Field of Dreams

A few weeks ago, Megan and I drove out to the country to visit a friend and we saw a corn field. I kiddingly asked her if there was a baseball field in the middle of it, who she'd want to see coming out from the stalks to play.

Then I started to ask myself the same question! So here's my 9 players I'd love to see come out of the corn field to play baseball with. (in no particular order)

 Keith Hernández
My childhood hero and still one of my favorite players to play the game. The old Mets first baseman would be a welcome site to my field!

 Davey Johnson

The Mets Manager during their 86' World Series, he also managed the Nationals until last year. Unknown to most it was him AND Billy Bean that who changed the game with their "statistics" reading. Billy Bean got a movie and all of the credit. But true fans know who his team mate was on the A's when they were both ball players, discovering that formula together for the first time.

It's what made Davey a great Manager in the first place! I'd love to pick his brain in my Field of Dreams.

 Frank Thomas

Not only is this newly elected Hall of Farmer leaving the game, going down as the "Big Hurt" but he's also an Auburn Alumni and general good guy.

In fact, when first elected he received a call from the President but didn't recognize who he was at first! When they asked him to "hold for the President" he asked "the President of what?"

Hilarious. And a must-have for my field.

 Ken Griffey Jr

C'mon! I can't have one and not the other can I? The 2 biggest names in baseball at one time, was Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr. A known "gentlemen" of the game, Griffey made sure his retirement announcement was "low key" so I not to steal the spotlight from anything else happening in the game.

I my opinion, that's well deserving to play on my field!

 Mike Piazza

Another one of the all time greats and one of my favorite players ever. The best catcher in the history of the game, has a spot on my field!

 Dale Murphy

The Murph himself would pop out the corn stalks if I had a field. He may not have made it into the Hall of Fame, but he was always one of the Greats to me! This man carried the Braves through their worst seasons. I think he'd gladly accept the offer to play.

 Mookie Wilson

You knew my roster would be chalk full of Mets right? Mookie's no different. Great all around ball player, who helped us win a ring in 86'.

First thing I'd say when he hit the field is "Throw it to me Mooooookie!"

 Nolan Ryan

I think the Ryan Express would be on everyone's list and he should. The best pitcher in all of baseball would walk on to my field and never leave! That's how much this game meant to him, To hit some pitches of Nolan would be the highlight of the evening!

Cal Ripken Jr

If it's going to be game time, then you gotta have the Iron Man on the field. Baltimore's finest would be a welcome edition to my other 8 players.

That's my 9. What's yours?

Arrested Development (review)

A few weeks ago, I finished watching "Arrested Development" and have to say it's exactly as good as everyone said it was. Such witty characters and story lines, that made this show work so well.

Even the 4th season (exclusively on Netflix) was a joy, though some fans don't like it as much. I understand the complaints, it's done differently from the show. Seasons 1-3 were all episodes containing an overall story arc, while season 4 told one story from several different point of views.

It was the easiest way to get the cast back together who may have had other commitments and only had a few weeks to give for shooting. Which is what it felt like. No doubt the cast had fun returning, but it is hard to remember how things fit together in the story line if you're not going to binge watch the entire season at once.

They're shopping around a movie next, then another season on Netflix and I'll be in line waiting for both. I'm guessing either the writer for "Frozen" worked on this show or was a fan of it, since this is where the joke "We finish off each others..a.sandwiches" comes from, since it's a running gag in the 3rd season.

What show is next up to watch on Netflix? You'll find out soon enough when I do my next review!

Star Wars Atlas (review)

The Atlas was a book I was on the fence about getting at first, but after hearing about the amazing maps of the galaxy that are included (and they are amazing) I decided to get it.

I'm glad I did because it had WAY more than maps of the galaxy in it. It had information on HUNDREDS of planets from the comics, books and RPG's and even some they made up for this book alone!

Jason Fry also included "lost" online RPG material from Wizards of the Coast "Planet Hoppers" series. You can't find it anywhere else but in this book!

Whether you're writing fan fiction or adventures for Star Wars RPG, this book gives you great input on what planets to have your story take place.

Love it. Keeping it. Always going to be a part of my collection!

Blood vs Water 2 possible cast

Let's talk about possible contestants for next season's Blood vs Water 2!

 RC Saint-Amour

As you may already know, she and her dad were supposed to be in the first one but a last minute medical problem with her dad, took them out at the last minute and Candice and her husband were called on to the show.

I don't hate or love her character so if they decide to bring her back this season I guess I won't mind. Maybe with a little more game play I can decide whether she knows how to play this game or not.

 Marty Piombe

Man I loved this guy on Nicaragua! His downfall was over thinking things. If he came back, maybe he'll do a better job. He was considered for the first BvW with his son/wife but was cut in the final round.

I hope they bring him back this year. He's worth seeing again.

 Bobby Jon Drunkard
Everyone's lovable loser was considered for BvW the first time thru with his cousin but were cut in the final round.

Too bad, I'd like to see him again. Unlike Stephanie LaGrossa, he never asked for pity when he lost.

 Lex van den Berghe
Asked to play BvW but turned them down at the time due to his reality show Family Beef shooting at the same time.

Lax is all emotion, no brains. Though likable I'm unsure on whether I'd like him to return for next season or not.

 Jerri Manthey
Supposed to be in the first BvW bit dropped because her sister (she was supposed to play with) got pregnant. I wouldn't be surprised to see her on the next season.

And I wouldn't mind. I know. After all these years of hating her, it was during Heroes vs Villains that we got to see another side to Jerri. A side I'm interested in seeing more of if they bring her back.

 Chelsea Messer
If you've read my past posts you'll know I love this girl. She was smart, funny and puzzling to me why she hasn't been asked back. Turns out she was! She and her father just didn't make the cut last season, I'm hoping this go around they will.

She may even be my pick to win. Bad breaks lost it for her in One World but a different setting/alliance may be all she needs to clinch the title of sole Survivor!

 Ashley Underwood
Made it all the way to the final 4 in Redemption Island and I bet you don't even remember her do you? Yeah, that's how boring she was. But thankfully she couldn't find a family member to compete with her when they asked her back for the first BvW so maybe they won't even bother calling her again for this one.

 Edna Ma

Another BvW reject, who along with her sister were cut in the final round. She played a pitiful game during South Pacific but in the strained CBS effort of brining more diverse ethnic groups into the game, they considered her at a point.

She's a pathetic player and I wouldn't be interested in seeing her back.

 Holly Hoffman

Remember the girl who put mud in the $1000 alligator shoes? Holly was my pick for a returning member back in the day and in the first BvW casting she and her daughter were considered but ultimately were cut in the final round.

Though not my favorite she was interesting to see, so if they brought her back, I wouldn't mind.

 Jane Bright

Hearing the news, she and her daughter were considered for the first BvW it wouldn't surprise me if they brought her back for the next one. Everyone loved the episode when she discovered her team was voting her out. The circle of emotions that came from the realization of that betrayal was TV gold.

I'd almost bet for sure Burnett and Probst called her first for casting.

 Spencer Bledsoe

My prediction of the sole returning player from the previous season. No one wanted it more badly or played harder (and didn't get it) than him. Maybe he and his sister were asked to come back? Either way I'd be rooting for him from the start. He was a great character to watch and only got better over time!

 Shane Powers

He claims he and his son were asked back for the first BvW but he "didn't fill out the papers in time" Though I loved him when he played the first time, I seriously doubt he's been asked back. Multiple reports have him claiming to be "asked back" for several season but that they "never worked out" thru one excuse to the other.

Me thinks he's just tooting his horn to get attention. I'm sorry Shane, but it looks like your 15 minutes ran out years ago.

 Jonathan Penner

A favorite of Probst the only reason he was turned down for the first BvW was because his son was only 17 at the time. Another pick I wouldn't be surprised to see in the next season. Supposedly Burnett loved him as well.

 Cirie Fields

No surprise she got a call to come back for the first BvW but thankfully no family members would join her so she was out.

I hate her on the show anyway so I'm glad she's not coming back. It still disgust me she was labeled a "Hero" the last time on the show.

 Cindy Hall

Made it far in Guatemala but I'm glad she and her twin were cut from the first BvW because I think once is enough for her. Hopefully they won't ask them back this time around because a) she was never that popular and b) she wouldn't make it far in the game.

Sandra Diaz-Twine

She in her daughter were cut in the first BvW casting, though loved by Probst and Burnett I don't know if they'd let her play again. My feelings are she should. She's NEVER lost Survivor and if she wants to challenge that streak again, so be it!

Love her or hate her, you can't deny she's one of the best players in the games history.

Terry Dietz

A dominating player during Panama, his use and abuse of Immunity Idols forced Probst and Burnett to alter the rules on how hidden idols could be played. His only fault in not winning the game was trusting Danni in the end.

It was reported he was cut from the first BvW because his daughter was to young at the time. I'd love to see him back for another season to see how far his dominance of the game could go.

 Tom Buchanan

Lovable Tom declined an invite to the first BvW due to his reality show Family Beef filming at the same time. No word on if he'll be asked again, but I for one would be happy seeing him again.

 Troyzan Robertson

He and his brother were chosen as an "alternate" should someone drop from the first BvW before shooting, Since no one did, I suspect they'll be chosen for this season instead.

I'm ready for more Troyzan. He was a fun character to watch and was outgunned by women his first go around. Maybe this time it'll be different.

Greg Buis

From the original season, Greg and his sister were asked back for the first BvW but for some unknown reason they declined. It's sad because I'd really like to see how the originals would play in todays game. Gervase surprised me when he came back. I think Greg would do even better but I guess we'll never know.

Survivor's who almost returned!

I was reading an article the other day about Survivor contestants who almost returned for later shows but didn't. Instead of posting the link to it, I thought I'd just give you the cliff notes on what I read.

 Stephanie LaGrossa

The most pathetic Survivor contestant EVER but they still asked her to come back again and play. She was asked backed for Survivor Philippines but thankfully was pregnant and couldn't do it. I can't stand her anyway, so I'm glad she didn't come back.

 Rudy Boesch
He was considered for Heroes vs Villains but was turned down because of age. He was 81 at the time and according to him ge'd "never felt better" but CBS didn't want to risk it.

It's a shame, but I understand. Rudy will still be one of the all time greats for me.

 Brian Heidik
He was asked back for All-Stars but declined. Rumor has it he's been wanting back in ever since but Jeff Probst and Mark Burnett have banned him from the show ever since news of him shooting a dog at point blank range, hit the papers a few years earlier. Though an accident as told by Brian, Mark and Jeff are quoted as saying they feel "uncomfortable" with letting him back on the show.

Again, a shame. He was a smart player and I'd love to see if he still has it after all those years off the island.

 Ethan and Jenna

Both were asked to return, but they turned it down. No reason was given but I believe they're done with reality TV for now.

Though it'd be fun to see them back, I won't miss them either.

 Banded from Survivor because Jeff Probst said "He quit and quitters don't get to return" the fact is on the show he didn't quit. He was voted out. The real reason cropped up a few years earlier when at an after party for Survivor, Jonny Fairplay had an incident with Jeff and his then girlfriend that led to Probst never wanting him on the show again.

He wishes were granted and one of the most devious players of the game (like Russell Hantz) will never return to the show again.

Sad. 

Matt Elrod

Christian Matt was a powerhouse on Redemption Island. He was a beloved character and fan favorite who has reportedly turned down playing Survivor again because he didn't want the show "defining his life"

Though I respect his decision I'm bummed he won't be returning to the show again.

10 Best movie cameos

If you saw it in theaters or just in the trailer, you know that Christopher Lloyd had a hilarious cameo in "A Million Ways to Die in the West" In which he reprised his role from Back to the Future. It was a GREAT cameo and after the movie was over I knew it had to be in my top 10 cameos of all time!

Then I got to thinking, what ARE the best cameos of all time?!

So in no particular order, here they are!

 Anchorman 2: Liam Nielson

Anchorman 2 was a disaster to watch, but it's saving grace was the several cameos during the "News Crew" fight scene. But since I'm limiting myself to just one, I'll pick Liam, representing the History Channel. Hilarious! Though Jim Carrey is an honorable mention too.

 Zombieland: Bill Murray

Or as they refer to him in the movie "Bill F***ing Murray" survives the zombie apocalypse, disguised as a zombie of himself. Great dialogue and delivery from the veteran actor which made this scene a show stealer for the movie.

 Spiderman 2: Bruce Campbell

Though he appeared in all 3 movies, 2 was my favorite of them all, as he shushes and denies Peter Parker access to MJ's performance since he arrived to late for the show. Why we're STILL waiting for him to come back for another Evil Dead movie is mind-boggling!

 Scream 3: Jay and Silent Bob

One of the biggest surprises in the film was their cameo. Though minor, I couldn't stop laughing at it, after I'd left the theater. Jason Mews remembers getting paid $300 and a free t-shirt for the shoot. He loved it so much he asked Kevin Smith if they wanted to continue making cameos instead of movies since it was "way more fun"

 The Protector: Jackie Chan

Looking at websites, I'm the only one who has this on their list and I doubt most people know it exist! Tony Jana (a rising martial arts star in America, who had starred in hits like Omg Bak) was starring in his first movie to receive an American big box opening was graced with the presence of a Jackie Chan cameo in the opening moments of the film.

While traveling in an airport the 2 bump into each other, turn to fight, recognize each other, Jackie then picks up his bag, bows and leaves. Giving his nod of approval for the next rising star of martial arts films.

Now that's class!

 Maverick: Danny Glover

I'd totally forgotten about this cameo until I saw the movie again last year. Glover is a bandit who's robbing a bank, Maverick is at. There's a hilarious moment of realization between the two (signifying they're prior Lethal Weapon films) but they shake it off as Glover delivers his classic line from the series and departs.

Awesome.

 Run Ronnie Run: Jeff Goldbloom

No one may remember this movie, let alone the cameo but to me it was one of the best. Jeff plays himself who has attended a "spiritual camp" and that he just realized is a complete waste of time. The scene is him asking for his money back and it's one of the best parts in the movie. I loved it!

In movies or cameos, it's always good to see his face!

 Wayne's World 2: Robert Patrick

Reusing his T2 role, Patrick makes a short but hilariously unexpected cameo in Mike Myers movie. Almost forgot about this one till someone reminded me of it when I told them my idea to make this post.

Thanks Bruce!

X-Men First Class: Hugh Jackman

 

Though not a fan of the movie, I'll admit this cameo by Hugh was pretty sweet. I can't quote his line but it's unquestionably the funniest moment in the film.

 

That's my Top 10. What's yours?

 

Justice League (Review)

A few weeks ago, I finished watching the Justice League cartoon. For years I've heard people tell me how good it was, so I finally took the time to watch it.

Though the first season was a little slow, it picked up in the 2nd and when it flipped to "Unlimited" it was excellent.

The creators really had a true love for DC characters and even ones that weren't as well known as others. My only question is why it only lasted 4 seasons before ending, because to me they were really starting to hit their stride.

Favorite episode was "Epilogue" where they finished up the Batman Beyond story line. Their persistence on keeping on the cartoons (Batman and Superman included) in continuity, is to be admired.

Don't know how I felt about the Wonder Woman/Batman love interest, but they dropped it in the last season because I guess it didn't get much traction with the fans.

Overall, the entire cast of characters was well done and I'm glad I took the time to see it.

Edge of Tomorrow review

So a few weeks ago I saw Edge of Tomorrow and I've got to say... it's probably the best movie I'll see all year.

The story is so thought-provoking and Tom Cruise is excellent as always. It's Starship Troopers meets Groundhog's Day. If it's still in theaters this week in your area, check it out. You won't regret it!

Essential Guide to the Force

Last month I decided to collect the "new" essential guide books that came out a few years back. The one I wasn't that crazy about buying was this one. Reading the summary didn't help either, I had NO interest in buying this book It was merely to complete.

Wow, did I underestimate it though.

I read it first thinking it would be the worst and it turns out it was one of the finest reads I've had in a while!

The story (yes, it's a story) takes place during the events of Legacy of the Force series after Mara Jade's death. It begins with an intro by Tionne where she describes a Great Holocron that was found a few years earlier that she's been studying. The "book" is a collection of accounts that happened in history all coming from the Holocron. And it's more than just a repetition of what's happened in the books.

They have several commentaries and accounts of other events that happened though time. I was enthralled from front to back cover of this book.

I'm almost done with the next guide now and I'll start on the last one soon so hopefully I'll have their reviews later on next weekend.

That's all for now folks!