Review: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

I went to see this film on Friday night (sorry I'm only just getting around to reviewing it now). I know people are probably tired of the vampire craze (I know I am), however, I very much enjoyed this movie.

If you like action movies with a hit of humour, this film would definitely meet your criteria. The other thing I liked about this film is even though it's loaded with vampires, if you toss the vampires aside, it actually kept fairly true to Lincoln's history. For instance, Lincoln really did work in a small shop, and study law. In the film, you see him working in a shop, while reading various law books. His mother died of illness in reality when Lincoln was a child, and she died of "illness" in the film. This illness is what prompts Abraham Lincoln to seek revenge, and eventually become a vampire hunter. I must say, I love how he fights with an axe, as opposed to silver bullets, or a Buffy-esque stake to the heart.

Another thing with this movie, is I found the vampires to be more to the style of Bram Stoker, not how Hollywood normally depicts them. These vampires stay awake during the day, and can even go out into the sunlight. For this, I liked the vampires much better, even if Lincoln did the bulk of his hunting at night.

I recognized a couple of actors in the film, but the bulk of them, I had never seen, so I don't know if they were newcomers, or if I'm just behind with the times. I would guess the latter.

If there's one big thing this movie taught me, it's to always have a contingency plan, because you just never know when slaying vampires may no longer be an option.

All in all, I'd recommend this movie. The sole purpose of this film is to be entertained, and I was certainly that.

Crossed Off the List: #7, #8, #9

Within a two-day period, I managed to cross three items off of my "Summer To-Do List": #7 was a beach trip, #8 was Hewitt's for ice cream, and #9 was an Arbor Dog. Oddly enough, I wrote about all three of these things in my post titled, "Beat the Heat." I just hadn't realized when I wrote it earlier today that I'd actually crossed items off my list. Silly me.

Four items down, eleven more to go...

Beat the Heat

I don't know what the temperatures are like for the rest of you, but if you're in Southern Ontario at the present time, it is insanely hot. This week, our temperatures are in the thirties, with the humidex making them creep into the forties. I don't know about you, but I don't fare well with heat. I'd rather be too cold than too hot. The way I see it, if it's cold, I can grab a blanket, put on a sweater, or throw another piece of wood in the stove. When it's hot, I can only remove so many layers before I run out, and not feel any better. Also, the heat makes me tired, groggy, borderline miserable, and to top it all off, I get sun burnt much too easily. But, at least I have a few things that can help me beat the heat, and no, it doesn't involve air conditioning. My house doesn't have that.

Yesterday, Allie, our French visitor, and I went over to the Binbrook Conservation Area. Yes, we had to pay a small fee to get in, but given all that's there, it's totally worth it. Our guest and I decided to rent a canoe, and even though we were warm, and the wind was often working against us, having that wind cooled us down significantly. When we were finished, we went into Lake Niapenco, Binbrook's man-made lake, and cooled off. To me, the water was the perfect temperature. Allie and I also decided to take a few moments, be completely childish, and run over to the splash pad. The water there was refreshing as well.

Of course, because it was so hot, we made sure that we stayed hydrated. We brought along a cooler bag with water bottles, and even though we didn't go through all of them, we left the Conservation Area with fewer than we'd arrived with. We also made sure to relax in a shaded area, or at least, I did. What can I say? I'm delicate.

I almost forgot! The other night, we went out to Port Dover for supper. Our guest had never been there, so we took her. After an hour or so, we started back home, and stopped at Hewitt's Dairy Bar on Highway #6 for ice cream. What better way to beat the heat then with Hewitt's? If you've never been, you really must go. You can see the dairy farm in the backyard where they get their milk and cream. The scoops, even for a small cone, are huge, and their waffle cones are fantastic.

Today is set up to be another scorcher. When I checked the temperature at 9:30 this morning, and it was already 27 degrees Celsius with a humidex of 33, I knew it was going to be another day of roasting half to death. So everyone, drink lots, don't forget your sunscreen, keep cool, and maybe go jump in a lake!   

It's the Airshow!

It's Father's Day Weekend, and in the Hammer, that means one thing: Airshow!

I've been up to the Hamilton Airport in Mount Hope many times to see the airshow, however, given how close my house is to the airport, we also get a pretty good view of the aerobatics from home. The only thing we (obviously) don't get to partake in are the ground displays (unless they no longer exist, which I doubt).

Yesterday, when I was out on my bike, I was lucky enough to hear a most glorious sound. When I looked up, the Royal Canadian Snowbirds were in the air, practicing their stunts for this weekend. I haven't seen the Snowbirds in ages, so to see them yesterday filled me with all kinds of happiness.

 Royal Canadian Snowbirds (picture taken from Google images)

Earlier today, I heard a noise that left a most impressive pounding going through me. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is home to one of two Lancaster Bombers in the world that are still capable of taking flight, and when that beauty gets airborne, you can feel the raw power pounding out of it. Sure enough, when I looked up, there was the Lanc, and in tow were two smaller WWII aircraft. The Lancaster Bomber really is a thing of beauty. It's one of my all-time faves.

Avro Lancaster (photo taken from Candian Warplane Heritage website)

As awesome as the vintage WWII aircraft are, I love when the newer (and by newer, I mean post-WWII) aircraft take flight. The CF-18 Hornet will always put a silly grin on my face.

 CF-18 Hornet (photo taken from Google images)

I also really love the sound of the F-14 Tomcat. If I recall correctly, before Peninsulair went out of business due to a lease dispute, the glorious jet that screamed overhead one sunny afternoon to our delight was the F-14. If not, then It was the F-16 Fighting Falcon... But I'm 99% sure it was the Tomcat. I don't know if either of these beauties will make their way to the airshow this year, but if they do, the crowd is in for a treat (and if anyone has sensitive ears, double up on the ear protection).

 F-14 Tomcat (photo taken from Google images)

 F-16 Fighting Falcon (photo taken from Google images)

If you ever get the opportunity to attend an airshow in Hamilton (it's always on the Father's Day Weekend), I highly suggest going. Not only are the aircraft beautiful, but the only other place where you'll get to observe an airborne Lancaster Bomber is in England, so unless you want to travel across the pond, the Hammer is the place to be.

All this talk of the airshow, and bombers, and fighter jets has left me with "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins stuck in my head (this is significant because it's the opening theme from Top Gun). So, with that, I leave you with the link to the official video (complete with scenes from Top Gun).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siwpn14IE7E 

Happy flying!

 

Crossed Off the List: #11

Well, I was able to cross an item off my Summer To-Do List, to a certain degree. #11 was "Hit up a festival (preferably music)". Conveniently, Burlington's Sound of Music Festival started last night. The boyfriend's coffee hangout with one of his buddies fell through, so I told him that if he was still wanting to go out for coffee (even though I don't drink it), that I'd go with him. I had no idea where we would be going when he suggested that I meet him at his place first (usually, we'll meet at the Starbucks that's between his house and mine).

I got in the door at his house long enough to say hello to his parents, turn around, hop into his car, and go. When we took the ramp to go "north" on the Red Hill, I had a feeling we were going to Burlington. Sure enough...

How he managed to find a parking spot in a free lot near the waterfront is beyond me. We pulled in just as a mum and her kids were packing up and leaving. Space available, we took it.

We wandered on over to Second Cup, and grabbed ourselves a beverage, before going across the street to Spencer Smith Park to take in some of the festival. I hadn't been to that particular festival in a few years, and I had never been at night. Wow, was it busy!

Last night's feature band was the Arkells. I'd heard of them, and I knew I'd heard their stuff, but I had no idea what any of it was until I heard it. We sat along the pier away a bit from the stage. It was a mob out front, and we didn't want to be stuck in there. Also, the volume was crazy loud. But, where we chose to sit, we could hear everything perfectly fine, and also people watch. What people choose to wear out in public doesn't surprise me much anymore.

We stayed for an hour, maybe a bit more last night, because there was still a day left in the work week, and some people (myself excluded), needed to be up for work this morning. So no late night last night. But that's alright. We might find ourselves going back on Sunday. Treble Charger's playing, and I haven't heard "American Psycho" in a very long time ("Now I know how far you'll go... to be the next freak show American psycho...). 

Found: Set of Keys

To those who have been in the Binbrook area and are missing a set of keys:

I found a set of keys this morning on the side of Kirk Rd (between Fletcher and Trinity Church). There are three keys on the ring, including one for a Honda vehicle, and a "#1 Sister" key chain. They're currently in the care of the Binbrook Post Office. The Post Mistress will hold them there for a few days, after which she'll send them to a dealership, or possibly plant, to try to find the rightful owner that way.

 

Making My Entertainment Where I Can

I'm currently in Caledonia getting some work done to my car. It was due for an oil change, and some other minor work needed to be done to it as well. Since I was told that it would be about an hour and a half before it's ready, I had to find some way to amuse myself for 90 minutes.

Caledonia has an amazing bakery. It's Jones's, and I'm certain that anyone who's been there could tell you that their Belgian cookies are simply devine. Since I had plenty of time, I thought I'd take a walk and see if it was open. It wasn't. It was either too early, or closed for the day. I'm really not sure which, but I was definitely disappointed.

As I hadn't eaten breakfast yet, I turned around, and walked back to the Tim Horton's that's across the street and over a bit from Econo-Tech Auto, the shop where I take my car. Usually, I enjoy sitting by the drive-thru of whatever Tim's I'm in, and people watch. Well, the set-up at this one doesn't allow such foolishness. I can't see the cars until they leave, and that's no fun. Doesn't mean I have to sit here bored, though.

Would you think less of me if I told you that I sat here writing away while listening in on the conversations around me? So many interesting things going on. There are the people taking orders at the counter from the customers who sound like regulars. Or I could pretend that they're regulars as they have conversations that last longer than the initial order and money exchange. Someone else was told not to work too hard doing whatever with gravel, as it sounds like someone threw out his back. A gentleman a couple tables over from me seems to know every other person who passes through. When he's done his 10-second convo, he turns back to his buddy at his table, and tells a mini story. Someone else was discussing the potential fate of the liberal party. He figures it's on the fast-track to extinction. As for that, I'm not sure. Would this country really do away with a political party that's been around since Confederation?

I must say, I'm quite pleased that I downloaded the Blogger app for my android. Otherwise, I would have been sitting here listening to all this good stuff, and have no way of sharing.

Well, I suppose I ought to go back to the shop and see if my car's ready. Thanks for keeping me company.

It Starts Tonight!

I'm super excited! In less than an hour, the CFL pre-season begins. TSN will be showing the Toronto Argonauts taking on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Ivor Wynne Stadium. I think tonight's opener is a double-header too! Hopefully tonight's opener is as action-packed and epic as last year's, which my mum and I were fortunate enough to attend. If we're lucky, we'll hit up another game this year.

Are you ready for some football?!

Rain on My Rooftop

Rain, rain, glorious rain
Beating against my window pane
Over and over and over again
Soothing sound keeping me sane.

Drop, drop, drop after drop
Steadily pounding against the rooftop
Making the rounds to each shingle they hop
With seemingly no intention to stop.

Splash, splash, each tiny splash
Onto the top of the house they smash
Each drop of water onto each other they crash
Yet it's such a relaxing bash.

Wet, wet, so very wet
Is this rain over yet?
Or did we lose some sort of bet?
Sounds like we still have much more to get.

Original write date: June 11, 2012

A Few of My Favourite Things: Sounds of Summer Edition

Ah summer. The time of year where I overheat far too often, burn way too easily, and crank the tunes. We all have them. The songs that make us want to take a road trip, spend a day at the beach, or stay up all night with a bonfire, a few beverages, and a group of good friends.

My sister, Allie, has been saying that she's going to make a cd for me to keep in my car, one loaded with songs that make us want to turn the volume up high while we take an excursion to our favourite outlet mall, or wherever else the roads lead us. We were reviewing what songs would be worthy of such an honour. The list isn't particularly grand, but it's a start. And if you're in need of a good summer road trip set list and don't know what to add, perhaps this will help to get you started, but before I do, there's a particular summer album that's close to my heart.

When I was a child, during the summer, my mum, sister, often my mama, and I would drive out to Hagersville to the market every Wednesday morning in my mum's old clunker white Dodge caravan. It had a tape deck in it, and I have memories of listening to Billy Joel's Glass Houses there and back. For me, a summer music list isn't complete unless it has a song from Glass Houses. So to start you off, here's the opening track off that cassette tape from my childhood, "You May Be Right".

I can't have a summer music list without the incredible Meat Loaf. In all honesty, his entire rock opera Bat out of Hell is a summer album in itself, but if I had to choose one to put on my summer list, it would be a toss-up between, "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)" and "Paradise by the Dashboard Light". As I also associate the latter with Halloween parties, choosing the former as a summer staple only makes sense. Besides, it already has, "summer" in the title.

Rush and Kim Mitchell also scream, "summer", such as Rush's, "Spirit of Radio" (because we all know that the radio is a mandatory summer staple)

and "Patio Lanterns" by Kim Mitchell.

And who could forget the one and only Bryan Adams? Damn, Canada has some seriously kick-ass musicians with some equally kick-ass summer tunes. Naturally, "Summer of '69" would be a mandatory track to have on my summer car cd.

I doubt many people my age (I'm in my twenties) have heard the next summer song of choice, let alone heard of the artist. Otis Redding did a song called, "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay". Pearl Jam did a pretty good cover of it too. I'd post the cover, but I think people ought to hear the original.

The whistling is definitely the most chill part of the song.

You know, I just had the dire urge to add some Phil Collins, post- Genesis. Who hasn't heard, "In the Air Tonight"? If you haven't you were definitely raised by wolves, and I'm going to remedy that right this instant. And if you don't think the drums are epic (you know which part I'm talking about), well, I really don't know what to say, but I'd figure you to be a tad touched...

Of course, Allie has had suggestions with what songs ought to be included. She has a diverse taste in music, and most of it I enjoy, so when she started making suggestions of the more modern kind, I couldn't help but  agree.

To Allie, "Last Friday night" by Katy Perry screams summer.

Neither one of us are fans of Nicki Minaj. For the most part, we find her to be really annoying. However, there's generally an exception to every rule, and Allie's exception is when she was down at the waterfront trail that's outside of Hutch's with a couple of friends rollerblading last summer, and "Starships" was playing. Since that's a valid reason to accept a Nicki Minaj song, I suppose I'll allow it on my list.

Pink might not be my favourite colour, but the singer has song awesome music, like, "Raise Your Glass," which I'm certain almost every person in Canada who's legal will be doing throughout much of the summer.

Of course, we also need some Lady Gaga, Timberland, and 3oh3. First, we're on the, "Edge of Glory"...

...then we wake up in the, "Morning After Dark"...

...and end up, "Touchin on My" (fill in the blank).

I can't believe I remembered the bulk of Allie's suggestions, and forgot about a couple more of my own. I would definitely need some Tom Cochrane. Though it's so cliche, "Life is a Highway" really is necessary.

I never really used to listen to the Dave Matthews Band, but as of late, thanks to my squeeze, I've been listening to DMB quite often. I love his cover of Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower". His music makes me want to go to a summer music festival, sprawl out on a blanket, and soak up the sounds of summer, the sun, greasy food, and hang out with friends.

I'm certain there are songs that I'm still missing from this list, but it's a start. If you think that there are ones I really ought to add, please, leave me your suggestions in the comments, or click on the "Your Turn" tab, and leave them there.

Here's to summer, everyone!


Videos courtesy of YouTube.

My Astronaut Experience (The Commercial I Just Saw)

I had to share this while it's still fresh on my mind.

I was in the living room a moment ago watching television with my parents when a commercial came on that started with a gentleman taking his biplane out of a hangar. The person was Canadian astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason.

 Bjarni Tryggvason

What's so special about him? When I was 17 years old, I had dinner with him.

As you all likely know, I spent many years as an Air Cadet with the 779 Black Knight Squadron out of Mount Hope. Back in February 2005, all of the cadets in the Hamilton Air Wing (779 Black Knight, 713 Thunderbolt, 735 Firebird, 150 Hamilton Tiger, 826 Gryphon) had a mass mess dinner with Bjarni Tryggvason. He gave a talk about the Canadian Space Program, what it was like to literally be out of this world, and gave all of us cadets the additional motivation to pursue our goals, and to never let the sky be the limit. Dare to go beyond if you so choose. His presentation came with a slideshow showing all of the amazing things from space that the internet could only dream of posting. And because they came from his personal experiences, they were that much more interesting.

He was a very personable guy, and opened the floor to questions when he was done. If you didn't have anything in particular to ask, he made it known that we were more than welcome to come speak with him after. So I did. I shook his hand, and thanked him for speaking with all of us. Given my rank at the time (Warrant Officer, and Squadron Deputy Commander), it was important for me to thank him on behalf of all of us, even though other cadets had already done so.

Seeing that car commercial on the television  this evening, and shouting, "hey! I've had dinner with him," really made me want to share my experience with all of you, even if the dinner was many years ago.

First of the Season

For those who live in Southern Ontario, some places already have fresh, in-season strawberries. My mamma's friend Crazy Bob had 16 quarts to sell, so she got some for herself, and some to share with my household. And yes, they are amazing.

I wasn't expecting strawberry season to actually start for another couple weeks, but I'm not about to complain that it's here early. I'll take fresh, local-grown goodness any time!

Now c'mon, every other fantastic, summery fruit... And some veggies too...

Another Awesome Realization

I know, I know. As if being excited that strawberry season starts this month wasn't enough, there was one other thing that I realized starts in a few weeks: football.

I must be clear, though. I don't do any of this NFL nonsense. 4-down football annoys me. If those NFLers are as amazing as people claim, they shouldn't need the extra down (can you tell that I like the CFL 3-down version instead?). No one has to like that thought. No one even has to agree. But this is Canada, and as such, I have the right to an opinion, and my opinion is that 3-down football is better.

Anyways...

As I'm near the Hammer, my mum and I like to watch the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. But I also really like the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Conveniently, the Hammer's opening game is against Saskatchewan. Now that's a game I wouldn't mind going down to Ivor Wynne to watch.

Mum and I made our way to a pre-season game last year. That game had some of the best football I had ever seen. If the Cats can play the way they did with last year's pre-season throughout this year's regular season, they might actually have a fighting chance at the Grey Cup. What a way to finish out Ivor Wynne's final year that would be!

Suddenly, I'm starting to remember just how awesome June can be... and I'm loving it!

Amazing Realization

Unless you're from the 'brook like I am, you likely won't find this exciting, but to me, it is.

I just realized that today is the first of June. Besides being the starting month for music festivals, and bringing about the air show, there is one very important thing that comes with this month: Strawberry season.

Do you know what the start of strawberry season means? Martin's reopens for the summer.

What's so special about Martin's reopening for the summer? Some of the best damn fresh produce that Ontario has to offer is back in season, and back on the market.

The best part of the best damn produce? Not only is it to die for (strawberries, sugar snaps, cherries, blueberries, green beans, yellow beans, beautiful roasts, apple cider and peaches in the later months, and that's just the tip of the iceberg), but it's local too.

Need more convincing? Check out my October 2011 post, "A Few of my Favourite Things: Martin's Edition."

Hello summer!