Looking for a Spooky Rental? "The Thing"

I just read that there is a plan for a remake or a companion of John Carpenter's The Thing.

This is kind of cool as The Thing is still one of my favourite movies even 25 years later. It was on TV not so long ago. I stumbled upon it while flicking around and couldn't turn away even though I've seen it countless times. The movie was groundbreaking in terms of the special effects. Remember, this is 1982.. WAY before any sort of digital/CGI technology was available. I'm still amazed by what they were able to accomplish with models and makeup. I often feel that modelling still looks better than a lot of digital. Take a look at how good the ships look in Starship Troopers compared to the Enterprise in Star Wars: TNG.

The funny thing about a remake of The Thing coming out is that the 1982 movie was itself of remake of an even older version.

If you're a scary movie or sci-fi fan, do yourself a favour and rent it (or download it, if that's your 'Thing'.. haha, get it?? 'THING'??? )

It's about consistency, people!

The Sens are driving me nuts. (That reminds me of a pirate joke.)

They lose 5 of 6 games, including losses to Washington and Boston and then go up against the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres. Not only did they beat Buffalo, but they actually looked they knew what they were doing. Even better, they looked like they were having FUN by the end of the game.

Now it's awesome that the team stepped up and put in the effort to beat the Sabres, but they need to show a little consistency and bring that effort EVERY game! Granted, there's a lot of folks that feel Gerber has let in some soft goals and that Emery's return could have had a lot to do with the Sens winning. I'm not sold on that yet, Gerber's had a lot of tipped pucks in front of him and you can't really fault him for that.

With that said, I really like Emery, and if the Sens play in front of him in the future like they did against Buffalo, he could take Gerber's #1 spot.

Jade vs. The Dinosaurs!

As most of you know, Jade loves dinosaurs. The only thing that comes close to her love of dinosaurs is her odd obsession with aliens.

A few weekends ago me, Jade and my folks went to the Museum of Nature, which had just unveiled their new dinosaur exhibit and a small part of the new mammals exhibit. They've done an excellent job with the dinosaurs. Many more skeletons and displays, plus they've added a bunch of life-size models which Jade was really into.



Typical kid, she wanted to touch everything. :)





They also have a listening post where you can get a description of the scene they have set up with the models. Sharptooths coming in to attack the Three-Horns and such. (Pick up that reference!)



They also have an exhibit on Einstein which was kind of cool. Maybe not as much for a 2 year old, but she liked the giant head.

Speaking of Transformers... (geek time)

Ok, Noel you opened the door by mentioning Transformers in yesterday's post. :)

I can now confess that I too, was a big Transformers fan. In fact, I've still got 50+ (complete with boxes) in the closet of my parents house. I will also confess that I'm very excited about the live action Transformers movie due out next summer. And, I must confess, I find these really, really cool:

Transformers Alternators

They are miniature replicas of actual cars that still transform. How cool is that! What almost seems meant to be is that they have a RX-8 / Shockwave (called Shockblast due to trademark issues)! It's not only the car I eventually want, but in the right colour and it transforms into my favourite Transformer!

So.. if anyone's looking for Xmas gift ideas for me.... ;)

Oh, and this would definitely be a ME toy, not a Jade toy. (Sidebar: Is that wrong?)

Speaking of religion...

I'm thinking of becoming a Pastafarian.

I mean come on, how could you not be into a religion that states that pirates are "absolute divine beings" and that the global warming is related to decline in their numbers?

One thing's for sure, I have to get my hands on that bumper sticker:




Be sure to read about its origins, it's actually pretty good.

Elton John Religion Ban

Apparently Elton John wants to ban religion.

Of course, I really don't think he's being completely serious but you can understand his frustration. While I know there are divisions of the major religions that support homosexuality, religious leaders always balk at or avoid the topic.

"Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate."

History is riddled with wars brought on by religious difference, so he may have a point here. I don't mean religion, I mean ORGANIZED religion. Belief is one of the strongest human tools, I wouldn't make little of it. Perhaps religion is better served as a personal matter, and should never be a public issue or policy.

Let the Uterus Bursting Begin! (Wasn't that a Kate Bush song?)

These are from the summer when I took Jade to the travelling carnival/fair. She really shows no fear with this kind of stuff. I hope she keeps it up so that I'll have the perfect ride partner for future Wonderland trips!!

Watch for the pink hat:



Riding in the front! Atta girl!