BM2 Love Angel: Dear Diary

Frag Dolls UK say "good-bye"

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:57:10 GMT

It is not really news, but I felt like commenting a little on it.

On June 30th, 2008, Frag Dolls UK announced on their official blog that it was time to say good-bye...

For the girls themselves, it is not like they vanished from the gaming scenario. In fact they are already doing great on the blog Ready Up!. The sad news in my opinion is that it feels like female gamers are being again abandoned, left on their own, by the fact that Ubisoft is not officially supporting their overseas teams anymore (FD France was gone last year as well).

What does it really mean? Is female gaming being pushing away from the spotlight? Should we crawl under the table with our controllers in our hands, ashamed for being gamers? I somehow feel very sad about it.

I do hope I am simply being pessimistic about it all and that maybe, who knows, Ubisoft (as well as other publishers/developers/members of the industry) will come out with better news for the female gamers from this side of the ocean...

Until then: game on (European) girlz!!!

Technorati tags: Frag Dolls, UK, Ready Up!, female gamers, gaming, Ubisoft

Back on the block again

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:10:21 GMT

I have postponed my come back for as long as I could. Why? Because of the fear of maybe needing to take a break again.

It might sound weird, but that is what it is.

During this sabbatic year, I worked a lot, went to Brazil to visit my family, changed my hairstyle a couple of times and bought a lof of stuff, including sweet gadgets.

Anyway, I will need some time to warm up again, but I am excited about the idea of starting blogging again.

I would like to thank those who kept in contact with me, who left messages and so on.

*much love to everyone*

Angel

BM2 Love Angel's Xbox - 4/28/2007

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:20:44 GMT

This is a day to remember in my Xbox Live life.

Even though my 360 still says all sorts of nasty and evil things about me, I sometimes prove that he is wrong and I still love him the most.

One of those few opportunities was last Friday (on 360voice it says Saturday though, but who cares?) when I got two new arcade games to my collection: Pinball FX and Jewel Quest. 90 points in one single day is probably my record and I am so proud of that that I am going to share the words of my Xbox 360 with you:

"BM2 Love Angel had to choose between watching TV and playing with me and I am happy to say I won... this time... Gamerscore is at 2640 points. That is an improvement of 90 points over last time! She made some progress on Pinball FX finishing 1 achievement, Jewel Quest gaining an amazing 6 achievements, and then I basked in the warm glow of post gaming. Mmmm warm..."

Isn't it good to be loved?

*game on*

Angel

Link to BM2 Love Angel's Xbox - 4/28/2007

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Technorati tags: 360voice.com, BM2 Love Angel, Dear Diary

New T-shirt

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:36:24 GMT

One week or so ago, PMS GibGirl sent a Twitter about the Jinx.com and I decided to check it out.

Needless to say that it has awesome stuff and the T-shirts are the coolest ever. Of course that I couldn't resist it and got myself a little something.

Like any other Geek, I am not into sun at all. I must admit that it used to be worse when I was little, but still... I enjoy the warmth, the light, but unless I can take my laptop with me, there is no reason for me to sunbathe.

So, I got this T-shirt that is so like me (and my Grumpy Girl face):

I received it this morning and I already went out wearing it. Simply super!

*rock on*

Angel

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Technorati tags: BM2 Love Angel, T-shirt, Sun, Jinx.com

Fast News

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 22:26:10 GMT

* Ninja Gaiden Sigma is online on the Marketplace (sorry... PlayStation Store) and it looks fabulous. I took some pictures of the store and they are on my Flickr. If you liked the Xbox version, you will love this demo. Don't miss it.

* Talking about PS3, I finally put the pictures of the launch online. I have videos too, but that will be for another day.

* Chris from Xbox 360 Style and The Xbox Collector has written an entry about my autographed faceplace of Splinter Cell: Double Agent. If you haven't seen my video about it, check it out on their blog (and don't forget to dig the entry, OK? ;-) ).

* Today, Friday, April 27th, 2007, it is the second birthday of my beloved baby, Soubi. I took two special pictures of him to celebrate his day. They are on my other Flickr.

* Have I already told you that I got a job? Yeah, I did. It is everything I was looking for: near my house, challenging, lots of English and PC, the money is good and it is "only" 80% of the day. I will have much time to all my extra activities than I used to.

* I'm not only on Twitter, but on Jaiku as well. Feel free to add me: LoveAngelPMS.

I am going to bed now. The battery of my laptop is almost empty and I am sleepy.

*nice dreams everyone*

Angel

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Technorati tags: Soubi, PS3, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, demo, Dear Diary, Flickr, PS3 Launch, Europe, Twitter, Jaiku, The Xbox Collector, new job

My problem with Jessica

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:05:06 GMT

I am not going to lie: Guitar Hero II is my first experience ever with a guitar like instrument. I never wanted to learn how to play one, and at school, I went first for the flute, and later, for the drums. No guitar knowledge for me then.

However, I like experimenting, so why not getting this crazy and awesome game with songs I could play with.

I never had major dreams about it, but that song Jessica has become a nightmare to me. The worst of all is that I am playing on EASY. Man! It is not good. Not good at all.

Before reaching it, I did have some difficulties with a song or too, but Jessica is beyond description. I try the practice, I go quite well, but when I go back to the Career Mode, it seems that fingers get stuck and don't move. Even the simple chorus gets messed up. It is so sad...

Well, and let's not talk about the pain in arms, pulse and fingers. They hurt, my friends.

Another day passes and I still don't get another achievement in GH II. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Maybe, I will have more luck tomorrow.

For you to have a general idea about Jessica, I leave you with a video I found on YouTube.

*rock on*

Angel

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Technorati tags: Guitar Hero II, Jessica, easy, games, Dear Diary

Angel doing some thinking

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 13:57:19 GMT

Don't get get scared by the title. I am not going to be philosophy on a Sunday afternoon. I just want to talk about certain things that are on my mind now.

Today, I finally made my mind and installed Counter Strike on my new laptop. I didn't want to crowd it with games, but my old laptop is old. I have tried joining a friend last week on Xfire and the thing didn't work. I felt really annoyed then and today, I made up my mind. I haven't tried with the mouse yet, but at least, it runs.

During last week, I received almost 1,300 visits on this blog. It is very exciting for me to follow the growth of this humble blog of mine. I added some things this week like my mascot as background image (if you haven't seen it yet, please scroll down to the bottom of the page, please), I added a Guestbook (it is still so lonely there though...) and right underneath my profile, I added my Calendar. On this calendar you will find feeds for Xbox 360 launches and news about what I am doing and when.

As I mentioned on my entry One Year of PMS Clan, I was accepted as a member of the group on April 21st, 2006. Another cool thing about it that I would like to add is that my third PMS Clan T-shirt arrived last week. Isn't it cute?

More pictures of it on my Flickr.

The Women in Games Conference took place in Wales this weekend. It is really a pity that I couldn't attend it. However, if you are interested in know more about the topics discussed, do not hesitate to visit their blog.

Today, it is Earth Day. There are many little things that we can do in our daily lives that may not really "save" the planet, but that surely can make A LOT OF difference! Remember it!

*live on*

Angel

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Technorati tags: PMS Clan, Earth Day, Live Spaces, Counter Strike

Thoughts from a she-geek

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:29:40 GMT

I have just watched a very cool video of Laura Foy on Channel 10 and I felt like blogging about it and the feelings that it has arisen in me.

What is cool about it?

Well, you know that I recently decided to quit my job. I am looking for something that allows me have more time to develop all the crazy ideas and plans that I have in mind, but that I hardly can get through to my busy-bee's life.

Not many people take into consideration that being a woman that works outside the home is a huge responsibility. It means not only having an extra activity that brings you some pocket money to contribute to the family expenses and some female vanities. On the contrary, it represents a challenge on a daily basis that includes from keeping up with society, family, housework and a lot of other things that play major roles in the modern world to still trying to look young, healthy and in shape.

I am not going to talk much about my plans for the future because I am in a very open and delicate moment in my life, but from the perspective of my previous activities, I had to wake up at 5:45AM from Monday through Friday, leave home at 6:15AM (and never arrive back before 7:45PM), take the public transportation for at least 1.5h, have very busy days at the office, come home and try to relax a bit (whether gaming, blogging or trying not to fall asleep in front of the TV) and plan the weekend with the inclusion of most of the housework.

Did I make it? Of course not!!! I spent months sleeping for only 4 hours per night and abandoning my place completely (I wonder what my finicky neighbors say about me everytime they pass in front of my filthy varanda - I swear that I will be cleaning this week though). It is not something I am proud of and I want to have it all fixed as soon as possible, but today, when I am on my very first week day at home, I am simply loving it!

The sun is shining beautiful and it is warm outside, but I am more than happy for finally being able to sit down in front of my laptop(s) and write these lines for you.

I am a simple minded the person. Event though I also like expensive sunglasses, crazy shoes and wasting (a lot of) money in clothes, gaming and gadgets; I feel really glad when I can just sit around for a while and let my mind run free... And that is exactly what I am doing right now.

What does it have to do with Laura's video?

I simply envy those who manage to have activities like a day job and still have time to work extra stuff out, like I saw on the video of Microsoft's Mash-up Time of last Friday.

Despite of me having a High-school certificate in Electronics, I didn't follow the progress in programming after gradutating. My friend Stonyarc from the Xbox Users Group has shared some stuff on coding on their forums, but my lack of time didn't allow me to go any far.

Being able to help out with the iPMS girls of the PMS Clan, having the support of Microsoft Belgium for my Sunday Afternoons, writing to the Xbox Ambassadors Blog and other sites, are activities that help me feel closer to my dreams (or should I say fantasies?). However, I am a girl with BIG, huge dreams! I always want more. Demostrations that there are places where individuals are heard and given the chance to bring up their ideas to the real world are amazing. When they are sort of women related, even better. There is so little for us out there (mainly if you are a high-tech freak who can't do it without your laptop or dreams about getting the newest gadgets on the market). Seeing girls in action makes me feel less lonely and proud for everything they (can) accomplish.

I know that where I am, in the position that I am, I can only dream about events, activities and opportunities like the ladies' Mash-up. However, there is hope. Maybe, something might change in the future. I can only keep my fingers crossed for it.

Thinking out loud,

Angel.

Link to Channel 10

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Technorati tags: Dear Diary, girl gamer, female, gadgets, geek, Channel 10, Laura Foy, Microsoft, Mash-up

Angel goes PC

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 15:09:28 GMT

Don't worry, my friends. The fact that I got one (better saying, 2) PC doesn't mean I am leaving my 360 baby. However, I realized that there a part of the gaming world that I didn't know much and I decided to change it.

I have been more in contact with the iPMS PC girls and I have noticed that I couldn't help them out without learning how things go for them and how they deal with the PC gaming as a whole. Solution? Getting into action too!

I haven't had time to install them yet, but I got Counter Striker Anthology and Counter Strike Source. I am really curious to see how things will turn out to and I will make sure to keep you informed.

I left my work yesterday.

I have a lot of mixed feelings about my leaving the company where I wanted so badly to go. It was a pity that things turned out this way, but unfortunately, I can't see how I could have done differently.

I still have no news on a new job so I will keep on looking.

I would like to say thanks again to everyone who stops by. This baby of mine has passed the mark of 45,000 hits this week and it wouldn't be possible without your support.

The countdown now is for the 50,000. I am really excite about it!

I learned last week that XL Birmingham has been postponed (again). I will have to wait a little longer now...

More community, gaming and gadgets news coming up soon.

*game on*

Angel

Happy Easter everyone!

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 12:15:56 GMT

MySpace Comments at GlitterBell.com

Updating my status

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:21:59 GMT

Hi there everyone,

Today, I am home from work and as I am really home (and don't really have a major list of things to do - except for the never ending housework), I decided to share some updates with you.

I am still looking for another job. I have gone through some interviews, but here the whole process is endless. It might take 3 months to go through all the steps and you always risk getting a big "no, thanks, we don't want you" at the end.
I am at the office until the 13th (Yeah! Friday!!!), so I am not panicking (yet). My substitute will go through a fast and intensive training with me from next week on and I am sure she will do a great job.

Thanks to PMS GibGirl, I have just been introduced to Twitter. It is really fun. I added its Badget to some of my blogs/sites (including this one) and the Vista Gadget to my laptop. It is easy to use and I find it absolutely cool. If you have it too, add me!

Even though I am not going to post about how cool the Xbox Elite is because I think that enough has already been said (being repetitive is not a "quality" I own), I must say that I want it badly. Looks cool and promissing. XBOX RULES!!!!!

Last, but not least, I have some news that I am really proud to share with you. Since my come-back to activity with the PMS Clan (I had a long stop after I restarted working last year due to the huge amount of extra hours I went through), I have been trying my best to be there not only as a member, but contributing in general as well.
Two days ago, I saw that my name was listed under the leaders as iPMS General. I simply can't describe the honor that it is to me. I simply can't put in words my love and admiration for these women and how proud I am to be a member there.
I am really looking forward contributing for the iPMS Division (non-US) and help our girls shine as our American sisters.

That is all for today!

*big hugs*

Angel

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Technorati tags: Dear Diary, status, Twitter, work, PMS Clan

Thoughts on Telework

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 12:04:20 GMT

I really didn't know under which category I should add this entry. It is not about gaming, gadgets or even news. However, as it is about something I have been thinking about for quite a while, I decided putting it under "Dear Diary".

I think that for women, mainly when they have family (= child(ren)), the subject is even more delicate.

Technology is amazing these days. I can't live without my Skype anymore. I don't even miss a fix telephone line in the house thanks to it. And there are messengers and other services. With a broadband connection, there is nothing you can't do.

Some jobs are very demanding. I must admit that I prefer them. I love challenges, I love being challenged and most important of all, I love winning challenges. However, I decided that at my age, I should also think more about my private life and my hobbies. The harder that one gambles in their main activity, the more important a balance is.

In my case, I have a problem with waking up early. It is impossible to prevent when one works at least an hour and a half from the office though. It has nothing to do with being lazy, etc. Just think if I could wake up later, begin working at my pick time of productive and not waste any minute on the go. And the same goes for the so called extra hours. If I could use the time spent on the train/metro/bus to go further with my work, I would be able to complete many more tasks on the same day.

Maybe this interests me more because I am a gadget lover and a workaholic as well as a gamer and an avid blogger. I have a lot to lose with the traditional system of working. Add to it the fact that I live in a country that can't really be consider a reference when it comes to the gaming industry as a whole. If more companies opened their doors, and minds, to the long distance workers, not only new faces would have a chance to show off, but the variation and freshness of news would bring a lot to the market.

The future is promising for telecommunications. Making use of the latest technology to provide easier and more flexible environments for their employees is something that more companies should think about. A happy person is a more productive person and this leads to a win-win game. Why not giving it a try?

*pro-active and productive life to everyone*

Angel

Source: Extremetech

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Technorati Tags: Dear Diary - teleworking - thoughts

Moving on

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 19:09:27 GMT

Hi everyone,

As you probably have noticed, I am back to work. Not much going around since I am leaving the company soon (April, Friday 13th - unforgettable). Nothing new at sight yet, but I am not worrying about it (yet).

I went to the movies yesterday and watched Smokin Aces. It was cool. I was expecting something completely different, but it was really cool.

I have just read the new inteview from Trixie on Xbox.com and that is with Frantic PMS.
Yeah! This amazing gamer is the Leader of iPMS (the International Division of the PMS Clan) and she talks about her experience, likes and more. Don't miss it!

Have you all seen the work those guys from the XNA program are doing?!? AWESOME!!!
Of course that as a proud Brazilian, I am extremely excited with André Furtado's work.
More on the XNA on GDC on Xbox.com.

Have you guys seen the news on the Blogger's Breakfast? Damn! I envy those people. LOL
Which reminds me that no one has already taught the secret behind those increadible blog(er)s...

Have a lot of fun everyone!

*love ya*

Angel

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Technorati Tags: Dear Diary - Frantic PMS - Trixie - André Furtado - XNA - Bloggers' Breakfast

Dreaming on

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 18:24:03 GMT

I know it might be a little early for being so pessimistic, but the truth is that after countless days at home, it feels weird to think that I have to go back to the office on Monday.
It is not like I am lazy or anything like that (maybe yes... who knows?). However, I am so disconnected from my job now. And the fact that I am going to be there just to count down time to leave is even more annoying.
I can't run away from that, but it is hard to ignore it too.

I was reading on Elle's Spaces that the Zune team is hiring some people.
It hurts to live so far, you know. Otherwise, people from Microsoft would get almost daily CVs from me.
I know there is MS in Belgium too, but as it is more Marketing related, I don't think there is room for me.

But you know who I must admit I envy in terms of work? Those people who can blog for a living.
Even if it wasn't my main source of income. Man! I would love to be paid for that.

Some weeks ago, I mentioned that I had become Captain of the PMS H2O Bravo team for the Matchbox360 tournament, didn't I?
Well, even though it was already the third round of the tournament, we only had our very first match yesterday and, unfortunately, we lost.
The opposing team was strong and I think that the fact that we were just giving our first steps with a mixed team contributed a little to the result.
However, I am extremely proud of my teammates! They did deliver their best and played with their hearts.
It was my first competitive match ever and I am very happy and thankful for the experience.

I am having a nice weekend.
Yesterday, I went to the movies and watched Ghost Rider and Scorpion. It was fun!

The past victims of my extreme make-over were my Spaces in French and my MySpace.
Changes, changes, changes!

*have a great time everyone*

Angel

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Technorati Tags: Dear Diary - Zune - job - tournament - movies

General stuff

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 08:58:49 GMT

Hi girls and guys,

I think it is time to give you a general update on me.

I don't know whether you realized that I have been able to most much more than the "normal". The thing is that I have been home for more than a week thanks to ulcer(s). Unfortunately, I will only be able to do an endoscopy next week.
Even though I am home, it hasn't been easy since I feel very weak and don't do much besides sleeping when the pain gives me a break.
Next Monday, I will have to go back to the office, so I hope I will be at least OK by then.

And talking about the office... I sent my letter of resignation last week.
It wasn't easy since I like what I do a lot, but one cannot live of work only. My health was the definitive motivation for me to take this step. I was overworked and despite me signing that things couldn't stay as they were, I haven't seen any change.
I have been showing signs of exhaustion since last October. I think I have gone far enough and now it is time to change things.
I still don't have anything, but I hope it won't take long for me to find another job. A job that doesn't prevent me having a private life.

Did you notice that the Shoutbox disappeared? Well, after a couple of days of inactivity, I decided exchanging it for my music chart.
Now you can have an idea of the kind of music that I like listening.

I pre-ordered GRAW 2 last Saturday. I am really looking forward this game!

Are you happy with the Oscar winners?

I wish you all a great week!

*have fun and game on*

Angel

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Technorati Tags: Dear Diary - work - games - Spaces - personal

Dear Diary

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 11:02:30 GMT

Maybe I shouldn't really call it a diary since I am not going to be adding stuff under this category on a daily basis, but when you see it, be aware that I am going to talk about my gaming experience in a more personal way, OK?

As I mentioned yesterday on my Fast News, I paid off my house on Animal Crossing Wild World yesterday.
The game came to me in a really nice time.
I am not feeling well enough to concentrate in titels that require more of my attention and concentration like Gears of War, i.e..
So, I have been spending a long time with it nowadays.
I also found some sites (two recommended by Herbgoddess PMS) that are quite fun.

And if you know any other, please let me know it.

Of course, that now I am living in a larger house and it is cool. I am still looking for my style, but so far, so good.
Paying off this time will take longer and besides there is the new furniture.

Looking forward having more news to share.

*love ALWAYS*

Angel

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Technorati tags: Dear Diary, BM2 Love Angel, Animal Crossing, games

I'm rocking out to Jump by Madonna from the album Confessions on a dance floor