Here's something interesting, not only are/were we the City of Champions, Edmonton is vying for a new title - Deadmonton.
Originally it was used as a derogatory term - some people see this city as boring, and we do have one of the highest murder rates in the country, especially by firearms. It was even printed on shirts showing an AK-47 along with it.
This is a different approach, and we're taking the name back - sort of like the "Take Back the Night" marches that happen (ummm, do they still happen?). We want to become Deadmonton, the Horror capital - turn it into a BRAND. Thanks to Christian Nelson. And a BIG thank you to Derek Clayton. Thank you!
Read what Scott McKeen of the Edmonton Journal has to say on the subject:
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/columnists/story.html?id=f31b6523-296d-40ef-9197-4b17f280bb2f
Then today I received an email via my HalloweenEdmonton.com website from Kenn Bur, a Co-Chair of the Connect2Edmonton group. Connect2Edmonton is a non-partisan community of people who love Edmonton, and wish to promote it to the rest of the world. Currently in their forums they are having a discussion about the McKeen article, about Christian Nelson's involvement, and also from Derek Clayton of the Deadmonton Horror Film Festival - who wanted to promote a larger Halloween festival in the city. Looks like he might get that wish!
Personally, I'm not concerned with who claims the rightful title, and as possession is a large part of the law (just ask Linda Blair!), The Deadmonton Horror Festival will be the original in my hearts. Fortunately, Derek and Christian seem to be on the same path - it's not important about how or who, it's just important that we claim the title back from its derogatory terms and make this the best damned festival the city has ever seen. Hey, we are a festival city, why not put us on the map for another one!
I encourage all of you out there to head on over to Connect2Edmonton and mark your support for this festival:
http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=9491&highlight=deadmonton
Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Halloween Fun and Frivolity
Well, my season is almost over...those of you who know me know that I prefer Halloween to any other season, even with this crazy and unpredictable Canadian weather! Well, it's only a couple more days until I start planning for next year!
It's not over yet though. Even though I was part of a group that entertained more than 1000 people last weekend (at Fort Edmonton Park's Spooktacular), I have been too busy to get photos of that all together because there is sooooo much still going on.
Last weekend also saw the Deadmonton Horror Film Festival and a Zombie walk and prom by the River City Zombie Committee - neither of which I attended, sadly.
This week is seeing some home decorating and last minute creation - pumpkin carving, costume for my son, building Eddie from Iron Maiden (though I've passed the face sculpting on to some others), and then...what to wear to work on Friday?
One of the others at work came up with the idea of Corporate Pirates - wear a suit, eye patch, bandanna and hook. That's cool I thought, being a Pastafarian and appreciative of Pirates in general (yes, even Depp did a good job, but enough of the films already, and enough of placing pirate costumes everywhere!!!). Yes, waring a suit AND being a pirate would be fun, and I was joking that I needed a wooden leg.
I seem to be currently attached to mine, but should I ever befall a tragedy that necessitates the removal I would ask for a wood-grain prosthetic. Of course, I'd also try and make one as seen in "The Ruins", just for Zombie Walks! So how can I make a wooden leg?
Head on over to Instructables.com and see!
http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_make_a_fake_wooden_leg/
I'll post some pictures in the future and let everyone know how things went.
It's not over yet though. Even though I was part of a group that entertained more than 1000 people last weekend (at Fort Edmonton Park's Spooktacular), I have been too busy to get photos of that all together because there is sooooo much still going on.
Last weekend also saw the Deadmonton Horror Film Festival and a Zombie walk and prom by the River City Zombie Committee - neither of which I attended, sadly.
This week is seeing some home decorating and last minute creation - pumpkin carving, costume for my son, building Eddie from Iron Maiden (though I've passed the face sculpting on to some others), and then...what to wear to work on Friday?
One of the others at work came up with the idea of Corporate Pirates - wear a suit, eye patch, bandanna and hook. That's cool I thought, being a Pastafarian and appreciative of Pirates in general (yes, even Depp did a good job, but enough of the films already, and enough of placing pirate costumes everywhere!!!). Yes, waring a suit AND being a pirate would be fun, and I was joking that I needed a wooden leg.
I seem to be currently attached to mine, but should I ever befall a tragedy that necessitates the removal I would ask for a wood-grain prosthetic. Of course, I'd also try and make one as seen in "The Ruins", just for Zombie Walks! So how can I make a wooden leg?
Head on over to Instructables.com and see!
http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_make_a_fake_wooden_leg/
I'll post some pictures in the future and let everyone know how things went.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Experiments in Intestinal Fortitude
This Thanksgiving (or Columbus Day for my American Friends) weekend gave me a chance to experiment with creating entrails to use in a Halloween scenario I am doing at Fort Edmonton Park. Today I got a chance to post my experimental findings in the Garage of Evil Forums.
Warning, this might be stomach turning to some...
Experimental Intestines at Garage of Evil
Enjoy
Warning, this might be stomach turning to some...
Experimental Intestines at Garage of Evil
Enjoy
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Tokyo Gore Police comes to Deadmonton Horror Film Fest
The Deadmonton Horror Film Fest is coming October 24th to 26th, 2008. They will be showing the ultra-violent Tokyo Gore Police, Night of the Creeps, Phantasm and a whole bloody pocket-full of short films! But beware, these films aren't for everyone, especially if you are one of those that gets squeamish at the sight of a squished bug, hangnail, or 70's and 80's horror films!
You can buy a single day pass for $20, or the three-day pass for $50. There will be feature length films, short films, music and more - right here in Edmonton!
Check them out at Deadmonton Horror Film Festival.
Oh, and while we're talking about Halloween things around Edmonton, don't forget to check out HalloweenEdmonton.com for everythying that is happening - including stuff for families, such as the Valley Zoo's Boo! in the Zoo.
You can buy a single day pass for $20, or the three-day pass for $50. There will be feature length films, short films, music and more - right here in Edmonton!
Check them out at Deadmonton Horror Film Festival.
Oh, and while we're talking about Halloween things around Edmonton, don't forget to check out HalloweenEdmonton.com for everythying that is happening - including stuff for families, such as the Valley Zoo's Boo! in the Zoo.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
On childhood, Corvettes, cooking, cops and cats
Wow, it's great to get out of the city for a couple days - sometimes you don't know how much you need a break until you actually get to drop down a gear and relax for a while. It was nice.
Since I was a child we'd go to yearly Fairmont Hotsprings Resort in the beautiful Columbia River Valley of BC - sometimes hit it twice in the summer! If you haven't visited, I would recommend that you don't. Oh, not because it's not spectacular - but if I tell people about it I might not be able to get a room next time - like the few couples that we saw at the front desk when we arrived. Glad you can phone and make reservations.
Honestly, a hot springs that offers excellent golf (or so I'm told, as I'm not a flogger!), a hiking, skiing in the winter, camping, and a spectacular hot spring pool with adjacent cool and diving pools - unlike some of the other hotsprings in the area - is an incredible place to stay whether in the lodge, it's cabins, or with your RV (sorry, no tenting onsite...). Childhood memories of heading down to the pool when it opened and seemingly not leaving till they kicked us out flood back every time I visit. They are doing some renovations/expansions over the next several years, but there are signs of improvements already. Many years ago the area adjacent to the hot pool contained trampolines, and then eventually that expanded to be more grass where sunbathers could lie. Now they've expanded the sunbathing area to almost 3 times the size it was, and now include trees that offer shade as well. It's nice. I still recommend getting there early though as the lawn fills up if it's going to be a nice day. Oh, and if you stay at the lodge you don't have to pay the $14 for the day pass (in-and-out privileges) as you just mention your room number and name and you're free to enter. Ah, the luxury!
One of the things that I noticed while driving to, around and from there was the amount of Corvettes that were on the road. The weather we had was a little above normal - 34 Celsius on Sunday, 30 Celsius on Monday, which is a little high for the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. In three days I saw at least 15 Corvettes, half of them convertibles. That was higher than the number of Rig Rockets that I saw on the way out there. I'm not sure why, but even though I appreciate the looks of the Corvette, I'm not in love with them. Evidently though, people in BC sure seem to. Good on them, if they can afford the gas. The province just instated a 2.4 cent/litre Carbon Tax starting on July 1, 2008...and it was up over $1.40/litre when we left. Knowing of this in advance, we topped up the tank yesterday.
While we topped the tank we noticed an interesting restaurant next door - call the Hoodoo Grill. It was excellent!
First, we had a top-grade server, Jeni. Oh, excuse me, her business card says supa-serva, and I can vouch for that! When you go, ask to be seated in her section, you will not regret it.
We started off with Mexi-adian style calamari. I can't remember what was in it, but it wasn't your normal deep-fried squid. Yes, it was deep fried, but the batter was unique and it was served with this excellent salsa/chutney. It disappeared quickly.
For our meals Ruth, my wife, had a delicious ratatouille, my son had a huge burger (hand made patties too!), and his friend Claire and myself each had this excellent hazelnut chicken on vermicelli. Too stuffed for desert, but will have to make it back there some time. Check this place out if you are in the area - just south of Fairmont a couple minutes.
We came back on Canada Day, and we noticed that the police were busy...pulling over speeders and other wrong-doers, like the guy who had his long canoe tied diagonally across the back of his truck taking up almost two lanes, instead of over the cab. I had the cruise control set and was motoring along. I had to pull out and pass someone who was going slower than me, so did the lane checks and slightly increased the speed so that I could pass. Out of nowhere came a big red Rig Rockets. I sped up to get out of the way, and when I pulled back into the other lane I was doing almost 140 km/h - and he passed me like I was standing still. I mentioned to Ruth that "I hope he gets a ticket". Well, karma came through for me today! Just south of Leduc, Alberta, we saw an RCMP cruiser come down the on-ramp to pull someone over. Just ahead, 4 more cars - and that rig rocket - were pulled over by other cops. Maybe my friends can help them overcome their problems of an apparent need for speed.
When we got home our poor kitty wanted to go outside. We'd kept her in the house for the two days we were away,with lots of food and water, and the blinds drawn so it would not get too warm. Even when it's hot outside the basement stays quite cool. Maybe she could become a cat on a treadmill and she would have been too tired to go outside!
Since I was a child we'd go to yearly Fairmont Hotsprings Resort in the beautiful Columbia River Valley of BC - sometimes hit it twice in the summer! If you haven't visited, I would recommend that you don't. Oh, not because it's not spectacular - but if I tell people about it I might not be able to get a room next time - like the few couples that we saw at the front desk when we arrived. Glad you can phone and make reservations.
Honestly, a hot springs that offers excellent golf (or so I'm told, as I'm not a flogger!), a hiking, skiing in the winter, camping, and a spectacular hot spring pool with adjacent cool and diving pools - unlike some of the other hotsprings in the area - is an incredible place to stay whether in the lodge, it's cabins, or with your RV (sorry, no tenting onsite...). Childhood memories of heading down to the pool when it opened and seemingly not leaving till they kicked us out flood back every time I visit. They are doing some renovations/expansions over the next several years, but there are signs of improvements already. Many years ago the area adjacent to the hot pool contained trampolines, and then eventually that expanded to be more grass where sunbathers could lie. Now they've expanded the sunbathing area to almost 3 times the size it was, and now include trees that offer shade as well. It's nice. I still recommend getting there early though as the lawn fills up if it's going to be a nice day. Oh, and if you stay at the lodge you don't have to pay the $14 for the day pass (in-and-out privileges) as you just mention your room number and name and you're free to enter. Ah, the luxury!
One of the things that I noticed while driving to, around and from there was the amount of Corvettes that were on the road. The weather we had was a little above normal - 34 Celsius on Sunday, 30 Celsius on Monday, which is a little high for the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. In three days I saw at least 15 Corvettes, half of them convertibles. That was higher than the number of Rig Rockets that I saw on the way out there. I'm not sure why, but even though I appreciate the looks of the Corvette, I'm not in love with them. Evidently though, people in BC sure seem to. Good on them, if they can afford the gas. The province just instated a 2.4 cent/litre Carbon Tax starting on July 1, 2008...and it was up over $1.40/litre when we left. Knowing of this in advance, we topped up the tank yesterday.
While we topped the tank we noticed an interesting restaurant next door - call the Hoodoo Grill. It was excellent!
First, we had a top-grade server, Jeni. Oh, excuse me, her business card says supa-serva, and I can vouch for that! When you go, ask to be seated in her section, you will not regret it.
We started off with Mexi-adian style calamari. I can't remember what was in it, but it wasn't your normal deep-fried squid. Yes, it was deep fried, but the batter was unique and it was served with this excellent salsa/chutney. It disappeared quickly.
For our meals Ruth, my wife, had a delicious ratatouille, my son had a huge burger (hand made patties too!), and his friend Claire and myself each had this excellent hazelnut chicken on vermicelli. Too stuffed for desert, but will have to make it back there some time. Check this place out if you are in the area - just south of Fairmont a couple minutes.
We came back on Canada Day, and we noticed that the police were busy...pulling over speeders and other wrong-doers, like the guy who had his long canoe tied diagonally across the back of his truck taking up almost two lanes, instead of over the cab. I had the cruise control set and was motoring along. I had to pull out and pass someone who was going slower than me, so did the lane checks and slightly increased the speed so that I could pass. Out of nowhere came a big red Rig Rockets. I sped up to get out of the way, and when I pulled back into the other lane I was doing almost 140 km/h - and he passed me like I was standing still. I mentioned to Ruth that "I hope he gets a ticket". Well, karma came through for me today! Just south of Leduc, Alberta, we saw an RCMP cruiser come down the on-ramp to pull someone over. Just ahead, 4 more cars - and that rig rocket - were pulled over by other cops. Maybe my friends can help them overcome their problems of an apparent need for speed.
When we got home our poor kitty wanted to go outside. We'd kept her in the house for the two days we were away,with lots of food and water, and the blinds drawn so it would not get too warm. Even when it's hot outside the basement stays quite cool. Maybe she could become a cat on a treadmill and she would have been too tired to go outside!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Lost in Translation - Samsung monitor
It's Father's day, and as usual my family wasn't sure what I needed/wanted. (I'm kind of cryptic when it comes to that, and then I often buy things without letting others know...so it's my own fault I guess.) Because I had to rebuild another computer for my son to record his band on - one that could be close to the band instead of carting the amps up to his bedroom - I donated my old LCD monitor to him. Now I needed a new monitor of my own.
I normally use two monitors at work, and have had both an LCD and a CRT hooked up at home, but with different screen sizes - and have you ever tried to balance the color between an LCD and a CRT...not fun! - it is a chore. Not to mention, it takes up a whole bunch of valuable desk space.
So did some looking around. I'm not usually a fan of widescreen monitors - probably because when they first came out a 19-inch widescreen was only the height of an older 15-inch monitor with regular aspect ratio...
Now they are making bigger sizes, better prices and newer ones are coming out all the time. I did a little looking around online and found that Future Shop had a good deal on a 24-inch widescreen, only $369.00 (CDN). When we were out at Costco today had a look at what they had and found an Acer with the same specs for over $40 more. And I've heard that Samsung is not too bad of a brand, so I bit and bought my own Father's day present.
One big monitor is pretty cool. Now I don't have to balance the colors and sizes between the two. Okay, there is a disadvantage that I cannot drag something to the other screen and double-click to maximize it, but in the end the 1920X1200 resolution is pretty sweet.
And now I have more room on my desk...for junk!
Unlike many men, I enjoy reading the instructions - especially when they are possibly translated from another language. Because of the idioms of the English language things might not translate directly.
Case in point - This warning about cleaning the monitor:
If excessive force is applied, you can have a stain on it.
This warning should have been on Monica Lewinsky's dress label, it would have prevented a whole bunch of problems...
I think that this will become a regular feature on this (and get me posting things on a regular basis). This whole Lost in Translation (which wasn't a bad movie by the way) can be quite interesting. Feel free to send me some details on things you've seen that are L.I.T.
And if you have a hankering for something before I post next, head on over to www.engrish.com where you can find many of these types of things.
I normally use two monitors at work, and have had both an LCD and a CRT hooked up at home, but with different screen sizes - and have you ever tried to balance the color between an LCD and a CRT...not fun! - it is a chore. Not to mention, it takes up a whole bunch of valuable desk space.
So did some looking around. I'm not usually a fan of widescreen monitors - probably because when they first came out a 19-inch widescreen was only the height of an older 15-inch monitor with regular aspect ratio...
Now they are making bigger sizes, better prices and newer ones are coming out all the time. I did a little looking around online and found that Future Shop had a good deal on a 24-inch widescreen, only $369.00 (CDN). When we were out at Costco today had a look at what they had and found an Acer with the same specs for over $40 more. And I've heard that Samsung is not too bad of a brand, so I bit and bought my own Father's day present.
One big monitor is pretty cool. Now I don't have to balance the colors and sizes between the two. Okay, there is a disadvantage that I cannot drag something to the other screen and double-click to maximize it, but in the end the 1920X1200 resolution is pretty sweet.
And now I have more room on my desk...for junk!
Unlike many men, I enjoy reading the instructions - especially when they are possibly translated from another language. Because of the idioms of the English language things might not translate directly.
Case in point - This warning about cleaning the monitor:
If excessive force is applied, you can have a stain on it.
This warning should have been on Monica Lewinsky's dress label, it would have prevented a whole bunch of problems...
I think that this will become a regular feature on this (and get me posting things on a regular basis). This whole Lost in Translation (which wasn't a bad movie by the way) can be quite interesting. Feel free to send me some details on things you've seen that are L.I.T.
And if you have a hankering for something before I post next, head on over to www.engrish.com where you can find many of these types of things.
Friday, January 04, 2008
IDD: Intention Deficit Disorder
What are your New Year's Resolutions? What, you don't have any? If you don't have any "resolutions" - that most people break in a short time, do you have any goals or expected outcomes? If not, you may suffer from a disorder that affects too many people, both young and old.
Intention Deficit Disorder
Now, you might think that I'm confusing this with ADD/ADHD, an affliction characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity that is common in children, and can be treated without chemicals. No, this is much worse because it affects both young and old alike.
Intention Deficit Disorder is the inability to have any direction in your life, to not have any intentions to do or become anything, but rather just drift along and be a slacker.
But even a slacker wanna-be could have a better life if they only intended to do something and focus on doing it to the best of their ability. So, get off your duff and do something.
What kind of something could you do? Well, even if you want to remain a slacker, become an expert in some area by doing a little reading and researching. Pick a subject, and by reading new material as little as 30 minutes a day on that subject you will have more knowledge on that subject than 90% of the population! So, whether it's cooking, the paranormal, making money, or changing your life, learn something. Oh, and as an added benefit, there is proof that learning throughout your whole life reduces Alzheimer's!
Even if you don't want to become a slacker, there are many possibilities out there for you!
What other resolutions do people commonly make and break? Health, Wealth and Fame are common.
As for me, I don't make resolutions either - though this year I intend to improve myself by using all of the above techniques. Please feel free to join me. Together we can stop IDD, Intention Deficit Disorder, in it's tracks!
Intention Deficit Disorder
Now, you might think that I'm confusing this with ADD/ADHD, an affliction characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity that is common in children, and can be treated without chemicals. No, this is much worse because it affects both young and old alike.
Intention Deficit Disorder is the inability to have any direction in your life, to not have any intentions to do or become anything, but rather just drift along and be a slacker.
But even a slacker wanna-be could have a better life if they only intended to do something and focus on doing it to the best of their ability. So, get off your duff and do something.
What kind of something could you do? Well, even if you want to remain a slacker, become an expert in some area by doing a little reading and researching. Pick a subject, and by reading new material as little as 30 minutes a day on that subject you will have more knowledge on that subject than 90% of the population! So, whether it's cooking, the paranormal, making money, or changing your life, learn something. Oh, and as an added benefit, there is proof that learning throughout your whole life reduces Alzheimer's!
Even if you don't want to become a slacker, there are many possibilities out there for you!
What other resolutions do people commonly make and break? Health, Wealth and Fame are common.
- Whether you want to lose weight, stop smoking, reduce your asthma or overcome your anxiety, there are experts available to help.
- There are also many ways to improve your financial situation - and they don't involve lotteries! Check out how one of my friends is working towards his retirement!
- How about fame? Well, if becoming an expert on a specific subject isn't for you, many people become famous by writing a book or a screenplay. There are contests that help upcoming writers, or writer want-to-bes, start. November is National Novel Writing Month, and April brings us Script Frenzy - everyone is a winner. Check them out!
As for me, I don't make resolutions either - though this year I intend to improve myself by using all of the above techniques. Please feel free to join me. Together we can stop IDD, Intention Deficit Disorder, in it's tracks!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Homeless Gnomes
Nothing breaks my heart quite as much than to hear that a gnome is homeless! (Okay, homeless people are important too, but homeless gnomes can't even fend for themselves).
That is what happened in Springfield Oregon this week - pranksters collected gnomes from many houses and put them on one lawn. This would have been funny to see!
Unfortunately, these were all deposited at the police station and they don't know who they belong to. And the police are getting annoyed themselves. So they are going to let people identify them, and then auction the rest off.
Can you imagine the police lineup for this one? A dozen 1-2 foot tall gnomes instead of the half-dozen 5-6 foot tall suspects! he he he
Read the full story
That is what happened in Springfield Oregon this week - pranksters collected gnomes from many houses and put them on one lawn. This would have been funny to see!
Unfortunately, these were all deposited at the police station and they don't know who they belong to. And the police are getting annoyed themselves. So they are going to let people identify them, and then auction the rest off.
Can you imagine the police lineup for this one? A dozen 1-2 foot tall gnomes instead of the half-dozen 5-6 foot tall suspects! he he he
Read the full story
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