Happy New Year!

Just looking to wish everybody a safe and exciting New Year tonight!

Party Hardy and end the year with a bang!!!

Just remember

Don't drink a drive!

The End of Time Part 1

All I've really got to say is wow... and that's still just an understatement. Whatever the writers of Doctor Who have planned for David Tennant's regeneration is going to be BIG!! It was quite hilarious to see my friend turn into a ten year old boy once again and cry at the fact that he has to wait until January to see the finale. I could only imagine what must be running through his mind seeing as he's been watching the show for many years now!

I can't wait to be there when it finally happens. It will be interesting to see how the Tenth Doctor's time will come to an end.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!

Just hoping to wish all of you a merry christmas and a job well done with all your shopping! I hope santa brings you everything you asked for!

Avatar

Sit back, put your 3D glasses on and get ready for a ride worth watching! The movie Avatar, and I don't mean the last airbender, was a very stunning and beautiful piece created by who other than James Cameron who also brought you such amazing movies/stories as Terminator, Terminator 2 and Titanic.

His most recent film since the ever popular Titanic film, James Cameron has apparently been thinking about this film for quite some time. Giving his designers the idea, they simply turned to him and said "we're going to DIE!!!" Seeing as the technology didn't even exist to create such a film!

The movie itself was a sigh of relief. An original story for once!! Sure we have our superheroes and books turned into film, but we already know the story. This time however, we entered the cinema not knowing the tales we'd be witnessing for the next three hours.

It all takes place on a planet known as Pandora. It's about six years away from our planet. The Na'vi are the lifeforms that inhabit the planet who wish the "sky people" would leave! Unfortunately for them, they sit on a massive amount of minerals that the humans want. And what better way to get rid of them after a loooooong time of talking then to blow them out of their home!

Not trying to give away too much of the film. I will not say whether they are successful or not. But what I will say is that the final battle between Human and Na'vi is quite epic. Very entertaining and definitely a film you must see in 3D. I've never really liked the thought of 3D but it's become quite popular. I liked James Cameron's view on the idea. The screen becomes more than a screen but a window into the world you are watching and he wanted to create that image for everybody. Well... it worked!

Very original. Every aspect of the film was well thought of, down to the physical features of each creature shown in thie movie. You can definitely see the underwater life brought out in the physical nature of the world Pandora has to offer as everything at night glows so beautifully. I will say that I can not describe any further but to see the film for yourself. You will not be disappointed and if you are then you're standards are too high!

I give this a well above average rating. As I said earlier, I am glad to see some originality is still out there. Keep up the amazing work James Cameron! I expect another great film in due time!

Holiday Madness!?!

As I wake up this morning, I lay in my bed dreading the thought of the holiday rush. But I get up anyways and prepare my shower as I plan on getting all spiffy for work! The store is prepared for ALL the madness that is expected to happen as we watch people walk by the doors with their Tim Horton's coffee in their hand.

Slowly the doors rise as customers get up from the benches AND ... they head to the store across the hall... Quite surprising actually.

I've literally just come off work and I was suppose to work until 5:30, but no one was looking to shop! Sure I had the odd customer here and there but it wasn't any different from any other Saturday. Has everybody all ready finished their Christmas shopping or are they just waiting until the very last minute?? And by very, I mean VERY...

I am not looking forward to the next couples days as I work almost every one of them not to mention Christmas Eve and Boxing day ... sigh.

Just think of the money James, just think of the money!!

All I've got to say is, get it done now before it gets even worse. Today wasn't so bad, which caught me by surprise. That only means however, that it will be crazier later in the week!!!

It's going to be a LOOONG winter...

So we had our first snow storm of the season happen last night and all ready I feel the loooong winter coming. I'm personally not a winter person. I absolutely despise the cold, but I love change. I couldn't live with sunny beach weather 24/7. It would actually drive me insane I think.

The other reason why I hate winter is because I always seem to get dumped in December. I somehow never see it coming, but it should start getting predictable soon.

I didn't want to put my personal life on here but it just seems so right to put it down in words. For those of you who do not know and yet read my blog, I am gay. Just to get that out of the way. And from here on out I am going to forever call December the dumping season... no not poop, relationships.

Here's an idea... first boyfriend back in grade ten I think. We buy each other gifts for Christmas and probably just before new years we fight and it all goes to hell.
Second boyfriend... he sends me an e-mail which I read on my cheap mini browser which I had on my phone and I left the school, punched a mailbox and now I have a scar on my hand. Great reminder! (I'm sure some people are laughing at this because the last time I got angry in the summer I went to punch another wall and cut the side of my right arm... completely missed with my fist!!)
Third boyfriend... well we all know who he was. A dick! By this time he disappeared for a few days and we broke up soon after.

This time it was with someone I've been talking too for years and had been planning to see, however he lives in England and said it became to real and to save my money. Which makes sense but it still hurts.

Now, I don't know if it's the same for straight people or not. Whether boys are like this too everybody or if it just happens to everybody. All I know is the next time I start something I'll be sure to prepare not only for the loooooong winter haul, but the heartbreak that seems to become an annual thing for me.

And like I always say... Boys suck! I should know!

Day 60 Results

So I've finally finished phase two and I have begun phase three. Personally I am quite surprised that I have been able to keep up this intense workout system over the last two months. However, there have been a few interruptions that have prevented me from working out a couple of times, but it's bound to happen.

For the record, I hardly believe that it's the P90X giving me the results. I have begun to realize it's the determination and drive which I've kept striving for. That's what's getting me the results I want. I'm as lazy as the next person when I want to be. Though, spending an hour a day doing something active is what gives me the strength and power to do those extra sit-ups or extra push-ups I've always wanted to achieve.

As for definition on my body, you've probably realized it's hard to notice. I'm as white as snow and I'm sure if I were to get a tan, you'd notice it a little more. The other BIG reason is my diet. I've mentioned on day 1 I wasn't going to follow it to a "T" because I don't have the funds to buy my own groceries and certain foods are hard to resist. But one step at a time.

I've got approximately a month to go. I'm hope to see a big difference at the finish line however, I am quite happy with what I've achieved thus far. My performance in other activities has definitely improved.

Here are my day 60 results. On day 90 I'll post my day 1 results also. That way we can clearly see the visible differences. I'll also point out that there will be snow on the ground by then. Just in case you think I'm using photo shop!

ah aha

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Word of the Week

So I'm sat here again... I'm usually sat here... but I've realized that I have no done a word of the week in awhile. So I've decided to look up a word and it's the most random word. It's so random I don't think I'll ever get around to using it. But you never know!

So here it is:

Atrophy - Noun

1. Pathology. a wasting away of the body or of an organ or part, as from defective nutrition or nerve damage. (Refer to picture... I didn't want to use a real arm. It's really gross).

2. degeneration, decline, or decrease, as from disuse: He argued that there was a progressive atrophy of freedom and independence of thought.

verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
3. to affect with or undergo atrophy

Christmas Hours!?!

For all you last minutes shoppers!

Just thought I would give you a heads up that the mall has now begun it's christmas hours. It'll be open EVEN LATER!!! Which is great for you but seeing as I work at the mall it kind of sucks ...

But if I may give some advice, start your shopping now and not wait until the last minute! The Christmas rush is probably why most of you hate doing it!! Get it done now and you can relax during the holidays!

Happy Shopping and be sure to stop by RW&CO to say hi!!

Universal Soldier - Regeneration??

So I am browsing the internet minding my own business and I happen to come across this trailer. (Go to this LINK to view trailer)

Is it for real??

Universal Soldier Regeneration coming soon!! I'm not exactly sure what to think!!

2012

Before I start with my review, I've decided to change my rating method. I am no longer going to use the numbers 1 - 10 but the terms poor don't see it to Fantastic!?!

So last night I had gone to see 2012 with some really average expectations. I mean come on, I think that is a little far fetched as too what may happen in a couple years right? ... Right? Well let's hope not because the destruction involved the first 45 minutes of the film were very well done. Although, I think they tried a little too hard to show as much as they could for every possible idea of dying.

For example: falling out of a skyscraper, having a car push you into the crevis forming between your legs, drowning, etc, etc...

The only other thing I did not get is when the entire city of California began to fall into the Pacific Ocean. I mean how does a limo driver win the lottery and avoid every possible attempt getting himself and his family killed? I mean it's a chance of only 1 in a million that he'd avoid falling off a cliff while hurdling towards it, it's a 1 in a million chance that he'd not get crushed by a sky scraper while driving through it. IT'S FALLING DOWN ON HIM!!! ... I'm sorry, I really didn't get it. But it was still very entertaining to watch.

After all this like any other movie where the world is coming to an end, there is always a sigh of some relief as they journey to safety. This, however, is full of not enough sappy moments where everyone forgives and forgets about their family issues. And by not enough I mean WAY to many. I could hear my older brother next to me sighing in disgust everytime a sappy moment ended and it was about every 15 minutes until the end of the film.

Lame.

But I guess you need that when the world is about flood over... sort of sounds familiar. The whole flooding thing...

Anyways, if you go see this movie I doubt you'd need to be afraid of what may happen in December of 2012. It seemed to me that they bundled up all the theories and made sense out of it like some awesome deal at the supermarket.

I would like to give some credit though to two actors in the entire film. John Cusack and Chiwetel Ejiofor from the movie Serenity. Out of the entire cast and crew they had to be the two best actors of the film. Everybody else I couldn't care for. Their acting skills were a little weak, so when the died I could only sigh in relief that I didn't need to put up with them anymore.

All in all I will give this one an average rating. Personally I'd wait until it comes out on video just to save yourself a couple dollars.

We have a Future.

"HIV/AIDS is devastating many countries in Africa, including Lesotho where almost a quarter of the adult population lives with the virus. Ongoing stigma, lack of awareness and limited health care resources mean that many people living with this disease, HIV has been a death sentence."

In response to this, Bracelets of Hope has been acting on hope to help provide tools and medicine for those in Losotho working on saving those infected with the virus.

For only two days, you can do your part by visiting the community kiosk today November 19th and Sunday November 22nd by RW&CO to buy a bracelet where 75 cents of each purchase goes towards the workers who make the bracelets and the rest to the AIDS research.

What your donations will do:

-HIV/AIDS assessment, testing, counselling and treatment

-Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

-Outreach services in the Leribe District working with 26 primary health care centres to provide services and support in remote communities.

-Patient transportation and x-rays

-Patient infant formula emergency support program

-Training program for nurses from remote clinics

- Developement of Basotho medical staff.

For more information, go to this LINK to view the "Bracelets of Hope" homepage.

Ugh...

So I just feel like saying this, but we happened to rent Transformers 2 last night because my folks haven't seen it yet. I happened to be at a small get together and when I got home they were half way through it. You know, the part where Shia (if that's how you spell it) is now wanted all over the world! Well by world I mean the USA because The Fallen can only broadcast himself in one country apparently.

However, to no surprise, my mum was on the computer playing a game and my dad was asleep (though that's common for him). I decided to sit down with my brother to see if my opinion would change about the film... It hasn't. In fact, I want to rate this film again because I was WAY to easy on it the first time giving it a six. I totally agree with a friend of mine when he placed a 1 for his rating. The only reason why it gets a 1 is the fact that Optimus kicks ass. The rest of the film was even MORE boring the second time around because I knew what was coming.

I honestly can't figure out how they made it so boring. Maybe the action scenes were too long? Maybe there was less robot and more slutty girls with no brains? Or maybe it's the shitty fact that the final fight with Optimus (now unconscious through 75% of the film) and "The Fallen??" lasts a mere 30 seconds... OooOoOoOooOoooo..Oooo...oo?

I really hope that if they make a third one it will be worth seeing in theatres. My siblings can't understand why I don't enjoy the movie, but what I don't understand is how they think it's great when they grew up watching the series!!! Oh well my opinion still stands.

I am rating this AGAIN at a 1 out of 10. I was definitely WAY to easy on it the first time... I'll be sure not to do it again.

30 days in

So it has been a little over 30 days now since I started my new workout. I will not lie but the visible differences don't seem very big, however I am not following the diet plan. I mostly feel it in my performance at karate. I find that I can control myself in my basic techniques a lot easier than before. I also noticed that I am slightly bigger in my 30 day photo's than I am in my day 1 photo's... It might just be me!

But I will not say anymore. I will however show you the 30 day results!

Here's Hoping!!

I'm sat here and I'm looking out my patio door as I see big chinks of snow fall from the puffy clouds outside. With a mixture of wind and rain I know that it is going to be a looooong winter ahead. I am not a big fan of winter. In fact I am more of a summer person since my hands and feet don't freeze during that time of year.

But seeing as I had a very productive summer, in fact a very productive year. I am ready for the wintry season. I guess if you're like me, you're probably not looking forward to the next few months; especially Christmas.

But here's what you do! Look at the positives. It's a change! It's better than having the same thing day in and day out 365 days of the year! Get your Christmas shopping done sooner rather than later. That way you can sit and laugh at all the suckers still rushing to get things done. And lastly stay active. Whether you join a gym, do stuff at home or actually go outside and enjoy the snow just try and keep busy! It'll keep your mind off of the season anyways.

"On the Warrior's Path"

By Daniele Bolelli

A very creative and exciting book that takes all the aspects of martial arts and picks them apart. The writing style is very creative and made you feel as if you were sat there listening to the author speak, which in my opinion is the best form of writing.

However, I did find that near the end it got a bit repetitive with Jet Lee's philosophy and could have had a better ending. Although, I guess that could have been the point; helping the reader contemplate a little more themselves rather than having somebody contemplate for them.

I guess the only people who can really appreciate this book are the actual martial artists out there who are searching for answers.

(I being one of them)

It did help me see how my Sensei's have incorporated certain aspects from other styles such as Jujitsu into our training. I guess it's because they too have read this book and can see that you can not just rely on one style of martial arts to save you in a rough situation.

Aside from all of that, I recommend this book to anyone as it can be the first step to really open your mind. If you go further than the martial arts aspect of the book you can relate it to anything else in life. Break down the barriers that close your mind too new things in life and go for it. Leave everything that happens in the past in the past, and focus on the future. Just some philosophy from the book which you will find if you ever decide to pick it up!

H1N1 Prevention Tips

For those of you who are choosing not to get the H1N1 flu shot or even in general, here are a few tips which will help prevent you from catching the flu.

1. Frequent hand washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face approach. Resists all temptations to touch any part of the face unless your tempted to eat, in which case you've all ready washed your hands. Otherwise, only when you're having a bath/shower.

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water. If you do not like to use salt water, Listerine is the other alternative. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't under estimate this simple, inexpensive and power preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at lesat one every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at using a neti pot, but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing bother nostils with cotton swabs dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods are rich with Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorbtion.

For a list of foods that are rich with Vitamin C, go to this link.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list; you never know who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it.

Saw VI

I guess the biggest thing that annoyed me more than sitting and watching yet another Saw film was this jerk who decided to sit RIGHT in front of me during the movie. Not like the cinema was packed or anything. In fact there were a few seats empty which he could have picked. BUT NO!! He had to sit in the seat right in front of me! Not to mention texting... Ugh...

Alright, I am not writing a review on choosing seats. In fact I am suppose to be writing about Saw VI.

"HOLY CRAP there is another Saw movie??!?! No fricken WAY!"

"Yea way!"

There is nothing really to explain. I am sure after the first five, you know that this film is full of puzzles and contraptions meant too disembowel "innocent" people while teaching a very valuable lesson to the pawn in Jigsaw's game.

Oops, did I give it away? Oh well, I am sure you all knew that was coming anyways since they are all the same. The only difference between this one and the other five is that part six takes you another step farther in the now complicated story-line, which you need to remind yourself of because after eight hours of blood and guts you need to refresh yourself with what happened in the last one. I can tell you I can not remember what happened in each one except for the first Saw and the one I previously sat through. The rest are just a blurr of various torture exercises, flashbacks and lessons to be learned about valuing your life.

"Do you remember the uh... the one with the hole full of needles?? Which one was that in?"

"I can't remember!?" Sob...

And I guess the only other difference in part VI is the way people are tortured. I am sure the writers have a great time imagining those up!

I am not even going to rate this movie until it's done, which by then they will be on Saw XXXXXVVIIIVVIVIIXXI. So until then, I am just going to rent the next one if they ever decide to end it. That will be the biggest shocker! Bigger than the first outrageous scene in the series!

Sigh...

Happy Halloween!

Just wishing everybody a safe and Happy Halloween!!

And don't be skimpy with the candy!!

Otherwise...

Be sure to get some scares in during the night!!!

Mwahaha

P90X Does it Work?

"Gimmick" –noun

An ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, esp. one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.

Something like... oh let's say exercise tapes. It's hard to believe after so many different kinds of work out tapes, like Richard Simmons, that any of them might actually work. However, over the past year I have found myself somewhat drawn to a new workout found on TV known as "P90X". Now some of you may have all ready seen this on television, but for those of you who have no idea what it is I'll explain to you the idea.

It's a set of different work out routines you're capable of doing at home without all the fancy and expensive equipment. It also changes the workout by giving you many other ways to work your muscles throughout your body. They call it "body muscle confusion".

Now I am not trying to sell the product here. Nor have I fallen into the actual gimmick. My brother and I have talked about it several times over the past few months, debating whether or not we should give it a try. He himself wants to get back into shape so when he gets hired as a firefighter he'll not fall behind. I'm doing it for one main reason and that's to try something new.

I have become very interested in fitness and how it works. I also want to try and see the different variety of exercises one can do because we're all sick of the standard push-up. I know I am. I have begun the P90X because it's something I can do at home before or after work without needing to go to the gym or to take somebody else's spot in a class who needs more motivation to workout than I do.

So here's the deal. I have met people who have done this and they have proven to me that it works. I have already begun my 90 day last Monday and I'm already feeling results (mostly because I have worked out for so long all ready so anyone who's more out of shape may not see results right away). I am not promoting the product for you to buy it but trying to prove that staying active everyday can give you greater results. But, you may not see on me the definition you see on the television because I am not following the diet guide to a T because I can not afford my own groceries.

That's up to my parents!

But let's see if I can avoid fatty foods like McDonald's (which is gross to begin with) and avoid excessive drinking over the weekends. We all know that beer gives you a horrible belly. So, if I can do that, I believe I can still get some pretty good results within 90 days.

I've put up my before photo's and will post up my 30 day, 60 day, and 90 day results. And I'll point out that my computer is not fancy enough for any photoshop so I've not edited any of these photo's. I'll hold the newspaper with the days date on it if that makes you happy!

Happy Abracadabra Day?

You're probably asking me why I put "abracadabra". No it has nothing to do with that hilarious episode of "Bugs Bunny" when he's trapped in the haunted castle being stalked by a bat changing vampire. I was actually sitting here wondering what I could search for in terms of a new word for my blog and would you believe me when I say I thought of thanksgiving and decided to look it up?? Well I did and these were the other words that popped up on the screen.

"Thanksgiving"

Definition: grace

Synonyms: benediction, blessing, invocation, petition, thanks

I suppose the connection between the two words comes from the fact that "thanksgiving" and "invocation" mean prayer but that "invocation" also means magic, or to summon something.

It's weird how words are all connected. Though, I do not think that abracadabra day will catch on.

Dear Lisa

I can not believe that it has all ready been two years since you left us. I only wish to tell you on everyone's behalf that you have never been forgotten. I'm quite sure that you still reach us everyday. Like today as I went to visit your grave, I noticed the red ribbon in your tree and guess what was sheltering from the wind on that ribbon?

A lady bug!

And for those of you who do not know, but lady bugs were her favourite!

So Lisa, keep on reaching out to us because we need that reminder to keep on smiling, to keep on pushing, and to keep being friends with those you brought us so close too.

We'll always cherish the memories.

The "R" Word And Why it Needs to Stop

If you had read my blog last week, you probably saw my little lecture about the word "Nice" and why I hate it. Well, the next word on my hit list happens to be the word "Right". Not the term in which I mean the direction of things, the term I mean is, "in conformity with fact, reason, truth, or some standard or principle; correct: the right solution; the right answer" I have a HUGE problem with this word. Don't ask me why. My sister just happened to point out that every time I teach I begin to explain my point and at the end of each sentence I say "right". So I guess this is more of a personal matter, but I thought it would be interesting all the same, right!

The "R" word happens to be used in a lot of different ways. I am looking through the list now and it's just occurred to me how often we use it without even realizing it.

Have a look for yourself by going to this link.

I guess what I am trying to say this time is to try and listen to yourself as you talk and point out to yourself how often you use the same words. If you can't do it, ask someone to listen to you speak and see what they have to say. I started doing it the other week and that's why I am posting these little rants because it helps me to expand my vocabulary by looking up other meanings!

So give it a shot and see what comes out!

Karate Ontario Attempt

Today was exciting for most, but nerve wracking for others. I happened to be one of the nervous wrecks waiting to perform what I thought would be an amiable kata! (HA I didn't use the "N" word - refer to previous blog!). But, it turned out to be an unsuitable performance for the judges.

To give you an idea of where I am going with this, I'll give you a brief summary of my athletic past.

Football - I have a hard time catching the football let alone trying to throw it.

Volleyball - I can't volley very well.

Baseball - I can't pitch and prefer to let him do all the work ZING!

Basketball - Don't even go there.

And as for karate, I am more into the art than I am the medals. So... since Okinawa, I have been oober busy and to tired to train. Not to mention I don't remember much of the sport performances but only the traditional ones practiced by those in Okinawa. I am more into that anyways.

However, today was a very strange day as it began a little earlier and seemed a little unorganized. As usual they had someone with an accent using the mic so you couldn't understand where you were suppose to be at certain times, which meant when I saw those in my division line up I was suddenly up to perform!?!? I went up - whether I was registered or not - and performed a kata known as seipai. The second I was done, I all ready knew what was coming. The judges huddled and discussed what they just saw. Seeing the unapproved expressions I knew it would not allow me to go further.

Nothing but 0.0 across the board. Which in all honesty does not bother me. It does show that I should have trained a little more even if I lacked the energy. Even ask questions of what I should do. But at the same time, I am only there for fun. It helps get the nerves out. So in case you were all wondering about the results, I was disqualified! Ha ha. But for the next Karate Ontario happening shortly after this one, I will be a little more prepared!

Another word for "Nice"

"Nice"
Definition: likable, agreeable

In my last post below, you'll notice that I said I was going to post up a new word each week. To some success I have used the word a couple times! Hurrah! However, I am bothered by the overuse of one particular word... Nice...

I remember back in grade eight, my teacher at the time had a personal vendetta against the word. I've finally understood why. It is overused by everybody and I am definitely one of them. I only noticed while at work, as I explain to customers about our clothe line, that nice was coming out once to often.

So after revisiting my childhood and remembering how often my grade eight teacher encouraged the use of other words, I have finally decided to look up other terms for the word nice. Obviously it's now learning how to use the other words properly, but I thought it would be fun all the same!

Here you are... other ways to say nice without actually saying it.

admirable, amiable, approved, attractive, becoming, charming, commendable, considerate, copacetic, cordial, courteous, decorous, delightful, ducky, fair, favorable, fine and dandy, friendly, genial, gentle, good, gracious, helpful, ingratiating, inviting, kind, kindly, lovely, nifty, obliging, okay, peachy, pleasant, pleasurable, polite, prepossessing, seemly, simpatico, superior, swell, unpresumptuous, welcome, well-mannered, winning, winsome

So now that you know over a kajillion other terms for the word nice, I encourage people to stop saying it! Or at least reduce it to a couple times a week!

The next word to heed my wrath! ... "Right"!?!

Word of the week

So I am going to try and have a word which I will use as often as I can each week. Why? I dunno, I think it will be interesting to use new words. I remember my friend using the word "Trepidation" which means to be excited, exhilarated, and scared at the same time! It was SO random but now I use it.

So I am going to start off small... one that I can use at work to lure people into buying my sale mwahaha! (Though, for the record, we are not on commission).

Let's start with:
"Enticing": –verb (used with object), -ticed, -tic⋅ing.
to lead on by exciting hope or desire; allure; inveigle: They were enticed westward by dreams of gold.

Customer Appreciation at RW&CO!!!

Starting tomorrow my work is having a sale for all their customers which gives you 20% off all last ticketed prices on any item.

Whether it's full price or on sale!

Be sure to stop by your RW&CO location tomorrow on September 13/2009

Or come see us at the Cambridge location

A Humble Slap to the Face

A slap to the face isn't always the most enjoyable feeling in the world, however everybody needs one every now and again. I only say that because throughout my short time in Okinawa, my world came crumbling down as I realize that I am nothing but a speck in the Martial Art Universe.

And I know what you're thinking, "obviously it's big!"

But for someone who's never gone further than the dojo he's been training in for the last nine years, to witness the consuming mass which took the floor was mind boggling!!! The picture below is just a glimpse.

But the experience... the experience is something that I am glad I will be able to talk about for years to come and will hopefully be able to experience again. Training with Sensei Matayoshi and the other Masters taught me more than I think I could learn in three months; the obvious points and then the points that you would never even consider.

Now I would share but I have to keep quiet... karate secrets and all!

As for the tournement, I am glad to say that I made it through to the second round. However, I did lose against a very skilled opponent from Okinawa who could blow a lot of the others out of the water. But at least I made it through round one!

As for the other's, the one who stuck out the most was Sensei Trevor Sheppard who lost to an Okinawan for a spot in the top eight. Funny enough a lot of people disagree with the judges decision and found it very biased since the winner was from Okinawa like the judges themselves.

BUT!

There were quite a few Okinawan's who believe Sensei Sheppard should have won that round. So it goes to show what really matters. And I am sure he feels the same about sharing the experience rather than winning the competition.

(Sensei Sheppard on the left)

Though, we are now back home and it has been a week since we've come home. What seemed like forever now feels like a blink in my life. I am happy to bring home whatever wisdom I can muster; and it all begins tomorrow as we start our first chapter in our new dojo.

And there shall be more pictures posted eventually as I write about the city of Naha the birthplace of Goju Ryu Karatedo.

Finally Completed the Book!

So I just thought I would let you all know that read my last review of this book my opinion still stands the same. With only a hundred pages to finish after writing my last review, I've finally found the time and energy to actually complete it. I felt that this story was very dry compared to the last four books. It probably falls just under Empire of Ivory. That too was a very hard read. But all in all I am willing to finish the series when the sixth book hits the shelves.

Although, I would like to know where she is going with it now that they are heading to australia during the French Revolution... guess I should get refrest my world history lessons!

One Week!

This is just a small picture of the tiny island I am going to along with Sensei Trevor, Sensei Eduarda, and Sempai Gourville by next week. It's nowhere near Tokyo, in fact it's about 2,129 km's away. We'll be on an island very similar to Howaii, just with a Japanese twist!

I want to thank everyone again who's helped me along the way!

Count down the days! only 7 left!

Victory of Eagles

Regardless to say the first four books to Naomi Novik's Temeraire series have been undoubtedly superb in their creativeness and excellent story telling that she has given me over the last couple of years. However, Victory of Eagles has been a disappointment in keeping my interest. The only book in the entire series that has not grabbed my attention and has taken me forever to finish.

With only one hundred pages left to read, I have come across the same situation again and again between one of the main character, William Laurence, and the British Government that he continues to serve.

During the last novel, the British Government intended on sending a sick dragon to France to infect Napoleons army which in turn would eventually effect the rest of the dragon population in the European area and onwards to China, Africa, etc... Not wanting this to happen, Termeraire (Laurences dragon companion) and Laurence himself go out with the cure to go and save the other dragons. This was not an act of treason but an act of heroism. Obviously the British government does not understand this.

So throughout the fifth book it has been a battle between the main characters and the Government as well as the French Army who have now landed on British soil. As we continue to see that Laurence is making a small break through with his point of giving the beasts some respect because it is obvious that it works, just LOOK at the French ... they are kicking your ass because of what Laurence is saying!?!

Sorry ... Anyways, as Laurence begins to make a small break through with his point of giving the best some respect. Some thick headed political man who has no understanding of the dragon populous; it goes back to square one. It is becoming very tedious in it's attempts to seem interesting. Even my beloved battle scenes that I have thoroughly enjoyed throughout the first four has gone very blah. I think Naomi Novik has lost interest herself and just wants to finish the story.

I shall write another review if I can get through the last hundred pages or so. I only felt that I had to vent a little bit about the story and how difficult it has been to read it. I only hope that it has a great ending or I will be very disappointed!

Dojo Movie Night!

To everyone who helped out!

The Dojo Movie Night was a complete success! Though slow in the beginning, at least by the end we were still going strong when playing hide and seek in the dark. To the kids surprise, I had planned on using the entire dojo as our arena. They could not have been more excited to play, we hadn't even finished our featured film "Kung Fu Panda".

I am sure this will become an annual if not a bi-annual event with more laughs and screams while playing in the dark.

Thank you to all who helped out throughout the night. It could not have gone any better without your help!

Sempai James

Dojo Movie Night!

Come one! Come all! To our first Dojo Movie Night at Hourahines Martial Arts And Fitness Centre!!!

On Saturday, July 25/09 Hourahines Martial Arts And Fitness Centre is having a movie night for kids between the ages of 6-13 years of age. There will be movies, games, popcorn, pizza and more!

It will be $20 per child or $30 for two! Want to have a night out with your loved one or just a quiet night? Then drop your kids off this Saturday at 6pm and pick them up no later than 11:30pm!

Bring flashlights, pillows, and something comfortable to wear!

If you have any questions please e-mail me at

iamjustjames@hotmail.com

Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Ice Age 3 Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Between adorable baby T-Rex's and a heartbroken acorn this movie is your usual adventure comedy. With original actors and keeping up with the story from the previous two movies, Ice Age 3 still delivers its hilarious script with success and keeping your interest throughout the film.

I won't exactly say "see it in theatres" nor will I say not too. But I will leave that decision up to you. I've not got much else to say besides seeing it for yourself. It's a good laugh and a cute story which will keep you interested from beginning to end.

I'll give it an average rating. No numbers this time ha ha.

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

Review



A bit of a snooze fest and slightly disappointing compared to my actual expectations. All in all a good movie, but I feel that the wow factor had already been taken when the first movie was released. This time I watched and thought "okay, this was done before," and I waited for something intense. There were only two fight scenes that actually amazed me throughout the entire film. These were... when Optimus ends up with Megatron's sword through his spark and the very last fight with "The Fallen" (which by the way is the Decepticon's name ...??).


It would have been more effective if they had not shown that massive desert constructicon over a million times on commercials. The first time I saw that I couldn't fathom any of it! By the time I sat and watched the movie I couldn't care about it.

My only other con for this movie is that they had WAY to many easy laughs; such as two massive wrecking balls for the constructicons testicles... OoOoOoOo I hadn't seen that one coming! And don't forget a cracked out mother after eating special brownies! Because that's not an easy laugh either! I prefer the sarcasm, which did enter from time to time otherwise it was not exactly a laugh out loud movie unless you think stupid things are hilarious.

On a positive note, Micheal Bay did learn from his mistakes with the previous fight scenes and decides to slow them down every so often so the audience can catch up with all the CGI blurs. He also zooms out so you can actually figure out what you're looking at and who it is that's talking. I remember asking myself during the first movie "is that Star Scream or Blackout I am looking at... OH it's Blackout, never mind".

Overall, I give this movie a 6 for the corrections made on their previous mistakes but I suppose it's mostly the advertising that destroyed my personal expectations.

Upcoming Torchwood Series

For those of you who are fans of the show, here is a link to one of my favourite commercials for the upcoming Torchwood series broadcasting next month! Hope you enjoy.

Go to THIS LINK to view video.

An Interesting E-mail Sent To Me

This is something we should all read at least once a week Written By Brett, 90 years old, author of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland ,

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me... It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ’In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Thank You!

Four months ago, I took a thirteen hour flight to the land of the rising sun for a taste of what Japan had to offer. The moment we landed, a huge smile spread across my face as I knew we were now in the country I had been longing to see.

As if I knew what to expect, the country threw even more at me. It gave me what I wanted and more. I can understand why most people would and will not leave the seductive country and I am envious of those who are able to live there even for a year.

However, I have been given the opportunity to go once more within six months of my last adventure. My Dojo has been invited to attend a kata and kobudo tournament as well as a training seminar with well respected Sensei's of other styles. But it has been and still is a difficult challenge funding such an event but thanks to many friends and family, they have pushed me another step forward to getting me there.

I want to thank every one of them for the donations they have made. It means a lot to me to know that I have their support. This also goes out to anyone who may still assist in the financial need for the journey.

Thank you, James Wyatt

3 Days Left

Hey guys,

For those of you who are unaware, I have been trying to fundraise money on the internet to help me get to Okinawa along with three others from my martial arts studio. The site works like this, you set yourself a goal and advertise the cause. If you achieve your goal you receive the money via cheque or paypal, but if you don't then you receive nothing!

My goal is $700.00 however I am currently sitting at $470.00. I have three days left to raise the $700.00! Please support your community athlete's and donate! Every little amount counts!

Just go to THIS LINK to view the homepage. If it does not work, please go to www.fundable.com and search "Okinawa".

UP

The movie "UP" is a hilarious, emotional, enjoyable ride which takes you all the way to South America where an old man and a young boy scout slowly become the best of friends during their adventure.

In the first twenty minutes of the film you're introduced to the main character and shown the life events that lead to his complicated plans raising his house off the ground. Marrying his childhood friend, Carl and Ella are determined to raise money to go to South America for their own adventure but it slowly dies as they keep putting it aside. Getting older, Ella passes and leaves Carl by himself. Not wishing to move as high rises are built all around him, Carl is nearly forced to leave until he decides to take his house with him.

It's while he is in the air you are introduced to Russel again, a young chubby little boy who is determined to earn his last merit badge in the boy scouts... helping the elderly.

They both land in South America and have their destiny set as they are found by the famous beast who Carl's childhood hero is hell bent to capture. It's through this that Carl and Russel grow closer together as Carl realizes that he has to let go of the past for him and Ella lived their lives which was her adventure and now it's Carl's turn to have his.

The movie was sweet as you see an old man become a child once again. The cleverness behind each character is memorable. Hilarious and exciting I give this movie a 9 out of 10 for it was to short! But holds a nine for being classically funny like all the other Pixar creations.