Julie made these for the potluck snackathon at the Early Years Center yesterday.
Here's Donatello!
Kara was on deck to hand out candy and get ideas for costumes for next year.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Spooooky Pics
Julie made these for the potluck snackathon at the Early Years Center yesterday.
Here's Donatello!
Kara was on deck to hand out candy and get ideas for costumes for next year.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Hallowe'en Strikes Back
Garrett finally got to go trick or treating with his Donatello costume (pictures coming soon) and we raked in 3 bags of candy.
It took us about an hour and a half to 2 hours. Ah, the joys of living in the part of town with all of the townhouses. You can do in an hour what most people take 4 to do...
It took us about an hour and a half to 2 hours. Ah, the joys of living in the part of town with all of the townhouses. You can do in an hour what most people take 4 to do...
Basic Instructions
I found a new webcomic the other day and absolutely love it.
It's called Basic Instructions... and is hilarious in a very dry kind of way.
I found a couple of them that I figured worked quite well.
#1 - This must be what Julie feels like when I get arguementative.
#2 - This conversation looms large in Dave's future. I guarantee it.
It's called Basic Instructions... and is hilarious in a very dry kind of way.
I found a couple of them that I figured worked quite well.
#1 - This must be what Julie feels like when I get arguementative.
#2 - This conversation looms large in Dave's future. I guarantee it.
Our Amazing Outing
We headed out to Strom's Farm last week to check out the corn maze and pick up a pumpkin. It wasn't a bad day for it and it was a fun time for Garrett as we scrambled around the maze.
Someone's a little camera-shy.
Garrett's out standing in his field.
Sadly, this is the best picture of the giant pumpkin pictures.
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| From October 2007 |
Someone's a little camera-shy.
Garrett's out standing in his field.
Sadly, this is the best picture of the giant pumpkin pictures.
It's Like Facebook For Books
Goodreads is a very cool site. You basically sign up and you can link to books you've read and rank them or put up little reviews. As Borat would say, "Very nice."
Monday, October 29, 2007
Do You Need Pearls Or Something?
From the Strange Things Found While Searching Through The Cupboards file:
What the heck is fancy molasses? I understand what normal molasses is, but what makes it fancy?
What the heck is fancy molasses? I understand what normal molasses is, but what makes it fancy?
Floats Around Like Butterflies
New wireless guitar controller + Even Flow (original recording) + high definition gaming = AWESOME
That is all.
That is all.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Telemarketers Are Invading My House
Is it just me, or has there been a marked increase in the amount of pestering being done by telemarketers of late? I'm used to the occasional call here and there but it seems as though we can barely get through a day without getting at least 5-6 telemarketing calls. I don't have caller ID... yet... but I'm getting pretty darn close to getting it.
As for them invading my house, I had a knock at the door this evening and I thought it might be some kid selling chocolate bars or something. Nope. Some guy trying to get me to 'donate' $20 to the spinal cord research foundation or somesuch charity and in return I will get a bunch of coupons to places in Georgetown that I don't ever go to.
I listened to his spiel and politely turned him down by mentioning a) that I don't patronize any of those establishments and b) don't have $20.
Instead of taking a hint, growing a clue or whatever he should have done, he then said, "That's ok. Just go get a cheque, make it out to such and such a foundation, post-date it and you'll be set."
I just gave him my most "You've-got-to-be-kidding" look and then rather emphatically told him,
"I
AM
NOT
INTERESTED."
And then I started to close the door on him. You'd think I had killed his puppy with the look he gave me, but bugger him. Invade my free time, will you!
Stupid telemarketers...
As for them invading my house, I had a knock at the door this evening and I thought it might be some kid selling chocolate bars or something. Nope. Some guy trying to get me to 'donate' $20 to the spinal cord research foundation or somesuch charity and in return I will get a bunch of coupons to places in Georgetown that I don't ever go to.
I listened to his spiel and politely turned him down by mentioning a) that I don't patronize any of those establishments and b) don't have $20.
Instead of taking a hint, growing a clue or whatever he should have done, he then said, "That's ok. Just go get a cheque, make it out to such and such a foundation, post-date it and you'll be set."
I just gave him my most "You've-got-to-be-kidding" look and then rather emphatically told him,
"I
AM
NOT
INTERESTED."
And then I started to close the door on him. You'd think I had killed his puppy with the look he gave me, but bugger him. Invade my free time, will you!
Stupid telemarketers...
Home Free
Ah, it's so... quiet here.
Julie took the kids to Sarnia for the weekend and it's almost creepy how silent the house is.
Ah well. I guess I should shatter the silence with some videogames or movies while I have the chance. It's too bad I have to work this weekend, but I'll survive :)
Julie took the kids to Sarnia for the weekend and it's almost creepy how silent the house is.
Ah well. I guess I should shatter the silence with some videogames or movies while I have the chance. It's too bad I have to work this weekend, but I'll survive :)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Ketchup Required
Today we whipped up a pot of the (in)famous Bean And Bacon Soup, a Wager family recipe that has been handed down through the generations. I have to say, it was pretty darn close to my mom's soup, though it wasn't quite there. I'm not sure what's missing...
It was the perfect supper for a gray and cloudy day like today and Garrett has declared it to be, and I quote, "The Most Good Soup Ever!"
The, um, side effects were also quite amusing in the bathtub later this evening. He kept himself entertained by just lying on the bottom of the tub and farting for 20 minutes :)
It was the perfect supper for a gray and cloudy day like today and Garrett has declared it to be, and I quote, "The Most Good Soup Ever!"
The, um, side effects were also quite amusing in the bathtub later this evening. He kept himself entertained by just lying on the bottom of the tub and farting for 20 minutes :)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Death Of A Kite
Yesterday was such a beautiful (and windy) day that Garrett and I couldn't resist the urge to hit the park with our kite.
So off we went. We walked over to Prospect Park in Acton as it has the best field to fly kites in. All went well as we got the kite up instantly and it was a fight to keep it from flying away.
Garrett wanted to try his hand at flying it so I handed the string and spool over to him. He was almost dragged off the ground from the sheer force of the wind but had a blast running back and forth around the park.
I had walked a little way down the field to be ready for the eventual crash when Garrett came running up holding the spool... and no kite string. I looked up and there was the kite, floating away down the field towards the huge trees at the end of the park.
Garrett & I took off running after the kite. By this time the end of the string was a good 30 feet off the ground so I was just hoping it would snag on a tree and we could figure out how to get it down from there.
We weren't fast enough and I lost it as it floated off towards Main street and beyond. Garrett & I began the quest for the lost kite. I'm still surprised it didn't get tangled in a power line or a tree. Heck, I was sure it was going to come down on Main Street and cause an accident.
Thankfully it ended up blowing all the way over to the school parking lot a good 2 blocks away. The plastic was a little torn but I figured it would still fly again... until Garrett picked it up and we found that the arm was broken.
Into the garbage it went. Oh well. It was only a $2 kite from the dollar store and it lasted us a good year or so, so no complaints. At least it died doing what it loved... flying recklessly over an urban area :)
So off we went. We walked over to Prospect Park in Acton as it has the best field to fly kites in. All went well as we got the kite up instantly and it was a fight to keep it from flying away.
Garrett wanted to try his hand at flying it so I handed the string and spool over to him. He was almost dragged off the ground from the sheer force of the wind but had a blast running back and forth around the park.
I had walked a little way down the field to be ready for the eventual crash when Garrett came running up holding the spool... and no kite string. I looked up and there was the kite, floating away down the field towards the huge trees at the end of the park.
Garrett & I took off running after the kite. By this time the end of the string was a good 30 feet off the ground so I was just hoping it would snag on a tree and we could figure out how to get it down from there.
We weren't fast enough and I lost it as it floated off towards Main street and beyond. Garrett & I began the quest for the lost kite. I'm still surprised it didn't get tangled in a power line or a tree. Heck, I was sure it was going to come down on Main Street and cause an accident.
Thankfully it ended up blowing all the way over to the school parking lot a good 2 blocks away. The plastic was a little torn but I figured it would still fly again... until Garrett picked it up and we found that the arm was broken.
Into the garbage it went. Oh well. It was only a $2 kite from the dollar store and it lasted us a good year or so, so no complaints. At least it died doing what it loved... flying recklessly over an urban area :)
Saturday, October 20, 2007
On The Night Shift...
Ah, the joys of filling in on the overnight shift after working all morning. Sigh. At least I'll have the rest of the week off until I go back to work on Thursday.
Woo.
It would have been nice to be able to have a nap tonight though, but I tried and nothin'. Sigh.
Woo.
It would have been nice to be able to have a nap tonight though, but I tried and nothin'. Sigh.
Friday, October 19, 2007
RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE!
It seems as though the rumours of the death of my Xbox 360 were greatly exaggerated. Ever since Sunday, when I got the third red light on the machine and called Microsoft to arrange repairs, the thing has been working just dandy.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's working better than ever. I think I know why too.
It was scared.
Seriously though, I think it came down to the fact that the power cord was coming loose from the power supply brick on the machine and that meant that there were some issues with regards to consistent power which culminated in all of the wacky errors I was seeing last weekend. After I had unplugged everything last Sunday I noticed that the cord had come loose from the brick so I plugged it back in nice and snug and since then, no false boots and no red lights.
To celebrate, I picked up a copy of Beautiful Katamari, as I had suspected that I wouldn't be able to get it until my machine came back in mid-November. Now I can play Katamari Damacy in high-definition! WOO!
In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's working better than ever. I think I know why too.
It was scared.
Seriously though, I think it came down to the fact that the power cord was coming loose from the power supply brick on the machine and that meant that there were some issues with regards to consistent power which culminated in all of the wacky errors I was seeing last weekend. After I had unplugged everything last Sunday I noticed that the cord had come loose from the brick so I plugged it back in nice and snug and since then, no false boots and no red lights.
To celebrate, I picked up a copy of Beautiful Katamari, as I had suspected that I wouldn't be able to get it until my machine came back in mid-November. Now I can play Katamari Damacy in high-definition! WOO!
The Great Escape
Looks like Kara has figured out how to get out of her swing when nobody is looking.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
All Hail The Barf Bucket!
Garrett spent most of this morning puking on every available surface in the house. I have no idea what he had, but he couldn't even keep down apple juice and crackers.
Thankfully he conked out around noon and was definitely on the mend come the afternoon/evening. I stayed home from work to help Julie out anyway, but thankfully most of the barf had ended shortly after noon.
Ah well.
He was acting strange and out of sorts yesterday morning so that was probably the precursor to whatever today's mystery bug was.
Thankfully he conked out around noon and was definitely on the mend come the afternoon/evening. I stayed home from work to help Julie out anyway, but thankfully most of the barf had ended shortly after noon.
Ah well.
He was acting strange and out of sorts yesterday morning so that was probably the precursor to whatever today's mystery bug was.
Some Thanksgiving Pictures!
I finally got around to uploading the pictures I took in Sarnia over the Thanksgiving Weekend. Even though it was hotter than the devil's bunghole, it was nice weather for pictures!
I'm getting a real Fantasy Island vibe from this picture. "Da boat, Boss! Da boat!"
A better one of Mason & Garrett. I can never tell how tall Garrett is until I see him next to someone older than him. Sigh.
A couple of lovely ladies out for a stroll in the park.
Mason, Eve & Garrett astride the local cannon.
 |
| From October 2007 |
I'm getting a real Fantasy Island vibe from this picture. "Da boat, Boss! Da boat!"
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| From October 2007 |
A better one of Mason & Garrett. I can never tell how tall Garrett is until I see him next to someone older than him. Sigh.
 |
| From October 2007 |
 |
| From October 2007 |
Mason, Eve & Garrett astride the local cannon.
Pulling The Plug
See that picture? That was the beach at Canatara Park in Sarnia over the Thanksgiving long weekend. Usually the water is up past those breakwalls. Now there is 5 feet or so of beach past the end of them.
I did read an article in Maclean's the other day about how dredging of the St. Clair River has effectively pulled the plug on Lake Huron & Superior. I wonder if that is a valid explanation for the drop in water levels...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Anyone Want A Present?
I've got a gift copy of Half-Life 2 and HL2: Episode 1 sitting on my steam account. I offered them to Tony as I know he's got a computer that can run them easily, but he doesn't want them (freak). Anyone else want a copy of two of the best First Person Shooters to grace a computer in years?
All you need to do is sign up for a Steam account and let me know that you want them and I'll send them your way.
All you need to do is sign up for a Steam account and let me know that you want them and I'll send them your way.
The Brutal Sting
Roxanne must live in my 360, because someone keeps putting the red light on. I got the same red light (now with error message #E74!) when I powered the 360 up today. Sigh.
I picked up a memory card so I could back up my save games... only to find out after speaking with the nice lady at Xbox Tech Support that they just want the console, not the hard drive. I guess I could have saved the money that I spent on the memory card, but it is nice to have the backup just in case the hard drive eventually pooches.
So I have a couple of days before the box arrives to send it back, so I will nurse the 360 along until I am forced to go without. At least it should come back all shiny and new (I kind of wish they'd just send one of the new 360's with the better heat sinks and a quieter drive)...
I picked up a memory card so I could back up my save games... only to find out after speaking with the nice lady at Xbox Tech Support that they just want the console, not the hard drive. I guess I could have saved the money that I spent on the memory card, but it is nice to have the backup just in case the hard drive eventually pooches.
So I have a couple of days before the box arrives to send it back, so I will nurse the 360 along until I am forced to go without. At least it should come back all shiny and new (I kind of wish they'd just send one of the new 360's with the better heat sinks and a quieter drive)...
Must Think Happy Thoughts
Well, I went to turn on my 360 earlier today and while I didn't get the dreaded Red Ring of Death, I did get one red light in the lower right-hand quadrant of the power button. According to the Xbox website, this means that it's some kind of hardware failure.
The thing is, the 360 seems to be working fine otherwise. I just turn it off and then turn it back on and it boots up fine and plays games just dandy. I'm just leery that this first red light is a precursor to the other two showing up and my having to send my 360 in to Microsoft to get repaired.
Oh well. I'll be keeping an eye on it tomorrow and if it gives me a red light again, I'll be on the horn to MS to see what to do. It looks like Luke got his back (woo) so the process can't be THAT painful.
I just hoped that my 360 would be one of the few and the proud that wouldn't die before its time. I guess I should be glad it lasted this long. It's not like I don't have about 5 other systems begging for gameplay if the 360 is out of commission for a few weeks though, esp. now that I have Final Fantasy Tactics on the PSP to work through. That'll eat up about 90 hours of gameplay.
The thing is, the 360 seems to be working fine otherwise. I just turn it off and then turn it back on and it boots up fine and plays games just dandy. I'm just leery that this first red light is a precursor to the other two showing up and my having to send my 360 in to Microsoft to get repaired.
Oh well. I'll be keeping an eye on it tomorrow and if it gives me a red light again, I'll be on the horn to MS to see what to do. It looks like Luke got his back (woo) so the process can't be THAT painful.
I just hoped that my 360 would be one of the few and the proud that wouldn't die before its time. I guess I should be glad it lasted this long. It's not like I don't have about 5 other systems begging for gameplay if the 360 is out of commission for a few weeks though, esp. now that I have Final Fantasy Tactics on the PSP to work through. That'll eat up about 90 hours of gameplay.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Milk: Now Edible In Soup Form!
After spending the last week staring at the October recipe for the Milk Calendar whenever I went to the bathroom, we decided to try it out. Oh man, is it ever good.
It's Hearty Beef Barley Soup. Soooo yummy. I'm definately making it at work when I go back.
It's Hearty Beef Barley Soup. Soooo yummy. I'm definately making it at work when I go back.
Walking Wounded
Garrett & I were out picking up our Blue Box and yard waste bucket today when I turned around to see Garrett flopped on the concrete, crying his head off. I have NO idea how he tripped, but somehow he did. No biggie, just a little scrape on his hand.
Or so I thought.
Once we got him inside, he was bleeding a bunch from the scrape. We got him washed off and after pulling the flap of skin back, noticed that there was something in his hand.
Turned out it was a chunk of glass! Thankfully it wasn't a very big piece and once I got it out his hand stopped bleeding rather quickly. We got him doused in Hydrogen Peroxide and then slapped a band-aid on it. All better now.
Sigh. Of all the garbage pads in all the world, Garrett had to trip on that one.
Or so I thought.
Once we got him inside, he was bleeding a bunch from the scrape. We got him washed off and after pulling the flap of skin back, noticed that there was something in his hand.
Turned out it was a chunk of glass! Thankfully it wasn't a very big piece and once I got it out his hand stopped bleeding rather quickly. We got him doused in Hydrogen Peroxide and then slapped a band-aid on it. All better now.
Sigh. Of all the garbage pads in all the world, Garrett had to trip on that one.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
ANARCHY IN THE ACTON-K.
It doesn't matter who you vote for. Just go out and do it. Otherwise I won't give you the time of day when whoever wins starts screwing things up and you start whining about it.
And check out my fancy poll. I like this new content wizard for Blogger. It's fuuuun.
And check out my fancy poll. I like this new content wizard for Blogger. It's fuuuun.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Is R'lyeh In My Riding?
This image sums up how I feel about the current election campaign.
I don't hate anyone enough to vote against them but I don't find any of the parties to be compelling enough to want to vote for. Sigh.
I don't hate anyone enough to vote against them but I don't find any of the parties to be compelling enough to want to vote for. Sigh.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Phoenix Wright: Ace Punster
I'm busy working on the third Ace Attorney game and the writing is top-notch, as always.
For an import game that is 95% text, the translation is awesome. Supposedly they're going to be touching up the localization for the North American release later this month, but I can't see what they would need to do. I'd heard complaints about there being a lot of typos and such in the import copy but I've only seen 2 so far and I'm on the tail end of the 3rd case. For those keeping score, that is hundreds of screens of text to only have two typos.
Anyway, I just wanted to post this little comic gem.
Maya: "SuPer-Admin Restricted Desktop Access password protected? What!? This is madness!"
Phoenix: "No, Maya, that is SPARDA!"
Hee hee. Granted, it's not nearly as funny if you haven't seen 300...
For an import game that is 95% text, the translation is awesome. Supposedly they're going to be touching up the localization for the North American release later this month, but I can't see what they would need to do. I'd heard complaints about there being a lot of typos and such in the import copy but I've only seen 2 so far and I'm on the tail end of the 3rd case. For those keeping score, that is hundreds of screens of text to only have two typos.
Anyway, I just wanted to post this little comic gem.
Maya: "SuPer-Admin Restricted Desktop Access password protected? What!? This is madness!"
Phoenix: "No, Maya, that is SPARDA!"
Hee hee. Granted, it's not nearly as funny if you haven't seen 300...
It's Getting Hot Out There
I'm really, REALLY starting to hate this schizophrenic weather we're having this year. Just when you think it's starting to cool down, BAM! Heat wave... IN OCTOBER.
I don't mind a nice mild day in October but this is bordering on July heat wave territory. I feel bad for Julie because this kind of heat makes me extra snarky. Hopefully it'll cool down soon and I can go back to normal levels of snarkiness.
Sigh.
I don't mind a nice mild day in October but this is bordering on July heat wave territory. I feel bad for Julie because this kind of heat makes me extra snarky. Hopefully it'll cool down soon and I can go back to normal levels of snarkiness.
Sigh.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
My Bet Is On Colin
I just was informed that neither Julie or I had put any congratulations over on Luke & Anne's blog at the recent birth of their son. Well, I stand corrected.
Congrats guys!
Now I don't have to worry about hearing the latest in icky gynecological techniques on a daily basis :)
I still say Luke will name him Colin.
Congrats guys!
Now I don't have to worry about hearing the latest in icky gynecological techniques on a daily basis :)
I still say Luke will name him Colin.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Don't Tell Julie
I wonder if the recipe here is the same as the one for Julie's famous chocolate chip squares. If it is, that is just too awesome. I married her to ensure a steady supply of these things :)
Saturday, September 29, 2007
I POOPED!
Garrett had a pretty busy and exciting day.
He went for a crazy long hike, got interviewed on the radio, made some arts and crafts and took part in a precision dance performance.
But the big news is that he went upstairs, got on the toilet and pooped all by himself today. Didn't even bother to turn on the light to do it. Real men poop in the dark.
Woo! Maybe this is the breakthrough we've been looking for. Toilet training has been coming along decently but this is probably the first time that I can recall him actually initiating a trip to the washroom and doing it all by himself.
Hooray!
Oh, I'll write some stuff up about the other things he did today, but I'm going to wait until tomorrow after I've had a chance to rest my tender tootsies and get some sleep.
He went for a crazy long hike, got interviewed on the radio, made some arts and crafts and took part in a precision dance performance.
But the big news is that he went upstairs, got on the toilet and pooped all by himself today. Didn't even bother to turn on the light to do it. Real men poop in the dark.
Woo! Maybe this is the breakthrough we've been looking for. Toilet training has been coming along decently but this is probably the first time that I can recall him actually initiating a trip to the washroom and doing it all by himself.
Hooray!
Oh, I'll write some stuff up about the other things he did today, but I'm going to wait until tomorrow after I've had a chance to rest my tender tootsies and get some sleep.
Friday, September 28, 2007
GET OFF OF ME!
AAARG!
I did my physical this morning. Seems like everything is as ship-shape as it can be in this train-wreck of a body of mine.
The only problem is that I have an electrode from the EKG that WON'T COME OFF.
It's not that I'm a wuss. Julie even tried giving it a yank and couldn't get it to come out of the tangle of chest hair that it's stuck in. And she had a kind of malicious smile on her face while trying to yank it off.
If it will withstand Julie's callous disregard for my comfort, I have no idea what will get it off aside from some scissors, industrial solvent or time. I'm going to leave it on for the day and see if it gets a little looser later in the day.
Now I need to go eat something. I'm soooo hungry.
I did my physical this morning. Seems like everything is as ship-shape as it can be in this train-wreck of a body of mine.
The only problem is that I have an electrode from the EKG that WON'T COME OFF.
It's not that I'm a wuss. Julie even tried giving it a yank and couldn't get it to come out of the tangle of chest hair that it's stuck in. And she had a kind of malicious smile on her face while trying to yank it off.
If it will withstand Julie's callous disregard for my comfort, I have no idea what will get it off aside from some scissors, industrial solvent or time. I'm going to leave it on for the day and see if it gets a little looser later in the day.
Now I need to go eat something. I'm soooo hungry.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
So Famished!
I'm hungry. Normally, I'd snack on a cracker, some raisins, chips... A GLASS OF WATER!
But I can't have a snack tonight. I'm fasting. Stupid fasts. I have to go for my annual physical... for the first time in about 12 years or so.
And part of that involves fasting for the cholesterol test. Sigh. Ah well. It's almost bed time, so I'll just go upstairs and listen to my tummy grumble.
But I can't have a snack tonight. I'm fasting. Stupid fasts. I have to go for my annual physical... for the first time in about 12 years or so.
And part of that involves fasting for the cholesterol test. Sigh. Ah well. It's almost bed time, so I'll just go upstairs and listen to my tummy grumble.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
What Does UMD Stand For, Anyway?
Ok. I've spent a bit of today playing around with the PSP and it's a nice system. Lumines 2 is addictive, as all things Luminesy should be. Daxter is a blast, though I haven't spent a lot of time. It does show off what the system can do though.
The system seller, the killer app... The game that really shows what the PSP can do. Just take a look at these shots!
And the anime cutscenes look gorgeous too.
Now to see go play some Jeanne while Julie watches House.
The system seller, the killer app... The game that really shows what the PSP can do. Just take a look at these shots!
And the anime cutscenes look gorgeous too.
Now to see go play some Jeanne while Julie watches House.
Deathrace 2000
We took Julie's Kia into the shop today to get things looked at. For the last few weeks, it's done this weird thing where it kind of lurches when you brake. Not a horrible thing, I guess, but I had visions of braking at an intersection and the car stopping, then suddenly zooming off into the middle of traffic.
Soooo... we took it in and drove my car back home.
A few hours later, I get a call from the shop. They figured that there was something wrong with a throttle control sensor or something and were going to fix that... but they also wanted to have a look at the brakes, which were already getting low about, oh, 6 months ago :P
About an hour later I get a call from the guy. This time, instead of the jovial voice that was in play an hour previous, the guy had a tone of voice that conveyed wonder and horror that we were able to actually drive around without killing everyone. It turns out that almost everything that could be wrong with our brakes was wrong with them. Heck, the rear driver's side brake wasn't even working, it had seized up and stopped engaging... Sigh.
We aren't getting the car back until tomorrow. We won't have to sell the house to pay for the repairs, but to put things in perspective, they're going to cost us a lot more than a PS3 would :)
Soooo... we took it in and drove my car back home.
A few hours later, I get a call from the shop. They figured that there was something wrong with a throttle control sensor or something and were going to fix that... but they also wanted to have a look at the brakes, which were already getting low about, oh, 6 months ago :P
About an hour later I get a call from the guy. This time, instead of the jovial voice that was in play an hour previous, the guy had a tone of voice that conveyed wonder and horror that we were able to actually drive around without killing everyone. It turns out that almost everything that could be wrong with our brakes was wrong with them. Heck, the rear driver's side brake wasn't even working, it had seized up and stopped engaging... Sigh.
We aren't getting the car back until tomorrow. We won't have to sell the house to pay for the repairs, but to put things in perspective, they're going to cost us a lot more than a PS3 would :)
Monday, September 24, 2007
Insanity
You want to know what's nuts?
I traded in 21 games today and you can't even tell that any are missing.
21!
My DVD/Game collection just seals itself like a hull breach on the Enterprise.
On the upside, I now am the proud owner of a PSP Slim. Yes, I've railed against the PSP in the past but that's because there weren't any games worth getting the system for. Sure, there were a few worth playing if you had the system, but nothing I'd consider a system seller.
Now there is Jeanne D'Arc, a turn-based strategy RPG by Level 5, one of my favourite developers of all time... a game my very picky friend is calling his game of the year.
So the new game, coupled with the fact that they did a redesign on the system that speeds up UMD read times, extends the battery life to something actually useful and cuts down on the weight of the beast AND the fact that it comes bundled with Daxter, one of the better games for the system, really got the bug in my brain.
It took some digging through my library and some sacrifices of games that I wouldn't have minded holding onto, but everything I traded in was either beaten or had been gathering dust for far too long to justify keeping if I could snag a decent trade-in on the thing. The upside is that I had enough to get the bundle and Jeanne D'Arc and only paid $20 out of my pocket. Gotta love that.
I haven't had a chance to do much more than do a system update and fiddle with some of the settings on the system, but it looks like a pretty nice unit. Will it supplant the DS as my favourite console EVER? Unlikely, but it will complement it well.
I traded in 21 games today and you can't even tell that any are missing.
21!
My DVD/Game collection just seals itself like a hull breach on the Enterprise.
On the upside, I now am the proud owner of a PSP Slim. Yes, I've railed against the PSP in the past but that's because there weren't any games worth getting the system for. Sure, there were a few worth playing if you had the system, but nothing I'd consider a system seller.
Now there is Jeanne D'Arc, a turn-based strategy RPG by Level 5, one of my favourite developers of all time... a game my very picky friend is calling his game of the year.
So the new game, coupled with the fact that they did a redesign on the system that speeds up UMD read times, extends the battery life to something actually useful and cuts down on the weight of the beast AND the fact that it comes bundled with Daxter, one of the better games for the system, really got the bug in my brain.
It took some digging through my library and some sacrifices of games that I wouldn't have minded holding onto, but everything I traded in was either beaten or had been gathering dust for far too long to justify keeping if I could snag a decent trade-in on the thing. The upside is that I had enough to get the bundle and Jeanne D'Arc and only paid $20 out of my pocket. Gotta love that.
I haven't had a chance to do much more than do a system update and fiddle with some of the settings on the system, but it looks like a pretty nice unit. Will it supplant the DS as my favourite console EVER? Unlikely, but it will complement it well.
Last One Standing
This short film by the Discovery Channel is just cool.
I guess it's some kind of clip from a show they're doing about future tech and Halo, but it's still pretty spiffy.
I guess it's some kind of clip from a show they're doing about future tech and Halo, but it's still pretty spiffy.
Do You Like Me Now?
So, I've unlocked the mysteries of the comments and added a few other tweaks to the site.
What do you fine folk think of the new site? I'm sure it'll drive Julie nuts, what with it being the same colour as Evil Avatar (her most hated site on the internet!)
What do you fine folk think of the new site? I'm sure it'll drive Julie nuts, what with it being the same colour as Evil Avatar (her most hated site on the internet!)
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Great New Look, Same Crappy Content
I updated the site (finally) so it doesn't look like a 5th grader's first webpage circa 1995.
Now it just looks like a 5th grader's webpage circa 1998. Sigh.
I'll be tweaking it over the weekend. Given that half of my links were dead anyway and much in need of a rehash, I figure it's about time I gave the site an overhaul.
Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to reconfigure Haloscan's comment system yet, so it might be a day or two before I get that working again. No worries.
Now it just looks like a 5th grader's webpage circa 1998. Sigh.
I'll be tweaking it over the weekend. Given that half of my links were dead anyway and much in need of a rehash, I figure it's about time I gave the site an overhaul.
Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to reconfigure Haloscan's comment system yet, so it might be a day or two before I get that working again. No worries.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Ohm..... Ohm...
Wow. Take a look at the video on this site. If you can find the brand of battery that they used, you can save yourself a LOT of money.
Carpe Diem Isn't The Fish Of The Day
I picked up a new shirt yesterday because most of my current wardrobe o' T's are getting a little old and ratty.
Julie says that nobody will get it. I beg to differ.
It says, "Blogito, ergo sum".
Please tell me people get it...
Julie says that nobody will get it. I beg to differ.
It says, "Blogito, ergo sum".
Please tell me people get it...
Believe
I'm no Halo junkie. I've tried multiple times to play the first one and so far, I haven't made it very far. I haven't even turned on my copy of the second one. The impending release of the third Halo game isn't even much of a blip on my radar (I've got Eternal Sonata to keep me busy instead).
That said, the Believe commercial and this absolutely amazing diorama is just awesome to behold. I shudder to think about how long it took to make that thing.
That said, the Believe commercial and this absolutely amazing diorama is just awesome to behold. I shudder to think about how long it took to make that thing.
What Not To Code
Just a quick question.
Are people having trouble viewing the site lately? I know it's coming up, but is it coming up with a weird blue/black text on a white background OR is it the usual black and red template with white text?
Julie's had some wierdness happen lately, as have I. I haven't changed anything with the style sheets or anything, but I might need to see if something is borked in the code.
Are people having trouble viewing the site lately? I know it's coming up, but is it coming up with a weird blue/black text on a white background OR is it the usual black and red template with white text?
Julie's had some wierdness happen lately, as have I. I haven't changed anything with the style sheets or anything, but I might need to see if something is borked in the code.
Friday, September 14, 2007
My Horrible Local Paper
I've finally got the scanner/printer thingy set up here at Casa Del Wager, so I'm going to try to scan some of the pictures and headlines from our local paper and post them just to illustrate how horrible the layout department is for that rag.
I like the paper, as it is a wealth of local news. That said, having a headline that screams "WOMAN KILLS LOCAL MAN - VICTIM KNOWN TO POLICE" right above a picture of a smiling man in a suit standing with his daughters that happens to have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STORY IN THE HEADLINE is just bad press. In the latest issue, aside from the not so dead dapper gentleman, there is also a picture that makes it look like a local drunk ran over Terry Fox and that an old granny is a perfect candidate for the HPV vaccine.
Trust me, you'll see what I mean after I scan and post these things...
I like the paper, as it is a wealth of local news. That said, having a headline that screams "WOMAN KILLS LOCAL MAN - VICTIM KNOWN TO POLICE" right above a picture of a smiling man in a suit standing with his daughters that happens to have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STORY IN THE HEADLINE is just bad press. In the latest issue, aside from the not so dead dapper gentleman, there is also a picture that makes it look like a local drunk ran over Terry Fox and that an old granny is a perfect candidate for the HPV vaccine.
Trust me, you'll see what I mean after I scan and post these things...
All Better Now (mostly)
Ah, thank you, makers of Tylenol Cold & Sinus and Neo-Citran.
After much chugging of pharmaceuticals and a LOT of sleep, I am feeling at least 75% better. I woke up this morning with my head not ready to erupt and my eyes feeling like they actually belonged in my head. A nice hot shower quickly washed away what was left of my headache and while my energy levels have been not quite up to snuff, I felt a LOT better than I did yesterday.
We did a bunch of walking this morning too, which helped me feel both better and a lot more worn out than I was just hanging around the house. We checked on Julie's fair entries and she won a first place, a couple seconds and a couple thirds. I think it tallies up to about $19 in winnings, which isn't bad. Garrett's entries didn't win any prizes but he did get some fancy participation ribbons. I think he should have won something for his 'What Looks Good On A Bagel' entry though. Both the first and second place prizes were just peanut butter and banana slices. The third place winner was two halves of a bagel with cream cheese and a raisin happy face on each one.
Garrett's masterpiece, on the other hand, was a veritable cacophony of flavour. He had a cream cheese base, gummi bears, chocolate chips, raisins and probably some of his snot as he had a bit of a runny nose that day.
The contest was, "What LOOKS Good On A Bagel", not "What TASTES Good On A Bagel". If I'd known he could have just slapped some peanut butter and a banana on the bagel, we'd have won the show. Ah well.
I was a lot grumpier the last two days than usual though. I hate it when I'm sick, especially when I can't sleep and my head is sore. I think Julie was glad I went to work today so I wasn't snarky all night like I was last night.
After much chugging of pharmaceuticals and a LOT of sleep, I am feeling at least 75% better. I woke up this morning with my head not ready to erupt and my eyes feeling like they actually belonged in my head. A nice hot shower quickly washed away what was left of my headache and while my energy levels have been not quite up to snuff, I felt a LOT better than I did yesterday.
We did a bunch of walking this morning too, which helped me feel both better and a lot more worn out than I was just hanging around the house. We checked on Julie's fair entries and she won a first place, a couple seconds and a couple thirds. I think it tallies up to about $19 in winnings, which isn't bad. Garrett's entries didn't win any prizes but he did get some fancy participation ribbons. I think he should have won something for his 'What Looks Good On A Bagel' entry though. Both the first and second place prizes were just peanut butter and banana slices. The third place winner was two halves of a bagel with cream cheese and a raisin happy face on each one.
Garrett's masterpiece, on the other hand, was a veritable cacophony of flavour. He had a cream cheese base, gummi bears, chocolate chips, raisins and probably some of his snot as he had a bit of a runny nose that day.
The contest was, "What LOOKS Good On A Bagel", not "What TASTES Good On A Bagel". If I'd known he could have just slapped some peanut butter and a banana on the bagel, we'd have won the show. Ah well.
I was a lot grumpier the last two days than usual though. I hate it when I'm sick, especially when I can't sleep and my head is sore. I think Julie was glad I went to work today so I wasn't snarky all night like I was last night.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Typhoid Brocky
Well, stay away from our house until at least tomorrow. Garrett (aka the walking petri dish) started having the sniffles a few days ago and now both Julie & I have it. I've been chugging Advil Sinus and Neocitran all day... and my headache is worse than ever.
Julie seems to be a little more over it than I am, but it's still incredibly crappy when we both come down with a nasty bug the same day.
I'm going to bed...
Julie seems to be a little more over it than I am, but it's still incredibly crappy when we both come down with a nasty bug the same day.
I'm going to bed...
Monday, September 10, 2007
I AM IRON MAN!
Woohoo! The Iron Man trailer is now live. They showed this during ComiCon, but it was kind of hard to see. That said, it also looked 8 kinds of awesome, so it's nice to be able to actually see the Mark 1 suit and Robert Downey Jr. chewing the scenery. I really hope this movie lives up to the trailer!
Still No Rush To Get A PSTriple
Wow. If you have a PS3 and were looking for a shiny new game to play on it, avoid Lair at all costs.
"Whatever you want from this game, it will proudly and haughtily give you the opposite. It's almost as if the game has some kind of deep-seated hatred for gamers and its opportunity to wreak unholy vengeance on all of us has finally arrived...The vendetta against gamers is also carried out in Lair's tragic design which seems as though it was crafted in crazy land." - Gamespy
"If flying in to invisible walls over and over again is your idea of fun, then Lair may be your game of the year...You're stuck doing trial-and-error flybys that will inevitably find you concocting new curse words because you're burnt out on the F-word." - Game Almighty
"Whatever you want from this game, it will proudly and haughtily give you the opposite. It's almost as if the game has some kind of deep-seated hatred for gamers and its opportunity to wreak unholy vengeance on all of us has finally arrived...The vendetta against gamers is also carried out in Lair's tragic design which seems as though it was crafted in crazy land." - Gamespy
"If flying in to invisible walls over and over again is your idea of fun, then Lair may be your game of the year...You're stuck doing trial-and-error flybys that will inevitably find you concocting new curse words because you're burnt out on the F-word." - Game Almighty
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Internet People
I know this has probably been going around the net for the last couple of days, but here it is for the last few of you who haven't seen it.
Internet People!
I think your level of nerdiness/lack of social life is directly proportional to how many of those people in the video you actually know of without having to look them up.
Sigh...
Internet People!
I think your level of nerdiness/lack of social life is directly proportional to how many of those people in the video you actually know of without having to look them up.
Sigh...
It's Worth The Drive To Red Lodge.
I survived yet another trip to Manitoulin with work. Woo!
It was pretty rainy this year. It did clear up yesterday and today, so the week ended on a high note but it was pretty miserable the rest of the week. That said, we still had a great week.
I even ate a salad, but that was because the alternative was Cream Of Broccoli soup and there was no way I was eating that slop. Thankfully the rest of food was amazing as usual... I tried to get the recipe for the homemade potato soup but they wouldn't give it to me. Sigh.
Anyway, I'm pooped. I wonder where Julie & the kids are. Somewhere between Acton and Kitchener, I guess.
I got Garrett a little hide and birch bark drum. I wonder how long that will last...
It was pretty rainy this year. It did clear up yesterday and today, so the week ended on a high note but it was pretty miserable the rest of the week. That said, we still had a great week.
I even ate a salad, but that was because the alternative was Cream Of Broccoli soup and there was no way I was eating that slop. Thankfully the rest of food was amazing as usual... I tried to get the recipe for the homemade potato soup but they wouldn't give it to me. Sigh.
Anyway, I'm pooped. I wonder where Julie & the kids are. Somewhere between Acton and Kitchener, I guess.
I got Garrett a little hide and birch bark drum. I wonder how long that will last...
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Going Au Naturel
I hate my lawn. Every year we go get more seed and fertilizer, work it all in and water it until the drought hits and every year the lawn looks more and more dead. I went out today to cut it and it just made me sad.
For next year, we're either going to have to till the entire lawn under and reseed it that way or just toss a bunch of clover seed and flowers on it. The most infuriating thing is that I have grass growing in my flower gardens, on my backyard path and everywhere else EXCEPT on the lawn. Sigh.
For next year, we're either going to have to till the entire lawn under and reseed it that way or just toss a bunch of clover seed and flowers on it. The most infuriating thing is that I have grass growing in my flower gardens, on my backyard path and everywhere else EXCEPT on the lawn. Sigh.
Oops!
Happy belated birthday, Dave! I barely remembered it was September 1 yesterday as it was and the one time I remembered that I needed to call my brother to wish him a happy birthday, I wasn't home to get his number.
Sigh.
The scary thing is that my little brother is now almost 30... Eek!
Sigh.
The scary thing is that my little brother is now almost 30... Eek!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Lock Up Your Sons! Kara's Too Cute!
Kara just turned 4 months last week so here she is in all her cutesy glory.
You Still Need To Obey The Sign
Don't let those doe-eyes fool you. Read the sign and you'll be safe.
Family Picture Time!
Here's the best family photo we've been able to get taken of us recently.
Sigh.
Sigh.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
From Parkas To Speedos In 60 Seconds
What the fudge is up with the weather this week? I go from freezing my soggy behind off at the pool party in Guelph on Sunday to feeling like I'm swimming through the fetid air of a sauna this evening at 11pm when I leave work.
I mean, come on.
I was just thinking the other day that I could take my air conditioner out of the window but nooo... Shouldn't it have gotten less humid with all of the rain we've had instead of more humid?
I mean, come on.
I was just thinking the other day that I could take my air conditioner out of the window but nooo... Shouldn't it have gotten less humid with all of the rain we've had instead of more humid?
Matt?
This is weird. Matt Brouwer actually has a 360. I now have 3 friends on my friends list that I actually know in real life. Creepy.
You guys need to download Space Giraffe and then I can try to make sure that Garrett & I keep the score at the top of the leaderboards.
You guys need to download Space Giraffe and then I can try to make sure that Garrett & I keep the score at the top of the leaderboards.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
It's Bioshock Day!
Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!
I haven't been this excited in a long time. Seriously, it felt like last night was Christmas Eve and today I get to go and get my great big present. WOO!
The only downside is that I have to wait until around 11pm tonight when I finish work to seriously spend any time with Bioshock. Why didn't I book off THIS week instead of next week? Sigh.
But tonight I shall bask in the glory of Rapture...
I haven't been this excited in a long time. Seriously, it felt like last night was Christmas Eve and today I get to go and get my great big present. WOO!
The only downside is that I have to wait until around 11pm tonight when I finish work to seriously spend any time with Bioshock. Why didn't I book off THIS week instead of next week? Sigh.
But tonight I shall bask in the glory of Rapture...
4 Months Of Girliness!
So my little jellybean queen, Kara, is 4 months old today. She's already rolling at a 5 month-old's level, so she's destined to be in advanced classes when she goes to school.
Yeah...
I guess Julie is celebrating Kara's monthaversary by going to get her teeth cleaned and leaving me alone with the two little monsters, er, kids. I can handle Garrett just fine. I'm still getting used to the whole "How To Console A Screaming Infant" routine again. At least Kara's in a good mood this morning and... oh look... she just nodded off to sleep.
Hooray!
Yeah...
I guess Julie is celebrating Kara's monthaversary by going to get her teeth cleaned and leaving me alone with the two little monsters, er, kids. I can handle Garrett just fine. I'm still getting used to the whole "How To Console A Screaming Infant" routine again. At least Kara's in a good mood this morning and... oh look... she just nodded off to sleep.
Hooray!
Our Dearly Deported
Grr. Don't you hate it when you have a great title for a post but no real content to go with it? I do.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Tuesday Can't Come Fast Enough
I'll never be able to listen to "Beyond The Sea" the same way again.
I haven't been this excited for a game in a LONG time. It's a shame I can't come down with Bioshock Flu on Wednesday :P
I haven't been this excited for a game in a LONG time. It's a shame I can't come down with Bioshock Flu on Wednesday :P
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Now THIS Is Summer
I tell ya, this is what a perfect summer day should be. It's nice outside but you won't evaporate into a puddle if you step into a sunbeam. There's a gorgeous breeze out, birds are singing, the cicada are buzzing...
Suffice it to say, this is the kind of summer I could get behind. I usually grump about summer but this is just too nice a day to not enjoy. Top it off with the fact that I had the day off (yay) and spent the afternoon with Garrett in the local wading pool and all is well.
Now for an evening of gaming goodness (after a yummy barbeque supper) with some friends (not to mention finally trying out the Bioshock demo) and you have a perfect day.
Oh, and the Perseids are still shooting around, so even the nighttime will be nice.
Suffice it to say, this is the kind of summer I could get behind. I usually grump about summer but this is just too nice a day to not enjoy. Top it off with the fact that I had the day off (yay) and spent the afternoon with Garrett in the local wading pool and all is well.
Now for an evening of gaming goodness (after a yummy barbeque supper) with some friends (not to mention finally trying out the Bioshock demo) and you have a perfect day.
Oh, and the Perseids are still shooting around, so even the nighttime will be nice.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
Don't Poke My Tummy!
We went to a wedding yesterday that really set the bar for all weddings to come... in many different ways.
It was for the daughter of friends of ours from church. We went to the ceremony in the afternoon and it was a nice and short service. The only thing was, the pastor forgot to tell people to please be seated after the bride walked down the aisle so everyone just stood for the whole 20 minute ceremony :) Ah, we're such sheep.
We had a nice little visit with the parents of our pastor in the interim between the service and the reception. It's always nice to hear about how bad your pastor was as a teenager.
The we had the reception. It was a nice intimate affair... only 450 people were there... plus the wedding party of, oh, 28 people! Honestly, they had 15 bridesmaids and 13 groomsmen. Yarg.
As for the food, well, that was the best part. Started with buns and appetizers, then soup, then a fantastic salmon with spicy rice and Greek salad, followed by stuffed chicken breasts and rack of lamb and finished with a delicious cannoli dessert.
And, of course, there were the two nicest words in the English language: Open Bar. And what an open bar... If you could imagine it, they had it. Well, no Cristal Champagne, but otherwise...
We left before the seafood buffet and chocolate fountain started, but that was probably for the best. I was already stuffed to the breaking point and it wouldn't have been pretty if I'd been let loose on that.
Speaking of not pretty, the photographer and videographer were a textbook case of how NOT to film/shoot a wedding. Honestly, I've never seen someone more intrusive than the videographer. During the ceremony, he was standing there in front of the bride and groom while they exchanged rings with his camera right in the middle of them. All we could see was his skinny butt. And the guy wasn't even dressed nicely. He was wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt. His partner on the still camera wasn't dressed much better. She was in white slacks and a bright blue tank top.
We were joking by the end of the night that the videographer was probably dancing with the bride during her first dance just so he could get a better shot. Yeesh.
It was for the daughter of friends of ours from church. We went to the ceremony in the afternoon and it was a nice and short service. The only thing was, the pastor forgot to tell people to please be seated after the bride walked down the aisle so everyone just stood for the whole 20 minute ceremony :) Ah, we're such sheep.
We had a nice little visit with the parents of our pastor in the interim between the service and the reception. It's always nice to hear about how bad your pastor was as a teenager.
The we had the reception. It was a nice intimate affair... only 450 people were there... plus the wedding party of, oh, 28 people! Honestly, they had 15 bridesmaids and 13 groomsmen. Yarg.
As for the food, well, that was the best part. Started with buns and appetizers, then soup, then a fantastic salmon with spicy rice and Greek salad, followed by stuffed chicken breasts and rack of lamb and finished with a delicious cannoli dessert.
And, of course, there were the two nicest words in the English language: Open Bar. And what an open bar... If you could imagine it, they had it. Well, no Cristal Champagne, but otherwise...
We left before the seafood buffet and chocolate fountain started, but that was probably for the best. I was already stuffed to the breaking point and it wouldn't have been pretty if I'd been let loose on that.
Speaking of not pretty, the photographer and videographer were a textbook case of how NOT to film/shoot a wedding. Honestly, I've never seen someone more intrusive than the videographer. During the ceremony, he was standing there in front of the bride and groom while they exchanged rings with his camera right in the middle of them. All we could see was his skinny butt. And the guy wasn't even dressed nicely. He was wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt. His partner on the still camera wasn't dressed much better. She was in white slacks and a bright blue tank top.
We were joking by the end of the night that the videographer was probably dancing with the bride during her first dance just so he could get a better shot. Yeesh.
Friday, August 03, 2007
His Editor Needs A Machete
So after months and months and MONTHS of trying to slog through it, I finally finished Book 4 in George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice & Fire series last night. Yes, A Feast For Crows is finally ready to be returned to the pile of read books next to my bed.
I love this series but this particular book really tried my patience. It was just so dreadfully slow and, well, BORING that it took me since at least March or so of this year to finally read it. The sad thing is that the last 300-400 pages of the book are absolutely fantastic and right up there with the rest of the series. Unfortunately, you have to read 600 pages of the most mind-numbing plod through fantasy land to get to them.
It definately didn't help that during those first 600 pages only one of the characters was actually doing anything interesting. The fact that this particular book focused almost exclusively on the uninteresting characters, locations and events of the series didn't speed things along either.
I mean, Martin was somehow able to make Jaime and Cersei Lannister BORING! How do you do that?! Yeesh.
Ah well. The upside of taking so long to finish this book is that the next book, A Dance With Dragons, should be out soon (I hope). It has all of the characters and nifty places that I can't wait to read, so it should be worth the wait.
Now to go read some Edge Chronicles and the latest Artemis Fowl book to cleanse my palate.
I love this series but this particular book really tried my patience. It was just so dreadfully slow and, well, BORING that it took me since at least March or so of this year to finally read it. The sad thing is that the last 300-400 pages of the book are absolutely fantastic and right up there with the rest of the series. Unfortunately, you have to read 600 pages of the most mind-numbing plod through fantasy land to get to them.
It definately didn't help that during those first 600 pages only one of the characters was actually doing anything interesting. The fact that this particular book focused almost exclusively on the uninteresting characters, locations and events of the series didn't speed things along either.
I mean, Martin was somehow able to make Jaime and Cersei Lannister BORING! How do you do that?! Yeesh.
Ah well. The upside of taking so long to finish this book is that the next book, A Dance With Dragons, should be out soon (I hope). It has all of the characters and nifty places that I can't wait to read, so it should be worth the wait.
Now to go read some Edge Chronicles and the latest Artemis Fowl book to cleanse my palate.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Can He Swing From A Web? No, He Can't. He's A Pig.
Garrett and I went to see The Simpsons Movie today. Awesome show. On the one hand, it was a lot like an hour and a half long episode of the show BUT it was like 90 minutes of awesome stuff from the golden age of the show (1994-1997).
Garrett loved Spider Pig. The fact that they actually do a big orchestral version of the Spider Pig theme song a few times had him singing along, much to the chuckles of the people nearby.
Definately go see it if you're a fan of the show in the slightest. And make sure you stay for the whole of the credits.
Garrett loved Spider Pig. The fact that they actually do a big orchestral version of the Spider Pig theme song a few times had him singing along, much to the chuckles of the people nearby.
Definately go see it if you're a fan of the show in the slightest. And make sure you stay for the whole of the credits.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
I AM IRON MAN!
Behold the awesome footage of the new Iron Man film. I was mildly interested in this but, much like the gradual unveiling of Transformers, this has me very excited for how good a movie this could be.
Downey is a perfect fit for the role of Tony Stark, I must say. Hopefully they don't mess this movie up.
Downey is a perfect fit for the role of Tony Stark, I must say. Hopefully they don't mess this movie up.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Rainy Afternoon Activities
So we were trying to think of something to do this afternoon to kill time before supper and Garrett and I ended up having a big of a gaming day. Amazingly enough, gaming is something that Garrett and I don't really do together very often. I got him playing some Boom Boom Rocket, Pac-Man: CE and this particular game (bonus points for people who can guess what he's playing).
And yes. I fully realized the fact that I need about 8 more shelves to put away all the games and movies and crap stacked everywhere...
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What I'm Reading: A Feast For Crows
What I'm Playing: DiRT, Marvel:Ultimate Alliance, WoW, some DS games
What I'm Watching: Children of Men
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| From Garrett - 2007 |
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What I'm Reading: A Feast For Crows
What I'm Playing: DiRT, Marvel:Ultimate Alliance, WoW, some DS games
What I'm Watching: Children of Men
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Harry's Got Tourettes
I just want to say that unlike my esteemed colleague, Jenn, I think that the few instances of salty language (really only one actual swear and a couple instances of Ron saying, "Effing") fit the events in the final Harry Potter book fine.
And I'll stand by my other claims that at best the last couple Harry Potter books are not kids books. They're young adult books that are bordering on being 'real' fantasy. Only the first three books can really be concidered traditional children's books.
Of all of the characters in the books, the Weasleys seem the most earthy of the wizards. They're really the rednecks of the Harry Potter universe and it didn't strike me as being out of character to hear the few instances of salty language being uttered by them.
That's just my thoughts on the matter. I almost cheered out loud during the scene when Mrs. Weasley utters the only actual swear in the book. Sure, it might make kids cry but it fit the circumstances perfectly.
And I'll stand by my other claims that at best the last couple Harry Potter books are not kids books. They're young adult books that are bordering on being 'real' fantasy. Only the first three books can really be concidered traditional children's books.
Of all of the characters in the books, the Weasleys seem the most earthy of the wizards. They're really the rednecks of the Harry Potter universe and it didn't strike me as being out of character to hear the few instances of salty language being uttered by them.
That's just my thoughts on the matter. I almost cheered out loud during the scene when Mrs. Weasley utters the only actual swear in the book. Sure, it might make kids cry but it fit the circumstances perfectly.
Spoiler Theatre Redux!
Yay! I finally finished Harry Potter. I loved the book, especially the last chapter where I was just riveted to the page like almost nothing I've read before.
I'm actually surprised the death toll wasn't as high as I expected it to be and about who has died and who hasn't. I really want to say more but I'll be nice.
Suffice it to say, it's a great finale to the series and supposedly Rowling is doing an encyclopedia or book of short stories to fill in some of the gaps in the series so that should be interesting, but it's nice to see everything finally wrapped up.
Oh, and the guy at work is a liar. [Blank] doesn't die! He had me fretting for two days about what would happen to him/her.
I'm actually surprised the death toll wasn't as high as I expected it to be and about who has died and who hasn't. I really want to say more but I'll be nice.
Suffice it to say, it's a great finale to the series and supposedly Rowling is doing an encyclopedia or book of short stories to fill in some of the gaps in the series so that should be interesting, but it's nice to see everything finally wrapped up.
Oh, and the guy at work is a liar. [Blank] doesn't die! He had me fretting for two days about what would happen to him/her.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Spoiler Theatre!
Sigh. I don't know why I share any of my interests with the people at work.
I got to work yesterday afternoon and within about 5 minute of me being there, one of the guys came up to me to tell me, "Hey Brock! My mom said that [BLANK] dies in the new Harry Potter book!"
I kicked him out of the office and wouldn't talk to him for a while :)
I've got about 150 pages to go. I need to stop getting distracted with other things and just finish the book so I can stop worrying about spoilers.
I got to work yesterday afternoon and within about 5 minute of me being there, one of the guys came up to me to tell me, "Hey Brock! My mom said that [BLANK] dies in the new Harry Potter book!"
I kicked him out of the office and wouldn't talk to him for a while :)
I've got about 150 pages to go. I need to stop getting distracted with other things and just finish the book so I can stop worrying about spoilers.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Crack Crack Crack The Egg Into The Bowl
This is pretty sweet. Sony has actually done something right. They've released the PaRappa The Rappa soundtrack for the awesome price of FREE!
Go get it and thank me later.
Go get it and thank me later.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
200 Pages In...
Well, I'm about 200 pages into the new Harry Potter book. Chapter 10ish or so.
It's great so far. I was hoping to really plow through most of the book last night but I ended up passing out on the bed and then, when I woke up at 4am, my reading light was burnt out. Sigh.
A little aside: You know how I was grumbling about how stupid the cover art was for this book and how I called to switch the book to the adult version?
Well, as I was watching the people in front of me getting THEIR kids covers, I started to think I'd made a mistake in switching. Then they handed me my book and it ended up being the kid's cover anyway. It still has the worst cover art of the lot (I much prefer the US cover this time around) but it does look much nicer in real life than online.
At least I don't have to replace my entire collection now.
It's great so far. I was hoping to really plow through most of the book last night but I ended up passing out on the bed and then, when I woke up at 4am, my reading light was burnt out. Sigh.
A little aside: You know how I was grumbling about how stupid the cover art was for this book and how I called to switch the book to the adult version?
Well, as I was watching the people in front of me getting THEIR kids covers, I started to think I'd made a mistake in switching. Then they handed me my book and it ended up being the kid's cover anyway. It still has the worst cover art of the lot (I much prefer the US cover this time around) but it does look much nicer in real life than online.
At least I don't have to replace my entire collection now.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
You Don't Want To Know How Long It Took Me To Figure Out Diagon Alley...
Garrett & I went over to Main Street in Georgetown tonight for the release party for the last Harry Potter book. It was nuts! Thankfully the store had been able to close down a large chunk of the street and set up stations so that it wasn't nearly the madhouse that it was during the release of The Half-Blood Prince.
Garrett had a blast. I duded him up in a little wizard costume and he spent most of the evening running up and down the street, zapping people with his magic wand. The best part is that he had several compliments on his magic wand, which is just a stick we found at the cottage, bark and all :)
Here's Garrett being interviewed with Albus Dumbledore (who won the prize for second best costume in my books) by Rita Skeeter from the Daily Prophet (who gets 3rd place).
Who won first place? This kid did.
It was the only costume I saw that actually ended up suffering from structural failure by the end of the night.
I took a few other pictures of the street to show how packed it was but my camera sucks so they're just blurry blobs. I did get a cool action shot of Garrett the Wizard in action though. Look out, Voldemort!
Garrett had a blast. I duded him up in a little wizard costume and he spent most of the evening running up and down the street, zapping people with his magic wand. The best part is that he had several compliments on his magic wand, which is just a stick we found at the cottage, bark and all :)
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| From Harry Potter ... |
Who won first place? This kid did.
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| From Harry Potter ... |
I took a few other pictures of the street to show how packed it was but my camera sucks so they're just blurry blobs. I did get a cool action shot of Garrett the Wizard in action though. Look out, Voldemort!
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| From Harry Potter ... |
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Our Trip To The Cottage!
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| From Cottage 2007 |
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| From Cottage 2007 |
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| From Cottage 2007 |
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| From Cottage 2007 |
One more sleep!
And it's Harry Potter time, my friends!
I just called the shop to change my pre-order (since March) to the adult cover of the book. I tried and tried to resist the urge to switch covers but I just got sicker and sicker every time I saw that stupid cover on the children's version of the book. Not to mention, the adult cover just looks sharp...
I'm going to the shop at 10pm tomorrow as they're shutting down the main street in Georgetown in front of the shop for a big Harry Potter party. I'm going to take Garrett if he's a good boy :)
Of course, I need to get lots of sleep so I can stay up for the next two days and plow through the books. If you don't see me anywhere, I'll be upstairs, sequestered in my room, reading the Potter...
I just called the shop to change my pre-order (since March) to the adult cover of the book. I tried and tried to resist the urge to switch covers but I just got sicker and sicker every time I saw that stupid cover on the children's version of the book. Not to mention, the adult cover just looks sharp...
I'm going to the shop at 10pm tomorrow as they're shutting down the main street in Georgetown in front of the shop for a big Harry Potter party. I'm going to take Garrett if he's a good boy :)
Of course, I need to get lots of sleep so I can stay up for the next two days and plow through the books. If you don't see me anywhere, I'll be upstairs, sequestered in my room, reading the Potter...
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
At Least One Of Them Is Happy
Garrett seems to really enjoy holding Kara. Kara? She doesn't seem to be such a fan of the holding. You be the judge.
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| From The Kids |
Fractal Kids
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| From The Kids |
What scares me is that if we had another, even smaller kid next to Kara, he/she would probably strike the same pose, and on and on to infinity...
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I Shall Call Him SINGULARITY BOY!
I think Garrett has a black hole in his stomach today.
He packed in more food today than I've seen him eat in the last week. He just kept eating and eating and eating... Usually we're lucky if he eats very much of his breakfast, any of his lunch and sometimes he'll pick at supper.
He had two servings of breakfast, we went to Smitty's at lunch and he ate his whole plate, all of my toast and most of Julie's sausages and then tonight he just kept asking for more food.
I'm afraid of what we'll find in the morning. I think we'll go into his room and he'll be 8 feet tall.
The only upside of this being a possible growth spurt is that maybe, JUST MAYBE, he'll sleep in a bit and be a little tired.
But I won't hold my breath.
He packed in more food today than I've seen him eat in the last week. He just kept eating and eating and eating... Usually we're lucky if he eats very much of his breakfast, any of his lunch and sometimes he'll pick at supper.
He had two servings of breakfast, we went to Smitty's at lunch and he ate his whole plate, all of my toast and most of Julie's sausages and then tonight he just kept asking for more food.
I'm afraid of what we'll find in the morning. I think we'll go into his room and he'll be 8 feet tall.
The only upside of this being a possible growth spurt is that maybe, JUST MAYBE, he'll sleep in a bit and be a little tired.
But I won't hold my breath.
Friday, July 13, 2007
*Insert Lame Transformers Quote Here*
I went to see Transformers yesterday.
Holy shnikeys, it's a great movie. It's about as deep as a mud puddle but it's a fantastic action movie with some surprisingly decent character development. I highly recommend everyone who's even remotely interested in it to see it in theatres.
The theatre I saw it in seems to consistently have issues with their movies though. Between being out of focus, having the bottom of the screen on the top and the top of the screen on the bottom (FOR THE FIRST 5 MINUTES OF THE MOVIE!) and the print being very degraded (it was quite grainy and had the green lines and gunk on the screens) this is one of the movies that, while awesome on the big screen, will look much nicer on DVD.
I need to see it in a digital theatre...
Holy shnikeys, it's a great movie. It's about as deep as a mud puddle but it's a fantastic action movie with some surprisingly decent character development. I highly recommend everyone who's even remotely interested in it to see it in theatres.
The theatre I saw it in seems to consistently have issues with their movies though. Between being out of focus, having the bottom of the screen on the top and the top of the screen on the bottom (FOR THE FIRST 5 MINUTES OF THE MOVIE!) and the print being very degraded (it was quite grainy and had the green lines and gunk on the screens) this is one of the movies that, while awesome on the big screen, will look much nicer on DVD.
I need to see it in a digital theatre...
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Hot, Shmot
Of course, I know I'm jinxing myself by posting this, but what happened to the cauldrons of hell that were supposed to roast us alive today? Every weather report I've read over the last couple of days has proclaimed this as being the hottest day of the summer, with temperatures soaring over the 40 degree mark with the humidex.
Yet here I sit, looking at my internal/external thermometer and it's actually warmer inside than out. It's only 20.8 degrees outside and it's 25 degrees inside. Heck, I just opened the windows to let the cool breeze in.
I think that the fact that it's been rainy since about 11am has helped. There's a great breeze out right now and aside from the dark and stormy clouds, it's quite pleasant outside.
I'm just happy it didn't turn into a scorcher today. I hate stupidly hot days like today was supposed to be. They make me generally unpleasant to be around...
Yet here I sit, looking at my internal/external thermometer and it's actually warmer inside than out. It's only 20.8 degrees outside and it's 25 degrees inside. Heck, I just opened the windows to let the cool breeze in.
I think that the fact that it's been rainy since about 11am has helped. There's a great breeze out right now and aside from the dark and stormy clouds, it's quite pleasant outside.
I'm just happy it didn't turn into a scorcher today. I hate stupidly hot days like today was supposed to be. They make me generally unpleasant to be around...
7/7/07 Does Not Equal Luck...
Well July 7th has come and gone and it's now another year until the next Chilifest.
Since almost everyone bailed on my wonderful trip to Collingwood to sample Ontario's tastiest chili (yes, I mean YOU!), Julie and the kids came along to keep me company. All was well until we got to Shelbourne.
As we were about to turn up the 124 to Collingwood, we heard a splashing sound from the back seat. Then another coughing/splashing sound... and another.
Yes, folks. Garrett had just puked up not once, not twice, but three times. Thankfully we were able to pull into a parking lot and get him quickly cleaned off and sponge up most of the vomit before things got even grosser than they already were, but man...
Shelbourne is basically the point of no return on the trip to Collingwood. It's as close to home as it is to the Chilifest. Of course, I'm standing there on the side of the road, mopping up puke and thinking, "Well, I guess I'm not going to Chilifest," but Garrett seemed rather chipper after expelling the contents of his stomach all over himself and the back seat, so we were able to continue on to the Chilifest with only a brief stop at Giant Tiger to buy him a new outfit and some cleaning supplies.
Garrett was pretty low-key the rest of the day, though he did seem to have plenty of energy to run around the splash pad until he fell and cut his knee.
As for the chili itself, it was great. There were about 23 different booths set up and the flavours ranged from the overpoweringly hot to mild yet flavourful. There was a great chicken chili, a chili that had some kind of apple in it and one that used organic bison.
Doug showed up at the fest and we cruised around the venue, comparing our favourites and determining who we would vote for. The shenanigans that the booth operators were up to was half of the fun. One booth was going around slapping stickers on everyone who walked by (or was sitting, in Julie's case). Another booth was writing their booth number on the sticker from the previous booth. One booth was giving their samples away for free instead of collecting the ticket that was needed to get a sample.
I voted for the Disco Stew chili and Doug voted for my second choice, the chili made by some old ladies. They haven't updated the website to say who won, but I think that either of those chili booths should win.
Was it worth the 2 hour drive, the puking, the skinned knees and broken friendships? Sure was! I think that next year we'll have to get a gang together to actually compete in the chili cookoff. That would be even better!
Now to find out when the Fergus chili cookoff starts...
Since almost everyone bailed on my wonderful trip to Collingwood to sample Ontario's tastiest chili (yes, I mean YOU!), Julie and the kids came along to keep me company. All was well until we got to Shelbourne.
As we were about to turn up the 124 to Collingwood, we heard a splashing sound from the back seat. Then another coughing/splashing sound... and another.
Yes, folks. Garrett had just puked up not once, not twice, but three times. Thankfully we were able to pull into a parking lot and get him quickly cleaned off and sponge up most of the vomit before things got even grosser than they already were, but man...
Shelbourne is basically the point of no return on the trip to Collingwood. It's as close to home as it is to the Chilifest. Of course, I'm standing there on the side of the road, mopping up puke and thinking, "Well, I guess I'm not going to Chilifest," but Garrett seemed rather chipper after expelling the contents of his stomach all over himself and the back seat, so we were able to continue on to the Chilifest with only a brief stop at Giant Tiger to buy him a new outfit and some cleaning supplies.
Garrett was pretty low-key the rest of the day, though he did seem to have plenty of energy to run around the splash pad until he fell and cut his knee.
As for the chili itself, it was great. There were about 23 different booths set up and the flavours ranged from the overpoweringly hot to mild yet flavourful. There was a great chicken chili, a chili that had some kind of apple in it and one that used organic bison.
Doug showed up at the fest and we cruised around the venue, comparing our favourites and determining who we would vote for. The shenanigans that the booth operators were up to was half of the fun. One booth was going around slapping stickers on everyone who walked by (or was sitting, in Julie's case). Another booth was writing their booth number on the sticker from the previous booth. One booth was giving their samples away for free instead of collecting the ticket that was needed to get a sample.
I voted for the Disco Stew chili and Doug voted for my second choice, the chili made by some old ladies. They haven't updated the website to say who won, but I think that either of those chili booths should win.
Was it worth the 2 hour drive, the puking, the skinned knees and broken friendships? Sure was! I think that next year we'll have to get a gang together to actually compete in the chili cookoff. That would be even better!
Now to find out when the Fergus chili cookoff starts...
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
A Tale Of Two Movies
I took Garrett to see Ratatouille yesterday. Phenomenal movie. I love everything that Brad Bird has done (Iron Giant being one of my favourite movies of all time) and he didn't disappoint this time around.
It's hard to say exactly why Ratatouille is such a good movie, given that it's about an intelligent rat who spends most of the movie in an upscale kitchen cooking things, but it works. It doesn't fall back to the usual clichés that most animated movies have. No car chases, explosions or the like. Well, there are some 'action' scenes, but not like you'd expect.
The best part was last night at bath time when Garrett kept pretending to make soup like the rat.
Tonight, Julie wanted to watch Transamerica. She rented it the other day, expecting a nice movie about a mother and her kid as they travel across America on a road trip. I asked her before it started if she knew what it was about and she didn't. Hee hee...
Suffice it to say, she was a bit shocked when she found out what the movie was really about :)
That said, it's not a bad flick. The subject matter is very unique, but the core of the story isn't that bad and the acting is pretty impressive.
It's hard to say exactly why Ratatouille is such a good movie, given that it's about an intelligent rat who spends most of the movie in an upscale kitchen cooking things, but it works. It doesn't fall back to the usual clichés that most animated movies have. No car chases, explosions or the like. Well, there are some 'action' scenes, but not like you'd expect.
The best part was last night at bath time when Garrett kept pretending to make soup like the rat.
Tonight, Julie wanted to watch Transamerica. She rented it the other day, expecting a nice movie about a mother and her kid as they travel across America on a road trip. I asked her before it started if she knew what it was about and she didn't. Hee hee...
Suffice it to say, she was a bit shocked when she found out what the movie was really about :)
That said, it's not a bad flick. The subject matter is very unique, but the core of the story isn't that bad and the acting is pretty impressive.
Monday, July 02, 2007
All Aboard The Gutbuster Express.
Last call for the Chilifest up in Thornbury this weekend!
I'm trying to figure out who is going up so we can coordinate rides. Let me know via MSN, Gtalk or e-mail if you want to come and we'll sort things out.
I'm trying to figure out who is going up so we can coordinate rides. Let me know via MSN, Gtalk or e-mail if you want to come and we'll sort things out.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Sesquicentennial -10
Sorry for the lack of updates. Work kept me stupidly busy this week.
Happy Canada Day everyone! We're off to see the fireworks later tonight at the park here in Acton. They're almost better than Sarnia's fireworks (and they were much better than Sarnia's fireworks used to be).
Garrett's already practicing putting his fingers in his ears :)
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What I'm Reading: A Feast For Crows
What I'm Playing: Overlord (360), The Darkness (360), Etrian Odyssey (DS), Carcassone (XBLA)
What I'm Watching: The Last Starfighter, Canada Day Fireworks over in the park
Hey good lookin', why the frown? It always looks better when it's upside down.
Happy Canada Day everyone! We're off to see the fireworks later tonight at the park here in Acton. They're almost better than Sarnia's fireworks (and they were much better than Sarnia's fireworks used to be).
Garrett's already practicing putting his fingers in his ears :)
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What I'm Reading: A Feast For Crows
What I'm Playing: Overlord (360), The Darkness (360), Etrian Odyssey (DS), Carcassone (XBLA)
What I'm Watching: The Last Starfighter, Canada Day Fireworks over in the park
Hey good lookin', why the frown? It always looks better when it's upside down.
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