Mechanical Pencils

I hate these things. Never liked them. Don't even know why the exist today. 

They never work right. The led is brittle and breaks easily. It slides right out of the bottom too fast and too long. Constantly chipping. Then you have to buy refills that cost almost as much as buying a new pencil. 

What's the point?? Why not just get a regular pencil instead? Wouldn't that work better??

Whenever I find one around the house it's instantly trashed. I'm guessing the girls get them as gifts and guess what?? They're always out of led when I pick them up. Who knew right?

Total waste of existence, these things.  
 

Big League Chew

Honestly, is there a bubble gum better than this?? 

No. There isn't. 

Super soft. Blows great bubbles. Taste last forever. It's top shelf bubble gum. 

I always looked up to it as a kid. When playing baseball, you were the coolest if you had this. SOOOOOO good. Just bought a packet the other day. Loved every shred. And they have other flavors too. I've tried them all but nothing beats the original. 

Fun fact, last Christmas they had a peppermint flavor I tried. Too strong a peppermint taste for me, but I applaud them for trying. 

Other solid flavors? Green Apple, Blue Raspberry and Grape. All good stuff. 
 

Take a bath

 

It's time for a "hot take" folks!

Why do fat people NEVER bathe??

I've noticed this a lot lately. 

I have a friend who comes over every so often, tells me he's going to shower and be right over. Yet when he arrives, I've noticed he's only changed his clothes and stinks to high heaven. 

Last month at the theater, I was in a show where the fat people stunk so bad I had to hold my breath every time I walked by. Honestly, the funk coming off them was horrendous. I wish the director had said something....anything....to get them to bathe. 

Maybe it's not every huge person but geez to frag does it irk me. What's so hard about jumping in a shower? I can take one in 5 to 10 minutes easy. Why can't they??? What's so bad about pouring water, soap and rinsing that they just can't stand?

Ok rant over. Moving on.

Haagen-Dazs

 I getting old and soft as I age. 

I've heard this is the "best ice cream ever", made with the best ingredients and carries the mark of "super premium" in the ice cream market.

I even got my favorite flavor "pistachio almond" to see if there really is a difference. 

Final Verdict: It's fine. It didn't knock my socks off and I think I've had just as good from other companies. Would I give them a 2nd try? Maybe. But what one pint cost, I could get a whole lot more from other brands, so I can't say it'll be anytime soon. 

I go for blue bell, a the walmart brand of butter pecan is always welcome at my house.  

Backrooms (Review)

 I've been waiting to see this movie for quite some time. 

It's about a man struggling through a recent divorce while working at a failing furniture store. One day he comes across an endless maze of backrooms hidden behind a wall in the basement of his store. What does it all mean?? 

You have to decide. 

No really. It leaves things up to the viewer to decide what the heck is going on. 

And I don't mind that. 

I found this movie interesting and very depicting of what a bad dream would look like. Where something  in this endless maze is trying to kill you as you try to find a way to escape. Really enjoyable. Worth your time. 

Don't need a sequel, one movie is good enough. 

Have a good weekend folks!

BJ's Pizza

I few weeks ago, I visited a friend in Alexandria who was visiting from Branson, MO. On the way back up I stopped at an old favorite of mine to see if they were as good as I had remembered. 

BJ Pizza was located in West Monroe 25 years ago and every Friday I would go clean up their buffet. It was my favorite pizza.

Legend has it, that BJ and Johnny (of Johnny's Pizza fame) were actually partners who split up. In the agreement Johnny promised never to expand into Rapids Parish where BJ lived. To this day there isn't a Johnny's located within the parish. 

BJ taste similar to Johnny's but their sauce and toppings, are way better. (in my opinion) And yes, I had it and it still holds up as one of the best pizza's I've ever had. 

Happy I got to see my friend (it's been 18 years) and very happy I got to eat at BJs again. (again, 18 years)

Worth the trip. 
 

Shipwrecked: nightmare at Sea (review)

 I love me a good documentary flick. And Netflix delivered with this true story of a ship which sank right off the port of Italy.

It was the fault of an unqualified crew and stubborn (and cowardly) captain, which sank the ship and cost the lives of 30 something people aboard. 

The amazing thing is, someone at the time of the ship sinking, filmed almost the whole thing as it was happening. Bet he had no idea how much money he'd get from Netflix years later for the rights to use the footage in their film. Worth it too, because you get to see footage of what was going on at the time. 

Wild story. Worth a watch if you're interested in that sort of thing. 

Nos: Grand Prix Guava

 Not really a fan of this brand, but when I was on the road a few weeks ago and saw 2 for 1 at the gas station I decided why not. 

Blah! Taste a lot like watermelon, which I hate. I remember Bang energy had a Purple Guava Pear flavor I didn't think was that bad but this one flat our sucks. 

Nos is the drink, I'll get when there's no other good choices around. But really not a favorite of mine. I just can't help myself, whenever I see a new flavor I guess. I'm a sucker for getting these all the time. 

Maybe one day I'll learn to only stick with Ghost. Yet, on the other hand...I'm always looking for someone to not the king off his throne. 

The Furious (review)

 I'd heard this was the next evolution in martial art films. The trailer looked impressive. So I decided to give it a try. 

Boo. 

Too story driven. Very slow at parts. Usually, I don't mind the story, but this one was so weak I had no interest in it at all. Sure, the actions scenes are fun, but when you have to wait 30 minutes in-between scenes, you quickly come to realize this movie isn't worth your time. 

Sad because I've been looking for a revival in martial art films too. Gone are the days when we had Jackie Chan movies to look forward too!

Is it worth it? (Part 15)

 Topic: Veggie Garden

Ok, time to wind this conversation down. And for that, we head back outside, one final time. 

Pros: All the fresh veggies you can eat. Fresh veggies are the best. Fact. 

Cons: Work, work and more work. Again, it may be nice, but you have to put a lot in to get a lot out. 

Verdict: Yes. Hook me up. We had one growing up and I loved it. 

What would I grow?

Squash, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage and egg plant. Does corn grow in Louisiana? If so, add that too. I LOVE fresh veggies. This has WAY more of a payoff than a flower garden to me. It'd be hard work yes. But if I had help getting it started, I'd follow through taking care of it, just to reap the benefits. YUM!

Ok folks, that's it. No more. Change of topic(s) next week, I promise. 

Tootles. 

Is it worth it? (Part 14)

 Topic: Home Theater

Ok...I'm breaking format here. Who am I kidding. Where is the "con" here people? My man Mikey had one at his house and it was a lovely thing to behold. The only reason Wrestlemania was special to me was because I had the honor of his company, watching it on his amazing screen and surround sound. Complete heaven.

Before he took it down, I had SOOOO many movies I wanted to watch there. But alas, time got away from me (as it often does) and I was never able to make the plans to watch anything while he had it up. I miss it. I wish I had one. I know the top movies I'd watch. 

1) Star Wars Trilogy (OG)

2) Jurassic Park Trilogy (screw Jurassic World)

3) Godzilla Minus One (and even the 90s version which I love so very much)

Plus tons of movies from the 80s and 90s as well. Who wouldn't want to see a life size Wolfman get kicked in the nards? Am I right??? 

Is it worth it? (Part 13)

Topic: Flower garden

Time to head back to the great outdoors today and consider if this is worth it. 

Pros: Your yard looks amazing and is the envy of the neighborhood. The local newspaper probably even comes by and takes a picture of it. Or you send one in for a competition that you're always going to win. As we said in the 90s "I'm not gay but..." flowers are pretty and they smell good too. 

Cons: Work, work, work. Yes, they look nice. But there's a reason. This becomes the sole core of your life. People poor endless hours into these gardens and have little time for anything else. 

Verdict: Nope. Not worth all the work that goes into it. Sorry. I'll take pictures and compliment you on yours but the only thing that'll be growing in my backyard (and saying that is not gay) is weeds and grass. Now leave me alone and let me shop for scented candles at Bath and Body Works!! 

Ok, that last line was a little gay, I'll give you that. (also its true, man I love me a scented candle...and the annual candle sale IS my Black Friday make no doubt about it)

I digress....
 

Is it worth it? (Part 12)

Topic: Home Gym

Pros: You have no excuse NOT to work out. No more "it's too cold" or "It's too late" or "It's raining" or "I just killed a hooker and now I don't know where to bury her body or what to do with her pet cat" NO excuses. You'd always have a home gym right there in your house.

Cons: I'd sure that floor is going to take a beating if you're throwing around weights in there. Plus I'm sure the sweat would give off an awful funky smell over time. Also I have to think about any incidents involving kids, so there's that. 

Verdict: Oh heck yeah! All day! I'll find a place to hide the dead hooker later, I'm going to pump some iron baby!!! I'd have a treadmill, elliptical, dumb bells and one of those all-in-one sets that have a bench, shoulders and legs workout on them. It would totally rock.  
 

Is it worth it? (Part 11)

 Ok, how many weeks can I keep this up? Here goes...

Topic: Hedge Maze

Pros: Get lost for hours, find the center, where's there a fountain, or pool or minotaur with an axe ready to chop your head off. 

Cons: Can you imagine the upkeep on this thing?? Geez to frag, I bet you'd have to trim it every month at least. Plus, can someone say bees?? I bet this thing would get infested with wasps and hornet's nests in no time flat. And who wants to be pulling weeds all day long? PLUS after a few days, wouldn't you and anyone who came over, know how to walk through the maze? You'd have to uproot, replant and change the maze every 2 months at the most to make it challenging. And who'd want to do all that??

Verdict: I would. Bring it. Yes. I want one. (with a minotaur carrying an axe ready to chop your head off when you reach the center) 

Phorm: Screamin' Eagle

 The name alone made me buy it. 

Same price as Ghost. Not bad. But drink it cold. Not very good when it loses it's cool. (literally) Does it replace Ghost? 

No. But I wouldn't mind getting another one every now and again. Been a while since I've said that, so it's quite the compliment for an energy drink. 

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.