Happy B-Day to me!

Last year I didn't get cake or presents. This year I plan to get both.....even if I got to make the cake myself!

Enjoy a day celebrating me fools! Bah-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day was referred to as Decoration Day and was a time where woman would visit the graves of Confederate soldiers who had died in the war and decorate them with flowers.

One year, the woman decided to decorate the Union soldiers lost as well, since they were all worth remembering. Hence started Memorial Day.

With the recent decision to remove the Confederate Flag from certain grave sites, it's sad how folks have forgotten history and the bold decision these ladies made, which led to Memorial Day becoming a holiday.

Let's help educate our youth, what the holiday really stands for and remember ALL our soldiers we've lost through the years.

Have a good one folks!

June Movie Preview

Holy cow! Is it that time already? Ok....let's do this then!

 TMNT 2

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! Like I'll ever waste another dollar on THIS franchise?!

 Warcraft

Never cared for the game, won't care for the movie either.

 Now You See Me 2

I enjoyed the first movie. I'll enjoy this one as well....once it hits Redbox.

Conjuring 2

PLEASE DON'T SUCK! I'm looking forward to this one but I really hope they don't pull a "Blair Witch 2" on this series and ruin it.

 Finding Dory

My head says I should be excited for this one but my heart doesn't care at all for it. Megan will probably drag me to the theaters for this one, yet I can't explain my disinterest in it. Weird.

Independence Day: Resurgence

Before seeing Deadpool, I though this would be a "Movie of the Year" contender for me. Now I only hope for a good popcorn flick knowing Deadpool took the crown at the beginning of the year.

Agree? Disagree? Did I miss one? Let me know!

Throw back Thursday

Thought I'd show you a few toys from your childhood today...

 

Remember the amazingly annoying clackers? Whether it was a stuffing stocker, generic birthday party favor or cheap drug store gift, you had one of these worthless things in your possession at one point in your life, admit it.

The 2nd toy would be the "Punch-Me" bags. The blow up toys with a sand based bottom was designed for kids to let their anger out on there favorite cartoon characters! Nothing's more fun than to see your child in a fit of rage, viciously attacking his toys.

Ahhh....the good ole days!

Top 3 Worst things about Airline Travel

After traveling with my company for over 7 years now, I've narrowed down the Top 3 things I hate the most about airlines.

And since this seems to be a week of complaints (see Decline of the Dead) I thought why not keep the streak going with this post, so here goes!

3) Deboarding

One of the slowest things you'll ever do is get off the plane. It's hard to explain why, since boarding doesn't ever take as long. Now this could be attributed to all the idiots in front of you who have no idea how to properly de-board. Here are the overly simple steps:

1) Stand up
2) Grab your bag (while waiting for those in front of you)
3) Walk

That's it. No secret tips just common sense that most people seem to lack when it comes to this brain dead procedure.

2) Retrieving Luggage

After sitting thru an extremely long deboarding process, walking to the other end of the terminal on foot, why do you still wait another 15 minutes for your luggage to arrive?!

Let's look at the facts for a minute. You can actually SEE them loading the luggage onto a cart from the inside the plane. They even drive off at 15-20mph to get to the luggage belts. Way faster than any of us can move on foot.

HOW then are we STILL able to beat them to the drop off point, on foot, we waiting 15 minutes to deboard and spent another 5 to 10 (depending on whether you stopped in the restroom on the way over) to get there and STILL have to sit around for 10 more minutes wondering if you're in the wrong place?!

BONUS GRIPE: Why is my bag always near the end of the stack? EVERY TIME!

1) Seat recliners

But nothing (and I mean nothing) pisses me off more than the jackass in front of you who thinks he's the only person on the plane who isn't comfortable and decides to lean all the back in his chair so as to make your flight even more miserable than before?

I swear, it happens on 50% of the flights I'm on. My knees are crushed, blinding white pain and I begin to push back with all my might as the jackass in front of me wonders what's wrong with his chair.

And to top it all off, the airline I travel with (United) won't let you have an empty seat in an emergency row unless you're a "preferred customer" So they'd rather you sit bunched up in the back while all the available seats remain open.

DUMB!

Ok, I'm done complaining now. 

Decline of the Dead (2)

I spoke about the Walking Dead show yesterday, it's only fair to talk about it's sister show next so here goes:

Fear the Walking Dead

An obvious cash grab for more ratings I never had a bad premonition about it leading up to it's premiere. I was sincerely open to the idea of a spinoff showing us the months in between of the decline of mankind and rise of the zombies.

I watched the first episode with slight disappointment but was still optimistic it would pick up. The next few episodes showed promise, showing the world slowly going to crap and the sickness spreading to more of the population, the military moving in and the decline of modern civilization but the show never reached it's full potential.

And while the season finale was lackluster, the plot of them going on a boat kept me interest. I had high hopes season two would pick up the pace.

Boy was I wrong. 

Mired in confusing story lines to having NO interesting characters what-so-ever, I quickly realized this show had nothing new or exciting to offer.

The characters are so bland that after 2 seasons I only remember two names. Nick and Strand.

Strand the mysterious man with an interesting past is "Dumbledored" in season two for no other reason than to have a gay person represented on the show. With virtually, every minority they could think of being on the show it looks more like a post apocalyptic Power Rangers series than a show based off the Walking Dead.

I'm finishing this season out of respect but afterwards, I'm done with it as well.

Shame of the creators of the show for putting such little effort and heart into a show that could have been great.

Decline of the Dead (1)

I've been watching the Walking Dead TV series since the beginning. I'm been reading the comic books for even longer. But now I'm finally getting sick of the Walking Dead shows and I'll tell you why.

The Walking Dead

Let's start with the main show. It been going strong for several seasons but this season was it's worst. First we had the whole "Glen's Dead?" story angle in which the producers teased us with a shot of what looked to be a beloved character's demise, only to go on a full month hiatus from that storyline to show us other plot lines that weren't as interesting.

It's like having a conversation with someone who says something like "By the way, you heard your mom just died right?" Then continue the conversation for the next hour and a half about how your stamp collection has grown over the past several months.

What were they thinking?

But soon, the viewers forgave the producers when they promised Neagan for the season finale. The entire 2nd half of the season was building up to it. Dropping his name every chance they could get. And for what?

The last 5 minutes of an hour and half long episode that amounted to absolutely nothing! "Oh" but you say "Neagan killed someone at the end of the show!"

Yeah. And the slimebags in control of the show screwed everyone over by building up to a cliffhanger with ZERO payoff. (spoiler: It's Glen)

Now we'll all know who it was who died well before the next season comes around because there's no way on God's green earth they'll be able to hide it from their rabid fan base. So instead of getting the big payoff at the end of this season we get the finger and a promise that "Things will be even better next season, wait and see!"

It reeks of desperation for higher numbers in the ratings and I'm really considering sitting the next season (and even the rest of the show) out. If this show has no respect for it's viewers, why should I even bother to give it any more of my time?

The comic book is great. There's no "pulling your leg, they aren't dead" moments and they always resolve plot lines fairly quickly in between issues. I'll keep to the comics because they respect their readers more than this shameful last season of a once great show.

Is anyone with me on this one or am I in the minority? 

Weekend Trip 2

Though we didn't gamble any, we did go to the arcade that was inside of the casino on the other side. I won Megan a stuffed Popsicle toy that she loved. (even though that stick on it's bottom looks awfully suspicious) 

Needless to say, we had a fun time while we were down there. Though the antique stores in the area sucked, all in all it was a very nice trip.

Have a great weekend folks!

Weekend trip

Earlier this month, Megan and I went to visit her grandfather in Marksville, LA. This was my first time down there and I didn't know what to expect but for some odd reason they have a casino there that we stayed at and had a pretty good time.

In the lobby they kept real alligators, which was fun to watch swim around and eat.

I'll show a picture of our trip later on today.

Old man report

K. So these new light bulbs were supposed to be the next best thing right? Burn brighter, last longer, good for the environment (blah, blah blah) They cost more than the old ones did and I accepted it because I bought into all the hype.

But now I see it was all a lie.

These things burn out just as fast (if not faster) than the old ones. I've bought several brands and replace them around the house every 3 to 4 months. But the old bulbs I still have installed around the house? Still burning on.

Classic example is in my bedroom fan. Where I have 2 old bulbs and two new. The two newer ones of the above design have burned out for the second time, while the old ones are still burning.

I laughed at my friend who stockpiled the old ones when he heard they were going away. Now I find myself calling him up asking if he can spare a few more.

These bulbs suck!

Who remembers "The Littles" from 1983?!

Rangers ball pics

Time for a few pictures of us at the ballgame:

 Megan with the cows.

Megan caught a toy stuffed cow at the game....I NEVER catch stuff at a game!!

And finally, Megan's happiest moment of all was the next day after the game when I took her by Carlos Bakery in Dallas. She love watching Cake Boss on TV and though all she got to see of him was this cardboard cut out, she still had a great time....and she loves the canolies!

Rangers Game (5)

Some future Hall of Famers...who didn't do well that night. Rangers won big 6-2.

Always fun going to a game!

I'll show pics tomorrow!

Rangers Game (4)

I love Megan's intense gaze on the field....totally ignoring everything I say.

Rangers Game (3)

And here's a look at the gigantic food served at the ballpark. Those huge hot dogs are called "Boom Sticks" and cost almost $30 each!!!

Rangers Game (2)

Chic-fil-la was a sponsor at the game I guess. Cows everywhere!

Rangers Game (1)

A few weeks ago, Megan and I attended a Rangers game. Here's a few videos from our trip!

DInner in the Sky

For the final restaurant I wanted to mention today, we head back to the good ole US of A in Las Vegas where a crane lifts you hundreds of feet up in the air as you feast on fine cuisine!

NO THANK YOU.

I hate heights. And even if someone did manage to get me on something like this, I think I would puke up anything I ate afterwards just by looking down.

Sorry, this last one's not for me folks! But what about you? Any of these places you'd care to visit? Let me know!

Hajime

The next restaurant is in Malaysia and is serviced entirely by robots! How cool is that?! They don't transform (or go outside the designated tracks) but being served dinner electronically sounds cool to me!

Unless Judgment Day happened at the time I was in there and SkyNet took over....then it would suck.

The Yellow Treehouse

Time for another wild restaurant! Today's feature is the Yellow Treehouse in New Zealand.

Yep, you get to eat in an actual treehouse, just like you always wanted to when you were a kid and your Mom made you come down and eat at the table.

I'm not sure but they should have a "secret" passcode to let you in this place. I think all they have right now is a number to make reservations. Not as cool.

Still, if I ever got to go, I'd hope to at least see a sign that says "No Girlz Allowed" on the side of the place. Would be awesome!

The Rock

Continuing our talks about the wildest restaurants around the world, check out the Rock.

No, that the one that'll lay the smackdown on your candy ass, this one is in Tanzania and it's an island you have to boat out to.

Don't know what they serve but it must be good, since it's only open to private parties now.

My question is, who thinks about putting a restaurant on an island!?

Disaster Cafe

This week I wanted to talk about a few of the wildest restaurants found in the world. The first one comes from Spain, called the Disaster Cafe.

Now, at this place, the simulate a real earthquake inside of the place while you're eating! I don't know why anyone would go here for a relaxing dinner but if you're ever over seas and in the mood for plates that move off your table, than here is the place for you!

Seriously, can you imagine going there? "Uh Honey, what's that?"  "Well Dear, it's either an earthquake or Godzilla is pissed about his cancelled reservation."

Look what we did.

It's old news now, but my idea for a billboard to LucasFilm about bringing back the EU became a reality a few weeks ago in San Fransisco. It's incredible to see the dedication of the fans for such an excellent series of stories!

Long live the Expanded Universe!

Top 5 Events I'd love to attend!

So what non-sport events would I love to attend? Well today I'm going to list them out for you!

 5. Emerald City Comic Con

One of 2 comic cons on my list, this one's always had my attention in the past and according to my brother, it's not a bad one to attend either. And since I already have family out there, it might not be such a bad idea to give it a try one day.

4. Origins Game Fair

From Columbus, OH comes the pre-party to GenCon, Origins. I've heard it's like GenCon yet on a smaller scale and that right there attracts me to it. Not many big releases as GenCon, you at least get to preview all that will be coming out at that time. So it still makes the trip worth while if I go.

3. Superstars Writing Seminars

Kevin J Anderson's own creation, brings writers from all over to give you a solid week of tips and discussions on becoming a superstar yourself. I hear there's tons of interaction and focus groups and that's a big draw to me! Working next to KJA would be amazing! Plus it's in Colorado too, which is an added bonus!

2. Essen Game Fair

Germany beckons with this amazing display of board game vendors. I've only heard tales of how huge this place is. And when it closes for the day, you still have the town to roam through. The perfect trip!

1. Lexington Comic and Toy Con

But my #1 has to be a place where I almost visited but work took me away the weekend it happened, so I had to fly to AZ instead. But if Chase hasn't had sent me, I would have gone this year. The "Toy" part is the big attraction for me. I want to see what all the vendors would have at this thing. The same reason is what's attracting me to another con I'm thinking about attending. But that's for another day.

Alright folks, that's all for today. See you tomorrow!

Top 5 places I'd like to visit around the world

Yesterday I spoke about places I'd like to visit in the USA, today I'm taking the conversation global!

5. London

Who wouldn't want to go here?! The place looks amazing and the history there would been incredible to see. I've been reading Sherlock Holmes lately as well would could attribute to this place being on my lists.

4. Germany

My mom's side of the family has German roots and I already have a friend or two living there so why not make the trip right? I hear great stories from past friends who've visited and they say it's awesome. The closet I've been to this place so far was the pavilion in Epcot, which I'm sure doesn't represent fully the beauty that you see here.

3. Israel

Probably a little too dangerous these days but seeing all the biblical sites from this ancient country would be a thrill! I doubt I'll ever get a chance to go but if things ever calm down over there, you might could count me in for a trip!

2. Australia

I have a buddy I talk to quite often who lives there and I'm fascinated with all the stories he tells me about the place. (which doesn't always paint a pretty picture but doesn't deter me all the less) I think this place would be spectacular to visit. But not just Sydney, the entire continent!

1. Wales/Scotland

Don't know if it's a cheat mentioning both but I would love to visit this place one day. It's where our Wilkins heritage lies and I'd love to see the country there. Ever since I saw a special on the Travel Channel I've always wanted to visit. The landscapes speak for themselves. It all looks so breathtaking!

Realistically however, I probably won't go to any of these places anytime soon but you never know. Maybe someday my dream will come true!

Dang... that last part sounded like a Disney princess. Sorry about that!

Hey! What's your most desired places to visit around the world? Do tell!
  

Top 5 places I'd like to visit in the USA

So what places would I like to visit in the good ole US of A? Let's take a look!

5. Seattle

I've been there before but that was decades ago! (seriously, it's been over 20 years.... amazing!) But I have a dead beat brother over there, who I would love to see and if memory serves me well, I think it was a fun city to visit in the first place, so yeah. There's that.

4. New York

Duh! I already mentioned wanting to see the Mets in last week's post, but I think visiting the Big Apple would be fun even in the off season. There's a million places and people to see. Like my friend Joe and my brother Bray. Megan's already been and I know she'd want to go back so maybe when the time is right, we just may make that happen.

3. Orlando

The home of Mickey is always a fun place to visit, but for once I think I'd like to see the town and the sites outside of theme parks that this place has to offer.. I've always offered Megan the "non-Disney" trip idea but she's never been keen on visiting Orlando without a trip to Disney World so I guess that's out of the question. Among things I'd like to do there would be an Arabian Nights dinner show and visiting Cool Stuff Inc. The biggest board gaming store in the world! (NERD ALERT!)

2. Alaska

My buddy Rick moved there this past year and loves it. He's even been making videos on YouTube about life up there and they've been amazing to watch. He's given me a an open invitation to visit whenever I want and be be honest...I really want to see it. Maybe in the summer though... looking at his videos, those winters look awfully harsh!

1. California

Yes. Disneyland too but that's not the only reason. A few years ago a friend from work went on a 2 week vacation and got to see it all. Ever since then, the prospect of making my own trip out there has been very appealing. From the vineyards to the redwoods and even out to Los Angles and the beaches. I think I'd love to explore this state more. Maybe one day I will.

Ok folks, that's my top spots I'd love to visit in the US. What about you?

Top 5 Favorite States

Happy May day folks! Let's kick this month off by listing my favorite states in the USA!

5. Florida

It makes a lot of folks lists I bet. But Florida barely made mine. I do enjoy a lot of the places I've visited and that's what kept it above the others on this list. Of course the beaches are great but Florida offers a lot of other fun things as well. Plus, I love sunshine and where else better to find that than in the Sunshine state right?

4. Tennessee

This would be Megan's #1, but for me it's #4. Though I love it for the same reasons she does. Beautiful scenery and an amazing culture. It's always fun to visit and I now know so many folks up there that it'd almost have that feel of home....almost.

3. Louisiana 

Yet as they say "There's no place like home." and that couldn't be more true for me! Yep, I love the state I live in. Not enough for it to get my #1 spot but I'm still pleased as punch to be here. The fact that my family and friends reside here is a plus of course, but I also enjoy the canjun culture as well. I'm very happy here in the Bayou State.

2. Alabama

I didn't grow up here but both my parents did and so it feels like a 2nd home. From top to bottom this is a beautiful state. My grandmother passed away a few years back so the only place I visit is down south in Mobile now but I hope many years from now when my other grandmother passes, that I'll still come back to visit this state still. Plus, I'll still have some family there in the form of Aunts and Uncles, so I'll always have my ties!

1. Mississippi

Not even close. My birth state, the state grew up in, will always be home in my heart. I love everything about this state. The people, the places, they all feel like home. I'm always happy driving thru it. It's like that comfortable pair of jeans you love so much. I still visit my home town every chance I get, though I don't know many people who still live there today.

Those are my favorite states, what's yours?