Sunday, July 31, 2011
I need it
Sunday morning... taking em to Church
So being the Catholic that I am I attend Mass on Sundays. Today the Priest made
a few interesting points during his homily. He discussed a bit about the commercial
demands made upon people in the modern world and the need to constantly be caught
up in the latest trends, gizmos, and gadgets. While touching upon the ever relevant
need to have the better car, the bigger house and newest i-phone he brought home
a good point relating to how we use our time, talents and finances.
'Do we have our priorities straight?' is basically what he was getting at.
Pointing out that the world we live in there are so many excesses (something I
have often pondered myself on occasion) in terms of things we have which we don't
really need. For example when you may be just getting by and putting enough
food on the table but you have a hundred dollar phone plan, a $100 VIP movie package
on your tv plan, and you upgrade your cell phone and mp3 every 6 months ....
then you have to work two jobs leaving the family at home on a frequent basis then
there may be a need to re-evaluate what is priority in life. None of the above is actually
going to make your family or your life happier for that matter.
Sorry it won't. In some ways it divides families more than it unites them.
Many people also live their lives in excess worry about their financial situation without
realizing that they can easily make a big difference by prioritizing what is really
important and distinguishing between needs and wants. And the pressures coming
from the outside world, media etc... have a big influence on this which little people are
easily lured into because we love the temporary joy that getting something new brings
us. But there really is never enough is there?
And that's why myself, even though it is nice to enjoy toys and extras in our lives,
I have always made it a priority to make sure that my home life is about people in it
first. Our family is really the most important thing at the end of the day... ask those
who have lost all their family through bad choice, excess desires for material wealth
and you're commonly going to find that they aren't so nice and happy people.
Your health, happiness and loved ones are the best things going for you...
well in this world anyways.
So being the Catholic that I am I attend Mass on Sundays. Today the Priest made
a few interesting points during his homily. He discussed a bit about the commercial
demands made upon people in the modern world and the need to constantly be caught
up in the latest trends, gizmos, and gadgets. While touching upon the ever relevant
need to have the better car, the bigger house and newest i-phone he brought home
a good point relating to how we use our time, talents and finances.
'Do we have our priorities straight?' is basically what he was getting at.
Pointing out that the world we live in there are so many excesses (something I
have often pondered myself on occasion) in terms of things we have which we don't
really need. For example when you may be just getting by and putting enough
food on the table but you have a hundred dollar phone plan, a $100 VIP movie package
on your tv plan, and you upgrade your cell phone and mp3 every 6 months ....
then you have to work two jobs leaving the family at home on a frequent basis then
there may be a need to re-evaluate what is priority in life. None of the above is actually
going to make your family or your life happier for that matter.
Sorry it won't. In some ways it divides families more than it unites them.
Many people also live their lives in excess worry about their financial situation without
realizing that they can easily make a big difference by prioritizing what is really
important and distinguishing between needs and wants. And the pressures coming
from the outside world, media etc... have a big influence on this which little people are
easily lured into because we love the temporary joy that getting something new brings
us. But there really is never enough is there?
And that's why myself, even though it is nice to enjoy toys and extras in our lives,
I have always made it a priority to make sure that my home life is about people in it
first. Our family is really the most important thing at the end of the day... ask those
who have lost all their family through bad choice, excess desires for material wealth
and you're commonly going to find that they aren't so nice and happy people.
Your health, happiness and loved ones are the best things going for you...
well in this world anyways.
Pho
Last light after a festive season of Garage Talk me and my buddy went out for Pho
(a Vietnamese noodle soup served usually with beef). Here's a picture :
We ended up going to a familiar spot that I hadn't been to in years.
Actually its one of the spots that I frequented in my late teens and early twenties.
The food is as good as I remember but the venue had been upgraded quite a bit.
I was also surprised that after midnight it was packed (a testimony to how much
Mississauga has grown in the last ten years). I remember a long time ago in a galaxy
far far away eating at Pho in the wee hours of the morning and if you were
lucky there would be some semblance of life other than the young waitress
(who may or may not have been old enough to be legally employed) and chef in the
back. Some of the Pho Restaurants were rather sketchy looking back in the day too.
But this one had obviously upgraded (probably has changed owners over the year)
from those plastic tables and chairs that hideously burdened late night restaurant
joints during the 90's. There are still some around but hey when you've had
McDonald's Double Cheeseburgers a trillion late night joints with plastic tables
and ripped old school bus chairs isn't so bad. Then again there's always Tremendous.
Back on point ... so having spent my life in Mississauga I have watched this city
grow into a mini-metropolis and am quite proud to see the development that has
taken place in some of the establishments that are still around. While there are some
that didn't make the cut that I would like to still see around nevertheless its always
a good feeling to have a little pride in your hometown.
Sauga WHAT?
Bloggin Blodgett
(a Vietnamese noodle soup served usually with beef). Here's a picture :
We ended up going to a familiar spot that I hadn't been to in years.
Actually its one of the spots that I frequented in my late teens and early twenties.
The food is as good as I remember but the venue had been upgraded quite a bit.
I was also surprised that after midnight it was packed (a testimony to how much
Mississauga has grown in the last ten years). I remember a long time ago in a galaxy
far far away eating at Pho in the wee hours of the morning and if you were
lucky there would be some semblance of life other than the young waitress
(who may or may not have been old enough to be legally employed) and chef in the
back. Some of the Pho Restaurants were rather sketchy looking back in the day too.
But this one had obviously upgraded (probably has changed owners over the year)
from those plastic tables and chairs that hideously burdened late night restaurant
joints during the 90's. There are still some around but hey when you've had
McDonald's Double Cheeseburgers a trillion late night joints with plastic tables
and ripped old school bus chairs isn't so bad. Then again there's always Tremendous.
Back on point ... so having spent my life in Mississauga I have watched this city
grow into a mini-metropolis and am quite proud to see the development that has
taken place in some of the establishments that are still around. While there are some
that didn't make the cut that I would like to still see around nevertheless its always
a good feeling to have a little pride in your hometown.
Sauga WHAT?
Bloggin Blodgett
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Gnocchi with rapini, pancetta & tomatoes
Yeah that's right. Dinner at Chez Blodge
Cooked up some pancetta in olive oil with some gnocchi threw in
a little rapini, garlic, green onions and topped off with some grape
tomats and parmesan. Healthy eating for the summer time.
Here's some prep pics
This Gives play time a whole new meaning
with stuff like this. Hate it or love it ... I've always wondered what sparks the thought
for someone to spend the time doing this. Maybe that's why I wanted to study
psychology at University.
Photo courtesy of TWF2005
University and Roommates
Good Saturday Morning, I am far too young to be waking up before noon on
what looks like a beautiful day in Sauga City. So I will be making breakfast
soon but I thought hey I want to blog .... well cause that's what
Bloggin Blodgett does.
So this morning I came across a video describing why you should not
have roommates at University or College it was amusing and somewhat
accurate. But it got me thinking (as I have a close family member off to
college soon) that everyone should have the opportunity to experience residence
just one year. The reason I say one year is because unless you are maturity
stagnant then one year along your student career path is enough.
Moving into a house, apartment with a bunch of First Year Buddies is
a whole other story.
After the first year of college is when you go from taking your studies 25 %
to fifty per cent seriously. And if you are one of the people who
made it through first year successfully and have semi-declared your
major then you are more than half way there to success.
My first year experience at Western Ontario King's College was both
the best and worst experiences of my life. There is no other way to
realistically describe the torments a young soul goes through as
they fight their way through the madness of modern college life.
College is tough to begin with. It is a point where we leave the nest
for the first time and strike close to the independence we all
yearnestly seek through our teenage years from those life interfering
creatures we call parents. From the first arrival on campus to
our emotionally mixed departure the following spring we experience
one of the big emotional roller coasters of life. This is where having
a good roommate is key. This is why I believe it is also an important
part of maturing and becoming an a grown up (cringe I'm a toys r us
kid ....) If you don't end up living with a friend even the experience
of living with someone else other than family is neither good nor bad
it is enlightening. It gives us the opportunity to experience co-existence,
an important experience in order to successfully make it both in
your jobs in the future and in marriage too. Learning to live with
another person is tough cookies. Learning how to put up with others
behaviors is even tougher and learning how to resolve conflicts
is the toughest. I was both successful and unsuccessful at this
(I think most people fall into the same category).
My first year roommate and I were cats of a different breed and this
easily became noticeable before the infamous turkey drop. Neither of
us were bad people although I was probably more problematic than
he is the equation and I would have handled somethings very differently
now that I have a little life experience. But nevertheless even though
there were challenges between my roommate and I (see ma I remembered
my grammar) ... I have no regrets and look at the challenges more
as memories with spunk... spunk that drove me to think outside the box,
learn how to problem solve and spunk that gave me the opportunity
to find civil methods in how to handle conflict, disagreements and
"beef" as us street peeps call it. (not really from the streets)
The pranks, obnoxious drunken stuppers, and antics of the college
relationships are all small peas in the pod. And these eventually with
age will shine more as stars than as sour notes in the memories banks
of time. And your there to study anyways never forget that.
So parents do your kids a favor allow them and encourage them to
step out into the deep. The finances will work themselves out in time.
They always do. And college students go for it. Live in res and embrace
the memories and challenges they will be the most informative years
of your life.
Bloggin B
what looks like a beautiful day in Sauga City. So I will be making breakfast
soon but I thought hey I want to blog .... well cause that's what
Bloggin Blodgett does.
So this morning I came across a video describing why you should not
have roommates at University or College it was amusing and somewhat
accurate. But it got me thinking (as I have a close family member off to
college soon) that everyone should have the opportunity to experience residence
just one year. The reason I say one year is because unless you are maturity
stagnant then one year along your student career path is enough.
Moving into a house, apartment with a bunch of First Year Buddies is
a whole other story.
After the first year of college is when you go from taking your studies 25 %
to fifty per cent seriously. And if you are one of the people who
made it through first year successfully and have semi-declared your
major then you are more than half way there to success.
My first year experience at Western Ontario King's College was both
the best and worst experiences of my life. There is no other way to
realistically describe the torments a young soul goes through as
they fight their way through the madness of modern college life.
College is tough to begin with. It is a point where we leave the nest
for the first time and strike close to the independence we all
yearnestly seek through our teenage years from those life interfering
creatures we call parents. From the first arrival on campus to
our emotionally mixed departure the following spring we experience
one of the big emotional roller coasters of life. This is where having
a good roommate is key. This is why I believe it is also an important
part of maturing and becoming an a grown up (cringe I'm a toys r us
kid ....) If you don't end up living with a friend even the experience
of living with someone else other than family is neither good nor bad
it is enlightening. It gives us the opportunity to experience co-existence,
an important experience in order to successfully make it both in
your jobs in the future and in marriage too. Learning to live with
another person is tough cookies. Learning how to put up with others
behaviors is even tougher and learning how to resolve conflicts
is the toughest. I was both successful and unsuccessful at this
(I think most people fall into the same category).
My first year roommate and I were cats of a different breed and this
easily became noticeable before the infamous turkey drop. Neither of
us were bad people although I was probably more problematic than
he is the equation and I would have handled somethings very differently
now that I have a little life experience. But nevertheless even though
there were challenges between my roommate and I (see ma I remembered
my grammar) ... I have no regrets and look at the challenges more
as memories with spunk... spunk that drove me to think outside the box,
learn how to problem solve and spunk that gave me the opportunity
to find civil methods in how to handle conflict, disagreements and
"beef" as us street peeps call it. (not really from the streets)
The pranks, obnoxious drunken stuppers, and antics of the college
relationships are all small peas in the pod. And these eventually with
age will shine more as stars than as sour notes in the memories banks
of time. And your there to study anyways never forget that.
So parents do your kids a favor allow them and encourage them to
step out into the deep. The finances will work themselves out in time.
They always do. And college students go for it. Live in res and embrace
the memories and challenges they will be the most informative years
of your life.
Bloggin B
Friday, July 29, 2011
Pretty good patties
I have to say these Tin Nel's Jamaican Patties are pretty good.
Go for the spicy. Have a snack you deserve it.
Go for the spicy. Have a snack you deserve it.
Avengers Finally Marvel has uploaded something
I recommend not watching if you haven't seen Captain American
but hey its avengers I understand
but hey its avengers I understand
Thursday, July 28, 2011
How much do you tweet?
So I've been using twitter for the last two weeks or so. I can't believe how many times some people and more so organizations / media outlets tweet. Last night at 11 pm I was receiving a notification every five minutes from one group. Actually the only reason I was still up was (shhh) I took a sneak nap afterwork. Normally at this time the phone is turned off. ..... Back on point Blodgett... Earlier yesterday afternoon one news talk group was covering a political event and were overtweeting (this should be outlawed) about every five seconds for over ten minutes I finally unfollowed them as I couldn't see the tweets I wanted to from friends... Oh this just in I have 10 new tweets. SWEET.
So the birds are a chirping.... actually I have no problem with twitter I think its a pretty cool app to use. One drawback and I myself refuse to fall into the pit of twitter darkness... is the need to constantly update people with what your doing. Or on the other end of the spectrum be in constant need to know (Scientists have warned about psychological dangers about this)
A twit here there ok lets not lose our sanity here. ... There's more productive things we can do. ... Like read Blogging Blodgett.... its good for you... or more importantly feed hungry people in Somalia through text messages Go here But seriously when I read articles like this and I see people on the bus (especially people my age and younger) glued to their phones the whole ride ... I wonder to myself 'You're able to follow, communicate with your 1000 follower/fans ... but could you start up a conversation with the person next to you and carry it forward or would you be lost for words and slither back into the world of the internet"
Just food for thought
Time for some breakfast. And don't forget send a text for Aid through Mobile Giving
Somewhat Hungry Blodgett Over and Out
What are you sippin?
So the long weekend count has already begun. People are talking about their plans, the five-0 are letting the public know we will be out in force and the Beer Store has been campaigning their latest manuevere to open up for the first time in Ontario's History. (good luck in line).
Big tings a gwan!
So we've almost finished the work week, made it over the big hump we call wednesday and here we are Thursday ....
Its Thirsty Thursday the night where we real men come together for another episode of The Garage Talk Chronicles wherein we discuss life, politics, faith, music and sip on the likes of Jack Daniels, Cortel Napoleon, Remy Ma, Meukow Cognac and E& J Vsop (save the top shelve items for the reserve clientel).
But I was heart broken to find out that there are evil men plotting against us... Infiltrating our bottles.... Mimicking our brands. ... and violating the sacred brotherhood. ...
But their plans have been foiled and their tatics being exposed... My fellow Garagers the Whiskey you thought you may be consuming may be counterfeit....
Once again our friends at Gizmag.com have informed us of the dangers we face out there in our technologically savy world. Have a look for yourself Gentlemen.
This ones on the house
http://www.gizmag.com/counterfeit-whiskey-detection-system/19358/
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Take that blogger
Laserbeak attack!!!! Actually im just testing my syndicate feed and email features. Ignore this post
To 3D or not to 3D - there is an answer
My first 3d movie experiences date back to my childhood when the family would go on trips to theme parks like Canada's Wonderland, Disney and Universal amongst others. And back then I guess you could say well "3d was radical dude" (I grew up in the 80's when imitating ninja turtles was like awesome bro)
But when Avatar which surprisingly I still haven't seen came out and everyone was like
"woee" So the Avatar 3d ban wagon I missed the bus. But I have watched a few movies
this past year in 3d. The morning cloudiness isn't allowing me to remember which movie I watched in 3d for the first time but I remember thinking, and I think I spoke to some
family about this, that I wonder what the long term and or negative effects of watching
3d is?
I remember feeling kind of bugged out leaving the theater the first time.
So after that when I started seeing every other movie in 3d I said "Enough!!!!!!!!!
The 3d Madness must end!" Actually I didn't say much just thought to myself that
we really don't need every movie in 3d and thankfully the best Xmen so far was not
rendered into 3d. Now Dark of the Moon is another story, everyone should see it 3d.
So gone are the days of excitement when traveling to theme parks and experiencing the thrill
of 3d rides was a big deal. Now I can go over to Future Shop spend a couple grand and watch Green Lantern in 3d in my own living room.
Yaaaah!
:P
Not happening.
Sorry not jumping on this bandwagon either. And as my suspicions have confirmed
about the abuse of 3d and its former glory of being a once in a while treat our friends over
at Gizmag have confirmed in an interesting article that
wait for it
"3d causes visual discomfort!" (insert link here)
Shocker
Anyhow read the article see for yourself and go over to these guys and get
a free pair of 3d glasses (I think) Stole the picture from them so hook
a website up.
Dimensional Blodgett
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Coming soon to the Vault
So I am a little bit of a transformers nerd.... I have a couple of figures which i collect.... I must confess.
I follow a few comic blogs too.. (I may be a bigger nerd than i think)
So the more postings i see on the blogs I follow the more I have the need for my precious. I may have to reorganize my shelves also to fit these bad boys Ultimate Optimus and the autobot ship The Ark. Move over megatron new toys are coming soon!!!!!!
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Comic Blockbusters have come and gone
So now that all the big comic movies are over and done with for this year I can look back and say that I thoroughly enjoyed the last few months of movies. I don't think I've been to theater this much in one year yet alone 6 months. From Thor, X Men First Class all the way up to zee Captain (French Accent emphasized) I must admit that I enjoyed each of the DC, Hasbro, and Marvel productions. All the way back to Thor in May I have had countless
conversations with colleagues and friends that ran along the lines of "Did you see it?" "What did you think?" and then playing out into debates about Michael Bay, DC vs Marvel and ultimately ending in fist fights just kidding. Comic Movie discussions in the circles I run usually end in reminiscing on living in the 80's and which movies need to still be made or remade ie Ninja Turtles, Masters of the Universe, the forever in production ThunderCats and whether Ghost Busters should be continued.
But more importantly as you can see I am already getting off topic I have decided that from now on I boycotting movie critics and reviews, as well as expectations of how good films are going to be. I have heard far too much criticism and whining (more than I care to acknowledge) about how bad some of the Comic Movies this summer have been and all I have to say is hogwash. As mentioned earlier I can't remember the last I went to the movies and honestly enjoyed each film.I have come to the conclusion that movie goers have fallen into one of three categories:
1) Those who expect perfection
2) Critics
3) Those looking to be entertained.
I fall into the latter and maybe that's why I have little to no problem with Thor, First Class, Green Lantern, Transformers 3, or The First Avenger.
Which brings me to my next point being that I am being to get the spidy-sense that
people's expectations and some's unrealistic hopes for Comic Book Type
films being academy award winning material have gone through the roof.
But maybe that just the world we live in. With the constant stirring of the senses
and bombardment of new technologies like I-pads and the Samsung Galaxy S-II
(my birthday is August 21st) how can we ever be satisfied with Shockwave, Thaal Sinestro,
or The Destroyer being brought to life on the REAL 3D AVrw-ha-12-uip- THX screens.
I mean lets get real here. Who can compete?
But all in all I think we've been treated to a summer of great movies so far and I am glad to have been here to experience many of my favorite cartoon characters make it to the big screen. And with the newly released sneak peeks of Avengers, The Amazing Spiderman, and Dark Knight Rises I am eagerly looking forward to another run of my childhood on the big screen summer 2012.Keep em coming DC, Hasbro, and Marvel.
Fanboy Blodgett signing off!!!!!!!!!
Visit DOTM Collage Website for some Transformers DOTM Awesomeness
Sunday, July 24, 2011
New Toy, New Blog, First Post ... More to come
So I figured that with the launch of Bloggin Blodgett it would be an opportune time to celebrate the purchase of my new Canon 7d. I had a few spare momentsover the weekend to play with this expensive toy and I am quite impressed.
With over a million different settings I feel the impulse to possibly have to go back to school in order to figure out how this beast works. As 7d and I grow closer
in mutual respect and understanding we will be sharing our story through the lens of various shutter speeds, iso, f-stops and all that Photography goodness over at BlodgettFreezeFrame.
This past weekend was quite hot in good ol Sauga City and after spending a
few hours out at a BBQ eating, taking pictures , eating some more I spent
the evening on the balcony with none other than good ol buddy ol pal
Mr Vadar who was kind enough to bring the treat of the week
thus enabling us to continue the Garage Talk Chronicle's
So with the new week upon us, a new toy to play with, and the
beginning of Bloggin Blodgett its time to hit the pillow for a recharge
so we can be well rested for this grand endeavor.
Cheers Bloggin Blodgett
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)