Well all, you may have been wondering why I haven't posted much lately, and it's because a new page has been turned in my life, and a new chapter has begun.
It's all very exciting, and I find my interest in ranting and raving and just blogging in general has fallen as I am so focused on my new goals and dreams.
So to that end, I won't kill my blog, but instead will just say adieu to it, temporarily, while I focus on my fantastic journey.
You can, as always, contact me through this blog, as everything attached to it is still valid, and who knows? I may stop back in every once in a while to share some fantastic-ness with all of you lovely people.
Catch you all on the flip-side, mi amigos! See ya later...
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Selling shit online sucks
Those of you who have never tried to sell anything online have no idea what you're missing out on.
No, seriously.
NO idea.
Especially when that something is something large, worth a lot of money, and somewhat essential to your day to day operations as you cruise through that potential myth you call 'reality' (I could do a sideline on quantum physics here, but I'll leave it to another fine day).
Recently, I undertook the endeavour of trying to sell my car online. The ole girl... well, not so old, but anyways... it was time for her to find a new home for a number of reasons, the first being that I wanted an SUV to haul around my 10,583 dogs (I exaggerate a bit here), and the second reason being I really, really, really really really, REALLY wanted to pay of my fucking Visa card.
Curse you Visa with all your deceiving offers of 'pay later' and 'we'll give you travel rewards'. Fuckers.
Anyways...
Hey! Dirty Laundry by Don Henley on the radio, I LOVE this tune!!! "I make my living on the evening news, gotta give me something, something I can use... people love it when you lose..."
AHEM! Sorry!
Anyways...
So, being the enterprising individual that I am (not sure what that has to do with selling my car, but whatev), I got the ole girl detailed (complete rip off, don't bother, do it yourself), took some snazzy pictures, and proceeded to post her on Kijiji.ca and AutoTrader.ca. Now allow me to share a few quick lessons here:
1. Anything on AutoTrader.ca will do nothing for your vehicle except generate a number of scam e-mails. Now don't quote me on this, but anyone looking to deal through 'agents' or wanting your PayPal account information is likely a scammer. Just sayin'.
2. If you can put up with the scam e-mails, anything on AutoTrader.ca will make the value of your car look fabulous if you ever go to a used car dealer seeking a trade-in. Especially if your AutoTrader.ca ad was overpriced to begin with, you never bothered to amend the price because you got tired of all the fucking scam e-mails, and the used car sales guy is too stupid to realize that the car in the picture is the exact same car that he just evaluated and is currently parked outside the showroom door.
3. Anything on Kijiji.ca will quickly be bumped to like page bazillion. Because there is like a quadrillion car ads posted on there everyday.
So... job one was the car was posted online. Now we move on to the actual 'interest' and buying process.
As aforementioned, there will always be scam e-mails. Those were associated with the ad on AutoTrader.ca. I also got a bazillion offers of trades via my Kijiji.ca ad. Make sure if you are not in the least interested in trades you put that in your ad. Of the legit enquiries I got about my car, probably like 2 out of 3 were just 'tire kickers'. These are people that have no intention what-so-fucking-ever of buying your car, but feel like being douches and just wasting your time. At least I think they're just douches, maybe they're jerks or jamheads instead, I'm just guessing here.
You will, however, if you're lucky get a few genuinely 'interested' individuals. Here's a summary of my 'interested' individuals:
1. Individual One lowballed me off the start, but in the interest of selling my car I negotiated back and forth a bit. In the end I decided to accept his offer, upon which he asked for a CarProof report. Now, the CarProof on my car is the most boring document in the history of mankind. My car is spotless. I pay $50 for the CarProof, send it to the guy, and never hear from him again. Thanks for wasting my time (and $50) douche. Maybe he works for CarProof? That sneaky rat bastard...
2. Individual Two was a high school kid, who was looking to buy a car with some assistance from his parents. Now by this time I had lowered the price of my car to what was basically it's published black-book value. What the kid neglected to tell me was that his budget was $4,500 below what I wanted for the car. And he continued to neglect this little fact even after I drove the car into town to HIS house, and let them take it for a test drive. Despite being lowballed yet again (when he eventually admitted what his budget was), once I decided to accept what was his budget-offer I never heard from him again. Thanks for the courtesy phone call saying "no, thank you". Jerk.
3. Individual Three sent me an e-mail asking if it was still available and if I'd take "x dollars", and after I replied with a "yes" and my phone number, I never heard from them again. Once again, thanks for wasting my time and my "pay per GB" broadband usage.
4. Individual Four... well, let's just say the anecdotes don't get any better.
All in all, this was a very, very, VERY (did I mention very?) stressful experience. I spent approximately two to three months of time negotiating with people, becoming elated when I thought it had sold and it was all over, only to be crushed when the douche's just became more tire kickers. I would not wish this experience on anyone.
In the end, my car just got traded straight across on another vehicle, and all I've accomplished is the ability to haul my dogs around. Plus I miss my car.
Now the fun begins anew with my 'new' vehicle as I am still determined to get rid of that Visa payment.
Curse you Visa!!!
No, seriously.
NO idea.
Especially when that something is something large, worth a lot of money, and somewhat essential to your day to day operations as you cruise through that potential myth you call 'reality' (I could do a sideline on quantum physics here, but I'll leave it to another fine day).
Recently, I undertook the endeavour of trying to sell my car online. The ole girl... well, not so old, but anyways... it was time for her to find a new home for a number of reasons, the first being that I wanted an SUV to haul around my 10,583 dogs (I exaggerate a bit here), and the second reason being I really, really, really really really, REALLY wanted to pay of my fucking Visa card.
Curse you Visa with all your deceiving offers of 'pay later' and 'we'll give you travel rewards'. Fuckers.
Anyways...
Hey! Dirty Laundry by Don Henley on the radio, I LOVE this tune!!! "I make my living on the evening news, gotta give me something, something I can use... people love it when you lose..."
AHEM! Sorry!
Anyways...
So, being the enterprising individual that I am (not sure what that has to do with selling my car, but whatev), I got the ole girl detailed (complete rip off, don't bother, do it yourself), took some snazzy pictures, and proceeded to post her on Kijiji.ca and AutoTrader.ca. Now allow me to share a few quick lessons here:
1. Anything on AutoTrader.ca will do nothing for your vehicle except generate a number of scam e-mails. Now don't quote me on this, but anyone looking to deal through 'agents' or wanting your PayPal account information is likely a scammer. Just sayin'.
2. If you can put up with the scam e-mails, anything on AutoTrader.ca will make the value of your car look fabulous if you ever go to a used car dealer seeking a trade-in. Especially if your AutoTrader.ca ad was overpriced to begin with, you never bothered to amend the price because you got tired of all the fucking scam e-mails, and the used car sales guy is too stupid to realize that the car in the picture is the exact same car that he just evaluated and is currently parked outside the showroom door.
3. Anything on Kijiji.ca will quickly be bumped to like page bazillion. Because there is like a quadrillion car ads posted on there everyday.
So... job one was the car was posted online. Now we move on to the actual 'interest' and buying process.
As aforementioned, there will always be scam e-mails. Those were associated with the ad on AutoTrader.ca. I also got a bazillion offers of trades via my Kijiji.ca ad. Make sure if you are not in the least interested in trades you put that in your ad. Of the legit enquiries I got about my car, probably like 2 out of 3 were just 'tire kickers'. These are people that have no intention what-so-fucking-ever of buying your car, but feel like being douches and just wasting your time. At least I think they're just douches, maybe they're jerks or jamheads instead, I'm just guessing here.
You will, however, if you're lucky get a few genuinely 'interested' individuals. Here's a summary of my 'interested' individuals:
1. Individual One lowballed me off the start, but in the interest of selling my car I negotiated back and forth a bit. In the end I decided to accept his offer, upon which he asked for a CarProof report. Now, the CarProof on my car is the most boring document in the history of mankind. My car is spotless. I pay $50 for the CarProof, send it to the guy, and never hear from him again. Thanks for wasting my time (and $50) douche. Maybe he works for CarProof? That sneaky rat bastard...
2. Individual Two was a high school kid, who was looking to buy a car with some assistance from his parents. Now by this time I had lowered the price of my car to what was basically it's published black-book value. What the kid neglected to tell me was that his budget was $4,500 below what I wanted for the car. And he continued to neglect this little fact even after I drove the car into town to HIS house, and let them take it for a test drive. Despite being lowballed yet again (when he eventually admitted what his budget was), once I decided to accept what was his budget-offer I never heard from him again. Thanks for the courtesy phone call saying "no, thank you". Jerk.
3. Individual Three sent me an e-mail asking if it was still available and if I'd take "x dollars", and after I replied with a "yes" and my phone number, I never heard from them again. Once again, thanks for wasting my time and my "pay per GB" broadband usage.
4. Individual Four... well, let's just say the anecdotes don't get any better.
All in all, this was a very, very, VERY (did I mention very?) stressful experience. I spent approximately two to three months of time negotiating with people, becoming elated when I thought it had sold and it was all over, only to be crushed when the douche's just became more tire kickers. I would not wish this experience on anyone.
In the end, my car just got traded straight across on another vehicle, and all I've accomplished is the ability to haul my dogs around. Plus I miss my car.
Now the fun begins anew with my 'new' vehicle as I am still determined to get rid of that Visa payment.
Curse you Visa!!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Christmas Wish List
Christmas is inevitably a time of some contemplation around here, as Husband and I start nagging each other about what we want. This year, however, I thought I might make it easier on him by dropping some hints. Now, to add a little backstory, I've recently been watching the entire Stargate SG-1 series (gettin' my geek on, yee-ah!) from start to finish on DVD, and many great ideas have occurred to me while watching the show of what I'd like for Christmas.
So, I present to you my Christmas wishlist! Along with my husband's not-always-encouraging responses.
So, I present to you my Christmas wishlist! Along with my husband's not-always-encouraging responses.
 |
| Seriously. Coolest gift idea EVAR! |
Me: Can I have a stargate for Christmas?
Husband: No. Me: Can I have a spaceship for Christmas?
Husband: No.
Me: Can I have a wormhole for Christmas?
Husband: A what?!
Me: You know, a wormhole. Transports you light-years across the galaxy instantaneously...
Husband: ...
Me: You know, a wormhole. Transports you light-years across the galaxy instantaneously...
Husband: ...
 |
| Al'kesh bomber - rear view. |
Me: Can I have a stargate for Christmas?
Husband: Still no.
Me: Okay, I definitely do NOT want a Goa'uld symbiote for Christmas.
Husband: Alright. I'll take it back then.
Me: Can I have an automatic weapon for Christmas?
Husband: YES!
 |
My prototype Al'kesh. Unfortunately, it lost structural integrity when I had my lunch. A lovely piece of tortierre. Back to the drawing board... |
Me: Can I have a Al'kesh bomber for Christmas?
Husband: I have no idea WTF that is. So no.
Me: Can I have some refined naquadah for Christmas?
Husband: What?!
Me: Can I have some C4 for Christmas?
Husband: Hell YES!
Me: ... Husband: Seriously. Can I bring home some C4?
Me: ...
Me: Can I have a SWAT team for Christmas?
Husband: You're married to one.
Me: Point.
Me: Can I have a hyperdrive for Christmas?
Husband: No.
Me: You know, I'd really like a stargate for Christmas...
Husband: No.
So, in conclusion, I think it far more likely that I'm getting a weaving book and warping board for Christmas, and not the stargate or spaceship that I really want.
But then again, there's always Santa...
Friday, December 2, 2011
A theory about license pictures
I have recently had an address change forced upon me by the benevolent Canada Post, despite my physical residence not changing.
Apparently, my old address was just not good enough.
Anyways, it requires a very good chunk of local population to take a lovely letter from Canada Post down to the local registry office, and get the address on your license changed sans charge. Being the efficient (occasionally), on-the-ball (I try, honestly), law-abiding (yeah... that one sticks... mostly) person that I am, I headed off to the registry the day the change went into effect to get this annoying task done.
While there, the clerk pointed out that my license was due to expire in the spring, and would I like to just simply take care of that then and there?
Well sure!
Unfortunately, license renewal meant a new picture for said license, which is a bit of a nightmare in itself.
Now, I'm not really a photogenic person. I used to be, but age, a desk job and just life in general has taken it's toll and pictures are no longer my friend. I've thought of running away and joining something like a Hutterite colony to avoid any pictures in the future, but really, I kind of like my life, and I really don't look good in a babushka or skirt either.
So, on the day in question I discovered that to make photos for passports and licenses even better, they've decided that you aren't allowed to wear your glasses. Plus they make you hold yourself in these ridiculous poses, you aren't allowed to smile, AND I had just been at the dentist getting a couple of fillings redone (perhaps a rant on that later).
To sum it up, my picture looks like a stoned Jabba the Hutt or something equally as horrifying.
Now, I liked my old license picture; I had just gotten a fantastic haircut and gone for a massage, and oh look! Conveniently the registry is right next to the massage therapist, I think I'll knock a task off my list and get my license renewed. It was FANTASTIC! I was not afraid to show this picture to ANYONE!
The current picture? Well, maybe it's another new government policy. They make you take such a shitty picture that there is no way in HELL you are getting pulled over and having to show that puppy to ANYONE. It's called a deterrent. Kind of like the death penalty used to be.
Next time I'll be sure to employ the massage/haircut method before I get my picture done. Which reminds me, my passport needs renewal... hmmmm...
In the meantime, I'll just obey the posted speed limit to avoid having to show this horrifying picture to anyone.
Jerks.
Apparently, my old address was just not good enough.
 |
| Insert shitty picture above. |
While there, the clerk pointed out that my license was due to expire in the spring, and would I like to just simply take care of that then and there?
Well sure!
Unfortunately, license renewal meant a new picture for said license, which is a bit of a nightmare in itself.
Now, I'm not really a photogenic person. I used to be, but age, a desk job and just life in general has taken it's toll and pictures are no longer my friend. I've thought of running away and joining something like a Hutterite colony to avoid any pictures in the future, but really, I kind of like my life, and I really don't look good in a babushka or skirt either.
So, on the day in question I discovered that to make photos for passports and licenses even better, they've decided that you aren't allowed to wear your glasses. Plus they make you hold yourself in these ridiculous poses, you aren't allowed to smile, AND I had just been at the dentist getting a couple of fillings redone (perhaps a rant on that later).
 |
| Mmmmm... cooooookie... |
Now, I liked my old license picture; I had just gotten a fantastic haircut and gone for a massage, and oh look! Conveniently the registry is right next to the massage therapist, I think I'll knock a task off my list and get my license renewed. It was FANTASTIC! I was not afraid to show this picture to ANYONE!
The current picture? Well, maybe it's another new government policy. They make you take such a shitty picture that there is no way in HELL you are getting pulled over and having to show that puppy to ANYONE. It's called a deterrent. Kind of like the death penalty used to be.
Next time I'll be sure to employ the massage/haircut method before I get my picture done. Which reminds me, my passport needs renewal... hmmmm...
In the meantime, I'll just obey the posted speed limit to avoid having to show this horrifying picture to anyone.
Jerks.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Big red buttons and telekinesis
At my work, there is a fascinating big red button. This button is magical, and will cause power to be cut to our computer server room, which allegedly will protect the servers in the event of a fire and subsequent triggering of the sprinkler system.
Legend has it that once the big red button is pushed, it literally takes hours to bring all the servers back online. Jokingly, we dare each other to push the big red button such that we can leave work, and go home early. Alas, it has a protective cover on it to prevent 'accidental' pressage.
Now, we do get our fair share of false fire alarms, and drills in this building, and all file out orderly-llike and head off to our muster point. The button is not pushed for these occasions.
Someday, in the future, there will likely be a need for the button to be pushed, but alas, we will not. Why? Because we have been conditioned not to. Once we get outside and realize there actually is a fire somewhere in the building, surely we will not be allowed back inside to push the button.
So really, this sad little button serves no purpose.
In the meantime, however, I am working on my telekinetic powers. There has to be a way to leave no evidence on the button cover. For it'd be fantastic if this shift would end right about... now.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Legend has it that once the big red button is pushed, it literally takes hours to bring all the servers back online. Jokingly, we dare each other to push the big red button such that we can leave work, and go home early. Alas, it has a protective cover on it to prevent 'accidental' pressage.
Now, we do get our fair share of false fire alarms, and drills in this building, and all file out orderly-llike and head off to our muster point. The button is not pushed for these occasions.
Someday, in the future, there will likely be a need for the button to be pushed, but alas, we will not. Why? Because we have been conditioned not to. Once we get outside and realize there actually is a fire somewhere in the building, surely we will not be allowed back inside to push the button.
So really, this sad little button serves no purpose.
In the meantime, however, I am working on my telekinetic powers. There has to be a way to leave no evidence on the button cover. For it'd be fantastic if this shift would end right about... now.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, September 26, 2011
Being grounded doesn't always suck
Well, there had to be one in here somewhere, it's time for the touchy-feely post.
Wait!!! Don't run away!!
It's not that touchy-feely. It's kind of an ode to my animals. When I say grounded, I don't mean as in you did something really bad, and now you're not allowed to watch TV, leave the house, or phone your friends. Or have to stay in your room. That never worked on me, my room was my little heaven, full of sci-fi books, puzzles, crafty bits...
Whoops... digression again...
Anyways. When I say grounded I mean as in firmly on terra firma, stuck in the 'here'. No... I didn't suck back a whole bunch of helium and start to float away and be saved by my animals either.
Seriously, people, where do you get these ideas?! As if a person could really legally purchase that much helium anyways. I mean it's illegal.
What's that you say? It's not? Hmmmm...
Ahem. Right...
Back to my animals. I have 6 dogs, 4 cows, and had a cat up until Christmas when she passed away (I still miss her so much). And they all are (and were), in a word, awesome.
Do you ever have those days when it just seems the Universe is out to get you? Every driver lacking any skillsets related to driving seem to find you on your commute? Crappy customer service? Bad news? Etc, etc?
Now come on. Don't lie. I know you have those days, every one does once in awhile!
I'm sure animals must look at us chasing our schedules, answering that nagging cell phone, and sitting in our media-infested bubbles and think we're all nuts. As in certifiable. Really, our world is only as complicated as we make it with our thoughts and actions.
Whenever I am having one of those days, my animals bring me back to reality. They remind me that all that shit doesn't really matter, what matters is smiling like you don't have a care in the world, wagging your tail (we all have one, you know), chewing your cud, and just laying in the sunshine soaking up some rays. Oh and naps. They remind me that naps are very important as well.
In trying to keep up with the here and now, however, I guess I'll leave my life a wee bit complicated in the meantime, because without my computer-media-bubble, I would have no blog! But I know my animals will make it all better at the end of the day despite the pictures not displaying properly or the internet being flaky.
And that, my friends, is why they are awesome!
 |
| Soaking up sunshine is important. |
Wait!!! Don't run away!!
It's not that touchy-feely. It's kind of an ode to my animals. When I say grounded, I don't mean as in you did something really bad, and now you're not allowed to watch TV, leave the house, or phone your friends. Or have to stay in your room. That never worked on me, my room was my little heaven, full of sci-fi books, puzzles, crafty bits...
Whoops... digression again...
Anyways. When I say grounded I mean as in firmly on terra firma, stuck in the 'here'. No... I didn't suck back a whole bunch of helium and start to float away and be saved by my animals either.
 |
| Naps are important. |
What's that you say? It's not? Hmmmm...
Ahem. Right...
Back to my animals. I have 6 dogs, 4 cows, and had a cat up until Christmas when she passed away (I still miss her so much). And they all are (and were), in a word, awesome.
Do you ever have those days when it just seems the Universe is out to get you? Every driver lacking any skillsets related to driving seem to find you on your commute? Crappy customer service? Bad news? Etc, etc?
Now come on. Don't lie. I know you have those days, every one does once in awhile!
I'm sure animals must look at us chasing our schedules, answering that nagging cell phone, and sitting in our media-infested bubbles and think we're all nuts. As in certifiable. Really, our world is only as complicated as we make it with our thoughts and actions.
 |
| Grinning is important. |
In trying to keep up with the here and now, however, I guess I'll leave my life a wee bit complicated in the meantime, because without my computer-media-bubble, I would have no blog! But I know my animals will make it all better at the end of the day despite the pictures not displaying properly or the internet being flaky.
And that, my friends, is why they are awesome!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sharing means caring
I've been meaning for awhile to toss out a a post sharing some neat-oh things I've discovered in both my travels here in the cyber world (is that the correct term?!) and the physical world. Well, today is that day! Partially because I'm trying to win a $50 gift card from Amazon via The Simple Dude, but mostly just because I like to share. If there's something being subjected to the Care Bears vis a vis my brothers taught me, it's sharing is caring. It also taught me that bears with rainbows, hearts and balloons on their bellies are just creepy.
Anyways... tossin' out a few faves!
Blog: Simple Dude in a Complex World
Happy Anniversary Simple Dude! I am a proud Simpleton.
Phew! Got that out of the way!
Seriously though, this is a great site if you're lookin' for a quick laugh or a unique take on the world. In Simple Dude's words, "I am a 30-something city dwelling professional living in Minnesota. Like most guys I like cars, sports and beer but I also like movies, TV, music, reading, writing and am a fan of pop culture. Oh, and I have a shitload of opinions on all those things. "
I'm 30-something, and get Minnesoootan's as a lot of us Canucks do. Cars? Check. Sports? Meh. Beer? Yuck. Movies, TV, music, reading, writing? Check. Opinions? Yup.
We got a lot in common, Simple Dude and I. Check out his one-year-old blog for a fix of funny.
Blog: Hyperbole and a Half
Yet even more funny to be found here, and some posts even feature dogs! YAY!
This blog features funny stories, hand-drawn (well, mouse-drawn) pictures, and DOGS! Did I mention there were posts about dogs?
A few notables:
Dogs don't understand basic concepts like moving
God of cake
Enjoy!
Website: I-Am-Bored
Where do you go when you're bored? Well, if you tell Google that you're bored, this is where it tells you to go! Full of games, interesting and odd news stories, videos, pictures... you name it, it's here. Be prepared to kill HOURS on this site, or be overloaded by the content. Either way, it's a cure for boredom!
Farmer's Market: Southwest Edmonton Farmer's Market
Seriously, for all you southwest Edmontonian's, this market is the shiz. You can go on and on about your City Market downtown on 104th, and the Strathcona Farmer's Market, but if you want your staples, and don't want to have to deal with the hassle of pay-for-parking or transit and crowds, check it out. Great veggies and fruit, both of the organic and non-variety, a few baked goods, a local farm operation for some protein, and the mini-donut-mobile. What more could one ask for?
In the same skein, I'd also like to toss out a suggestion to check out the Salisbury Farmer's Market in Sherwood Park, the Johnson Family Farm is there every week and feature farm fresh cottage cheese, cream, butter, buttermilk and assorted offerings like pork and chicken. No word of a lie, this stuff takes me back to my Ukrainian-Canadian roots childhood and is the real deal.
Music: Goldfrapp
Now I realize that not everyone has the same taste in music as me (we can't all be perfect, after all) but I figured I'd pimp these guys a bit because they're relatively unknown, but have some seriously great tunes. If you're into a rock/electronic kinda vibe, go preview a few songs on iTunes or your other online music service. I suggest Strict Machine and Train, both conveniently off their Black Cherry album. You may remember the songs from a couple of Nintendo commercials a few years back. You'll also likely recognize Ooh La La from the album Supernature from a recent Lincoln car commercial. It'll get your toes-tappin' and your legs-a-dancin'!
Movies: Super 8
Now I was going to write an entire post about this movie, but didn't get around to it so I'll toss in a quick review here. In short? I LOVED THIS MOVIE!! First off, let me say this movie was NOT at all what I expected, and Spielberg and Abrams didn't disappoint. I went in expecting another Independence Day'ish, kick-some-bad-alien-butt kind of movie, and I got...
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!....................
ET!! How awesome is that?! My only complaint is I wanted more development of the alien's story and character, but otherwise I left this movie feeling like a kid again. It restored my faith that Hollywood can make more than just another summer-blockbuster, chock-full-of-special-effects kind of movie. Now there are people reading this that are going yeah, whatever, chickie-poo. But seriously, this movie took me back to the 80's, when cinema (or at least the kind of cinema I enjoy) was still good, and had interesting characters, and wasn't all about the special effects.
But that's just my opinion. I encourage you to check it out for youself.
Book: The Story of Stuff
Last pimp, I promise. In fact, I won't even write a lot about this book, I'll just leave it at "It's a great read!". For more, check out my Martha-Stewart-personalities review of it on my other blog, located here.
Anyways... tossin' out a few faves!
Blog: Simple Dude in a Complex World
 |
| Happy Blog-O-Versary Simple Dude! |
Phew! Got that out of the way!
Seriously though, this is a great site if you're lookin' for a quick laugh or a unique take on the world. In Simple Dude's words, "I am a 30-something city dwelling professional living in Minnesota. Like most guys I like cars, sports and beer but I also like movies, TV, music, reading, writing and am a fan of pop culture. Oh, and I have a shitload of opinions on all those things. "
I'm 30-something, and get Minnesoootan's as a lot of us Canucks do. Cars? Check. Sports? Meh. Beer? Yuck. Movies, TV, music, reading, writing? Check. Opinions? Yup.
We got a lot in common, Simple Dude and I. Check out his one-year-old blog for a fix of funny.
Blog: Hyperbole and a Half
Yet even more funny to be found here, and some posts even feature dogs! YAY!
This blog features funny stories, hand-drawn (well, mouse-drawn) pictures, and DOGS! Did I mention there were posts about dogs?
A few notables:
Dogs don't understand basic concepts like moving
God of cake
Enjoy!
Website: I-Am-Bored
Where do you go when you're bored? Well, if you tell Google that you're bored, this is where it tells you to go! Full of games, interesting and odd news stories, videos, pictures... you name it, it's here. Be prepared to kill HOURS on this site, or be overloaded by the content. Either way, it's a cure for boredom!
Farmer's Market: Southwest Edmonton Farmer's Market
Seriously, for all you southwest Edmontonian's, this market is the shiz. You can go on and on about your City Market downtown on 104th, and the Strathcona Farmer's Market, but if you want your staples, and don't want to have to deal with the hassle of pay-for-parking or transit and crowds, check it out. Great veggies and fruit, both of the organic and non-variety, a few baked goods, a local farm operation for some protein, and the mini-donut-mobile. What more could one ask for?
In the same skein, I'd also like to toss out a suggestion to check out the Salisbury Farmer's Market in Sherwood Park, the Johnson Family Farm is there every week and feature farm fresh cottage cheese, cream, butter, buttermilk and assorted offerings like pork and chicken. No word of a lie, this stuff takes me back to my Ukrainian-Canadian roots childhood and is the real deal.
Music: Goldfrapp
Now I realize that not everyone has the same taste in music as me (we can't all be perfect, after all) but I figured I'd pimp these guys a bit because they're relatively unknown, but have some seriously great tunes. If you're into a rock/electronic kinda vibe, go preview a few songs on iTunes or your other online music service. I suggest Strict Machine and Train, both conveniently off their Black Cherry album. You may remember the songs from a couple of Nintendo commercials a few years back. You'll also likely recognize Ooh La La from the album Supernature from a recent Lincoln car commercial. It'll get your toes-tappin' and your legs-a-dancin'!
Movies: Super 8
Now I was going to write an entire post about this movie, but didn't get around to it so I'll toss in a quick review here. In short? I LOVED THIS MOVIE!! First off, let me say this movie was NOT at all what I expected, and Spielberg and Abrams didn't disappoint. I went in expecting another Independence Day'ish, kick-some-bad-alien-butt kind of movie, and I got...
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!....................
ET!! How awesome is that?! My only complaint is I wanted more development of the alien's story and character, but otherwise I left this movie feeling like a kid again. It restored my faith that Hollywood can make more than just another summer-blockbuster, chock-full-of-special-effects kind of movie. Now there are people reading this that are going yeah, whatever, chickie-poo. But seriously, this movie took me back to the 80's, when cinema (or at least the kind of cinema I enjoy) was still good, and had interesting characters, and wasn't all about the special effects.
But that's just my opinion. I encourage you to check it out for youself.
Book: The Story of Stuff
Last pimp, I promise. In fact, I won't even write a lot about this book, I'll just leave it at "It's a great read!". For more, check out my Martha-Stewart-personalities review of it on my other blog, located here.
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