March Movie Preview!

Let's see what's in store for this month shall we?

 Captain Marvel

This looks awful. Megan's not interested in it either so I may be able to Redbox it instead....with a free coupon of course.

Dumbo

I'm already calling it. This will be Megan's favorite film for 2019. I admit, with Tim Burton at the head and shouldn't be that bad. I won't mind checking it out.

Any others next month? Let me know!

Be positive

A lot of people ask me how I can be so positive. It's a compliment I appreciate hearing but it's really not that hard to do.

In out lives we forget how wonderful we have things. Even if it's not that much compared to others. I don't begrudge anyone of having a "better" life than me. If they make more money in their profession, they deserve every penny of it due to their hard work.

Whoever you are, you have it better than someone else. And whenever you're having a bad day, keep in mind in the grand scheme of things it won't matter in the long run. A day, a week, a month a year? Eventually, you'll forget all about that bad day and move on in your life.

Don't stress. Don't worry. As a Believer I know everything will (and has) turned out for better in the end. Whenever something goes wrong I know it'll be ok.

If you share the same faith as I, you can see how easy it is to remain positive no matter what the situation.

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (Failed)

Just recently a bill failed to pass that would protect the lives of BORN ALIVE children after a botched abortion.

Instead of a no-brainer vote to keep those children alive, Democrats voted AGAINST the bill!?! This is the very definition of  Infanticide. It's gross and despicable and a dark day for our country to even acknowledge we even had to put this up for a vote.

If any of the representatives in your state voted against this, reach out to them to express your displeasure and outrage of their lack of compassion for children.

Make the time

One of the phrases I avoid saying these days is "I don't have the time." and that's becasue it's simply not true. I have the time to do anything I want...I just don't make the time to do those things.

So whenever I say "I Don't have the time" I'm sure to correct myself with "I don't make the time" because it's a more truthful statement.

If it's not important to you, you'll never make the time for it. So don't kid yourself about wanting to but never finding the time. It's just not true.

My time is precious. I don't like it wasted. Not because I think I'm that important, it's just that I don't want to waste my time on something I wouldn't enjoy or find unimportant.

You should too.

Keys to Losing Weight

Right now I'm wrapping up my final week of my diet to lose weight and I thought I'd share the two most important things everyone should know about losing weight.

Determination

Without it, you'll never lose weight. If you really, I mean REALLY, want to lose weight you have to want it bad enough to make sacrifices. Don't feel like doing cardio one day? Too tired? Not enough time? Weather's bad? All those are, are bad excuses you don't need to listen to. Push yourself.

Every cold COLD (I mean COLD) miserable morning I make myself get out of bed and go to the gym. I hate it...until 5 minutes in to my workout and I'm glad I'm there. Believe me, you will to.

It doesn't have to be a gym either. Going outside? Make yourself. Raining? Too hot? Too Cold? Invest in a treadmill. That leaves you with no excuses.

I bought a treadmill once, wore that thing out. Loved it. But now with my gym membership, I don't need it so I didn't get another one to replace it.

Diet

You got to have a diet to go with the work you're putting in every day or nothing you do will matter. Believe me. I've lied to myself several times about this and I've been wrong every time. Even this year I tried only drinking water, working out and eating my everyday foods thinking the water would help.

After one full month of drinking nothing but water...I lost 4 pounds. Yeah, if I'd have gone on the diet back in January I wouldn't be where I am today. I was stupid to think only water would make the impact.

When you find a good diet. Stick to it. Whenever I get tired of eating the same rotation of things and some one is having pizza that night, I always ask myself "Do I want pizza or do I want to lose weight?" the decision is simple. Don't try to fool yourself into thinking "Oh this is a special occasion" There's no "good" time to go on a diet. There's always a holiday, birthday party or special occasion to celebrate. Here's my advice....celebrate without eating junk this time and next (holiday, birthday, etc) you can have that whatever everyone else is having.

You'll feel as if you're missing out at the moment, but in the end, you'll be thankful you didn't partake.

Star Wars Hyperspace Shorts

Well it seems like the website Suvudu has dumped all of their Hyperspace stories they held online for years.

That's sad, but the good news is I was able to print off my own copies of it and I'm happy to share them on the blog as I work to retype them back into a word doc to post.

The stories aren't that many and for the most part short. It shouldn't take too long so stay tuned...

Gym-possible!

Welcome to Week 4 of my diet, where I'm STILL breaking records in the gym. (this is insane) I only have a few more days on the diet but I'm floored as to how I'm still working harder in the gym than ever before!

I've been truly motivated these past few weeks and now that the finish line is in sight, I'm ready to follow thru strong!

Tremors 7!

Coming out end of this year or the first of 2020. I have to admit....I'm eager to see it even though Tremors 6 wasn't that good. I hope they can work their magic for the next one!

Have a good weekend folks!

Unpublished board games I'd like to see

Today I want to talk about 3 board game expansions that were announced yet never came.

 Martians!!! 2

This game was announced in 2012...and 2014 and once again in 2016...at this point, I don't think it's ever coming out. I got a little hopeful when it received a reprint last year but when I asked about the sequel, Twilight Creations went silent. So I guess we're never seeing it ever.

 King's Abbey: Lethal Steel

I love the base game, so 2 years ago when it was announced they were making an expansion I was totally on board! And then everything just fell apart. No word from the creator is leaving most folks online easily seeing the writing on the wall for this one. Too bad, the box cover looked cool!

Thrash'n Roll: Amplified

Man I really wanted this game in my hands. For the 5th player alone it would've made it worth my while but since Tailor Games is a fraud, they stole all the money from their Kickstarter backers and ran off into the night. I doubt we'll ever see this ever come out.

That my picks, what's yours?

Board game Expansions that deserve a reprint

Yesterday I spoke about games that needed a reprint, today I'd like to talk about expansions that deserve the same type of treatment! (in no particular order)

 Bruges: City on the Zwin

It makes sense that I mention this expansion since I mentioned the base game already. This game is STUPID expensive online and not worth the price folks are asking. Hopefully, I reprint will solve all that.

 Marco Polo: Agents of Venice

A love the base game but the expansion is out of print. I was able to snag a copy over seas where it's still available but in America, it's nowhere to be found. The base game is great, the expansion only makes it better. Reprint it!

 Las Vegas: Boulevard

A great dice chucking game, the expansion is sadly, out of print. It adds tons of new aspects to the game which enhance it significantly! The base game's still popular so hopefully this one gets a reprint soon.

 Stone Age: The Expansion

Worst name ever for an expansion but oh well. They just reprinted the base game but for some reason didn't reprint the expansion. I love the expansion and will not play the base game ever again without it. Hopefully, the reprint comes out sooner rather than later.

Robo Rally Expansions

Any of them really. A few years ago this got a cheap reprint. Though I don't mind the cheapness of the material for the game, I was hoping the other expansions would come out as well. These expansions sell for hundreds of dollars online, but I guess since we haven't seen anything since the reprint come out for Robo Rally, I guess we'll never see these gems as well.

That's my Top 5, what's yours?

Top 5 games that deserve a reprint!

In no order but here they are....

 Bruges

Stefan Feld's BEST game (in my opinion) it's a crying shame it hasn't gotten a reprint. Fans of Feld and other gamers really need to check out this amazing game! Since Amerigo got a reprint last year and Feld's popularity, I think there's a good chance to see this one on the market again. 

 Star Wars: The Queen's Gambit

This is gem that will NEVER get a reprint. And that's sad. This game is incredible. I can't believe they even created such a masterpiece back in the day. Star Wars Risk, is a cheap, watered down version of this, but it's the only copy most fans will ever get.

 Long Shot

I remember last year Chris Handy (the designer) told me a reprint was coming soon....yet as the year went by no news was given so I'm guessing that's fallen through. This is not only the BEST horse racing game out there but it's also one of the best board games period! I really hope it comes back in to print.

 Thrash'n Roll

Man oh man, talk about missed opportunities. The latest publisher to own the rights to this game out right screwed EVERYONE on the Kickstarter and now this game may never see another reprint ever again. I'm so thankful to have snagged a copy back in the day when they were still floating around the market, but now, you can't even find it!! Fantastic dice placement game that I pray we see in print again (with it's unpublished expansion)

 Tobago

Beautiful looking game, WAY too much online now that it's out of print. Easy to teach and learn but I don't think it has enough steam to ever get a reprint.

That's my 5, what's yours?

Top 5 Promos I'll never get

Some promos for board games I'll never get, no matter how hard I look. Today I'd like to share with you what those are:

 Templar Queenie #4 The Keys

I have every Queenie for this game but the final one. I can't find it anywhere. So I've given up on ever finding it since the main game's out of print and wasn't popular enough to get a reprint like other Queen Games.

It would be easy to make myself I guess. Get some square wood pieces at Hobby Lobby and print out some key symbols in each color.....hmmm.... I may do it.

 3 Musketeers The Queen's Pendant: Elite Guards

Another game out of print and I have NO chance of getting this. But an easy fix would be to spray paint 2 of my guards black and play with it that way.

 Korrigans: Paris est Ludique

Given out at a con it's never going to see the light of day again. But this is another easy fix, if I just ask the publisher for an extra figure and spray paint it orange.

Mice and Mystics: Off Toppers and Turtle Shell

Love this game but these 2 promos are the absolute hardest to find. I've given up looking and know that my only option is to print them out and stick them on the back of some other extra cards from the game (if I ever get my hands on any) It's a stretch and something I probably won't ever do, but if I get ready to play this game again all the way through, I'd consider it.

Hamburgum: Lisboa

This extra player board for the game was given away at a con, never to be reprinted again. And since the game is out of print, there's zero chance of me finding it. I love this game and would LOVE this player board but it seems I'll never get to play on it.

Oh well.

Survivor Edge of Extenction Preview

This Wednesday I get to delight in my favorite TV show returning once again!

This year they're bringing back 4 returning players. Aubry (who I hope gets voted out in the first episode so I don't have to watch her) Kelly, David (which were ok in their seasons but forgettable) and Joe! (who I'll be cheering to win it all)

But this season they're also bringing back a twist we haven't seen since Exile Island. This year contestants who are voted out have a chance to return back to the game. It should prove interesting. I don't think it's like the old rule of the last two facing each other head-to-head in an elimination round but I could be wrong.

Either way, it seems very interesting and I can't wait to start the adventure!!

Mardi Gras Tree?

I noticed lately that a lot of folks in Louisiana keep their artificial trees up from Christmas and turn them into Mardi Gras Trees for February. Or in this year's case March!

Kinda weird but I've always envisioned having my tree up for an entire year and decorating it for each different holiday of the month. Though I guess that would be somewhat hard to do.

Anyway, just a thought.  

Happy Half-price Candy Day!

One of my favorite days of the year....right behind Thanksgiving and Christmas.

50% off candy!!! Those boxes go fast. Have to get up earlier every year to grab a box in time or get stuck with the cheap $1 boxes.

Have a good weekend folks!

Happy V-Day!

Just think...next year I'll have three Valentines in my life.

Have a good one folks!

Limitless TV Show (Review)

Last month I finished watching the Limitless TV show. First off, I never knew about it when it was out. And I also didn't know that it connects with the movie either!!

I love the movie. If you haven't seen it, it's worth your time. The TV show picks up 4 years after the events of the film. Bradly Cooper (the star of the film) makes several guest star appearances on the show as his character Eddie Norra, who's now running in his 2nd term for Senator. (and later on the Presidency)

Though Norra isn't the main character the over arching story line with him is very interesting. In the show he plants Brian (star of the TV show) inside the FBI for a purpose that isn't revealed in the show. I guess if it had gone extra seasons we would have found out but sadly the show was cancelled after the first season.

The show's pretty entertaining and intriguing. I'm really happy I got to see it and can certainly recommend it to anyone who loved the movie.

Tag (Movie Review)

Megan had a free movie rental a while back and we watched "Tag" a story about 5 guys who play the same game of tag for over 25 years. It's based off a real life story of some guys up in Spokane Washington who have been playing the game ever since they were kids.

Pretty fun movie, especially when you see the real footage of the actual men who play the game at the end of the movie. Worth your time if you're in the mood for a comedy.

Upgrade (Movie Review)

One of my friends wanted me to check this movie out from last year. I never heard of it and am kind of surprised. It's a great movie! Maybe one of the bext to have come out in 2018! Shocked I haven't heard about it before.

The just of it is about a guy who is paralyzed from the neck down after an incident takes his wife's life. He receives a computer chip that allows him to walk again and helps him track down the killers. Really good film, lots of twist and turns and well worth your time!

Burning it off

So while working out on my 30 day diet in the past I've always had a slow decline in my power, which of course is due to my low carb intake.

Each week, I fall a little weaker in my workouts and can't do as much as I could before the diet. But this time, it's different.

I can't explain how, but on week 1 I couldn't tell the difference and now in week 2 I'm breaking records. Yeah....getting stronger. I have no idea what I'm doing different this time around but whatever it is, it's working. Now if that holds up for week 3 is yet to be seen. Either way, I'm happy with my results so far!

Unsubscribed

For years I've supported and watched the Dice Tower. They do more board game reviews than any other channel on YouTube. I've met a lot of those involved, including Tom Vassal and they are very nice people who love and support the hobby.

However on Monday I unsubscribed from their channel.

On Monday's Boardgame Breakfast show, Mr Vassal tried to defend his choice of providing more live content instead of pre-recorded.

Let me first clarify, that I have no problem with live content. Live Q&A's and live plays I enjoy. Live "Shows" which the Dice Tower has been doing ever since their editor left, has not been pleasant to watch.

It looks sloppy, mistakes are evident and they tend to go a little too long as well as look slightly unprofessional at the beginning and right before the end.

Several people complained about how Mr Vassal was doing this because it was easier to handle than having to edit video. Being a contributor on YouTube, I agree. But Mr Vassal hit back at critics with the most unbelievable and ridiculous response saying it's harder to do live stuff then edited.

Now as for saying more could go wrong, he's absolutely right. But working harder on live content is a outright lie and everybody knows it.

In his video he stated more work goes into a live event and that power points take longer to put together than editing a video would. These statements as false.

Speaking as someone who puts Powerpoints together for a living it is 100% easier to put together a power point than to edit a video. Editing can take hours of work, where as putting together a power point like the ones in his videos would only take 15 minutes. Heck, I seen people make animated Powerpoints in 15 minutes that look better than the ones he's shown on his live events.

Mr Vassal doubling down on stating that he's working harder to produce live content is an untruth. For that reason, as well as the drop in quality in his videos, I'm no longer watching the Dice Tower.

Why should you care about this? You shouldn't. But this is my Blog and I get to talk about whatever I want to on it so there. : )

The Crimes of Grindelwald (Review)

Finally got a chance to see this shlock and wasn't surprised at all to find myself bored halfway through it. They try so hard to make Potter fans happy by putting in a young Dumbledore as well as other familiar characters and names from the series but to be honest, even all their fan service, the movie is an absolute bore!

Sadly this ends on a "cliffhanger" to make you want to watch the 3rd movie but honestly I may end up skipping it altogether.

Things I'd love to see before I die

Let's face it, I'll probably die before any of these things happen but I'm still holding out hope for the following:

3) Trips to the Moon

How awesome would it be to take a trip outside the planet earth? I would probably be too old to travel if this ever became a reality but I think it would be so cool. Would I be scared? Oh heck yes! But I still think I'd do it just to see the earth as a whole.

2) Fast Internet

Right now I think; Man, when will I get to say the words, "I remember when the internet was super slow" It was true back in the 90's but in the past 10 years has it really increased that much? No, not at all. I hope one day to see instant internet enter my home.

1) Hover Cars

When I was a kid back in '85 my Dad asked me what he thought the year 2000 would be like and I responded "Hover Cars, we're going to have Hover Cars Dad"

Well, it's been over 30 years since then and we're no where close to having them. Sure you'll hear about a prototype being made but it'll never gone main stream and that's sad. I'm not talking about flying cars, just those that hover over the ground.

But when I'm 80 and they DO make them, I wouldn't mind being known as the first person to die piloting one. Heck, it'll be worth it just to say I did it.

Anything you'd like to see before you die? Let me know!

Kung Fu Panda: Paws of Destiny

I'm a big Kung Fu Panda fan. I loved the movies, the short films were enjoyable, the "Legends of Awsomeness" TV series was enjoyable too. There's even a board game out that I sort of want only because of the theme from the movies!

So when I saw that Amazon Prime brought out a whole new series late last year without my knowledge I HAD to watch it immediately!

It's awful. Easily the most boring and worst thing they've ever put out. While the story stays in continuity with the films (happening right after the 3rd movie) but what it lacks is laughs. There is literally not ONE laugh in the entire season. For the first time ever, I was bored but stuck with it to the end because.....dang, I guess I'm a completest? 

Horrible show. Only good thing was it helped passed the time every morning for breakfast for a few weeks for me. I'll pretend this show never happened.

Things I miss in church

There's a few things I miss seeing in my church. Here's a list of those I'd like to share with you today!

Sermon Sheets for Kids

Back in the day, our church had papers for the children to fill in the blank from the pastors sermon. It was a fun way to get kids to listen. I remember having these as a child and we kept waiting for the pastor to say the sentence so we could fill it out. Then, at the bottom, we'd draw a picture of the lesson.

Pretty neat idea. I'd love to see it come back some day.

Trees in the back ground 
 
When we arrived at our new church last year they had beautiful trees in the back ground, to which the ladies of the church quickly removed in place of ugly boring ferns. Sad because we have a huge bare podium now that has nothing in the back ground but boring walls and carpet.

 TV Screens

Our new church also has TV screens which we use to project hymns from but the actual sermon they go blank, which is sad. Though they are turned on for anyone watching our YouTube channel the congregation in church don't get to see it.

I think this would be great for people with poor eyesight and even kids, as the screens would catch their attention during the service.

 Sunrise Service

Our church used to have one before we moved. It was great. Service at 8am, you're done by 9:30am, take a nap, eat dinner then come back in the evening after another (optional) nap. Really nice. Megan and I miss this the most from our old church. No way they'd ever bring it back since the church we moved into is huge, but I do miss it.

Hymn Request

Back in the day we'd have an evening worship service where anyone could suggest a hymn and we'd sing it together. Now it's already predetermined what gets sung which takes a lot of the fun out of being called on in church to suggest the next song.

That's my "old man" gripe for today, have a good one folks!

Not to be mean but..

It's that time of year again where people made their New Years Resolution to "get in shape" only to come into the gym and do NOTHING for an hour but sit on benches or slowly move on the treadmills and bikes.

I'm all for someone who's serious about getting in shape but these folks have no motivation and I see them every year come in, do nothing in the way of exercise, complain they aren't seeing a difference and dropping out by mid-March.

I applaud anyone wanting to make a difference in their health but most of the folks I see at the gym right now, have no desire to change. They just want to feel they're making a difference.

So when all the fun and games of sitting on the exercise bike at the lowest level for 10 minutes wears off, I'll be happy to have my gym back again.

Fun Cell Phone Accessories!

I used to have little plastic travel games like these. It's so cool someone though about making them into phone cases for people to enjoy.

 Great idea. You never have to worry about bringing a charger along with you. Love it.

Kind of unnecessary to have but I enjoy the concept and would probably use it if I had one.

As far as I can tell this device attaches to your camera and captures images in 3D for you to share with others. I find it interesting and would love to try it in person if I ever saw it.