Kevin's EPIC Blog

STOP THE METER

If you value the internet for connecting with friends and family, business or for anything that you do on the internet, then you'll want to sign this petition. The CRTC is forcing your ISP to charge you more money for your internet experience and offer you LESS internet. Basically they're metering your usage and they've imposed a minuscule download cap on how much you can use. This is bad for you and bad for business in Canada. It's also bad for web designers like myself. Please let your voice be heard and together we can turn this thing around. Thanks! (photo: source)

STOP THE METER
http://openmedia.ca/meter

In 2011 I Resolve to...

1. Lose the pot belly!

2. Spend more time with my nephew, Less time working

3. Learn HTML5 - (partially done!)

4. Strengthen my knowledge of Javascript

5. Rollerblade regularly (in the summer, duh)

6. Drink more water

7. Finally register my business

8. Move out? (Hahaha... that's a long shot)

9. Seek out new and exciting "opportunities"

10. Keep my family healthy as well as myself!

Bonus: Like every year - Make more money! ^^

Okay so we'll check back on this list at the end of the year to see how many of these things I've actually done. I'm not sure how I'll be able to prove it. You'll just have to trust me on this one. Remember to support me in my resolve people! Thanks in advance for denying me that greasy bag of chips! ^^

Dive Into HTML5

Happy New Year Everybody! 2010 was a kickass year! I had a blast! I have no complaints because I was able to do tons of travelling. Went to Mexico City, New York, Beijing, HCMC, Seoul, Bangkok and many more... It's 2011 and time to dust off the old noggin and get back to work!! Let's start the year with an intro to HTML5. I think by the time of gotten my head around this whole update all the browsers will have built in support for it. Not holding my breath for IE though. Here's a great intro I managed to find online. Anybody else find something better? Learning HTML5 is definitely one of my NY Resolutions for 2011. I'll come up with a whole list and post it here. That way I'll have to stick to it. Anybody else wanna post their resolutions? Send it to me and I'll post it right along side mine. I'll review the list at the end of the year to see how we all did. That's right, I'm callin you out! Show me your King Kong balls... actually don't.. Just show me your NY Resolution Lists for 2011.

http://diveintohtml5.org/

Update: Okay anybody interested in an intro to HTML5 can forget reading this lengthly document. I found a video on YouTube that gives you the gist of what's going on in HTML5. Perfect for lazy folks such as myself. The video obviously doesn't explain everything but if its an 'intro' you're after this is it. I'm gonna go ahead and check this one off my list just so I can feel good about myself. 

Enjoy!

 

Give the Gift of Warmth this Year

Hey guys it's that time of year again. I know everybody is busy this time of year but just do a quick little check around the house for some old blankets. A dear friend of mine is organizing a charity and is collecting blankets for the homeless. You can get the inside scoop here. [inside scoop]

CoutureCares strives to connect the fashion conscious people of Toronto for a great cause! Reminding them that during the holiday season as we shop for our Christian Louboutin heels, Herve Leger bandage dress and Chanel clutch, many Torontonians will be without food, water or shelter. CoutureCares is on a mission to collect blankets and distribute them to the homeless during the Christmas holidays! All blanket donations are welcomed! Lets all come together and show that we care!

Blanket donations are currently being accepted! Please e-mail us at couturecares@gmail.com

You can also follow them on twitter @couturecares  

Doesn't look like it's getting any warmer either. Thanks Everybody!

Issued : 3:30 PM EST Monday 13 December 2010 - [Environment Canada]

Tonight - A few flurries ending early this evening then cloudy periods with 60 percent chance of flurries. Wind northwest 40 km/h gusting to 60. Low minus 15. Wind chill minus 26 overnight.

 

Wish I was in this audience... Sigh...

 

Wish I was there... Good news is I finally got my iPhone 4! Who wants to do Facetime? Oh yeah, she also gave away 275 brand new Beetles! Needless to say, everybody went nuts.

 

Insanely Talented

 

This guy is completely one with his bike. He probably has trouble walking like ordinary humans. Must see this. 

Three animal corn dog abomination... Enjoy!

 

Now this is an Epic meal if I ever saw one... That girl is gonna take a massive dump after eating all of that. But I bet it was worth it. 

DEAL: Thai Lovers! Get 58% off at Lemongrass

I said I would find you guys another deal and here it is! Lemongrass is your thai fusion restaurant with lovely decor, similar to the likes of Spring Rolls.

I took a girl here once. She was so thrilled with my taste in restaurants she instantly offered to come home with me. Yeah and we played Nintendo Wii all night. True story. ; )

So, for $25 you get $60 worth of food with this deal. Your date will be thoroughly impressed with you. Who knows, you may get some play after dinner. 

Click here to snatch this offer before it's too late. Don't say I didn't warn you. Enjoy!

 

What You Should Know:

No expiration date. 
Buy up to 5 vouchers for yourself and unlimited as gifts. Reservations required, please call 416.231.8288 for bookings. Dine-in only. Limit 1 voucher per table, or 2 vouchers for tables of 4 people or more. Valid at 3300 Bloor Street West location only. Valid for food and alcohol. No cash back or credit. Not valid for gift certificates. Not valid with other offers or promotions. Not valid on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day and New Year's Eve. Not valid for tax and gratuities. Cannot be redeemed before Wednesday, November 17, 2010.
Read the Deal FAQ for the basics.

F**K YES!! CONAN IS BACK!! THXUCTV!!

Some of you may know I friggin loove watchin Conan... He could  be interviewing Adolf Hitler and it would be insanely funny. Fact is, it doesn't matter who he has on the show, I'll still watch it. So it comes as no surprise that I'm completely stoked and elated that CTV added Conan to their late night schedule. Go Coco!!!

And here's the lovely little link that brings you all that Conan goodness...

http://watch.ctv.ca/conan/latest-episodes/conan-ep-1001-monday-nov-8-2010/

Btw... I don't watch a lot of tv but ctv is posting a hellvalotta tv shows online. Way to go ctv.  

Naked Grandma!! ^^

 

This Episode of Family Feud couldn't have played out more hilariously. I love the Host's reaction to the guy chiming in so enthused... You'll see.

This kid will bench-press you and then kick your ass!!!

 

I'm not sure what to make of this video but this kid will break your arm if you don't buy him an iPod nano!!!!!!

Wonderfully filmed Wedding - 1 guy + 2 cameras

I have no idea how he pulled it off with just one guy. Maybe this is how?

the first full wedding we have shot exclusively with the Canon EOS 7D. 

the skinny:
// one cinematographer
// two Canon 7D cams
// four lenses; 50 f1.2, 24 f1.4, 100 macro f2.8, 70-200 f4 non-IS
// one tripod, one monopod, one cinevate pegasus heavy lifter (slider)
// audio was through a tascam and zoom h4n paired with sennheiser ew g2 wireless lavs
//no external lighting was utilized in any of the shots in the final piece. everything was working with what was there.

total cost of all the gear used that day was approx $10k. 

we didn't know about the surprise engagement book (unfortunately), so all of that was very improv shooting.

we have a longer writeup on the couple (the lovely jc + esther) and their day on our blog stillmotionblog.com

Enjoy the show! ^^

 

DEAL: WTF? $39 for $80 Worth of Fresh Lobsters

Okay you guys know by reading my blog that I f**kin love to eat goood food. I was born in Nova Scotia so I love me some Lobster. But lobster is hella pricy. Check out this crazy ass deal. You guys better hurry because you can only buy this deal today. Just some insider info from yours truly. You can thank me later. Enjoy! ^^

Click here to fill your belly with LOBSTER!

CLICK HERE

P.S. If you miss this deal, don't worry. I'll be posting more delicious deals in the future.

Birthday Boy Trailer

 

My Nephew's Birthday is coming up so I thought I'd make him a trailer in anticipation of his 3rd birthday. They grow up so fast. ^^

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Uncle Kevin

IPad Opens World to a Disabled Boy

Great article in the nytimes about Owen Cain. Owen has a debilitating disease that limits his body movement significantly. Lifting a finger is, in his case, a huge undertaking. To the delight of his parents, Owen is able to interact with an iPad, where maneuvering a mouse with a computer would be virtually impossible. This is another instance of innovation and technology bridging the gap. The iPad isn’t my favourite Apple product but its nice to see stories like this showcasing tech used for good. Read the full article The last line in the article is a real tear jerker. Grab your tissues. T-T

Asia 2010 - The Video! Well, slideshow.

 

I had so many photos so I decided to slap em all together into a slideshow. I just happen to have iLife 11' so I gave it a whirl. Enjoy the show!!

45 Meals You Can Only Order In China

Oh man some of these are priceless. I love my peoples. ^^

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/45-meals-you-can-only-order-in-china

Great idea for a TV series

I've gone to the Vimeo Film Festival [on my Mac]!! Gotta love the internet. Here are my picks. I imagine it would get depressing after a while though. Smashing idea although. Or maybe I've just been single too long and I enjoy other people's misery. The acting is quite good. So you almost feel like you're witnessing this in person and you feel kinda awkward just watching. Such a simple concept for a series and yet the dialogue and subject matter bring about such complexity that it keeps the viewer engaged and claws at their emotions. I agree the acting could be better but its still rather good. Anyway, what do I know. Enjoy!

So I've been lusting for one of those new Mac Minis...

 Today, I was one-single-click away from buying a new mac mini dual 500gb server. I wanted to buy one to replace the macbook pro I have serving as my temporary media center. I've been watching it for weeks. It was taunting me and laughing at me on Apple's website. After weeks of checking the website, I finally spotted it on apple's refurbished list with a $150 discount. And just as I gathered the courage to click the final "Buy Now" button the item in my shopping cart faded away just as if it were a mirage mocking me in the middle of a barren desert.

Toronto – Day 43 (Home)

What a ride it has been. I visited all the countries on my list and managed to make many good friends along the way. Consumed enormous amounts of delicious food and lived to tell it all. It certainly was an EPIC trip! I’m so glad I took this opportunity to tour Asia. If any of you get even the slightest chance to embark on an Asia tour I suggest you not only jump on it but throw yourself at it and don’t look back. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I reckon it won’t be my last trip to Asia. After the dust has settled and you’ve unpacked your bags, the entire experience starts to fade in your memory and you can’t help but feel like you’ve just awakened from a really long dream. It’s a good thing I kept this blog to document my travels and adventures in food. It helps to crystallize those fond memories and helps to sharpen the retelling of my favorite moments abroad. I just want to take some time to reminisce a little and post some of my favorite photos. If you haven’t been following my blog this should get you up-to-date on how I spent my summer vacation in 2010.

Sannakji – Live Octopus

Remember the moving sashimi from Seoul? Well I got a video here of me eating it. It’s really good. I personally recommend it if you can handle something moving a little bit on your tongue. Just make sure you chew it properly before swallowing. Otherwise the suction cups on it’s tentacles will be stuck to the sides of your throat and then you’ll have a bad day. Have a look. Even Tan joined in on the fun and he doesn’t eat seafood!!

Shanghai – Day 42 (Travel Day)

Um don’t ask me why I’m missing Days in my blog posts. Must’ve been my drunken days in Korea. Pretty sure I’ve been away for 45 days. Oh well, I think I’ve got more than enough posts to make up for it. I still have more photos and videos to post. I’ll upload them in the days to come. I’m on a plane back to Toronto as I write this. I’m pretty stoked about headin home right now. Clean air, clean washrooms and toilet paper in abundance!! Can’t wait. So what’s goin on people? What’s poppin? What did I miss?

Shanghai – Day 41

It’s our last day in Shanghai and pretty much my last full day in Asia!!! I’m going home tomorrow and this trip has been unbelievable. I had so much fun! More fun that anyone should really have in one trip. Everything went smoothly and I’ve got no complaints whatsoever. What a blast. I’m seriously going to miss my lifestyle in Asia. Somebody told me that I’d be addicted to travelling if I took this trip and I think they’re right. Japan anyone?

Shanghai – Day 40

We hit the sack early as soon as we arrived in Shanghai. We had to wake up at 3am to line up at 4am to beat the crowds to the China pavilion. We got there early but people were already lining up. Yes, insane is correct. Basically the whole day was spend lining up and not seeing much of anything. The line for the Saudi Arabia one was at least 5 hours long. Retarded.

Maanshan – Day 39

Winter melon soup!!!! Now I feel like I’m at home. I miss my mom’s home cookin!! Can’t wait until I get home! Until then check out these dishes. Susanna’s cousin & BF took me out to a fancy lunch at one of the new restaurants in Maanshan. The place looked lovely so I was stoked. I’m happy to report that the food did not disappoint either. Great way to spend my last day in Maanshan. Tomorrow we go to Shanghai!

Maanshan – Day 38

So… after the dismal hot pot experience I suggested we eat Pizza Hut!! Hahaha… Not exactly what you’d expect from Pizza Hut although. They serve flash frozen salmon in their salads and pasta. Or maybe it is what you would expect from Pizza Hut.

Maanshan – Day 37

It’s an overcast day in Ma’anshan City. I am in An Hui Province, China for those who don’t know. I landed in Nanjing and took a 40 minute taxi to Maanshan. It’s one of the smaller cities in China but it still holds about 8 million people. Legend has it, a military General by the name of Ling Bao Xiang Yu, had a very loyal and intelligent horse. The General met his death by accidentally falling off a cliff. His trusted steed having witnessed his masters demise flung himself into the sea to join him. And this is why the city is called Maanshan (Horse Mountain) and this is also where you will find the three horse monument. Don’t ask me why there are three horses. I was told he had one.

Seoul – Day 36

I think my stomach is back to normal today. Even though we did some drinking last night. If not, this Bibimbap will fix it! Doesn’t it look amazing? Look at those colors. Mmm…

Seoul – Day 35

HEY, I’M ALIVE! Sorry I haven’t been able to blog because I couldn’t get to a computer until now!! Let me get you guys up-to-date! Phew!

Seoul – Day 34

So guess what? Today I tried to visit the War Memorial Museum on my own and hey lucky me it’s closed on Mondays. What a bummer. I didn’t have any trouble getting there. The subway system in Seoul is very user friendly and quite efficient. I got there without a hitch and the place looked absolutely epic. I’ll have to come back tomorrow to get some great shots.

So I decided to venture off to Apgujong station to see if i could spot any celebrities. However, once I got there all I could see was the Hyundai mall. The mall was pretty sweet though. All designer labels and many, many floors of shopping. Plus, WiFi on every floor. Yes!

Seoul – Day 33

Back to the good stuff. Koreans love their fried chicken. Fried chicken, waffles and ice cream. Hmm… Do you see a trend here? They’re also big on Hip hop. Well if you don’t follow forget it… just forget it. ^^

Seoul – Day 32

Today we ate Chuk or Rice Porridge. See previous post. Good night. ^^

Seoul – Day 31

Today we went to Nam San or South Mountain. We went hiking with Adam and Mr. O. It wasn’t a challenging hike. Older people love to hike in Korea. You’ll find many of them here hiking on the weekends. It was quite nice.

Couples in love, married or engaged place locks here at the top of the mountain to solidify their devotion to one another. We also saw this at the Great Wall in BJ. I think it’s wonderful.

Seoul – Day 30

Finally! Bibimbap! Fresh, colourful and delicious. And we got this in the food court of the CoEx mall. One of the many large malls here. Really, really good. I was surprised how good it was at the mall.

Seoul – Day 29 (Choosuk)

I was lucky enough to be invited to a friend’s house for Choosuk (Korean Thanksgiving). Most, if not, everyone returns to their hometowns to have dinner at home. It’s a big, big deal here so you’ll find that most businesses are closed and Seoul becomes quite the ghost-town. Tony was kind enough to invite us to his home for Choosuk lunch. What a treat to have a traditional home-cooked meal. I was delighted.

Seoul – Day 28

Today we decided to eat Chinese food of all things. Yeah not always a good idea to have chinese food in foreign countries but hey China ain’t that far. First up, Frogs Legs. I don’t know if this is chinese or not.

Seoul – Day 27 (Continued)

My understanding of this dish is that during the Korean war, US soldiers would leave their rations of food, mainly composed of Hot Dogs and Spam, for the starving civilians and voila, Boo Dae Jji Gae was born!! Again, Korean food doesn’t always look right but it sure tastes bomb diggity!

Seoul – Day 27

Today we went to eat where real korean people choose to eat. Like real folk. Labourers, fishermen and blue collar folk. Dang it! It’s your neighbourhood animal slaughtering house restaurant. The idea here is that by opening a resto right next to a slaughtering house, the meat has just got to be fresh. That’s how they do in Korea. Let’s have a look see.

Seoul – Day 26

I think this picture sums up the whole night. This night was a huge blur. We decided to try this thing they have in Korean Night Clubs called “Booking”. Basically, it’s your typical lounge/club environment, except for the fact that girls who come to the club are literally dragged to a table of guys by the waiters. The girls can decide to stay and have a drink or just leave. The advantage here is folks is that girls can come here and party and get free drinks. The guys pay for the table and get to chat with girls all night. I wonder if this would work back home in North America.

Seoul – Day 25

Seoul has really been quite the adventure so far. I loved Vietnam but I also really love Seoul. It’s really satisfying because I can finally stretch my korean language skills and talk to people. I’m reading signs everywhere I go. It’s been the quite educational experience here. And I haven’t even gotten started on the food yet!!! Let’s go!

Seoul – Day 24

Here’s our last meal in Samui before my redeye flight to Seoul.

Travel Day – Day 24

Right before I left the resort I got a chance to join a tea tasting meet up. I also got a chance to try some 15 year old oolong tea. 15 years!! It smelled really fragrant but the taste was potent and earthy. I think I prefer oolong tea that’s not so old. Maybe I just don’t know what’s good tea. lol.

Time to fly to SEOUL

This is it. Last country on my trip before I had back to China and home. The land of Taekwondo, Soju, Bibimpap and plastic surgery. What adventures await me in Seoul I wonder. I’m really going to miss Thailand and the people here. And that’s truly what made the trip for me here… The people. I want to thank Lily for being my travel buddy in Saigon and for completely going out of her way to ensure that my birthday was a memorable one. I will not forget the wonderful times we had in asia together. Nor will I forget the smart remarks and playful banter. Jerk. ; ) I also want to thank my new bestfriend Tik!!! Tik you know everything and everybody! How can I ever thank you for showing me around and being the best damn tour guide anyone could ask for. And of course Joy. Thank you for being so sweet and for welcoming me to Samui. Good luck with teaching! “What dis game?” I couldn’t resist. LOL

Koh Samui – Day 22

Happy Birthday to me!!!!! It feels like my birthday is 3 days long because it will still be the 16th at home as I crawl out of bed on this side of the world. Epic, Epic birthday I have to say. First things first… Start the day off right. Gonna miss eating like this on the reg. So nice.

Koh Samui – Day 21

Koh Samui is great for many things. Coconuts, fishing, full moon parties and transsexuals. We chose fishing! Jen and Keung love to fish so it made perfect sense that we would spend our day on the high-seas!! Arrrhhh… That’s my pirate voice. Ahem… moving on… The idea was if we could catch it we could take it to the restaurant and they would cook it for us.

Koh Samui – Day 20

Lily and her lovely penmenship. Welcome to Thailand! Find out what we ate today. Take a peek.

Koh Samui – Day 19

A breakfast buffet is served everyday here at the resort with super healthy items to choose from. I don’t think I’ve eaten so healthy in my life. I start with fruits, some whole wheat bread, eggs, seaweed, OJ and a shot of wheat grass!

Koh Samui – Day 18 (Night)

I’m back!!! So sorry I haven’t been able to blog. You probably thought I got lost in Thailand. Anyways, I’m back and I have much to show you. Let’s go!

So the second night Lily and her friend Tik brought me to the Sunday night food market! There were lots of people there on this tiny little street and they all had food on their minds.

Koh Samui - Day 18

I've arrived on the island of Koh Samui here in Thailand. It is the second largest island here and holds a small population of 40,000 inhabitants. We got here last night at about 10pm and drove through a few of the seedier looking neighbourhoods that exist on the island to get to the resort. I had an eerie feeling about this place even before we got to Thailand and my suspicions were correct. There isn't really a government presence here. The police are corrupt. And the people are lacking any real culture here. The island is geared towards tourism. So the real Thailand cannot be found here. But a lot of that melts away once you've stepped foot into the gorgeous resort that I'm staying at called Kamalaya. This place really is breathtaking. You can read more about it here.

Apparently people pay to make sure that there are no TVs here. I was a bit shocked to find no TV in my suite but once I reassured myself that everything was gonna be okay and that I don't watch tv anyway I felt a lot better. I'm just at odds with myself figuring out what I'm going to do this entire week. Soon however my friends Jenny & Keung will join me so hopefully it will be okay. Anything you guys wanna know about this place? Lemme know. More Pics soon!

Ho Chi Minh - Day 17

Our last day in Saigon starts with us eating again of course. ^^ We had to make up for lost time yesterday and my stomach was feeling a whole lot better thanks to Dr. Lily. We start our day at Lemongrass. One of the nicer restos in the area. Too bad the food was just okay. First we ordered some rolls.