April Movie Preview

........

Yep! That's about it! NO MOVIES!! HOLLYWOOD IS DEAD!

(About Time)

Say goodbye to the economy

The longer we stayed shut down as a whole, the more it's going to destroy small businesses. This crisis is literally  death sentence for them. The longer it goes the more business's go under. Big business can wait this sort of thing out.

Heck, Hollywood's sitting on billions even they'll be ok in the long run but all the others? That's why it's imperative we return to BAU as soon as possible. Now of course we have to wait out this out but for how long? Stay-at-home orders are showing horrible results only Sweden is showing a slow growth of the virus but then again...they aren't closing any stores or ordering stay-at-homes.

Now that seems to be a little risky gamble but so far it's paid off. Their economy is still moving along. The question is, will it work out for them in the long run? G

Guess we'll have to wait and see.....at home.

30 more days at home

Well...this sucks.

Every Picture Tells a story (6)

Hey folks! Here we are with another picture! This time it's me fooling around with an old buddy of my Jad Saliba. I was even in the dude's wedding we were so close at one point.

I don't talk to him anymore, though I did ask him to be in my wedding he couldn't make it due to work. So where is he now?

Well, he developed an amazing software that he sold to the Canadian police force and became a multi-millionaire! I'm really proud and happy for him and wish we could reconnect but my phone calls and emails were never returned. So either he's forgotten about me or just moved on in life.

Oh well! Still happy for him regardless. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!

What happens to travel when this pandemic is over?

I wonder.

Cruise ships are going to be giving the deepest discounts after all the horror stories about them in the news lately. No way they bounce back from this quickly.

Planes would be 2nd. Delta, United and American won't bend a knee to the customer now that they have bail out money coming their way, but they'll give out some crumbs and wait it out until people, once again flock to their monopolies.

Hotels should be giving away rooms once this crisis clears. But they'll bounce back quicker than most others.

Destinations? They'll be the first ti fill up. The MOMENT Disney World announces their opening dates the parks will be flooded. As will other places. I don't see them having any issues getting back in the swing of things.

I do think travel overall will be slow for the next year or so. Me? I plan on traveling VERY soon after things begin to return to normal. But that's because I can't stand being cooped up for so long. But their are others who are going to let this thing spook them as travel is concerned for quite some time.

Bail Out Boos

Not really that keen on giving some of the most hated companies in the US a bail out. To be honest, the major airlines (Delta, United and American) have nothing but disdain for the customer. They're awful. They deserve to go belly up.

Now I disagreed with the Dems when they handed a bailout for the banks and now (ironically) they're against giving a "bail out" to the people...and I agree with them.

Dems don't want to give money to the middle class because that's not who they serve. Big banks and big companies is their boss. Reps were right to say "No" to the first bailout but they're dead wrong about giving a bailout to the people.

It's a bad idea.

I get it. You're trying to save the economy. It's on the verge of tanking and you can't think of anything better to do than print dollar bills. Good for you. Now we sink deeper into debt which, in the long run, is terrible.

As for the economy? That's a completely different beast to tackle.

Falling Prices

Just saw gas prices drop to $1.52 today. I remember when they were $1.19 when I said "I'll never pay this price again" Little did I know that'd be true but for the wrong reasons!

Will they drop back to those levels again? I doubt it. But it will be interesting to see how low they'll go.....I'll keep you updated.

State quarantine requirments

Funny how the states that were against building a wall are now imposing self quarantines to people coming into their own state. Some were even banning refugees from another state but that has since been rescinded.

And a lot of countries are keeping people completely away from entering their borders though. 

Don't get me wrong. I don't think every country should erect walls but it's funny in times like this people begin to see the point.

I just wonder how international travel is going to change after all this. I'm thinking it will dramatically.

Stay at home effective?

Looks like it's not working. Italy is suffering from more and more cases and the US (after instigating multiple stay-at-home orders) is now #1 in cases.

Doesn't look like it matters much whether we stay in or out. Makes you wonder what was the point.

I wonder who they'll try to blame when April 13th comes around and it's evident the new orders aren't working?

Thankfully, we're still holding strong at that 95% mild condition rate. So that's nice to know. Also, we passed 150,000 recoveries so more silver lining that we're going to make it through in the end.

Hope everyone continues to stay safe and enjoy time with your families!

Let the good deeds begin

Today I came into possession of a surplus of paper towels. (a rare commodity these days) I donated them to families and couples in the neighborhood who'd told me they needed some.

It's funny to think how such a simple gift most times can mean so much to some one in this time of panic. I'm happy I had an opportunity to give a little to the community around me and can't wait for the opportunity to give me.

It's times like this where "giving" is more important than ever. It demonstrates how we should all act in moments such as this.

So if you have extra and know someone in need. Give a little. It makes a bigger difference today than it ever has.

Correction

Need to make an update on an earlier post where I stated the virus only kills 5% of the time. I was wrong. It's 4%.

Sad that's all the media focuses on these days. Why they refuse to report anything but stories of sheer terror is just to keep you tuned in. So if you contract the virus you'll be happy to know the survival rate is 96%.

Waste of resources

I hate perfectly healthy people walking around wearing masks. They're wasting resources that are desperately needed elsewhere. I was listening to a doctor today explaining why these people aren't protecting themselves at all.

Outside the UV rays from the sun is a natural disinfectant. You're safest out in the sun, no need for a mask. Plus, if someone coughed on you, you'd probably contract the virus either way because it can come into contact with the unprotected areas on your face.

But this scare has everyone thinking about themselves and not others. That's why I'm proud to currently involved in an effort to create and delivery extra masks to the hospitals that need it.

Every Picture Tells a story (5)

No, it's not what you think. Well....maybe. My buddy and I used to dress up as the Scream guy and prank the highschool kids who would hang out in the Rite Aid parking lot. (remember, this was before everyone had a cell phone and the internet was relatively new)

I'd drive us up to them in the car while my buddy would jump out in the costume and dance. Fun stuff. I have no idea why we enjoyed doing this every weekend but we even RECORDED these excursions in my camcorder back in the day. Sadly, that footage is way gone now. This photo of us going out before a "raid" may be the only evidence I have left.

This was fun....think I'll do it again next week. Have a good weekend folks!

Every Picture Tells a story (4)

Ah! Backyard wrestling folks!BIG in the late 90's and early 2000's me and my friend were all about it. Here's a photo of the first ever match we had! It took place in Detroit where yours truly took home the championship belt.

The belt would move around to 4 other states and different countries before coming back home to me in the end. I still carry the belt in the trunk of my car as the rule states that I could be challenged for the belt at any time during my travels.

Too my knowledge, the tag team and Lightweight champ do the same as well to this day. I'm also the undefeated Hardcore Champion since the rule states that the person who takes the biggest bump (fall or daring maneuver) always wins it.

Maybe one day I'll give up my titles....but it'd have to be to someone half my age since I don't think any of my friends would be up to doing this any more. : )

Every Picture Tells a story (3)

You know those summer camps your parents sent you to as a kid? I went to them all the time and to be honest, it was always the highlight of my year. SO many friends we met and made at those, I couldn't wait to go when summer came around.

This particular pic was fun because we were helping girls with their bags and it was the ONLY time men were allowed in the girls dorm rooms. (during the first half of the day of arrival. But they weren't allowed to stay and had to immediately leave once the bags were brought in to the room.

When we got to this room someone had already unpacked so it looked lived in. I joked it'd be funny if we all took a picture of us in the girls dorm room and told folks we'd snuck in one night.

I was joking of course and wanted ZERO evidence of something that would get me in hot water. However, my friends were so pumped about it, they tackled me on the bed for a photo. There was later and yelling but it does make for quite the memory over time.

Every Picture Tells a story (2)

The first wedding where we "kids" were the groomsmen, sitting all the adults. My good friend Patrick got married and we all found it amazing that we "kids" were the wedding party. Pretty soon that became a regular thing and now, I think my little brother's wedding will be the last one I'm ever a part of.

Now I'M the old man watching "kids" get married. Wild how time flies. I remember the night before there wasn't enough room in the hotel for all of us to sleep in a bed and since I arrived last to the hotel (due to work) I had to sleep on the floor without a pillow or covers. One of the worst nights of sleep I'd ever gotten! NOT fun.

A dangerous lesson

One of the worst things that's happening during this crisis is that people are encouraged to practice distancing themselves from others. I can only guess this is because (heaven forbid) they work on having good hygiene.

Why this is dangerous is because it causes breakdowns in communication, which is essential to our way of living. This whole "social distancing" might be nice but in the long run it's the least effective method of combating the virus.

Here's to hoping a hearty handshake or a hug stand the test of time in the end.

Working from home

Due to the new State law in effect, I'm confined to working from home until the disease blows over.

I find this funny because the measures we took last week (which were supposed to work) didn't and WE'RE being blamed for it!!!

They said because people weren't taking it seriously, they had to enforce stricter rules. I don't know of ONE person who wasn't taking it seriously. We didn't go shopping around like we usually do. We stayed at home. Practice at the theater was cancelled, even though there were way less than 50 people included (I think all in all we are 21) BUT NOW they blame us for not taking things seriously.

I swear, next week they'll have the military enforcing a complete shut in when this next measure doesn't work either.

But don't mind me...I'm just pissed I have to work from home for the next few weeks.....going to be a long few weeks.....(sigh)

Outright Panic

I love how this virus has more misinformation going around it than truth. At work I heard from a lot of folks who only talk about the 5% of serious cases in the news....yet embellished a great deal more.

From "You'll never be able to breathe properly again afterwards" to "You know they're burning the homeless when they contract the disease now?" and "They say it never leaves your system and you're stuck with the disease for over a year"

Not kidding. And some of those words came from people I used to respect too.

But one day (hopefully soon) everyone will calm down and feel very embarrassed that they believed all this hogwash in the first place.

Hoarding

I hate all the panic and misinformation going out about this virus. But the hoarding....ha! What a bunch of morons.

Yes. Buy a Y2K's supply of toilet paper. Losers. We bought one pack a couple of weeks ago and it's still going to be good until next month.

hoarding fresh meat? Good luck! Hope you have a big freezer or the meat will go bad before you know it.

Morons.

But the grocery stores aren't complaining. Oh no. This is Christmas time for them! Don't worry folks, they're paying double time to get more stock to you idiots to purchase.

Good side of this is maybe I'll win more auctions on eBay now since some bozo decided to spend his entire paycheck on bread.

Probably to make sandwiches with all that meat he bought....and all that meat....hmmm...maybe it was a good idea to stock up on toiler paper!

Every Picture Tells a story (1)

Thought I'd share some old pics of me from back in the day and tell the story behind them. I recently went through one of my old photo albums and had to laugh!

First one I wanted to share was this pretty rare photo of 4 of the 5 Wilkins boys together. (we didn't pose much for other people but the girl in the photo asked for it so we did.

First off, look at my pants. They're WAY too big for me and the belt looks like it's wrapped around my waist twice. I don't have that problem any more! But the glasses....gez. Can you tell it's the early 2000's when this was taken?

The real mystery is why we're all wearing khakis and not jeans. Really weird. I don't know why that was. Even though you can't tell, I'm pretty sure my brother Jordan (to the first left) is wearing cargo shorts.

See you tomorrow with another one!

The statistics

Well here I am, finally having to work from home.

Not happy, but I'll talk about that later.

Did you know 95% of cases are mild and only 5% are critical. Funny how the media only focuses on the 5% of cases around the world.....

Attack on the Church

It's wild that people want to shutter churches during this time of wide spread panic, yet they insist grocery stores must remain open due to being a "necessity" of life.

There are hundreds of people inside grocery stores these days. Way more than the recommended amount of people by the CDC. And they aren't standing 6 feet apart either while they're in line.

No one has an issue with that but when you say you're going to church you hear "Why are you putting yourself and others at risk?!"

What an upside down world we're living in these days. 

Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (Review)

Due to the success of the first film, Disney decided to double dip and green light a sequel to their hit film. I remember only watching this once as a kid. I was so excited to find they'd made a sequel but have no recollection of what it was about. (unlike the first film)

Well....now I know why. The only returning characters for the film are the comedic duo of Don Knotts and Tim Conway. All the others had better things to do with their time. It's sad because the sequel misses the heart of the first one and relies solely on slap stick "stooge" comedy the entire film. I'm sure audiences loved it back in the day but it doesn't make the film age well.

On this one I have to say take a hard pass.

Have a great weekend folks!

What the news ISN'T telling you about Coronavirus

OK, let's address the elephant in the room. This panic over Coronavirus needs to stop. The news is responsible for starting this panic and it's only getting worse.

First off, it's true if you're elderly or suffer health conditions you are are serious risk. But the same conditions go for the flu and that's what no one is saying.

"I don't want coronavirus because I visit/see my grandparents all the time and I want to protect them" Good. Did you get a flu shot? If not, you're a hypocrite because more people die due to the flu than Coronavirus.

Wanna see some fun facts?

1) To date, over 86,000 people have fully recovered from the corona virus and are in good health. 
2) Once recovered it is impossible to spread the disease.
3) A majority of people who have the virus hardly realize due to most cases being severely light.
4) This strain of coronavirus IS NOT as deadly as previous coronaviruses. It only spreads faster.
5) Currently over 9,000 deaths have been attributed to coronavirus. An estimated 55,000 people died from the flu last year.
6) Right now there are over 203,000 cases of the coronavirus. Last year there were 24 million cases of the flu
7) Coronavirus rocked China? 1 out of every 175,000 people in China were infected. 

So chill out. Wash the nasty of your hands. Stop stockpiling at the grocery stores. Cough into your sleeve or tissue. And stop being stupid.

Have a nice day.

Apple Dumpling Gang (Review)

One of the things I love about Disney+ is their classic movies they have on the site. One of the ones I'm glad I decided to re-watch was the family film Apple Dumpling Gang. I forgot Bill Bixby was in it and Don Knotts and Tim Conway (who share the cover) are hardly in it.

Bill Bixby is solid in the film. It's actually better than I remember it being back when I was a kid! If you're the same as me, you probably should give this one a try with your kids (if you have them) It's a fun ride!

Zombieland 2 Review

After loving the first one I couldn't wait to see the sequel (though 10 years later) The story continues the tale of our heroes plus a few new fun characters to keep it fresh.

Woody Harrison is fantastic and I loved how the little girl from the first one was hardly in this one because she'd grown up and grown out too. So they largely ignored her in this film, giving her a throw away story line to keep her out of the main story and bring in someone newer and better looking.

There's even some after credits scenes that are hilarious and tie to the first film. Overall, a very enjoyable sequel, though I don't believe they should make any more after this. If you loved the first movie you'll like this one as well. 

Happy St Patty's Day!

Have fun drinking your lime sodas!

....that is what people do on this holiday right?

Darkwing Duck Review

Another Disney+ cartoon series down. Back in the day Darkwing Duck used to be my favorite cartoon out of the entire Disney Afternoon lineup! I remember shortly after college trying it again on Netflix (back when it was a DVD service)

It wasn't that good. But this time around I was hoping I was too harsh on it. After all, Talespin was much better than I expected it to be. But no, this series is a flop.

Not very good and barely beats out Rescue Rangers to avoid being the worst of the Disney Afternoon cartoons.

Too bad too because it has such potential to be more than what it ended up becoming. It's origins of how it came to become a cartoon are pretty interesting.

At first it was supposed to be a 007-like cartoon but the head honchos at Disney made them rethink the idea as a superhero series instead. Though you can still tell they held on to the secret agent story arc as DW is constantly working with the secret government agency S.H.U.S.H battling the evil agents of F.O.W.L.

Even the original name "Double-O-Duck" is worked into an episode as an inside joke from the creators.

Cool fun fact, they based Darkwing Duck off the Duck Tales episode "The Masked Mallard" where Scrooge McDuck moonlighted as a superhero in an episode. Pretty neat.

This cartoon takes place within the Duck Tales world as well. Launchpad McQuack serves as DW's sidekick. Gizmo Duck makes a few guest appearances in the series and it even has cameos from Fluntheart, Cruella Dispell and the Beagal Boys.

It ALSO connects to Rescue Rangers since "Coo-coo Cola" exists in this world. Coo-coo cola originated from an episode of Rescue Rangers where a cult of mice worshiped ad bathed in the soda. Funny they made that connection as well.

But as for quality? Don't look here. Darkwing Duck doesn't have it.

Firefly Unification War Vol 2 (Review)

I think I may be done with these comics. They're unimaginative and bring nothing new to the dynamic of story arcs for the characters. All they are is just a retread of things you saw in the TV show and movie.

The only interesting comic came out years ago that focused on things that happened after the movie but ever since then, all they've wanted to do is cling to the past.

These comics aren't worth it. From here on out I'm just getting the books. At least there's an effort to make those feel unique.

Have a good weekend folks!

Doctor Sleep Review

Finally got to see this sequel to the Shining. I'd heard so-so reviews so I went in with low expectations.

I ended up loving this film. Though nothing compared to the first one it's a pretty decent sequel, all things considered. I was surprised how good it was. It's not scary but it's engaging and fun to see the call backs from the first film.

I love Ewan McGregor and he did a fine job playing an older Danny Torrence.

Well worth your time if you passed it up in theaters. Give this one a shot!

Honey We Shrunk Ourselves Review

The first one was a classic, the second not so much and the third?

I'd never seen this one. It was the first Live -Action Sequel Disney released to home video when they were starting to discover a new market in Direct to video movies.

Originally this was set to be released in theaters but after the success of the Aladdin sequels they decided to check and see if the same magic would work for live action.

Though not the first movie, I'd kind of put this on par with the 2nd movie. Not good but not awful either. Sure it's cheaper due it's diminished budget but overall it's always good to see Rick Moranis in this classic role. (though his wife was recast, sadly)

Should you watch it? Probably not. Keep with the first one, forget all the sequels.

Talespin Review

Oh man....this cartoon is good....I mean...I think I like it better than Duck Tales! Watching it through for the 2nd time made me realize how rich these characters and world so interesting.

It takes place roughly in the 40's. Only Radio exists no TV. I really liked that idea and didn't notice before how the design of the cartoon fit the era so well.

Fun story, the real voice actor for Baloo was 85 years old at the time of the cartoon and had agreed to lend his voice as Baloo once again. However, they producers quickly discovered that the poor man's comedic timing was off for the character and had to go back and find another voice actor to replace him.

Shame, would've loved to have heard the original voice for Baloo in this.

For Disney+ fans...trust me. This cartoon is worth your time!

Top 100 Board Games 2020 Predictions (10-1)

 10) Orleans

BEST bag game in the market! It won't be leaving my Top 10 though it's on the edge.

 9) Russian Railroads

BEST new game of 2019. First time ever to make it into my Top 10 with one year. I think this game isn't finished moving up my list...Top 5 even? We'll see....

 8) Marco Polo

There's a newer version "Marco Polo 2" coming out next year. I plan on getting it but unsure if it'll make much a difference on this game moving up. In fact, this game could move down if the game is underwhelming.

 7) Santa's Workshop

I think it's reached the highest it'll ever get on my list. It drops a little this year but remains in my Top 10.

 6) Empires: Age of Discovery

One of the best worker placement games I have in my collection. If any game above it falters, this game will move in to replace it.

 5) Grand Austria Hotel

I play this game a lot every year. If it falls (which is doubtful) it won't be by much.

 4) Firefly

Every year I wait for this game to drop on my list and every time I play it, it only reaffirms it's spot. I'm guessing it does it again this year.

 3) Spartacus

This game has always been #3 on my list and I think nothing will change in 2020. Just wish they would make more expansions for such an excellent game.

 2) Viticulture

This game catapulted to my #2 spot last year and I don't think it's letting go of the title any time soon. Now that I have all the expansions I can't imagine playing it any other way!

1) Twilight Imperium 

It claimed the #1 spot last year and the only way it vacates that spot is if it doesn't get played in 2020. Not going to happen though this time we'll be playing 3rd edition until the 4th edition gets more expansions added to it.

Looking forward to seeing how these games end up at the end of the year. Until then....it's time to get playing!!!

Top 100 Board Games 2020 Predictions (20-11)

 20) King's Abbey

I love the game but my nephews may be done with it, making this one drop out of the Top 20 next year.

 19) Thrash'n Roll

I so hate the expansion to this game will never come out. I think that's going to hurt it and it'll slip out of the Top 20 this year as well.

 18) Stockpile

All this game is doing is waiting for the games ahead of it to falter in the rankings so it can move up. Superb game!

 17) Fresco

This game finally fell out of my Top 10 last year and unless I get another amazing game that includes all the expansions I don't think it'll make it back in. In fact, it could slip a little further down if all we do is play the base game again.

 16) Splendor

Excellent game. It's a shame it can't make it in the Top 10 but it's not moving out of my Top 20 in 2020.

 15) Versailles

Best rondel game on the market. I don't see it going any further but not leaving the Top 20 either.

 14) Bruges

One of Stefon Feld's finest. the only place it goes this year is up!

 13) Amerigo

Stefon Feld AT his best. This game (along with Bruges) will only move up in 2020.

 12) Long Shot

This horse racing game tries every year to crack into the Top 10. I think it has a chance this year. At best, it can move up one more spot closer to that level.

11) Space Hulk

My favorite dungeon crawl. It's always been in or around my Top 10 ever since I had one. But I made it through the entire adventure last year and at the moment am concentrating on getting Descent finished so this game will not see the table this year I'm afraid and that means it's finally going to begin to drop massively down on my list.