I did a very bad thing at work last night. One of the ladies that talks to me whenever we see eachother had made maple bars for her meeting but it was canceled, so she gave me a whole bunch. Maple is...my favorite flavor. Anything maple, I'm there. Maple syrup, maple turkey, maple ice cream, you name it. She had about 8 in her container and told me I could have 5 while she took the rest home to her kids. God, I was planning on having my bag of frozen broccoli for lunch, but 12 hours later, it's still in the freezer at work. 5 maple bars gone in the span of 3 minutes. Probably less. I felt like such a pig, but given how much maple was on those suckers...yeah. Jesus Christo they were awesome. So great that I had to mention it right here. I'd say, "I don't think I can ever have a maple bar from a bakery ever again", but that'd be a complete lie. Of course I'll have a maple bar whenever I get a chance, but these babies were the real deal, and can't be topped.
A video review of the Kermit photo puppet is going up on my YouTube channel eventually. I'm still uploading the file to my computer right now (558.9 mb!), and it'll probably take an hour for it to be uploaded on YouTube with their slow-as-hell uploader. It was weird talking -to- the camera for a change. When I did Mighty Muggs reviews, I focused on them because of their size, and it's pointless for me to be holding it and talk to the camera at the same time, with a more distant picture just because I'm in the picture. With Kermit, he's so big that I need to hold him with both hands and at the same time show just how big he is, using myself for a size comparison.
...I compared my size to Kermit. Nice.
My YouTube channel for those who don't know is:
http://www.youtube.com/user/liquiterge
Also, I'm DONE buying toys for at least a month hopefully. Unless I find Venom or General Grievous Mighty Muggs in a store, I'm not buying a damn thing. I know I mentioned something just like this in a recent entry, but I mean it now that I won the Max and Goat Boy figures. The old Obi-Wan and Ewoks Muggs are going to be out soon, if not already, so there's no worries about finding them over the next 2-3 months. Though the Ewoks could be a problem since they're so cute and all the kids'll want them. But I snagged Max/Goat Boy for about $35 total, which is a good $20 less than they usually run for. I didn't even wait for my Best Offer to go through since the seller lives in Washington and, as a result, they go by my time zone. And since I found the auction at about 2:30am, someone on the east coast probably would've bought them before my offer went through. This rules though that I get Max and Goat Boy. This set is the main one that people who get the Wild Things figures go for since, well duh, it's Max. I really wanted to get Aaon since he's my second favorite Wild Thing, but there wasn't any way I was gonna pass up on Max/Goat Boy for that price. Aaron doesn't show up on eBay as much as any of the others though, so I'm kind of worried there. There'll always be another chance though.
Kairi's going to be 2 years old in less than 2 weeks. I can remember her first birthday party like it was just yesterday. This time around, I'm not going to be running little errands back and forth. Last year when I did that, I missed everyone singing Happy Birthday to her. If someone wants or needs something, they can get it themselves. Kai's talking up a storm, has learned almost all of the basic colors in the last 2 weeks, and is really developing a new personality. It's depressing because, just as when she grows up physically, that little girl that I knew even a week ago is gone. When you look at pictures of your child from when they were a newborn, then look at how they are now, you know that child, not the one in the picture. How they were then isn't how they are now. That's life, and it sucks, but you can't stop what's coming. I can't ask Kairi a question and get a simple smile out of her anymore- she has a verbal answer for me now. She shows when she wants me to chase after her instead of leaving it up to me or trying to read her facial expressions. All those cliches about how "they grow up every day" are true.
Alright, I need to get back to finishing my 500 leg lifts that I said I'd do because of those maple bars. 'need to go to the gym tonight or tomorrow too, as usual. My dad and little brother are working out every weekend now I guess. It'd be nice if I could go too because I'd like to see if my dad's still got it like he did a few years ago when he could do the max weight on practically every machine at 24 Hour Fitness. 'doubt Tristan'll be able to do much unless he starts growing finally. I wish he had interest in fighting so I could teach him a few things too. He's pretty pathetic as he is right now. When I had him hit me in the stomach as hard as he could a few months ago, he hurt his hand.
(Edit: Oh yeah, WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO JESSICA SIMPSON??? I saw a picture of her in the newspaper today and ohmygod.)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Break it down.
Here's what my move set that I put together myself looked like a few months ago:
Hand moves-
straight punch
uppercut
side chop
downward strike
backfist
Shock Slam
palm thrust
upward palm
side elbow
downward punch
leopard paw
dual blades
double layer strike
rising chop
upward elbow
Leg moves
front kick
side kick
hook kick
inside kick
outside kick
reverse kick
forward reverse kick
I wanted to make a set based on everything I've learned, but weeding out the moves that wouldn't be very practical in a real fight. I looked at all my old rank move sheets, went over each move a few times, and took out the unnecessary ones. I thought this was a good list, especially since in going over it, most of the moves worked muscles that I don't use while lifting weights or doing home exercises.
Many of these moves are basic, especially the kicks, and I didn't include anything very flashy or fancy. Why not? It's obvious. Spinning kicks, no matter how fast you may go, leave you wide open. I wouldn't dare compare Shotokan moves to the horrible things they teach people in Tae Kwon Do, but a lot of styles have kicks where you turn around before delivering the blow, giving the opponent that split second of time when they can do anything. They could simply step out of the way, sweep your standing leg, or pull you backwards and end it right there. And if you throw kicks that are always aimed for the face and head, you're leaving yourself open there too. Unless it's a sure thing, I'd prefer to stick with the body or using kicks as pushes or leads into a solid elbow strike.
I won't go into the whole real world fighting vs dojo fighting topic right now, since that's a lengthy subject, but that's the main point ot this list as well. From what I saw at first, all of these moves seemed like they could be used in a fight, many of them ending it with the first strike.
I came to the conclusion that while this list is good, it needed some tweaking. The leg moves stayed pretty much the same, but I added in one that seems amature-ish but is still effective. Forward reverse kick was removed because it's too risky, plus it's weak. In fact, I don't remember ever seeing anyone use this ever. Why did I throw it on the list in the first place? Over my time in Shotokan and when I tried other styles, I learned a lot of leg moves, but the basics are all you'll really need. That's why that section's so short. These are the sheer basics of leg moves, with the slight exception of the hook kick. But that can be learned easily.
The hand moves were moved around a little, and I added in a couple that I realized would be practical in a real fight. Downward strike was changed to a completely different move as well. I also added targets to each move on the list. (s) = stomach, (h) = head, (n) = neck, (c) = chest, (b) = body, (g) = groin, (r) = ribs. This set list doesn't include grabs/throws yet, since I haven't had a person to try them on in a long time. That could be changing soon, but we'll see. Anyway, here's the revised list:
Hand moves-
-straight punch (h) (s)
-side chop (n) (r)
-rising chop (n) (h)
-uppercut (s)
-Koho Tsuki Age / rising chin punch (h) [under the chin)
-backfist (h)
-Shock Slam (h)* (b) * = this could be fatal, so stick with the body version
-Twin Hand Waves (h) + (c)
-eye/neck dual hit* (h) (n) (finger stab to the eyes and punch to the neck at the same time)
-palm thrust (c) (s)
-leopard paw (n) (s) (c)
-finger stab (h) (n) (c) (r)
-dual blades (n) then (r)
-straight elbow (h) (c) (s)
-reverse elbow (h)
-rising elbow (c) (h)
-double layer strike (h) (b) (c)
-downward punch (s) (g)
Leg moves-
-front kick (h) (s)
-groin kick (g)
-side kick (s)
-inside kick (h)
-outside kick (h)
-hook kick (h) (n)
That does it for now. I need to go over this revised list tonight or sunday after I go to the gym. There won't be many throws or holds included here, mostly because that's not my style. It's funny how I went from 80% kicks when I was a young teenager, to building my upper body strength these last 2 years and going with a lot more strikes and specific area moves (palm, first two knuckles, side of hand, etc.). There are 3 hand moves on this set that cause shockwaves when done right. Because I don't have an opponent to practice these on, I can only get it to happen maybe 40% of the time (when I use these moves on a tree or wall, I can tell when it happens. Your body, legs and arms feel it). Those moves aren't to be used like all the others though. They're too dangerous. Just look at Bruce Lee's infamous One Inch Punch. That's just from a one inch distance, while the 3 on here are full-on strikes. And I know I've seen him use the Shock Slam before, though it was just in a movie. 'still got the point across.
Hand moves-
straight punch
uppercut
side chop
downward strike
backfist
Shock Slam
palm thrust
upward palm
side elbow
downward punch
leopard paw
dual blades
double layer strike
rising chop
upward elbow
Leg moves
front kick
side kick
hook kick
inside kick
outside kick
reverse kick
forward reverse kick
I wanted to make a set based on everything I've learned, but weeding out the moves that wouldn't be very practical in a real fight. I looked at all my old rank move sheets, went over each move a few times, and took out the unnecessary ones. I thought this was a good list, especially since in going over it, most of the moves worked muscles that I don't use while lifting weights or doing home exercises.
Many of these moves are basic, especially the kicks, and I didn't include anything very flashy or fancy. Why not? It's obvious. Spinning kicks, no matter how fast you may go, leave you wide open. I wouldn't dare compare Shotokan moves to the horrible things they teach people in Tae Kwon Do, but a lot of styles have kicks where you turn around before delivering the blow, giving the opponent that split second of time when they can do anything. They could simply step out of the way, sweep your standing leg, or pull you backwards and end it right there. And if you throw kicks that are always aimed for the face and head, you're leaving yourself open there too. Unless it's a sure thing, I'd prefer to stick with the body or using kicks as pushes or leads into a solid elbow strike.
I won't go into the whole real world fighting vs dojo fighting topic right now, since that's a lengthy subject, but that's the main point ot this list as well. From what I saw at first, all of these moves seemed like they could be used in a fight, many of them ending it with the first strike.
I came to the conclusion that while this list is good, it needed some tweaking. The leg moves stayed pretty much the same, but I added in one that seems amature-ish but is still effective. Forward reverse kick was removed because it's too risky, plus it's weak. In fact, I don't remember ever seeing anyone use this ever. Why did I throw it on the list in the first place? Over my time in Shotokan and when I tried other styles, I learned a lot of leg moves, but the basics are all you'll really need. That's why that section's so short. These are the sheer basics of leg moves, with the slight exception of the hook kick. But that can be learned easily.
The hand moves were moved around a little, and I added in a couple that I realized would be practical in a real fight. Downward strike was changed to a completely different move as well. I also added targets to each move on the list. (s) = stomach, (h) = head, (n) = neck, (c) = chest, (b) = body, (g) = groin, (r) = ribs. This set list doesn't include grabs/throws yet, since I haven't had a person to try them on in a long time. That could be changing soon, but we'll see. Anyway, here's the revised list:
Hand moves-
-straight punch (h) (s)
-side chop (n) (r)
-rising chop (n) (h)
-uppercut (s)
-Koho Tsuki Age / rising chin punch (h) [under the chin)
-backfist (h)
-Shock Slam (h)* (b) * = this could be fatal, so stick with the body version
-Twin Hand Waves (h) + (c)
-eye/neck dual hit* (h) (n) (finger stab to the eyes and punch to the neck at the same time)
-palm thrust (c) (s)
-leopard paw (n) (s) (c)
-finger stab (h) (n) (c) (r)
-dual blades (n) then (r)
-straight elbow (h) (c) (s)
-reverse elbow (h)
-rising elbow (c) (h)
-double layer strike (h) (b) (c)
-downward punch (s) (g)
Leg moves-
-front kick (h) (s)
-groin kick (g)
-side kick (s)
-inside kick (h)
-outside kick (h)
-hook kick (h) (n)
That does it for now. I need to go over this revised list tonight or sunday after I go to the gym. There won't be many throws or holds included here, mostly because that's not my style. It's funny how I went from 80% kicks when I was a young teenager, to building my upper body strength these last 2 years and going with a lot more strikes and specific area moves (palm, first two knuckles, side of hand, etc.). There are 3 hand moves on this set that cause shockwaves when done right. Because I don't have an opponent to practice these on, I can only get it to happen maybe 40% of the time (when I use these moves on a tree or wall, I can tell when it happens. Your body, legs and arms feel it). Those moves aren't to be used like all the others though. They're too dangerous. Just look at Bruce Lee's infamous One Inch Punch. That's just from a one inch distance, while the 3 on here are full-on strikes. And I know I've seen him use the Shock Slam before, though it was just in a movie. 'still got the point across.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Nobody's bigger than a giant.
For Christmas, I finally got something that I've been wanting for a long time- Kermit the Frog. He's a photo puppet replica and not a puppet though. The difference being that photo puppets were used for picture shoots and publicity rather than the "real" Muppets. Photo puppets could be posed in any way without requiring a puppeteer to keep the body up from inside. I lucked out and was able to order him for a great price instead of going to eBay, where he's going for about the retail price from when he came out a few years ago. Kermit sold out early last year I think, and eventhough I wanted Animal more, it was better to get Kermit when I had the chance.
Let me tell you, waiting for him was a nightmare. The store we ordered him from is in California, the state immediately below us, and standard shipping was to take 5-7 days. No big deal there, especially since shipping was free(!). But just 2 days after ordering Kermit, it started to snow. A lot. So much chaos happened with everything here during that time that it seemed like Kermit would be delayed. The UPS tracking info didn't get updated for a while, so I expected the worst. I literally checked the tracking every 10 minutes whenever I was online. It was a combination of hoping that there wasn't a delay and that I've wanted a Muppet for so long that waiting made me feel like a kid on Christmas again, looking at presents under the tree a week before getting to open them.
But by some amazing fluke, and regardless of how much I hate UPS, they came through and delivered Kermit on time. The box he was shipped in was HUGE- a lot bigger and even heavier than Kairi. When I opened that sucker and saw Kermit's box, I went back in time to when Christmas presents excited me and I looked forward to everything. Yeah, there was no way in hell I was waiting to open Kermit- it was right then or not at all.
Taking Kermit out of the box and seeing him in-person was incredible. There it was in my own home, in my own hands: a real, "living" Muppet. Kermit the Frog was part of the family. Honestly, I expected him to come to life and start talking at any moment. This IS Kermit. I almost felt not good enough to have him because of how amazing he is. He's made of a special kind of fleece, the kind that erotic novel writers could go on about for paragraphs. The thing around his neck is felt, as are the feet, and his eyes are real ping pong balls. He has wires in his arms, legs and mouth/head, so any pose you ever saw Kermit in can be recreated (even his fingers can be bent individually). I haven't messed with him that much because I need to clear our shelves still, but it's a blast coming up with poses and facial expressions for him. You wouldn't think that something so basic in design and detail could have such expression.
There are only a few pictures of him on my Flicrk account at the moment. Just search for Master Replicas or Kermit in my Photostream:
http://flickr.com/lol69
Even if I don't pose him on a regular basis, I can't help looking at him every day. I still can't believe that I finally have a Muppet. Kairi loves him too and gave him a big hug, but she has to be a little older before she can take him on adventures or anything. Maybe for show and tell when she's in kindergarten...
A special top 10 countdown is coming soon. And by the way, this clip made me jump on the inside a little:
It's from the movie [REC]. Someone recommended it for a movie similar to 28 Days Later (in the overall feeling anyway) and I checked out a clip on YouTube. If the rest of the movie is even half as cool as that, I'm gonna watch it. Oh who am I kidding, I'm watching the whole thing on there right now, 10 minute portion by 10 minute portion. That sample is the first thing from a horror movie to make me jump even a little since I saw LeatherFace slam the steel door for the first time in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre all the way back in 1999. Before then? Pet Sematary and It when I was 5. But that's another entry in itself.
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