Entry #6: Video Games on the Horizon

Many of us spend our off time doing hobbies, hanging out with friends, or even just sleeping. I personally, and many others, like to play video games. Whether it be on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, the video gaming scene of 2021 to the near future of 2022 has proved to be impressive with many trailers and upcoming releases.

The sequel to the 2018 reboot, God of War Ragnarok will continue on the cinematic and action-packed experience proved by its previous installment. In the reveal trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE-4GvjKcfs), It opens to Kratos and Atreus out on another adventure. It shows cutscenes of combat, dialogue between past characters, and even gameplay in the last half. We can surmise that from the trailer, the story will go even deeper into Norse mythology and that they have expanded upon the game's combat mechanics further. With the expected release date to be somewhere in 2022, this is a game with a strong narrative that will immerse you through hours of content.

Another anticipated title is Forza Horizon 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYH9n37B7Yw). Showing off the incredible graphics and variety of racing types, the game revolves around the competitive Horizon festival with you entering the pool. It will feature over 400 different cars and compared to the 4th game, has a map that's 50% larger and the highest elevation of all of its predecessors. The arcade-like gameplay with hints of realism is a good pickup to explore the modern selections of cars. With it releasing on November 8th, whether you are serious into cars or looking for a casual game, Forza Horizon 5 can provide what you seek.

Disconnecting the trend of its previous games taking place in the World Wars, Battlefield 2042 goes back to the recognizable gameplay of modern infantry, vehicular, and aerial warfare on their biggest maps yet. One notable addition are the weather effects like tornados ripping through the battlefield (https://youtu.be/ASzOzrB-a9E?t=232) and the increase of the player count from 64 to 128. Having played the open beta, it reminds me of their beloved 2013 game Battlefield 4. If the final release plays like it, I guarantee a chaotically fun team-based shooter.

So are you an someone who plays video games casually, or an avid gamer? Tell me what game you have been enjoying recently and maybe an upcoming game that has caught your interest!

Entry #5: Mayhem

  Tailgater

Tailgater, a commercial by Allstate, begins with Mayhem driving a car and aggressively tailgating a man. While doing so, the driver ahead becomes distracted by the tailgating. As the man stares at his rear view mirror, ignoring the road, Mayhem says, "But you're so busy watching me tailgate, that you don't see the one in front of you." At the last second, the distracted driver breaks, but it was not enough to keep himself from hitting the stopped truck.

Allstate uses many devices to gather attention towards the ad. Using tailgating as an example will intrigue people who have experienced it, and having Mayhem repeat it three times at the very start also sends that message faster to people. After the driver being tailgated impacts the truck ahead of him, Mayhem claims that whatever your insurance you have may not even cover the accident and that the viewers should, "Get Allstate and be better protected from Mayhem." Not only does this appeal to people that have been tailgated, but also to frequent drivers.

Another device is the character Mayhem himself. He works as the personification of the word mayhem as his sole purpose is to cause inconveniences. Portrayed by his neat appearance and vehicle filled with football-related items, it is quite irregular as people are not usually in this situation and helps grab people's attention.

The ad successfully gives one example of what may happen when you are on the road. What the advertisers want you to feel is that if you make a simple mistake, Allstate will be there to help cover the costs through their auto insurance.

Entry #4: Seasonings and Sauces

Extra additives to food add great flavor and extra depth to the way you eat. Some of those additives are condiments, seasonings, and sauces. I always keep in mind of what is best to add to my breakfast, dinner, or lunch, and can be even fun with new foods.

Starting off with one of the most common spices, black pepper is a simple but effective method in enhancing the taste of your food. Some of my favorite types of food to use it on are: eggs, almost any meat, and soup broths. I love to add enough pepper to completely coat the tops of whatever I am eating, and enough in soups to the point that it bothers your nose. Not only does pepper work well alone, but paired with soy sauce or salt, it creates a cluster of flavors, blending saltiness and subtle hints of spice.

Me, being from an Asian background, hoisin sauce is a precious commodity for many types of foods like pho, beef dishes, and vegetables. With the flavor of the fermented soybeans and light spices used in the sauce, you can instantly recognize the uniquely sweet and salty combination in this thick, black liquid. For me and my family, we dump globs of hoisin into hot bowl of pho (a Vietnamese soup dish) until we are satisfied with the flavor. As an alternative to barbeque sauce or A1, hoisin is also a great choice for steak and fried pork in my experiences.

Another extremely popular sauce I prefer is sriracha. On the milder side of hot sauces, you can really taste the red chiles along with the garlic, sugar, and vinegar. Those ingredients give it the spicy punch while also delivering a sweet and sour flavor. Pretty much anything you can think of that uses hot sauce, you could substitute with sriracha. I frequently use the sauce in noodle-based foods like ramen, pho, and chow mein. I find that it easily spreads its flavor into whatever you put it into, making it effective for instantly adding an interesting twist to a non-spicy meal.

Condiments are truly some of the most important things when it comes to eating and are convenient to find. As an example, you can find black pepper on Amazon, hoisin sauce at Walmart, and Sriracha at Asian markets like LeeLee. What are your favorite condiments you like to buy?

Entry #3: A Delectable Object that Freshens Your Mouth

Ever needed to clear your mouth of a funky smell or just wanted to chew on something that tastes good? Everyone's got a personal go-to selection for breath evacuation purposes and I believe Mentos to be one of the tastiest and best choices for that. 

When I get a new package of these white capsules, I rip the top off to reveal a neat and satisfying column of these mouth-watering delicacies. Placing one on the top of my tongue, I instantly feel the freshening taste spread throughout to all the corners of my mouth as I bite down into its soft and chewy interior. Every breath I made introduced bursts of cold, sharp wind, instantly removing any heinous stenches. Yourself, family, and friends will all appreciate good breath. I like to take them along before going out or after dinner, but sometimes I eat them whenever I feel like it!