Funny Snowboard Video: Crash then Roll then Continue Riding

 

The conditions were a little unpredictable. I did get back on to my feet though...

The Difference Between A Star Trek Fan And A Trekkie

Star Trek has been popular for over 40 years now, with a varied and widespread following. Yet anyone who watches Star Trek is labelled a Trekkie. Is this a fond or offensive term? As a Star Trek Fan, here are some of my objections to the term Trekkie.

 

Trekkies

 

Often used by non Trek fans to make fun of those who like the show.

Fan

 

Everyone is a fan of something. It is seen as a good thing to enjoy a series.

Trekkies

 

Believe Star Trek is the only science fiction show worthy of their attention.

Fans

 

Enjoy a variety of different science fiction shows.

 

Trekkies

 

Believe Kirk is a real person and would like to see him win a Nobel Peace Prize and various other awards.

 

Fans

 

Realise Kirk is played by an actor who needs help with his… timing… indelivering..a....dramaticspeech.

Trekkies

 

Get withdrawal symptoms when Star Trek isn’t on.

Fans

 

Can miss an episode without crying and go out and socialise with friends. Some of which hate Star Trek!

Trekkies

 

Can get disturbingly cult like and idolise the show.

Fans

 

Have other interests, even outdoor ones. Seeing Star Trek as just an extra bit of fun.

Trekkies

 

Treasure every minute of Star Trek.


Trekkies

Hated the cancellation of Enterprise.

Fans

 

We're grateful for the cancellation of Enterprise and wish the same had happened to Voyager.

Fans

 

Realize there are several bad episodes and many cringe worthy moments. Accepting that no shows is perfect and a lot of bad decisions were made.

Trekkies

 

Believe Star Trek pyjamas are sexy.

Fans

 

Actually have wives/husbands.


I hope this clears up any confusion over the two groups.

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/
This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.

Talking Through Depression And Understanding The Symptoms: You Are Not Alone

One of the first men to land on the Moon.  Buzz Aldrin struggled with depression.

The world appears to be a much faster place. We seem to deal with more pressures financially, politically and domestically every day. Weakness in this world is pitied and becomes a hindrance in a competitive setting. Whilst physical effects such as sickness can generally be understood by others and considerations be made, it is often more complicated explaining troubles of the mind. How much easier it is to tell someone you have the flu, than to tell someone you are feeling depressed. It may not be obvious, even to the sufferer, but it will eventually have to faced.
Some symptoms to look out for can include:

• · Lack of energy
• · Seeing small tasks as daunting
• · Feelings of guilt and failure
• · Feeling anxious
• · Feeling sad, helpless and discouraged
• · Difficulty sleeping

If you believe you suffer from depression, you should treat it with as much importance as any other illness. It may not be something you find easy to talk about but it is crucial that you do so, with someone you trust. I spoke to several people who had suffered from depression. I asked one lady whether she thought it was something she could tell others “I do now, but when I was at my worst I couldn’t.” When asked about public awareness she said that “I think there is still rather a negative stigma for something that is actually quite common-I don’t think people understand enough about the causes.”
Telling people may sometimes be more difficult for men. As one guy said when asked if he was able to talk depression he said, “No generally, because I wouldn’t want to be any kind of attention seeker, or particularly want the attention.” A typical strong macho image would make talking about feelings difficult. Even when it is something physical men can be irritable and push themselves further than they should, to achieve what they believe they have to achieve. Depression isn’t something to be ashamed of though and takes a strength to deal with. It is a great accomplishment to face the problems in your life.
Even those who we may see as successful, through fame fortune and joyous persona's can be affected.These include:

Jim Carey

Made famous through his lively acting and expressive facial expressions, Jim Carey doesn't fit the apathetic or dull stereotype of depression. However although smiling on the outside he's admitted in interview of times of despair and was once on Prozac. He stopped taking it after coming through the difficult period.

Harrison Ford

In contrast to his tough characters of Indiana Jones and Han Solo, Harrison Ford was bullied at a young age. He has said how he overcame his shyness and fears when he joined a drama class at college.

JK Rowling

Before her Harry Potter series, JK Rowling has told that she was suicidally depressed struggling as a single mother. She was determined to be there for her daughter and despite some negative experiences with Doctors managed to eventually get the help she needed.


Buzz Aldrin
A man who has achieved an incredible dream which no one else will be able to do for years. With Neil Armstrong he was the first to land on the moon. However he has admitted to times of depression and has said he wants to be open about it to show others that no one is immune or above getting help.

Kelly Clark                
A champion who has progressed women’s snowboarding, Kelly Clark has won three Olympic medals. She achieved every Olympians dream achieving a gold medal in the   Women’s half pipe event at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Yet in an interview Kelly Clark said the medal wasn’t enough to fill the void in her life. She was feeling that her life didn’t really matter. Then she overheard two snowboarders talking at the end of a half pipe run,  assuring the rider that God still loves her. Kelly Clark later went to the women’s hotel room to hear more about this God. She gave her life to Jesus, transforming her life, knowing she was loved and not alone.


It is easy to feel isolated when depressed making it hard to be around others. Attention can be especially worrying as feelings of being different are on your mind. This is quite common and can cause people to withdraw into themselves. This may be helpful occasionally as it is good to take time out. But too much of this can lead to frustration and even more difficulty relating to people. Most people have known someone who suffers from depression. The old attitude of ‘get over it’ and the idea that it is simply in your head, is passing.
Making people aware can reduce stress, as they will be more understanding rather than frustrated with you when you’re in different moods. If they don’t know, then they won’t understand some of your actions, such as having moments to yourself. It is good to talk to family and friends who can be very understanding.
It is important not to feel helpless. Telling others has helped many people, but you can also still help yourself, even when you are feeling at your worse. Another man I talked to said, “It is better facing up and taking the hits and highs than just being constantly neutral.” He had realised this after months of withdrawing from people and responsibilities. Avoiding situations may be easier for a time but eventually they have to be faced. Many people feel worse doing little or nothing, but it’s also hard to have motivation. This creates a trap, but a trap that can be broken.
One thing to do is visit your Doctor. A woman I spoke with said how medication worked best for her as it gave her thinking time. It can lift you up enough so that you can focus on the underlying issues. It’s also possible that the depression is caused by imbalance of chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. Medication can help adjust the balance but it’s important not to depend on them. Your Doctor can advise the best form of treatment and will see how you progress on anything they prescribe.
There is also the option of counseling, which can help you work through some of the more complicated issues. Whilst delving into the underlying causes. There are many well trained counselors who can help you gain better insight into your thoughts and behaviors. You can ask your doctor about this or look up local counseling centers. There may be a waiting list but it has proven useful to many people.


My Story
I struggled with depression for over ten years and for a large part of that couldn't talk about it with anyone. It was when I realised how much it was affecting my life and future that I opened up to others and got counseling through my Church. This showed me that I was a valuable person and that I had become stuck in some bad ways of thinking. I still get down occasionally, but I am determined to press through, enjoy myself and to keep learning and growing. Three ideas I remember are
Work, Food, and Fun

Food

 
Image by author

Eat healthily. Many nutritious meals are also delicious and a joy to eat and prepare. It has been shown that deficiencies in vitamins such as B1, B3, B5, B6, B12, C and mineral such as Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Manganese and Potassium, can cause symptoms of depression symptoms. Sharing a meal with friends is also a nice and relaxed, communal activity.
Fun
 

Image by author

Despite the feelings of apathy and low energy it is important to remain active and to do things you enjoy. Learning new activities is fun and gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Exercise also helps to keep the body healthy which reduces stress and illness. So simply find something you enjoy and do it regularly. I found it positive to more deeply explore my faith. Also trying things I never thought I could do such as snowboarding showed me that I wasn't as limited as I thought I was.
Work
 

Image by author

Not in the stressed competitive way we often view work. But continuing to be productive, part of a team and achieving goals can help feelings of self worth. It doesn’t have to be paid work, just helping others, working on a project or learning about something you enjoy, will make a day feel more satisfying.
Do not be disappointed if you don’t see immediate results. Stay positive, even if it is hard to and don’t dwell on negative thoughts or events that have happened. The path may be rocky but it can turn towards a happier future.

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/
This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.

How to Stay Healthy Whilst Watching TV

 Just for fun  exercise tips 

Whilst watching House

Do a quick punch - kick combo every time Hugh Laurie makes a funny remark (be careful give yourself enough space).

Whilst watching Sports

For every one you watch do an hours exercise of the same sport per week where feasible. If not do an hour of a simpler sport. Pool, snooker and darts not included.
Whilst watching Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares
Cut one unhealthy item of food from your shopping list, for every disgusting piece of food you see on the program.

Whilst watching Babylon 5

Do 5 star jumps every time someone says ‘MR GARIBALDI’

Whilst watching Star Trek

Do sit ups whenever Captain Kirk is talking. You’ll do a lot if you don’t pause when he does.
An extra sit up for each time Spock raises an eyebrow.

Whilst watching Star Trek The Next Generation

Carry out lunges whenever Riker is on screen looking smug.



Whilst watching X files

Hop around in circles 5 times every time Mulder figures out a bizarre event by linking it to a random case from the 1800’s or using facts only an expert in that specific field would know. Hero Mulder and his supernatural level of knowledge.

Whilst watching the News

Watch the intro then go for a jog. 10 minutes for every non news worthy piece mentioned. Example: ”Statistics show that crime is increasing during these difficult economic times” Yeah thanks I never would have thought that.

Whilst watching Adverts
Lift weights 3 times with your legs for every advert advertising a male product but has scantily clad women in it.

If you decide to tune into the radio

Drop down and do 5 press ups for every time they ask you to text in a response to some pointless question.

 Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/
This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.

X-Men: First Draft Parody Script

Opens with a young Magneto in a Nazi concentration camp.

Audience

Bryan Singer is taking the material seriously and making a commentary on discrimination in society this is good.

Cut to Rogue having a disastrous kissing moment in a Dawson Creek like scene.

Audience

Ummmm.

Cut to Wolverine in a cage fight.

Audience

Oooh good Wolverine, I think I'll just enjoy the film now and analyse it later.

Wolverine

Growl.

Rogue

You seem like a good guy to make friends with. My name is Rogue and my character will not be as interesting as it was in the comics.

Wolverine

My name is Wolverine these films are all about me.

Magneto, resenting Wolverines screen time, sends Sabretooth to kill him.

Sabretooth

Meow.

Wolverine

Growl.

Sabretooth

Hissssssssssss!

Wolverine

Ow!

Cyclops and Storm rescue them in a rather dull action moment.

Professor Xavier

I sense this film needed a bigger budget. Even so thanks for having us your guest stars Wolverine. I'm Charles Xavier a telepath. The useful type not the babbling counsellor type.

Wolverine

How many more people do we have to meet? This is taking up some of my screen time..

Professor Xavier

There are a lot of mutants in the world. Thankfully only four of them have turned towards evil intent.

Wolverine

How do you fund this school?

Professor Xavier

That mystery is greater than mutation itself. This school has hundreds of students, unfortunately by the time of the third film only three of them will be X Men. We're working on ways to improve our teaching methods.

Wolverine goes to have his body examined by Dr Gray.

Wolverine

Fancy flirting?

Dr Gray

No... well maybe a little.

Cyclops

Cough.

Dr Gray

I meant no, absolutely not.

Cyclops

Wolverine let me take this opportunity tosay some stupid lines which will make the audience hate me.

Wolverine

Right... and you think you can be a lead in an X Men film.

Senator Kelly boards a helicopter and has a confidence he really shouldn't feel.

Senator Kelly

I'm willing to make an enemy of mutants, the most dangerous group in the history of mankind. What could possibly go wrong?

Toad

Hello I'm Toad. I considered being called Frog, but Toad sounds more disgusting.

Senator Kelly

Yeah but neither eat birds, ewww.

Magneto

I'm going to use this weird looking machine. It will most likely kill you, but I'm hoping for something plot enhancing.

Senator Kelly

Will it look spectacular?

Magneto

No.

Senator Kelly escapes and turns up as a mutant on a crowded beach. Despite all the attention he manages to secretly get to Xaviers school.

Storm, Professor Xavier, Cyclops, Dr Gray, Wolverine

Hahaha

Senator Kelly

Don't you have any sympathy?

Storm, Professor Xavier, Cyclops, Dr Gray, Wolverine

No!

Wolverine

Rogue seems to have run off. Do you think she took my stabbing of her personally?

Professor Xavier

I'll use Cerebro to find her.

Cyclops

Looks like astro metrics.

Professor Xavier

Just beam, I mean go to the train station and get her.

Magneto

I know the metal on your bones is neither steel or iron but I'm still going to Magneto your ass.

Wolverine

Your name is misleading.

Magneto completely wipes the floor with Wolverine, showing that our chief hero is completely useless against the chief villain.

Dr Gray

The professor's hurt I will use Cerebro to find Rogue.

Wolverine

What if Magneto's hiding her mind with a helmet as well?

Dr Gray

Ummm...

Cyclops

What if it causes another dangerous mutation in you.

Dr Gray

Seems unlikely.

The X Men head to stop Magneto at the Statue of Liberty. Very subtle. They get into a few minor fights.

Toad

Let me do a Darth Maul twirl.

Star Wars fans

Hehehe excellent.

Storm

I'm going to torture you with an awful one liner about toads and lightning.

Toad

Please, please kill me now.

Mystique

I'm going to fight you? Even though you heal as soon as I cause any damage, how pointless.

Wolverine

Yeh but it gives me a fight scene.

After they've defeated the goons, Magneto captures the entire X Men team in 30 seconds.

Dr Gray

If you had done that 10 minutes ago you could have saved Toad and Mystique a lot of trouble.

Magneto

Yeh, well now your kind of restrained, I'm going to carry out the next stage of my plan.

Wolverine escapes and has another fight with Sabretooth which has been given a little bit more money.

Cyclops

We need to get up to that torch.

Wolverine

Send me. I'm the only one who's completely useless against Magneto.

Cyclops

Makes sense.

Wolverine manages to stop Magneto and save Rogues life. What a guy.

Wolverine

I didn't really need the others help, honest. Now professor I need answers.

Professor Xavier

Here you go Logan, some directions to the sequel. Or you could just wait a few years longer for your origins movie.

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/

This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.