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Pirates Update

It has been a month since I started playing pirates. Every time I surf the net, I always load this application on facebook to play. I got addicted to this game before. And now, I still consume a part of my surfing time "plundering, looting pirates stuff and attacking other pirates." That is when I've finished attending to some of the more important things I'm doing over the internet.

Playing pirates is actually a more creative way of killing time because the whole process is repetitive. The only thing that keeps me on loading the application is the fact that I do have a lot of time to waste especially that I've been living a bum's life for a long time now. And of course, I do want my name to appear on the top scorers' list! Ha! Beat that!

Now, here's my stats:


Aside from the Pirates, I also play Vampires which is also created by Zynga but I like Pirates more than Vampires just because I got used to it first.

Famicom Games

Instead of making this long vacation a time for me to relax, it seems that it has gone boring. I've had enough rest last year and I think I need to get on with my usual busy life but something's just not permitting me to do so. "The force must be it." No, I don't think even Master Yoda knows. But whatever the reason is, I know that in the right time I'll get what I always wanted.

For the mean time, I dwell into things that make me entertained like watching TV, movie marathon, surfing the net and updating my blog. Yep, I've considered scribbling thoughts in my sort of online-diary blogger account a major past time these days. But apart from my usual activities, today, I played Famicom games.

I can still remember when I was still a child; a few years before I started going to school until my elementary years, I used to go to our neighbor's house to watch them play family computer games. It was early 90's when such a video game was every child's dream of having. It was sad for me then that I wasn't able to own that kind of dream toy. Maybe my parents can't afford to have me one for some reasons that I did not know because I never asked why. Instead, they bought scrabble, boggle, chess and other board games. I grew up with these kinds of games aside from the outdoor games which I had a lot of good memories too, and I can write another blog about them. However, I still had the chance to play video games whenever I go to our neighbor and that's the reason why I've become reminiscent of my childhood when I got to play them once more.

This time, I need not go to another's house to play. I still don't own the family computer console but the one we have here is a minicomponent system which is capable of downloading games from the disc. We had not used it for years but when it was fixed yesterday, we tried playing the games again. Here are some of the games we played:

Contra
My sister and I usually play this game. The one being controlled in the game are two commandos whose enemies are soldiers, machines and other creatures. Along the game there are metal boxes engraved with a red falcon logo and flying barrels which give the player a chance to upgrade the weapon from a simple rifle to machine gun, laser, fireball, or scatter ball. The goal of this game is of course to move on to the next stages until the enemies are all dead and their camp destroyed. And one thing I remember from this game is the cheat to have 30 lives. "UP DOWN UP DOWN LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT B A B A." Unfortunately, we don't have the appropriate controller to get it right.

Battle City
This game is one of my favorites since then. Unlike the other video games, the map where the game is played is displayed wholly on the screen for each stage. The goal is to shoot all the tanks of the enemies while keeping the base safe from them. There are several types of power-ups collected from those flashing enemy tanks like stopper, shovel, bomb, shield, and the infamous star. This made the game more interesting to play like for instance there are obstacles particularly the steel which can only be destroyed once the right number of power-ups is achieved; three stars that is.

Twin Bee
Also, one of the exciting two-player games is Twin Bee. The aircraft being controlled by the player shoots the enemies which are mostly those that are found in the kitchen like utensils and food. At the start, the aircraft has a simple single shot and has the ability to launch bomb for ground targets but once the wings of the craft is destroyed it can't be used anymore unless the ambulance which comes only once is caught. The special weapons and abilities are received from the bells which are shot from the clouds. The type of power-up depends on the color of the bell which is achieved by continually shooting the bell until it shifts color from blue, white or red but overshooting turns the bell into something that is destructible to the player if caught. The goal is to again move on to the next stages.

Galaga
Well, I guess, one of the most famous and oldest video game there is. I remember my professor in college telling us that they once created a program like this kind of game. The fighter spaceship being controlled by the player can only move laterally while shooting the insect-like enemies. The goal is to score as much and to move on to the next stages. Sometimes there's an enemy which goes down and tries to capture the fighter. Once captured and successfully shot the enemy, the fighter becomes double and makes the shooting easier. There are bonus stages which gives the player to score more and its quite challenging because you get to see how good you are as a shooter when the number of hits achieved is displayed. Also, at the end of the game, you also get to see your hit-miss ratio. Very interesting indeed!

Legend of Kage
This one's a one-player game. The player controls a ninja whose name is Kage. The goal is to save the princess from its captivity by killing the ninja enemies and going into temple where she is believed to be hidden. There are crystal balls that appear in the screen which make Kage change clothes that corresponds to a certain power-up. Also, a scroll seldom appears in the screen and once this is taken, the ninja enemies begin to die simultaneously. What I like about this scene is the sound and visual effects. Sometimes I play this game just to find the scroll because the video effect is really one of a kind! When the princess is saved once, she gets captivated again and the season changes which is noticeable in the changing of the color of the background.

Aside from these games that I featured in this blog, there are a lot more that I get to play once more. These includes.. Gradius, Sky Destroyer, Bomber Man, Lode Runner, Adventure Island, Jackal, and many more.

It's really nice to once in a while go back to the things that I used to do when I was still young. And I'm glad that I had a quite colorful childhood because now, I have something good to look back to.

American Idol Season 8

American Idol, the biggest popularity contest on TV starts to search again for new recording artists as it launches its eighth season. In the Philippine local TV network, the first episode of the two-part premiere was aired this day on QTV.

I've been watching this show since the beginning of the third season. The franchise was still on ABC5 that time before QTV took over just last season. Since then, I always watch from the auditions to both the performance and results nights. It was in the third season when a Filipina hopeful got through to the top 12 and kept nailing every performance until she reached up to the top 3. Jasmine Trias became well known in the Philippines as she brought home pride and honor for exuding a genuine talent. Just like Jasmine, Ramielle Malubay, also a Filipina, got through to the top 12 during the seventh season but was voted off earlier in the contest. This season, will there be another Pinoy hopeful that can get through to the top 12?

Aside from supporting every Filipino contestant whenever there is, I also begin to like the whole package of the show. Every time a season of American Idol begins, I always look forward to seeing the auditions. I enjoy watching the performance of the wannabes as they face the judges and hear them react and say the verdict: be it a "Yes, you're going to Hollywood!" or a "No."

Sometimes the judges go mean with their comments like Simon's "It was terrible!" or "The worst performance so far!" and even meaner, but when he does that one just cannot seem to not agree because it's either the performance is hideous plus the outfit is outrageous or the singing is just really shrilly or the person's tone deaf. Then, the wannabe gets disappointed and blurts out his emotions on the after-audition interviews. The whole sort of drama going around the show just makes it more interesting because it contrasts with the latter part of the show where it gets to be more serious in search for real talents.


What's new in this season of American Idol is the addition of a new judge. Aside from Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell, the fourth and youngest member of the panel Kara DioGuardi will be part of the show. I dont know, but to me, she kinda resemble Sarah Wayne Callies or Sarah Tancredi of Prisonbreak. I must say she looks strict but beautiful.


Kara is known to be a big icon in the music world. She is a songwriter, record producer and a singer. With such credentials, it must be good to have her among the members of the panel. For seven seasons of the AI, it's only now that two female judges will be heard commenting on the contestants' performances. I wonder how these contestants will take in the comments of the four judges. With all these new add-ins in the show, I guess the eighth season of the American Idol is a must see.

My new friend

Since last month, I've been receiving email from my new-found friend. Everyday I always check my email account; very excited to read an update regarding her response to my present crisis that I once shared to her. Sometimes she forgets to drop by but I do understand that she also gets tired of all my demands. Like during the 11-day holiday period, she disappeared without any notice then I was left thinking, "Am I on my own now?" But at the back of my mind, I was making myself believe that she'll be back again soon; that she'll be doing what she always does for me.

Just as I thought, she's back after the holiday. I was happy then that the connection is still there. But during those times that she failed to give me what I need of her, I had a realization that this relationship would end sooner or later. It's because I need to work things out for myself too and not just rely on her.

Now that I still have no plans of how to act on my own, I know she'll still supply me with everything that I need. That is how generous my friend is. I just hope that all her effort gets paid by making me happy and satisfied.

Since the beginning, this is what I expect of my new friend, LiNa......@jobstreet.com

Needs and Wants for 2009

Yep. It's the start of another year. And here I am listing down some of the things that I wish to have this year and some that I need to put more of my attention to. Since new year resolutions are just for the young ones or for those who still believe in them, I have listed here more of the things that my heart desires. I've placed a tag on them to indicate which ones should be getting more of the attention. Obviously, "Need" requires more of the effort than "Want" but in the end I think they just equalize. That is.. when money gets involved.


Cellphone - want
I do need an upgrade! A 3G phone is at the very least of my requirement. My phone's been up and running for almost three years now and it's got its wear and tear. The battery to say the least is causing me to get annoyed when my phone shuts off everytime it receives a call or even a message at times. Battery pack got replaced once but still it won't do. I definitely need a new unit and I won't go for a SE phone when I get to purchase one.


PSP / PS3 / XBOX360 / any Gaming Console - want
Yes, Boredom kills! I really need something to fill in idle times with some pleasurable moments especially now that I am on a looooong vacation from any work. Now that's studying is over playtime is on! It's time to unleash the gaming-freak side of me! Well, I guess...


Digital Camera / Canon DSLR - want
I am not a professional photographer or any sort. I am just fascinated with the ever-changing technology and I want to try them out. Haha! Actually, I am fond of keeping good memories in still photos or just writing about them. When capturing nice scenes or events, why not use the best device there is, right? Honestly, I don't have money yet to purchase my luxuries but I will work myself out to have them..haha.. Aja!


Buy and read more books - need
What? It's just not me to read books but hey, I finished reading J.K Rowling's Harry Potter books! Then, that's all! And that's very long time ago. This time around, I'll make sure that I get to read more books and end them with a review. Novels, short stories, comics, inspirational or any that appeals to me. As long as I can say something about it after reading, then I'll give it a go.


Keep in touch(blog, texts, email, chat ,social networking) - need
One of the things that I missed a lot last year is to connect with the world around me. Almost the whole year I was so engrossed with nothing but building my own career. Now, those days are over and it's time to refresh that connection. Updating this blog aside from my other social networking accounts will somehow let any online friends know that I'm still alive. I'll have to make sure to not miss out any gimmicks with the barkada, write more often to my aunt in NZ, chat with my cousin and aunt in CO and reply to all the text message I receive! Now, this sounds more of a resolution huh!


Catch a movie in cinema - need
This one, I like! I think catching a good movie in cinema is a worthwhile past time. I got this idea from C&D who are frequent movie goers. Well, it's part of their job as radio jocks anyway but for me, I consider it as a good activity for friends and family. This year, I aim to catch more movies in cinema because I appreciate more the movie in big screen with best audio quality and with no distractions. I'll try also to comment on movies that I watch.


Listen to music - want
On the year that has just passed, I admit, I've broken the morning habit. I missed out listening to the Morning Rush many times! But I'm glad for both C&D for winning a "bird" in the KBP Golden Dove Award -- and for RX too! Well at least I've been up to date since late last year and I even missed Delle when she was out for a very long vacation. It wasn't that much interesting though with Gino as substitute but the stint worked out for some based from some feedbacks. Aside from the infamous Top Ten, I also missed out some of the new songs last year. I'll try this year to keep myself posted with the new songs and which ones are topping the charts -- mostly from billboard and the local countdown.


Go to places - need
My ultimate dream is -- to find out for myself if the earth is really round. lol! Kidding aside, I really want to travel to different places. If the opportunity is there -- all expenses paid, itinerary is ready and all requirements are fixed, I'll definitely have a round of the different places in the world. But, all journeys always begin with a tiny step. Maybe I got to pay a visit to my province first: in Bicol and La Union. I haven't been there for quite some time. And explore the wonders of our own land -- the Philippine archipelago!


Laptop - want
This one's what I've been wanting to have. I hope somebody just gives it to me because I can't afford to buy myself sooner. I was left with a promise though that I would be given such when I pass the exams so I guess patience is all I need. When I have one, I could just write anything conveniently and anytime I want. So it means better blogging!


Have a job - NEED
And to cap it all off, my biggest need for 2009 is to have a JOB. I guess after listing down all the luxuries I want to have, need I say more about it?



ALL THE BEST FOR 2009!!! =)

RX Year-Ender Music Countdown

What a way to wait for changing of the year! While everyone's doing their preparations for the year to start anew, here I am doing what I've been fond of--listing the songs that top the RX's charts every year! Being an avid listener of RX for like more than a decade now, I've grown up with the genre of music that this radio station is playing on air. And for the year 2008, I must say most of the songs that made it to the list have become "the accompaniment" of every significant events in my life this year! Now, here's the RX Year-Ender Music Countdown hosted by Louie D.


Song of the year '07: Makes Me Wonder by Maroon 5


20. Say it Again - Marie Digby
19. Touch My Body - Mariah Carey
18. Forget About Me - Lil' Bit
17. Take A Bow - Rihanna
16. Light On - David Cook
15. Decode - Paramore
14. Better in Time - Leona Lewis
13. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
12. Womanizer - Britney Spears
11. Break the Ice - Britney Spears
10. Cat and Mouse - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
09. Superhuman - Chris Brown feat. Keri Hilson
08. Breakeven - The Script
07. Bye Bye - Mariah Carey
06. Low - Florida
05. Go On Girl - Ne-Yo
04. No Air - Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown
03. With You - Chris Brown
02. Broken - Lifehouse


Song of the Year '08: Crush by David Archuleta

Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat

Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat, the second installment to the movie Ang Tanging Ina, seemed to be promising when its trailer was first shown on media. Well, at least for me it did, because the first installment was quite impressive when I saw it in cinema last May 2003, during the last day of our SOEP. Plus, the span of time that it took for the first installment to have another one is pretty long so those who were able to catch Ang Tanging Ina would be much interested to see what happened next.

This time around, the new installment is an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). It's far different from before which was like in the middle of the year or to be exact, summer of that year. Well, the feedback from the audience that time was very positive so I guess, having it shown during MMFF period would even cause it to gross more. With only Pinoy films as other competitors, there's definitely a big chance of bagging a huge income. And besides, most comedy-type movies hit big during MMFF mainly because people want to have a good laugh during their Christmas vacation.

Whatever the intentions are, all that matters in the end is, did the audience enjoy the movie?

Of course, it has been customary for well-produced movies to have movie promotions in TV by testimonials from those who watched. Expect the comments "ang galing talaga ni ----," "the best movie of the year" or "grabe, ang saya!" These would probably be the shout outs of those who enjoyed the movie. But, just to think of it, I guess.. even me, if faced with a camera, I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy the movie unless I do not want to be seen on TV. But I wouldn't cross the line for those who really mean what they said. After all, it's a proper way and still, it's a choice of one to rather not comment infront of the camera if one has nothing good to say or one did not enjoy the movie at all.

Then, there would also be a few who would say that the lines are so cheesy and the jokes are corny. That the movie is such a waste of time and money. Well, they probably have hurled too harsh judgment when you hear them say that because in the first place, one must know that choosing a comedy movie means risking a chance to encounter those type of scenes or lines. But if the corniness or cheesiness is too much, I guess, it's understandable why they acted such way. Or by any chance, you have probably talked to a critic who's judgmental most of the time.

Well as for me, I must say that the movie is just a little short of my expectation. The funny scenes are lessened. But when I say funny, it means like laughing out loud or lol! Maybe the scriptwriters were in a rush to do their job and they ran out of much more hilarious scenes then filled them up with a lot of extenders. But then again, I still consider watching the movie worthwhile.

Just like the first installment, there are a few lines taken from the movies created by Star Cinema. It's a good add though because it will leave you thinking, "from which movie was it again?" Also the fast forward thing seems to be a trademark of this movie. I must say it's effective in the sense that the actors become fancy and it does help create a comic scene. And one thing noticeable about the whole movie is the addition of the "kasabihan" or proverbs, I guess, in English. Some did tickle me in a way but most just gave me a bad impression of the writers. Anyway, maybe some of the audience found it hilarious but it didn't just work for me.

The plot of the story is just so so. At first, I didn't pay much attention to how the story progresses because I was more focused on the punch lines but when things turned around for the character of Ai-Ai, Ina Montecillo that is, I was a bit disappointed with how the story was brought to another dimension. There could have been a much better way of putting up a more realistic story line but I'll just leave it there. The plot might also be pointing out to something about country's situation but it's too lame to start a fire so I guess, it wasn't done in any purpose other than to create a good movie.

Besides the plot, most of the actors also just did fine. The tandem of Ai-ai delas Alas and Eugene Domingo on screen works for me in most of their scenes. Ai-Ai is a veteran when it comes to both comedy and drama, I must say. Then it all relies to the script on how much better actress she could be. Eugene Domingo is also a brilliant performer. Aside from the good lines given to her, Eugene delivers very well her acting prowess. That's why when it's an Ai-Ai-Eugene movie, I expect something hilarious! The other characters in the movie just did fine though given very little dialogues. They also supported the main characters.

Aside from Ang Cute ng Ina Mo, I should say, the Ang Tanging Ina installments are on top of my list when it comes to Tagalog Comedy Movies. I might be biased in giving my review on this but that's how I see it. Now, I'm looking forward to more of the Ai-Ai and Eugene tandem in movies.

Rate: 8.5/10

AOM'03 First Grand Reunion

Here's the group minus Jona who still had a shift in the hospital and Karren who left early. I am also here..taking the shot! =)
from left to right: (farthest layer)Julius, Jovanne, Lawrence (middle layer)Vanessa, CLinton, Kenette, Valerie, Shelley, Aleli, Mary Joy, Anne Lorraine, Dianne, Philip (inner layer)Pearl, Andrea, Diana, James, Rolando, Kaye


Finally! After five years of not gathering each other as a group, the IV-Assumption of Mary Batch 2003--my section in fourth year high school that is, spent one night together to catch up on each other's life and to enjoy this season's festivity.

The plan of meeting up is actually a way of strengthening the bond that we had back in high school. It has been long overdue but when it was finally realized, the effect is so much good! The venue of the celebration was in Gerry's Grill-Alimall at 7pm.

Everyone was in good spirits that night. While everyone was waiting for the group to be completed, the early comers took time to ask one another about how each is getting on with life. Some are professionals now and earning money from their jobs while others are still waiting for their own time to land into the corporate world too. Just like me, I'm still..enjoying a laid back person's life! Well, I guess I deserve that much of relaxation after 17 years of continuous education. The place also glimmers as the camera captures the good times. Then as someone arrives, be it a group, a couple or solo, the group cheers out loudly gesturing a warm welcome.

It was as if time was fleeting being with the people who once became a part of my life. The night was too short to relive those happy memories we had in high school. After everyone was filled not only with the sumptuous dishes but also with the stories that everyone told, the group did the final activity which Filipinos are most fond of--striking a pose to the camera!

It was indeed a perfect night for everyone! The first AOM'03 Reunion was at its grand! I do hope that this marks the beginning of the annual Christmas reunion that we can have.

Here are some of the pictures taken that night.

Got addicted to Pirates: Rule the Carribean!

The game Pirates was introduced to me by my cousin's fiance, Ian. I really did not have an account in facebook before that. It was only when I got interested with how Pirates is played that I also signed-up in facebook. At first, I was just listening to Ian while he was explaining to my sister how the game is played. The mechanics of the game is confusing when it was explained to me first time. But when it was my turn, I enjoyed it and I got hooked to it just like now.

For beginners of this game, the first few steps are shown at the first page that you would see when the application is loaded. You just have to follow them first. I think there are four steps.

Once you've accomplished all the steps, you just have to repeat them all. Since the directions are not that specific or each step doesn't explain what's the purpose of doing so, the link for help will do. Plus, there's also a link to a forum for it in the help page.

These are the basic aspects of the game posted in the help page. I've added some points to somehow help. Well, these points are just based on my experiences.

The words in blue are the selections in the game. Under each of them are the explanation in italics plus my add-ins.

Plunder
Ahoy! This is the first place to go when ye start the game. Come here to earn gold and gain infamy points by completing plundering jobs. Gold helps ye get properties that bring recurring income on Pirate island and allows ye to purchase items in the Armory. Infamy points allow ye to move up to higher levels.
Some jobs have certain requirements before ye can do them: weapons or transport for ye fleet, a certain number of mateys, certain amount of infamy points, etc. New jobs become available as ye progress through the game.

Well, it's pirate language. How cool is that! It's the one used in the game so get used to it. Infamy points is called Experience points in the game. In choosing among the plunder items, the following must meet the requirement of the item..

1. the energy stats
2. the amount and kind of armory requirement
3. the needed number of crew members (see "Yer Crew" below)

These are the reasons why choose the certain item

1. your need for an amount of Gold is in that range
2. the experience points / Exp (Earning the required experience points will move you up to the next higher levels)

Here's a tip: Some have captions in green stating "Rumored to Drop Loot." If you have all the requirements, you should choose this above others because you can get special weapons here which are not found in the Armory.

Bounties
Arrrr! Those sons of biscuit eaters! This is where ye can put another player on the "Bounty List" and pay a bounty (a certain amount of gold) to whoever attacks the target first. For example, ye might put someone on the Bounty List after they've attacked ye.
If ye want to make some easy gold, attack the pirates on this list. But move quickly -- first come, first serve!

I haven't done this yet but planning to do it as I progress with the game. If your planning to put someone in the "Bounty List," just be sure you had a reason for doing so. If you did it for no reason at all, you might get attacked by the crews of the person you added to the list. Also, I haven't tried attacking somebody in the list because most of them are already strong players of the game.

Pirate Island
Make yer gold work for ye, even when yer away from the Pirates app. Earn daily recurring income - build territories and operations to maximize yer money-making power.

This area is pretty exciting because you get to decide how much you'll gonna earn for an hour. You can choose from the variety of lots and operations which offer different amount of income per hour. The operations are of course available only when you have purchased its corresponding lot.

Just a tip: If you earned golds in fighting and you still are going to stay longer on line then purchase items first in the armory because you'll be needing them when you fight your opponents. Purchase an island when you are leaving. That is, if you still have remaining golds yet.

Sometimes there are lots available for purchase which offer bigger income. You can gun for them. However, it has a number of crew minimum requirement so you must get as many crew members as you can!

Treasure Chest
Bury yer gold here so it won't get stolen in fights. But it'll cost ye - a certain percentage always gets lost in the sand.

The treasure chest serves as the bank where you keep everything you've earned. However, the difference is that when you deposit your gold or the term in the game "bury," you get to pay a certain amount. The amount deducted from your the gold you're going to bury is 10%. On the other hand when you want to use the gold again, you can unbury it without paying any fee.

Tip: When you log in to the game application and saw the golds you've gained from your last visit, purchase everything you need then immediately bury it because when somebody attacks you, you might get lost along with a bigger amount of gold.

Also, don't leave any gold unburied when you leave the game!

DAVEY JONES
If ye want some bonus extras, ye can help Davey Jones by completing offers in the Davey Jones section. He will reward ye with bonus points that will help ye move up the pirate ranks.

Well, it's nothing but a character created by the developer of the game. Here, you can do stuff indicated in the page. This is where the creators of the game earn real money through players who are so hooked to the game that they also purchase something through their credit cards. As for me, I'm gonna earn them the hard way. And in the first place, I still haven't got myself a card plus if I do have it, I won't pay that much for a past time.

FIGHT!
Show those scurvy dogs ye can throw down! Battle other pirates on Pirate island for gold and infamy points. Make sure ye have enough health and strength points. Ye want more infamy points to move up in level.

In this selection, you'll find the names of other pirates gamers who are of the same level as you are. Your main goal in fighting is to win more gold and experience points. To fight someone, just click on the attack button or better yet click on the opponent's name first to check his/her stats before attacking.

According to the forums, the highest gold that one can earn from a single attack is 70000 and the highest amount that can be lost is up to 100000 per attack. Also, the number of crews you have determines your success rate. The more crew you have, the stronger your fleet becomes and the higher the success rate you can achieve.

Tip: In choosing someone to attack, choose someone whose crew is the same number as you have or less than that. Before attacking him/her, check his/her stats and weigh in the strength of your opponent by looking at the items that he/she has in her stats. Because sometimes those with more crews have weaker stats and attacking them can make you win!

If you win in the first attack and you still have strength, keep on attacking the same opponent because in doing so, you might loot more items or even keelhaul your opponent.

Armory
Buy and sell weapons and transport to equip yer mateys and make sure yer fleet is strong in fights. This is also where ye buy different items required for certain plundering jobs.

The description says it all. This is where weapons and movement items are bought. Make sure you have each one of them and decide on which items to have more because each item corresponds to a certain number of Defense points and/or Attack points. Also, some items requires an upkeep which means there's a corresponding deduction in your income every 54 minutes once that particular item is bought.

Yer Crew
Yo ho ho! The more mateys ye have, the stronger yer fleet. Having more mateys helps in fights and is required for certain plundering jobs. Ye can recruit them here.

The key of winning the game is to have more crew. Invite someone to add you as crew. In some selections like Plunder and Pirate Island, there's a minimum requirement of crew to purchase a certain item. Also, your crew plays a big part in your game because there are fights that affect your crew. For instance, winning in your fight also gives a certain amount of gold or experience points to your crew. You can also cause damage to them when you lost the fight.

Me Skills
When ye gain enough infamy points to increase in level, ye are awarded skill points that ye can use to improve yer pirate's skills, maximum bravery points, maximum health points, and maximum strength points.

When you move up to the next level you earn 5 skills which you can choose where to invest them to. Be it in your defense skill, attack skill, maximum energy, maximum, health, or in maximum strength. You just have to strategize on where to allocate them.

Here is the time it takes for each item to increase by a point.

Health 3:00mins, Energy 5:00mins, Strength 5:00mins

*****
I hope this helps. Just let me know if there's anything you might wanna ask. I may not answer them all as I'm just a newbie too here especially if the question is something deep about the game but I could try it. Anyway, there's no harm in trying. Just keep your questions coming.

I must say this game has done something good to me while I'm in a long vacation. I have something new to do while surfing the net. Plus, it has something that keeps me coming back. I don't know how long I'm gonna be hooked in to this game but right now I'm just so into it!

I'm also gonna try other applications in the facebook. Well, mostly by Zynga, I guess..