Is it worth getting? (Part 10)

Today's topic: Secret panel (room)

Pros: You can have a spare bedroom or game room hidden away, without anyone knowing it was even there. 

Cons: There are no cons, are you kidding me??? This thing would be pretty sweet!!

Verdict: Go back and look at the cons.

I'd love this so much. Mine would be a bookshelf and a book you'd pull to release the latch that lets you into the room. It'd be super cool. I saw a house that had a "secret" panel door that lead to a large closet. I say "secret" because everyone knew about it, but still I always thought it was super cool. And my sister has a hidden panel that opens up from the hallway straight into the kitchen. Why? I don't know, that house was built in the 60s and even has a "courtyard" that the house surrounds in the center. (odd but kinda cool) 

Oh geez... I lied. I just thought of several other cool things to talk about, so I'll be back at this next week. 

Chow. 
 

Is it worth getting? (Part 9)

 Today's topic: Gazebo

Time to get out of the bathroom and back outside (nature's other place boys call "bathroom") for this edition of "Is it worth it?"

Pros: Nice to sit outside and chill. But in Louisiana you better get a net to block mosquitoes or you'll never use it. 

Cons: It's hot as balls here in Louisiana. Would I even use it this much??

Verdict: Shockingly....yeah. I think I would. I mean, add a space heater in the winter a few tower fans in the shower and NEVER draw back the netting and I think it wouldn't be so bad. I don't even need a pool either. I think it'd be nice. Sure I wouldn't use it much but who cares? Sometimes outside time is just fun. 

Ok, one more tomorrow and I'm done. I promise.  

Is it worth getting? (Part 8)

Today's Topic: Bath tub

Ok, yesterday I spoke about the new showers they have in homes these days, it's only fair I speak about the comeback bath tubs are making these days. You know, the nice stand alone ones that we see in horror movies all the time but doesn't stop people from adding them inside their homes?

Pros: Always good to soak in a tub. Especially when you're sick. Heck, for the longest that was the only way you ever caught me in a bathtub as an adult. A hot bath always feels good before bed. 

Cons: Who the frag uses a bath tub these days??

Verdict: Pass. Yeah, they're nice when you're sick but that's the only time I'd use it, plus with the time it takes to run one, I don't even think I'd use it much in that case either. Just stand in the shower a little longer watching my 12 inch dong cry because it hates being sick too. (yes I know that's just water running down it, but I can't help but think that way every time I'm sick) So it's a hard no for me.

 

Is it worth getting? (Part 7)

Today's topic: Redesigned shower

Showers don't look like they used to when I was a kid. Now people are getting huge spacious showers, some with a bench. Who the smurf wants to sit down in the smurfing shower???

Pros: Lots of space and those newer shower heads are amaze-balls. 

Cons: Is there a bad thing for being too big? (that's what she said) I feel it's be a little too much for the limited space that already comes with bathrooms these days. Do you really want a shower taking up that much space?

Verdict: Yes. Yes I do. I'll take the bench too, wouldn't use it but who cares? There'd be plenty of space for it. Yeah, I'm in.  
 

Is it worth getting? (Part 6)

 Welcome back to another week of "Is it worth it?" Where I weigh out the pros and cons of "upgrades" around the home and let you know if I think it's worth it?

Today's topic: Hot Tub

Pros: GREAT for winter time. I remember my uncle had one and we would all get in during the winter. Wonderful. Nothing like cold shoulders and a warm lower body. Also, they feel very relaxing and I can only imagine what happens when I throw a bath bomb or cup of Mr Bubbles in it. 

Cons: Slight risk with kids. Some upkeep too.

Verdict: Worth it. Dad would be over every night if I got one too. He LOVES hot tubs and could stay in them for hours. So having Dad around the house most nights would be cool too. I'm all in on this one boys. 

Is it worth getting? (Part 5)

 Today's topic: Solar Panels

Are they worth it?

Saving money on the electricity bills is always a nice thing. Lower bills for cooling and hearing the house. What could go wrong with that?

However....my buddy Bruce got some on one of his homes years ago and told me they suck. Because the time you spend the most electricity is at night time when you're home. Hence he never saw that much of a savings. Plus, the amount of money they cost to install far outweighs the savings you'll make off them. And the battery that stores electricity for you in the day time? Total crap he said. 

So on this one it's a pass as well. 

That's all for now folks. See you next week! 

Is it worth getting? (Part 4)

 Today's topic: Guest House

Is it worth it?

Oh my...an extra place for guests to stay when they visit. (I'm looking at you Johnny Step) Plus a man-cave as I would move my game room over there. Entertain guest with food from the mini-kitchen inside and also have a "quiet space" for when I need to get away from the house. 

However...this (again) means higher bills. Plus upkeep. And....aw who am I kidding? YES!!! ALL DAY!!! I'd build one of these in a heartbeat if I won the lottery. (mini-lottery) So many reasons this would be super cool. So of course I'd be all for this one!

Is it worth getting? (Part 3)

 Today's topic: Pool

Is it worth it? 

Who wouldn't want a pool in the summer? Your house instantly becomes the "go to" spot for parties and get togethers. A pool is a great way to cool off and enjoy the summer. And do I even have to mention BBQ, pool and chill? Some of the best days of summer include those words. 

However...pools are expensive to keep up. You constantly have to have them cleaned. Also in my area, tress are everywhere which means it will constantly be plagued with leaves and pine needles every day. Cover it up in the summer, watch your home insurance surge, and also have the risk of little kids drowning if no one's paying attention. 

No thanks! Not for me! Even with grown kids and extra money to cover insurance, I'm not doing it. The keep up just wouldn't be worth it! PASS. All day. 

Is it worth getting? (Part 2)

 Today's topic: Converted Attic into living space. 

The plus? Easy. You get an extra room that can be used for anything. Extra bedroom, game room, slave chamber toy room, you name it. And more living space is always better around the house. 

However...it can led to higher electricity bills, especially since it's at the top of the house and heat rises. 

Final verdict? Worth it. 

I've imagined converting mine for years. But with 4 kids, it's hard to save up the money it'd take to convert. I wish I had the skill to do it myself, but alas, I am a moron when it comes to such things. So for now, it can only be a dream. 

Is it worth getting? (Part 1)

 Welcome to this week's topic, "Is it worth getting?" As I discuss "upgrades" around the home and ponder if they're worth getting or not. 

Our first topics: Pets

Are they worth it?

People love having pets. They become members of the family. They can be cute cuddly, give you lots of love, play time and lasting memories. 

However....they are expensive. Make a mess, smell (at times) and don't live that love, casting a dark cloud on the whole family for weeks (or months) after they're gone. 

My mom never got us any pets growing up because she knew she'd be the one eventually taking care of them. (which is true) To this day, I don't want them and don't think they're worth it. 

I don't mind animals. I'll sit and pet any that come up to me, but for me, it isn't worth it. 

On a side note, my brothers both have pets. Only my sister, 2 middle brothers and I do not. 

So in this case, it's a pass for me. 

See you tomorrow for the next topic. 

The Passenger (review)

 Wow. I didn't know they still made horrible movies like this anymore. 

The most generic, bland, forgettable, run-of-the-mill, movie you'd expected to see 10 years ago. 

The kind that made no sense the whole time. Where 2 people act so stupid about the whole situation, you'd wish they'd just both die. 

How dumb are they? The woman spots and interacts with the demon living in their car early in the film but decides to continue riding in the car in hopes of finding a way to get ride of the evil spirit.....right. 

She hides all the information she's found out about it until the end of the movie (where they can use it) when the whole time her boyfriend doesn't understand what's going on until the very end. 

SO BAD. 

What a waste of my time. 

Have a good weekend everyone!

Board game upgrade

 

Twilight Imperium is my favorite game ever. Having 3D printed trade tokens would be incredible to me. This is another one I haven't pulled the trigger on, but might one day. For the #1 game in my collection, I feel everything should be top notch!

Board game upgrades I need?

 

I have a game called "Spooktacular" which I love. the theme is you are in the year 1986, magic 80s lightening has struck the theater and all the movie monsters are chasing you around the theater for points. (you play as one of the monsters)

This upgrade from Etsy has mini LED lit screens to set the ambience of the game. I'll be honest...I'm tempted. If I had a game group that met regularly I'd buy it instantly. But since I don't have many who play with me anymore, I'm hesitant to pull the trigger.....but boy does it look beautful!

Jackson vs Prince Halftime Show

There's no doubt that these two are legends in the music industry. But who had the better halftime show? The question came up recently at work. I had never seen either performance because I never watch the Super Bowl. 

So I decided to watch them both and see. 

Michael: Wow. When he comes up out of the stage the crowd goes nuts for an entire minute as he stands there and does nothing but lets the crowd continue to cheer. Incredible command of the audience. He then goes into a rendition of some of his biggest hits and sets the stage on fire. But in the then it slows down with a full performance of Heal the World and drags in the end. 

Prince: It's raining and this guy is giving the performance of his life. He starts so strong, letting the audience know the rain is not going to stop him. Then he slows down a bit in the middle and the show starts to drag but my goodness did this man finish strong with Purple Rain (in the rain) and electrify the audience at the end. 

The winner? Off, this is tough. May have to hand it to Prince due to the strong finish. But it's certainly close. 
 

Gorilla Mind Energy Drink

 Heard a lot about this and decided to give it a try. Not bad. I tried the one featured above when it was on sale during Prime Days on Amazon. It was so-so. 

My buddy at work is a firm believer in the brand and brought me Blue Raspberry. It wasn't very good either. It's mediocre for me. I think I'll stick to Ghost. But I am glad I got to finally try it. 

Masters of the Universe (review)

 Never liked the cartoon. Never liked the character. Never bothered watching the old movie, or any other cartoon series, or read his comics. 

Loved this movie. 

So good. Shame it bombed in theaters. They did an excellent job entertaining people who care NOTHING for this IP. Too bad no one gave it a chance. 

Excellent film. 

Have a good weekend folks! 

Mcdonalds inside WalMart

 Remember the days when McDonald's operated inside of WalMart. It's wild, but the other day I was shopping inside our Super WalMart, I thought about that. I know exactly where it used ti be, located in the back. You could sit behind the little divider wall and order food, sit down and eat. Kinda crazy to think now. 

Their only traffic was people going to WalMart. Crazy, the deli doesn't have a place where you can sit down and eat food from their own store. I think it'd be bonkers crazy for them if they did. 

Anyway, just my random thought for the day. 

Vintage plastic dinosaurs

 

Playing dinosaurs with my little boy last week and it made me remember these plastic dinosaurs my parents bought me years ago that I LOVED playing with. 

I remember I'd put them on the coffee table with a crumpled piece of paper and play "dino hockey" with them. I don't know what possessed me to do that, but it was so much fun! 

Good memories can sometimes be with the simplest of toys. 

Bang: American Berry

 I'm not really sure why I keep trying these New Bang flavors anymore, but I couldn't help it with this one. It has the american flag on it, see?

Basically this is their old Bangster Berry flavor with a bitter taste. I liked Bangster Berry, it was a blueberry flavor but with the bitter twist in this can, it comes off as odd. 

Not their worst flavor they have out there but certainly not their best. Now that they discontinued the Sour Heads flavor, there's no longer a reason to buy these. I guess when the next new flavor comes around I won't be able to help myself, but until then, I'll stick to my Ghost. 

The Invisible Man (2020) review

Wow. What a waste of a good movie. 

Good premise, really shakey arc. It's a shame because just one or two tweaks to the script would've made it perfect. Unfortunately it is a flawed film and not worth your time. 

The issues? The main villain is poorly portrayed. We hardly know him but the movie tells us over and over again that he's a bad guy. Why they couldn't have a few flashbacks to portray this I have no idea. The film tries to give you a "twist" at the end, but it's really a cluster that was poorly thought out. Again, one tweak would've fixed it instantly but in this day and age I've given up on most holloywood studios ever being good again. 

Pass.
 

Happy 4th!

 

Today marks the anniversary of my longest group text. Where I texted Step, Mikey and Rusty about how fireworks always remind me of the death star exploding. 

And ever since then, it's led to several enjoyable conversations. Here's to another year of the group chat!

Music facts Part 3

 And now for the last CD I ever bought. 

Yeah, wild huh?

Weexer Teal album. I didn't even realize it at the time that it would be my last. When you bought it off the site, they also provided you with the digital copy and I thought "Why am I still buying CDs?" So I decided not to buy anymore after that. 

Crazy because I it makes for a perfect ending to my physical music collection. It started and ended with Weezer.

Fitting. 

Have a good weekend folks!

Music facts Part 2

 Although I can't remember what the first album I listened to was a child (I bet it was Sesame Street Gold) I DO remember the first album I listened too after Mom and Dad bought me a Walkman for Christmas. 

Mom had just received the latest Manilow album too and it was his blues/swing album. I listened to this and walked around the block over and over again. Dancing on the sidewalk and singing at the top of my lungs probably too. 

I remember years later when my brother ran for college, he took this CD with him. I was pissed. "Why'd he take the best Barry Manilow CD?!" I thought. 

I did listen to this last year. Not bad. Good memories, yet somehow it sounded better through a Sony Walkman. 

Then again...what didn't?

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

 He goes by Remy now, but I still call his be his Christian name. 

Not really sure where he goes out to treat himself for lunch or dinner. My go-to has always been a Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen. Classic. 

He used to love Taco Bell but I think he gave it up years ago after it started giving him indigestion. 

Either way, Happy Birthday Brother!

Music facts Part 1

 First album I ever bought (on tape) was the Weezer blue album. And to this day it's STILL the first album I make sure to play in my car whenever I buy a new one. 

There's something very satisfying blarring "My Name is Jonas" out of the new car stereo. 

Oddly enough, I remember the 2nd album I ever bought too. Used to listen to the entire album on Saturday's while I cut grass for a summer job. Must have played it 10 times a day back then. To this day it remains my favorite album of his. 

Vivarium (review)

 A couple goes to look at a house in an odd neighborhood, only to be stranded inside with no way out. There, they must raise a baby that isn't theirs....and isn't human as they later find out, and try to escape this suburban nightmare. 

And....that's about it. No story plot, no conclusion, explanation about what's going on or why, not even closure at the end. It's just a movie where the wind doesn't blow, the food is bland and the clouds all look the same. 

Maybe it's trying to tell us something but the only thing I heard was "We didn't have any idea how to move the story along after we explained the premise."

Said opportunity for a good story wasted on....just a strange happening of events. 

Waste of time. 

Super Mario Galaxy (review)

 The first one was fun. This one was...ok. It had a few references I got and a lot I didn't. Also with Starfox in it, it didn't ring my bell because I never played the game back in the day and neither did my wife apparently, because she asked me who he was. 

My kids were even bored with this movie. (unlike the first one) So this was a hard PASS for me. Very colorful, shiny and action packed....but in the end, it's a nothing burger. 

Have a good weekend folks!

Hell or High Water (review)

 Chris Pine as the crook, Jeff Bridges as the Texas Ranger, a few days away from retirement, trying to catch one final criminal before he hangs up his badge. 

Excellent. 

Slow, modern day western story. Not as good as "No Country for Old Men" but still worthy of a watch through. 

I knew nothing about this when I sat down with my nephew to watch it, but when Jeff Bridges name came up in the credits, I turned to him and said "Jeff Bridges is in this? Auto like."

And I was right. 

Monarch Season 2 review

 I truly ask myself "Don't I have anything better to do with my time?"

The answer must be "No" because I sat through the entire second season of this show. 

It has it's moments but once again its a 10 episode series that should have gone 5 and would've kept the same story. 

It's shocking to me that even though they've shrunk a lot of TV shows to 10 episodes and STILL manage to move at snails pace when it comes to the plot and story arcs is beyond me. I don't know how they do it. 

There's some nice monster moments....keep those. Cut the seasons in half to save money and continue to give us monster fights because besides Kurt Russell, there really isn't anyone else interesting in the whole cast. 

Will I watch season 3? Hmmm...guess I gotta do something to pass the time as the laundry dries. 

The History of the Hobbitt

 A book I didn't even know about until a month ago when another hardcore Tolkien fan pulled it from their bookshelf when I noticed it in the background of the video chat. 

This is a follow up to the "History of Middle Earth" series which talks about the early editions and re-writes of the Hobbit novel.

The book not only provides rough drafts, but also expounds on lost characters like Radagast, who is only mentioned in the novels but never shown. Tolkien's thoughts and ideas for a failed story line involving him are shown. As well are a timeline of events. What date things actually took place in the book, as well as distances between areas to give you a better lay of the land. 

The book assumes you've read the 12 volume History of Middle Earth series and chalked full of notes and connections Tolkien made in the Hobbit with his other writings. Truly amazing how much time and effort the man put into world building his stories. (which is probably why they're still the best fantasy novels ever written) 

Casual movie fans should avoid this though. Stick to the book. This is more for the hardcore nerds like me who can't get enough Tolkien. 

Also, at 938 pages....it aint' light reading either. But perfect for me!

Bye Bye Beach

 In 1983 my grandmother decided to bring the whole family together at the close of the summer for one beach trip. From there until 2005 Pensacola Florida was our annual vacation home. I remember each one of the 4 houses we stayed in over that time. Each one growing bigger than the other. 

But when the hurricane blew them all away, we stopped our annual trips. 

For 3 years we weren't enjoying the sand, until Dad decided to bring back the tradition but this time with just our family in 2009 but this time, move the beach a little closer to us in Gulf Shores AL. 

But in 2025 that finally came to an end. My Dad had a lot of expensive costs last year with the beach house he'd purchased. Every year before then it was making him money but last year he had to put on a new roof, A/C units, paint and even reconstruct the staircase after a store had deemed them "unsafe". I don't know the specific number but I believe 5 zeros were attached to the 1st digit and it outweighed the income he'd made that year, so Dad decided to sell it. 

He made a hefty profit I'm sure. Housing in the area is hot right now and he bought right after the 2008 crisis, in which he bought the house for a steal so I'm happy for him. Problem is, we never knew last year was going to be out last. 

Bittersweet, I must say. Lots of good memories there, with the family, kids, and board games. In fact, last year may have been the BEST year I'd ever had playing games, since we played several sessions of Twilight Imperium, as well as a 7 player version of Spartacus (I dream come true) So it truly was the best of all years. Kinda sad it's come to such an abrupt end. 

But maybe in 2029, (another 3 years in-between) I'll begin the tradition again with my own family. There'll be older and more manageable to deal with.  Plus, I may also keep the tradition of moving the beach a little closer to home by settling for beaches in MS, my home state. I really like that idea and if things go well make it an annual thing. 

Time changes things, traditions eventually end and life moves on. That's the nature of it. I'll miss the good times we had on our family trips but look forward to creating our own someday.   

Caveat (Review)

 Been a while since I was genuinely scared watching a movie. 

Enter "Caveat" a movie about a guy hired to watch a man's schizophrenic niece in a house on an island in a lake. 

But there's a little mystery in the house that needs to be resolved....add some supernatural occurrences around the house to it and you've got a movie that's pretty good!

It's crazy, because this movie begins with the creepies, then tries hard to make you forget about it all in the 2nd act when the main character is trying to put the pieces together on what took place in the past. Followed by a strong 3rd act that had me looking away with a tummy full of the heebie jeebies, only to end it in a perfect way and (if you're lucky) as the credits role you'll realize the you were seeing the whole movie wrong from the very beginning. 

 Spooky and smart without spoon feeding the audience to what the real meaning to it all was in the first place. 

I liked that. 

Recommended. 

Have a good weekend folks!

Cheerwine

 I've always heard good things about this cola from friends. So the next time Megan and I ate at Cracker Barrell, I decided to go for it and see if it's really as good as people say. 

It is. 

Really tasty. I don't need to go crazy and start buying it buy the dozens, but at the same time, I wouldn't say "No" to having another. Good stuff. 

The other 2 colas they have there that I want to try is Moixe and Vernon's Ginger Ale. But I can wait another 6 months before we head back to Cracker Barrell. 

Honey Peanut M&Ms

 Love peanut M&Ms, so I had to try these the other day. 

Not bad. In different to whether I'd try them again in the future. I think the flavor I would go for if they made  spicy peanut M&Ms. That'd be great, but I doubt it'd be a best seller so they probably won't ever make it. 

I miss the dark chocolate peanut M&Ms too. But those went out of productions years ago sadly. Still, nothing wrong with the classic peanut M&Ms either. 

Ghost 7Up

 Saw this in the store a few months ago and picked it up. Didn't even know about it. So excited. Went back to my car. And right before I opened it up I thought "Wait...what if it taste just like 7Up?"

I was right. No difference. 

Don't get me wrong, I like 7Up. But I felt like I just paid $1 more for a 7Up energy drink. There's literally no difference in the taste. 

Why they did this, I have no idea. I know Dr Pepper bought them a few years back. Maybe they were just throwing one of their brands in with Ghost to see if there'd be any interest. Well... I hope that's it for this experiment. Not interested in cola flavors with the Ghost label plastered on them. 

Pass on this one.  

When to grabs the "upgrade" seats

 Was talking with some friends at work about when you should move to better seats in a stadium while watching a game and this is what we all agreed on. 

Baseball: After the 3rd Inning

Football: After the 1st Quarter

Hockey: After the 1st Period

Basketball: Who cares about basketball??

I won't move if I'm with my family because it's never a smooth transition and isn't worth the trouble. But when it's just me or me and my son, I'll move on down for the upgraded seats. 

What about you?

Megan's Bizarre rules

 There are 2 "rules" my wife has around the house I've never understood. So today, I'm enlisting your help to explain them to me. 

#1 Once a hand towel is used to dry ones hands and must be thrown in the dirty laundry immediately. 4

Because of this, we never have hand towels in the bathrooms, ever. 

#2 Once you're done using the toaster, it must be unplugged. 

Or.... .what? It'll cause a fire? I don't know why, but she gets made if I don't unplug the toaster after using it. Every other kitchen appliance can be plugged in but this one and I've never understood why. 

Maybe one of you could help make sense of these "rules"

Have a good weekend folks!

That's :Mr Pibb: to you!

And finally, I got to try the original recipe. 

After so many year, Coke decided it was time to bring back the classic taste. I didn't know it when he gave me a 2 liter bottle of it. I thought it was just "cherry" flavored. Only after I finished the bottle did I realize online that this IS the original taste. 

So what did I think? Great. Oddly enough however, I think I enjoyed Pibb Xtra more! Maybe because that's really all of had over the past 35 years. 

But I'm glad they brought the original flavor back. I heard they're fading out Xtra but I really hope they keep both around in the future. Like Mountain Dew, they can rotate flavors in and out throughout the year and that would be ideal for me. 

Either way, words can't express how thankful i was to this guy for being so generous with his stash. I'd like to say I'd be the same way....but it is Pibb we're talking about here so I'm really not sure. 
 

Pibb Punchn Peach

 So the reason Pibb is coming out with different flavors I heard is because Dr Pepper is taking back distribution rights from Pepsi and Coke, now that their brand is so strong. Because of this, Coke is fighting back with Pibb and trying to give it a big push (in the big cities) for now. 

I love it. 

The peach flavor has a STRONG taste. Like biting into a juicy peach! Pretty good but again, this is a flavor I'd only try every once in a while. Not all the time. I enjoyed the cans he gifted me with but don't think I'd ever buy a 12 pack of these if I saw them. They're nice to have every once in a while for sure. 

Pibb Thrillin Vanilla

 Truth be told, I had vanilla flavored sodas. All of them....except maybe this one. Not my favorite but because it carries the taste of Pibb with it, it's bearable. The guy was very generous in giving me several cans of this, which I suspect was because he knew this was a flavor that gets old quick. 

Would I drink one again? Sure. Would I choose anything else over this one? Probably. 

But in my area, where Pibb is scarce, beggars can't be choosers. So if this is all I got, I'm not complaining.  

Pibb Zero

 If you don't know, I love me some pibb! A few months ago at a wedding, I made out like a bandit at the house where the reception was, when I discovered the owner of the house loved Pibb too. We went in the back of the house where he showed me all sorts of flavors from Pibb and even gave me a few of each to enjoy. 

Needless to say, I've been slowly drinking through my stash (once or twice a week) for the past few months and now it's time for my reviews!

First off is Pibb Zero. I've had this before because a friend of mine from Austin TX, came in one year with 2 cases of it. My response? "Are you asking for my hand in marriage? Because if so, the answer's yes!"

She wasn't, but I enjoyed the Pibb anyway. Not really that much of a difference, which is a good thing. I hear these are super hard to come by too, so I appreciated the gift. 

More reviews coming tomorrow...

Bang Lime Pop Drop (review)

I used to adore Bang energy. The Coke sued them, bankrupted them, bought them and cut out almost every flavor I enjoyed. 

Now I RARELY get them because the only flavor they still have around I like (Sour Heads) is impossible to find around here, plus I've moved on to Ghost energy drinks now. 

But whenever I see a new flavor...I have to try it for old times sake. 

The name alone reminded me of one of the my favorite flavors Lemon Drop so I was hoping for something good. Instead, I got middle of the road. 

It beats the Key Lime Pie flavor from back in the day (which was one of my least favorites) but fell short of expectations. 

I really wish they'd bring back the Lemon Drop flavor. (sigh)

Have a good weekend folks!

 

Dracula (Review)

 Holy cow, I've seen the best Dracula movie of all time. 

Not only that but (at the moment) the best streaming movie I've seen this year. Shockingly good. Excellent, I would even say. 

The trailer didn't look like much but my goodness, how this movie pays off. 

Well worth your time if you haven't seen it already. I couldn't believe how engaging the plot, characters and scenery was in this movie. Amazing. 

I just hope this isn't the only movie to "wow" me this year. 

See it. 

We Bury the Dead (review)

 When an explosion happens off the coast of Tasmania, it kills everyone within a 55 mile radius. Yet some are known to come back to life after the event. 

It's our protagonist job of cleaning up the dead, reporting those who still walk to the army to kill and (secretly) find out what happened to her husband. 

It's a "zombie" movie that wants to be something different and in return, ends of being something completely boring. 

It's been a long time since I've quit a movie halfway in. Usually, i can plow through it while playing games or looking up stuff on the internet. But not this one. It got so bad, that I ended up watching a history of the 1969 baseball season instead. It was THAT bad. 

What a waste of time, money and effort (if there was any) in this movie. Avoid at all cost. 

Outlander (review)

Catching up with my reviews of movies I've seen this year come "Outlander" from 2007. 

I never knew this movie even existed until a friend told me about it a few months ago. 

The story of man who crashes his spaceship on earth during the time of the vikings. With the help of a local clan, he tracks down a beasts that came with him on his ship. 

It's a wild tale that keeps you interested yet comes up short in ways I can't describe. I felt like the premise was there as well as some of the scenes but as a whole the movie was missing something to put it on a higher scale for me. 

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching the movie but in the end felt it came up short. 
 

Strange Harvest (review)

 A while back my nephew wanted to watch this movie made to look like a documentary (they even dedicated it to the fake victims in the film) about a serial killer who also has a supernatural essence surrounding his killings. 

Twice I had to remind his friends that this was a movie and not an actual event....yep. 

Guess the movie was so good it had them fooled....twice. I can't say for sure but I even think I saw one of them trying to look up information about the serial killer on the phone. 

Geez. 

Anyway, is it worth the watch? Meh. It's not bad but really nothing to impress. 

Ranking Baseball Cards: Triple Play

 In an attempt to lower the price point in the market, these cards were released in 92 at the low price of 99 cents. So that kids who didn't have money could collect a cheaper version of baseball cards. However, some of these sets surprised me. 

3) 92 Triple Play

Yeah, they look cheap don't they? I remember seeing these and laughing. Thinking little kids were getting ripped off and not even knowing it. They look more like "premium" Pinnacle cards than anything else. 

2) 94 Triple Play

Really good looking set. It's funny how this shoestring "cheap" version of baseball cards far exceeded the look of its rivals in such a short time. Love this look. 

1) 93 Triple Play

This was the set that made me do a double take when I first saw it. I loved it. I couldn't believe the "cheap" version of baseball cards looked so beautiful. So I collected the entire set. The packs were cheap and the common cards cheaper so it wasn't that hard. Its one of the biggest surprises in my collecting era. I never knew cheapo cards could look this good. 

That about wraps it up for baseball cards folks! Have a great weekend!