The Most Heartfelt I Can Type

Good evening,

As the clock strikes 12 and Christmas Eve is upon us, I just want to take this final opportunity to say goodbye. I suppose I'm posting this here where I feel the least vulnerable. A blog I'm convinced nobody reads. By the way, I'll have you know that the awkward sentencing is because of my personality and demeanor. (That is to say, completely and utterly inept in "D&M" moments.) Well, enough stalling. I'm biting the bullet and doing this now. Let me start again. Properly.

My Sincerest Farewells

To all my dearest friends both here and there,

Some days I find it hard to believe that people so wonderful would allow someone like me (admittedly somewhat strange) into their lives. Some days I think myself, "Why?"; never coming to a solid answer. Other days, I just accept it go on my merry way. I will never know what it is that warmed your heart to me, but whatever it is, I can't thank it, and you, enough. I'm struggling to find words befitting of you all. I could master a thousand languages and still not have the right words to describe you. (I mean that in the best sense.) I'm terrible at this. I must admit though I've always kept one secret; a past I keep to myself for fear rejection and mockery. For you to truly understand and appreciate what you mean to me, I feel it best to share this.

Before I met you, I had no one. As a child, I would roam the playground by myself. Most days I'd try to find ways to pass the time before class started again. The painfully lonely experience hardened me into a cynical anti-social being. I was sure fate did not destine me to be with people. Until I met you. With your influence over the past years I have changed for the better. It is a debt I can never repay. The world may be an unforgiving place filled with misfortune and misery, but you're all proof that humanity still has a fighting chance. Whether or not we've had our final meeting, I thank you for all the memories we've shared together. I will cherish them until my final breaths. I hope that fate will reward you kindly in all your endeavors and bring us all together in the end.

Though I rarely, if never have spoken it, know that I love you all with every minuscule iota of my heart.

Have as beautiful a holiday as the time I spent with you,

Miss A. Marcellus

Miss Marcellus Wastes Time

I'm not actively social. I tend to stay at home doing whatever pleases me. One of these things I do is play games. I also blog. I'm putting two and two together and that leaves us with this review-esque thing!

Spoiler warning! You have been warned.

Duel Love: Koisuru Otome wa Shouri no Joshin*

Developer: Namco Bandai Games

Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

Plaform: Nindtendo DS

Those of you familiar with the game industry may have heard of this title before. It's that Japanese game where you wipe sweat off shirtless guys. Well, being some sort of female adolescent secret pervert I simply had to try it at least once. Okay, the general understanding of the game is that you're a transfer student at a new school. It starts off in the way an otome usually would. Your attractive teacher makes some overly-friendly looking girl (who is neither hot nor ugly) show you around the school and help you get to your classes. Along the way, you run into all the metro eye candy bachelors and of course they're all gorgeous. Now, here's the twist. The school you just transferred to has some sort of fight club** known as B-1 and the bachelors from your classes are all competitors. It's your goal to win one of them over through helping them train, wiping them down and talking to them randomly.

Now, I don't understand a single Japanese character. This game would be GREATLY enjoyable if I understood some characters. So in terms of the storyline, I have no idea what it's about outside of what I told you in the above paragraph. If you're in it for the storyline all I can tell you is, "Learn to read Japanese characters." I don't even know if it was in hirigana or katakana. Kanji? For those of you who don't care you can skip most of the dialouge and take your chances when someone asks you something and you're staring at the bottom screen at some Japanese in two little pink rectangles. Or you can make up a storyline and stare at pretty pictures.

I decided to put in my own storyline, it went something like this. I am an EXCHANGE student who has limited (practically none) understanding of Japanese. Some times the characters would talk to me in cute broken english or talk to each other in Japanese when they don't want me to understand. I decided that my character volunteered at the school clinic/sick bay/doctor's office and I had to help treat the fighters. The wiping down was just a plus. My guy helped me learn a bit of Japanese as the friendship/relationship developed.

Now, onto gameplay. Duel Love is pretty standard otome style. It's a visual novel, you read some storyline and look at pretty pictures and occasionally hear some of the characters talk in Japanese. At certain times you change location through a map system; that is you select a location on the map then you're there. Plot continues. The mini games are kind of fun, but, wear headphones if you play t in public. The guys make awkward moans and groans, especially during the massage mini game. There are several mini games including, wiping sweat, mending injuries, training, cheering, shower spying and the massage game. All these games take advantage of the DS touch screen or microphone. For example, in the shower game, you have to blow into the microphone to 'blow away' the steam. Considering the otome genre isn't well known for using these features of a DS, this is pretty innovative.

Duel Love is a fun game, mixing beautiful boys, love and a hint of perversion into a neat little package. It's great if you are a hetero-girl or homo-guy who can understand Japanese. I would love to see more games of this nature, preferably in English.

Well, that's all for now,

Miss A. Marcellus

P.S: I'll re-post with pictures, if I get to it.

*Using online translators, you get something like "Duel Love: The young girl whom is in love with is a goddess of the victory" It's actually alittle accurate considering the general gist of the story.

**I honestly don't know if it's an underground fight club or not because the ring they hold the fights in is pretty much a boxing stadium. It's got lots of seating and flashy lights; it's in it's own building on the school grounds.

Entry #11 - When the Power is Out 4

I haven't done one of these in awhile, have I? Well, I thought of some more things you can do when the power is out.

When the Power is Out #7 - Start a List

This may sound really silly and like a waste of time, but that's what you're going for remember? Wasting time till the power comes back? Anyway, you can make a list of various things.
Here are some suggestions:

1. Favourite Actors/Actresses
2. Best Game Girls/Guys
3. Characteristics of Ideal partners
4. Top cliché sayings
5. Biggest movie flops
6. Things I love
7. Things to do when the power is out
8. Ways to waste time
9. Reasons why cancer sucks
10. What I want for Christmas

2 - 30 mins entertainment

(FYI, on my sexiest game guys list, no. 1 was Kaiden Alenko. Even if his bedside manner is questionable.)

When the Power is Out #8 - Write a Story

We all have some sort of imagination brewing stories in our heads. If there's no power, why don't you use the time to write some of it down. If you aren't a good writer, draw some pictures or something relevant to the story. It doesn't matter how ridiculous the story is, at least you have something to do. I wrote a really dumb story about a guy who was waiting for a phone call. Somehow, this lands him into a ridiculous situation where he does all these crazy things just so he can be at his phone when it rings. At the end of the story, it turns out his phone was unplugged the entire time. I didn't even bother telling the reader what the phone call was about. It was soo stupid. Seriously, take a stab at.

5 - 90 mins of story-related time wasting

I've thought up some other things you can do when the power is out. So, I'll hopefully do another one of these soon.

Ta-ta, Miss A. Marcellus

Entry #10 - Webcomic

Hello internet world. How are you? Are you well? You're not missing out on alot in my life. Just poped in to tell you about this hilarious website that you simply must visit.

It's called Firman Productions.There's this really good webcomic on it called moe. (But it's not 'moe' (moe-eh); that japanese thingy-ma-bob.) Credits go to Michael Firman; he is great and if I decided who's babies I'd carry based on how much I liked their webcomic, I'd definately carry his. Anyway, the webcomic is about a guy named Moeseph P. Dope. In short, read it because it is as good as a rare T-Bone steak (which are awesome).

Entry #9 - The Blog Is Dead

Every blog that I'm related to in anyway whatsoever, is dead or dying. It's all very sad.

Well, I suppose I'll just make a quick update about things in my life today.

• Assignments, Assessments, Exams & Stress

For a over-sleeping, procrastinating, unmotivated gamer, my grades are comming out pretty good. Of course compared to people who put their entire heart into it, my grades are lower, but it makes me think; if I put in a real effort I could become anything that I want. Also, I'd be able to beat my 'rivals' without breaking a sweat. But, right now, I am assignment free! But, I should not let that get to my head.

• Looking like an idiot for all of the world

We can't undo past events, but we can certainly wish we could. I'll just go through a quick run through of things that make not only me, but also my friends, seem 'different'. Being dragged left and right and nearly shoved into a guy, dropping hairclips all the time, falling to the ground, singing aloud and serenades, having a cry about our grades, forgetting each others names, fortnightly comming late, dropping calculators too, pencil cases everywhere (like in the air, under tables, in people's jackets, thrown at other people),inappropriate gestures, accusations of sexual harassment, being touched in naughty places, yelling and playing Taboo in public, eating a cookie dipped in salsa, poked in every rib there is & drinking coke+salsa.

I could go on and on about my life and other things but I have plans today.

Farewell,
A. Marcellus.

Entry #8 - When the Power is Out 3

I've had this quick 'WtPiO' for a while now. I never found time to post it up though.

When the Power is Out #5 Read Manga
Now, you may or may not have a manga collection, but if you do then you should definitely read it to pass the time. For those of you who don't know 'manga' is basically Japanese comics. I absolutely love manga and want to expand my collection. Naturally, many popular anime series started as out as a manga such as Bleach, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Death Note and Naruto. If the power is out and it is night, you can always read by candlelight. Just try not to burn anything or damage your books with wax. If you don't own any manga of your own, you can try the library. I think there are quite a few libraries that have some volumes of manga.

20 mins - A couple of hours of interesting storylines.


When the Power is Out #6 Play Video Games*
Sure, you can't play any console games when the power is out but that doesn't mean that your handhelds are powerless too. To me there is only two major handheld systems (Nintendo DS and Sony PSP) both of which have various amounts of games. Somewhere in your collection of games, you probably have an unfinished RPG or puzzle game to play. You say that you'll play it later, but later never comes, does it? Well later can be when the power has gone out. For all you DS owners here are some game titles I suggest:

• The Ace Attorney Series
• Trauma Centre
• Rhythm Heaven
• Mario Hoops 3-on-3
• GTA: Chinatown Wars

40 mins - 5 hours of gaming

*If you're just bored and you still have power, you should go online and see all the new game announcements and trailers from E3. I myself am replaying through Assassin's Creed so I'll be completely refreshed for the sequel. I'm also replaying the Ace Attorney series for 'Ace Attorney Investigations'. (I still prefer to call it 'Perfect Prosecutor'. It works with the assonance they had with 'Ace Attorney'.)

Entry #7 - Oh, woe is me.

It is the 27th of April and my brief holiday has come to an end. My heart is filled with sorrow at the thought of getting back to work. Immediately after I had just gotten adjusted to the hermit lifestyle, I am sent back to work.

Oh, my poor little heart can't take this kind of abuse. Well, I suppose that's just life for you.

Feeling just a little blue,
Miss A. Marcellus

Entry #6 - I'm Back!

I am very aware that I haven't posted in what I assume is three months but I'll just do a quick run through of events in my life.

1. Alice and Zac - indifference?
If you hadn't already heard, Alice is less obsessive with Zac. She even said she's indifferent! I'm relieved; no longer do I have to hear about what Zac did in class. I can use this time on something else now. I could pick up a new hobby...

2. A. Marcellus celebrated her birthday. Yes, I am a year older and (as someone harshly reminded me) my biological clock is ticking away. But, I'm very young at the moment and need not worry about those kind of issues yet. Besides, it isn't even socially acceptable to have a child at my age (not to mention I'd have to find a partner first). When it comes to revealing my age there is actually a saying that I've grown fond of and as I become older I'll definitely use it. "A man never asks and a woman never tells." Naturally, other people celebrated their birthdays as well while I was away.

3. A. Marcellus has a boyfriend. Yes, it's true. I actually found a sarcastic, artistic, slightly narcissistic, democratic, slightly eccentric, otaku-ish, heterosexual male who will actually go out in public with me! Can you believe it, I know I can't because it's actually APRIL FOOLS!* I know it's not the first of April, but because I missed the first of April I thought I'd just prank you now. I'm sorry. I am still looking out there for that one guy who fits the description above as well as being chivalrous. Chivalry is one of the traits I adore the most.

*NOTE: It's called April Fools, not April First Fools. So it would make sense to prank people for the entire month. Why do we limit it to only one day?

Well, besides all that, I've got nothing else worth mentioning that happened. My life can be uneventful at times.

Bye,
Miss. A. Marcellus

Entry #5

My apologies. It's been awhile since I updated this blog. With my current situation, chances are I'll end up dropping this blog entirely. Well, I just wanted to make a small entry as proof that I'm still here. This entry is about two people who create an image with both words and paint. In other words, illustrators/authors.

Beatrix Potter Helen Beatrix Potter (28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943) was an English author and illustrator most famously known today for children's book character, Peter Rabbit. Beatrix Potter wrote 23 children's books which have delight many for years. Her work still sells well today and has also been translated into several languages. They were also adapted into an animated series which aired on the BBC called 'The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends'. A movie depicting her life was also made, which stars American actress Renée Zellweger, called 'Miss Potter'. Children all throughout the world have been delighted by her whimsical stories. I highly recommend her work for any young one.

Now this next one is alittle more mature and macabre.

Edward Gorey
Edward St. John Gorey (ca. February 22, 1925 – April 15, 2000) was an American author and illustrator who had written over 100 books. His work was occasionally mistaken to be Britsh, but they are most certainly American. Edward Gorey also wrote under many pseudonyms such as Mrs. Regera Dowdy, Wardore Edgy and E. G. Deadworry. Some these pseudonyms were also anagrams of the author's name. Originals of his books are rare to come by and therefore high in worth. However, collections of his books were combined and published together as several anthologies. These anthologies were titled Amphigorey, Amphigorey Too, Amphigorey Also and Amphigorey again. Though his work may not be for everyone, I highly recommend reading his work and seeing his illustrations as they are brilliant.

I again apologise for lack of updates, with my life back into full swing, I have been preoccupied. I hope to post a new "When the Power is Out" this weekend.

Entry #4 - When the Power is Out 2

Salutations to all. Okay, I'm just a little bored so I'll make a quick 'When the Power is Out' post.

When the Power is Out #3 Origami

Origami is the the japanese art of folding paper. It's becoming increasingly popular in the western world. It's good to keep one or two good origami books around the house. A good origami book should have many models starting from beginner levels up to advanced levels. They should also have easy to understand diagrams and instructions. My origami book also included coloured paper but if your's does not, you can simply buy square, coloured paper from most art and craft stores. These photos are of some geometric origami that I made myself using "Origami Everything" diagrams. 5 mins - several hours of entertainment.


When the Power is Out #4 Revise old textbooks
Personally, I find this no fun at all but I suppose 'When the Power is Out' isn't entirely about fun, it's also about using up time. With the new school year coming around it's a good idea to stay ahead of the game. Hopefully, you will have kept your old textbooks from last year. Of course, I highly doubt that anyone would do this wilfully, let alone enjoy it. But, if you do, good for you. Chances are you are very intelligent and will end up doing a high-pay job later in life. 2 minutes - hours of time used up.

Entry #3 - When the Power is Out

Hello again. I have just finished downloading an audio book for my mp3 player and the storm is slowly starting as a faint pit-a-pat outside my window. I saw a brief flash of lighting and heard the thunder follow. The storm reminded me of when the power when out a few days ago. At that moment my sibling had guests over and I had agreed to stay in my room (and therefore stay out of their hair). So, trapped in my room I had nothing to do for a few hours and then I decided to start a small article on things one could do in a similar situation. Hence, the title of this entry, 'When the Power is Out'.

When the Power is Out #1 Spinning Die
As ridiculous as this may sound, one can actually have alot of fun doing this. You can try an beat your own personal record or verse a friend to see who can spin a dice for the longest. You can also perfect your technique with spinning die; I myself have difficultly spinning particularly pointy cornered die. Not to mention dice nowadays come in more styles that the classic six sided die. I myself have had a ten sided die that I've owned since primary school. At the very least, spinning die can calm you down from the initial shock of suddenly having the power cut from whatever you were doing. Spinning Die can provide 5-40mins. of solid fun.

When the Power is Out #2 Learn another language
Some of you may feel that Spinning Die is too childish, or that you just can't seem to do it. In that case, you could do something a bit more academic like which leads me to my next suggestion; Learn another language. Learning another language, can be really fun if your patient and persevere. If you're like me you may have a few language books lying around to read and work through or you can go to the local book store and purchase a few. Some include audio tapes and CD's which would be useless if one's power was out. So, it's best to buy a language book which covers the same content in both CD and book. On a side note, these are pictures of my own personal collection, I do plan to get another one in the near future. 10-120 mins. of entertainment.

Well, that's all for today, I do plan to post more "When the Power is Out" blog entries. Even if I have no one reading, just because I promised myself I would and I am a woman of my word.

Entry #2

First post of the New Year, second post of this blog. Very pathetic and I am very ashamed and apologetic. But, during this season, no-one is really expected to work extremely hard, even on the internet.

Enough with the small chit chat, onto the entry. This entry will be on food for the soul; and what I mean by that is music.

Imogen Heap
This woman is a brilliant person who I have fallen in love with. Imogen Heap is a English singer/songwriter with a beautiful voice. Of course, just like all famous people she has a wikipedia article. Now some of you may have watched 'The OC', in the second season finale Imogen Heap's song 'Hide and Seek' is played in the last scene. ( This led to the SNL skit dubbed, 'Dear Sister'. Which eventually began a popular internet meme. ) But, Imogen Heap has alot of great songs besides that one. She also is very well liked within her fan base because she manages to maintain a vblog on her youtube so everyone is up-to-date. So if you want to hear the voice of an angel check out her work and purchase her albums.