May your glass be ever full,
May the roof over your head be always strong,
And may you be in heaven half an hour
before the devil knows you're dead.
- Irish Blessing
8:23 pm   NST/NDT

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 2009.12.28 
Finished off the very last of The Dark Tower - The Dark Tower VII at 12:00pm today, by reading:
• Robert Browning, "Childe Roland To The Dark Tower Came"
• "Author's note".
 2009.12.27 
align="left" class="marbr" title="The Dark Tower - The Dark Tower VII - Stephen King" />
Finished "The Dark Tower - The Dark Tower VII" by Stephen King, just after 4am (except for the poem and author's note.) This is exactly 3 months to the day after finishing Book VI. The only thing I can say I regret (that is not the right word I'm looking for but the only one I can put here now) about this series is the fact I should have, but didn't listen to King's last part of the book… I should have stopped where he suggested, but didn't.

Again, ‘regret’ is the wrong word here. I enjoyed all seven volumes with all the ups and downs of each. But even before I continued on and finished the last few pages, I had already had expected a nearly identical finsh to what Stephen King had wrote, with one minor difference. And to me, that difference in his ending and what was in my mind for the ending, was what made it easier to try and ‘close the book’ as it were on this immense story.

I am glad it is done, but also saddened – as per usual with me and stories I get attached to.
 2009.12.25 
Here's wishing you all a  Merry Christmas , to you and yours!

 2009.12.02 
Ventrilo server status is back up on the webpage after pondering for a little while.
 2009.12.02 
Ventrilo server is back up. Just have to fix the status for it on the webpage.
 2009.11.28 
Fixed the bloody 'Weather Network' button. I think their webmaster is fucked in the head. That's because – the reason why it wasn't working for a few days is that (s)he changed part of the link for the button from ‘http:…/weather_button/…’ to ‘http:…/weather_buttons/…’. ??? Why?

 2009.11.27 
Server was down for about a half hour for a RAM upgrade. End users should see a better response time.
 2009.11.21 
Happy Birthday to A Train! Have a great time at dinner with your family!
 2009.11.18 
Happy Birthday to Baz! Wish we could celebrate with ya!
 2009.11.13 
Went and saw The Celtic Fiddlers at their new CD release party, entitled "Salt of the Earth".

The audio guy should've been shot though. He did a horrible job. He also assed up the video tribute to their former member that passed.
 2009.11.12 
Holy crap.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
2009.11.12 - Boston vs. Florida
 2009.11.11 
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

~ Laurence Binyon (1869-1943) - Excerpt from his 1914 poem, fourth stanza, "For The Fallen"
 2009.11.05 
Happy Birthday Grizz! Hope you had a great one!

Thought you might like the pic. LOL
 2009.11.01 
Well.
The wind we had today decided to rip off our siding by the top floor back window. Fantastic. Nevermind that it also damaged the fascia and now the fence in the backyard on the side, besides what was already damaged a little while ago, is ready to collapse. The wind even cracked the cement the posts are set in.
 2009.10.31 
Happy Halloween! ArooooOOOOoo!
 2009.10.30 
The fence sections that blew down in the backyard around 2 weeks ago, are temporarily back up. Thanks ToneDoc! Now, to fix it permanently… soon!
 2009.10.22 
• Finished Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
 2009.10.15 
We had some strong wind here (120km -140kmh) and a couple of sections of the fence blew down. More stuff to fix!

 2009.10.12 
Grizz and Nee return home.
 2009.10.08 
Grizz and Nee come to town.
 2009.10.05 
Went to see Pandorum with Squeege and another friend Jason.

I don't quite know what to say about this. It's pretty much your typical space movie, with psychotic episodes thrown in (which I'm sure has been done before somewhere).

There were sets in the movie that reminded me of the movie ‘Alien’, and I guess that's the mood they were going for, but for some reason, the script didn't draw me into the story.

I didn't really care about the characters, the ship, or the conclusion — so I'll have to say it was "meh.".

 2009.10.02 
After much insanity and retardation, it seems the webserver is back up and 99% functional. All I have left to do is get Vent back up and running. The Wolfman's Lair is back!

 2009.10.01 
Hockey Season Starts!!!
 2009.09.28 
Went to see 9 with Squeege.

Different. It was better than I thought it was going to be.

 2009.09.27 
Finished "Song of Susannah - The Dark Tower VI" by Stephen King.
 2009.09.04 
Went to see Inglourious Basterds with Greenfrog, Squeege, and ATrain.

Wow. LOL. Great movie. Don't go see it if you're squeamish. hehehe

 2009.09.24 
Server taken down in the early hours for upgrades and system overhaul.
 2009.08.21 
Went to see District 9 with Squeege.

I liked it. An interesting perspective on the "what if's" surrounding the probabilities of human-alien coexistance.

 2009.08.13 
Finished "Wolves of the Calla - The Dark Tower V" by Stephen King.

I actually finished it after midnight, so… Friday morning (14th). Close enough. Great book though! Can't wait to finish the other two.
Les Paul, Guitar Innovator, Dies at 94
Original article link here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/14/arts/music/14paul.html?_r=1&em ©2009 NY Times
By JON PARELES
Published: August 13, 2009

Les Paul, the virtuoso guitarist and inventor whose solid-body electric guitar and recording studio innovations changed the course of 20th-century popular music, died Thursday caused by complications with pneumonia in White Plains, N.Y. . He was 94.

Mr. Paul's style encompassed the twang of country music, the harmonic richness of jazz and, later, the bite of rock 'n' roll. For all his technological impact, though, he remained a down-home performer whose main goal, he often said, was to make people happy.

"When you're my age and you know that the end is in sight, how do you handle it? You live for the moment. The past is gone and the future isn't here yet and you ain't gonna change it no matter what you think, and so the most obvious thing to do is right now."
– Les Paul, from "The Last Word: Les Paul"

 2009.08.12 
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) reversed in mice, possible treatment within 2 years
Original article link here:
http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090812/mtl_090812/20090812?hub=MontrealHome
By ctvmontreal.ca
Updated: Wed Aug. 12 2009 9:04:52 PM

Researchers at the Jewish General Hospital say they've successfully reversed multiple sclerosis in mice, fuelling hope that there could soon be treatment available to humans.

An experimental treatment that suppresses the immune system has put multiple sclerosis into remission and completely reversed the disease in the rodents, said scientists at the JGH, who made the discovery by fluke while working on cancer treatments.

Doctor Jacques Galipeau and his team believe the treatment, called GIFT15, could be brought to human patients within two years.

The average age of multiple sclerosis diagnosis is 37 years old, and it occurs more frequently in women than men.

 2009.08.10 
Went to see G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra with Squeege, Jason and his wife Rozz (sp?).

It was better than I thought it was going to be. I didn't have very high hopes for any more of my childhood memories being turned into movies since 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'.

The only thing I wish they had of left out was the 'Accelerator Suits'. You could really tell it was all CGI in certain sections. But that's somewhat of a minor detail in it all. It could have been worse, Marlon Wayans could have fucked up the whole movie with his typical shitty, goofy stupidity – he did do some of it, but even that was kept to a minimum - and am I ever glad of that.

Speaking of the acting, it wasn't Oscar winning but the camera angles and segues between scenes were pretty good – one of which was particularly cool was the aircraft/sub fade. If you see it you'll know what I'm talking about.

All in all it wasn't too bad, like I already said. It seemed to capture some of the essentials of what I remember from the comics and cartoons (except for all the killing - LOL). Lots of stabbiness! Makes me want to break out all my old comics from their sealed bags and read them again. (I probably will.)

Got the G.I.Joe combo too - the collectable popcorn tub and the collectable glass.

 2009.08.09 
Went to the 33rd Annual Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival. Had a good time. Got to see the performances of Jenny Gear, Erin Best, Allison Walsh and Sandy Morris, The Dardanelles, Sean Keane and Pat Coyne, Masterless Men, and Rawlin's Cross.

Many thanks to my lifelong friend Squeege and his friends at the festival for finding me a chair to save me from my broken self. Thanks dude!

PS: The festival SOLD OUT this year!

 2009.07.21 
Finished "Preacher - All Hell's A-Coming" and "Preacher - Alamo".

Burned through both of these today. I just wish there was more… Gonna miss readin’ it.

 2009.07.20 
Finished "Preacher - Salvation".

This one might turn you into a vegetarian.

 2009.07.18 
Finished "Preacher - War In The Sun".

"Kaboom."
 2009.07.10 
Finished "Preacher - Dixie Fried".

Again, many thanks to ATrain. Love the cover on this one. Just one question… anyone know what song ‘Arseface’ is singing on page 154? I'm thinkin it's ‘Oasis - Wonder Wall’. Opinions?

 2009.07.09 
Finished "Preacher - Ancient History".

Got a loan of this off of ATrain. Good book. I liked this one a lot.

Just one thing though… Did anyone else notice this?
…hehehe ‘proof’ that angels cheat…
 2009.07.01 

Happy Canada Day everyone!!! Cheers!
 2009.06.30 
Notable Deaths in the past week…

Ed McMahon
Johnny Carson's sidekick, 2009/06/23 - 86 years old
Farrah Fawcett
1976 TV series Charlie's Angels, 2009/06/25 - 62 years old
Michael Jackson
king of pop, 2009/06/25 - 50 years old
 2009.06.24 
Went to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. I don't know what to say.

I feel betrayed and angry that I spent money to go see this. From the all the racial stereotypes portrayed in it, to the fact it was a 2 and a half hour car commercial and an american military promotional video, I can't believe this was as bad as it was. I went into the movie without high expectations to begin with, and found it so much lower below the bar than what I had expected. Fight, then drive, then fight, then drive. There you go. That was the movie. Went with Squeege. (and he wasn't impressed with it either.)
 2009.06.24 
Went to see Year One. It was good for a few laughs. Went with Greenfrog, ATrain and his girl - insert alias here ;).
 2009.06.22 
Modified some minor code on the menu to let it display more of the Vent status.
 2009.06.19 
Went to the Easter Seals ⁄ Harbour Haunt Special Anniversary screening of Jaws. Awesome. I'm so glad I decided to go. It also was the original film, not the dvd version, so to me, there's something special about that. Went with ATrain and his girl - insert alias here ;).
 2009.06.05 

Saturday, June 6th, 2009, marks the 65th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Allied troops departed England on planes and ships, made the trip across the English Channel and attacked the beaches of Normandy in an attempt to break through Hitler's "Atlantic Wall" and break his grip on Europe. Some 215,000 Allied soldiers, and roughly as many Germans, were killed or wounded during D-Day and the ensuing nearly three months it took to secure the Allied capture of Normandy.

Images that tell tales of the war...

 2009.06.03 
David Carradine - December 8, 1936 - June 3, 2009

Born John Arthur Carradine, he was an American actor best known for his work in the 1970s television series Kung Fu and more recently in the Kill Bill films. He appeared in more than 100 feature films and was nominated four times for a Golden Globe Award.

David departed this life June 3, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand while on location for a film. He will be sorely missed by family and friends the world over. (IMDB bio)
"...If you cannot be a poet, be the poem."

Tim Horton's Camp Day 2009
What's the deal with this kid? Click the pic and judge for yourself.

[Edit: Just noted the little shit's got my number. Bastard!]

 2009.05.29 
Got my ram yesterday, and installed it today. 6GB total now. Whoo! Now all I have to do is install a new OS. Boo Mi¢r0$oft! Until I do, it's only 3GB.
 2009.05.27 
Man, I'm seeing a lot of movies lately. Holy crap. Went to see Angels & Demons. Pretty similar to the first movie, The Da Vinci Code (2006). It was an okay movie, a little predictable in places, and highlights the stubbornness of religion. If you don't mind that, you might like it. I think the book might be better though. Usually is. Went with Frog and Squeege.
 2009.05.24 
Went to see Terminator Salvation.

I thought it was an alright movie, wasn't super spectacular, wasn't absolutely horrible. Definitely better than Terminator 3. I'm a little biased on the genre though. Went with Squeege and his bro.
 2009.05.13 
Went to see Star Trek (2009, Digital).

Again, not bad. It was better than I had expected. Although, I suspect hardcore trekkies will be pissed off with the plot. Went with Frog and Squeege.
 2009.05.04 
Went to see X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Not bad. Went with Frog, Grizz and Perch.
 2009.04.19 
Finished "Preacher - Proud Americans".

Hehe. Gotta love Cassidy.

...Jaysis. ;)
 2009.04.18 
Finished "Preacher - Until The End Of The World".

Again, kick ass.
 2009.04.16 
Finished "Preacher - Gone to Texas".

Kick ass. Thanks Grizz.
 2009.04.12 
Happy Easter everybody!
 2009.03.28 
The server was down for one hour today at 8:30pm again, as a gesture to raise awareness of Earth Hour. Sorry if you guys couldn't get on the website, but hey – it's only for an hour :).
 2009.03.25 
Trip to the Gran Ventana
 2009.03.17 
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
 2009.03.15 *****
Guess who's birthday it is today?
MINE! :)
 2009.03.09 
Went to see Watchmen last night with Squeege.

Seemed like a good movie to me, although I would have liked to read the graphic novel first. I probably would have had an easier time figuring out the characters' connections and complexities.

All in all I thought it was an entertaining movie, but I don't know how well it transferred over from the graphic novel. I'm sure someone will let me know before I read it myself.

 2009.03.03 
class="marbr">
Credits Vol.62 No.17
Copyright © thn.com 2009
I've been trying to get around to doing this since its release, Feb. 06, 2009. Gotta say, it's an interesting feeling seeing one of your buddies in the credits of a well known magazine. It's gotta be a great feeling being part of something like this.

Congrats!
 2009.02.26 
Louis Joseph Chiaramonte - February 26, 2009 - Aged 74

>
Image Copyright © CBC 2005
One of my best friend's dad passed away this morning after a long battle with his illnesses.

Needless to say I didn't think I'd be writing this so soon, as it was only on the 6th of this month that myself, Squeege and his dad went to see the movie, "Taken". It was also only last week that I was talking to Squeege, and said he had to pick him up that night, because he was out late with his poker buddies.

>
Image Copyright © MUN 2009

I was invited to go visit him the day before yesterday, and I was told his condition was changing, but I didn't get to see him that one last time. I thought I had until the weekend as myself and Greenfrog had planned, but I guess none of us know how much time we have.


Mr. C., rest in peace, you will be missed.


A little info on Mr. Chiaramonte can be found here: http://www.mun.ca/anthro/faculty_staff/chiaramonte.php
 2009.02.14 
Happy Valentine's Day!
 2009.01.30 
Returned home tonight, thanks to Nee and her friends. Much better trip than on the bus. Seemed a lot shorter, even though it took approximately the same amount of time. Again, many thanks.

Yay for crappy hardware. I installed a different router a few days ago (see 2009-01-12) and now I just get home and find that it's dead. Gotta pick up another one... Ugh.
 2009.01.21 
Getting prepared for tomorrow morning to get on the bus and go see Grizz and Nee. Not looking forward to the bus ride, but what can ya do? Gonna miss my baby, Greenfrog, and my boy Harley. And it'll be a vacation from the other one... lol
 2009.01.15 
Hey ATrain, thought you might wanna see this. It's from The Telegram Sports section - Jan 10, 2009. Finally got it scanned, stitched and converted to .PDF for ya. I presume you have Adobe Reader.
 2009.01.12 
Jake's Birthday! He's 11!

Sorry for the website having some down time this evening everyone, but I was upgrading the router. Sorry for the blackout.

 
William Stone

WWI Naval Veteran, one of the three remaining survivors of the First World War in Britain has died at the age of 108.
 


 2009.01.09 
Harley's Birthday! He's 9!
 2009.01.08 
ATrain and K's flight leaves.
 2009.01.04 
Grizz and Nee leave town to return home.
 2009.01.02 
Happy Birthday Frog! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
 2009.01.01 
Welcome to 2009! Check out last year's blog entry for New Years for a message to you all!