Skip the treat and go for the trick kids! I promise you'll have more fun.

November Movie Preview!

I don't want to do this anymore....

 A Bad Mom's Christmas

If you like, I could make a fresh turd in the toilet and you can see the movie from there for free!

 Coco

I wonder what folks are going to say when this movie bombs in theaters?

 Daddy's Home 2

Redbox.....maybe....if I'm bored....really board.

 Justice League

I have a headache just looking at it. Megan will make me go but this may be worse than Batman V Superman, we'll just have to find out.

Murder on the Orient Express

Oh mylanta! This one actually looks good! I may have to check it out! I love a lot of the cast for it and the scenery looks great. Kinda hopeful over this one.

 Thor 3

This is a Marvel movie I'll happily see. All the previews for it have been great. Looking forward to seeing more!

Wonder

Megan said she's going to cry the entire time but the story has me interested so this may be another one to watch in theaters as well.

Wow. That makes 3 movies I'm interested in seeing in one month....maybe I'll keep doing this after all!

Kingdom Keepers Review (Part 4)

Can you tell I have a lot of complaints about this book?

9) Poor editing

Mistakes abound in this series. Here's a few:

- A sentence gets cut off and continued on the next line down. L
ike this.

- Periods without being spaced apart from the start of another sentence. "...into the woods.Peter decided not to..."

- Some other lines that spell check didn't catch and never did the author "And if that's the case, you have another think coming!" and "Return of the book, now!"

10) .......

Ok, I'm too tired to label these anymore, so here's a few more things that sucked in this series:

- Minnie and Mickey mouse are "silent" characters in the book who can't talk and use expressions to describe how they feel. (like the mascots in Disney World I get it) But then you have Pluto who is described as a real dog....huh?

- The moment Finn realizes his mom is "cursed" is when she uses the cuss word "Darn" in a sentence. Yes, the book establishes that his mother would never use such language as "darn"

- The SAME EXACT scene happens three times in the books to different villains.

1) Villain threatens Finn
2) Finn's had enough of the villain so he runs up and chokes them.
3) Villain panics and flees.

This happened to Malificiant, the Evil Queen and Cruella DeVille which leads me to believe the author has some unnerving thoughts on how to deal with bad woman.

- When under an evil spell, the people are described as wearing green contacts. In a later book though, its described as their eyes turning green. When the author found out about his mistake he later explained that they wear green contacts as first until their eyes turn green and then take the contacts out......ok....idiot, sure.

- This should have been under "bad character development" but the Bully at one point gets caught trying to kill one of the Keepers in their sleep. When the Keeper suddenly wakes up, the bully flees. Yet in a later book, the bully kills a hyena and is sad that he did it. Leading us to believe that this kid, who had no remorse for trying to kill a human being would feel different if it was an animal. (sigh)

- Another example of poor writing: 2 girls battle a man will a club. How they take him down is as he confronts them, one girl coughs "On three" then pats her pants leg 3 times to give the signal. All this is done right in front of the guy. The 2 girls "surprise" him with there sudden bare handed attack on a man twice their age and overpower him. Yep, the writing is that bad.

- Another example is 4 pages of dialogue where 2 boys get caught snooping around, so they have to go into this long winded excuse of how they got there, while we later find out the entire time that their opponents already know who they are and are their to stop them. Leading the reader to wonder why we had to have the 4 page scene to begin with.

- Another situation where the kids get caught, they come up with a "brilliant" excuse of playing "hide and seek" the only problem with that is they're caught in a restricted area. Good thing the people they're talking to are complete idiots and buy the cover story without further questions. (slap to the forehead)

- Another kid makes a noise while hiding and has his sneakers exposed from his hiding place. The people investigating the noise open the door, see his shoes and comment on how someone must have left them in here thinking this was "lost and found" they shut the door and go back to their business where were left wondering how stupid the author must be to think this makes any sense!

- One character gets so mad, Pearson describes him as "his vein doing the macarena" WTF Pearson, wtf.

- Book 6 ends on a cliffhanger, but Book 7 takes place years later explaining after the end of 6 everything ended up being "just fine"

- Another hilariously bad example of writing is when 2 boys are trapped by Jafar and the conversation goes like this:

Finn" Ever heard of the band the Byrds?

Jafar: No.

Finn: Really? They're really popular. They have a song called "Turn, Turn, Turn" have you heard of it?

Jafar: No.

(2 more exchanges between characters to establish Jafar doesn't listen to classic rock.)

Finn: Why it's such a classic I bet they played it on a Turn Table!

(More dialogue on what a turn table is....isn't this funny folks?!)

Finn: You know, the kind you have to put on the floor?

Anyway, what this is leading up to is Finn trying to tell the other boy that Jafar is standing over a trap door and they can "turn the tables" on him by pulling a lever sending him to his doom.

Horrible HORRIBLE writing! Like a 3rd grader had to write a paper and this is the best they could come up with.

Don't waste your time as I did on this series. It's GARBAGE through and through. Biggest waste of money I've ever had! I'll be regretting this purchase for years to come....

Ok, I'm done.

Kingdom Keepers Review (Part 3)

Happy Saturday, let's rant a little more:

6) Forgotten plot points established in previous novels

The very first chapter introduces us to Wayne. An older man who works for Disney World and is responsible for the Keepers able to visit the parks in their sleep. We're told he can't see the magic characters they can and that's why he needs their help.

Yet in book 4 he helps them battle off a fox, even grapples with it to give them a chance to defeat it. It's never explained how he could see that magic character, it was someone the author needed to jump in and save the day, without remembering what he established at the VERY BEGINING OF THE SERIES that only Keepers can see the characters.

Another one I don't quite understand but the kids uncover clues that the Disney Villains plan to take over the cruise ship "Magic" After an entire novel of trying to decipher the clues the author realizes his mistake in the next novel and quickly changes it to the "Dream" by saying the "Magic" was just to get the kids thinking about cruise ships.

Wait, what?

The ship Pearson was thinking about didn't have the amenities he was preparing to write about in the adventure. I guess it was too late to change it and upon realizing his mistake decided to just make up a reason last minute to change it.

Next example we have is Wanda. Wayne's daughter, who is later arrested on charges of violating Homeland Security. A pretty heavy accusation wouldn't you say? She's throw in jail, makes bail....and although we see the character in every adventure afterwords nothing is mentioned about her standing trial for the crime she was accused of?! It's like the author completely forgot about it and we're left to believe she's on the lamb from the FBI ever since?

7) Unbelievable and far fetched situations and circumstances

The kids have never seen Dumbo and don't know the name of Malificaint, but do know who Lou Mongello and Tai Dalma are immediately. (yeah, google them) Tai is the main villain for 2 novels and is also in a 3rd. Someone NO ONE remembers the name too but these kids know her name instantly!

There are two orphans in the series who live at home....by themselves. Thankfully no one's asked to see there parents, which is how they explain they've been able to LIVE IN A HOUSE this whole time unknown to anyone else. Um....so how can they afford all this? Are they squatters?

These questions must have been rampant on the internet because after explaining the situation, the author turned around in the next book and placed them in a shelter for girls, saying they got caught living alone and had to move in a orphanage again. Yep....because that's how it works in the real world kids!

Speaking of the girls, they also have the hilariously awful back story of being government lab rates who had special powers. One can see the future in her dreams while the other can control wind. You'd think with powers like that the government would keep them under lock and key right?

Nope! The girls explain that since the government couldn't understand how they were able to do they let them go....but keep tabs on them from time to time.

Bang my head against a brick wall NOW!

Our star "Finn" has a mother that we only see in the story where it's convenient. In one book, his Mom helps them uncover a mystery only to be cast under an evil spell and turn against the Keepers! Oh but she gets better. How? When? Who? None of those questions are answered. We're just told at the end of the book that she's fine and "getting over" the spell. Gee, thanks for being too lazy to wrap that plot point out for us.

Also used for convenient situations that make no sense, is Finn's best friend "Dillard". Who pops up whenever they need help, then disappears because the author has no use for him after that.

Which is kind of comical in some instances on the cruise ship when he literally appears out of no where (Finn doesn't know how he entered the room) saves the Keepers and has a short conversation that goes like this:

Finn: Dillard? What are you doing here?
Dillard: I just thought I could help!

Taa-daa!!! There you have it folks, reason!

Dillard then dissolves from the story until needed at the end of the book when the author had to kill someone off because the omen revealed at the beginning of the novel said "One of you will die" which we find out isn't a Keeper at all, just a kid who's mentioned in chapters where we need someone to help out.

8) A book of "Clues" that lead no where

One thing this books beats to death is unlocking hidden clues everyone in the park. Everything from anagrams to cryptograms are used in this series and the whole time you have to wonder why. WHY would Wayne give clues to where he was being held captive that were so random?

In one book he's clues revealed this: Find a ride, get on the ride to discover a time and date so you could figure out what was coming on the Disney Channel at that time....so you could watch Dumbo, so you could get another clue, so that you can find a sword that points you to a direction I'm in.....where I'm sending Morse code out of the entire time.

No joke. That's what the entire book led up to.

Another time Wayne gave them a warning "Do not trust everyone in your group" Turns out the message should have been "Don't trust me...the bad guys made a hologram as me that will say "give up" at a crucial time in the climax of the story where it will make no sense to my already established character and you kids would have to have the IQ of a turnip to fall for it"

See you Sunday!

Kingdom Keepers Review (Part 2)

Ok, had to break this review up, because there's  lot to complain about. Let's get back at it shall we?

4) Pacing of the books

The pacing it off completely. The first 2 books focus solely on specific parks. The Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. The third book focuses on Epcot but the last half of it on Hollywood Studios. I guess this was because the author had a 3 book deal and didn't know he was going to write anymore, so I forgave it.

But when the fourth book comes out with art from Hollywood Studios on it you'd think Pearson would explore Hollywood Studios next right? Nope! It's in two chapters and done! Pearson had PLENTY of rides to talk about because in book 3 he only mentions the Fantasmic show. But rides like the Tower of Terror, Rock N Rollercoaster, Star Tours, Back Lot Tour (which would have done wonders for the story plotine as the children are exploring the "secrets" within Disney) and Lights, Camera, Action! shows are all ignored.

To make matters worse, the final book is the only one in the series that's written in present tense the whole time! Seriously throwing the tempo of the book out of line with the series.


5) BAD Writing

I've never written a novel before but I'm certain I could've done better. Here's a few examples of what you read in the book:

- A 13 year old telling his mother he's "Famished" Like any kid talks like that.

- "Don't get your BVD's in a bundle" is a line said to one of the kids. (these books were written within the past 8 years)

- Real (and unpopular) video games are mentioned in the books, I can only guess it came from the author asking his own kids what they were playing at the time because there are some serious "Where did he get that title name?" moments in the series.

- Constantly breaking the "4th" wall by letting the reader now that books were made of the Kingdom Keepers adventures that are for sale at the parks today. (That's right kids, what you're reading could be true!!)

- In one scene a snake comes back through a kid's dream from Disney World and appears in his room ready to strike! The boy's father enters to ask what the commotion is all about and the kid (instead of showing him the snake) tries to make another excuse for his outburst because....(get this) he doesn't want his dad to get suspicious of his secret magical trip to the Magic Kingdom while he sleeps. But wait, there's a f#@*#^$ snake in your room. Can't you just tell him that and explain the whole thing?!

- There's a smart kid in the books "Philby" who the book goes back and forth calling him "Professor Philby" on and off because the kids think he's a smarty pants. The kids rarely call him this. The writing goes like this:

Philby turned to the group "I don't think that's how it works"

"What do you mean?" Charlene responds.

Professor Philby points at the chart "According to this, it would be higher."

"How can you tell?" Finn said.

Philby laughs "It's what I do!"

Why was he mentioned as "professor" in the next sentence then back to "Philby" in the next? Was the author enjoying his cocaine break at the moment this chapter was written?!?

- Focus shifts in the middle of the action. The Keepers will be in deep dialogue with the main villain and all of the sudden have a talk about what they plan to do next. It's like someone hit pause and the villain is standing there letting the characters insult and chide each other while coming up for a solution to their predicament. I had to wonder at times why the villain just sat there for 4 pages while the heroes took the time to converse with one another.

Geez, I gotta continue this one over the weekend. See you then!

Kingdom Keepers Review (Part 1)

Last year on our anniversary trip to Disney Land, Megan and I came across this series in one of the stores off main street. I as initially intrigued by this imaginary tale of kids getting stuck in the park after dark where Disney Magic comes to life. I thought it was a cool idea for a series and even Megan said she was interested in reading.

My plan was to gift her these last Xmas and we could read them together but I forgot about them until a way after, so instead gave them to her as an anniversary present for this year!.....which by then she'd forgotten all about them and had no interest whatsoever in reading them. But I was still wanting to read them so I did.

Here is my summary review: It sucked. Bad.

Never could I have imagined the series would be so awful. The reviews online had been glowing, but I soon discovered they were written by Disney "Zombies" who accept any crap on a plate that's given to them. These was beyond horrible.

Believe me, I was prepared for some bad things. Like cliches such as "The real power is within your heart" along with silly mumbo jumbo magic to explain bad plot points. But I still thought it'd be entertaining.....it was not.

Now let me go into detail. I'll use bullet points to make this easier on the eyes, because there is a LOT wrong with this series. (WARNING: SPOILERS!)

1) Trying to mix Science with Magic

In the book the kids are modals for holograms that are used as Guides to Disney World's park. But at night (when the kids fall asleep) they are magically transferred into their hologram selves into the park. If the author had left it as simple as that I would have been ok, but he felt the need to explain how holograms work.

He also had the kids turning into their human selves while asleep and their hologram selves while awake, all the while making up reasons for why this could happen. (but it only happened for certain characters in the novel. Not all the kids were able to do this)

The author attributes this in the poorest way possible by basically saying the other kids "Don't try hard enough", thanks genius. 

But the Author Ridley Pearson, insist on reminded his audience that science can explain even magic! One example is the kids set up a computer program which can block them from entering the Magic Kingdom whenever they fall asleep.

But hold on, we're told in the first chapter that "magic" is the reason the kids transport...yet a computer program can stop....magic.....yeah.

2) Poor character development

There are 5 kids at first and you really only can tell apart 2. The author does a terrible job making you care about a single one of them and you find out that the main character is the only one you have interest in, though it's not much since he's boring as well. Characters are described in bland generic ways in each novel.

Finn is the leader, Philby is the "smart" one, Charlene the "cute" one, Maybeck.....um....can't recall, Willa.....is a girl and there's a bully at school who is constantly described as "dumb" with pimples all over his face and built like a refrigerator. (We're told this in every book he's in)

3) Too much pandering to the fans

It's clear Pearson read each and every complaint about his books online from the fans. Because some of the "retcons" he made in future novels reek of desperation in giving the fans what they originally wanted.

Finn's love interest, bounces around to almost the entire cast of woman as the author's taking a poll on who the fans want him to be with the most. He's given a girlfriend in the first few novels, only to break it off in a terribly written excuse. Here's the just of it:

Amanda: Do you like ____?
Finn: No.
Amanda: Yes you do! (runs away)
Finn: ......?

I'm not kidding. That's almost word for word how it went down. Sure they come back again in later novels, but you're like "What the heck was that about?!" I can only imagine it was a group of teenie boppers complaining about their being together in the first place so the author (not having a clue how break ups work) changed the direction of both characters within 2 pages of written dialogue.

Another examples are characters doing a 180 from one book to the next. Stitch, in an early novel is described as the bad guy, who is chasing the heroes. Obviously, Stitch fans were not happy about that so in the next novel the author explains it all (in 2 pages) that Stitch was under a curse at the time and wasn't responsible for his actions. He even helps the Keepers briefly before he's never heard from again. (Happy now fans?!"

Ok, that's it for now, I'll write more about this later...

Underworld Review

I've always been curious about this series but never took the time to watch it. Finally did last month and wanted to give my thoughts on the series as a whole.

It's exactly what I thought it would be. A cool idea about Vampires vs Werewolves that Hollywood completely botched. Too many cliches to mention, this is a very poor cut and dried version of what could be a much better story.

The only movie out of the 5 that was half way entertaining was the 3rd movie, which served as a prequel to the others. The rest were straight up garbage. Difficult to watch and outright BORING.

Don't waste your time on this series and if you have already....I feel your pain.

Loser...

I put myself on the waiting list to see if I could score BGG Con tickets for next month....today I got an email telling me they were available for me now.

At this point I'd be jumping up and down around the house screaming with joy....but there's no joy in Mudville because I just struck out. Thanks to work I'll be gone for the next 4 weeks and will miss the convention. I HATE this!!! I've always wanted to attend the con in the Fall, guess I'll have to press my luck for next year.

Man this sucks!!

Strays by Remy Wilkins

Looks like my little brother made a book that's available on Amazon for pre-order and due out Oct 31st.

He's worked really hard for this and I'm excited to see it finally come to fruition! I look forward to reading it myself!

If you want to check it out and get a copy for yourself, follow the link here and let me know what you think when it comes out!

Writing Styles I hate

I love to read. But there's certain writing styles I just don't like. I'm not sure what the exact name for each is officially called so I'll be explaining it in my own words.

1) "Dear Diary"

This is where the author writes everything in first person so it makes it feel like your reading someone's personal account of the events as they take place. A lot of classics like Dracula, Frankenstein and Jekyll and Hyde did this. It was great for them....boring today. I won't read any new book written this way no matter how good I hear it is.

Example? Take "Ready Player One" before a movie was announced I'd heard GREAT things about this book and was interested in reading it. But when I discovered it was first person, I promptly returned it back to the library before finishing the first chapter.

2) "Commentating"

I seem to find this way of writing the new niche for authors to do. I'm reading 2 series at the moment (which I should review very soon) One is the Walking Dead novels which I tolerate because the story interest me. But the other just started it on their last book in a 7 Part series and you can tell the author was so influenced by the style he decided to change it for the last book in the series. (which I thought was a terrible idea since it's the finale and really downplays the action and tempo established in the books prior)

This style is like reading a sports commentator as he reports the events as they happen.Example sentences would run like this:

Mike runs to the door. "Who is it?" Mike says. 

The person behind the door says "Guess!"

Mike looks confused and says "How could I possibly do that?"

The person behind the door is turning the knob and says "This writing style really sucks doesn't it?"

Ok, just my "old man" gripe for the day. Have a good one folks!

100 episodes later...

NO SPOILERS

Just a quick note to say...that was ALL they had for us after 100 episodes?! It was awful! This episode won't even rank among the Top 20 in the shows running history. Hardly any story, no resolution or direction to where the season will go from here. Just explosions on the screen.

Really sad how far this show has fallen. Megan's the only reason I'm watching from this point on. If she loses interest in watching, this'll fall off my "watch list"

MIke Callaway and the Mets

With Terry Collins calling it quits earlier this month I was worried about who'd take over as skipper for my Mets. Then we announced Mike Callaway.

I have nothing against the man but there's replacing Collins in my opinion. The Mets were more than happy to let Terry go (though he'll continue working in the back office) as Skipper for the Mets he did great. Injuries are what killed us this season but Terry agreed with management and now we're stuck with someone everyone talks nice about but hasn't done much to in ways of leading a team.

Sure the Indians are doing well but Francona is the main explanation for that. Not his staff. I'm doubtful for next year but am holding out to see if what's out there in form of free agents we can get over the winter season.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see!

YES!

Anyone but the Yankees....I'm so happy.

Death Note

On a friends recommendation I decided to give this Netflix original movie a chance. It stars no one of importance save William Defoe, who plays the demon. This is also the only reason I decided to give it a shot.

The movie looks scary but it's more thought provoking than terrifying. I enjoyed this a lot actually and since it is the Halloween season this may not be a bad movie to recommend if you ever get bored and have nothing else to watch on Netflix.

Give it a try.

Board game cull

Ok, so this isn't what my actual collection looks like but I'm too lazy to take a picture, email, download then upload here so this'll have to do.

On top of donating clothes to hurricane victims I was also blessed with the opportunity to donate games. I donated 25 games, mostly classic games and kiddie games I knew would be played. Nothing to advanced or off beat because I know the casual gamer would shy away from such things. It helped out with space on my shelf and even though I still have games stacked on the floor, I'm happy with the end result for the same reasons I listed yesterday.

My room can't fit another shelf in it, I'm all out of wall space. Going forward it looks like either my books or games will have to start moving into another room. Speaking of books, I also have a stack on the floor as well without a shelf home, so something's got to happen eventually.

I look back on past YouTube videos of my room from only a few years ago and marvel at how empty it used to be and how it slowly grew this packed in such a short time! Really only a year. But I guess that's what happens when you pick up a hobby you enjoy.

There's only a hand full of games in my collection I'd be willing to part with, but overall I'm happy with how it stands for now.

Clothing Cull

Earlier this year I talked about how I had too many clothes for my closet and drawers. Well last month I solved that issue when my local gym was doing a clothing run for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Let me tell you, it felt good and 2 ways. One I was helping those in need and secondly I was helping myself clean out my closet!

Oh and don't think I donated ratty clothes either. Of the 100 items of clothing donated roughly 60% had never been worn with another 30% only being worn once. Most of those clothes my family has been giving me for years (though I've begged them not to gift me any) was given and my drawers are no longer busting at the seems.

Now to some folks, this would mean I'm free to buy new clothes? At least one or two new shirts to fill in the gap? Nope! I still have PLENTY left over and no plans to buy any more. To tell the truth, I could do this again with another 50 pair, but we'll cross that bridge when the next donation drive comes along.

Why not give the thrift stores or Goodwill you say? Because I know they won't use it all. Hurrican victims have no house and no possessions (usually) so I know they can use every bit of things that are donated. I'm just glad everything's found a home.

Spiderman trilogy movie review

It's been years since I've re-watched these. Possible since they were in theaters. I recently watched them again to see how the held up and I'm happy to say they did!

Homecoming, is still great but this original series is not to be underestimated. Even the 3rd one, which suffers from bad casting (Topher Grace as Venom) and a crammed Venom storyline is actually really good. I would even argue it's the best of the trilogy!

Sam Raimi does a fantastic job delivering a series of popcorn films to enjoy. William Defoe is great as the Green Goblin even though his costume is TERRIBLE and makes him look like a Power Rangers reject. 2 is good as well but probably my least favorite of the three.

So just in case you were curious, there you have it folks!

Opening Night

I don't usually go to movies on opening night because I hate the crowds and waiting in line for over an hour just to get a decent seat. It sucks.

But when Megan and I went to a movie last month on opening night I did forget one of the best things about it. The experience of hearing the entire crowd, cheer, laugh, scream and applaud. It not something you get with any other group.

Don't get me wrong, I still like going a week after the crowd's have died down but that one thing is the only reason it makes it worth going to the theater on opening night. 

Gold review

After adding it to my que last month, I finally was able to get around to seeing Matthew McConaughey's movie Gold. A movie based off real life events about a company back in '93 who fooled the world into thinking they'd discovered the biggest gold mine in history.

It's an interesting story to tell and McConaughey was great as always in it. You plot line keeps you interested the whole time and they never go over the top with the story.

Pretty good and worth your time if you're looking for something to watch on Netflix!

Have a good weekend folks!

TV Re-watch list

Time for the list for TV shows!

 I Love Lucy

Dang I love this show! I've only watched it all the way through once and that's when I was in (and writing) the Lucy themed dinner theatre's. Now that I'm thinking of writing another, I'd love another watch through this series.

 Batman '66

It's not just Adam West passing away that wants me to revisit this series again, I just loved it my first time through and look forward to reliving it again! I loved it as a kid but now as an adult this show is even better!

 Stargate

Not just SG-1 but I'd also like to re-watch the Movie, Atlantis, SGU and TV movies too! It's going to take a while seeing that's 18 full seasons of a TV show with 4 movies but I'm willing to go the distance once again!

Spartacus

Just saw it last year but am ready for a second go! LOVE this series.

That's my list, what's yours?

That's all folks!

With Cleveland out of the race, I don't have anyone to cheer for anymore except any team playing the Yanks. Sucked how they fell apart in the end, but that's what MLB Playoffs are all about.


ANYBODY but the Yankees, PLEASE!!!

Movie re-watch list

Time to talk about what movies I'd like to re-watch again!

 Ice Pirates

An old 80s sci-fi adventure that we usd to watch all the time on TBS as kids. I have it on DVD and forgot to bring it to the beach with us this year or this would've been watched by now.

 Karate Kid Trilogy

With the new TV series coming out next year you better believe this'll be re-watched by then. Another set of movies I was supposed to bring to the beach trip this year but forgot.

 Battle Royale

I've been hankering to see this one again for a while. Subtitled but extremely good. Never saw the sequel. Heard it sucked and didn't care. But this one....solid movie.

Godfather Trilogy

Megan has no desire to see this or it would have been watched last year. I plan on making through the trilogy by the end of the year by myself.

That's my list, what's yours?

Re-Read list

Today I thought I'd share my list of books I want to Re-Read!

C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy

Loved it the first time through and even though I've read his Narnia Chronicles several times I have yet to re-read these! That's why it's made the list!

 Calvin and Hobbes

One of the best X-mas presents I ever received! I loved reading through these and it's definitely worth my time to read through them again!

Bone

Such a great series. I've already read through it twice and already am I wanting to read it again. I even plan on reading all the prequel and sequel stories too!

That's my list, what's yours?

Top 5 Burgers in Monroe

As you know, I love me some burgers. I've already given my Top 5 burgers of all time but today I'd like to talk about the best local burgers here in town!

5) The Creamery

Local ice cream and burger joint that makes a mean burger! One of their secrets is butter...lots of butter...and that's a good thing!

4) Pickle Barrel

Great place for burger of any kind. It was the first place where I had a fried egg on a burger. Simply AMAZING!

3) Fieldhouse

These folks make a superb burger! I keep forgetting to visit them because they're not in the best location for traffic but I plan on making a trip there again soon!

2) Magic Grill

Just ate there today and LOVE their burgers! Juicy, big and a lot of bang for your buck! The service is probably the best out of all the others on the list.

1) Five Guys

 The best in town and the best overall. Love everything about this place! So happy we have one in our area!

Indiana Jones Novels

So I've gotten a chance to read the first 2 books in the Indiana Jones series. I never read these growing up but was always interested in what they were like. A friend of mine gave me them to read some time back and after lending them to a friend (who didn't read them) I was finally able to finish both books.

While not quite on par with the Star Wars Expanded Universe, I actually enjoyed these stories of a younger Indy, starting off with his first teaching job at a University and getting into trouble as always! The books are pretty good and one day I might set out to get the whole collection, which wouldn't cost much since not that many were made.

Decent books, worth my time!

Have a great weekend folks!

The Thing review

Welcome to October! And it's time for some scary movies! I re-watched the Thing recently and forgot how totally awesome this movie is! If I'd have seen this movie back when it came out I would have been scarred for life! What a fantastic story of a research team in Antarctica that comes across an alien species that can slowly morph into whatever it devours. 

Horrifying. 

If you haven't seen this old classic before I highly recommend you checking it out!

NL Wild Card thoughts

Wow! What a game! Every time I thought the Rockies were out of it, they jumped back in! But the Diamondbacks were finally able to put them away in the 8th but oh what a game! Hats off to the Rockies though. They didn't quit and played hard the entire time.

It's a shame someone had to lose this one. I love both teams and now that it's over the only team I'm cheering for in the NL is Arizona. I hate the Nationals, Cubs and Dodgers, so they're my only hope.

What's there chances of making it all the way? Not good. But you never know when it comes to the playoff season.

AL Wild Card thoughts

I really hate the Yankees. Now that the Twins are out that leaves only one team to cheer for, Cleveland. The Indians are the only team I want to see going to the big show. That's going to be hard seeing how lucky the Red Sox and Yankees have been this year and how good the Astros are.

But when it boils down to it....anyone but the Yankees.

Helloboy Movies review

Last month I got to re-watch both Hellboy movies again. I hadn't seen them since they were in theaters and was worried if they'd hold up after so long.

Oh man...do they ever. I think the sequel is even better than the first! I'm sad to hear the newest movie coming out will be a reboot because I really enjoyed the look, feel and characters of the old. But we live in a day of "reboots" so sadly nothing's allowed to continue regardless of how good it is.

Lawn Mower complaint

This is more of an "old man" complaint than anything but I really hate my bag mower. They suck. I got the first one thinking it would be awesome but all it does it clog up in the front and take longer for you to mow the grass.

When I got a new one a few years ago the salesman talked me into getting a newer one because "they work better now"

Biggest lie I've ever heard. STILL had the same issues as before. Yet I can't justify buying a new one because this one still works. And now that another mowing season has finally died down I can only sit and think about getting a new one for next year....but I know it won't happen.

Sigh.

Most comic ads

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=10358779#editor/target=post;postID=5769742747940112626

It's been a while since I've posted ads from my old comics but that's because a lot of them have been repetitive. But last week I came across a new one promoting "Mario Brothers" from Atari. Though it was interesting to see this old ad of Mario and Luigi before they were "Super"