January 10, 2006

Blog on Pause

I am in the middle of a short hiatus from this site. This little Metrogeek is in the middle of moving to a new apartment and things have gotten pretty hectic around here.

Expect me to come back some time next month with new content, a new layout, and a new ... something or other.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 09:30 AM | Comments (1)

December 25, 2005

Merry Christmas!

Nothing much more to say today. I hope Santa was good to all of you. All my presents for people have been snagged up by shipping delays ... which sucks. Ah well, they'll make great New Years Day presents instead.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 02:32 PM | Comments (1)

December 15, 2005

Regarding cute things and snow

Waaai! Kawaii!

I hope you're enjoying all this snow Toronto. I know I will be as I travel up north for a weekend of skiiing. Okay I'm going with my friends who will be shredding the slopes. I will be chilaxing at the ski lodge with a nice cuban cigar and some fine sippin' whiskey.

Anyone know where I could get a fake leg cast on short notice? I have an idea for picking up snowbunnies ...

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 11:10 PM | Comments (2)

December 05, 2005

I know you all missed me

I missed an update on Saturday but it's not my fault. I spent the weekend downtown in my soon-to-be new apartment. Said apartment is missing many things at the moment, including a bed, most of my clothes and oh yeah internet access. Hopefully a few trips to Unboring and a call to Rogers will fix that right up.

Meanwhile I've been taking Tai-Chi lessons every Sunday. The thing I enjoy the most about the whole experience is the names given to each move/stance. "Carry Tiger to Mountain", "Grasps Bird's Tail", "Repusle the Monkey"!!!

I am very, very sad that repulsethemonkey@gmail.com is taken!

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 09:03 AM | Comments (1)

November 29, 2005

The story behind what I don't want for Christmas

One day I started looking at myself; really looking at the person I've become and who I'll be as the years go by. In all honestly it was just a quick little moment of self reflection, but a few things came clear to me.

I'm not completely happy with some of the things I'm doing with my life and some changes are needed to get me back on track. Sure I've said this before, in this blog no less, but this time it feels different. Components of my life are already changing so I feel I can tack on a couple more items and let the momentum carry them to completion.

One thing I need to address is my social awareness. I don't plan to give up everything and start building water pumps in third world countries. It's just a matter of doing something, anything to help those who aren't as fortunate as I am. Any small act will just add to the over all cause, at least that's the way I'm approaching this.

All this is just a very roundabout way to say that I don't want anything for Christmas. Instead, if you are one of those super-duper people out there who are thinking of getting me something, I ask you participate in the Child's Play Charity drive instead. Take a look at the wish lists there and pick something off them that you'd think I'd enjoy. Buy it for that hospital and come December 25th, give me a card telling me what present you picked out.

Honestly that is all I want. Some of you might not understand why, or may think that this is just some attempt to score karma points. It isn't. I've been given so much in my life already, it is time someone else gets the gifts instead.

Thank you.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 09:08 AM | Comments (2)

November 15, 2005

Showing the world that gamers can do something positive

The annual Child's Play charity drive by Penny Arcade is on it's way. The idea behind it is simple: Hospitals around North America make Amazon wish lists for the kids they are currently treating. The good people of the world take a look at the lists and purchase items on it. Those are sent directly to the hospitals and to the kids that need them. Simple, straight forward, highly effective.

There are plenty of charities out there devoted to treating and curing these kids so they can get on with their lives. Child's Play is one of the few organizations set up to help those kids be kids while they're stuck in the hospital. I can get on board with that idea.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 11:59 PM | Comments (1)

November 11, 2005

Then I sang the theme song for the rest of the afternoon.

While raking the leaves on my parent's lawn this afternoon one thought came to my head.

This would be a lot simpler if I had a Katamari ball

Of course I'll pass on the odd cylindrical shaped head.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 09:06 PM | Comments (1)

November 09, 2005

Nothing like wings, beer and a live show on a Thursday night

As the webmaster for the Official Vyletz Website let me take this opportunity to plug their next gig.

Thursday, November 10th, 2005
Vyletz @ Sneaky Dees
w/ Recordbreaker and Random Order
431 College St, Toronto ON
Doors: 9:00 PM
Cover: $7.00

I'll be there since Friday is a paid holiday for me. Come on down and we can catch up over drinks!

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 11:00 AM | Comments (4)

October 30, 2005

Yet another reason to give up my car and move into the city

If for some reason you find your car speeding out of control remember to do the following: Don't panic. Put the car into Neutral and then turn off the engine. As the car slows down guide it to the side of the road and make sure to put your emergency blinkers on.

Driving home at around 1:30 AM. I am trying to get to the exit ramp of the highway but the car in front is driving a bit to slow for my tastes. With flick of the wrist my turn signal is on and I speed up to pass him. That's where it all went wrong.

My foot must have slipped or I might have misjudged how hard to press the gas pedal. The next thing I notice is that the pedal is now stuck hard to the floor and the car is speeding up at an alarming rate.

I panicked.

My first reaction is to press down hard on the breaks but it didn't slow the engine down. Pulling up on the emergency break was of little help so I gear the car into Park. The noise my Jetta made at this point was not pleasant. Finally I turn off the engine and can feel the car start to slow down. I coast to the shoulder of the road, put my blinkers on and call for help.

I feel quite stupid right now because a few minutes after coming to a halt I realized everything I had done wrong. I know there's something wrong with the acceleration. My actions above have probably cost me my breaks and transmission as well. All I needed to do was keep my wits about me but I couldn't. Now I'll have to pay for it out of my nose.

If for some reason you find your car speeding out of control remember to do the following: Don't panic like me.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 01:58 AM | Comments (7)

October 20, 2005

Because crosswords are too hard when you can't spell

My latest addiction involves a lot of numbers. If you work downtown you have probably run across those number puzzles in the Metro commuter newspaper. They are called Sudoku or Number Place puzzles; where you have to place the numbers 1 to 9 in a 9 by 9 grid pattern so that no column or row contains the same number more then once. Sounds simple, but the little buggers can get really tricky.

If you'd like to try a couple here are a few links to some sites that put up new puzzles daily.

They're challenging enough to do while you sit on the train ... trying to ignore the housewives beside you yapping about their husbands, their kids, office gossip ... bleah. I've got to remember to bring my iPod with me.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)

October 18, 2005

Franz Ferdinand @ The Ricoh Colosseum

The boys from Glasgow were back in town, playing their first arena gig in Toronto. While the show wasn't sold out, the entire crowd was there for a super fantastic show. Franz Ferdinand did not disappoint.

The energy of the band seems to ooze off the stage in excess amounts, keeping the concert alive and upbeat. A good selection of old and new hits had me dancing in my seat the whole time. It was interesting to see how the crowd reacted to some of the new material; clearly outlining which song could be the next big hit. An extended encore was just icing on the cake, leaving you wanting more.

The sound was quite good considering the hockey arena nature of the venue. Concrete walls echo like crazy, but it thankfully wasn't enough to ruin the show. Lighting was bang on, complimenting each song but not becoming to overpowering at the same time. I'm glad I was able to see all the charming stage antics, including a moment where three people were playing one drum kit all at the same time. Technically an over-kill but it looks quite awesome on stage.

I've been telling my friends that Franz Ferdinand put on great live shows, and I'm glad they can carry that over into larger venues. From the introductions mid way through the set to when all 4 members take a bow, you really get the sense that this is strong, well put together show offering you more then what you'd be able to get off the CD. Too often you find live shows end up feeling as if you've just watch a band lip-synch their album note for note. I'm glad bands like FF break that mold in that sense. I highly recommend you catch them when they are in your neck of the woods.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 11:46 PM | Comments (2)

October 10, 2005

The party went up a notch when we managed to run over the cat

Of course I should give a very big thank you to Marmy and Toast for inviting me over to said Thanksgiving Dinner. Turkey with all the fixin's plus a dessert spread fit for a royal banquet! Along with the great company and of course a bit of Katamari Damacy and you've got the recipe for a great evening!

Thanks again, and a happy Canadian Thanksgiving and/or Columbus Day to the rest of you!

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 04:47 PM | Comments (1)

September 28, 2005

We don't give a damn for any damn man who don't give a damn for us

The article Confessions of an Engineering Washout sums up a lot of feelings I have towards my university years. I can attest for most of the experiences Kern talks about. Fortunately he got out of the program before things got really hairy; I wasn't as bright as him.

It is no secret that I was a pretty bad engineering student. At the time the workload was overwhelming for me, and I could only barely keep up. I could give you excuses as to why it was so hard for me, but it all comes down to me making some poor decisions and not being able to catch up once everything started to come falling down.

Failing a couple of courses did not help either. Heck I even managed to flunk a bird course that everyone said was impossible to fail. I've come to terms with that blunder but there are still people out there who like to hold it over me. Three years later. Schadenfreude never gets old I suppose.

But I've done my time for my academic crimes, and I earned the right to wear my iron ring again. A lot of the theory I did not quite get back then makes perfect sense to me now. I had to learn them my way, which just wasn't the way I was being taught.

I guess you can say I came out of there a pretty decent engineer, I'd like to think so. But I hated every minute of it on an academic level and that shouldn't be the case.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 08:35 AM | Comments (2)

Of course they blogged it.

A belated congratulations to Wendy and Joey on their wonderful marriage last weekend. I am happy to see that a Kippa and Barong makes a stylish wedding ensemble!

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2005

Sweet Lizzie McGuire!

Someone forgot he has an early morning shift tomorrow. Infact he forgot he has an early morning shift all week.

5:00 AM wake up calls, d'oh. It's going to be a rough Monday.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 11:45 PM | Comments (0)

September 02, 2005

Make sure I follow through on this

Recently I've been doing a lot of reading on the topic of Eskrima/Arnis/Kali. I have decided if I'm going to learn some form of martial arts, it might as well be a Filipino Martial Art (FMA). Being the first generation Canadian that I am, it would be good to get more involved in my heritage.

The problem is finding a Martial arts school that teaches FMA. Not just any school mind you, one that will teach me the more traditional form of Eskrima instead of the modernized version. Would anyone have any leads?

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 04:46 PM | Comments (3)

August 30, 2005

I'm all conned out

I spent last weekend at the Canadian National Comic/Science Fiction/Horror/Anime/Gaming Expo with the usual solid cast of friends. Much geekery was had on Saturday and Sunday, leaving me wiped out come Monday's 5:00AM wake-up call for my morning shift at work. Oy.

The cosplay was in full effect, with all aspects of the mixed condo being represented. Of course the Anime fans made up the majority of them, but there were a few stand-outs. The Dalek was impressive, as was the remote control R2-D2 running about (although note to the owner of that thing: standing two feet away from R2 with a huge remote control kind of kills the illusion there buck-o). I swear the Listerine Man was walking about and the "zz zz/!" guard from Metal Gear was quite amusing. And then there was skinny little Nancy Callahan, probably one or two years younger then the actual character ... there's wrong and there's wrong and then there's this!

I saw many a celebrity, most of whom wNoodle has done a very good job of listing. Also ran into my old friend Tyrone, author and artist of Corduroy High fame. I also attended a couple of "Voice Acting 101" sessions which were each informative in their own way. Perhaps I should give up the illustrious field of IT and Software development for my chance at being Pikachu's voice ... an interesting though indeed.

I sadly do not have that many pictures to show you. This is only my 2nd con so I'm still working up the courage to whip out that camera and take pictures of complete strangers in costumes. I also have very little to show in the merch department ... which is probably a good thing since a lot of the stuff I wanted was quite expensive. Looking forward to next year's Expo and that madness that comes along with it.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)

August 22, 2005

They have taken wedding entrances to the next level

A big congratulations goes out to my cousin Anna-Gail and her new husband Harris. After six years together its nice to see them finally get married ... however being that they're my age this sets a very scarry presidence in my family. Time to fend off the "when's your turn" questions from my aunts.

Another big congratulations goes out to them for making the greatest entrance to a wedding reception I had ever seen! Picture a good sized banquet hall full of guests ready to celebrate a new marriage. The MC begins to announce the bridal party. Each couple heads to the main table, doing a little dance to the R&B music playing as they cross the dance floor. Finally the MC announces the happy couple and all eyes are glued on the doors where the rest of the party had entered.

The DJ starts to play "Yeah" by Usher. Suddenly the curtians infront of a window near the front of the hall start to raise up. As they clear the window the crowd cheers as a white stretched limo pulls into the banquet hall. Cameras are flashing, the kids are cheering, the driver leans playfully on the horn a few times but we all know where the center of attention is. Just like movie stars the bride and groom immerge from the back of the car, and head straight to the middle of the mist covered dance floor to dance beneath a light shower of bubbles.

I feel sorry for the cousin who decides to get married next. How the heck are we supposed to top that?!

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 12:18 AM | Comments (6)

August 14, 2005

I was not paid to write the following post

If you ever make it up to Skagway, Alaska, may I suggest you take the White Pass Railroad train ride through the mountains. You'll be treated to such scenic vista as the one above.

Just don't take a coach with three small children + family who won't shut up and just keep talking louder and louder so that they can hear themselves over the voice of the tour guide ... *le sigh*

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 06:17 PM | Comments (1)

August 13, 2005

Back in charge!

Whew!

Someone forgot the password to his Moveable Type account. Someone could not use the password recovery feature of MT because his webserver did not support sendmail.

Luckly, someone got help and configured his installation of MT to mail him his password another way.

Boy ... talk about your newbie mistakes ... heh heh.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 01:19 AM | Comments (0)

August 09, 2005

Alaska By the Numbers

You know this list sounded much more entertaining in my head when I was putting it together. Perhaps it was the jetlag?

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 06:29 PM | Comments (3)

Airports are a cesspool of diseases

I'm back!

Well I was actualy back this weekend but the full force of a summer cold hit me exactly two hours after my airplane touched down at Toronto's Pearson Airport. Spending the next two days in bed with a fever is not exactly the home coming celebration I had in mind.

Alaska was wonderful, beautiful weather, fresh air, scenic landscapes all around. I saw glaciers, eagles, seals and whales; icebergs, lumberjacks, salmon and totem poles. Plenty of pictures to be loaded up to the website as well.

Now that I'm back, anyone care to tell me what I missed?

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 06:11 PM | Comments (2)

July 30, 2005

Gone Fishin'

I'll be out of town for a week so expect very few updates for the next few days.

I promise to return with plenty of pictures and possibly some souvenirs for a few of you.

Till then, watch your semicolons and take care!

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 06:16 AM | Comments (2)

July 15, 2005

Can't Stop the Signal

My office has blocked all internet based mail and chat websites. Riots in the streets to ensue.

Looks like I'll have to start using my cell phone a lot more. Switch to a blackberry perhaps? It is a bit disconcerting how disconnected I feel right now. Come on boy, it's just e-mail.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 01:33 PM | Comments (3)

July 04, 2005

Long live the Grill

Over the past long weekend (happy belated Canada Day) I've had BBQ exactly 4 times. The grilled meats included the typical burgers and hotdogs, Korean style beef and some traditional Filipino style pork.

I am all BBQ-ed out. Pass me a salad.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 08:36 AM | Comments (3)

June 25, 2005

If It Don't Work Out

Best quote from The Frontier Index CD release party last night:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the last great hope of Thunder Bay: Graig Kent!" - Mark from The Parkas

Second best quote:

"Any night where it's 2:00 AM and I'm not infront of a computer is a good night." - Jeremiah Newbie

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 10:40 AM | Comments (2)

June 22, 2005

Young man waves his fist at the wind

To the couple I was sharing a picnic table with during lunch,

I am so sorry. I honestly did not expect the wind to be so gusty this afternoon. Had a strong wind come by before, I would have never used my open bottle of water to hold down the newspaper I was reading.

Unfortunately that wasn't the case. When the wind lifted up the paper and knocked the bottle toward the two of you I tried my best to stop it. Thankfully most of the water splashed harmlessly on the table but I could tell that the two of you were not impressed. A few drops must have fallen on the two of you but you both shrugged it off to the wind and continued on with your conversations.

I cleaned it up as best I could and tried to eat the rest of my lunch in peace but all I could do the entire time was think how to apologize even more then I had already did. So here I am saying sorry once more. You'll probably never see this but every little bit helps.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 09:57 PM | Comments (1)

June 17, 2005

Everyday is a winding road

When you get onto Highway 427, if you stick to the left most lane in the Express route it will take you through the Gardiner Express Way, onto Lakeshore Boulevard, and will let you exit onto Yonge Street. All that without changing a single lane.

Something tells me I need to stop this whole commuting thing.

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)

June 10, 2005

Does this dress make me look fat, pilgrim?

The Dude Show is on this weekend. Saddle up yer posse and head on down to the Old Latvian House fer a rootin' tootin' good time.

Don't let the bad cowboy accent scare you. The show is an exibition of local designers and all around crafty people. Last year I picked up a great handbound book from a Strange Little Girl. She'll be there again so make sure to stop on by!

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 12:34 PM | Comments (1)

June 04, 2005

That can't be a good sign

When puffs of smoke start to leak out of the steering column of your car, it might be time to take it to the shop. Oy, looks like I'll be staying home instead of going out tonight.

That's okay. Thanks to Marmy I have 6 DVDs worth of Inuyasha to watch! Wee!

Posted by jeremiahnewbie at 08:48 PM | Comments (2)