Thoughts on the Lakers Before the 2012-2013 NBA Season Starts

GUNSLINGER'S RIDE TO THE SUNSET

I was surprised and saddened when Kobe implied in interviews that he will be only playing for two or three more seasons.  I’ve always thought that he could and would play till he’s 40.   Guess I was wrong.  Actually, the issue is not being able to play till he’s 40.  Rather, playing in a high level till he’s 40.  Kobe can’t imagine himself merely becoming a role player in his last years.  Kobe is a proud lion who would rather retire when he is still on the top of his game (still, there’s a part of me that find it unKobelike of him to retire when he is still able to play on a high level.  I’ve always thought that he is the kind of person that would go on fighting till his legs collapse beneath him).    

But I’m still crossing my fingers; hoping that Kobe, after three years, would find his body still capable of playing on that level he’s satisfied with that would make him comfortably play till he’s 40.  Would love that. 

Nonetheless, this next two or three seasons are likely to be Kobe’s last.  And I’m going to enjoy this proud gunslinger’s ride to the sunset as much as I can.  It had been wonderful following Kobe’s career.  He has been a major factor why I love the Lakers and basketball.  And he is one of those persons that I grew to look up to and be greatly fond of.  Gonna terribly miss watching him play. 

And, of course, the preferable way to go is with a bang!  That he would lead the Lakers to win all the championships in the remaining two or three seasons he is going to play, and receive more All-Star starting spot and All-NBA First Team selections; another regular season MVP; an All-Star MVP (so he can have the sole title of having the most All-Star MVPs); and a couple more Finals MVPs along the way.

INTERESTING THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO AFTER KOBE RETIRES

There are some silver linings to look forward to when Kobe retires.  There’s the induction to the Hall of Fame (though that might take a long time after his retirement to happen) and I’m excitedly interested how his speech would go.  While waiting for that HOF ballot, we’ll see his jersey numbers – no. 8 and no. 24 – retired first.  Yes, I do believe both numbers should be retired.  That’s another highlight after his retirement.  But what I’m looking forward to the most is the bestselling Kobe Bryant autobiography that I’m quite sure will be written. 

Quite interesting as well what Kobe would do after playing in the NBA.  Kobe said he planned to play in Italy after he plays in the NBA.  But what of after his playing career?  I’m very interested and curious what he would decide as career once he hangs up his basketball shoes for good.  I’ve always said that I like him to be a coach or analyst.  He might have not been able to surpass MJ as the Greatest Player Ever but he might find his niche in coaching immortality and become the Greatest Coach Ever (surpassing the Zen Master himself).  Or he could become the next ninja Lakers GM that Jerry West and Mitch Kupchack have been, drafting the next Kobe or pulling another absurd “Kwame ‘bonafide scrub’ Brown-for-Pau Gasol” trade.  Heck, since he’s in LA anyway, he might as well take the Hollywood route.  I think he will do well as an actor.  Who knows, he might even start loving acting and find that he is good at it.  He might become the next Will Smith.  LOL.   

It’s also interesting to see how the Lakers would look like without Kobe Bryant.  Throughout my life as a Laker fan, Kobe has always been on the Lakers.  Once he retires, it’s going to be the first time I will be a Laker fan with no Kobe on the team.  So it’s going to be a new experience for me to cheer for a Lakers team that has no Kobe Bryant.  And I, as a Laker fan, welcome such experience of novelty brought by the shifting of era. 

The Lakers have Dwight Howard now and will build around him once Kobe retires.  But will Dwight replace Kobe’s place in my heart as a favorite Laker great?  Hmmm.  Not sure.  However, I’m thinking of something crazier…

If LeBron is still playing the same beast level that he is playing now by that time, then I would love to see him play for and find greatness with the Lakers.  If not LeBron, how about…

LeBron or Durnatula in a Laker uniform or something of this effect… awesome!  Okay, okay.  This kind of thing is highly unlikely to happen at this point.  But the Lakers have the knack of making highly unlikely things happening.    

THE NEW LOOK LAKERS

This off-season was a Lakers blockbuster.  It’s old news already that the Lakers obtained Steve Nash and Dwight Howard.  Now, this 2012-2013 Los Angeles Lakers team looks to have the best starting five I ever saw in my years as a Laker fan (could even be the best Lakers starting five ever... but we can only say this with finality once they win some titles).    

And the bench looks formidable, too.  At least, compared to the bench of the last two seasons, this Laker bench now looks to be an upgrade (but this will only be proven once the season starts), with the acquisition of Antawn Jamison and Jodie Meeks, and the retaining of Jordan Hill. 

Excited much.

STEVE NASH

The acquisition that I liked most is that of Steve Nash.  I’ve always maintained the opinion that Kobe Bryant should add a Reggie Miller-like game – to move without the ball, lose defenders on screens, and quickly catch and shoot – to his offensive arsenal.  But for that to be possible, there should be a competent point guard to share the backcourt with Kobe.  Throughout his career as a Laker, Kobe wasn’t only concentrating on being a primary scorer, he was also the lead facilitator, too, given the lack of a point guard that can efficiently do it instead of him.   And it’s not easy for Kobe to allow somebody else to dominate the basketball more than him; it should be someone that has enough competence to make Kobe trust and respect him.  Steve Nash is more than competent, and he would surely energize greatly the Laker offense.  Kobe had already expressed his excitement on trusting Nash on what to do with the offense.  If Kobe gets himself open, Nash will surely find him. 

It’s also kind of interesting that there is someone other than Kobe that would shoot that technical free throw, considering the fact that Nash is the better free-throw shooter.    

DWIGHT HOWARD

Before, I was apathetic if Andrew Bynum should be traded for Dwight Howard; I was neither for it nor against it.  But once Steve Nash was acquired, I finally become all for the acquisition of Howard.  Howard is a better fit for the Lakers once Nash became part of the equation.  Probably Nash’s greatest strength is running the pick and roll.  And Nash’s big man partner in the pick and roll – whether it’s Amare Stoudemire or Marcin Gortat – has always benefited significantly from him.  Now, Pau Gasol is the kind of player that would have no problem running the pick and roll with Nash.  Bynum, however, is another matter.  His main strength is using his size and power to post himself up, thus, he needs the ball early on to work.  Howard, on the other hand, is the athletic, quick, and strong kind that would explode on the basket; perfect as Nash’s pick and roll partner.  Aside from this, it can’t be denied that Nash’s weakness is his defense.  While Howard is known to be the game’s best inside defender, thus, he will offset the defensive weakness that Nash brings.

   

Moreover, Howard is a better passer and is proficient in kicking out the ball to an outside shooter when he is being crowded by defenders inside, a skill that Bynum lacks.  This would add to the already smooth and crisp Laker offense that Nash will bring.

WHO IS THE MVP?  KOBE, NASH, OR HOWARD?

Though I want greatly for Kobe Bryant to win the season MVP again, it’s highly unlikely.  Even if the Lakers get the best record in the NBA, having a star-packed lineup would undermine Kobe’s chances, since it’s already expected that having a line-up of stars should perform extremely well.  Even if he performs in a high level, like averaging 25+ points a game through a career-best 49 FG%, critics will attribute this – regardless of being reasonable or not – solely to Steve Nash’s playmaking.  If the MVP still happens to go to a Laker, despite the difficulty of someone belonging to a star-packed team to win the MVP, it’s more likely for newcomers Nash – rejuvenating and boosting the Laker offense – and Howard – lifting the Lakers’ defense to elite status – to be credited and picked by the media (the guys who will vote for the MVP).  Kobe is in a disadvantage here.

If all three of them perform well during the Finals, the same dilemma arises for Finals MVP.  However, with or without MVP awards, what matters most is winning that championship.  I want to experience another glorious and joyful June because of a Laker championship.  Anything short of a championship is failure.  Championship > MVP.             

LASTLY, THE ONLY NON-LAKER SUBJECT THAT MATTERS TO ME BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS: LINSANITY!

Still hoping that last season’s awesome performance by Jeremy Lin would be exceeded or, at least, repeated in Houston.  I pray he’ll blow us away… all for God’s glory!    

Floodgates at YOUnyTH Concert

Our friends from "God Has the Answer" church invited us to be part of their YOUnyTH concert last October 12.  Here was our set that night, which was kind of old-school:

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Chain of Thoughts on Marvel NOW!

This October, Marvel NOW! starts.  It’s a relaunching of Marvel Comics’ titles on the main continuity (Earth-616) which would start all of them with #1.  This is however different from DC Comics’ New 52, where DC totally rebooted its universe.  Marvel made it clear that Marvel NOW! is not a reboot.  But, there would definitely be significant changes that would create new status quos in the Marvel Universe (Earth-616).  So I read as much articles I could that contained information and teasers of what lies ahead of Marvel NOW!.  There are some details that look mindblowingly refreshing.  And there are some that I don’t like at face value.  Here are my thoughts:

→ The results of the Avengers vs. X-Men event directly contributed to the shifting of the Marvel Universe (Earth-616) that will be brought by Marvel NOW!.  But Marvel also admits that  bringing those who got hooked by the Marvel Cinematic Universe to read the comicbooks is another reason.  That’s why familiar details from the MCU are being integrated to the comics.  Example, Hulk is back in the Avengers line-up.  And I like this.  Check out the cover of Avengers Assemble #1 which has the same roster as that of the movie, Marvel is making the connections as apparent as they can…

 

What I don’t like, however, is the implication of Nick Fury, Jr. (Marcus Johnson, and son of Nick Fury) – who is an African American – replacing the original Nick Fury – who happens to be white – to be the main Nick Fury-figure in the Marvel Universe (Earth-616); so that when the name “Nick Fury” is mentioned, it would refer now to the black one, so that new readers won’t be confused. Really? This is ridiculous.  It’s forcing too much connection.  Take note that the Samuel L. Jackson-style Nick Fury, as well several elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was originally from the Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610) anyway.  Don’t tell me that the other Ultimate elements adopted by the MCU will then be eventually adopted by the main Marvel Universe for the sake of “making connections”?  Forcing too much connection is stupid.

→ There’s going to be an Uncanny Avengers team made up of X-Men and Avengers members that would deal with threats against mutantkind.  There’s also going to be an A+X series which is a throwback to the AvX: Vs. series during Avengers vs. X-Men, but this time around, an Avenger and an X-Man are now working together instead of fighting with each other.  I dig these.         

→ The aftermath of Avengers vs. X-Men brought the mutant gene back.  Meaning, there are ample amount of mutants again!  This is cool.  I also like that due to the actions of the X-Men – especially the Phoenix Five’s – during Avengers vs. X-Men, the X-Men are wanted outlaws and outcasts again.  This is also cool, because this is consistent with the X-Men’s theme – “to protect a world that hates and fear them.”     

→ There’s going to be a new X-Force team, and Cable is back as the leader.  This makes me so excited.  I wonder if this X-Force team would remain as the X-Men’s black ops arm, or will it become an independent X team once again.  But the latter is more likely, since based on what I read, they would be labeled as “terrorists” by the world, and the Uncanny Avengers are out to bring them in.  Very, very interesting.        

→ I wonder if Magneto will return to being a villain?  Well, I hope not.  He’s better as a good guy and as an X-Man so I prefer that he returns to an X-team.  And what of Emma Frost, will she remain as Cyclops’ gal?  On the other hand, Namor, however, seems to be returning as an Avenger.  Hoping he would take the Beast/Wolverine/Storm-route, that of being a simultaneous Avenger and X-Man. 

→ So, we’ll also see Marvel NOW! bringing the original five X-Men to the present via time travel.  I’m mostly apathetic with this one.  But I admit, it’s going to be interesting to see how the past Cyclops would react when he learns of the actions of his adult self during Avengers vs. X-Men.  Will he be proud or ashamed?  Also, what will past Jean Grey’s reaction be when she learns her adult self is dead?      

→ If I’m right, from what I get from this art, there will be three X-Men teams independent from each other. Cyclops’ faction, Wolverine’s faction, and the time-travelling original X-Men.     

→ Hulk will have a group of scientists working around him (and it appears that they have attached some gadgets to the Hulk that, I guess, are there to monitor him), as well as Maria Hill, who I assume is going to be his handler.  This suggests that the Hulk will no longer be independent, thus a threat, but would be regulated and monitored making him a well-controlled weapon for the side of good.  Again, I’m apathetic with this one.  But I love the fact that he’s back as an Avenger. 

→ At last, an Avengers line-up will finally feature arguably Marvel’s six most iconic superheroes – Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, and Iron Man – for the first time.  And this makes me excited.  I’m just confused on how many Avengers there will be in the main team (there’s also going to be a New Avengers team that would feature a different line-up than the main team).  Some articles mention of 18 Avengers, while others 24.  The Avengers will also have new memberships in Cannonball and Sunspot.

→ Thunderbolts will now be led by the Red Hulk.  Oh, I get it... Thunderbolts, General “Thunderbolt” Ross.  Clever.  The new Thunderbolts line-up will consist of Red Hulk, Venom, Deadpool, the Punisher, and Elektra.  That’s one badass team!  But would happen to the Thunderbolts roster that they would replace?  Also, does this mean that Red Hulk and Venom are gone from the Avengers?  Well, if so, this sucks!        

→ Now, this is what’s worrying me most about Marvel NOW.  The iconic “amazing” adjective for Spider-Man is going to be replaced by “superior”.  It is mentioned that Spider-Man is going to be more powerful, even more so than what he was during The Other storyline’s aftermath.  I’m cool with that.  What makes me worried is that there are rumors that Peter Parker will no longer be Spider-Man, that he’s going to die or retire in the last Amazing Spider-Man (issue 700).  NOOOOOO!  This is going to suck more than Brand New Day.  I really, really, REALLY, hope that Peter will remain as Spider-Man.   Moreover, it was also suggested that even if it’s still Pete donning the Spidey mask, the happening in Amazing Spider-Man #700 will make him more ruthless and humorless, diverting from the usual Spidey demeanor.  Really?  That already has been done during the 90’s when he started identifying himself as “The Spider” and recently with “Back in Black”.  (Sigh)  It’s not going to be Spider-Man if he’s not going to be the wisecracking, happy-go-lucky hero we love.  If you want a ruthless Spider-Man, well there’s Scarlet Spider (Kaine) already, right?!  Spider-Man is the character I cared about most, and any goodwill and awesomeness that Marvel NOW! will bring to the Marvel Universe overall will be destroyed if they screw up the Spidey property.   

Thoughts on Combat, Martial Arts, and Self-Defense

Like most people, the initial concepts or ideas I had about martial arts and self-defense are derived from movies and TV shows I’ve watched since I was a kid.  I’ve always been deeply impressed by how knowing some martial arts is some sort of super power.  Here’s a kid who has been bullied all his life.  Fresh from suffering a recent humiliation from the hands of the bullies, he meets a wizened Asian geezer who happens to know martial arts.  The kid managed to convince the old man to teach him martial arts, and after a few sessions summarized by a montage, the kid becomes a “black belt”.  Later, the kid confronts his tormentors, and beat them all up at the same time.  With martial arts, you will be able to neutralize threats – regardless of extent or quantity – with your bare hands gracefully and efficiently.  Martial arts are the best tool for combat and self-defense.  Yes, all of these things are what pop culture taught us.   

But as I grow older, with increased common sense and experience, and learn more and more about the reality of combat, I discovered that most philosophies and ideas I had before about the matter are bullshit.  Real-life combat isn’t gracefully choreographed as it is portrayed in the movies.  Real-life combat is brutal and ugly.  Anything goes, and anything can happen.  Being a black belt doesn’t always translate into being a proficient combatant.  And becoming a skillful fighter requires hard, laborious, and intense training; not through a few lessons from a random Asian guy while “Eye of the Tiger” is playing the background. 

Most martial arts schools out there won’t really make you a fighting machine.  Yes, you might learn how to kick, punch, and a neat trick or two, but don’t ever mistake that these are enough to make you a badass that can take down a group of muggers all at once (In fact, if that martial arts school is actually legit, it would even advice you to just give those goons your money to prevent yourself from getting harmed.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  Will talk about this later).  At best, what you will get from these martial arts schools is learning martial arts as a sport or exercise.  Maybe even enough fighting knowledge to allow yourself to run away from a threat… which is a good thing, actually (but, again, I’m getting ahead of myself).  But learn how to be an authentic, skilled fighter?  I doubt it.  Take note also that most martial arts schools out there are merely businesses.  And you will get your black belt if you invest enough time (i.e. money) in weekly sessions.

Indeed, there are legit and great fighting styles out there, with legit and proficient practitioners and masters.  But they learned how to fight through intense trainings and actual experience; their actions and reactions are instinctive and calculated, and their bodies are toughened up.  Examples are elite military men, who are among the most well-instructed and well-trained in combat in the world.   

Real instructions in self-defense and combat are practical and wise.  First, the romance, illusions, and false impressions of fighting obtained from pop culture should be shattered.  The actual reality and situation of combat should be vividly presented.  Fighting is a matter of survival.  If you find yourself in a fight, it’s going to be brutal and ugly, thus, you should be prepared to fight ugly and brutally.  You should be prepared to cheat (remember, this is no longer fighting as a sport, but actual life-or-death fighting!), and should have no qualms in killing if it’s the only option to get out alive.  Yes, kill.  And maybe even go to jail for it.  “But wait, isn’t killing in self-defense absolves you of any legal consequences?” you counter.  True.  But self-defense to the law means “just using the right amount of force to defuse the threat.”  Killing as self-defense is only permissible to the law if killing was the last option.  And it’s up to the court to decide if killing was indeed the only option.  Now, when you are in combat, you are lost in the moment of fighting for survival.  And you will react instinctively, especially if you have been well-trained.  You will further strike when the opponent is already down or deliver two blows when one is enough.  All because your instincts and training tell you to (for the purpose of certainty of the threat’s defusal).  Now, that extra blow could happen to be a lethal one.  And the court – if lacking understanding of the reality of being on a combat situation – might interpret that extra blow as going overboard, thus making the self-defense defense inapplicable.   And whether you successfully make a “self-defense” defense in court or not, you will still have the stressful inconvenience of undergoing the initial police detainment, the legal hassles, the court appearances, the stigma (real or imagined), and – most significantly – the traumatic burden of the fact that you have killed, since taking someone’s life will always cause impactful emotional strain and scarring, regardless if it was intended, accidental, indirect, or in self-defense. Being aware of this possibility will be very distracting indeed and will make you hesitant to strike.  Nonetheless, it is important to forget of the consequences whenever you are in that moment of real combat since your survival is paramount. 

Second, attack first!  As soon as you come into realization that you have your back against the wall already – that there is no chance of running anymore and to fight is inevitable – you have to make the first move.  Your opponent, especially if he’s a poor fighter, would be too surprised to think and respond quickly.  If you strike first, you have the momentum and the advantage of controlling the tempo of the fight.  After your first attack, continue to strike and strike until you win or, at least, have disabled or stunned your opponent enough to allow your escape.  That’s why it’s very invaluable if you are well-trained and that you have ample combos or succession of attacks put into mind.    

 

Third, it is important to fight smart.  Fighting is also a science.  There is a proper way to punch or kick, or if you need to punch or kick at all.  Let me give you an example: amateurs make the mistake of punching early on a fight, but palm strikes are actually more practical.  Since your opponent is still alert early on of the fight, he will instinctively brace himself for your blow and you might hit a hard part of his body – example, the skull (especially this).  If you punched and hit something hard, it will injure or pain your knuckles, making that hand useless for the rest of the fight.  But if you use palm strikes initially, even if your blow hit a hard part of your opponent, it won’t damage your hand (no bones in your palm).  So, use palm strikes first, to open up your opponent for a punch that would surely connect and cause great damage to an intended targeted body part (preferably, the “soft” or vulnerable parts like chest, solar plexus, groin, or jaw). Therefore, don’t use a punch as your first attack unless you are sure that your punch is fast, strong, and accurate enough take out your opponent.  (Personally, I think elbow strikes and knee strikes are better attacks than punches and kicks). 

Being smart also means being practical and using your advantages.  Make use of anything available that you think can be used as a weapon.  Some great fighting disciplines actually teach that anything – from pens to umbrellas – can be used as a weapon.  Moreover, don’t ever give up your advantages if you have them.  You shouldn’t be fooled of “fighting with honor” fantasies that would compel you to give up your advantages or putting a handicap to yourself to make it an even fight between you and your opponent.  That’s just stupid.  Remember, that when you find yourself in a real fight, it’s not a sport match at all, it’s going to be a matter of survival!  So, don’t give up your gun for a knife fight.  Don’t give up your knife to fight barehanded.  Don’t fight one-on-one when you have an ally with you.  But rather, use your advantages to win!

Now that there’s a mention of guns in the previous paragraph, I would like to express my opinion that using a gun is still the most efficient and convenient form of self-defense or combat.  No matter how greatly adept one is with a form of fighting style (unless this fighting style is gun kata), he would never win with someone who has a gun and the sense and know-how of using it.  Using a gun is less hassle and less physically demanding – though would take the same focus, if not more so – than using martial arts to fight in close quarters combat.  Moreover, the legal problem that will arise from killing in self-defense with the use of a gun is actually the same with that of killing in self-defense with the use of martial arts.  Considering this, the convenience of using a gun vs. the hassle and physical pain, with possibility of injury, derived from close-combat, isn’t using a gun more preferable in self-defense?  (The downside is it’s not easy to obtain a gun and permission to carry.  And even if you manage to get those, carrying a gun everywhere is uncomfortable.  Of course, if you actually don’t mind it, then you have no problem.)   

Fourth, and most importantly, is to avoid reaching the scenario of an actual fight as much as possible.  Even if you know how to properly fight, the wisest and most practical way is still to seek the option that would make you avoid getting into a fight.  To finally fight means all non-violent options have been exhausted.  Actually, if you are having legit and sensible self-defense lessons, you will be taught that when a mugger points a gun at you and asks for your wallet, your best option is to give the mugger your wallet.  And it’s actually a sound and wise advice!  Even if you are trained and know how to disable the mugger at that situation, there’s always a possibility that something might go wrong, which could harm or kill you.  That possibility could be small, but why risk it?  In Russian roulette, only one of the six chambers of the revolver is loaded with a bullet, giving you a 17% chance of ending up with the loaded chamber, but would you dare risk it?  It’s just money, it’s not worth risking your life over (the only reasonable grounds for you to make your move at that particular moment are if: a) the thing that the mugger is trying to take away from you is worth risking your life over, or b) you noticed that his gun is on safety or not loaded).  Usually, a typical mugger just wants your wallet and doesn’t really want to actually kill.  However, if the mugger is still pointing his gun at you after you finally gave him your wallet, and there are no signs of him letting you go, then your life is now very much endangered.  This is the time where you have to use your self-defense training and finally strike (remember that it is important to strike first as soon as you have determined that the danger is presently existent and the incoming violence is inevitable). 

I am no expert in martial arts or combat or such (I did have some martial arts training as a kid, but I admit, the knowledge I got there was not much).  The thoughts I have expressed here are merely out of common sense and some knowledge I got from reading books and articles and watching shows about the subject matter.  But I hope you obtain something valuable.  Let me leave you to ponder on with the lyrics of the two choruses of Kenny Rogers’ “Coward of the Country”, which kind of summarizes my thoughts on fighting: 

“Promise me, son, not to do the things I've done –
Walk away from trouble if you can
It won't mean you're weak if you turn the other cheek
I hope you're old enough to understand,
Son, you don't have to fight to be a man.”  

“I promised you, Dad, not to do the things you've done
I walk away from trouble when I can
Now please don't think I'm weak, I didn't turn the other cheek,
And papa, I should hope you understand –
Sometimes you gotta fight when you're a man.”

09-09-12 Dynamic Worship Special Number

After about a year of Sunday sessions, I was part of those that was able to successfully finish (our batch started out with 15 and 10 remained in the end) the "Life of Disciple" classes - the third leg of the D12 Nurture System of our church.  It's kind of a tradition that as a sort of culminating activity, in a Sunday worship service, the batch should prepare at least one testimony and, if the batch is capable enough, a special number as well.  

Here was our batch's performance: first, we recited our memory verses (that were required to be memorized during our "Life of Disciple" classes) and sang (with actions) "The Love of Jesus" - in English, Tagalog, Taglish, and Bicol (in this order) - and "Day by Day" as if we were merely Sunday School children. lol.  To God be the glory nonetheless!  

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Top 10 PC Games I Had Played in Windows ’95 During Childhood

When I was into gaming, the main medium I played was PC.  And back when desktop personal computers were not yet a household staple as it is nowadays (it was really expensive back then), my family was blessed to have one.  So I get to have the experience of playing PC way ahead of most of my contemporaries. 

The operating system back then was Windows ’95 and most of the games occupy very minimal hard drive space when compared to modern games.  For perspective, consider this: our PC back then only had about 2 GB of hard disk space!  A flash drive has more capacity than that!  

Here are the top ten favorite PC games I played back then…

Note: Some of the games here are still available for free with Windows XP (the OS of my netbook).  While some are available for download in the Internet, which I have downloaded and played again by using Dosbox.  I got some screenshots to use for this list. But there are also screenshots here that are not mine, but merely taken from the Internet.  

10.) HEARTS

Card games on PC were very popular back then.  But my most favorite among them was Hearts.  At first, since I rarely read the “Help” part of a game, I thought that the aim was to get as many points as possible.  It was actually the other way around.  Once I understood the mechanics and the point system – cards belonging to the hearts suite is a point, 13 points for the queen of spade, but you get zero points and your opponents get 26 points each if you get all hearts and the queen of spade in a round – I found the game to be intelligent and addictively fun. 

9.) CASTLE OF THE WINDS

 

Before Diablo II, there was Castle of the Winds.  I remember how easily I got hooked a few minutes into the game.  This fantasy RPG has awesome gameplay (during its time, at least).        

 

8.) DOOM

 

I never get to finish this game at all.  The graphics, by today’s standards, is silly, but I admit that the demons/mutants/monsters/aliens (never bothered to know what were they) that regularly comes out of nowhere freaked me out a lot back then.  I think this was the first first-shooter game that I’ve ever played.   

7.) MINESWEEPER

 

This game bored me initially because I never understood it at first (again, because I was too lazy to read the “Help”).  But there came a time that I bothered to read the instructions so I can comprehend how to play it.  I realized that it was not at all purely about randomly guessing where the mines are (hint: the numbers actually have a purpose).  It also involves plenty of analyzing and quick-thinking (to determine which squares have mines as fast as possible).  And after finally understanding all of these, I found myself spending several hours a day playing it.  

6.) WARPATH

 

This was the best intergalactic-themed PC game that I had played back then.  The game’s aim is to beat your opponents by destroying all their ships or leaving them with no planet left.  In the game, you have to get as much of the planets in the star map on your side, whether you’re good (green) or evil (red), either through colonization of uninhabited planets or investing on neutral races’ planets.  It’s also necessary to earn money, which can be done by means of two things: a) mining uninhabited planets and selling the cargo to inhabited planets; and b) from the automatic taxes of your planets (so, more planets, more income).  The money you earn is used to buy stuff and weapons (remember, it’s a war after all), and for investment on neutral planets to get them to join your side.  It seems complicated at first but it’s actually an easy game to master.  As soon as I got the hang of this game, I easily dominate whenever I play (as shown with the screenshot above).   

5.) SIM CITY 2000

The first simulation game I’ve ever played was probably this one (played Afterlife - a sim game with a heaven and hell setting - back then, too, but if I remembered it right, I played Sim City 2000 first).  I loved the idea of being able to control and design an entire city.  I would also get to play the more modern Sim City game later on, but believe me that I derived more excitement from playing this oldie for the first time than what I got from playing the more advanced version (the novelty of the “controlling a city” concept probably wore off)

4.) CIVILIZATION 2

This is the only Civilization game I ever played.  This game was the first of such kind I ever encountered back then.  I found it innovative, very unique, and multi-faceted.  You have to guide your civilization in advancing through history.  You have to choose what technological advances your civilization should pursue.  You have to expand by creating new cities or conquering cities owned by your opponent/s.  You have to consider political and economical aspects.  Sometimes, diplomacy can be used to your advantage.  You can make alliances or treaties.  Building a strong military force is very important.  Amidst all of these, there’s a lot of maintaining to do as well.  You have to keep this cities connected to each other, defended from threats, and amply supplied.  You have to keep your people happy and/or in check.   Etcetera, etcetera.  There are plenty of factors considered in this game, and it’s what makes it fun.  Also, it allows you to live out your world domination fantasies (I was able to build a British Empire that was more dominating than the historical and actual one).

3.) METAL MARINES

This was the game that I played a lot whenever I hang out in my mother’s office (when she was still working) as a kid.  In each level (there are 20), you have to search and destroy the three hidden bases of your opponent before he or she (there’s a female commander) destroys yours.     There are only a few structure options to build in this game that I can enumerate them here.  Interceptor Missile Battery (IMB) defends your island from enemy missile and Metal Marine attacks.  Radars increase the accuracy of IMBs.  Mine fields damages enemy Metal Marines that walk on them.  Gun pods are armored pillboxes that defend your island from invading enemy Metal Marines.  Decoy bases look like real bases to, yeah, serve as decoys.  Camouflage structure hides your base or decoy base.  Logistics and support structures (Factory, Energy Plant, and War Administration Headquarters) decreases construction time, and increases fuel and money production (I seldom build them, though).   ICBM silos can shoot out nukes (but I never make them since they are expensive and fragile).  Missile batteries shoot out missiles.  And, most importantly, Metal Marine Hangars houses Metal Marines – your most valuable assets since they can be used for both defense and attacks.         

2.) CARMEN SANDIEGO GAMES

The Carmen Sandiego games that I’ve played are Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiego?, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Deluxe Edition, Where in Space is Carmen Sandiego?, Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?, and Where in America’s Past is Carmen Sandiego?  There is a variety of themes in each game, but the essential gameplay remains the same: in each round, you have to chase V.I.L.E. agents across several locations; through trivia clues, you can determine what location.  Moreover, you have to determine the proper identity of the V.I.L.E. agent you are chasing so you will have the proper warrant once you caught up to him or her.  If you don’t have the correct warrant, the arrest is made void.  The titular Carmen Sandiego, the V.I.L.E. ring-leader, only appears on later rounds.  I’m proud to say that I’ve caught Carmen in all the games I’ve enumerated (screenshots are shown above).

      

1.) CHIP’S CHALLENGE

My most favorite Windows ’95 game is Chip’s Challenge.  The game consists of more than 100 levels as you control the protagonist, Chip, through them.  In each level, Chip has to reach the respective exit door to proceed to the next level.  He should reach it before time expires, if it’s under a time limit (which is the usual).  The exit door opens when all the needed microchips in that level has been collected, but in some levels, there are no microchips to collect and Chip just needs to find the exit.  Each level has unique challenges and puzzles to figure out.  Sometimes, there are monsters to avoid.  This game involves plenty of analyzing, imagining, and trial-and-error; it really challenges your thinking skills. 

A good thing about this game is the option to skip a level is offered whenever you have failed it too many times over.  By proceeding to a newer thus fresher level, it will prevent you from mentally burning out and getting extremely frustrated because of a level that you are unable to get through.  You can just return to the levels you fail to solve some other time (once you have a refreshed mind).  I think I had solved 75% of the game’s levels.          

Top 10 Fictional Organizations

There are a ton of made-up organizations in fiction – ranging from associations, to clubs, to guilds, to institutes, to societies, etc.  In picking the ten that interest me most, there are several factors I considered, which includes but not limited to: having many members (because the word “organization” gives me the feeling of necessarily having many members, while the words “team” and “group” just a few); diverseness of members; perks of membership; having a unique and interesting purpose; and should not be a superhero team (since that can be another available category to make a list out of someday).  

10.) A.E.G.I.S.

A.E.G.I.S. or Alien Exterminating Global Intercept System is a secret organization whose purpose is to combat Invaders, alien/interdimensional beings that intend to conquer the world, who are secretly living among the unaware human populace.  The most valuable agents of A.E.G.I.S. are called Gate Keepers, teenagers who has the ability to tap superpowers from another dimension through opening “gates.”   The Gate Keepers’ powers are the only weapons that can permanently neutralize Invaders.  Since the Gate Keepers (of Japan) are teenagers, the agency enrolled them at Tategami High School, which is the front for the headquarters (which is hidden underground it) of the Far East Branch of A.E.G.I.S., and thus, the agency can conveniently contact, summon and send the Gate Keepers on missions.  The best thing I liked about A.E.G.I.S. is their salute of “Roger, Aegis” while doing the motion of putting a fist against the chest, then doing a peace-sign.            

9.) FAIRY TAIL

As the titular guild of the popular Fairy Tail manga/anime, it is the strongest guild in the country of Fiore.  Though, the guild lost this reputation after significantly weakening after their strongest members went on a 7-year hiatus (thought to be dead, but were actually in time suspension).  The guild is slowly gaining their reputation back in the current arc.    

I greatly like how Fairy Tail members treat each other as family, and will protect them with their lives.  They have a strong bond with each other and have great pride for being members of Fairy Tail.  Members are diverse and interesting (former enemies are even recruited), but only the prominent and most powerful members have significant character development, thus, they are the only ones that I grew fond of.  My favorite members (there are other members I like, but these are the ones that I feel strongly for), in order of fondness, are Natsu, Gajeel, Gray, Laxus, Erza, Freed, Mystogan (I hope Jellal would permanently adopt the Mystogan identity), Juvia, Pantherlily, Gildartz, Lucy, Makarov, Elfman, Loki, and Bickslow.       

8.) GREEN LANTERN CORPS

Though there are Green Lanterns who are technically superheroes (those from Earth), the Corps, however, is not a superhero team per se.  Rather, the Green Lanterns Corps is meant to be an intergalactic police force.  There are over 7,200 members policing 3,600 sectors across the galaxies.  The planet Oa is their headquarters, where the Central Power Battery – the energy source they derive their powers from – is located.   

Each Green Lantern is armed with a power ring that has been called “the most powerful weapon in the universe.”  The ring allows it wielder to fly, create force fields, and ability to travel with ease across the hostile environments of space.  But its main power is to project objects that have been imagined by its wielder – its potency only being limited by the wielder’s willpower.  A ring requires to be recharged through a Green Lantern’s personal battery (that looks like an old-fashioned, portable gas-fueled metal lantern) which directly derives power from the Central Power Battery.           

I had considered the Jedi Order as a likely candidate for a spot on this list.  But though Jedis are cool, with their Force mastery and lightsabers (especially this) and all that, I still find the Green Lanterns and their power rings cooler. 

7.) S.H.I.E.L.D.

S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for “Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate” (formerly “Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage, Law-Enforcement Division”) but “Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  It is the elite, secret espionage and military organization in the Marvel Comics Universe.    The organization closely deals with matters of global threats, activities of superpowered individuals, major terrorism, and the like.  Agents are mostly normal (but well-trained) humans, but there are also a few superhumans employed.  S.H.I.E.L.D. works closely with superheroes (and even supervillains, on special cases), usually the Avengers, and asks their aid when needed.  The most famous head of S.H.I.E.L.D. is Nick Fury, one of the most badass fictional spooks ever, though, currently in the comics, he no longer is.  What I like most about S.H.I.E.L.D. is its most awesome and iconic asset: the Helicarrier, a flying aircraft carrier.      

6.) IMPOSSIBLE MISSIONS FORCE (IMF)

The IMF is the agency featured in the Mission: Impossible TV shows and movies.  The IMF is an independent espionage agency with the US government as their main client.  With the use of cons and high tech gadgetry, they often successfully accomplish a mission, leaving minimal, if any, trace of them being there.  IMF agents are very multi-talented and multi-skilled, with each member having an expertise in at least one area.  Most agents operate as “part-timers”, who has regular day jobs – models, lawyers, doctors, magicians, acrobats, field experts, etc. – with the skills and/or resources of their vocation usually relevant and invaluable for their missions.  Moreover, most of them are rich, making them very unlikely to bribe.

The briefings of their missions usually start with “Your mission, should you decide to accept it…”, since they can refuse a mission if they think it’s impossible to accomplish or it’s in conflict with their moral codes.  There are some agents, though, who are not allowed to refuse a mission.  Once they accept the mission and if they are compromised, killed, or captured, their clients are free to disown the agents and deny involvement.

No IMF agents made my top 10 spooks list, but, as a whole, they have the most awesome espionage agency in fiction.   

5.) DAMAGE CONTROL

Damage Control is a construction company in the Marvel Comics Universe that specializes in repairing property damage in the aftermath of conflicts among superheroes and supervillains.  Do I need to say more why is this organization extremely interesting?            

4.) GOTEI 13

The Gotei 13 is the military arm of Soul Society.  Gotei 13’s members are called Shinigamis or “death gods.”  In Bleach mythos, Shinigamis are kimono-wearing, samurai-like warriors who serve as guides of souls, protectors of Souls Society, and exterminators of Hollows – corrupted souls of deceased humans after failing to cross over to Soul Society.  A Shinigami’s primary weapon is his Zanpakutō.  Zanpakutōs are sentient souls that take the initial appearance of a katana, with each one having a unique transformation and set of abilities when released by its Shinigami.  Bankai is the ultimate form of the Zanpakutō, and is one of the things that make Bleach interesting.    

The Gotei 13 is made up of 13 divisions.  Each division has slightly over 200 Shinigamis, thus Gotei 13 has a total of about 3,000 soldiers.  In the 200 Shinigamis of a division, the strongest 20 are officers or having “seats”.  The 1st Seat belongs to the Captain, the most powerful and the leader of the division, and, usually, the only one in the division who has a Bankai (but not all the time, because there are at least three non-captains who know Bankai).  The 2nd Seat belongs to the Vice-Captain or Lieutenant, the second strongest and the supervisor of the division’s day-to-day activities.  The rest of the seats – 3rd to 20th – have no established or mentioned military ranks but are analogous to junior officers or non-commissioned officers in real life.  The overall leader of Gotei 13 is the Captain of the first division, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, thus he has the sole title of Captain-Commander.         

3.) G.I. JOE

G.I. Joe is based on a line of action figures, but Marvel Comics created an awesome comic book series out of the property (like what they did with Transformers).  And a classic animated TV series was also made out of it during the 80’s.  The perfect description of this organization is from the TV series' intro's narration: "G.I. Joe is the code name for America's daring, highly trained special mission force. Its purpose: to defend human freedom against Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world."  I loved how G.I. Joe is a military organization that is an interesting mix of all Armed Forces-types, ninjas/martial artists, spooks, technical specialists, etc., with most of the members being based on stereotypes of a certain field or vocation – and, sometimes, not even necessarily military-related – and have code names that are puns of those stereotypes.

   

2.) MEN IN BLACK (MIB)

With my first encounter with MIB (through the first movie), the organization captivated me.  I became an avid fan of the movies and animated series (I haven’t encountered the original comicbook it’s based on though).  I remember that as a kid, I even played pretend that I was an MIB agent.  

Aliens are secretly mingling with humans on Earth and MIB is the secret organization that monitors and police alien activity on the planet. They also serve as Earth’s defense against intergalactic threats.  They make use of advanced alien technology and weaponry and other hardware.  

MIB is so secret that even the US government, which had a hand on its foundation, has no knowledge of its existence.  Therefore, MIB doesn’t receive federal funding.  Instead, they get their funding from owning patents of various alien technologies that they have introduced to the human market (like Velcro and liposuction), which have been released once they think humankind is ready for them.  

MIB’s most iconic and coolest gadget is the Neuralizer, which they use to preserve MIB and alien anonymity.  The Neuralizer releases a flash that can heavily hypnotize a target, making them vulnerable to have their memories erased, replaced, manipulated, and/or manufactured.  Thus, the Neuralizer is an invaluable tool to use on human witnesses of both alien and MIB activity.  To protect themselves from the flash, MIB agents put on a pair of sunglasses before activating the Neuralizer.       

MIB is based on the “Men in Black” theme in pop culture and conspiracy theories about government agents in black suits who cover up UFO and paranormal activities.    

1.) HUNTER ASSOCIATION

With the main characters being members of the organization, the manga/anime series Hunter X Hunter greatly revolves around the Hunter Association.  

“Hunters” are considered to be the elite of humanity; being experts on different fields like music, cooking, computers, archeology, combat, survival, hunting down criminals, uncovering and retrieving information, and many more.  To become a Hunter, one most obtain a license by passing the rigorous Hunter Examination, a series of difficult and dangerous tests to determine those that have the appropriate characteristics and skills to become a Hunter.  Hunters, as the name suggests, devote their lives in hunting down things whether people, items, information, places, treasures, or animals.  

All Hunters are required to know Nen, whether before or after the Hunter Exam.  Nen is the manipulation of aura or life energy, which will enable a Nen user to have a unique power or ability.  

There are plenty of perks of being a Hunter.  This is brought to by the ownership of a Hunter License.  It is a highly-valuable item that symbolizes glory and wealth (60 out of the 100 richest people in the world are Hunters).   Owners of the Hunter License have no legal responsibility for murder, are free to travel in all countries, have free access to public services at first-class, and are allowed to access the Hunters Only Website (where one can find and purchase a variety of important and secret intelligence obtained and uploaded by other Hunters).  The Hunter can also use his or her license as collateral for a loan of 100 million jenny (currency in the Hunter X Hunter universe) with a 0% interest rate at any bank, or the Hunter can outrightly sell his license (which is a valuable collector’s item) for enough money for at least 7 generations of luxury.