"Attention, attention."
"Attention, attention."
"This is the security speaking."
"This is the security speaking."
"The fire alarm has been activated."
"The fire alarm has been activated."
"The fire department is working on the situation."
"The fire department is working on the situation."
"Unforunately, it is a false alarm."
"Unforunately, it is a false alarm."
I don't know what's funnier, that he feels the need to repeat every sentence, or the fact that he thinks that a false alarm is "unfortunate". I would think a real fire would be far more unfortunate, but I guess since he's not 30 floors away from the fire exit, he's not as scared as I would be.
So this alarm goes off at 12am, which isn't too late unless you consider I had to wake up at 6:30 to go to work the next morning, because I had to make up time at work because I missed a whole day because of the TTC strike.
And to make matters worse, my internal clock woke me up at 5:30am. (That's a new record).
But aside from the lack of sleep I am doing fine. I haven't had a whole lot to blog about. I've noticed that whenever I have guests/family, I don't blog as much and since my brother is here for the summer, I've blogged very little.
Andrew & Lisa from Ottawa stayed over for the weekend, in Toronto for a wedding. I always enjoy spending time with them. I think I've mentioned them before. I stayed with them one night when I was in Ottawa in March. They always find time for me whenever they visit Toronto, and I always enjoy talking to them, especially with Lisa who is just a very loving person, great person to talk to. They're a very God-centered couple who I find often rubs off on me and makes me realize sometimes how not-God-centered I can become.
I think they are one of the few people from Ottawa that I actually still talk to and not just purely reminisce with. I think that's the main reason I stopped meeting with my university friends, because all we would ever talk about was the old days, and after awhile it wasn't cool to hang out because we always talked about the same old thing. You need a buffer, a span of a few years to hang out with people like that, that way reminiscing doesn't feel idiotic.
On the weekend we also had a big lunch reunion, where I saw Tim C for the first time since 2000. He has gained a lot of weight since then. He's also gained a fiance in Angela. Very nice girl.. looked a bit like a chinese Rachel McAdams. Also saw Andrew and Bernice, I believe that Andrew spent a co-op term in Ottawa. It's none of my business but I'm surprised they aren't engaged yet. Lon and Yvonne were also in attendance, along with Roger, Miranda and her sister Ange. We ate at Skyland de Shanghai, a restaurant close to Midland & Steeles. Everytime I eat there, I come out with a huge belly.. the food there is sooo good.
May 31, 2006
May 25, 2006
Goals
It occurred to me on the subway ride home, that maybe working upwards might not be such a bad thing. I've always worked horizontally, trying to meet people and talk to them, expanding my social and "political" network but never really had much invested in trying to move up. Of course I'm talking about work, and working on getting promoted, moving up the ranks.
I've never considered it as something that I had any interest in doing. Sure, it comes with benefits. Better salary, more respect from peers, more impressive to others, etc. I guess I could see other benefits now, such as opening my mission field to a different group of individuals, those who are more "advanced".
There's a song called "So Long Self" in the new Mercy Me album "Coming Up To Breathe". The lyrics are interesting because they speak about breaking up and the common phrases you hear in a relationship that is about to end. Only the difference is that Bart sings it to himself. He's saying goodbye to himself because it's all about God now.
I've never considered it as something that I had any interest in doing. Sure, it comes with benefits. Better salary, more respect from peers, more impressive to others, etc. I guess I could see other benefits now, such as opening my mission field to a different group of individuals, those who are more "advanced".
There's a song called "So Long Self" in the new Mercy Me album "Coming Up To Breathe". The lyrics are interesting because they speak about breaking up and the common phrases you hear in a relationship that is about to end. Only the difference is that Bart sings it to himself. He's saying goodbye to himself because it's all about God now.
Well if I come across a little bit distantI think it's cool to say goodbye to yourself, to your own ambitions, aspirations. Your salary expectations, your goals as to how big your house should be, a shiny car, a beautiful wife (or husband), that big promotion you're looking forward to. None of that matters.
It's just because I am
Things just seem to feel a little bit different
You understand
Believe it or not but life is not apparently
About me anyways
But I have met the One who really is worthy
May 24, 2006
Opportunities
It's been over a week since my last post. That's not for the lack of excitement in my life, but just an insane span of days where I've been totally either pre-occupied or exhausted. Work has been really busy, and the time between work and bedtime have been jam packed as well.
It occurred to me last night that I have not been making the right choices when it comes to dinner preparation and going out to eat with my brother. My salary dictates that I can't afford to live this way. It's a good thing my brother is only here for the summer! I've been thinking about what we can eat for dinner, and I've concluded that the honeymoon is over and that I'll need to cook large meals on the weekends and hope the leftovers last for at least a few days.
I've had some wonderful conversations with people at work lately. Somehow important conversations pop out of no where. Sometimes they catch me off guard and I'm unable to capitalize on them, but other times meaningful stuff result in them. It's all part of the "my work place is my mission field" thing that I've been praying about, and also hearing about. I think as Christians we often wonder about the Great Commission and how we can do our part if we feel as if we weren't called for the traditional "missionary" work.
And I kinda think that these opportunities have always been there but that I just wasn't listening for them. Or maybe, God has opened them after all the prayers. Or, perhaps God opens these doors when He feels you're prepared for them. Whatever the case may be, I find myself having all sorts of opportunities to talk about evolution and creation, life purposes and goals, religion, music, culture, beliefs.
This brings to a close my poll, which was whether or not you think you've been called for missions. Of course, the answer is yes. We as believers have been called for missions. There's no if, ands, or buts about it. For it is written:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 18:19-20)
I don't know if it could be any clearer than this..
It occurred to me last night that I have not been making the right choices when it comes to dinner preparation and going out to eat with my brother. My salary dictates that I can't afford to live this way. It's a good thing my brother is only here for the summer! I've been thinking about what we can eat for dinner, and I've concluded that the honeymoon is over and that I'll need to cook large meals on the weekends and hope the leftovers last for at least a few days.
I've had some wonderful conversations with people at work lately. Somehow important conversations pop out of no where. Sometimes they catch me off guard and I'm unable to capitalize on them, but other times meaningful stuff result in them. It's all part of the "my work place is my mission field" thing that I've been praying about, and also hearing about. I think as Christians we often wonder about the Great Commission and how we can do our part if we feel as if we weren't called for the traditional "missionary" work.
And I kinda think that these opportunities have always been there but that I just wasn't listening for them. Or maybe, God has opened them after all the prayers. Or, perhaps God opens these doors when He feels you're prepared for them. Whatever the case may be, I find myself having all sorts of opportunities to talk about evolution and creation, life purposes and goals, religion, music, culture, beliefs.
This brings to a close my poll, which was whether or not you think you've been called for missions. Of course, the answer is yes. We as believers have been called for missions. There's no if, ands, or buts about it. For it is written:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 18:19-20)
I don't know if it could be any clearer than this..
May 15, 2006
Siblings
My brother said something to me that made me tremendously happy. We were walking together towards the elevator, on our way downstairs to buy us some vegetables (we've been having way too much meat lately). He put his arm around me and told me that I was a good brother. That he had seen other people's brothers and that there was no comparison, that I'm a really good brother, the best he's ever seen. He said "Where would I be without you? You take care of me, you're a great brother. I love you, Brian."
I was totally taken aback, I asked him what he had done, if he had scratched my car, burnt something. But it was a random thing that he decided to share with me. It was totally AWESOME.
Thinking back, of the various milestones we've been through, it's be a growing relationship that started from me earnestly praying for a baby brother when I was 9, to the times I would pick him up from school, and then our sad separation when my family moved to the US. And then to have him come back to Toronto for University. To him it might seem like a curious roundabout way where God gave him a huge opportunity to study in the US only to end up back in Toronto again. Maybe it might seem like a curse to him, but to me it has been every little bit of a blessing.
Having the responsibility to look after another person may appear to be burden for some, but for me I've found that it has been challenging but extremely gratifying and fun. It has made me do things that I normally wouldn't bother with on my own, but because it's for someone else it becomes worthwhile.
I used to think that being independant was the ultimate way to learn how to deal with responsibilities, to learn to take care of yourself. But now I've learned that having a dependant you end up learning so much more because there's someone there to keep you accountable for your actions. It's kind of like the approach I take for driving -- I drive differently if I'm alone or if I'm giving someone a ride. I'm far more reckless driving on my own because the way I figure, if I screw up it's only me who suffers. There's more on the line when people you're responsible for are involved.
Apart from the responsibilities, having a friend, someone whom I love very much to be living with me. It's absolutely great. Having someone to come home to, to talk to, to eat with, to cook for/with, to enjoy games and tv shows with. It makes me so excited about the future, about what God has in store for me.
I was totally taken aback, I asked him what he had done, if he had scratched my car, burnt something. But it was a random thing that he decided to share with me. It was totally AWESOME.
Thinking back, of the various milestones we've been through, it's be a growing relationship that started from me earnestly praying for a baby brother when I was 9, to the times I would pick him up from school, and then our sad separation when my family moved to the US. And then to have him come back to Toronto for University. To him it might seem like a curious roundabout way where God gave him a huge opportunity to study in the US only to end up back in Toronto again. Maybe it might seem like a curse to him, but to me it has been every little bit of a blessing.
Having the responsibility to look after another person may appear to be burden for some, but for me I've found that it has been challenging but extremely gratifying and fun. It has made me do things that I normally wouldn't bother with on my own, but because it's for someone else it becomes worthwhile.
I used to think that being independant was the ultimate way to learn how to deal with responsibilities, to learn to take care of yourself. But now I've learned that having a dependant you end up learning so much more because there's someone there to keep you accountable for your actions. It's kind of like the approach I take for driving -- I drive differently if I'm alone or if I'm giving someone a ride. I'm far more reckless driving on my own because the way I figure, if I screw up it's only me who suffers. There's more on the line when people you're responsible for are involved.
Apart from the responsibilities, having a friend, someone whom I love very much to be living with me. It's absolutely great. Having someone to come home to, to talk to, to eat with, to cook for/with, to enjoy games and tv shows with. It makes me so excited about the future, about what God has in store for me.
May 12, 2006
Coming Up To Breathe
I just realized that I have almost a dozen posts saved as drafts that I either never finishing writing or were afraid to.
Anyway, I made a big mistake saying that "Coming Up To Breathe" was a bad album. In fact it may be one of Mercy Me's best offerings. The difficulty in judging it at first was me being in a "hard rock" mode having listened to a lot of Building 429, and then the transition to a more southern, country rock.. well it just wasn't working for me.
But looking back I can definitely agree that I made a mistake in judgement. It's a great cd. I wasn't well today and didn't go to work, my mind is jumbled because I basically just woke up. I won't say much but post a song and lyrics.
Here is "Bring The Rain" by Mercy Me, from the "Coming Up To Breathe" album:
Anyway, I made a big mistake saying that "Coming Up To Breathe" was a bad album. In fact it may be one of Mercy Me's best offerings. The difficulty in judging it at first was me being in a "hard rock" mode having listened to a lot of Building 429, and then the transition to a more southern, country rock.. well it just wasn't working for me.
But looking back I can definitely agree that I made a mistake in judgement. It's a great cd. I wasn't well today and didn't go to work, my mind is jumbled because I basically just woke up. I won't say much but post a song and lyrics.
Here is "Bring The Rain" by Mercy Me, from the "Coming Up To Breathe" album:
I can count a million times
People asking me why
I can praise You
With all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You?
Maybe since my life has changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on You Oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead
Draw closer through this time
So I pray
Bring me joy
Bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise you
Jesus bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The clouds that may loom above
Because You much are greater than the pain
You who made a way for me
Suffering Your destiny
So tell me
What's a little rain
So I pray
Bring me joy bring me peace
bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus bring the rain
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Is the Lord God Almighty
Now forever sing
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Is the Lord God Almighty
Everybody sing
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Is the Lord God Almighty
May 11, 2006
Blasphemy - Suns
On Tuesday during our weekly team meeting, my supervisor talked about how we are trying to get other groups on board to use our application, which is a web based project tracking tool. It's called PTP.
Anyway, at some point he said we were trying to spread the "PTP Gospel". Then later, another guy who was travelling from district to district, called himself a missionary. I just find that absolutely blasphemous.
In the second half of this post I'd like to post my rant about the Phoenix Suns. This is a team that, I had always liked up until recently. They are a team of underdogs who lost their best player and banded together to put together a pretty remarkable season, making it into the playoffs with a high seeding. A team of cast-offs who are all have career years and seemingly a hard working, humble and classy group of individuals.
This all changed last Saturday when they played against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7. They shot nearly twice as good as the Lakers did, who were shooting a mere 35% for the game. Leading by 30 or more, they continued firing on all cylinders, going all out even late in the game when the end result was no question going to be a win. This is like kicking someone when they're down, and to me doing something like that in sports is about as worse as it can possibly get. With 5 minutes left in the game, leading by 30 points, with their MVP player tweaking his ankle, their coach chose to keep him in the game and continue to run up the score. It just doesn't make sense to me why you would do that unless you were purposely trying to embarass the other team. This kind of behavior made Steve Spurrier one of the most hated coaches in college football because he would do the same, run up the score even when his team was already up by a good margin.
This kind of bush league behavior is what I would have expected from a bunch of idiot players, possibly drunk, having absolutely zero respect for their teammates and their sport, to pull off something like this. It's basically turned my whole outlook of this team into seeing just how stupid these players are. At the end of the day, it proves one thing: The Phoenix Suns don't deserve to win the championship. You look at any other team who has a big lead in the playoffs, they do not fire 3 pointers and try to run up the score. Look at the Detroit Pistons after they had scored 11 3pointers in the first half, cruising by nearly a 25 point lead. They had a chance to break the NBA record for most 3 pointers in a playoff game. But did they go for it? Of course not, because they are a championship calibre/deserving team. They only scored 4 more 4 pointers for the rest of the game.
The Clippers, leading the Suns by 20 at the half, did the same thing. Did they try to rub it in? Of course not. Because they aren't a bunch of idiots and they respect their game and their opponents.
Anyway, at some point he said we were trying to spread the "PTP Gospel". Then later, another guy who was travelling from district to district, called himself a missionary. I just find that absolutely blasphemous.
In the second half of this post I'd like to post my rant about the Phoenix Suns. This is a team that, I had always liked up until recently. They are a team of underdogs who lost their best player and banded together to put together a pretty remarkable season, making it into the playoffs with a high seeding. A team of cast-offs who are all have career years and seemingly a hard working, humble and classy group of individuals.
This all changed last Saturday when they played against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7. They shot nearly twice as good as the Lakers did, who were shooting a mere 35% for the game. Leading by 30 or more, they continued firing on all cylinders, going all out even late in the game when the end result was no question going to be a win. This is like kicking someone when they're down, and to me doing something like that in sports is about as worse as it can possibly get. With 5 minutes left in the game, leading by 30 points, with their MVP player tweaking his ankle, their coach chose to keep him in the game and continue to run up the score. It just doesn't make sense to me why you would do that unless you were purposely trying to embarass the other team. This kind of behavior made Steve Spurrier one of the most hated coaches in college football because he would do the same, run up the score even when his team was already up by a good margin.
This kind of bush league behavior is what I would have expected from a bunch of idiot players, possibly drunk, having absolutely zero respect for their teammates and their sport, to pull off something like this. It's basically turned my whole outlook of this team into seeing just how stupid these players are. At the end of the day, it proves one thing: The Phoenix Suns don't deserve to win the championship. You look at any other team who has a big lead in the playoffs, they do not fire 3 pointers and try to run up the score. Look at the Detroit Pistons after they had scored 11 3pointers in the first half, cruising by nearly a 25 point lead. They had a chance to break the NBA record for most 3 pointers in a playoff game. But did they go for it? Of course not, because they are a championship calibre/deserving team. They only scored 4 more 4 pointers for the rest of the game.
The Clippers, leading the Suns by 20 at the half, did the same thing. Did they try to rub it in? Of course not. Because they aren't a bunch of idiots and they respect their game and their opponents.
May 08, 2006
Lack of posts
Sorry for the lack of posts. I have been pretty busy lazy and haven't had the chance to stop and think. My brother Darryl has moved back in for the summer. He finished his exams on Friday. I drove down to get him on Saturday.
I lended out my Building 429 "Rise" CD and have been listening to MercyMe's "Coming Up To Breathe". Initially I didn't really like it because it leans more towards the country side which is completely different from "Rise". But I have to say now that it's pretty darn good. While listening to it this morning on the subway, I had the same feeling I had listening to the previous album "Undone". It was a feeling of clarity that came over me. Feelings of joy and sensing God's hand upon me, opening my eyes.
I lended out my Building 429 "Rise" CD and have been listening to MercyMe's "Coming Up To Breathe". Initially I didn't really like it because it leans more towards the country side which is completely different from "Rise". But I have to say now that it's pretty darn good. While listening to it this morning on the subway, I had the same feeling I had listening to the previous album "Undone". It was a feeling of clarity that came over me. Feelings of joy and sensing God's hand upon me, opening my eyes.
May 02, 2006
Rise
I was asked if I disliked the band "Starfield". My personal opinion is that people like them a lot because they're Canadian and outside of that, they're just an average band. A friend of mine (who I trust in terms of musical taste) bought the CD after much hype was made about them, and told me the CD was "Okay, nothing special." If I were to spend $15-20 on every CD by all the average bands out there, I'd run out of money in a hurry.
That brings us to my review of Building 429's latest offering: "Rise".
When I bought their first CD "Space Between Us", I had almost no expectations. I had heard "Glory Defined" on the radio a billion times and outside of that I didn't think they would be much better than that. However, that CD surprised me because it was really good. I guess you could say I had mixed expectations of the second CD "Rise". On the one hand you expect good stuff because of the first, but on the other, I am always weary of sophomore CDs.
I think the first thing I noticed about Rise was that the musicians have matured a lot. They sound more like a hard rock band whereas in the first album, half the album was rock, and the other was a bit of alternative/pop. It impresses me that they would go and work harder on their craft after just picking up the "New Artist of the Year" Dove Award. Often I've found that bands release a sub-par CD following great success in the previous and just ride their past fame — or they're just one-hit wonders. For example, David Crowder's "Collision", MercyMe's "Coming Up To Breathe" (I'll get to this disappointment in a couple weeks), Coldplay's "X&Y", Alanis Morissette's "Everything after Jagged Little Pill". But in this case Building 429's second offering is even better than the first.
I haven't listened to anything other than "Rise" over the past few days in my iPod. The songs are brighter and fuller, and the lyrics are challenging and bold. I highly recommend this CD if you're into Christian rock.
10/10.
That brings us to my review of Building 429's latest offering: "Rise".
When I bought their first CD "Space Between Us", I had almost no expectations. I had heard "Glory Defined" on the radio a billion times and outside of that I didn't think they would be much better than that. However, that CD surprised me because it was really good. I guess you could say I had mixed expectations of the second CD "Rise". On the one hand you expect good stuff because of the first, but on the other, I am always weary of sophomore CDs.
I think the first thing I noticed about Rise was that the musicians have matured a lot. They sound more like a hard rock band whereas in the first album, half the album was rock, and the other was a bit of alternative/pop. It impresses me that they would go and work harder on their craft after just picking up the "New Artist of the Year" Dove Award. Often I've found that bands release a sub-par CD following great success in the previous and just ride their past fame — or they're just one-hit wonders. For example, David Crowder's "Collision", MercyMe's "Coming Up To Breathe" (I'll get to this disappointment in a couple weeks), Coldplay's "X&Y", Alanis Morissette's "Everything after Jagged Little Pill". But in this case Building 429's second offering is even better than the first.
I haven't listened to anything other than "Rise" over the past few days in my iPod. The songs are brighter and fuller, and the lyrics are challenging and bold. I highly recommend this CD if you're into Christian rock.
10/10.
April 30, 2006
Alive
I feel so alive right now. I just got back from the grand finale of ACEM's 28th Annual Missions Conference, held at Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church. Rev. Jamie Hudson Taylor spoke. Every sermon that I heard this past weekend either confirmed everything in my personal vision, or totally blew me away with God's amazing and awesome grace. Stories of how people were saved brought tears to my eyes, how these amazing heroic people we call missionaries faced trials and tribulations to reach the finish line.
Jamie Hudson Taylor is (I think) the 5th generation of Hudson Taylor's, the original being the one who founded China Inland Missions, and the man of lore we all hear about, travelling to China as one of the first western missionaries in China. It was totally awesome tonight, he delivered his entire sermon in Chinese (Mandarin) and then Domenic Tse [fan yi] translated. And there were times when Rev. Jamie had to correct Domenic's english.
This morning's sermon was great too, by Rev. Michael Sandstrom, a missionary in Northern Alberta, who is ministering to the First Nations people there. I was praying last night and this morning that somehow we could find a better way to promote Longlac, and my prayers were answered in Michael's sermon. It was a direct challenge to the congregation to go for missions, and he spoke about the First Nations people. I don't suppose we got any more volunteers, but it was cool to see God answer my prayers in that form.
--
The song you're listening to is called "Alive" by Building 429. I thought it would be fitting for this entry. I've been listening to this CD more lately now that I had gone over the deep end (overkill) of the Hillsong United CD. I'll post a review of "Rise - Building 429" soon. But what I can say quickly, is that it's even better than their first offering.
Jamie Hudson Taylor is (I think) the 5th generation of Hudson Taylor's, the original being the one who founded China Inland Missions, and the man of lore we all hear about, travelling to China as one of the first western missionaries in China. It was totally awesome tonight, he delivered his entire sermon in Chinese (Mandarin) and then Domenic Tse [fan yi] translated. And there were times when Rev. Jamie had to correct Domenic's english.
This morning's sermon was great too, by Rev. Michael Sandstrom, a missionary in Northern Alberta, who is ministering to the First Nations people there. I was praying last night and this morning that somehow we could find a better way to promote Longlac, and my prayers were answered in Michael's sermon. It was a direct challenge to the congregation to go for missions, and he spoke about the First Nations people. I don't suppose we got any more volunteers, but it was cool to see God answer my prayers in that form.
--
The song you're listening to is called "Alive" by Building 429. I thought it would be fitting for this entry. I've been listening to this CD more lately now that I had gone over the deep end (overkill) of the Hillsong United CD. I'll post a review of "Rise - Building 429" soon. But what I can say quickly, is that it's even better than their first offering.
April 28, 2006
You can do it!
I've been giving this a lot of thought, about whether or not to blog about this but I feel like I need to do so in order to be accountable to it. It's kind of something I'm shamed of and also quite embarrassing.
So here goes.
I split my pants. Two days ago, I had heated my dinner, and was setting up in front of the television to watch. As I sat down, CRRRRRRRAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCKKKK.. My pants split right down the middle of my butt. At first I didn't even realize what it was, I just stood there feeling this funny cool breeze on my bum and I thought.. what the? And then I realized what had happened.
It's official. I am overweight. I can either buy an entire new set of (larger) clothes, or start working out.
So I'm gonna try the latter and see how it works out. Since that humbling day I have been working out slowly, ramping up to the point that I'll be able to go to the gym again. It will take some time because I literally have no endurance at all, no muscle, nothing. So it's like building from the ground up.
Aside from losing some gut and sizeable ass fattage, I also need to start working out the arms, just for the sake of the Longlac kids, so that I don't drop them when they ask for piggyback rides.
So here goes.
I split my pants. Two days ago, I had heated my dinner, and was setting up in front of the television to watch. As I sat down, CRRRRRRRAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCKKKK.. My pants split right down the middle of my butt. At first I didn't even realize what it was, I just stood there feeling this funny cool breeze on my bum and I thought.. what the? And then I realized what had happened.
It's official. I am overweight. I can either buy an entire new set of (larger) clothes, or start working out.
So I'm gonna try the latter and see how it works out. Since that humbling day I have been working out slowly, ramping up to the point that I'll be able to go to the gym again. It will take some time because I literally have no endurance at all, no muscle, nothing. So it's like building from the ground up.
Aside from losing some gut and sizeable ass fattage, I also need to start working out the arms, just for the sake of the Longlac kids, so that I don't drop them when they ask for piggyback rides.
Wii will Wii will.. rock you
Nintendo has finally released the name of the next console. Previously codenamed "Revolution", Nintendo yesterday decided that the actual name of the console would be "Wii" (pronounced "we").
It's a cool play on words I suppose, but to be honest I liked "Revolution" a lot better. The whole idea of the Nintendo Wii surrounds the idea of a revolution, since they have supposedly revolutionized the world of gaming with their remote controller. Early promotional videos for Wii demonstrated its use by showing people aiming it like a gun, swinging it like a sword, and moving it as if to chop and fry vegetables. Also, Nintendo has decided to stay away from the hardware war that Sony and Microsoft have waged their battle in. Wii is only as powerful as Microsoft's original XBox.
Wii will be backwards compatible, meaning I'll be able to play all my old gamecube games on it. This is a major change from the previous Nintendo consoles as they changed the media for their games from generation to generation.
There are already a growing list of games that I want to have when I buy my Wii:
1. Red Steel
2. Super Smash Bros. Wii
3. Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz
4. Mario Kart Wii
It's a cool play on words I suppose, but to be honest I liked "Revolution" a lot better. The whole idea of the Nintendo Wii surrounds the idea of a revolution, since they have supposedly revolutionized the world of gaming with their remote controller. Early promotional videos for Wii demonstrated its use by showing people aiming it like a gun, swinging it like a sword, and moving it as if to chop and fry vegetables. Also, Nintendo has decided to stay away from the hardware war that Sony and Microsoft have waged their battle in. Wii is only as powerful as Microsoft's original XBox.
Wii will be backwards compatible, meaning I'll be able to play all my old gamecube games on it. This is a major change from the previous Nintendo consoles as they changed the media for their games from generation to generation.
There are already a growing list of games that I want to have when I buy my Wii:
1. Red Steel
2. Super Smash Bros. Wii
3. Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz
4. Mario Kart Wii
April 26, 2006
Superstar
I missed most of American Idol last night but I saw the highlights. When I watched last week with my parents, and we all agreed that Kellie sung the worst but would still go on because she has certain "gifts" that will win votes. Ace Young was consequently voted off, despite having a few assets of his own, at least, from a woman's perspective. I guess it proves that boys are way more shallow than girls.
When my parents watch, they close their eyes and just concentrate on the voice, in order to judge who is the best. Tonight, I could not do this for Katharine as she was wearing nothing but a yellow bedsheet. She looked *amazing*, although the singing wasn't great. The best singer by a mile was Elliot Yamin. He is an amazing singer.. it's almost bone-chilling sometimes.
My ranking for the remaining 6 based on this week's performances:
1. Elliot Yamin
2. Katharine McPhee
3. Paris Bennett
4. Taylor Hicks
5. Chris Daughtry
6. Kellie Pickler
The order in which I think they'll be eliminated:
1. Paris Bennett
She's been bottom 3 for like 3 weeks in a row. There's just not enough black people voting for her to continue surviving.
2. Chris Daughtry
Guys like him do well in the show but the trouble is the versatility. He's a rocker. How many rockers have won this thing?
3. Kellie Pickler
How has she survived so long? She has RACKed up a lot of votes based on her keen ASSets. Her "aw shucks" personality attracts all the southern US voters. And everyone else.. well they just like her boobies. I know it sounds inappropriate, but I ain't gonna lie -- America loves boobies.
4. Taylor Hicks
I think Taylor will sign a record deal and the CD will sell and he'll make good money.
5. Elliot Yamin
Voice wise he has probably the best sound out of everyone. Unfortunately Americans don't like people with crooked teeth.
Katharin McPhee has the perfect USA formula for winning this competition. She has similar attributes to Kellie Pickler, only she backs it up with a good voice.
When my parents watch, they close their eyes and just concentrate on the voice, in order to judge who is the best. Tonight, I could not do this for Katharine as she was wearing nothing but a yellow bedsheet. She looked *amazing*, although the singing wasn't great. The best singer by a mile was Elliot Yamin. He is an amazing singer.. it's almost bone-chilling sometimes.
My ranking for the remaining 6 based on this week's performances:
1. Elliot Yamin
2. Katharine McPhee
3. Paris Bennett
4. Taylor Hicks
5. Chris Daughtry
6. Kellie Pickler
The order in which I think they'll be eliminated:
1. Paris Bennett
She's been bottom 3 for like 3 weeks in a row. There's just not enough black people voting for her to continue surviving.
2. Chris Daughtry
Guys like him do well in the show but the trouble is the versatility. He's a rocker. How many rockers have won this thing?
3. Kellie Pickler
How has she survived so long? She has RACKed up a lot of votes based on her keen ASSets. Her "aw shucks" personality attracts all the southern US voters. And everyone else.. well they just like her boobies. I know it sounds inappropriate, but I ain't gonna lie -- America loves boobies.
4. Taylor Hicks
I think Taylor will sign a record deal and the CD will sell and he'll make good money.
5. Elliot Yamin
Voice wise he has probably the best sound out of everyone. Unfortunately Americans don't like people with crooked teeth.
Katharin McPhee has the perfect USA formula for winning this competition. She has similar attributes to Kellie Pickler, only she backs it up with a good voice.
April 25, 2006
Alone in the dark
After a trip to the airport, hugs and kisses all around, several frantic phone calls, messages, faxes and another trip to the airport, my parents left the country.
Back to the good ol' days, as they say. I had dinner in front of the television, watched an extremely exciting and entertaining playoff hockey game between (my) Montreal Canadiens and the Caroline Hurricanes. Watched Prison Break again, noting that Holly Valance is even hotter in HD than on the leaked episode of Prison Break that I had watched on my computer.
I also watched 24, where yet another character died. Although this time I was able to find some fun out of it, yelling "Touchdown!" with my arms raised when Secretary of Defense James Heller jumped off the cliff.
In the World of Warcraft (which I actually started playing again when my parents were here), because they hijacked my TV. I don't blame them for my playing again though, it was just a means to an end for me, not being able to watch television made me want to entertain myself in other ways, and since the only game I had on my computer was WoW..
Anyway, last night I played some more, but it's not so much an addiction as it was before. It's just a way to pass the time, and to see if I can kill enough furlbogs to give me high enough reputation with the Timbermaw tribe so I can get a trinket that summons a priest to heal me in battle. Yea, it all sounds pretty geeky, but you reading this makes you as geeky as I am.
Well, God has answered my prayer in letting the sun come back out, but unfortunately it's freezing cold outside. Let's all pray for warmth!
Back to the good ol' days, as they say. I had dinner in front of the television, watched an extremely exciting and entertaining playoff hockey game between (my) Montreal Canadiens and the Caroline Hurricanes. Watched Prison Break again, noting that Holly Valance is even hotter in HD than on the leaked episode of Prison Break that I had watched on my computer.
I also watched 24, where yet another character died. Although this time I was able to find some fun out of it, yelling "Touchdown!" with my arms raised when Secretary of Defense James Heller jumped off the cliff.
In the World of Warcraft (which I actually started playing again when my parents were here), because they hijacked my TV. I don't blame them for my playing again though, it was just a means to an end for me, not being able to watch television made me want to entertain myself in other ways, and since the only game I had on my computer was WoW..
Anyway, last night I played some more, but it's not so much an addiction as it was before. It's just a way to pass the time, and to see if I can kill enough furlbogs to give me high enough reputation with the Timbermaw tribe so I can get a trinket that summons a priest to heal me in battle. Yea, it all sounds pretty geeky, but you reading this makes you as geeky as I am.
Well, God has answered my prayer in letting the sun come back out, but unfortunately it's freezing cold outside. Let's all pray for warmth!
April 24, 2006
All-in-one
I find it strange, that when it comes to electronics I will almost never buy anything that is a combination of several different things. For instance, I am hugely adverse to buying a cellphone with a digital camera on it. Or a television DVD player combination. But then on the other hand I am searching for this jacket that simple does not exist because it covers way too broad of various uses for a jacket. Similarly with shoes, I have always questioned the usefulness of having several different shoes for various activities. I have a pair of dress shoes, non-dress shoes, and sandals. That's it.
I see people who buy shoes for every occasion, one for running, one for basketball, one for walking, one for baseball. I've always seen that as absolutely ridiculous, but for me to expect that one pair of shoes can take me to through all sports and non-formal events, well, I guess I am beginning to understand those crazy shoe people.
Last week I winded up buying a MEC jacket. It is extremely, extremely breathable, slightly weather repellant, and that's all. No stuffsack, no hood. The fabric is soft and will probably tear under harsh hiking conditions.
So in the end, I winded up with a jacket that did not even come close to what I was looking for but I got it anyway. There is another jacket that I have my eye on, an offering from Cloudveil that costs $160. I don't know if I can justify spending that kind of money on clothing, but it's a pretty sweet looking jacket.
--
Tonight my parents should be leaving Toronto. I say *should* because you never know what might happen. They are trying to get through despite the possibility of certain immigration/customs issues that may or may not arise. I don't really want to get into it but what I do want to say is, pray they do get through. For their sake, my dad needs to get back to work and my mom needs to get back to school. And for my sake, to help me regain my sanity.
I want my solitude back, my independence and my QUIETNESS. I want to not have to set my television volume to BLARING so that I can hear it. I want to be able to close my door and not expect that in 5 minutes people are going to barge in, without knocking, to have a conversation or possibly, an argument while I am trying to enjoy a tiny moment of peace and quiet. I want to be away from home and not be worried that someone is going to machine wash and machine dry an article of clothing that can only be handwashed and hung dry. I want to be able to find things in my room again. I want my car back.
I see people who buy shoes for every occasion, one for running, one for basketball, one for walking, one for baseball. I've always seen that as absolutely ridiculous, but for me to expect that one pair of shoes can take me to through all sports and non-formal events, well, I guess I am beginning to understand those crazy shoe people.
Last week I winded up buying a MEC jacket. It is extremely, extremely breathable, slightly weather repellant, and that's all. No stuffsack, no hood. The fabric is soft and will probably tear under harsh hiking conditions.
So in the end, I winded up with a jacket that did not even come close to what I was looking for but I got it anyway. There is another jacket that I have my eye on, an offering from Cloudveil that costs $160. I don't know if I can justify spending that kind of money on clothing, but it's a pretty sweet looking jacket.
--
Tonight my parents should be leaving Toronto. I say *should* because you never know what might happen. They are trying to get through despite the possibility of certain immigration/customs issues that may or may not arise. I don't really want to get into it but what I do want to say is, pray they do get through. For their sake, my dad needs to get back to work and my mom needs to get back to school. And for my sake, to help me regain my sanity.
I want my solitude back, my independence and my QUIETNESS. I want to not have to set my television volume to BLARING so that I can hear it. I want to be able to close my door and not expect that in 5 minutes people are going to barge in, without knocking, to have a conversation or possibly, an argument while I am trying to enjoy a tiny moment of peace and quiet. I want to be away from home and not be worried that someone is going to machine wash and machine dry an article of clothing that can only be handwashed and hung dry. I want to be able to find things in my room again. I want my car back.
April 21, 2006
Blading and Jamming
Yesterday after dinner, I convinced my parents to go for a walk while I bladed. I bought a pair of K2 In-Line Skates last year and never got around to using them (probably because I was too busy gaming). Anyway, my parents went for it. It's been a very long time since I actually rollerbladed and at first I felt like it was my first time. Eventually though, I got back into it and was fine.
I think the most daunting thing for me is learning how to stop. Apparently people can hockey-stop with rollerblades. I can't even hockey-stop with ice skates! I use the rubber thing on the back to stop. I think I should start learning how to T-stop at least. The new blades I have are much much better than the previous pair I had, which had my ankles bleeding within the first 30 minutes. Also the wheels have far less friction, allowing me to accelerate faster and coast longer. My old blades were ABEC, whereas my new ones are ABEC 5.
We visited some of our old neighbors, which was kinda cool. Seeing people that we knew from way back when was very interesting, catching up on old days and how my parents were in their new life in Las Vegas.
After blading and talking to a lot of people, we came home and it was already 9:30. My dad started playing on my brother's guitar, trying to play Third Day's "Your Love Oh Lord". It was really annoying me because he was butchering it and I think he knew that too. All week he's been trying to get me to teach him to play.
My dad is awesome at guitar, but he grew up playing classical guitar and can't strum a lick. Picking on the other hand, he's probably better than anyone I know. But yea, strumming it's a total disaster for him unless it's a spanish song.
Anyway, this time I bit and pulled out my guitar and showed him how to do it. Even with me playing alongside him he couldn't pick it up. So in the end I told him to just pick the song. It sounded great with me strumming and him picking. Soon after we were doing just about every song I have. My mom was singing too, and my dad was doing harmony. It was awesome! Totally AWESOME.
I think the most daunting thing for me is learning how to stop. Apparently people can hockey-stop with rollerblades. I can't even hockey-stop with ice skates! I use the rubber thing on the back to stop. I think I should start learning how to T-stop at least. The new blades I have are much much better than the previous pair I had, which had my ankles bleeding within the first 30 minutes. Also the wheels have far less friction, allowing me to accelerate faster and coast longer. My old blades were ABEC, whereas my new ones are ABEC 5.
We visited some of our old neighbors, which was kinda cool. Seeing people that we knew from way back when was very interesting, catching up on old days and how my parents were in their new life in Las Vegas.
After blading and talking to a lot of people, we came home and it was already 9:30. My dad started playing on my brother's guitar, trying to play Third Day's "Your Love Oh Lord". It was really annoying me because he was butchering it and I think he knew that too. All week he's been trying to get me to teach him to play.
My dad is awesome at guitar, but he grew up playing classical guitar and can't strum a lick. Picking on the other hand, he's probably better than anyone I know. But yea, strumming it's a total disaster for him unless it's a spanish song.
Anyway, this time I bit and pulled out my guitar and showed him how to do it. Even with me playing alongside him he couldn't pick it up. So in the end I told him to just pick the song. It sounded great with me strumming and him picking. Soon after we were doing just about every song I have. My mom was singing too, and my dad was doing harmony. It was awesome! Totally AWESOME.
April 19, 2006
The jacket
Eric pointed out to me a while ago that it's easy to spot me in a crowd because I always have on the same black jacket. Spring or summer, winter or fall I have been wearing the exact same jacket for all kinds of weather. I bought the jacket from Costco at an economic price of $40, and I have never looked back.
Actually I have. I have been searching for the ultimate jacket, one that fulfills all of my needs (wants). I'm a believer in layering and last fall, I purchased the ultimate inner vest. It is nearly 100% windproof and that's all it does, protects from wind. It's a little warm, made of fleece and a little spandex in the back for comfort.
As for the jacket, the following is needed:
-breathable
-water resistant
-hood that can fold into the collar
-stowable (jacket can compact into a stuffsack, possibly a pocket)
-lightweight
-performance fit
-tear-proof (ie, when i run through the bushes, i don't get caught on a branch, or worse, rip it)
These are my requirement and I've yet to find a jacket that does all these things. The closest I've come now is a North Face jacket, called the Amp Hybrid Jacket. It retails for $120. It has everything above except for the stowability.
Patience, young padawan.
Actually I have. I have been searching for the ultimate jacket, one that fulfills all of my needs (wants). I'm a believer in layering and last fall, I purchased the ultimate inner vest. It is nearly 100% windproof and that's all it does, protects from wind. It's a little warm, made of fleece and a little spandex in the back for comfort.
As for the jacket, the following is needed:
-breathable
-water resistant
-hood that can fold into the collar
-stowable (jacket can compact into a stuffsack, possibly a pocket)
-lightweight
-performance fit
-tear-proof (ie, when i run through the bushes, i don't get caught on a branch, or worse, rip it)
These are my requirement and I've yet to find a jacket that does all these things. The closest I've come now is a North Face jacket, called the Amp Hybrid Jacket. It retails for $120. It has everything above except for the stowability.
Patience, young padawan.
April 18, 2006
This past week
For Good Friday (Thursday) we had our first ever production, with choir, music and actors. It was the story of Jesus with characters like Nicodemus, Caiaphas and Joseph. It was a very touching story and at the end it was capped off with Nichole Nordeman's "Why" -- a very very touching song that I'm sure brought a tear to many people's eyes. The impact of death, and moreso, death for my sake has always been a humbling, shameful and emotional time for me. Easter is a time of rejoicing that our sins have been washed away, but for me it is always a time of deep reflection and mourning.
These past few days, living with my parents again, has been challenging. I love them very much and I am happy they're here, but at the same time I miss living alone. It's quieter -- complete silence can actually exist -- and there's less complaining, nagging and bickering. On the flip side there's more food, less loneliness.
When I came home on Thursday evening, my brother came up to me and said "Brian, check out your room." Immediately I felt fear that my room had been cleaned and precious things had been thrown away. Sure enough, I walked in and it was clean, cleaned out that is. Don't get me wrong, it is cleaner than ever.. actually I don't remember a time it has ever been this clean, not since we saw the place before we bought it. But everything has been moved around, I don't know where most of my things are. I think once my parents leave I will need to get my bearings and figure out where everything is again.
I'm not looking forward to when my parents leave, but then at the same time, I am looking forward to things getting back to "normal". My parents read this blog on occasion, so let's just leave it at that :)
Baptism Sundays are my favorite, favorite Sundays. I think I am happier on Baptism Sunday's than I am on Christmas Day. I dunno if that is blasphemous or not. In fact it almost feels like Christmas morning, sitting in front of the Christmas tree, waiting to unwrap all the presents. Anyway this past Sunday, my friend Kenric got baptised along with 9 other people, and that made me very very happy. It's one thing to have so many baptisms, but when close friends get baptised that is a double bonus. It's like you just gained a sibling or something, it's pretty sweet.
Andrew's brother Allan also got baptised, and also Garman from my small group. And a whole slew of teens, a couple of whom I actually know and have talked to. It's also always so very exciting to hear about how God has changed the lives of people, and how their walks have progressed and matured. We're talking major awesomeness all around!
The Raptor season is over. Well, the truth is it was over weeks ago.. but officially it ends on Wednesday night. Last night I went to the last home game of the season. It was absolutely horrifying, the way they played. Awful. The highlight of night was when the announcer noticed Cindy Klassen in the audience. He announced her and Dick Bavetta (the ref) went over and brought her out to centercourt. The entire place erupted in a standing ovation.
5 Medals, nothing but class, humilty and grace. She's one amazing gal and a true Canadian hero. Oh, and for those who haven't heard -- Cindy intends to become a missionary after she retires.
These past few days, living with my parents again, has been challenging. I love them very much and I am happy they're here, but at the same time I miss living alone. It's quieter -- complete silence can actually exist -- and there's less complaining, nagging and bickering. On the flip side there's more food, less loneliness.
When I came home on Thursday evening, my brother came up to me and said "Brian, check out your room." Immediately I felt fear that my room had been cleaned and precious things had been thrown away. Sure enough, I walked in and it was clean, cleaned out that is. Don't get me wrong, it is cleaner than ever.. actually I don't remember a time it has ever been this clean, not since we saw the place before we bought it. But everything has been moved around, I don't know where most of my things are. I think once my parents leave I will need to get my bearings and figure out where everything is again.
I'm not looking forward to when my parents leave, but then at the same time, I am looking forward to things getting back to "normal". My parents read this blog on occasion, so let's just leave it at that :)
Baptism Sundays are my favorite, favorite Sundays. I think I am happier on Baptism Sunday's than I am on Christmas Day. I dunno if that is blasphemous or not. In fact it almost feels like Christmas morning, sitting in front of the Christmas tree, waiting to unwrap all the presents. Anyway this past Sunday, my friend Kenric got baptised along with 9 other people, and that made me very very happy. It's one thing to have so many baptisms, but when close friends get baptised that is a double bonus. It's like you just gained a sibling or something, it's pretty sweet.
Andrew's brother Allan also got baptised, and also Garman from my small group. And a whole slew of teens, a couple of whom I actually know and have talked to. It's also always so very exciting to hear about how God has changed the lives of people, and how their walks have progressed and matured. We're talking major awesomeness all around!
The Raptor season is over. Well, the truth is it was over weeks ago.. but officially it ends on Wednesday night. Last night I went to the last home game of the season. It was absolutely horrifying, the way they played. Awful. The highlight of night was when the announcer noticed Cindy Klassen in the audience. He announced her and Dick Bavetta (the ref) went over and brought her out to centercourt. The entire place erupted in a standing ovation.
5 Medals, nothing but class, humilty and grace. She's one amazing gal and a true Canadian hero. Oh, and for those who haven't heard -- Cindy intends to become a missionary after she retires.
April 12, 2006
Fanboy
I have become a major fanboy of two things. The first is the Toronto Raptors. I am in love with this team even though they suck badly. I follow them avidly despite their complete and total utter crappiness and hopelessness.
The second is the Nintendo Revolution. I week ago I posted about the need for consoles to have "must-have" games, in which the game is so great that it convinces people to buy the system. Microsoft's XBox 360 is a fantastic example, of a console that has superior technology built into it, but does not have a game to make people think "OH MY GOODNESS!! I want an XBOX 360 so I can play ______________".
From what I've been reading, Nintendo will have 20 titles at launch, meaning there will be 20 titles available when the console is comes out on sale. Haha.. that's more than I can say for the Gamecube, which doesn't even have 20 titles worth playing.
So far, the game that has been officially announced as one of the 20 -- looks spectacular. The game is called "Red Steel", and is being made exclusively for the Nintendo Revolution.
Brought to you by Ubisoft (Far Cry, Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon), Red Steel makes use of Revolution's new controller -- the remote control that senses gestures and movements made by the controller. Meaning, you swing the contoller one way, and the guy you control swings his sword the same way. You point at a particular badguy on the screen and press the shoot button, he convulses and dies.
Taking advantage of the special controller and the fact that it will only be available on Revolution -- to me that's a "must-have" game. No more having to point my crosshairs with a joystick using my thumb -- this game gives new meaning to point-and-shoot.
The second is the Nintendo Revolution. I week ago I posted about the need for consoles to have "must-have" games, in which the game is so great that it convinces people to buy the system. Microsoft's XBox 360 is a fantastic example, of a console that has superior technology built into it, but does not have a game to make people think "OH MY GOODNESS!! I want an XBOX 360 so I can play ______________".
From what I've been reading, Nintendo will have 20 titles at launch, meaning there will be 20 titles available when the console is comes out on sale. Haha.. that's more than I can say for the Gamecube, which doesn't even have 20 titles worth playing.
So far, the game that has been officially announced as one of the 20 -- looks spectacular. The game is called "Red Steel", and is being made exclusively for the Nintendo Revolution.
Brought to you by Ubisoft (Far Cry, Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon), Red Steel makes use of Revolution's new controller -- the remote control that senses gestures and movements made by the controller. Meaning, you swing the contoller one way, and the guy you control swings his sword the same way. You point at a particular badguy on the screen and press the shoot button, he convulses and dies.
Taking advantage of the special controller and the fact that it will only be available on Revolution -- to me that's a "must-have" game. No more having to point my crosshairs with a joystick using my thumb -- this game gives new meaning to point-and-shoot.
April 11, 2006
Ten Commandments
Last night I saw what was quite possibly the worst ever rendition of the Ten Commandments, a miniseries or made-for-TV version that I flipped upon by accident. There are shows that you would call B-movies, where the acting is bad, low budget, etc. This was a C-movie.
What I found most confusing about this movie was that instead of Moses' cousin/brother Ramses running the show, it was his father instead, the man that should have already passed on. Wasn't it Moses' brother the Pharoah who's heart was hardened by God? Instead, this fellow was just a high ranking guard. And to make matters worse, Ramses' son -- the boy who dies when "first borns" die, was referred to by his grandfather, as his son.
What I found most confusing about this movie was that instead of Moses' cousin/brother Ramses running the show, it was his father instead, the man that should have already passed on. Wasn't it Moses' brother the Pharoah who's heart was hardened by God? Instead, this fellow was just a high ranking guard. And to make matters worse, Ramses' son -- the boy who dies when "first borns" die, was referred to by his grandfather, as his son.
April 08, 2006
#4
Brett Favre is set to make an announcement this afternoon about his decision on whether or not to continue his career or retire. It would be hard for me to swallow that last year was his final year and that I'll never get to see Brett Favre play again.
When I think of "Brett Favre", I think 'prolific'. I consider Brett Favre as the greatest quarterback of all time. A lot of people have favorites, some like Joe Montana, John Elway, Dan Marino. And there's a crop of new guys like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer. But if you compare him amongst the quarterbacks of his generation, it's hard to argue that he's not one of the best.
He's won the NFL's Most Valuable Player 3 times. He's thrown over 50,000 yards in his career. He threw 20 or more seasons for 12 consecutive years. 3000+ yards for 14 consecutive years. 30+ touchdowns in a season 8 times.
I think what attracts people to Brett Favre is his passion for the game and the inspiration he brings to the table. He's a loyal guy and durable, since becoming a starter on September 20, 1992 he has started every single Green Bay Packers game. (That's 221 straight football games. Think about that!).
Brett threw a lot of interceptions because he was a high-risk type of guy, a gunslinger. There's a lot of QBs nowadays that are not so much prolific as they are efficient. But QBs of Brett's generation, these were guys who stepped up to the plate to lead their teams by making impossible plays look easy. The use of determination and example to lead their teams.
Favre once threw 5 touchdowns in a single game -- on a sprained ankle -- to help the Packers beat the Bears 35-28.
On December 22, 2003, Brett Favre through for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns -- a great night -- but even greater when you consider his father passed away the day before. I remember watching this game and seeing Favre overcome with emotion, hugging teammates on every play and shedding tears. He dedicated the game to his father. The Packers went on to crush the Oakland Raider 41-7.
What I also loved about Brett Favre is that he made average receivers into great ones. Guys like Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman, Corey Bradford, Donald Driver, Javon Walker -- of all these guys Javon was probably the most gifted athlete. Green Bay was lucky to never really need to pay for a great receiver. Brett is the kind of guy to take over the game because he had to. Green Bay never had a great defense so Brett had to take matters into his own hands.
I would like to see Brett return for one more year. I'd love to see Green Bay win another Super Bowl but that is not going to happen. I think that Brett knows this and is probably the single most evident reason that he will retire today.
When I think of "Brett Favre", I think 'prolific'. I consider Brett Favre as the greatest quarterback of all time. A lot of people have favorites, some like Joe Montana, John Elway, Dan Marino. And there's a crop of new guys like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer. But if you compare him amongst the quarterbacks of his generation, it's hard to argue that he's not one of the best.
He's won the NFL's Most Valuable Player 3 times. He's thrown over 50,000 yards in his career. He threw 20 or more seasons for 12 consecutive years. 3000+ yards for 14 consecutive years. 30+ touchdowns in a season 8 times.
I think what attracts people to Brett Favre is his passion for the game and the inspiration he brings to the table. He's a loyal guy and durable, since becoming a starter on September 20, 1992 he has started every single Green Bay Packers game. (That's 221 straight football games. Think about that!).
Brett threw a lot of interceptions because he was a high-risk type of guy, a gunslinger. There's a lot of QBs nowadays that are not so much prolific as they are efficient. But QBs of Brett's generation, these were guys who stepped up to the plate to lead their teams by making impossible plays look easy. The use of determination and example to lead their teams.
Favre once threw 5 touchdowns in a single game -- on a sprained ankle -- to help the Packers beat the Bears 35-28.
On December 22, 2003, Brett Favre through for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns -- a great night -- but even greater when you consider his father passed away the day before. I remember watching this game and seeing Favre overcome with emotion, hugging teammates on every play and shedding tears. He dedicated the game to his father. The Packers went on to crush the Oakland Raider 41-7.
What I also loved about Brett Favre is that he made average receivers into great ones. Guys like Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman, Corey Bradford, Donald Driver, Javon Walker -- of all these guys Javon was probably the most gifted athlete. Green Bay was lucky to never really need to pay for a great receiver. Brett is the kind of guy to take over the game because he had to. Green Bay never had a great defense so Brett had to take matters into his own hands.
I would like to see Brett return for one more year. I'd love to see Green Bay win another Super Bowl but that is not going to happen. I think that Brett knows this and is probably the single most evident reason that he will retire today.
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