The Magician's Nephew (review)

After many years, I decided to go ahead and give these a re-read, this time in Chronological order. I've never liked reading it this way, but rather in publication order. But this time I decided I'd try it out. 

Not bad. I've read the books so many times, who cares what order I read it in now I guess. 

This book still has the magic that captured me when I was a kid. The origin or the witch, the Lamp Post and the wardrobe are all explained. As is the creation of Narnia. It's a wonderful simple children's story that's still enjoyable today. 

I have no idea Netflix is making a movie about this in 2027. I'm both excited and afraid. In my opinion, the BBC did it best with the first 4 books of the series. I hardly remember the chaotic new series that came out year ago and are buried in the past, forgotten by most. 

But these days, I don't trust anyone to respect the books when making a motion picture. Everything has to have more adventure and excitement in it. I highly doubt the movie will focus on 2 kids, going into another world, ringing a bell that awakens a witch, who follows them back to earth and then again to the creation of Narnia, without so much as a battle taking place is movie material. 

But yes, when it comes out I'll have to give it a try. They've never made a movie about this ever, so seeing some concept of the story brought to life would be interesting. 

Have a good weekend folks!
 

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)