This was an amazing movie. I wasn't sure after the previews but now I realize the the lack of giving away the movie in the previews is one of the reasons this movie was so great. I guess you could say it was "More than meets the eyes"
Note for those concerned with children, this movie is pretty lax on profanity but seems to be more geared towards the older generation who grew up with transformers in the 80's.Thursday, July 19, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
V-v-v-v-irago!
It's spring time, and I finally decided to bring my motorbike down from the Peace River region to sunny Edmonton. I have been slowly rebuilding it over the past 10 years and hope to finally have it insured again. As with anything old, it is hard to find parts for it. This is why my late father (God rest his soul) and I invested in a second bike for parts.
Now a flash back. I bought my second vehicle in the spring of 1992. Only 7 year younger than I was, I fell in love with a '81 Yamaha XV750 Motorbike. It's street name...one of the first Virago's on the market. It had a red tank and chrome fenders and even though it didn't run 100% top shape, I found what would be my first interest in mechanics. My dad and I repainted the tank blue, found new decals for the side, and with a little work, got that bike purring like a kitten...a lion sized kitten. It felt great, riding free with that bike.
But, as sad love stories go, I was riding one evening in 1998 and fell victim to yet another new driver with no eyes out for a bike. I was side-swiped at about 50 km/hr...or so the cops told me after they loaded me into an ambulance. I suffered only a cracked ankle and some road rash, but my Virago suffered more. My knee had dented in the tank, the electronics were a nest and some of the engine was ripped in two...along with my heart when I saw it again. Insurance gave me $500 for the damage...calling it a write off. I used that money to buy an old secondhand '82 Virago which was not taken care of by it's owner.
I lived in another province now but had no place to keep these two bikes, so my dad held on to them for me. Each visit, I would spend a few hours out in the garage with my dad. We took the engines off both bikes and tore them apart...bit by bit. We would examine the parts to determine which one would best work and slowly between the two of us put an engine together again. We chose the best of two frames, and put the newly frankenstiened engine into it's position there. The chrome fenders went next, followed by a very long and draining process of testing the wiring for shorts.
Because of the distance and my decision to go back to school, the Virago took a back burner. My youngest brother took interest in the bike and when my father grew ill...he started to work on that bike. Now it's been nearly a year since my father passed away to be with the Lord and I have the bike here in Edmonton with me. It runs, but still has a few final challenges to overcome.
My brother decided to buy himself a brand new bike. He got a Yamaha V-Max. When I was younger, I always dreamed of owning one and now...the next time I go to Dawson Creek, my brother can rub my nose in the fact that he got one first. He asks me why I keep this old Virago when I could just sell it and buy a new bike. I ask the same question sometimes... I guess it's the history we have. I've had that bike since I was 17. I'm going to be 32 shortly so that would be 15 years. It's old but it still sounds great. I start then engine and it still roars. Since bringing it to Edmonton, I have replaced the exhaust pipes. I'm having a little trouble with the fit, so I might have to exchange them. Then it's off to the inspection shop.
Now a flash back. I bought my second vehicle in the spring of 1992. Only 7 year younger than I was, I fell in love with a '81 Yamaha XV750 Motorbike. It's street name...one of the first Virago's on the market. It had a red tank and chrome fenders and even though it didn't run 100% top shape, I found what would be my first interest in mechanics. My dad and I repainted the tank blue, found new decals for the side, and with a little work, got that bike purring like a kitten...a lion sized kitten. It felt great, riding free with that bike.But, as sad love stories go, I was riding one evening in 1998 and fell victim to yet another new driver with no eyes out for a bike. I was side-swiped at about 50 km/hr...or so the cops told me after they loaded me into an ambulance. I suffered only a cracked ankle and some road rash, but my Virago suffered more. My knee had dented in the tank, the electronics were a nest and some of the engine was ripped in two...along with my heart when I saw it again. Insurance gave me $500 for the damage...calling it a write off. I used that money to buy an old secondhand '82 Virago which was not taken care of by it's owner.
I lived in another province now but had no place to keep these two bikes, so my dad held on to them for me. Each visit, I would spend a few hours out in the garage with my dad. We took the engines off both bikes and tore them apart...bit by bit. We would examine the parts to determine which one would best work and slowly between the two of us put an engine together again. We chose the best of two frames, and put the newly frankenstiened engine into it's position there. The chrome fenders went next, followed by a very long and draining process of testing the wiring for shorts.
Because of the distance and my decision to go back to school, the Virago took a back burner. My youngest brother took interest in the bike and when my father grew ill...he started to work on that bike. Now it's been nearly a year since my father passed away to be with the Lord and I have the bike here in Edmonton with me. It runs, but still has a few final challenges to overcome.
My brother decided to buy himself a brand new bike. He got a Yamaha V-Max. When I was younger, I always dreamed of owning one and now...the next time I go to Dawson Creek, my brother can rub my nose in the fact that he got one first. He asks me why I keep this old Virago when I could just sell it and buy a new bike. I ask the same question sometimes... I guess it's the history we have. I've had that bike since I was 17. I'm going to be 32 shortly so that would be 15 years. It's old but it still sounds great. I start then engine and it still roars. Since bringing it to Edmonton, I have replaced the exhaust pipes. I'm having a little trouble with the fit, so I might have to exchange them. Then it's off to the inspection shop.
I look forward to riding again. It will be one of the first times I ever ride in the big city. I've taken a few spins since it came up here and already I felt the adrenaline rush that I've missed all these years. Other than a few rides here and there, I haven't really riden in almost 6 years. I've gotten married since that accident and my wife has been supportive. Not all women like motorbikes. My wife was one of them. She still is scared, but she has seen me when I ride...and I think she understands.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Querkie Quotes
Lately I've been looking for interesting quotes. A few months ago someone at work had their note on our interoffice messenger set to a really funny quote, so I decided to try and find a few funny ones to put on mine. I have been changing them each week...just to keep my fellow coworkers amused. Here are a few of the ones I found.
Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love. How on earth can you explain in terms of chemistry and physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love? Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it seems like a minute. That's relativity
It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.
One day, we'll look back at this moment, and crash into a tree.
-You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.
-What mood is that?
-Last-minute panic.
Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love. How on earth can you explain in terms of chemistry and physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love? Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it seems like a minute. That's relativity
Albert Einstein
It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.
Albert Einstein
One day, we'll look back at this moment, and crash into a tree.
speaker unknown
-You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.
-What mood is that?
-Last-minute panic.
Calvin & Hobbes
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Talking Photo Booth
Before poloroid or digital cameras, the best way to goof around was in one of these booths. This one was set up by Jay Leno, so you know there's something fishy going on.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The New Addition
My wife and I recently decided to make an addition to our humble home. We wanted to hear the distinct sound of another pair of pattering feet in our abode, so we took on Yog. He moved into our basement for a few months before he gets married to his newly accepted fiancé. After a day of moving and a night of intense organizing, he has turned our boring basement into a bachelors pad fit for a Yog.
It’s only been a few days since he graced us with his presence, but so far there haven’t been any major disagreements or personality conflicts. This might have to do with the over 2 decades of friendship we shared. Throughout the past 20 odd years, Yogger and I have been through many, many things together. One might think it unusual that it took till now to actually try living together. In fact, we always knew there were certain things about each other that might cause friction…so we never wanted to risk our friendship before. Maturity can bring about many things and cooperation is one of them. We both acknowledge that which might bother us and we coordinated a plan to deal with these issues.
I’m reminded of an old program I used to watch a very long time ago. Some might only remember it by the movie that was made recently with the same name and premise, but it used to be an old sitcom. The name was “The Odd Couple.” It is about two very different men who come to share an apartment together. I can’t remember if they knew each other before they moved in, or if they just came to meet by chance. Yog and I are very much like those two men. One of us is organized, the other disorganized. One of us is spontaneous, the other plans even his visits to the porcelain throne. God made us very different, just like He made my wife and I very different.
I know from the nearly 2 years I’ve been married that the differences between my wife and I can compliment each other if we know how to do it. Not to say there are never screeching halts in our agreement, but we have learned to work through them with communication. This will be the same with Yog and me. Perhaps this might even be a learning experience for what comes ahead for him once he gets married. Only God will tell.
It’s only been a few days since he graced us with his presence, but so far there haven’t been any major disagreements or personality conflicts. This might have to do with the over 2 decades of friendship we shared. Throughout the past 20 odd years, Yogger and I have been through many, many things together. One might think it unusual that it took till now to actually try living together. In fact, we always knew there were certain things about each other that might cause friction…so we never wanted to risk our friendship before. Maturity can bring about many things and cooperation is one of them. We both acknowledge that which might bother us and we coordinated a plan to deal with these issues.
I’m reminded of an old program I used to watch a very long time ago. Some might only remember it by the movie that was made recently with the same name and premise, but it used to be an old sitcom. The name was “The Odd Couple.” It is about two very different men who come to share an apartment together. I can’t remember if they knew each other before they moved in, or if they just came to meet by chance. Yog and I are very much like those two men. One of us is organized, the other disorganized. One of us is spontaneous, the other plans even his visits to the porcelain throne. God made us very different, just like He made my wife and I very different.I know from the nearly 2 years I’ve been married that the differences between my wife and I can compliment each other if we know how to do it. Not to say there are never screeching halts in our agreement, but we have learned to work through them with communication. This will be the same with Yog and me. Perhaps this might even be a learning experience for what comes ahead for him once he gets married. Only God will tell.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Happy New Year!!!
Welcome to 2007, everyone. What a year I've had. Too much happened to even begin to share...actually, I have shared some of it already. That's why I blogged, right? I thought about making a New Year's resolution to blog more this year than last, but resolutions seem to be made just to be broken, so I will not resolve to do it but just try to do it.
I had a great time this New Years. I went to Vermilion to spend new years with Kyle and his new fiancé, Megan. I got to meet Megan's family and I even got the priviledge of meeting one of the fellow blogger's out there...Steph in the City. I guess this means that there is life after the Gnome!
Well, everyone...have a great year and God Bless you all!!!
I had a great time this New Years. I went to Vermilion to spend new years with Kyle and his new fiancé, Megan. I got to meet Megan's family and I even got the priviledge of meeting one of the fellow blogger's out there...Steph in the City. I guess this means that there is life after the Gnome!
Well, everyone...have a great year and God Bless you all!!!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Original Spiderman trailer with WTC towers
I found the original trailer for the first movie. This trailer was released only a few months before the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Centres. It was debated whether they should keep this scene in the movie now that NYC no longer has these world reknown towers or if it would cause too much controversy. Their final decision was to remove it even as a trailer. Thanks to the world of internet, however, the towers and the trailer will always be remembered.
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