The blog of Matt

2003-08-21T22:13:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting at my computer, wasting the battery in the the Sony Mini-Disc player I just bought. What a wonderful waste of money!

2003-08-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

your shit.

What swear word are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

2003-08-17T19:03:00.000-04:00

If anyone's interested, I got my room assignment today. I'm in the East wing of Leonard Hall, room 215.

2003-08-17T17:37:00.000-04:00

Back from Nova Scotia. We stayed in Kingston last night, which means we drove from Pictou, where my cottage is, to Kingston, in one long 19 hour drive. The drive today was only 2 hours though.

The 4 weeks in Nova Scotia was spent at the cottage we share with the families of 4 of my moms siblings. Two of the other families have kids roughly my age, so for most of my time there there were 3 or 4 cousins there, which is pretty cool.

The average day at the cottage consisted of:
-Waking up between 11AM and 1PM
-Eating a late breakfast or early lunch. (Or sometimes both.)
-Reading for a few hours. I finished Needful Things by Stephen King in a day and a half at the cottage.
-Going to the beach for a few hours
-Dinner
-Reading and/or something else until our parents forced us into our bedrooms.

Repeat.

The only real punctuation in this routine was the last week, which consisted of 5 days or sailing lessons. The lessons were from 9:30 to 3:30 each day. Other than the unfortunate need to wake up well before noon, they lessons were really fun, though the instructors didn't actually teach us too much. We were bacically sent out to sink our swim on our own.

We had two types of boats: CL 11's and Laser 2's. The CLs were slow and annoying, while the Laser's were fast and easy to sail. Needless to say, I was on a Laser as much as possible.

For my week of sailing I am going to receive a little piece of paper that will hopefully let me rent little sailboats somewhere on the Toronto waterfront. If anyone's interested (and even better, if anyone is interested and can also sail), I'll try to organise a little regatta before the end of summer.

2003-07-31T12:05:00.000-04:00

Checking in from Nova Scotia. Been having a good time doing nothing. All my cousins are here, so thats good. I'm taking sailing lessons in afew weeks. Other than that, I've jus been going to the beach, working on my melenoma (sp?).

See you all in a few weeks.

2003-07-17T23:55:00.000-04:00

I'm leaving for Nova Scotia tomorrow, bright and early. I'll see everyone in a month.

Bye!

2003-06-30T00:38:00.000-04:00

Uploaded all the paintball pictures, and fashioned a rudimentary directory here and mirrored here. You bastards are raping Geocities bandwidth.

2003-06-29T18:52:00.000-04:00

My cousin is here from Nova Scotia 'til Monday. We went to Wonderland yesterday. Goddamn people and their lines.

I also have dies my hair dark blue. It's great, cause when I spike it I look like Sonic the Hedghog (or maybe his evil twin).

2003-06-26T14:44:00.000-04:00

I officially have the best family ever. So far, I have received about $1150 in graduation money, not to mention the fact that my parents are paying for most of my education. Just felt like sharing.

2003-06-24T03:17:00.000-04:00

I hate how I have absolutely no desiure ot do anything at all. I'm working on the Warcraft 3 Undead campaign yesterday (Mission 6 if you want to know), and I hit a little snag. You see, my glorious Army of the Not-Quite-Alive was pretty much wiped out by a vastly inferior force, because of my poor strategy. So, because of one little hold-up, I decide to take a break. And proceed to not play for all of today, wasting time I could have used defeating those damn dirty orcs. I think that's the height of lethargy and laziness, when you don't even have enough energy and determination to play video games. Can you imigane if I had a real job?

I also purchased the new Harry Potter book today. (More specifically, I split it with my sister, but i still get to read it first, and thats what counts.) I'm currently on page 250, and so far its pretty entertaining, though there hasn't been nearly as much death and destruction as I had hoped for. There's still ope though, cause I'm not even close to the halfway point yet.

2003-06-20T00:19:00.000-04:00

So I bought Warcraft 3 a few days ago, as a little, "I done school and have too much free time so let's find something fun and addictive to occupy it with" gift.

I also went paintballing today. I was quite shitty. I killed no one in the morning rounds, and twice during the day I was out in about 30 seconds. However, there was one round where I got 3 kills and managed to take the enemy base (we didn't get the flag though), so that kind of made up for my shitty playing the rest of the day.

I need to stop beginning my posts with "So".

2003-06-20T00:16:00.000-04:00

So, following a trend:

>:x: name = Matt
>:x: piercings = Nope
>:x: tattoos = Nope
>:x: height = 6"1-2'
>:x: shoe size = 11 or 12 i think...
>:x: hair color = Brown
>:x: length = 8-10 cm
>:x: siblings = Kathryn, sister
>
>LAST...
>:x: movie you rented = Saving Provate Ryan/All Quiet on the Wesern Front,

both for my english presentation
>:x: movie you bought = Donnie Darko
>:x: song you listened to = Trapt - Headstrong
>:x: song that was stuck in your head = White Stripes - Offend in Every Way
>:x: cd you bought = too long ago to remember
>:x: cd you listened to = my english presentation CD i burned, that did nt

work very well
>:x: person you've called = Jess
>:x: person that's called you = Shum
>:x: tv show you've watched = honestly cant remember
>:x: person you were thinking of = Last person I shot in paintball....still

dont know who they are
>
>DO...
>:x: you have a bf or gf = neg
>:x: you have a crush on someone = definitely
>:x: you wish you could live somewhere else = Australia
>:x: you think about suicide = not too much
>:x: you believe in online dating = not
>:x: others find you attractive = maybe. likely not
>:x: you want more piercings = no
>:x: you drink = No
>:x: you do drugs = Nope.
>:x: you smoke = Nope.
>:x: you like cleaning = occasionaly the clean part of my brain bitchslaps

the huge lazy part into cleaning, yes
>:x: you like roller coasters = YES!
>:x: you write in cursive or print = code
>:x: you carry a donor card = yep....medical research baby!
>
>FOR OR AGAINST...
>:x: long distance relationships = For, if your willing to work to make it

work.
>:x: using someone = If necessary. For.
>:x: killing people = For, if needed.
>:x: teenage smoking = Against. But I dont really care as long as I get no

second hand.
>:x: premarital sex = I'll let the hormones field this one: FOR!
>:x: driving drunk = Against.
>:x: gay/lesbian relationship = For.
>:x: soap operas = Against.
>
>FAVORITE...
>:x: food = American Chinese
>:x: song = (Mos) Esiley - Pretender
>:x: thing to do = Read
>:x: thing to talk about = History, politics, other people
>:x: sports = Biking, hockey, hiking, paintball
>:x: drinks = Vanilla Coke (Not too often though)
>:x: clothes = loose t-shirts and khakis/shorts
>:x: movies = Donnie Darko, Boondock Saints, Equilibrium
>:x: band/singer = White Stripes, (Mos) Eisley, Kronos Quartet, Radiohead
>:x: holiday = Christmas
>:x: new nerdy saying = w00t, stfu, etc.
>
>HAVE YOU...
>:x: ever cried over a guy = No. Not girls either.
>:x: ever lied to someone = Many, many times.
>:x: ever been in a fist fight = Nope.
>:x: ever been arrested = no, Dad would arrange for me to wallow in jail

for as long as legally possible
>
>NUMBER...
>:x: of times I have been in love? = Don't know. Likely never.
>:x: of times I have had my heart broken? 1
>:x: of hearts I have broken? = methinks none...
>:x: of girls I have kissed? = 0
>:x: of boys I have kissed? = 0
>:x: of drugs taken illegally? = 0
>:x: of people I would classify as true, could trust with my life = 2-3
>:x: of people I consider my enemies? = 0, dont like some people, but no

enemies
>:x: of times my name has appeared in the newspaper? = a couple
>:x: of scars on my body? = many on arms
>:x: of things in my past that I regret? = 1 major thing right now, samller

ones over the years
>
> >FAVORITE...
>:x: disney movie = Aladdin
>:x: scent = Old Books
>:x: word = Myxamatosis
>:x: nickname = Matty
>:x: guy name = Jack
>:x: girl name = All the "Month" names: April, MAy, June, August, November
>:x: eye color = grey
>:x: flower = Roses with big thorns
>:x: piercing = ear
>:x: actress = Jena Malone/Catherine Bell
>
>DO YOU THINK YOU ARE...
>:x: pretty = no
>:x: funny = if im comfortablem i can be
>:x: hot = again, no
>:x: friendly = I try be to be. Fail too often.
>:x: amusing = Not really.
>:x: ugly = somewhat
>:x: loveable = ya
>:x: pessimistic = in my thoughts, yes...not as much in my actions
>:x: optimistic = no
>:x: caring = yes
>:x: sweet = sometimes
>:x: dorky = mmmhhmmmm
>
>:x: Spell your first name back wards x: ttaM
>:x: The story behind your user name x: Canadian Ski Team in the '80s
>:x: Are you straight? Yes.
>:x: Where do you live? Markham
>:x: 4 words that sum you up: lazy + shy + smart + lazy
>
> >DESCRIBE YOUR -
>:x: Wallet x: brwon leather, one fold
>:x: Hairbrush = huh?
>:x: Toothbrush = electric
>:x: Jewelry worn daily = watch, pendant thingie w/ a bird on it, glasses?
>:x: Pillow cover = dark blue w/ black squares
>:x: Blanket = white, black ,grey plaid
>:x: Coffee cup = whatever one I grab
>:x: Sunglasses = silver square frames, polarized lenses
>:x: Shoes = brown no-name hiking shoes
>:x: Handbag = none
>:x: Favorite top = military green levi top, now liberally splashed with

paint
>:x: CD in stereo right now = probably some of my parents music
>:x: What you are wearing now = bathing suit, shorts, t-shirt
>:x: Hair = messy brown, short but not shaved or anything
>:x: Make up = none
>
>WHO or WHAT (was/is/are) -
>:x: In my mouth = braces
>:x: In my head = thoughtys about what is in my head
>:x: Wishing = TO be able to beat all the War3 campaigns by July so I can

get the frozen throne expansion. Yes, I'm a geek.
>:x: After this = summer? university i guess
>:x: Talking to = myself
>:x: Eating = salivia
>:x: Fetishes = sex?
>:x: Person you wish you could see right now = Peggy
>:x: Is next to you = Arthas. See the Wishing fot field if you ant to

understand this.
>:x: Something you're looking forward to in this up coming month = Well, it

was paintball....but thats over. SO I guess beating War3. So sad.
>:x: Something that you are deathly afraid of? = Flunking out of University
>:x: Do you like candles = yes
>:x: Do you like hot wax = yes
>:x: Do you like incense = probably would annoy me after a while
>:x: Do you like the taste of blood = yep
>:x: Do you believe in love = ya
>:x: Do you believe in soul mates = no
>:x: Do you believe in love at first sight = nope
>:x: Do you believe in forgiveness: yes
>:x: Do you believe in God: nope
>:x: What do you want done with your body when you die: radical medical

experiments, possibly with a zombie-ish ressurection
>:x: Who is your worst enemy?: I really dont have one, though that Sylvana
Woodmoon or whatever is gonna start pissing me off real soon.
>:x: If you could have any animal for a pet = tarantula
>:x: What is the latest you've ever stayed up = all night; 4 AM tuesday
night
>:x: Ever been to Belgium?: no
>:x: Can you eat with chopsticks: yes
>:x: What's your favorite coin?: my silver dollars
>:x: What are 5 cities you wouldn't mind relocating to?: Vancouver,
Halifax, Sydney, Zurich, London
>:x: What are some of your favoUrite pig out foods?: Chinese - Chicken
Balls
>:x: whats something that you wish people would understand?: Religion
>:x: What's something you wish you could understand better?: social
interaction in general, girls in particular
>:x: Anyone you miss that you haven't seen in a long time? : Megan, Tom
>:x: Something you want to make happen for tomorrow?: Actually score during
the basketball game

Enjoy

2003-06-12T02:46:00.000-04:00

Went to the Coldplay concert tonight, and now I have a strong desire to purchase a CD. (Thats right, a licit purchase!) The first opening band for Coldplay was Mos Eisley, and even though I was listening to them while simultaneously searching for a spot on the lawn to rest my sorry ass, I though they were damn good. More on the concert later though.

I feel like heading down to the Army Surplus store (I have no idea where it is, but hopefully I can find out) to pick up some paintball supplies this weekend (Friday or Saturday). If anyone's interested in tagging along, just talk to mw at school or leave a comment.

Now, I should go to sleep, cause its 3 AM.

2003-06-09T15:48:00.000-04:00

Today was the Chemistry Exam. It was quite enjoyable, beucase I dodn't study at all for it and really didn't give a shit. I think i did ok though.

I'm felling really shitty today though. Guess I'm tired or something.

2003-06-05T22:22:00.000-04:00

As requested, a link to my desktop: http://csisop.tripod.com/desktop.jpg (Cut and paste the URL into the location bar)

You can see the XP theme, Trillian in the lower right, Firebird in the top left, Yz Dock on the left, Winamp (default skin goes with my overall them..wooo!!) in the top right, and Swatch Internet Time to the left of Winamp. Oh, and CoolMon to the right of Trillian.

Enjoy!

2003-06-04T22:48:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm feeling quite happy right now. I spent the last couple days ('cept for last night, that was my few hours of Calc studying) customizing my computer, and getting new programs and shit. So, instead of blabbing about it at school, where everyone would have to listen to my boring drone, I've decided to post it here, so that you can ignore it easily.

I've recently dled:
-Mozilla Firebird 0.6
I don't really know if it's better than Crazy Browser or not, but it's got some cool features I like.
-MaxMem, a little program to manage my memory
-AVG ANtivirus, a free AV program
-Swatch Internet Time for my desktop, I'm now using Internet time
-Some plugins for Firebird

I've also created a cool theme for my desktop. I've got XP , Firebird, and Trillian all with cool Grey/Black themes. It's very cool.

EDIT: I just realised I uses "cool" 3 times in the previous sentence. I need to get a fucking thesaurus or something.

I also need to try NeoTrace.

The fact that Calc is over for the year also makes me happy.

2003-06-03T18:15:00.000-04:00

So I come home today, and I see that I've been accepted to Waterloo. Now, the expected reaction to this would be joy, correct? I mean, the 'Loo was my top choice at one time or another.

But then, I went to Queens, and fell in love. (Read: Saw Engineers had their own pub.) So, I figured, "Meh, I won't get accepted to Waterloo, so I'll just go to Queens." And It Was Good.

But now, I have to make a decision. A decision that will decide my future, and one I may regret the rest of my life, if I don't make the "right" one.

2003-05-31T02:48:00.000-04:00

Donnie Darko website: www.donniedarko.com

2003-05-31T02:45:00.000-04:00

Some of my ramblings on Donnie Darko:
(Written for the Donnie Darko Website Puzzle group.)

***SPOILERS***

--------------------
Reply to:
> So you guys are saying that if Donnie didn't sacrifice himself, then
> the tangent universe, the thing in the sky in the end, would destroy
> our universe. So Donnie is like a Christ figure in the way that he
> killed himself to save everyone. Is that about it?

It seems to me that Donnie didn't intentionally sacrifice himself.
It seems to me that the creation of the tangent universe was averted
BECAUSE the tangent universe was created. It seems that the tangent
universe was "destroyed" because the engine went back in time or
whatever, killing Donnie. And the engine going back in time (or a
tleast getting ripped of the plane by that black storm) was an
ineivitable part of the tangent universe. Thats how I see it.

Also, it seems to me that Frank (in his bunny form) was trying to
destroy to destroy the world. He saved Donnie (from the engine the
first time), creating the tangent universe, and he may have caused
Donnie to meet Gretchen, making him want to keep the tangent universe
alive. Ironically, his plans seem to have been unmade by himself.
The only thing I can't explain is why he told Donnie when the world
would end.

Anyone agree or disagree with my two theories?

--------------------

Replay to:
>This is not how I interpret it, but everyone can interpret the movie
> whichever way they want of course.
>
> My interpretation is that the first engine we see is the result of a
> fracture in time (*not* a wormhole). This fracture in time is a random and
> freak universe event, and breaks down causality resulting in the end of the
> universe (and Donnie's 28 days etc. to remedy the situation).
>
> Donnie's task, significantly aided by Frank, is to provide a real space-time
> event that explains the engine and prevents it entering the space-time
> fracture. This real space-time event *is* a wormhole, and all the events
> leading up to this are to motivate and empower Donnie to do this.
>
> I don't think Donnie needed to die, but he chose to die.

But how did Donnie actually cause the Wormhole to form and the plane
engine to fly into it? Even if he hadn't done anything, that flight
would still have intersected with the wormhole, causing the normal
universe Donnie to die...right?

--------------------

What do you think caused the creation of the tangent universe?

Was it simply a freak occurence?
Was it caused by Frank saving Donnie from the engine (the first time)?
Was it caused by the engine travelling backin time?

Personally, I think Donnie was supposed to die when the engine hit
his house, but Frank saving him disrupted the timeline, creating the
tangent universe.

> It's certainly a theory. I don't like it because of the circular nature.
> Frank saving Donnie leads to the TU which Donnie has to save. Why wake Donnie?
>
> I prefer the time fracture theory. By its nature it's a freak occurence.
> Obviously Frank and Donnie aren't related to the cause of it. It was caused
> by the engine being displaced in time.

That is why I think Frank wanted to destroy the world, for some
reason. However, I don't think all the events from the movie mesh
with this theory, so I may have to rethink. (After watching the
movie again.)

--------------------

Ok, that makes sense. So you're saying that it wasn't the fact that
the engine goes back in time that causes tangent universe, its the
way it gets there? Interesting.

> see that isn't the way i see it at all. the tangent universe is
> created initially by the object not falling where it's supposed to.
> plane engines don't time travel just because they break off.
> therefore the tangent universe has to be created by the fact that
> donnie is outside when the engine hits the first time. he might
> have been outside without frank's help anyway, remember that in
> the beginning of the movie he had been sleepwalking without
> seeing frank.

In the DVD commentary, which I just watched, Kelly says that the
tangent universe is formed when the Grandfather clock strikes
midnight, suggesting that the formation of the tangent universe was
purely random.

>perhaps frank knows he will be out sleepwalking
> anyway and simply inserts himself into the sleepwalk.
> donnie also doesn't necessarily create the wormhole does he?

I don't beleive he creates the wormhole. As far as I can tell, the
wormhole is simply a product of the tangent universe. The PoTT book
says that the tangent universe will create a black hole in the normal
universe that will destroy it. However, modern physics teaches that
a wormhole is simply a black hole-type structure (a singularity, as
they are called) with two openings. In this case, one opening in
each universe.

> granted he is supposedly given super powers (frank: "i can do
> whatever i want... and so can you"), but what does that mean?

I think he uses his powers to rip the engine off the plane and send
it through the wormhole.

> his physical ability to travel through the wormhole may very well
> pertain to his powers, or else he is simply all that is left of the
> tangent universe when it collapses. or maybe he isn't left at all,
> and his normal universe self is just bestowed with the
> memories of his tangent universe self. after all there appears to
> be some sort of memory transfer from one universe to another
> as evidenced by the expressions on the faces of everyone
> waking up upon donnie's death.

I don't understand why people think Donnie physically travelled from
one universe to the other. Anyone feel like explaining?

>just my theory.

Best part of the movie is that everyone interprets it differently.

-------------------------

Reply to:
> What do you mean by the TU being created by the engine
> not falling "where it's supposed to"? What do you
> think caused the engine to time travel? Donnie's
> sleepwalking?
> I don't understand what launched the TU in your
> theory. The plane engine crashing down is the sign
> that the TU has begun to take place. So, Donnie's
> being outside when it happens can't be what CAUSES the
> TU.
>
> So, I'm going w/ the time fracture theory myself.
> Though, I don't understand what actually causes the
> engine to go back in time. Is it just a mystery? I
> don't think I've ever heard an explanation for it.
> Just that it goes back in time b/c of a time fracture.
> But where does the time fracture come from?
>
> Cassie?

I think the time fracture was just a freak, random event in the
universe that caused the Tangent Universe to begin. I know this is a
cop-out, to just say the TU was a freak accident, but you could
always invent some sort of physics explanation. Take a few high-
velocity sub-atomic particles, crack 'em together, apply some quantum
physics, and who knows what you might get?

The question of the engine kind of blows my mind when I think of it.
Assuming that the engine that crashed into Donnie's house the first
time around is the same one that hit it the second time (don't know
if this a valid assumption or not, but I'll go with it), then it
seems the engine either came from the normal universe future or the
TU. The engine coming from the TU creates a bit of a paradox. It
seems as though the engine was somewhat instrumental in creating the
TU, but how could it create the TU that it is coming from?

So I think the engine came from the normal universe future. It would
have likely been in the same place as the TU airplane was at that
time. Maybe the fracture in time was created close to the plane,
causing it to be destroyed. However, the engine survived, and
entered the fracture, popping out over Donnie's house 28 and change
days previously.

I don't know if I actually answered your questions. I like to just
ramble.

--------------------------

Ya, I'm obsessed. :)

After you've seen the movie, check out the website:

2003-05-27T21:58:00.000-04:00

Blogger is fucked up.

2003-05-27T21:57:00.000-04:00

Theres also a cool Donnie Darko

2003-05-26T23:55:00.000-04:00

So, continuing the Donnie Darko story: I must get the DVD. I plan to get it Wednesday. The special features look sooooo kick-ass:
***
If you like deleted and extended scenes, this disc is for you. You won’t find one, two or three deleted scenes here… nor four, five or six; in total, this disc includes TWENTY deleted scenes. That is right, and if that is not enough, each deleted scene comes complete with an optional director’s commentary. Very valuable stuff here, sure some of these scenes were gladly cut from the film, but there were also some really good scenes in this section.

Other quality special features that are included on this DVD are trailers (Theatrical & 5 TV Spots), “Mad World” Music Video, Art Gallery, Cast & Crew Bios, Website Gallery, “Philosophy of Time Travel” Book Excerpts, and last but not least a compilation of infomercials included in the film.
***
from UpcomingDiscs.com

There is also a diectors commentary.

The

2003-05-25T03:23:00.000-04:00

It's 2:37AM. I just finished watching Donnie Darko. And i don't want to go to sleep. (Also, I have to type slowly and quietly so as to not wake the parents next door, so that's my excuse for not using big words.)

Donnie Darko is another one of those movies that you simply must see I think. It's added to the list: Boondock Saints, Equilibrium, Requiem for a Dream. All movies that swept in under the mainstream radar (or my radar anyway), and are really fun to watch, and thought provoking to some extent. Movies that inspire long, involved discussion and obsessive websites.

**SPOILERS**

Don't read past here before you've seen the movie. I saw it cold, not knowing anything other than the fact that the movie was good and interesting. So if you haven;t seen it, don't tempt yourself. Close the window.

And this movie is definitely making me think. However, I really don't think I understand half of it. If I follow the plot, Donnie chooses to die to same humanity from those clouds? What was the significance of Frank, other then the fact that he saved Donnie's life? How did Donnie Time Travel? Was everything after his death (on October 2) just the hallucinations of a mind on the edge of the mortal coil? Was there some signifincance to the Airplane engine, and where did it come from?

Interesting, I think I just figured something out. Maybe Donnie (or black clouds) caused the airplane his mom and sister were in the crash, and the engine of the plane was somehow thrown backwards in time, killing Donny. This change in the timeline also caused the black to be destroyed, becuase they were not in the timeline created by Donnie's death. The only flaw in that theory is the question: Why was Donnie in his bed this time when he wasn't the first time?

More questions:
-Was there significance to the Presidential Election? At first I thought the world was ending on the day of the election.
-What was the importance of Gretchen? And why the hell did she have to die? Bah.
-A giant freakin' bunny? Why?
-What was up with Cellar Door and Grandma Death? Were all those coincidences really just coincidence or was it some kind of strange fate?

ALl in all, great movie. I'm gonna have to watch it several more times before I figure it out at all though.

2003-05-25T00:18:00.000-04:00

I watched Requiem for a Dream today. For the first hour or so of the movie I was wondering what was great about the movie. Then the last 20 minutes or so hit me, and I could see the light. Those last 20 minues were pretty intense. If you've never seen the movie, go out and rent it. You'll enjoy it, in an objective sort of way. On a ralted note, the soundtrack was great. All done by the Kronos Quartet.

I also managed to rip Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

2003-05-25T00:14:00.000-04:00

If i was a serial killer i would be Jack the Ripper.

Jack the Ripper, by far the most notorious killer of all time. What would drive a man to kill 5 prostitutes, surgically mutilate the bodies, then stop, to never be heard from again? Most of the murders were pretty much the same, the victim had her throat cut and her abdomen exposed, the intestines were placed over her right shoulder and sometimes a kidney or even the heart had been removed.

Jack the RIpper's murders are still unsolved.

Kill count: 5

Find what serial killer you would be, Take the Serial Killer Quiz now!

I will be struck down by a meteor!

How will you die? Take the Exotic Cause of Death Test

2003-05-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

So I'm procrastinating while my download of Boondock Saints finishes. Only 10 minutes left.

I read several books on the weekend, including Animal Farm (Orwell) and The Chrysalids (Wyndham).

I saw Animal Farm in movie form before I read it, which blows, but it was good to finally read it. I think I polished it off in an hour or two. It was fun trying to match real Russian figures to the animals.

The Chrysalids was even more interesting. I really love fantasy worlds like that, especially when you can still see the connection to the present. Plus, the fact that it was set in Canada was cool. Good to know that at least some of the country will survive World War 3. I believe Sealand is either PEI or that island at the mouth of the St. Lawrence (Ile d'Anticosti).

Ill discuss this more later. Right now I have to watch Boondock Saints.

2003-05-14T20:08:00.000-04:00

I am Professor X! :)

You are a very effective teacher, and you are very
committed to those who learn from you. You put
your all into everything you do, to some extent
because you fear failure more than anything
else. You are always seeking self-improvement,
even in areas where there is nothing you can do
to improve.

Which X-Men character are you most like?

2003-05-14T16:15:00.000-04:00

I got my Queens acceptance today. I am quite happy.

2003-05-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

Well, AP Physics is done. But you probably don't care about that.

Did I say that I watched Full Metal Jacket on the weekend? Good movie. I could probably write some stuff about it, but I don't want to.

2003-05-08T16:01:00.000-04:00

Received my acceptance from McMaster today, about 3 days after I got the letter saying I was still on the waiting list. So far I'm 5 for 5. I feel much better better now cause McMaster is one of my top three choices for university (pending a tour of their campus in a few weeks).

I don't have much else to say.

Matt.

2003-05-06T17:57:00.000-04:00

I am so tired, for some reason. I wasn't even up late last night, so I don't know why I feel like dying and/or going to sleep. I can't concentrate on school very well either, but hopefully it won't matter, 'cause school's almosy over. As long as I can concentrate for the AP Physics exam on Monday, I think I'll be okay.

Matt

2003-05-06T17:43:00.000-04:00

Another online test:

Which OS are You?

2003-05-04T18:31:00.000-04:00

I barely did anything this weekend. It was great, after the hectic ISP writing and such of last weekend. As the guy from Office SPace would say: "I did nothing. I did absolutely nothing and it was everything I thought it could be." Great movie. I did about an hour of homework, plus I went to see X Men 2. It was pretty good. Nightcrawler kcked ass. Me and Steeves were arguing after about the theological implications of Nightcrawler. Yes, thats right, X Men caused a religious discussion. Steeves, being a devout catholic, was of the opinion that Nighcrawler was given the inspiration to transport into the evil Cerebro by God, 'cause Wagner (Nightcrawler's name is Kurt Wagner) was a religious guy. I, being a heathen (see my recent post), thought that Storm gave Nightcrawler the inpiration. The best movies are the ones that cause somewhat serious discussion I think.

I also saw Das Boot on Friday night. Damn, that is a long movie, 3 1/2 hours. Very good though. Impressive special effectd for a 20 or 30 year old movie. Interesting parallels to novels like Slaughterhouse-Five. Interestingly enough, the Captain of the U-boat (who is only 28 btw) mentions something about the war being "A Children's Crusade" when the boat is leaving port. The alternate title of Slaughterhouse-Five is, of course, The Children's Crusade, and the phrase is mentioned in the novel as well.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Matt

2003-04-29T23:24:00.000-04:00

In other news....wrote my English ISP tonight. That was loads of fun!!! [/sarcasm] Still no more university acceptances

I'm starting "The Origin of Species" tonight. Should be an interesting read. Otherwise, life is boring.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Matt

2003-04-29T23:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I know where I am going now:

All the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Very Low
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Low
Level 2 (Lustful)	High
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	Moderate
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	High
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	Very High
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very High
Level 7 (Violent)	High
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	High
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	High

Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test

2003-04-28T16:25:00.000-04:00

No more acceptances today. I check the McGill website pretty much everyday, and everytime it says my application is "Ready for Review". If it's so ready, so review it and get it over with for God's sake! "Ready for Review" isn't even on their list of possible responses in that field - it's like my application is in another Universe or something. Also, it seems that I am about to lose any chance of going to Dalhousie, the only good school I've been accepted at so far. You see, the deposit for Dal is due May 1st, but my parents don't want to pay it when I'm probably going somewhere else anyway. If I don't get accepted anywhere else, I'm going to kill my parents in their sleep!. (J/K...I think)

On a related note, if anyone has received early acceptance from McMaster, or that reallt vague letter about engineering, please let me know (via a Comment/E-mail). Also, if you could post your February/April average (or at least the range), I would be grateful. I want to know what kind of marks are getting early acceptance and the engineering letter.

On a happier note, I got my trial version of AutoCAD today in the mail. Hopefully I can have some fun playing around with that. I'm currently engrossed in Freelancer. I think I did good on my Calc test today, and I did much better than expected on the AP practise exam (the long answer part was good....multiple choice was mainly random choices, so I can't really guage how well I did on that.

I have to write some of my English ISP tonight, but that's all I have to do, luckily.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Matt

2003-04-24T17:26:00.000-04:00

Well, I got accepted to Waterloo but for Honours Science, not Engineering (yet!). I am still waiting for the big three (McMaster, Queens, Waterloo). I'm hoping for early acceptance to McMaster within the next week or so. Other than that, last few days have been uneventful. I did the Da Vinci Engineering contest this morning. It was quite difficult, but I think I did alright (relative to others of course). I got more AP Physics practice tests today. About 10 sheets to do this weekend (ugh!), plus I have to do my entire 1000 word english ISP, and study for a clac test. This weekend is going to suck.

Matt

2003-04-22T22:51:00.000-04:00

Stupid Leafs. Stupid stupid Leafs. You had to go and lose. And a kick-ass loss it was: 6-1 for the Flyers. That is one hell of a loss, especially in the seventh game of a playoff series. Now we have have to place all our hopes with that other Ontario team (and possibly the Canucks). At least I can console my self with the fact that they wouldn't have won the cup anyway.

And to combat the creep of anime towards the more important parts of my brain, I have decided to attempt to collect every Simpsons episode via bittorrent, KaZaA, etc. If I get good quality caps of all the episodes, I figure I'll need 92 CDs to hold them all. (It'd be like 100 if I didn't have the second season on DVD already.) Hopefully I'll have my collection complete by the time I go off to university. So far I have....let me count....9 episodes. So only 260 or so to go.

I will still read GTO if Chris will let me borrow his exp(a/e)nsive collection though.

Still waiting for Queens. I haven't got anything in the last few hours . :)

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Matt

2003-04-22T16:32:00.000-04:00

Hehe. I got accepted to UNB. It was my last ditch backup school, so I'm glad I got in there. I'd probably go to Dalhousie before I went to UNB though, so the whole thing's quite anti-climatic. Still waiting for Queens.

Also, be sure to check out some of the ads at the top of the screen. If you know me you know some of them are quite appropriate.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Matt

2003-04-21T22:46:00.000-04:00

Man, I haven't posted in along time. I have been so tired and lazy. Or maybe I just forgot I even had a blog. However, I have been reminded, so I will post.

First off, I'd like to confess my current hatred of McMaster University (or at least the registrar). During the most nerve-racking time of the year for high school students in their graduating year, they send out a nice long letter, talking about how good their program is, and how much I'll enjoy. But get this: they don't say that i have been accepted (or not), so I have to go on wondering. I'm still not sure, though I'm fairly confident its NOT an acceptance. I hope I get in to Queens or Waterloo, so I can turn those Mac bastards down. *sadistic smile*

On other university notes, I was accepted to Western and Dalhousie. Western is my Ontario backup, so I don't really want to go there, but Dalhousie is good. The only problem with Dal is that its far away (2 day drive/2 hour flight), so I wouldn't see home much. However, this has obvious benefits, but some large downfalls. Luckily, I do have relatives down East, so I'd have some emergency support. I have yet to hear from Queens or Waterloo, my top choices, but thats to be expected. The next month or so is going to be hell though, because of the waiting.

On other, more happy notes, Easter weekend was fun. Played some A&A, watched some movies, downloaded some Simpsons, and ate way too much chocolate. I did go to church on Easter Sunday, but I abstained from all the religious stuff, mainly Communion. I think my parents finally understand I'm serious about being atheist/agnostic, and they seemed cool with it. They weren't pissed at me 'cause I skipped Communion or anything, though I think my Mom said a prayer for me. :)

I did about 10 minutes of homework this weekend, and it probably won't cost me at all, which is always good. Plus, this week is only 4 days long, with no major stuff due, though I do have a few tests.

Per ardua ad astra (Through adversity to the stars)

Matt

2003-03-12T19:30:00.000-05:00

Almost done the babysitting. Only one day left. Woot! It hasn't been that bad; the kids are pretty nice and all. The whole thing is still tiring though. I'm just relaxing now. So tired!

I have just enough energy to do a wee bit o' ranting. My topic today is religion.

I am an agnostic and atheist. I was a Roman Catholic during my childhood, but I just got disillusioned by the whole organized religion thing. Sure, it does good sometimes, working with the poor and stuff, but for the most part (at least in my neighborhood) it's just a social club. I still respect people who truly believe in some religion, but I don't think organized religion is necessary. I mean, if God is everywhere, why should you have to go to some "special" building to commune with him? If I understand most religions, it's you inner feelings that really affect your status in the eyes of God or Allah.

That statement leads me to another topic. I was discussing religion with my parents (both somewhat active Roman Catholics), and they were saying how not believing in God implies that you think there is no one above you, or more important than you. So not believing in God makes you think your all-important. This is ludicrous though. According to Genesis, God made humans in his ownm image, and he gave them dominion over all the creatures. So according to the bible, the only thing above humans is God. Humans are essentially mini-Gods without any God-like power accoring to the Bible. Christians can do whatever they want to all the other denizens of the Earth and easily justify it religiously. Thus, religion makes people feel more superior and important than atheism does.

That is all for now. Hopefully I didn't offend anyone greatly.

C ya.

Matt

2003-03-11T18:26:00.000-05:00

Ugh. Two consecutive days of babysitting....plus two more tomorrow and the day after. Once again, ugh. I'm tired, cause I was at a LAN Party 'til midnight last night (yes, LAN + blog = me geek), and didn't get home and slep 'til one.

Not much else happening. At some point I'll have to do some ranting, but now I'm too tired. Chow.

Matt

2003-03-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

Here is my "inventory":
I am Matthew.

I am 17 years old.

I am tall, and thin.
As Mitchell would say, I may be thin but I’m wiry.
My hair is brown, and it’s always messy.
I think my eyes are green, but since I’m colour blind I’m not really sure.

I love to read, and the only things I really collect are books.
I have 5 bookshelves in my room, filled with Marsden, Clancy, Crichton, and King.
Not to mention a little Grisham, Sawyer, Clarke, and Heinlein.
If there’s anything I’m addicted to, it’s books.
Lately I’ve started to read literature, like 1984 or Catch-22.
But I still like a good King.

I have a sister. Younger.
We fight constantly, but she is not helpless.

My parents are dismayed that I don’t believe in God.
My mom believes in Creation, and I try not to pity her ignorance.
I used to go to church, but I don’t think I ever really listened or believed.
I am still interested in religion, but only in an intellectual way.

I have always been interested in the military.
But I don’t want to enlist.
I am a hawk. I think the war in Iraq is necessary.
And I wonder why there are no protests against Saddam Hussein.

I’m a bit of a computer nerd.
I played Counter Strike, and I’ve been to a LAN party.

I am smart, but there is always someone smarter.
I am terrified of getting rejected by University’s.
And I’m afraid I won’t get in.

My favourite food is Americanized Chinese.
I love fried noodles, and chicken balls, and rivers of sweet and sour sauce.
And I love how all Chinese food goes together.
I like Korean Barbecue too, and I don’t understand vegetarians.

I have my G2.
I love to drive fast, but not as fast as some.
I like loud music.
My parents don’t.

I want to fly someday, but it’s too expensive.
I hope to be an engineer, maybe build airplanes.
I doubt I will end up doing it though.

My mom is from Nova Scotia.
We have a cottage there, that we visit every summer.
All my cousins are there.
I enjoy having an east coast heritage.
It makes me feel unique.

I want to travel someday, if I ever have money.
I want to go to Europe, and Australia, and Russia.
Anywhere not in North America.

I spend too much on books.
And I read too much at night, and sometimes the next morning.

I am quiet, but in small groups I can be funny.
I hate my birthday month, November.
It is neither cold enough nor warm enough to do anything.
And it’s too close too Christmas.
I love Christmas, but I hate going back to school.

I alternate between slob and neat freak.
My room is the indicator.
My bookshelves aren’t; they are always tidy.
Even tough I am running out of space for my books.

I enjoy thinking and writing, but most of the time I’m too tired.

My name is Matt, and this is 2003.

2003-03-09T13:13:00.000-05:00

So, here I am again. I've got this english assignment to work on....I've got to write an inventory of my life. Exciting, eh? I'll post it when I'm done.

What else do I have to do today...I have to do nothing. Woot! Yet, I do have to go to my Grandma's for dinner. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I'd rather not do it.

I'm tired.

Matt

2003-03-08T21:22:00.000-05:00

Huzza! It's my first blog, with which I will publicly display random bits of my boring life. Yay!! :)

So what'd I do today? I droped a copy of a game off at my friends house, then went over to my other friends house to play some Axis and Allies: Pacific. Good game. I played Australia, and I think we're doing pretty good. Then I picked up some McDick's and went home to eat it. And now, I am here.

Matt