore. There's a lot more. The benefits will just have to be discovered on your own time, because revealing them would just seem wrong for you.

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



7.) Complete a Tuxedo Mask Cosplay Outfit
(See? Here's a reason why I want Resolution #6 to succeed!)

"Tuxedo Kamen!" (Yeah, still watching the Japanese version.)
(Picture made by "NotThePornStar" and found on DeviantArt.)

As I was first introduced to the world of anime at a time when Toonami just started, Sailor Moon became one of the first series that grabbed my attention - at least in a subconscious level. Years later we find ourselves in the present day, where I'm watching the magical girl series on my own volition as opposed to watching it out of boredom because Dragon Ball Z aired afterwards.

Digressing. Tuxedo Mask has been a pretty cool character of the series, and as the only significant male character, he kind of stands out amongst a sea of women.

Now, I want to cosplay as him. It'd be great to wear this at a convention. To non-anime people, they'd think I'm doing some kind of traditional masquerade and stand back to observe the formality. To those in the know, they'd sit there and be awe-struck (and if they're evil, they'd also receive roses in the face). To the fangirls, they'd squee and probably glomp me once they were in range. *winks*

Besides, since I work Security for Pacific Media Expo, it'd be perfect - I'd get to stop evil in its tracks!

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



8.) Complete (50%+ of) a Second Cosplay Outfit^{(EC) (LI)}
("I'm a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude!")

Metal Gear Solid cosplay! SQUEE~!
From left to right: Naked Snake, Naked Snake (w/ "Zombie" face paint), Otacon, Meryl Silverburgh, Naked Snake, Big Boss

While Tuxedo Mask is on the priority list of cosplay projects I want to get off the ground, there are a myriad of other ideas as well. Here's each of the characters, a picture to go along with each one, and my reasons why I'd want to do it. (Cosplay ideas listed alphabetically and sorted alphabetically with their associated franchise.)


Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Dai Li Agent

"Those men are agents of the Dai Li, the cultural authority of Ba Sing Se. They are the guardians of all our traditions."
- Joo Dee (Avatar: The Last Airbender S2E14: "City of Walls and Secrets")

The Dai Li are known throughout the Avatar community as some of the most elite Earthbenders ever. Charged with protecting the peace and order within Ba Sing Se, the secret police of sorts makes sure nobody knows anything of the hundred-year war with the Fire Nation. In combat, they're quite mobile and adept at incapacitation.

They have some of the coolest-looking outfits in the series, and to top it off they have those hats. THOSE HATS. You rarely see their eyes, and that's never a good sign to see from your opponent. It just makes 'em more awesome.


- Fire Nation Imperial Guard

"Hi. I'm Quin Lee. I work up in Communications."

The Fire Nation's Imperial Guard are the best of the best. They're the Firebenders charged with defending the Fire Lord and anyone else in the royal family.

Out of all the generic warrior uniforms in the Avatar, theirs looks the best. While the Dai Li's uniform represents awesomeness through simplicity, the Imperial Guards' polished, faceless look just takes the cake. Plus it's lightweight enough for them to walk around casually and limber enough for them to firebend with little to no error.

Plus, they're firebenders. Firebenders are awesome. Enough said.


- Foaming Mouth Guy

He may just be a bit character, but he's the greatest bit character ever.

And speaking of frosting, let's talk about frothing. If you're unfamiliar with the series, this is a picture of Foaming Mouth Guy. (He's got other fan-given nicknames, but "Foaming Mouth Guy" seems to be the most well-known. A bit character who was there to over-exaggerate his excitement over meeting the Avatar, his trademark act is to jump up and down in celebration and make equally-excited sounds... and suddenly foam up in the mouth and fall unconscious. (SPOILER: IT'S ALL JUST AN ACT.) In the brief six seconds he appears in during the fourth episode, he generated so many laughs and supporters that he showed up a second time.

Too... awesome... for words. Shame there aren't many cosplayers for him. I should change that.


Battlestar Galactica
- Colonial Fleet Crewman (Flight Crew Uniform)

Orange and yellow never looked so cool together until now.

As Galactica is pretty much an armed aircraft carrier IN SPACE, there needs to be a flight deck crew of some kind. These knuckledraggers end up being that crew, and they have the uniforms and the pockets to hold their stuff in check.

They're awesome, but not as awesome as some of the other outfits in the show.


- Colonial Marine (Combat Uniform)

Aw, frak; someone beat me to it already!

And since the Galactica is an armed aircraft carrier IN SPACE, that means it needs to possess an internal security force of some kind, either to be used as ground assault troops or to repel any enemy boarders. The Colonial Marine Corps do just that, and they have the combat uniforms to make sure they are prepared to face whatever threat - human or Cylon - that comes their way.

That being said, this means that I need a Beretta Cx4 Storm or an airsoft replica. Yay for firearms!


- Colonial Officer (Full Lieutenant)

Two of my favorite Colonial Fleet Officers, "Athena" and "Helo."

The Colonial Fleet has one standard uniform, which seems pretty reminiscent of uniforms from the American Civil War. Whatever the origins may be, you have to admit they look pretty darn spiffy.

Of course, the price of spiffiness is pretty high as can be indicated by ANOVOS' prices for their top-quality merch. (As I said: top-quality merch, so the price is justifiable.) This means I need to find something somewhere else (unless I were to win the lottery).


- Cylon Centurion (Original Model)

BY YOUR COMMAND.

The original Cylon Centurions were created by man. They rebelled. They evolved. But they still don't look like us - instead they resemble the original Centurions from the original Battlestar Galactica. It'd be interesting to see what would happen if I were to cosplay as a Cylon. Would I end up siding with the toasters? Would a real human kill me out of rage? I just don't know.


Code Geass
- Zero

"Those with power: fear us! Those without power: seek us! OBEY ME, WORLD!"

Code Geass has been quite influential in my anime-watching experience. A mecha series with elements of comedy, world domination, drama, tension, death, and just about every other thing I can think of? Man.

Lelouch's alter-ego, Zero, is the leader of the resistance organization known as the Black Knights. Using his sharp mind and his skills of manipulation (as well as his Geass ability), he seeks to free Area 11 Japan from its Britannian occupiers.

That outfit is just so cool. The cape, the uniform, the helmet... THE HELMET...


Counter-Strike
- Leet Krew

I pressed "2."

This comes from my days of growing up with Counter-Strike on my laptop. I would play a lot in the weekends, and apparently I was a decent player online.

But which side did I play on the most? Usually, the Terrorists - mostly because they didn't have to pay as much for their equipment (I usually ran with the Galil) and only had to plant the bomb.

The Leet Krew is one of four player skins you can choose to be when you spawn as a Terrorist. Cosplaying this is actually quite simple. Khaki pants, green jacket, ammo and pistol holsters, sunglasses, and a Bluetooth headset. Maybe I should don this one.


- Phoenix Connexion (1.6 Outfit)

I pressed "1."

This was the Terrorist model I ran the most games with. Simple, efficient, and recognizable out-of-game if I were to cosplay. (I just need a MAC-10, because for some reason most MAC-10 users used this skin.)

Another player-selectable skin was the Phoenix Connexion. A little more work is required for this one due to the rarity of arctic-themed tiger stripe camouflage and a decent combat vest, but it shouldn't prove to be too difficult to obtain.


Fullmetal Alchemist
- Amestris Officer

The crazy thing about their uniforms? They might look like dress uniforms, but those are just their service uniforms.

As Fullmetal Alchemist (the original series) was the first anime I saw and completed, I think I owe it to them to cosplay as something from the alchemical series. At first, I thought I'd be Colonel Roy Mustang, but I've yet to learn how to conjure sparks in my fingertips. (Plus, I'm not sure if I'm tall enough.) But then I realized, "Hey, how about if I just be my own officer?"

Light bulb.

I don't know what rank I'd be, but just so people have to address me as "Sir," I'd probably make myself a full Lieutenant or something.


The Matrix
- Agent

"One of these lives has a future. The other does not."

Making an outfit like this would actually be pretty cool in my opinion, and it'd be even better if I made one so I could wear it while working as PMX Security. Here's my reasons why:

1. I look like actual security. 'Nuff said.
2. The Desert Eagle. Until I learned to like the SIG P228 in Counter-Strike, the Desert Eagle was my mainstay pistol. It'd be fun to actually have a reason to own a Desert Eagle, because in real life I wouldn't want one.
3. I can chase after any dissonant fools and redpills alike.

This cosplay is the key - my key. Heh.


Metal Gear Solid
- Genome Soldier (Arctic Variant)

?

Of course, since we're getting into the whole "generic bad guy" costume idea area, I figured I could cosplay as one of the many mooks from my all-time favorite game series, Metal Gear Solid.

Ah, the Genome Soldier. Many fans of the game series (and many gamers in general) recognize these guys. Now, imagine me working Security. I can see so many silly events happening. For example:

* HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO *

Josh is standing guard somewhere, dressed up as a Genome Soldier. A knock suddenly rings out around the corner.

JOSH: Huh? What was that noise? *walks over to investigate*

As Josh walks away to check, a sneaky con-goer snickers and sneaks inside.

* END HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO *

I wouldn't actually leave my post, but GOD, it would just make the day so much more entertaining.


- Gurlukovich Mercenary Unit Grunt

*Russian accent* "What was that just now?"

The Gurlukovich Mercenaries were the primary soldiers you ran into during the events of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and as such, they're almost as recognizable as the Genome Soldiers.

Now, my problem with this outfit is that I want it to match exactly what I see on the screen. A few cosplayers have done that (or gotten considerably close), and to not have it match seems to be a travesty. So how is this a problem? Well, when you try looking up that particular kind of camouflage they're wearing, nothing comes up at all. Something tells me that it might be fictitious, which means I'll probably be scouring the Earth and the Internet for the closest match-up possible for a long time. The rest of the equipment (minus a customized AKs-74u and those goggles) shouldn't be much of a problem.


- Johnny Sasaki (MGS4)

Johnny "Akiba" Sasaki: resident butt monkey of Guns of the Patriots.

People who've played through Guns of the Patriots are probably asking, "Why Johnny? Why?" Well, let's see (all spoilers covered):

• He gets a level in badass at the end of the game.
• Primary weapon of choice? An M82A2 that he wields LIKE A BOSS.
• I'm drawn to comic relief characters. *shrugs*
• He gets the girl. And not just any girl - MERYL.

I don't think I need any other reasons than those. Not only that, but his outfit's pretty cool. I mean, a wrist keyboard to (de)activate electronic stuff and type other things in? And a legitimate reason to buy an airsoft version of the XM8? Sweet.

Now all I need to do is get that "pretty boy" look down and bleach my hair and I'll be good as gold. Minus the bowel movements... squick.


- Major Ocelot

"That's Major Ocelot to you."

Ocelot has always been one of my favorite Metal Gear Solid characters, and when I saw him in action when he was younger, he skyrocketed up in my popularity list even more.

Why? Well, not only did he sport a snazzy GRU outfit, but he was portrayed as even more of a badass gunspinner than we already knew him for. (And yes, it is possible to emulate his skill. It just takes lots (and I mean LOTS) of practice.) If I end up dressing up as Major Ocelot, I don't think I'll go out in public until I master some gunspinning of my own.

To those people who always wondered why I wanted to get a bunch of Single Action Army (replicas): now you can see why. *hand gestures*


- Ocelot Unit Grunt

In fiction, the GRU had a special force called the Ocelot Unit. Y'know: these guys. *points up*

While Ocelot's pretty much recongized by Metal Gear fans all over, his lackeys also get some recognition, and that's probably because of the uniforms. Black and crimson... now, that's a combination right there. Despite how bad the Soviet Union's policies were, you have to admit they gave some pretty cool uniforms out to the troops.

Besides, it'd make for some seriously fun cosplay scenarios in conventions if I were to run across Naked Snake. I'm bound to run into at least one Snake cosplayer each year, so we might as well have some fun and weed him out at the convention in style.

Plus, the uniforms. I don't care if I mentioned 'em already. The color combination's that cool.


- Pieuvre Armement PMC Soldier

"Arms of the octopus, arms for your war."

Fictional French-based private military company (PMC) Pieuvre Armement found themselves on this list because their outfits can serve a dual purpose. While I can cosplay as a PMC soldier (and thus have rights to "open fire" on any Metal Gear Solid cosplayer), it also serves as an effective combat uniform for airsoft and/or paintball matches.

The uniform's color-coordinated (shades of green), but I just don't like how they don't wear helmets. That's like inviting bullets and shrapnel to say "hello" to your brain matter...


- Praying Mantis PMC Solider

"A sense of duty when the risks run high."

The reasons I listed for Pieuvre Armement pretty much apply to the fictional British-based PMC Praying Mantis. Unlike Pieuvre Armement, Praying Mantis has a higher chance of being selected for cosplay for the following reasons:

1. Unlike their chums at Pieuvre, they have helmets. (Well, most of them, anyway.)
2. They have a bit of variety with their outfit choice.

By the latter point, I mean that depending on what they do, their headgear actually differentiates. Using the picture above as an example, if I wanted to portray a frontline Praying Mantis PMC soldier, I'd equip myself with an FN SCAR-H and wear a kevlar helmet. Conversely, if I were to portray a support soldier (designated marksman, squad commander, etc.) I'd equip myself with an appropriate firearm (such as a Mk 14 EBR if I was a designated marksman) and a cap. Yay, cap.


Pokémon
- Team Rocket Grunt

"Prepare for trouble!" "And make it double!"

Hehehehe... imagine me cosplaying as your average Team Rocket grunt. Except unlike most grunts, I can actually kick your ass and steal your Pokémon in one swift stroke.

Okay, not really, but imagine a Team Rocket grunt working security detail. Yeah. Can't picture it, huh? Well, then maybe I should get a picture of me doing that in November... after I steal all the Pokémon.


Star Wars
- Commander Gree

A redeeming factor in Revenge of the Sith was that the Phase II armor the clone troopers wore were customized by each unit - either because their environment or role demanded it... or because they wanted to look cool.
Commander Gree did it for both.

For those of you who've watched Revenge of the Sith, Commander Gree should look familiar. He's the clone commander working with Yoda in Kashyyyk with that oh-so-recognizable green visor. I know - he and one of his aides gets beheaded by Yoda, but still.

Some of you might be asking yourself, "But Josh, I thought you said you hated the Star Wars prequels?" My response to you is to look again at that section - I actually cited Gree's armor as one of the only things I remembered about the third episode.

Look at him. The top may be all customized clone trooper, but the bottom for some reason screams iron-willed soldier of death. This is going to sound weird, but I liken his uniform and his cold efficiency (or at least THOSE BOOTS) to the boots worn by the Waffen-SS. Weird comparison, I know. Though the SS was probably the most atrocious organization of all time, you have to admit they carried with them a sense of fashionable style.

Two more words: 'DAT VISOR.


- Stormtrooper

When not defending the Empire from the Rebel Alliance, some troopers like to relax with a ton of anime.
Danny Choo would know.

The Stormtrooper Corps have long been considered some of the best soldiers in the Galactic Empire. Despite how inaccurate they are in the film series, they are crack shots who would've easily killed Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie, and company had they not been main characters in a movie.

Anyway, Stormtroopers are just awesome. I don't know if there's a better bunch of henchmen that could be recognized worldwide than the common Stormtrooper. Of course, if I were to make the armor, it'd run a rather hefty bill if I'm going to use quality products. And let's not forget about the training they have to go through... =P


Team Fortress 2
- Soldier (any team)

"'If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight!' Sun Tzu said that, and I'd say he knows a nickel more about fighting than you do, pal, because he invented it - and then he perfected it so that no living man could best him in the ring of honor! Then he used his fight money to buy two of every animal on Earth. And then he herded them onto a boat, and then he beat the crap out of every single one. And from that day forward, any time a bunch of animals are together in one place, it's called a zoo!"

"Though he wanted desperately to fight in World War 2, the Soldier was rejected from every branch of the U.S. military. Undaunted, he bought his own ticket to Europe. After arriving and finally locating Poland, the Soldier taught himself how to load and fire a variety of weapons before embarking on a Nazi killing spree for which he was awarded several medals that he designed and made himself. His rampage ended immediately upon hearing about the end of the war in 1949."

To be honest, I don't think I could come up with a better or more hilarious description for what could be the most faithful patriot from America's heartland. Go, Valve.


- Spy (any team)

"Gentlemen."

"He is a puzzle, wrapped in an enigma, shrouded in riddles, lovingly sprinkled with intrigue, express mailed to Mystery, Alaska, and LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU! but it is too late. You're dead. For he is the Spy - globetrotting rogue, lady killer (metaphorically) and mankiller (for real)."

Great. Now we need a Spy check.

Since the launch of Team Fortress 2 I've seen the occasional cosplayer at Pacific Media Expo, and without fail the one class I spot each time... is a Spy. Granted, they're often in disguise, so I can't really tell which team they're on... especially if they're in disguise as another Spy...


Valkyria Chronicles
- East Europan Imperial Alliance Soldier

They're lined up and firing. Makes me wonder who's getting executed.

Part of the reasons I liked Valkyria Chronicles included the uniforms which both warring factions wore. For now, let's focus on the East Europan Imperial Alliance's - the Empire's.

As can be seen from the anime adaptation of Valkyria Chronicles, the infantry of the Empire wore armor akin to that of plate mail. It was probably lightweight and strong enough to deflect very weak calibers (but obviously thin enough for standard battle rifles to penetrate). It carried with it a look that spelled "modernized medieval soldier," and that right there is pretty cool.

Of course, this would spell doom for me if I were to encounter a Gallian...


- Gallian Soldier

Corporal Brigitte "Rosie" Stark and Sergeant Largo Potter of the Squad 7 Militia.
If you don't like them and use them in-game, you should be ashamed.

When you look up "Valkyria Chronicles cosplay" on Google's image search, the first things you'll see being portrayed are the Gallian infantry and more Gallian infantry. Sure, there might be a Selvaria cosplayer here and there, but the vast majority is going to be hailing from Gallia.

And why not? They're the protagonist country for the three Valkyria Chronicles games out there (you have to be if you entered the war as a neutral state), and they have pretty nice uniforms. Sure, they're probably not the greatest thing to wear in non-urban environments (blue against a desert... yeah, you're gonna get spotted), but it's the uniform's beauty and decoration that count.

As for me, I'm not sure if I would portray anyone in Squad 7 directly - maybe I'd be in another squad or maybe instead of being a militia soldier, I dress up as a regular Gallian army soldier. The primary difference would be the darker shade of blue as opposed to the militia's lighter shade.

Quite interesting, indeed.


Warcraft
- Stormwind Royal Guard

Great role-playing armor, both in-game and in real life!

Delving into metallic mail armor, I think there'd be only one choice for me if I were to do this: the Stormwind Royal Guard.

Yeah, I know - I'd probably get (death) glares from about 85% of people who see me in it, but for the 15% who are closet Alliance players, they'll cheer. (This would be especially true if I were to go to BlizzCon with this on.)

Of course, getting the metal for this would be insanely difficult to get and forge, but this is why it's on here - it'd make for a fun challenge.


Misc.
- Green Army Man

It's like if World War II were to meet Sarge from Toy Story.

Before I finished making this list, I thought to myself, "What would happen if I were to find something new that I've never seen before as a cosplay outfit?" Google answered my question in an image search when I found the above photograph.

WOW.

This is just too awesome for words. I mean, you can make yourself pose to be just about anything - that guy throwing the grenade, the guy in prone position lining his sights up, someone wading through the water, a dude at attention... the ideas are limitless.

Someone get me some green spray paint!


So many ideas... so little time to make the outfits. Who to be, who to be...?

Extra Credit:
An additional 5 points will be added to the total score if the second cosplay outfit is actually completed 100%. For each additional completed outfit afterwards, an additional 2.5 points will be added to the total score.
Maximum of 10 extra credit points.

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



9.) Successfully Cook at Least Five Dishes^{(EC) (LI)}
(There's many ways to get to a person's heart. For this resolution, we're going to focus on food.)

One of the best ways to tell if someone loves you (or at least likes you a whole lot)?
They cook something for you without asking.
(The more it tastes terrible, the more they tried. Give 'em some credit.)

In case you're a new person out here in these parts, I like cooking. It's fun; it gives you something to do to ease any cases of boredom you might have; it prepares breakfast, lunch, dinner, and/or your fourthmeal. Now, I'm no expert at it, but whenever I cook, I cook gooooooooood. (I'm going to improve later on - believe it.)

However, at this moment there's not much to my repertoire - as of 05 JAN 2012, there's only three recipes to be found on this blog:

• Breakfast Bagel Crumble
• Spamsilog
• Spaghetti ng Pilipinas

I have the urge to change that, and I think learning how to cook something tasty will be advantageous in many ways. I get more things to add under my belt. I get cooking skills. I get more points with the ladies, because ladies love guys who can cook. I get even more awesome. Take your pick.

And speaking of pick, I came up with a list of dishes I'd like to learn about a few months before the new year started. Of this list, all I have to do is successfully cook five of these at least once within 2012 to consider this resolution passed.

If anyone would like to contribute their cooking skills or score a free lunch/dinner from this, let me know. It'll be a win/win for all of us.

al Pastor

Known as "shepherd's style" in Mexico, this method of marinating and slow-roasting pork leaves me salivating every time I eat it. Some people usually judge a restaurant they visit for the first time by picking a dish traditionally considered as a favorite in other locations.

For me and Mexican eateries, that's anything involving burritos al pastor. It's quite tasty, and I'm quite sure you'd like it, too (assuming you're not vegetarian or a hardcore Jew).

Bibingka

Bibingka is a Filipino dessert commonly seen during the Christmas season, though it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year. A spongy kind of rice cake, it combines sweet flavors and makes for a nice dessert.

Now, I've never been able to bake. It's why I prefer stovetop cooking as opposed to oven cooking - I have complete control over what's going on in the stove, whereas with baking I have to let it stay its course in the oven and pray it goes alright. This might help my cooking skill by teaching me how to bake...

The variant I grew up with as a child typically involved using brown sugar and (cream) cheese, so I'll be emulating that when I attempt to cook this.

Black Forest Cake

The Americanized translation and variant of Germany's Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte ("Black Forest cherry torte"), black forest cake is a multi-layered chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream between each cake layer. It's a very delicious dessert and is one of my personal favorite things to eat to finish off a meal.

Now, if I prepare this one, I'll be doing it the German way - that is, I'll be using Kirschwasser. German culture apparently dictates that a black forest cake cannot be referred to as such if it lacks Kirsch, so to respect them, I'm going to abide by their rules.

Cheesecake

A classic dessert right here that needs no explanation. Expect me to go off on a whim and use a regional variant or even a hybrid creation.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

A recently-forged dish where chicken is wrapped around some pork (usually ham or prosciutto) and cheese and then fried. It has quite an interesting flavor to it, and that's what I like. I'm not much of an expert to cooking poultry just yet (much less frying anything), so this may be a bit tricky for me. Still, what better way to learn, right?

Curry Ramen

This dish combines two of my favorite things from Japanese cuisine: Japanese-style curry and ramen. There's so many ways to prepare this, so expect something interesting when this gets crafted.

Cylon Shooter

Shown as a one-off special during the early days of the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica, Grace Park introduced to us fans of the show a drink that helps takes the edge off. Sounds quite interesting. I know that if I ever have a "Battlestar Galactica marathon" night, I might want to make it interesting, so I should learn how to make this so I can take shots in the Battlestar Galactica drinking game.

Deep-Fried Twinkie

Conceived in a state fair, this undeniably-delicious variant on the popular snack cake proves to be an interesting challenge for this year's cooking requirement on my resolutions. This carnival staple is just bound to win people over if I ever learn how to cook this.

Filipino-style Barbecue Chicken

Every country that possesses both chickens and a method of barbecuing will have their own regional variant of cooking chicken via barbecue. The Philippines are one of those countries, and with their variant comes a delectably sweet, salty, and spicy variant that - when cooked right - will have everyone rushing back for seconds.

My goal - if I choose to cook this - will be to emulate my ethnic homeland's style of barbecue chicken and locking in that amazing flavor in each and every bite.

Green Bean Casserole

A classic around the American dinner table during Thanksgiving and Christmas, the green bean casserole is a relatively easy dish to create. The main ingredients are simple and include green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French onions. It's a nice and filling comfort food that is vegetarian-friendly and (from what I've witnessed) is seldom refused at the table.

Now, when I prepare this, I'm going to challenge myself by using fresh ingredients as opposed to the canned and pre-prepped containers that most people use to create this. I have a feeling that when I do, it's going to make people who've grown to think of green bean casseroles as "eh" to reconsider their opinions when they have a variant made from scratch.

In-N-Out-style Animal Fries

In-N-Out's not-so-secret secret menu features "Animal-style fries," which are fries covered with melted cheese, spread similar to Thousand Island, and chopped grilled onions. Whenever I go to In-N-Out, I always (and I mean always) get these without question. They're that good.

And now I want to make the awesome side dish at home so I don't have to drive out and waste precious gas to get the same flavor.

Jambalaya

Some of you may be unaware that I used to live in Georgia when I was young. No kidding. I was an Asian Southerner for three years. While there I grew to love the hearty Southern and Creole cuisine that was readily available to me out there, and since I live here in California, I miss it a whole lot.

So I figured, why not bring the South with me when I cook? I thought of all the tasty Southern/creole foods I enjoyed, and the first thing that came to mind? Jambalaya. (Country-fried steak was next on that list. Mmm...)

Kimchi Quesadilla

Fusion cuisine is an amazing thing. It allows for flavors from different regions to combine and form the ultimate hybrid of deliciousness.

Over in Los Angeles is a fleet of food trucks that aims to bring fusion cuisine to the public: Kogi Korean BBQ. Their specialty? Korean and Mexican fusion food. A couple of years ago at Pacific Media Expo they catered to us, and the lines were HUGE. I went to investigate and got some food just to see how amazing it was (if I remember correctly: a short rib burrito and a kimchi quesadilla), and guess what happened?

Foodgasm. Yeah. It was that good.

As such, I want to introduce the food ideas of Kogi to my friends without having to drag them through the horror that is Los Angeles traffic, so it would only seem natural for me to learn how to cook something amazing and present it to people. (Of course, if Kogi decided to either expand their service to Ventura County or establish an off-branch here where I live, that'd be even better.)

Korean Short Ribs

If you read the above entry on the kimchi quesadilla, then this ought to make more sense now, too. I'm not going to explain any more of this one other than the obvious fact that this stuff is TASTY.

Lumpia

Lumpia is a variant of the Asian spring roll, and is a very popular item in Filipino cuisine. It seems saddening that I don't know how to make this stuff, so I figured I'd change that and learn how to do it. (Plus, this increases my popularity in pot lucks to, like, over nine thousand.)

Pictured above is lumpiang prito, which translated to "fried spring roll." This is probably the most common variant of Filipino lumpia encountered by non-Pinoys/Pinays, and is arguably the easiest variant to cook. (When it comes to preparation, however, it's arguably the most taxing.) I'll be making this kind when I cook it.

Menchi Katsu

A Japanese dish where a breaded cutlet is fried. It's very tasty and does well when paired with rice and curry. Now why can't we have a curry place here where I live!? As awesome as my attempt at cooking menchi katsu would be, I'm not sure if it'll match the quality I'd expect from a restaurant!

Pancit

Pancit is another popular Filipino dish that proves to be popular amongst any non-Pinoy/Pinay encountering Filipino cuisine for the first time. A noodle dish with so many variants in existence, you're bound to be popular in the pot luck if you cook this up...

...which is why I want to learn how to cook this, too. Pictured above is one of the many, many methods of cooking the most well-known pancit dish: pancit bihon. I'll be making my own variant in this style when I do cook it.

Pasta Dish (any)

I'm a sucker for pasta. It has to be said. Whether it be lasagna, fettuccine, macaroni, or spaghetti, it's probably going to draw my attention one way or another. Noodles are just too awesome to ignore.

So... what's the dish going to be? What's the dish going to be..?

NOTE: I'm not counting any moment I cook "Spaghetti ng Pilipinas" towards this resolution. Reason being that since I already know how to cook it, it wouldn't seem fair.

Ribs (Baby Back and/or Pork)

After watching this moment from Scrubs where music is used as a torture device, it got me wanting baby back ribs.

So... maybe I should make some. And then afterwards, I can torture people with this torture method... while taunting them with fresh ribs.

Quiche

A delicious "French" food (it's argued that the French didn't originally make this), quiche, when made right, can be downright amazing. So amazing that I won't be surprised if I eat the whole platter. (Higher chances if it's mini quiche.) Pictured above is quiche Lorraine, a common variant and the one I'll most likely cook.

Shrimp Tempura

A Japanese creation, shrimp tempura is a very popular way of cooking shrimp. It's great by itself and even greater when used in sushi creation. I know nothing about tempura frying (much less frying), so this will be fun.

Sticky (Sushi) Rice

This is so deceptively simple. Far too many people mistakenly believe that all you need for sushi rice is... well, rice. That's wrong, because if you notice, regular rice doesn't stay together all too well.

There's a reason this is on here. It's a prerequisite...

Sushi (any)

...for this. This entry needs no explaining because if I can make this, I will win over everyone (who likes sushi).

Sweet Potato Fries

It's like having dessert... except it's not dessert! Sweet potato fries are an amazing substitute to regular French fries, and they're amazing no matter what kind of dip you use.

So, if I have a barbecue with hot dogs and hamburgers, I think I'll cook these to create a style of American barbecue unlike any other.

Vegetable Tempura

To be honest, I think the people who originally created shrimp tempura created this out of boredom. Someone got tired of deep-frying shrimp so they tossed other stuff inside. In this case, it was vegetables, and when they came out, they came out GOOD.

If I learn how to make shrimp tempura, this is sure to follow. The same goes when reversed.


Extra Credit:
An additional 5 points will be added to the total score for every 5 additional dishes successfully made. For these points to count, each of the additional dishes must be confirmed either by photographic evidence or by eyewitness accounts of its creation.

Maximum of 10 extra credit points.

^ Back to the Resolution List ^



10.) Re-Create Anything Displayed on Epic Meal Time
("Next time, we eat children. ... Who laughed? Who laughed? Who's sick?")

"As for your sweet tooth? Oh, we're going to give your sweet tooth a sexual root canal."

For those of you who don't know what Epic Meal Time is, LEAVE THIS BLOG RIGHT NOW AND GO TO THEIR WEBSITE OR THEIR YOUTUBE PAGE! RIGHT NOW, MOTHER- *caw!*

For those of you too lazy to click those links, they're a group of Canadians who decided to make an online cooking show on YouTube. The only thing is... they're not your average cooking show. Responsible for making crazy concoctions - often involving copious amounts of bacon and Jack Daniel's - that could make your arteries clog just by looking at them, these guys are Internet heroes for a lot of people. They've done quite a lot of outlandish cooking things, including (but obviously not limited to):

• coining the term "crazy alcohol rainbow pig"
• making it possible to "get drunk off of pancakes"
• creating something that actually has over 100,000 *caw!* calories in it
• creating something that will probably make any healthy person instantly develop Type-2 Diabetes (thank you, "gay bacon strips")
• making pasta... without pasta

Anyway, digressing.

My idea is to team up with a bunch of friends one day and attempt to replicate something these guys have created. Anything is fair game, but to increase our odds, we'll probably start with something feasible for a bunch of poor twenty-somethings. Hehehe...

^ Back to the Resolution List ^





Now, unlike the failed challenge that was "Operation: DREAM EATER" I'm more likely to finish these as they're New Year's resolutions - and even more so because they're all good challenges I can spend a whole year on as compared to one measly summer. I have... *checks calendar* ...360 days (not counting today) left to do all of these, so I think I have a much higher likelihood of success. (In theory, anyway.)





So, until the 'morrow, everybody! Hope you had fun reading this, and we'll see just how far I get with these resolutions!