Survivor Season 50 (Preview)

 Well, well, well...here we go. 

Finally after 10 seasons they're bringing back old castaways. Some I know and love like Colby (who I'm rooting for once again but has ZERO chance to win) and others I can't remember at all but that's Survivor in a nutshell. For the past 10 years the characters seem more and more cookie cutter shaped than special.

Will this be the greatest season ever? 

No. Not by far. But hopefully it'll spark some of the magic back into the series I grew to love. 

I'll do a breakdown of the entire cast some other time but wanted to give my overall thoughts on it now. Of course I'm watching it. But I'm not as excited as I would've been 10 seasons ago that's for sure. 

Survivor 49 (review)

 Wow! Literally a whole month's gone by and I'm just not realizing I didn't give a review of my favorite show. 

Ok, so for the past 8 seasons, the American version of the show has went downhill big time. So much so, that I've been looking at other Survivor programs from other countries just to find joy in watching it again. (Aussie Survivor being the BEST)

But this season was one of the best since 40. It felt a little more like how Survivor used to feel. Not as many annoying characters and Savannah being the winner, wasn't dislikable. She was one her own since the merge. No one wanted to go to the end with her, she was used as a number the entire time but ended up tying the record for most individual wins for a female and overall dominated at the last tribal. 

Rizzo was also enjoyable to watch, though he was more out of his league than he thought. Overall, the season gives me hope for what future seasons could be. 

That said, even the WORST season of Aussie Survivor was better than it. Guess we'll have to wait and see what Season 50 has in store. 

TI4 Game #1 for 2026!

 With my day off yesterday I was able to play my first TI4 game of the new year and oh what a game it was!

I took a healthy 4 point lead during the game, standing at 7 points with everyone else having 3 or 2 points. I thought I had things in the bag. (then everything started getting dicey)

After taking the capital Mecatol Rex, I couldn't score any of the other objectives, so the only point I could get every round was the one for being on Rex. Meanwhile this girl scored a 2 point objective and one of her secret missions. 

After the next round, the score was 8 to 6. Having already scored both my secret objectives, I couldn't depend on getting any extra points. The next round's objective revealed another goal I was no where near completing, so once again, Rex was my only point. 

The same girl was able to score another 2 point objective as well as her last Secret Objective, tying the score with me 9-9. 

But the game was in my hand at that point. Being Speaker for the prior round I was able to choose my strategy card first. I chose 8 which guaranteed me another point. Everyone else's ships were nowhere near Rex so they couldn't take it from me. I had secured a victory at the end. And it's a good thing too, because the next objective revealed, I STILL couldn't do. 

Very close game and an excellent one to kick off the new year. We were successful in opening the void from the latest expansion. (only a 20% chance to do in each game) I rolled a perfect 10 and we placed it out. 

No one ever went. 

It was strange. I didn't think it would happen but we had a standoff. No one wanted to be the first one to enter and fight the pirates there, for fear they would be weakened and someone would come behind them swooping up their hard fought planet. 

I wanted to go so bad to gain the planets for myself, but I had to stay focused on scoring, so I just kept up the idea of threatening to go like everyone else was. 

Wild that we finally had it open but no one went. If I'm behind in the game next time, I think I'll go for it. Not as a winning strategy but just to see what it's like owning a planet that gives you a relic each round. 

Either way, I didn't think that's the way the situation would unfold. 

The only thing I forgot to do was bring out a situation card for the game. I loved the last one we did and was hoping to bring another out but forgot during set up. 

Don't know when Game #2 will happen. Maybe Spring break? Either way, I'm looking forward to going back with that galaxy again soon. 

Fear the Walking Dead: Season 4 Review

 Ooh... this show is bad. 

I'll start with the things I hate: (SPOILERS)

1) In episode 3 they kill of the son. One of the main (and most likeable) characters in the show, because the actor wanted out. (he probably knew this show was going nowhere) Anyway, he dies in the third episode HOWEVER he's in 6 episodes afterwards that really don't have him doing that much, just flashback tales of something that happened weeks earlier (and not directly related to him)

This confused me for a moment and then I understood what was going on. In post production someone probably said "He guys, if we save a big death until the middle of our season, we may not have people tuning in that much. Especially when they find out we're not wrapping up the story lines from last season. Should we move his death episode up?"

I swear it sounds like someone in the editing room said that. Because to have Nick (the son) back in the next 6 episodes, kinda cheapens the fact that he died in the 3rd episode. Dumb move but the dumb people in charge. 

2) Madison the main character dies in the mid-season episode. Not everyday you see them kill of the lead character in a show. But it was easy to do if you're Madeline. She had no direction, she was boring to watch and according to website, the fans hated her so the writers decided to kill her off too. She was really a drag in the show and I don't blame her at all. Again it's the writers not knowing what to do with her most of the time. She sits there waffling back and forth on decisions she had to make and never look confident or convincing when she makes up her mind. Glad she's dead but it also didn't help the show either. 

3) The walkers are the easiest ones to get around in this series. The characters time and time again find themselves engulfed, overwhelmed and covered in a swarm of zombies each episode, yet come out without a scratch or bite. And I mean SEVERAL times. It got to the point I was actually shocked when one person was bitten. We didn't see it, but it appears all these zombies do when you get surrounded by them is pat you with their hands and that's about it. Soft. 

4) Gas must be easy to come by. In the Walking Dead, gas is rare and hard to find as each season goes by. But Fear doesn't have that problem. Everyone is driving and speeding along the streets. We even have a car chase scene! No reason is given to why gas is so abundant in the area but it obviously is. 

5) Electricity it everywhere. They kept the lights on in Texas it appears. I counted 4 to 5 buildings and house that had power on. One was explained as "solar panels" but afterwards the writers got too lazy and stopped explaining why a gas station in the middle of nowhere still has power. Or a building in a city or in a mansion, a log cabin....it's hard to believe this shares the same universe as the Walking Dead did.

6) The writing is bad. The choices are stupid. One character has a gun pointed at the villain in the season  , only to get hit in the face with a stick....from the FRONT! Why she couldn't shoot when seeing the woman lift her stick in the air is still not clear to me. Or when they jump back and forth in the past in future that sometimes, I don't know which it is. Or in episode 3 when a girl breaks off the tip of a machine gun silencer and then uses it for the rest of the season as a weapon....why? Is it supposed to be cool??? not hard to see why this series lost millions of viewers each season. 

The good?

1) Good locations for zombies encounters. A water park, an island (which has a zombie eating gator in it and a few other places Walking Dead never got to go, was a good choice. 

2) Some of the new characters introduced in Season 4's reboot are pretty good. I found myself liking them better than anyone from the original cast. 

3) The show got me to laugh....twice. Bravo. I think this is the reason I'm trudging forward to Season 5

I'm not convinced I'm in for all 8 seasons of this crap, but I'm taking things one season at a time for now and we'll see where this leads.  

Fear the Walking Dead: Third Times the Charm?

 Oh dear, I think I've made a terrible mistake. 

Over the holidays my old roommate was in town and he came over to my house one evening to hang out. One of the topics we discussed was TV shows we never finished. 

He'd never completed Smallville after Season 6. Neither had I until a few years later after the show ended, I decided to muscle through the remaining awful seasons. So I challenged him to do the same. 

He then said he'd do it, If I'd start back on a show I'd quit twice. 

Fear the Walking Dead.

When this first came out Megan and I gave it a shot. By season 1 she had lost all interested and had no desire to move on to Season 2. I did....then quit after the 2nd season. 

Years later, when Walking Dead had a cameo from Morgan (one of the main cast members of Fear) I decided to give them a try again. 

I made it through season 3 and up to the 2nd episode in Season 4 before I quit the show for a second time. 

It appears at the end of Season 3 the writers gave up on the storylines they created (since the show lost millions of viewers at this point) and decided to do a reboot in Season 4 that confused the crap out of me. All of the sudden the cliff hangers in Season 3 were nowhere to be seen and instead, a year had gone by, personal conflicts had ended and we had no idea what all the characters we doing back together under the same roof. 

Drove me nuts. 

So after 2 episodes of Season 4, I bailed. 

Now here I am for a 3rd (and final) time to try and finish the series. I'm wrapping up Season 4 over the weekend so I'll give a review of it then. 

Have a good weekend folks! (I might not)

Super fast chargeres

 So after my kids lost my second phone charge, I went on Amazon and found a "super fast" phone charger for $24 bucks (2 pack)

I got it, not really believing it's claims. 

Dude. These things are legit. Done are the days now where I'm letting my phone charge for over an hour. Usually 30 minutes and I'm at full power. Incredible. I didn't think it was possible. 

Easily one of the best purchases I'll make this year. 

The "Towel" rule

 There's a rule I have that you always make sure there's a second towel available in the bathroom. That way if someone (for whatever reason) walks off with your towel you still have one when its your turn to take a shower. 

This is a rule only followed by myself evidently. 

The Mrs is constantly taking my towel off somewhere and time and time again I'm left looking for one after getting out of the shower. 

There are TWO there. If you take it, replace it. That simple.....well at least for me.  

5 Nights at Freddys 2 (review)

 The first one was fun, this one was about the same. Some really good moments in it, I was impressed. About the only drawback is the setup for an obvious 3rd sequel and establishing a story that will be continued in Part 3. 

Who can blame them? These days if a movie makes money it MUST have a sequel according to the studios. So it's inevitable at this point. 

But if you enjoyed the first one, this will keep your attention the whole way through, It won't bring me to the theaters, but these days, very few movies ever do. 

Snickers Xtreme (review)

Tried it...delicious. The best version of snickers I've ever had. 

Try one. They're great. I'll buy these whenever I see them and have a sweet tooth. 

So good. 

More peanuts and caramel. Just as they advertise. Perfect version of the bar. 

Yum.  
 

2026 Goals

 Not resolutions.

1) Kick ass at new job role. Really need to let them know they made the right call. Everyone is onboard and happy with my reports and strategy game plans to roll out this year. Now it's time to follow through and show them what I can really do. 

2) Get back to board games. 2025 I lost the last remnants of my gaming group. Now I have one who returned back into town. We are a group of 2 but I plan to play as much as I can with my buddy Jake moving forward. SO happy to have him back. He's really the only social contact I have besides the podcast. 

3) Gen Con. I really want to go this year. Just need to clear it with Megan first...and there's never a good time to ask if I can go to a board game convention and leave her alone with the kids. But when a moment arrives, I'm asking. 

Ok folks, that's it for now. Have a good weekend! 

Terminator: Dark Fate

 After trying to watch this years ago and giving up because it was so awful, I gave it a second chance....it was tough. 

Took 4 days of my trudging through about 20 minutes at a time. It is SO BAD. What was James Cameron even thinking releasing crap like this? 

The movie has no redeeming qualities. It's so terrible and at this point, I feel it's on the level of Genysis, which was the worst in the series. After this.... I'm not sure. 

I can't believe Linda Hamilton and Arnold actually thought this was a good script to go with. I guess they trusted in Cameron and he really let them down. 

Either way, horrible franchise killer. This series really went downhill after Salvation. 

Why does this happen?

 My kids are constantly giving me things I don't need. Like they take a brush off the counter and hand it to me, only for me to put it right back. Or an acorn they found at the park, or some random toy, I never asked for and they walk away. 

I don't know why this is. Kids giving stuff to their parents for no reason and then just walking away. 

Anyway, that's my random thought for the day. 

Running Man (review)

 What a fun film! I love Glen Powell and once again he saved this movie. Good action, characters and story arc. I really wasn't excited to watch this and if it had not have been for Mr Powell, I probably never would've. But I'm glad I did! 

Well worth your time!

12th Day of Christmas

A very merry Christmas everyone! It's been a great season. Tomorrow I take down my tree and call it another great season. 

Most people I feel, took down there tree this weekend anyway. Or will next weekend. In Louisiana, a lot of folks keep their trees up for Mardi Gras too, turning it into a tree for that season. 

My all-star friend Mikey, once kept his tree up for 10 straight months, decorating it throughout the year until taking it down after Halloween so he could put it back up the next month. Sad to see, because I was curious what a Thanksgiving Tree would look like. 

I think I'll do the same one of these years when the kids gets older. Sounds fun. 

Anyway folks, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

 

11th Day of Christmas

 I have a strict rule around my house. NO Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. BUT I also allow it all through the Christmas season. 

That's right, I'm still listening to it now. And I will continue to listen to it until tomorrow. What album have I enjoyed the most? 

It's available to listen to on YouTube and it's fantastic! I've listened to this almost every single day. One of my favorite bands but since they broke up years ago I guess I should say "was" But it's worth listening to if you're still in the mood for some holiday tunes!

10th Day of Christmas

 Dec 12th 1pm 2026. (Place TBD)

Merry Christmas

9th Day of Christmas

 After 2 weeks off, it's time to go back to work....on a Friday!

Mostly should be me, catching up on emails and getting things set up for next week. Then it's another weekend off!

By the way, because I was "on call" since my potential lay off last year, I calculated I had 3 months off total last year. 

Not bad. No chance I'm doing that again this year. : )

Have a good weekend folks!

8th Day of Christmas

Happy New Year folks!

I hope 2026 is better than 2025!

 

GAME 9 UPDATE!

 Flag on the field ladies in gentlemen!

It appears that my nephew was playing his race wrong the whole time which gave him a HUGE edge in the game! 

After looking back over his "strategy" I realized he'd been playing them wrong. As was the kid in 2nd place with his faction!

Now, the ruling on the field is that my nephew "won" but really it was 3rd place. (which was me) so maybe I have a post trophy?

This has only happened once in a game where the rules were misread. I would've won that game too had not the other person played his race incorrectly. But I still let him keep the win post-game. Very fascinating! I can't wait to tell him of his error. :) 

Happy new year folks! 

TI4 Game 9 (Summary)

 For the first time we played with the Thunder's Edge Expansion. It was fun but opening up the Void is a lot harder than I thought it would be. You have to roll a 1 or a 10 and there are only a total of 6 rolls allowed in the game so it's only a 20% chance it comes out. I'm thinking next time to increase the odds to 40% next time, just to see how it plays. 

In our final game of the year my nephew won without a competition this time and I knew it after the first round. EVERYONE helped him out and gave him an early 2 point lead. From their my chess player instincts enacted and I could see where there was no way to stop him. I announced that to the group that he had won to everyone's laughter and ridicule. Only to be proven right by the 6th round (which is the exact round I said he'd win in)

Everyone was stunned. But my nephew knew what I knew and was telling people by the end of the 4th round that the game was over they just didn't know it. 

Overall however, it was a fun expansion. My only regret was that we were one game short of tying the record for most plays in one year at 10. I thought FOR SURE we were going to break that record back in August when we'd completed our 8th game. But Thanksgiving came without a game, as did last week. (we usually play 2 games around Christmas break, sometimes 3) So unless by some miracle I have a few guys coming over later tonight, the run ends at 9. 

Still not a bad way to go out in 2025! 

7th Day of Christmas

 Hmmm...2025 as a whole? Well, it started off ok. Then took a turn for the worse at the end of August when I lost my position with Chase and spent the next 6 weeks in limbo until finding another job with the company. 

From there, it's had a few highs too. So overall, I'd say I broke even.

How was your 2025?

6th Day of Christmas

 The next place I went to this month for the first time was the Southern Biscuit Company....and I order a burger of course. 

Not bad! The burger looked better than it tasted. Don't get me wrong, the food was fine, but it doesn't beat Belle's Southern Diner for me. I enjoyed my meal, yes. Would I go back?

No, probably not. But I wouldn't fight anyone if they wanted to go either. So there. 

5th Day of Christmas

 

Special treat a few weeks ago for me, when I had to drop off my boy at the doctor for an hour. While he was visiting the Dr, I ate at the place right next to the office. Belle's Southern Diner. 

AMAZING. 

First, the place is packed full of blue collar workers, so right then and there I knew the place couldn't be that bad. 

I order a burger, fries, coke and dessert. 

The whole meal? $14 (with tax) One of the best deals in town! And ALL the food was great! Loved it. Amazing. Unbelievable. Highly recommend for anyone in town. 

Excellent. 

4th Day of Christmas

 Is there anything more worthless than wood glue? Not only did I buy the "strongest" brand but you also need clamps and 30 minutes (max) for the wood to hold. 

WRONG

Try 35 minutes with extreme pressure and the thing fell right apart the moment the clamp came off. I used gobs of it too. 

I may a well have used my own spit and gotten the same effect. So instead, I drilled a few screws into the panel and fixed it that way. 

I threw the rest of the "glue" in the trash. What a waste!

3rd Day of Christmas

 I got readers!

Earlier this year I was having trouble seeing my phones in the morning and reading directions on the back of boxes while cooking. 

At first I thought it was the lighting in the room but now I know it was only my eyes. 

So last month I got of pair of readers for $1.50 and have been happily reading without any problem! No more holding things away from my face just to read. 

Wait... does this mean I'm getting old??

2nd Day of Christmas

 This is the day you see people throwing out there tree right after Christmas day. Even saw someone have there's thrown out on the street within the same evening. Amazing. For us, we (of course) celebrate the 12 days of Xmas. Parties and Get-togethers at each others house along with Megan's birthday and New year's celebrations.

Gonna be a fun couple of days around here for sure. 

Have a good weekend folks!

Merry Christmas!

 If you got up this early to see this post at 6am....join the club. 

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!

Eve is upon us!

 As Christmas Eve is finally here, I reflect back to my childhood, when I remember being most excited about this day. It meant that tomorrow morning I'd be opening presents and (if feeling the packages served me well) I could guess how many action figures I'd be getting that day. 

Good times. 

I miss the feeling you get as a kid. I understand as an adult it's different and maybe for a lot of you its still special. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but not half as much as I did as a kid. I think that's just life. 

I'm not trying to be a bah humbug here, just stating how I feel. 

But with kids....and to hear them get excited....kinda brings back a little of the magic. 

Also, Megan's pissed some kid at school told the girls that the Tooth Fairy isn't real, to which Megan responded to the teacher (in the kindest death threat possible) that they better not ruin Santa. 

I'll be honest, in truth we have about one or 2 years max I bet before they figure it all out. Kids are pretty bright these days and the internet is EVERYWHERE.

Ok, I got off topic there for a moment. 

Have a good Eve folks!

Eggnog

 Ah, the delightful swill of the holidays. I love this stuff, though I only drink it at the first of the season (where it's everywhere in stores) and then disappears the week before Christmas. 

I get it. People don't want to be left with unsold stock after the holiday is over. I've always hated that. Because on Xmas day, I'd love a glass but there's never any in stores a week before. 

I LONG time ago, we used to make it. My sister bought the "kit" we'd mix it up and right before they put the hooch in it, I'd take a glass. (not much on drinking) but we don't even do that anymore. I'd like some homemade eggnog too but these days, I'm too lazy to go through all that work if I only want a small cup of it in the end. 

Eggnog flavor? Meh. It's really hit or miss to me. Do you love eggnog? What's your favorite brand? For us it's the (virgin) Southern Comfort one. But I've always liked Bordan's version as well. 

Gingerbread

 

I know we've all had gingerbread men before, but what about straight up gingerbread?

I remember years ago my mom made some. It was ok. I had one square and didn't ask for more. It tastes just like the men but in cake form. I think cake form is better because it more "well done" and not as "full" as cake is. (if that makes any sense)

Also, I love biting off it's arms and legs first before I go in for the kill and take his head.....and get his quickening....just like in Highlander. 

Sorry gingerbread man, there can be only one!! 

Pomanders

 These were used back in the day as a scented decor of oranges and cloves that would make the house smell like Christmas, all year round. 

I've never seen nor heard of these before I started going down this road of "lost" Xmas traditions. 

Look at these freaky things?? Look like they came right out of a Hellraiser movie. Dang, this is probably what other fruit see before these oranges drag them down to hell. 

You'd think in my long life I'd have known about these but this one is foreign to me. Let me know if it's something your mom/grnadmother/whatever used to do. And did you see it tear sugar plums apart with hooks and chains afterwards?

I need to know...

Have a good weekend folks!

Christmas Candy

 

I'm sure they still make these for little old ladies who want to put something in a bowl, that will stay there all season long and stick together in the bowl so that when you try to go for a piece the whole candy clump comes out with it. 

My great grandmother ALWAYS bought these for her house during Christmas and they ALWAYS stuck together. And they tasted horrible too. I'm sure they're still sold here and there but I don't know who in their right mind would be it. 

Does anyone else remember these? And did you enjoy it if you had them back in the day? I don't know anyone who's ever told me they have. 

Yule Log

 Yule logs have been a tradition this time of year for ages. It was a log that was supposed to burn in your fireplace all season long. It then became a cake! 

I don't think I've ever had one before. Looks like a giant Swiss Roll from Little Debbie. Gotta be honest....I'd try it. 

Kind of reminds me of Bacon Explosion. Pork wrapped in bacon....mmmmm....nevermind. I want this instead of the cake now. 

....what were we talk about again? 

Christmas Crackers

 Does anyone else have this tradition but my family? it's a cracker that you pull, it pops and gives you a small plastic toy along with a paper crown you were on your head. 

Every year mom has bought these for us and it's the first thing we do as we gather around the table to eat our Christmas meal. It's fun. The kids love it the most and it's also listed among the "lost" Xmas traditions in this day and age. 

Is it worth the cost? Probably not, but if you have small kids....they'll enjoy it. 

The return of Fruitcake?

 It used to be a Christmas tradition. My Mom would make several of them to give out to family and friends....I always threw mine in the trash. 

To be honest, I regret it. I should've at least tried it. Mom stopped making it years ago and for the longest the only place you could get it was the smushed one inside a tin can at the grocery store that looked horrific and was appetizing to exactly no one!

But I'd like to see it make a come back now. Maybe it's my old age and I'm going soft....like fruit cake, but I've dared my sister to try making some at her bakery to see if it can come back. 

She still hasn't done it. 

I get it though. Expensive to make it the right way and who would pay for something that over the years has had a terrible reputation for tasting awful? 

Do you know anyone who still makes it? Have you tried it? Would you try it again? Do you LOVE fruit cake?

I'm seriously all ears. 

Santa Bowl 2025 Breakdown

 Whoa boy, here we go. 

The youth had so many new kids, that no one on their own team could tell me his name. (Archer likes to bring in kids from around town to pad his team up with ringers)

Anyway, opening kick off that unknown kid ran the ball back for an easy 7-0 score.

After the adults threw an interception and after a pitiful 3 and out, some kid names Ethan made a falling catch into the endzone to put the score at 14-0.

2nd Quarter

Once again, the youth intercept the ball. Then after a few plays Cameron catches a tipped ball through in the endzone (that the adults refused to bat down) and the score starts to run away as it's 20-0

But the adults finally decide to punch one in as Coulter goes 45 yards in for a TD making the game 20-7

But after that, the youth walk down the field, no contest and it's suddenly 26-14 as the kid with no name catches a pass and runs it in. I'm guessing my nephew was the only one who knew him because when I even asked the team ON THE FIELD what his name was, everyone looked around and said "I don't know"

However, at the tail end of the half, I had them switch QB's and Jonathan Cross caught one and ran it in for 20 yards making the game 26-14

At halftime the youth strategized the whole time. The adults needed water and rest for 5 minutes, then sat around talking to each other about what we needed to do but no one having a plan. We decided to make Visa are QB for the second half since he used to play for Grambling back in the day....way back in the day I guess. 

Just like Jonathan (or previous QB) we were just slow to get off passes or do anything the entire game. We went 4 and out on our own 25 yard line. I have no idea why we didn't kick. But the youth was happy because it only took them one pass play to dump it to Ethan for his second TD of the game. 33-14

But the Adults finally answered with a beautiful diving catch from AJ to make it 33-21

4th Quarter

We finally stopped the Youth for the first time all game. Now was our chance to- nope interception by Ethan who ran it in for a TD 39-21 and I knew the game was over. 

But there was plenty of scores yet to come. 

The adults threw ANOTHER interception to no name, which was his 3rd TD of the game (because no one could touch him as he ran into the endzone) and the score is 46-21

But the adults weren't finished pooping themselves just yet! As we got caught in the endzone with the ball and handed the Youth the 2nd EVER safety in the history of the Santa Bowl to give us our final 48-21

Archer has to move over to the Adults, which means he won't be inviting his ringers anymore and the Youth's winning streak will officially end this year.  

It's too bad the church kids didn't get to play that much. I think next year's game is going to be so much more balanced moving forward. 

But the biggest tragedy of all was after the game, when I tired walking off with the trophy and Tyler Cychoz (for some reason) decided to throw the football at me. He missed and hit the Santa Cup, shattering it into a million pieces. 

The original cup from 1985 (40 years!) is no more. I told Archer we could just chip away the base of the old one and replace it with a new one going forward. 

But that wraps another year for the Santa Bowl. Next year I am thinking of moving the venue since this year there was so much going on. Where I'll move it is still up in the air but we'll see. 

The real deal

 Does anyone still get a real tree anymore? They get more expensive every year and artificial ones are good for multiple years for roughly the cost of 2 real trees. 

My dad used to get them until he stopped about 8 years ago because they kept getting more expansive. I see tree tents in town but at the prices they're asking for, I don't see why you wouldn't won't one pre-lit and easy to set up?

Maybe it's just me. Are you someone who gets a real tree every year or do you go full fake like myself?

Have a good weekend folks!

Christmas Goose

 This used to be the traditional meal served at Christmas years ago. But do you know anyone who's actually tried one or if they sell them anymore??

To be honest, I'd get one if they were available. I'd kinda like to try it out. Would it beat a turkey? I doubt it. 

For that matter, has anyone even had ham? I have. Well....for Thanksgiving I guess I should say. Not Christmas. Way back in the early days when I got married we hosted Thanksgiving for her family. To switch things up, I made ham. It was good. I'd have it for Xmas too I suppose. I'm impartial. 

What about you folks? Anyone had goose??

Advent Calendar

 I don't get it. It's a calendar and a countdown clock to Xmas. Big whoop. I see all kinds of these in stores and online. Something for everyone. But why?? Seems like a hassle to me. I never want to see one of these around my house. Thankfully the Mrs hasn't ever bought one so I guess she's not into it either. 

What about you folks? Do you buy advent calendar's every year? 

Frankenstein (review)

 Who knew I'd be interested in watching yet another movie based off this book? There's good scenery, good acting and overall, a fine story. Is it the best version of the movie? Sure. But looking around at its competition is that really saying much? 

Yes, I enjoyed the film. I was engaged the whole time. Is it one of the best movies I've seen this year? No, but it's certainly one of the better. 

I know this isn't sounding like a ringing endorsement but if you're interested, you should check this one out. It was worth my time so in saying that, it's gets a "thumbs up" from me. 

Good Fortune (review)

 Decided to give this one a try because I love John Wick so much and I like to imagine this is Wick after he died in 4 and is now an Angel with a sense of humor. 

All kidding put aside, this is an ok film. The angel Gabriel, who is responsible for saving people who text and drive, tries turning a "lost soul" around by giving him the lavish life he craves. The problem? All that money solves the guys problems, he hasn't learned a thing and he doesn't want to go back to his old life. 

It's a twist on a common story arc and for that I'll give it credit. However, without Reeves in  this movie, the story offers few laughs and a decent plot. If you're a fan or Mr Reeves, go for it. If not, skip it. 

Items BANNED from this House (5)

 Kinetic Sand, play dough, slime, etc. ALL BANNED. In less then an hour I'm picking it out of the carpet. My wife will buy them some every now and then and the moment they leave it out, I chuck it. 

Absolute worst!!

Ok, I'm done griping like an old man. Tis the season though right? 

Have a good weekend folks!

Items BANNED from this House (4)

 My girls will have someone this Christmas, give them a make up kit. It's happened every year for the past 3 years. And each year, I wait until we gather up all the gifts. Move these to the side and silently throw them away with the boxes and wrapping paper. 

Last year Megan found them in the garbage can and rescued them and wisely hid them from me for almost 6 months until I saw them and got rid of them the moment no one was home. 

Why? Nail polish STILL in the carpet and it will never come out. 

I'm prepared this year to throw more kits away. 

Items BANNED from this House (3)

 Anything candy that is in powder form. Why? It ALWAYS ends up all over the kitchen and carpet. And since my wife never cleans it up properly, it quickly turns into a sticky spot on the floor. They walk in with them and when they put them up (for later) I make sure to usher them out swiftly into the garbage. 

Items BANNED from this House (2)

 Stickers. Why? I'm always having to peel them off the walls and carpet...EVERY TIME. Whenever they get stickers from school or an event, I throw them away the moment the girls aren't looking. Sometimes their mother will pick up a pack of them and hasn't figured out who keeps taking them....and throwing them in the trash. 

When they reach the age of 16 I may think about lifting this ban. But for now, it's in full effect. 

Items BANNED from this House (1)

This week I'd like to discuss the various items that I banned from entering my house. The reason why and the penalty incurred upon violation of the rules. 

The first is markers. My wife keeps buying them, I keep throwing them away immediately on site. Why? For the answer, all you have to do is look at our walls, doors and furniture. Yet my wife still believes that one day they'll stop. Like giving a serial killer another chance and saying "This time, they promised they wouldn't kill anybody"

I hate markers.