The collected works of ScottyB

Kate has just reminded me that today is my Birthday.

I’d like to state for the record, that I do not in any way smell like a monkey, contrary to the insinuation she makes in that post. Rather I smell like the nice, manly, Lynx ‘Java’ body deodorant. Any accusations stating otherwise are wholly and completely untrue.

With that disclaimer out of the way, I will go on to say that the truth of that comment is; today is my Birthday.

24 years of age.

On the slippery slope. The downhill run. An old, shell of a man. A victim of the hard years.

*I awoke this morning to a muscle cramp in my back. My bones cracked as I emerged from the bed. All sorts of unusual sounds emanated from my body. I hobbled into the bathroom where I stared back with sunken eyes at the reflection of a bald, paunchy man. The weathered skin on a face that I barely recognised.

I splashed my face with some cold water, hoping it was all a dream. The water did little to allay my fears. This was me. Another year older and a step closer to the grim, bitter end.

* Dramatic re-enactment

The reality was much brighter. I awoke after a fantastic night with a smile on my face. I was only 6 hours asleep, but it was one of those solid, deep, satisfying sleeps so I felt refreshed and ready to start opening prezzies! My parents had left my Birthday presents out for me the night before, so I was able to have a quick look before bed, but managed to spend a bit more time in the morning opening them up and having a better look!

Some cool new T-shirts (replacing my long-loved, years-old faithfuls, worn at the collar and starting to frey) and the Australian edition of Monopoly!!

Spiderman 3 goodies! Notebook and a Spidey wall clock! (perfect for the new room when my brother moves out at the end of the month!) - and finally, a PS/B MINI Cooper ‘assembly line’ toy model kit.

Finally I could open the presents from MM and Phanny that had been sitting on my shelf, taunting me for way too long!

From MM, McFarlane toys’ ‘Alien vs. Predator - Alien Attacks Predator’.. the detail on this thing is incredible, I opened it up and took some photos this evening, but the lighting (and lack of macro) just doesn’t do it justice! I already own a Spawn figurine from McFarlane toys, so I knew the quality would be sensational, but the intricate attention to detail is just brill! So need a proper display case for it… thanks MM!!

From Phanny, first up was the 20Q (Radica 20 Questions). This thing is awesome. Tried a bunch tonight and with the exception of ‘Baseball Cap’ that I reckon we answered too many questions anally, it got all my words right! Kind of freaky when the last couple of questions are - seemingly - random or unrelated, then it pulls out ‘Bed’.. the exact thing you were thinking of! Neat.

“The 20Q A.I. uses a true artificial neural network to pick the questions and to guess. After the player has answered the twenty questions posed (sometimes fewer), 20Q makes a guess. If it is incorrect, it asks more questions, then guesses again. It makes guesses based on what it has learned; it is not “programmed” with information or what the inventor thinks. Answers to any question are based on players’ interpretations of the questions asked.”

Also from Phanny, the Radica ‘Chillin’ Mood Beam! I can’t stress how cool this thing is.. its like an active night light. You can cycle through modes like Heartbeat (which alternates between its primary and secondary colours - in this case, orange, then red respectively), Strobe (exactly what you’re thinking.. super bright, white flashing light) and Rainbow (slowly runs through the colour spectrum) and the coolest of all is the Beat Sensor which responds to music, beats of a sub woofer, the sound of your voice, clapping etc.. very cool! Thanks Phanny!

The photos don’t do it justice.. might have to take a movie to show if off in action!

When I arrived home this afternoon, I found another parcel on my bed - Becca’s present! Right on time too!

Expanding my ever-growing DVD collection, with The Prestige and True Lies. I’ve lost count the number of times I have watched True Lies - but the thing is, I could watch it time and time again and never get sick of it. It is one of those films that I’m sure will be timeless - you’ll be able to watch it in 50 years time and still think it’s cool!

And the Prestige, one of the best films of last year - saw it at the cinema and was extremely impressed. Great plot, great twists and turns. Will have to watch it again soon!! Thanks Bec!

And last up on the picture front is the card haul..

Thanks everyone for your SMS’ and messages today, it is much appreciated!!