Loot Crate: Dream Crate

Loot Crate:

www.lootcrate.com

One of the best websites for pop culture (nerd, geeks) collectors is Loot Crate; a monthly subscription service that sends you a box full of geek-approved merchandise.  They not only make cool collectables but also unique ones that are usually one of a kind.  I like how every box makes me feel like a kid again, opening up a present full of goodies.  I also like the fact that they are always listening to their fans, so in light of this, I decided to create a list of what would be my dream crate.  To start with, my dream create from Loot Crate would be one for collectors.  They would not only be items that were cool, but also helpful in our never-ending collection.  It would include:

1. A deck of cards; similar to baseball cards, but instead of players, it would be consoles, sneakers, and toys.  For example using video games, imagine opening up a pack of cards, and each card would have a picture of the game box cover, and on the back it would have important information like the year it came out, the designers and other facts.

2.  A journal or book that contains ever single game made.  That way, as I collect them I can just check them off in my journal.  This could also include a journal for Transformers, WWE figures, etc.

3.  Blind bag of mini video game consoles.  Similar to Japanese miniature food.  I would love to display a whole set from Nintendo.

4. A giant puzzle; one for every game console.  For example a picture of every SNES game released in one puzzle picture.

5.  A whole magnetic level from Super Mario Bros. that I could attach to my refrigerator and play with when I’m bored.   I would also include levels from SMB 3, MegaMan and Metroid.

6.  Place mats, or dinner mats with maps from various The Legend of Zelda games.

7.  Last, and probably my most wanted wish of all are adult size pajamas with retro video game and 80’s cartoon images.  I remember Cousin Balki (Perfect Strangers) and Uncle Joey (Full House) both wore some back in the day, now I want to be as nerdy as they were.

The Walking Dead Scratch Ticket

#Winning

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation:

www.olg.ca           

The Walking Dead:

http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead

Metal Earth 3D Metal Model Kits: Optimus Prime

Been waiting a long time to do one of these 3D metal model kits.  I first saw them on a Japanese website, and thought that they were cool.  I’m into papercraft so, I figured building one of these wouldn’t be a problem.  Boy was I wrong because it not only was difficult but frustrating.  However, now that I’m finished I’m proud of how it turned out, and can’t wait to build another, since my skill should improve the more I build.

Fascinations:

http://www.fascinations.com/

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Glassware Set

Cowabunga Dudes!  Here is my set of two etched 16 ounce glasses of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  I bought them from a store called Winners, and they cost me $9.99.  I would never pay that much for glasses, but in this case it was of The TMNT’s and I couldn’t pass up on them.  The Turtle’s was one of my favourite TV shows as a kid, and every time I see their animated cartoon version’s I smile and think of all the good memories I had of them.

This set is comprised of one version that features the turtle’s ready to battle that says’ “heroes in a half shell”, and the other of them surfing that says “Cowabunga”.  Back in the late 80’s I remember screen printed glasses like this used to be very popular.  Even back then I had a collection, but unfortunately over time fast-food places stopped selling them; either because of price or the danger of glass or poisons used to make them.  Regardless I am now happy to once again be able to collect collector cup glasses.  I also hope to see more TMNT character’s released as well such as Shredder, Krang, and Foot Soldiers.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

http://www.nick.com/ninja-turtles

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXo4jiEBVak

Oakley Sunglasses

I needed a new pair of sunglasses so I decided to buy a pair of Oakley’s.  This is my first time buying Oakley’s because honestly I’ve never cared much for expensive glasses.  My last pair I bought for less than $15 and they lasted me over 5 years.  While I do care for name brands, I just felt like I didn’t want to have to take special care for them when I wore them.  But since Oakley is a popular brand, I’m sure they will be able to take the punishment and resist my use.

The model I bought is called Garage Rock and the item number is 009175-13.  The frame design is similar to wayfarers, which makes them stylish and classic.  I like them because they’re large and can fit my fat face.  I also like the fact that the lenses give out a shiny colourful (purple-bluish) refection when the sun hits them, yet provide clear vision for my eyes.  I can’t wait till summer to not only show off my glasses, but also enjoy the outdoors.

Oakley:

http://www.oakley.com

Oakley:

http://ca.oakley.com/en/mens-surf/mens-surf-sunglasses/garage-rock/product/W0OO9175

Returning to Yahoo email classic…

Okay I friggin hate yahoo.   The main website is full of garbage news and celebrity articles I don’t care about.  However I keep using yahoo because of their e-mail.  It’s probably not the best email you can use, but I like it because I’ve always used it.  But suddenly this week yahoo enforced a mandatory upgrade to its email that totally sucked.  It’s more complicated and requires you to learn new ways to waste more time online.  I don’t have time for new upgrades so after a while I figured out how to go back to a yahoo classic look.  Though it’s not perfect, it’s better than the current trash they upgraded us to.

1. Click on the mail options at the top right hand corner (near the clock wheel symbol)

2.  You then enter settings, and on the left, click on viewing e-mail

3.  Next to mail version, click on Basic, and then save

My first MLB ball

So here’s a picture of my first MLB baseball that I caught at a Blue Jays game.  This ball represents something I never thought would happen to me.  Catching a ball to me is as good as winning the lottery because it’s something I will always remember and cherish.  Of course growing up in Toronto during the 90’s made me a baseball fan and being able to catch a ball was always a dream of mine.  Well this dream finally became reality on July 7^th, 2013, aka JP Arencibia bobblehead day.

I’ve always considered myself unlucky when it came to things like this.  I mean from the games I have gone to in the past, I would always see someone else catch a ball a few rows down, but never me.  So I figured I might as well give up on even hoping of catching a ball.  Then my day finally came and it felt like it was meant to be.  I was sitting in leftfield and the stadium was full of people.  There was also a very tall guy in the next row across that I figured would probably get a ball if he jumped.  My only advantages were that I was sitting near the steps and that the people in front of me hadn’t arrived yet.

Then suddenly it happened in the top of the first inning: the Twins player was at bat and as he hit the ball foul, I could see it heading towards leftfield.  It all happened in slow motion and the ball looked like it would fly past me, but then it suddenly curved and everyone around me raised their hands to grab it.  It then dropped and landed in the empty seat in front of me.  I looked around and saw that no one was going to grab it, and then I looked at it in the folded-up seat.  I was literally in shock for a few seconds, until I heard my friend’s voice telling me to grab it.  Without even thinking I grabbed it and raised it up high and started yelling with delight.

This felt like it lasted for a while, as everyone around me clapped.  I then sat down, and it all came to me, as I realised that I finally caught a ball.  Alright, I didn’t actually catch it in the air, but it was as good as it gets for someone with little luck as me (literally landing at my feet).  Catching a major league ball feels a million times better than paying for a ball that someone else caught, so to me this is now one of my most prised possessions.  Now every time I see this ball and hold it in my hands it serves as another reminder of why I love baseball.

Vacation

Hey guys and ladies.. I'll be on vacation for 2 weeks... have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Writing a book

Been busy lately trying to write a book.  Hopefully nothing will distract me from finishing...

ReMax Balloon

I took a picture of the Re/max balloon flying (floating) in the sky... it looked so peaceful. A sure sign of summer that I always welcome every year.

Rant: Blogger Headache

I've been having issues with uploading posts on Blogger for many months now.  There's either a problem with how the pictures are showing up, where they're located, the size can be wrong, or even the font I use is off.  These issues have caused me to hate blogger, because it's not simple to use.  Writing a post, or uploading pictures is hard enough, but I hate dealing with upload glitches.  While I enjoy being able to express my opinion online, I have since neglected using blogger because of the glitches, and have instead focused on youtube videos.  So this is just a little update for anyone that likes my blog, and is wondering why I don't put much attention to it anymore.

Unexpected Guest

This morning I went to go drop off a friend at work, and on the way home I noticed that the Remax hot air balloon was flying up above. Then I looked to the other side of the sky and noticed that a Mr. Peanut balloon was also in the air. This hot air balloon looked so awesome in the sky and I really wanted to take a picture but didn’t have my camera with me in the car. Luckily by the time I made it home the Mr. Peanut balloon was heading my way. I ran to go get my camera and by the time I went outside to take a picture, the balloon was landing in a field across my house. Though most people hate guests that show up unannounced, this was one guest that I will always welcome; he made my morning.

Mr. Peanut Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Peanut

New Avatar

Whenever I check out youtube videos of people I’m subscribed to, I’m always impressed by how much time and effort people put into decorating their channel.  One thing that I’m always amazed at is when they transform themselves into cartoon characters.  That got me thinking the other day, why don’t I do that myself?  The only problem was that I haven’t drawn in years, and felt intimidated to draw again.  I also wanted to avoid the feeling of frustration when my pencil wouldn’t draw what I was picturing in my mind.

Nevertheless I sat down today and faced my fears and just started drawing.  I put on a little music as well to get me inspired.  While drawing characters that look amazing is essential, what is most important is finding your own style.  I honestly respect originality more than I do an art piece that looks good but has been done before.  In order to make the cartoon version of me represent my own style, I decided to add a couple of features that are distinct to myself; such as the baseball hat, big nose and dimples on my cheeks.  I was also inspired by the simplicity of anime, which has the ability to communicate complex expressions; which is why I decided to add some exaggerated facial features (big eyes and eyebrows).  Now that I am done, I am very happy with the end result and hope that I will be able to improve on my skills in the future.