Pointless Post #61

There's something magical about cleaning with bleach. There's something magical as your utter disgust turns into instantaneous gratification after wiping something that was once blanketed in dust and unknown muck and then being able to see the pure white surface shine clean again. There's something magical when your cheap spray bottle cracks and your diluted bleach cleaning solution sprays up into your eye. There's no other burning sensation like it. It is a one of a kind feeling.

Also, whole wheat crackers are unsatisfying. I almost miss my childhood days of processed, enriched white flour, and high trans fat snacks were still with me. Killing me slowly with that delicious, delicious gluten.

Note: In case there's ambiguity, I'm fine; I was wiping up something with bleach when I thought, "That would really suck if that happened right now."

The Canucks are simply Bieksallent

I love burgers. There is nothing like a succulent, beef patty on a warm, toasted bun, covered and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, melted cheese, special sauces, and just because I'm feeling fancy, some sautéed mushrooms and plenty of crisp bacon slices. It's a combination of delicious flavours and fresh aromas from quality ingredients, that fuse together to make a symphony orchestra of culinary tastes.

The following videos are to your eyes, what a good burger is to my mouth. Mmmmmmm!

Vancouver Canucks - All Goals 2010-11 Season (43:10)


Vancouver Canucks - 2011 Playoffs - Round 1 - All Goals (5:16)


Vancouver Canucks - 2011 Playoffs - Round 2 - All Goals (4:11)


Vancouver Canucks - 2011 Playoffs - Round 3 - All Goals (6:51)


Wow, just pure wow.

What can we learn from those videos? Where should I start?

-keep your stick on the ground and get ready, especially if you're playing with the Sedins
-puck movement frees up the ice and/or gets the goalie to move from side to side
-speedy forwards are luxurious to have
-get pucks on net, even if you don't have a shot
-working from behind the net (à la Gretzky) is almost always effective
-having a crowd in front of the net is great
-having an excellent screen with a quick stick is even better
-big shots from the blue line change the game
-offensive defenceman that know how to pinch are valuable
-winning faceoffs is obviously important
-rebounds.... lots and lots of rebounds (see first point)
-breathtaking goal-tending and HIP CHECKS

I could keep that list going and going, and yes, those are really basic points, but this is why hockey is the ultimate team sport and why the Vancouver Canucks are everything they are this season. And ok, the goal-tending and hip checks weren't featured in those videos, but they do add to the game. Goal-tending is self-explanatory, especially for the games when the team has trouble scoring and hip-checks are just beautiful because not only do they take an opposing player out, it gets the fans involved.

Aaaagh, I'm so horny for hockey now. Haha, yes I said it. Blame Ray Barone. It's a very accurate analogy for sports fans.

This is a very ironic post considering what I talked about last time. Oh well.
Oh yeah, thanks to nic876 for those great compilations and hours of splicing! 8^D

Game 3 in Boston tonight! Yeah!
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Saw gas for 130.9¢/litre yesterday.

Note: I believe "Bieksallent" is a Tom Larscheid quote.

Vancouver, behold your gods!

I say that in jest, but at the same time, its true. And being Canadian, I know its not just Vancouver that worships hockey, but the whole country. I will reluctantly admit even I choose to worship hockey over God sometimes. This year, the Vancouver Canucks playoffs motto is "This Is What We Live For," and I shook my head at it when I first saw it. But I have to agree with it because it is a very accurate statement.

I was six years old when the Canucks last made it to the Stanley Cup Finals and all I can remember from that is playing outside on the jungle gym at the church barbecue with all the other kids, while all the adults were inside watching Game 7 against the Rangers. And then I remember me and my sister egging our mother on to honk the car horn on the drive home as we passed by groups of people on all sides of the roads, waving Canuck flags and white towels. It was fun. I didn't quite understand or love the game of hockey completely, but I understood the spirit of the game that drives people together.

Fast forward to the 2010-2011 NHL season where I'm able to follow along and watch almost all 82 Canuck games on TV in their entirety. I can do this now without guilt because I'm done school and I don't have homework nagging at me after the game is finished. I enjoy and revel in the win of the team's success. I silently mope around after a trouncing by an old playoff rival. At the back of my mind is the top prize in all of hockey and how maybe this year our home team will win it.

And then the Canucks lead their division in points.
And then they finish best in the Western Conference.
And then they end the season as best in the entire 30-team league.
And then we finally knock out Chicago with a devastating Burrows OT goal.
And then we beat Nashville.
And then we defeat San Jose.
And now we’re facing Boston for the Stanley Cup.

And today all of Vancouver, all of BC, and a lot of Canada (well…some of you hate us, but hey, it’s our time, 8^p) is waiting, waiting, waiting for the puck to drop shortly after 5:00pm PST on June 1, 2011 for Game 1.

And that is the beauty of hockey. That is the beauty of sports. It is a unifier of gender, age, race, and religion. All people can come together to cheer on and celebrate one team, one goal, and one prize. Strangers can high-five each other on the street. Smiles can be exchanged from across the room at the sight of someone wearing the same numbered jersey as you are. It’s an exciting and optimistic time for Vancouver that matches and arguably surpasses the hype of the Olympics and Team Canada’s quest for gold in men’s hockey last year.

And yet part of me is saddened at the sudden madness that one common goal can generate. The amount of money individuals are willing to spend on one ticket to a home game are now averaging a month’s rent (~$1000, give or take a few hundred). Canucks merchandise is flying off store shelves. Diehard fans are decorating their cars more elaborately with decals, posters, figurines, and gigantic team flags that probably slow them down when they drive on the highway. It is an idol. The Canucks are an even greater object of worship than they once were, in a city that desperately needs something greater. I am saddened at myself for often choosing to worship them also.

But I am confident that if Vancouver wins the Stanley Cup, it can be a tool for the glory of God. Yes, the hockey lover in me wants Vancouver to win it and I’m fairly sure it might cause more idol worship for a time, but I am ever so hopeful that hockey and sports in general can be a captivating stage for the name of Jesus to be made famous. It can be a stage for the Gospel to be proclaimed.

Sports is a recognizable and influential part of life world wide, more so in societies that have disposable incomes. The more I read (albeit, still very slowly) Recreation and Sports Ministry the more excited I am at the potential that hockey in this city can be used to reach people who have not been open to God before. I am quite certain of this because all the truths I’m reading in the aforementioned textbook are culturally relevant, and have Scripture to back up its points. Seriously, if you are thinking about how sports can be used as an effective tool in your church or ministry, this book is a beautiful guide, and you need to get it. Sports ministries are not a new thing. Reaching people for God, through recreation, is an “idea” well over a hundred years old and more.

So, as the Vancouver Canucks and the millions of fans supporting them, prepare to give Beantown a meaningful lesson in Canadian hockey, I will hope and cheer and pray. I will also continually hope that maybe in the near future, member(s) of the Vancouver Canucks might be able to speak in a church or other venue about their personal faith in Jesus. I can only imagine the kinds of people who might be drawn to that kind of event who may have never been to church before. And how sweet would that be to have the Stanley Cup up there beside the speakers, with a Bible resting inside it?

Go Canucks Go!



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Saw gas for 140.8¢/litre last last last Sunday. Gadzooks. Now its about 135ish average?

Pointless Post #60

I'm pooped but this article is worth reading:


......because I wear that watch everyday! In fact, I own two of them. Just in case one breaks (totally serious).

I used to wear a Timex Ironman watch but I got frustrated with that because the etching of the words on the side (Indigo, Start/Stop, Reset, etc) got rubbed off over time, the Indigo light itself was fading, and the replacement straps are so expensive and they wear out so easily.

But I bought my beautiful Casio F-91W's in 2009 and I haven't looked back since. The strap that came with the watch shows no wear and it's just a really simple, easy, reliable watch to use. I actually take a lot of pride in it because it's so cheap, but yet so good. Kind of like fast food, but even better because this helps me keep track of time. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. And I really love fast food.

You're welcome Casio.

PS - I'm not a terrorist.

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Saw gas for 137.9¢/litre last week.

Pointless Post #59

I've hid it long enough. I've been training with Brent for the past five months now and I've made the cut for the Battlefield Fight League! Mark your calendars and please support me as I delve into the world of competitive MMA.

I'll do another post when tickets are available, but I'll be on the amateur MMA card of "BFL 8," on May 28, 2011, at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo, B.C. The final card and match ups will be available on the BFL website next week so be sure to check it and I really could use your prayers in my final weeks of preparation and training.

I want to fight to the best of my abilities while giving God full glory.

Pointless Post #58 (GIRP best times and Inside the Boxes)

Whats better than a yuppie? An effeminate hipster yuppie!
I was grinning to myself for a few minutes afterwards.

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Him: Annyung-say-o! [that's how I heard it]
Me: [staring blankly and thinking to myself] Did he just say "hello" in Korean?

Him: You're not Korean?
Me: Oh, haha no sorry. I get that sometimes.

Him: Cho-san! [that's what I heard]
Me: [staring blankly]

Him: You're not Japanese?
Me: I'm Chinese.

Him: So you speak Mandarin?
Me: No...

Him: You're Canadian born...I was born in Sangai!
Me: [nodding my head]
Him: Hey can I borrow your phone? My car got towed.
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I don't have a clue where Sangai is. I must have misheard him.
Also, GIRP is fun. My best is 36.4m.Update (March 29, 2011): New best of 64.3m

Update (March 30, 2011): Finished it!
Inside the box: Ball in a cup - 31m 24.4s

Update (April 1, 2011): New Tim-best times
Inside the box: Antibacterial gel - 14m 56.8s

and Inside the box: A branded yoyo - 10m6.9s

Update (April 3, 2011): Inside the box: Worm casserole and A temporary tattoo
I know my facial expression would be more than disappointed if I climbed all the way up a cliff for that.



...and when I think I'm making good time, the stupid bird keeps interfering with me and then this happens:Winner: Bird <==== ALSDKJFLAKSDJHFLKJHWHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!!?

Update (April 5, 2011): New best time!Inside the box: Two carrots - 8m57.5s
That bird is so resilient, no matter how many times I punch or swinging heel kick that thing in mid-air! It kept beating me all day yesterday too.

Update (September 6, 2015): Inside the box: 100 rubber bands

Update (April 16, 2016):Inside the box: A vintage coke bottle

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Saw gas for 135.9¢/litre a few days ago.

Pointless Post #57 - Christopher Walken Edition

Fatboy Slim - Weapon of Choice (ft. Bootsy Collins)

(it wouldn't let me embed so you have to click on it)

Man Makes Chicken With Pears




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Saw gas for 131.9¢/litre a few days ago.

Squirrel Fishing videos finally on YouTube

See title of post:

Pointless Post #56

This is why I think Twitter is stupid:

http://gizmodo.com/#!5772509/how-the-internet-wrongly-decided-it-was-bart-simpsons-birthday

However, I did lament the death of a famous TV dog once.
...aaaand three fingers pointing back at me, now! o_O


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Floor Hockey in the Amazon

That title is so misleading and really, just a gigantic lie. But it's catchy so I'm sticking with it.

Almost one month ago at church floor hockey, only one of our regular goalies showed up and so I somewhat excitedly goalie-suited up (HIMYM) because when I was a kid (between the ages of about 7-Eleven...hehehe) I was a fantastic goalie. I think it was because we used a tennis ball and at that age, no one was strong enough to make hard shots.

Fast forward to today, where I feel unstoppable because despite having no hockey pants, I have finally invested in a very strong cup. It's amazing how invincible one feels when you don't have to worry about losing the prospect of future generations.

Alright, all gear is on, let's jouer au hockey! Long story short, I was a horrible goaltender. First shot on net? GOAL! Huh? It went in? Oh there's the ball behind me....oops. When you're playing in net, it's such a completely different mindset from being a regular player because little things like knowing where to place your stick and how high you have to hold your trapper up, really makes a difference. Depth perception was a real problem because now there's a cage in front of your eyes and a good chunk of peripheral vision is being blocked off by the goalie mask. More little things like knowing how to go down on a shot, which leg to put down first, when to get up, knowing which direction to fall, etc. It was humbling and tiring.

I had a bruise on my right knee from where I would fall down to make a save, and it was as big as the circumference of an aluminum pop can. My worst "injury" was a blister that formed on my thumb from where I gripped my goalie stick (which becomes noticeably heavier than your normal player's stick after a 30 minutes or so into the game). My glutes took four days to heal completely, possibly from my awkward crouch stance. It felt like 2005 again. Ah, memories.

I think when you're playing goalie as a kid, you're still really soft and have lots of sugar-reserve energy so it's easy to bounce up and down and react to the shots of your peers. That and there's no developed muscles to get sore from. Note to self, remember to warm up and stretch. *shrugs*

Anywho, here's a picture of what I looked like. I'm so tiny in comparison to the net!


As long as we're on the topic of hockey, as of tonight, the Canucks are still leading the league, but only by a point. Part of me thinks its unreal because in my short lifespan, I cannot remember the last time that has happened. My memory only goes back as far as about 2003 when we were division leaders, but we're number one...in the entire league?! Cross your fingers folks. :-)

Oh and before I end, what's the deal about Amazon you ask (hey humour me...you've already read this far)? I'm googling about sports ministries last Tuesday night, and I end up on the Amazon page for Recreation and Sports Ministry by Broadman and Holman. The reviews make it look like a decent read but its $17.63 brand new. Awwwww. But hark, what's this in smaller print? Used copies from CDN$ 1.02? SOLD! The shipping cost me CDN$ 6.49 so I paid $ 7.51 and it should arrive in about 2 weeks. Thank you Amazon and thank you "atlantabookcompany" for your excellent speed and service. I got an email the next morning (10 hours after I placed the order) saying it was shipped and on its way. Weeee!

I'll have to remember to post a review about the book.

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Saw gas for 125.3¢/litre a few days ago...caramba!

And our loonie is 1.02365 USD...chihuahua!

New site banner, weeeee

Nothing big, just replaced the old header/banner:

with


Bigger and better. With my own custom font! 8^D

In defense of the TSA and human screeners at airports

Being a human screener at an airport has to be one of the most hated professions right now, but I doubt they get spat on or have feces thrown at them like prison guards do. Or their fingers bit like some dentists. Probably just a lot of verbal abuse. *shrug*

When I heard about the story of the 82-year old cancer survivor who was "humiliated" by airport security in Calgary, it got me thinking, despite the embarrassing situation, it's slightly reassuring to know that security personnel were doing their job properly.

I actually don't have a lot to say in defence of these workers, other than that I think for this one particular instance in an airport or similarly related setting, it's good to have unapologetic, robotic, and emotionless workers because in order to be 100% effective, they need to assume that every single person going past them is a deadly terrorist making their best effort to lie and not get caught. There is literally no margin for error because as soon as one mistake is made and something bad gets past a screener, the entire system nationwide (eg. the TSA in the United States) is blamed, cursed, and made to look incompetent. It's virtually a lose-lose situation.

To assume that children, women, the elderly, or even handicapped persons should be treated and screened differently (eg. this can be read as "less thoroughly") would be like giving a terrorist the key to the cargo door of the airplane.

It's important to keep in mind though, this doesn't give the screeners and security personnel the right to be inhuman, condescending, and rude to their "customers." But I imagine it must be difficult to keep morale up when everyone is swearing at you as you check them. It will take a lot of sensitivity training, a lot of discretion, and a lot of gumption to be the ideal and perfect screener. And since being perfect isn't possible, we will continue to have many reports of airport screening horror stories.

I wonder if I'll regret what I write here in the future. I remember in 2003, after putting my bags through the x-ray machine and walking through the metal detector, that I was pulled aside by a screener and was double checked with a metal-detecting wand. I was a little huffy (siiiigh stupid teenage me) because it was only the zipper on my pants that triggered the secondary check.

Oh well.

Pointless Post #55

I've decided that shrieking along with Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open on TV is a fun past time, mostly because it annoys my dad. I'm thinking of trying this the next time I take a slap shot in ball hockey.

And if you clicked the link, at the 1:05 mark is when someone from the crowd yells "shut up!"

HI-larious!

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