Thursday, February 26, 2009

Post-Vacation Update

I have a ton of stuff to do here and at the CIPS Golden Horseshoe website which I'm helping with. I need to post my looking at 2009 for Xbox, reviews of Milk and Gran Torino, reviews of some games, I want to do another music countdown, post videos and pictures from my vacation, try and compress this weather thing I've been doing all year, review Paul Bart. So I'll get something done right now:

Yesterday I signed up at DeviantArt.com to show off some photography (in reality it's to impress a girl in my class). I've been getting a couple views and favourites so far. So it's pretty cool. Either check it out by clicking the follow me link on the side or right here at http://stinger503.deviantart.com/

A couple months ago I also found 360voice.com, which uses your information to makes your 360 blog about what you play, it also keeps track of your achievements and you can play in achievement point contests. Check it out here http://360voice.gamerdna.com/tag/Stinger503

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Vacation Blog Part 2

Day 5:
Today I woke up well before anyone and went to get breakfast by myself. After that we headed to the Curacao aquarium. We got there and after waiting awhile it was finally our turn for the dolphin encounter. We got this nice dolphin trainer (a.k.a. HOT!) and it was a ton of fun. After that we looked at some of the fish in the aquarium and headed back to the resort. We had lunch and then I went and sat around while they played some game called Outburst. I had a hot dog for a snack.
Next it was supper time, which had the buffet outside for tonight, featuring some Japanese food. I tried some sushi. Not a sushi person. For the entertainment there was a guy playing the sax and singing. In my opinion he was the best of the whole week, because he'd move around the tables. He did a song for my parents. After dinner was a “circus” but it was more of a trapeze act. It was fun to watch.

Finally we went back and sat and talked. I had some sort of drink, a Sweet Aya or something. Then Jen and I head back to our room and watched some television before sleeping.

Day 6:
I woke up probably last today, I was damned tired. We had some breakfast and went to the bus. Our bus took us first to downtown Willemstad and then out towards the East side of the island. After that we headed West, first stopping at the Curacao liqueur factory, where we had some free samples! Next we went further West going to the rocky coastline. It was so nice, seeing the huge waves and the caves. After that we went to this small restaurant Jaunchie's that was cool because they told you the menu. I had chicken and fries, some 7-Up and lemonade. I also had some Iguana with garlic sauce which was fine. After that we went to a nice beach, before seeing some wild flamingos. After that it was basically returning to the resort. . Our tour guide Peter was from Holland. http://www.petertrips.com/ Is their website.

Once there we went back to the room and I hung out there for a bit. After that I went to the beach and then Jen, Sarah and I went to see if we could kayak/paddle boat, but it was closed. So instead I listened to the other adults till we went back to our rooms to get ready for supper. I got a pineapple splash to drink and then we went to supper. We ate at the Japanese place called Munasan today. For starters we had sushi, soup and salad. Which is funny because I said I wasn't a sushi person but I ate a ton of it. Then the cook, Sherman, came over and cooked us some vegetable pasta. After that he cooked us some chicken, beef, fish and shrimp. All were bloody amazing!

Next was the talent show. Aunt Sherrill sang Broken Wings by Martina McBride and that was cool. After that we played some more Outburst! And went back to the room for sleep.

Day 7:
I woke up later today. I had breakfast then went into the pool for a swim. I had a Bloody Mary, strawberry daiquiri, sex on the beach and a ton of Miami Vices. After that I went kayaking, snorkeling and 'tanned' for a bit. By now it was time to get ready for supper. We ate at the Italian Pastafari restaurant. To start was a salad bar and soup (I had minestrone). For the main course I had a four cheese penne and for desert a cheese cake.

Next we went to the lobby's T.V. room to watch a movie my sister made about my parent 25 years together. It was very nice. Then my Dad gave a moving speech before we headed down to the beach for a fun little game my parents did, and then we went to the deck to listen to music and drink before heading to bed.

Day 8:
Today I woke up late again. I went and had my final breakfast before heading to the pool. I had a White Russian, mission accomplished. They're quite good too. After that we packed up and went to the beach. I ate a hamburger and just sat listening to my iPod. I went and ate at the buffet and got the very last pasta. Sadly there was no more flan. After that I went back to the beach for some more iPod.

Finally we got ready for the bus. I quickly got a hamburger then beat Jen at giant chess. We then got on the bus and to the airport. We checked our luggage and then went through security then the terminal. For some reason, unknown to me, fucking Curacao has free Wi-Fi but Toronto airport doesn't?? I did some online and the plane came in. We got on the plane and had a pretty easy ride. For supper they had ham & cheese sandwiches, crackers, cheese, a bran bar that was chocolate so it was better than last time. What was disgusting was the coleslaw. I had this one bite of it and it was so watery I started gagging. Nasty.

After that we landed and went through customs and got our luggage. We said goodbye to our family and head on the monorail to our parking lot. It was -11 with wind chill and I was still in shorts. We all ran to the car and got in faster than a pit crew changes tires. After that we went to McDonalds for some food and then headed home for some sleep.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Vacation Blog Part 1

Day 1:

Well today went well. I woke up at about 9ish and got ready for the trip. We got packed well before 10:00 A.M., went to Tim Horton's then had to go back for something. After that it was smooth sailing to Toronto. We went on the 407 Toll Road so we got to Toronto quicker.

We parked and took a monorail from the lot to the terminal. When we got to the luggage check we found the rest of our group who got there not to long before. They were all wearing bright orange shirt saying Friends & Family on the front and Mike & Sharon 25 years Proost on the back (Proost is cheers in Dutch, or so I'm told). After we checked the luggage we went to eat at Swiss Chalet. I had a quarter chicken dinner and ice tea. After that we went through security without a problem. Then we had to wait for the plane to arrive. Mom, Dad, Jim, Sandra and others (I think), went to get a drink at the bar and I went to see if the free Wi-Fi would work. It did not. There should be a law against that bullshit. The Boingo shit you have to pay for worked but the free stuff wouldn't connect. I think every time that happens the devil smiles.


Anyway we boarded the plane eventually and I got a window seat and sat beside Mom and Dad. I wasn't as nervous as I usually am. We took off promptly and we got some beautiful views of downtown Toronto. Not to long after that we had our meal, it was a delicious roast beef sandwich, along with crackers and cheese, a bit of macaroni and a bran bar for dessert. To drink I had water and a sprite. Later on in the flight we had some more water and when we got closer to Curacao we got a complimentary drink, some sort of fruit cocktail with some alcohol in it. Also I think Jessica didn't want her sandwich so I ate that too. Yum!


Mostly I listened to some Supertramp and fell asleep for a couple hours. But woke up in time to see the beautiful sunset. We went through some turbulence but nothing to bad. In the final hour or so I listened to the Alex Jones Show. We landed fine and got through customs without a problem and then we checked into the resort and got onto a bus to get there. It was nice, because we went over one of the two big bridges here and got to see the famous river front. We got to the resort and damn! Is it f'in nice. We got a fruit drink when we got here and went to our rooms. Jen, Sarah and I are in our on room with Mom and Dad in the room next to us. We went out to the bar and I had a strawberry daiquiri and ate at the buffet. After that, Jen, Sarah and I went to the beach and the water was nice (it's 11:30 so we aren't goin' swimming). Me & Jen went to the lobby and played checkers, and I had a pina colata. It was a draw (Jen: “No it wasn't I won”) Sure, sure.


Anyway after that it was late and we chattered amongst the adults before sauntering off to bed. Night


Day 2:

We got up at nine today and went to the beach for a swim. We got some snorkel gear and did that for a bit, checking out all the amazing fish. After that I rested and read some OXM. We then had some breakfast and then back to the beach. A Dutch Navy ship passed by our beach as well. After that I went back to the room and played some Civilization on the patio and enjoyed the garden/wildlife. There were some canary type birds, humming birds and some lizards. It was very enjoyable. Then when my sisters came back we went to play some shuffleboard.

For the first game I was with my cousin Jessica against my sisters and we lost. The 2nd game pitted Sarah and I against Jen and Jessica. We stomped them. We also looked at some of the birds and a turtle. I also spotted a large lizard (iguana?) in a tree. We went back to the beach and sat for a bit with the parents. My Mom and I then went for a walk. First we went to the edge of the beach, going up to the bird cages, then around down to the other side of the beach and saw some crabs and pelicans. We then walked back to the others and then we headed for supper.


For supper I had a plate of each kind of pasta, it was delicious. Tons of dessert too. After that we sat by the pool and drank a ton of Fifteen Years, which were delicious. After that we called it a night.


Day 3:

Today my sisters got up at 10ish and I decided to sleep in. I woke up around 12. I noticed a lizard crawling on the headboard of my sisters bed and decided to get some video to show them later. I walked over to Jimmy's Buffet and joined the card game they were playing (Bang! I think was the name). It was raining today so that's why they were there. I won the two games that we played and then we ate lunch.


After lunch I had a strawberry daiquiri and then we got some snorkel gear and went snorkeling again. After that I was feeling lazy so I just laid down on a chair and played my iPod for a couple hours. Then it started raining and I went back to the room. Next everyone came back and then we went out for supper at Jimmy's Buffet. After supper I grabbed a Strawberry Daiquiri with Rum and went back to my room and played some Civilization before going over to the disco to listen to some karaoke. After that we went over and sat down by the Jimmy's Buffet and I had a Blue Lagoon. Finally we went to bed and I'm currently having a Green Lagoon. By the way Jen sunburned her head and me and Sarah are poking fun at her and Sarah and Jen are freaked out about the lizard.


Day 4:

Today I actually woke up before my sisters. We got up and went to eat breakfast. After breakfast Jen and I had a chess game and I beat her while we waited for the bus. We took some taxis to downtown Willemstad and went through a small market. Then we went to the waterfront and saw a large cargo ship pass by. We walked down the historical waterfront and then went up by some shops.

At this point we got split up from the others and it was just my family and Tim and Debs family. So the girls went shopping and us boys had a drink at a nice little area. After a little shopping we went to see the fort and then went across the Emma bridge to eat. We waited at this one restaurant but only got drinks. I had a Mojito but didn't really like it so I got a strawberry daiquiri. We had a pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut for lunch. After that we headed to the second fort and took pictures of a huge cruise ship that was docked. Then we headed back to the bus and to the resort.


After that I went back to the room for an hour or so and then went back out and sat around for a bit. We went back to the room and got ready for supper. Supper was great and then Jen, Jessica and I went to our room. We started watching twister. Later Sarah came in and we went to go online. It worked okay but it took a while. We came back to the room and then we went for a walk with Jen and Jess. Sarah and I stayed with the adults and Jen & Jess went back to the room. We went to the casino to look around and then headed back to the room for the night.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Making Valentine's Day Awesome

I was inspired by a Cracked.com article to do a post about Valentine's Day. It'll be short and will hopefully make Valentine's Day more enjoyable for men everywhere.

First Rule: Make it not just about her.
How do I do this you ask. Well there is an exception to the rule. The first and maybe second or so Valentine's Days ARE about her. After that it's up for grabs. Many men make Valentine's into a second birthday for women. Fuck that. Why not go to a crash up derby before going to dinner and being romantic? This goes into the second rule...

Second Rule: Compromise.
Compromising is key. You want to go to the rodeo but she's refusing? Add on bonuses, like dinner AND a movie. Maybe you just want to go to a movie. Try finding something that you'll tolerate. Rather than say the Reader, how about the Dark Knight in IMAX? Hey it's up for a couple Academy Awards isn't it?

Real Life Example: Me.
Last year for Valentine's Day I compromised with my then girlfriend to go to the Warplane Heritage Museum. Then we went to dinner (always have a couple extra pounds of body weight, just in case)
Final Note: Doesn't always work for every woman, but doesn't hurt to try. (Actually in some cases it can.




I got my former girlfriend to pose with a bomb. Have fun at He's Just
Not That Into You fuckers.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Stinger503's Websites I Love

Jake and Amir are a part of the College Humor website. Here's my top 10 favourite videos from them (with some honorable mentions);

1. Church- I love Amir's facial expressions and his opening "story"

Church from Amir on Vimeo.

2. Florida Pt. IV (Puzzle)- One of my favourite lines ever "That's how he treats a hero"

Florida Pt. lV (Puzzle) from Jake Hurwitz on Vimeo.

3. Jake's Birthday Part 3- Watch Part 1 and Part 2 first. Awesome ending, "You call these people your friends?"

Jake's Birthday Part 3 from Amir on Vimeo.

4. Dad- I love Jake's facial expressions here. "Not to you"

Dad from Amir on Vimeo.

5. Internship- Threesome is my favourite part


6. Dating Service- "Three weeks ago"


7. Lunchtime- And so true (about subs)

Lunchtime from Amir on Vimeo.

8. Monopoly- "Snake eyes bitches!"


9. Park- Amir's facial expressions are priceless

Park from Amir on Vimeo.

10.Secretary

Secretary from Amir on Vimeo.

Honorable Mention:
Mom
Desktop Prank
Lunch Meeting
Economic Crisis
Question
Who's The Boss?
Vote
Basketball Game
Instant Messages
April Fool pt I&II
Video Letter to Mom
Ace
Ace and Jocelyn series
See them all at http://www.jakeandamir.com/ Or via their podcast.

Dream

Well if there's one thing I know about myself, it's that the longer I sleep the more dreams I have. Last night I went to bed at 10:30ish and woke up at 2 P.M. (yeah over half a day!) During the last say 3 hours of sleep I had this weird dream where I was a soldier in a Call of Duty-esq game and I was sniping from this tower. It was weird because there were other snipers trying to get me and everything. Very strange!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Not So Fast NASCAR...

Watch the following video:

Notice at the end that this was by NASCAR's rules, caution comes out as soon as the crash happens and there is no race to the finish. This is so safety crews can come out faster.

BUT WAIT...listen to D.W. at 7:50-7:57. He says "This is just like he did two years ago here."

No sir he did not. Nothing can erase the pain of two years ago. Allow me to explain:



As you can easily see, Mark had the lead a FULL SIX SECONDS OR MORE BEFORE HARVICK TOOK IT BACK! AT LEAST 6 CARS WERE SPINNING? WHERE WAS THE CAUTION?
So don't tell me that's what happened two years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday fuckers.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Movie Review: Lars and the Real Girl

Ryan Gosling (Canadian, The Notebook) plays Lars, a shy guy who lives in the garage beside his house where his brother Gus (Paul Schneider, The Family Stone) and his wife Karin (Emily Mortimer, Match Point).

Spoilers Sort of Highlight to see them
The reason for Lars' shyness is his father. Lars and Gus' mother died while giving birth to Lars. Gus left after school and Lars was stuck with his depressed father. This had such an effect on Lars that he avoids human touch.

Including that of Margo (Kelli Garner, The Aviator) a girl vying
for Lars' attention. Lars decides to buy a "human doll" to be his companion. This of course shocks Gus and Karin who decide to take him to be checked out by Dr. Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson, Green Mile) who delves into Lars' mind and tries to help him.

Gosling does an amazing job as Lars. I got a feeling that when ever Lars talked to the doll, that that was what Lars wanted in a relationship. Clarkson is wonderful as the doctor. There aren't any cheap laughs. And the ending is great and the movie feels genuine throughout.

Acting: 10/10
Story: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
Rated: 14-A (ONT) PG-13 (USA)

P.S. Both Garner and Mortimer are "cute as buttons" in this movie.

Movie Review: Lakeview Terrace

Lakeview Terrace is a movie charged with racial and political themes. The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson (Snakes on a Plane) as Abel is a widower and father of two children, the rebellious Celia (Regine Nehy) and young Javier (Jaishon Fisher). Abel is a police officer and is still mourning the loss of his wife.

New to the neighborhood is Chris (bonus points Hollywood! Patrick Wilson, Little Children) and Lisa (Kerry Washington, Ray); newlyweds. They're an interracial couple who are adjusting to the area and their new life together. They meet Abel who is immediately aggressive to their being together.

Chris tries to warm up to Abel but he already has his mind made up. Tensions rise between the two as well as Lisa. Lisa's father also has mixed feelings about their marriage. These as well as internal pressures lead to cracks in their relationship.

Overall Lakeview was an entertaining movie. Not great but entertaining.

Acting: 7.5/10
Story: 7/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
Rated: 14-A (ONT) PG-13 (USA)

P.S. I made the connection that the forest fires in the movie are actually a metaphor for the rising tensions between the neighbors

Movie Review: Groundhog Day


Happy Groundhog Day everyone! In the spirit of today I decided that I should watch Groundhog Day, a movie which until today I've only seen bits and pieces of, not the entire movie. Well it's easily one of the best romantic comedies ever.

For those of you who don't know, the movie stars Bill Murray (he's Bill Murray) as Phil Conners, a disgruntled T.V. weatherman going to Punxsutawney, PA for the Groundhog Day festival. His news team consists of Larry (Chris Elliott, Snow Day) and Rita (Andie MacDowell, Four Weddings and a Funeral).

Oddly enough Feb. 2nd keeps repeating for Phil and he doesn't know why. So he explores the town, talking to the people and learning new things and he begins to fall for Rita . The movie really sucks you into it. Bill Murray is great as always with his humour. And the writing/directing by Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters) is top notch. It's a must watch.

Acting: 10/10
Story: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Rated: PG (ONT) PG (USA)

P.S. I didn't know that Ramis was in Knocked Up, he looks so different now!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Stinger503's Report of Toolbaggery 1/2/9

Well this is what pisses me off about environmentalists. Take a look at this article To boil it down to one quote “I think we will work our way towards a position that says that having more than two children is irresponsible. It is the ghost at the table. We have all these big issues that everybody is looking at and then you don’t really hear anyone say the “p” word.” - Jonathon Porritt

And my problem isn't just with Porritt. He's a phony environmentalist.

My problem is with the comments underneath. I'm going to go through a few of them (aka the ones that piss me off).

"Right on! Why is it that no one wants to talk about the fact of over- population? it is the main reason for our crisis.- A Scott, Courtenay, Canada"
Get the hell out of my country. Over population? Most of Canada is unpopulated!

"Well, less is best. As an only child, I'm happy to say I had none of the 'but you pay more attention to my brother/sister' angst-episodes, no fighting at all in the house...had everyone all to myself...quite cushy, really. Two kids means more time for both (and less money spent too).- D, Manchester"
Shut the fuck up.

"Love it ! This should have been done long time ago. Even to have one child couples have to proof themselves capable, both: mentally and financially to avoid them having lots of kids and being in welfare, expecting taxpayers to pay for them. This should be a law nationwide.- Angela L, USA"
Hopefully you'll still love it when the depression really hits and your out of a job, taken to a camp and sterilized.

"You are right on, but perhaps the limit should be one child. The Chinese in recent years put in place one child per family. It is very selfish of people to over populate the planet to satisfy a couples own desires to have families of more than two children. Malthus had it right.- DAVID NELSON, USA"
Yeah great idea let's take policies from a communist dictatorship known for human rights violations, tons of pollution and a population where there aren't enough females.

"I feel this would be the greatest one thing every woman could do to ensure our future children and grandchildren inherit a better world to live in. This would also lower the number of orphan children.NOW is the time to act responsible to give our future generations a beautiful & healthy world. -Linda, Kingsport, USA"
How does that make any sense! Fewer orphan children? I guess parents will stop dying or something?

"He's right. Next time you cant get a parking space, a place at a good school for your child, a seat on the train, a job, etc ask yourself why. Too many people. The coming water shortages might spell it out.-Bob, Bromley, England"
Or bad city planning or bad economy? Yeah when I don't get a parking spot I think "Man if all those people driving their families in 1 van only had 2 kids. I could park the car, even though I'm the only one in it."

"The man is right. Two is enough... Is there real justification for more? That is unless you're in one of the nations that aren't growing fast enough! A boy to keep the family name going and a girl to continue the human race later. How can you argue that?- Barry, Germany"
Because it's the families decision on whether they want more. It's not a matter of, boy to keep name, girl for human race you arrogant prick. A family is about love not your poor attempt at logic.

"Surely if people are encouraged to produce a maximum of two offspring only intelligent, socially responsible families will respond to this request. The result will be an even greater proportion of basically stupid, socially irresponsible people in the world.- David, Worthing"
I guess your the socially responsible family? And we should sterilize the stupid people? Fuck you!

"Porritt is absolutely right. What's shocking is the response of those who attack him out of pure selfishness, ignorance, or outdated religious beliefs. Every problem on earth, not least the extinction of other species, is ultimately related to TOO MANY PEOPLE. Wake up, humans.- Denny, London, UK"
Yeah you're right, hunting isn't what's causing tiger to become extinct, it's us and our huge families killing tigers. Fucking idiot!

That's all I can handle, I'm not even half way down the page yet.
And anyone reading this know this. Canada and the U.S. are the ones that taught NAZI Germany about eugenics, so don't act like it can't come here. Ask yourself this, is there anyone in your family who's acted "anti-social", which is to say, mentally ill, drugs, bad marks, or criminality. Then YOU probably would have been forcibly sterilized in 1920-30s US/Canada. Think about that before you agree with theses clowns.

P.S. A positive sign: for every comment like the ones above, there were two telling them to fuck off!