MattKendrick.com

Yes I know it’s been over a full day since the New Year started. But I thought I would post anyways. I had an exciting New Years/Birthday celebration with friends. Friday we hit the Kenwood Towne Center in Cincinnati, Ohio with our friends Catie and David. What better reason to go to the Kenwood Town Center than to hit the LEGO Store! We stocked up one some of the latest rare-sets. Just more for the pile of LEGO sets to build and display/play with. I also hit the Pick-a-Brick wall for some goodies. If I get time I’ll post pictures later of my score.

Saturday started off with a bang. We got up early and finished cleaning the apartment. We also ran out and got some last minute snacks for our New Years Eve Party. We were joined by our friends Josh and Beth. They came all the way up from my native land of Eastern Kentucky. Our friend Shawna came as well. We played Settlers of Catan. For some of us it was a new experience. But we all got through it. I was happy to share my favorite game with everyone. Not to mention we also shot cards at each other with UNO Attack. That was fun as well. Oh I almost forgot we played Mexican Train. ChooChoo!

Saturday night we all kinda simmer down a little bit and watched comedy specials. Including The Best of Who’s Line Is It and Gabriel Iglesias. Right before we switched over to watch Times Square’s Ball Drop we got to the part in Gabriel’s special where he talks about Gator Land. He talks about how excited the guy gets on the auto message you get when calling Gator Land. I just had to stop and call to see if it were true. Believe it or not it is true. Check it out for yourself the number is 407.855.5496. It’s worth the minutes if you call. You’ll see what Gabe’s talking about.

About 3:00am we decided it was time to go to bed. I made the mistake of getting up to early. But other than that it was a good day Sunday. We kinda just chilled. Josh and I played some Flatout Racing. Then we went and got something to eat, followed by a trip to the mall. Later Josh and Beth went home. We were already ready for bed. But there we have it. Happy New Year!

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’re aware of the huge earthquake (7.2) that struck in Haiti. My prayers and thoughts go out to all the people of Haiti. I can’t imagine what they’re going through. From what I understand the infrastructure in Haiti can’t handle a blow like this. They’re struggling to get systems back online just for emergency efforts and prepare for recovery. News reports say the death toll is likely in the thousands.

Hands and Feet, is a mission in Haiti created by one of my favorite bands of all time, Audio Adrenaline. They were able to report in and let people know that everything is safe at the mission. They’re sending out people to help others. Band leader, Mark Stuart was able to update everyone via sat-link internet connection. He says everyone is fine. They’re more concerned about other people at the moment.

Check out KLOVE’s website for more details about missions in Haiti and what you can do to help. I encourage you to keep these people in your thoughts and prayers. They’re working to be the Hands and Feet!

KLOVE – Haiti

What?

I’m sure you’re wondering how in the world, could these things all come together. Sit back, I promise you it will make sense shorty. I had a hard time deciding what to do my post on night. So I thought I would write about some of the things I’ve been playing around with. I am a man of many hobbies. The cold weather makes for a perfect time to play with some of my toys.

For my birthday, Heather’s parents got me my first Star Wars LEGO set ever! The Star Wars Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter LEGO Set. Tonight we ripped open the box and put it together. Page by page, Heather and I took turns picking parts and putting the set together. We felt gitty, like little kids. Unlike other LEGO sets that I’m use to, it has many unique pieces. Being of a dark side (it’s Darth Vader, we’re talking about) most of the pieces are black, dark gray and light gray. We found some interesting surprises.

“You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!”

Well for one. We didn’t know that it can shoot stuff. On the page where you assemble the firing mechanisms it has a warning label. Heather bet me to saying “You’ll shoot your eye out!” As you can see I had to post the picture from the instructions. I think it’s pretty self explanatory. Another surprise was the fact there is a place to store Darth Vader’s light saber. Well it wasn’t too much of a surprise for me. I saw it on the box. New lesson learned. If ya wanta be surprised when putting LEGOs together, don’t look at the box first.

Final thoughts.

After the 200+ piece assembly was complete we flew it around a few times. However it kinda came apart when we were seating mini-figure Darth Vader. I could see someone who plays with it a lot would get kinda frustrated. However I’m not going to say it’s just a model. It’s a toy too! To some, it’s a collectible. After Vader was seated we rebuilt the bottom of the TIE fighter and proceeded another test fire of the lasers. Long, long ago… Ok, I better stop here. I can see the non-Star Wars fans started to leave the blog now. Moving on to the The Biggest Loser Update!

The Biggest Loser Update

As you know. We’re working to better ourselves. Tonight I had my second session with Jillian and my on screen counterpart. We worked through another 7 minute warm-up. We only did 2 circuits tonight. It was about 20 minutes. The game introduced another move to my training. The wood chopping exercise. You make a swinging motion with Wii-mote like you’re chopping wood. I was pretty good at that one. I also had to do lunges as well. I did feel the burn, as some people say. I’m just glad for three things, one there are breath and water breaks. Two, there is a cool down stage after-wards. Three during the circuits there are mini-breaks, shake off periods. Not to mention the after-effects of making it through the program. The weight loss!

I noticed something else about the game feedback. As you’re doing the exercises it will reward you with points. It’s like instant gratification for doing the task correctly. I haven’t completed an official second weigh in. Not sure how I can force it to do a weigh in. But I jumped on Wii Fit and it said I gain .7 pound. I try to keep in mind that two things can cause results like this. One, generally people vary anywhere between 1 to 2 pounds day to day. Second I could be building muscle. Let’s hope more for number two. I could use all the extra muscle I can get. Well I guess that’s enough for tonight. I’ll keep you posted on how things are going! Thanks for all the support and comment love from the last few posts!

One word “Exhausted.” It best describes how I’m feeling right now. Last night was the first night of The Bigggest Loser Wii Game at our place. I started a new profile on the game labeled “Matt” and input my age, height and weight. Then I chose my trainer (Jillian), I think she’s very tough on the contestants. Then I selected a four week training plan as a beginner. In this time period I’m aiming to lose at least 10 pounds. Little goals at first and then I’ll work my way up.

After I got my profile out of the way, I decided to do the warm-up. The warm-up did a great job of preparing me for exercise. It’s basically a six minute series of stretching and loosening exercises. At first I wasn’t going to do it. But then I remembered the importance of stretching from high school PE class. Most of the stuff I did during this phase was very basic. It reminded me a lot of what was taught in high school PE and health class. I was very glad that I did the warm-up. Because nothing else could have prepared me better for the next thirty minutes.

Moving on to the main exercise. At first I was like “Yea, this isn’t much different than Wii Fit.” Then I realized it was nothing like Wii Fit. The exercises are completely planned out in circuits. My character on the screen worked outwith me, right along side Jillian. They showed me everything for a few brief seconds and then kicked up. Literally. Each circuit began with marches to get your heart rate up. Then we did squats with kicks exercises. Not to mention round-house kicks. The hardest for me, were the floor exercises. They were very simple, lay on your back and lift your butt up. Some of the exercises reminded me much of Tae Bo, mainly the kicking and squats. I would start to slow down, only to get harassed by Jillian (just like the show). Near the end, my lower back kept hurting. But the short breaks between circuits helped out.

After the 30 minute main exercise, I moved on to the cool down stage. Again at first I didn’t think it was that important. I just wanted to go sit down on the couch and just crash. But I found the post-exercise stretching incredible. Some of my aches and pains went away. It really did cool me down. I was sweating like I’ve sweat before. Ok, I know that sounds gross. But you get the picture.

I enjoy the constant feedback from the game. I like how Virtual Jillan and Bob provide feedback the whole way. Based off your inputs through the Wii controls, it has a sense if you’re doing it right or not. It’s almost like they’re playing bad cop/good cop. One minute Jillian will knock ya down and then Bob will pick ya up. They encourage you to drink water during your breaks. I thought was very informative. A lot of people forget to drink water while exercises. It’s very easy to get caught up in working out, forget to drink water and then get dehydrated. The plans are customizable. But I’ve decided to see how the basic program works first. Keep in mind, I have little workout training experience beyond Wii Fit, walking, jogging and running for exercise. So you could say, I’m learning as I go. I’ll post up more in later posts and keep you informed on how it’s going.

Happy New Year! The dawn of a new year is here. A fresh start, as some people say. I’m excited to start working on some resolutions I have. We all have something we would like to improve or change. In coming posts I would like to revel some of these resolutions, I have for myself.

Last night we had our New Year’s Eve party with some friends. Not only did we celebrate New Years, but also my birthday! My wife and our friend Catie put together some snacks. We had some Chex Muddy Buddies, little smokies, Buffalo Wild Wings, chocolate fondue and a bunch of other goodies. The wings were gone fairly quickly. But everything else was munched on throughout the night.

We played a few board games. The guys and girls battled it out in a game of Battle of the Sexes. Believe it or not, the guys won. It’s very rare that we do. I mean, how are we suppose to know about “girly stuff.” Not to mention the questions pertaining to New Kids On the Block. We’re men. Anyways, Battle of the Sexes was very fun. We also played a quick round of Buzz Words. The girls beat us to a pulp. You could call it “Teamwork”. I would call it “Ganging Up.”

After that, the guys spent most of the night playing Age of Empires II. I can’t believe how a game that’s over 10 years old, can still be so much fun. I guess it never gets old. The mini-LAN party was setup on the kitchen table with three laptops. It looked like a geek-athon. But many little virtual lives were lost in our quest for each-other’s kings. Alright enough Geek’n.

The night ended shortly after watching the ball fall on Dick Clark’s New Years Eve. Everyone went home safely and all was well! Thanks to our friends Catie and David for hosting! I hope your New Years was as grand as ours!

Yep. As of today, Dec. 30th I’m another year older. I’m glad for everyday of life and what it brings. It may get crazy sometimes, but it’s my life. In years past we’ve always celebrated my birthday at home on New Years Eve. But this year we’re having a party with family and friends in Richmond. I’m very excited. My wife and our friend Katie have been busy planning the event.

Famous Athletes

I thought it would be interesting to share some facts about my birthday. Apparently I share a birthday with some interesting people. I’m sure you don’t know Pro Golfer, Tiger Woods. It’s not like he hasn’t been in the media enough. Another athlete Sammy Koufax, who once pitched a perfect game in Baseball, also shares my birthday. Let’s not forget baskball player LeBron James also shares my birthday. That rounds up famous athletes.

Famous Musicians

How about famous musicians? I share a birthday with two members of The Monkees, Davy Jones and Micheal Nesmith. Great, I’m gonna have “Hey Hey We’re the Monkees,” stuck in my head all day now. Punk/Rock singer Patti Smith also born on my birthday. Folk Singer, Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Marry was born on my birthday. I’ll be listening to Puff The Magic Dragon as well. Let’s move on to famous TV personalities and actors/actresses.

Famous TV Personalities and Actors/Actresses

Bert Parks, a former host of the Miss. America Pageant born on the Dec. 30th as well. Only a year older Eliza Dushku of “Dollhouse” also shares my birthday. My wife loves the show. It’s a shame they’re canceling it. A year younger, Kristin Kreuk of “Smallville” was born on my birthday.

I found some historical events that happen on my birthday. But I mainly found war and destruction. Kinda depressing. One geeky fact: Dec. 30th 1985 IBM-PC DOS Version 3.2 Released. But you can see for yourself. Well that’s it for today. I’m gonna relax a bit and reflect on years past.

More Famous Birthdays – Dec. 30th

This Day In History – Dec. 30th

Tiffany another Central Kentucky blogger, posted up her Christmas Survey. I thought I would post and complete the same survey as well. You may learn some things about me you could have lived without knowing. Na, not that creepy. It’s Christmas, and there’s nothing scary about Christmas. If you complete the same survey post back a link to yours in my comments.

1. Have you started your Christmas shopping?
We’re finished. Heather and I, plus friends battled Fayette Mall Saturday and got it all finished!

2. Tell me about one of your special traditions.
My wife and I collect Hallmark Ornaments. Each year we buy each other two. Read about two of my favorites.

3. When do you put up your tree?
We put up the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. Turkey Day weekend is usually with our families.

4. Are you a Black Friday shopper?
I did it once, only to learn: I’d never do it again. The story involves a Wal-mart and people nearly getting into a shuffle over a car stereo. It ends well. But lessons were learned.

5. Do you travel at Christmas or stay home?
We do travel. We rotate Thanksgiving/Christmas between families.

6. What is your funniest Christmas memory?
Sitting and watching old family movies at Christmas. Realizing how big of a geek I was as a kid. My wife says I’m still a geek.

7. What is your favorite Christmas movie of all time?
It’s a toss up between National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story. We watch both each year, at least once.

8. Do you do your own Christmas baking and what’s your favorite treat?
Each year my wife, my brother and I make Bourbon Balls. We generally only use Kentucky Bourbon. Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Wild Turkey to name a few. You could say we’re “Kentucky Proud.”

9. Fake or real tree?
Fake. Hopefully when we get a house, we’ll get a real tree.

10. What day does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
No need to panic! The tree will get put up, the presents will get wrapped and the kids will get feed. Yea, I know. I got that from a 80′s Anti Christmas Anxiety Public Service Announcement. I try not to panic if all possible.

11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
If I’m that late, it’s not a good sign. But yes, I have before.

12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
Watching Christmas specials and movies with family. Opening presents is nice too.

13. What Christmas craft do you like the best?
Are bourbon balls considered a craft? When I was a kid, we did glitter covered pine cones. Usually ended up with glitter and glue on my hands and clothes. But I don’t think I’ve made any since then.

14. Christmas music, yes or no? If yes, what is your favorite song?
Yes. Too many to choose from. But if I had to, it would be. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. James Taylor does a great job of it.

15. When do you plan on finishing your shopping?
Last weekend.

Usually close to this time of the year we get our first dose of snow. I’m excited. Yes, its tough to deal with sometime. But out our window it looks very peaceful. I’ve been waiting till the first snow to switch the snow plugin from leaves to snow. You may or may not be able to see the flakes. But it’s snowing on mattkendrick.com! Remember if it snows in December it’s not as worth eating. According to Lucy off the Peanuts (see quote below). Have a great snow day!

Patty: Try to catch snowflakes on your tongue. It’s fun.
Linus Van Pelt: Mmm. Needs sugar.
Lucy Van Pelt: It’s too early. I never eat December snowflakes. I always wait until January.
Linus Van Pelt: They sure look ripe to me.

Quotes from IMDB entry for Charlie Brown Christmas (1965).

Happy System Administrator Appreciation Day! The one day a year that a computer system administrator (SA) gets the respect he or she deserves! Tell your system administrator how much you appreciate them! Give them a strong pat on the back. After all we’re humans too! We like to be told that we’re valuable. Besides who’s there to work long hours and weekends to insure your systems are always up and ready?

Our IT Department is celebrating today at lunch with a little pizza from Toni Roma’s! I’m sure we’ll all sit around and talk about the time the servers and phones went down, how we all pitched in and saved the day. Not to mention the weekends spent upgrading software and service packs on all the machines. Let’s not forget all the other stuff that can’t be done during the day! Endless miles of cabling at our locations and server rooms. Ah, the joy of being a System Administrator.

Usually celebrated the last Friday in July. You can learn more about one of my favorite geek holidays at http://www.sysadminday.com/! It’s right up there with Pi (3/14) day! They’re celebrating their tenth year. You can also see some funny pictures of system administrators in action, check out some cool gift ideas and more!

We’re all looking for ways to save money. My wife and I have decided it’s time to reduce our entertainment expenses at home. Looking at what we spend on home entertainment (books,movies,tv, etc) there didn’t seem to be much we could live without. However after looking at our cable bill it seemed to be apparent that we’re spending $50 bucks a month for extended basic cable.

With as much video content available on the web today, why pay for cable? Most of the major networks (ABC,CBS,etc) are putting their shows online. Shows aired the previous evening are online for viewing the next day. Simply shift your viewing schedule a night ahead and you’re still keeping track of your favorite shows. The best part is you’re in control of when you watch.

Services such as Hulu and Joost have made it extremely easy to find content. Hulu just recently launched a desktop application for Windows and Mac. Hulu Desktop gives you the look and feel of using a DVR. You can find, watch, pause, rewind and fast forward through content. Boxee is another option we’re testing. Boxee allows you to access content on Hulu and other sites as well. Boxee can also play media files stored on your machine. Both pieces of software are sleek and easy to use. Best of all, “Free!”

Our final step was to decide how to get the content on our tv. Luckily our home computer is right next to our tv. With a video card with TV-OUT you can easily pipe video into your tv. You can also channel the audio from your sound card to complete the audio/video experience. What about a remote control? Well you could go out and buy a Media Center remote and use that. However we’re on a budget. We already own a Wii. As you may not know, the Wii Remote uses Bluetooth technology.

Using a Bluetooth adapter on my PC we were able to get the Wii Remote to communicate with it. An application called GlovePIE allowed us to map the buttons however we pleased. Now we can control Hulu Desktop and Boxee with the Wii Remote from the confort of my couch. We can even play emulated games using our Wii peripherals.

Now you have it. We’ve found a sound alternative to paying for cable tv. A total yearly savings of $600 without missing out on our favorite shows. Are you ready to cut the cord?