Survivor's who almost returned!

I was reading an article the other day about Survivor contestants who almost returned for later shows but didn't. Instead of posting the link to it, I thought I'd just give you the cliff notes on what I read.

 Stephanie LaGrossa

The most pathetic Survivor contestant EVER but they still asked her to come back again and play. She was asked backed for Survivor Philippines but thankfully was pregnant and couldn't do it. I can't stand her anyway, so I'm glad she didn't come back.

 Rudy Boesch
He was considered for Heroes vs Villains but was turned down because of age. He was 81 at the time and according to him ge'd "never felt better" but CBS didn't want to risk it.

It's a shame, but I understand. Rudy will still be one of the all time greats for me.

 Brian Heidik
He was asked back for All-Stars but declined. Rumor has it he's been wanting back in ever since but Jeff Probst and Mark Burnett have banned him from the show ever since news of him shooting a dog at point blank range, hit the papers a few years earlier. Though an accident as told by Brian, Mark and Jeff are quoted as saying they feel "uncomfortable" with letting him back on the show.

Again, a shame. He was a smart player and I'd love to see if he still has it after all those years off the island.

 Ethan and Jenna

Both were asked to return, but they turned it down. No reason was given but I believe they're done with reality TV for now.

Though it'd be fun to see them back, I won't miss them either.

 Banded from Survivor because Jeff Probst said "He quit and quitters don't get to return" the fact is on the show he didn't quit. He was voted out. The real reason cropped up a few years earlier when at an after party for Survivor, Jonny Fairplay had an incident with Jeff and his then girlfriend that led to Probst never wanting him on the show again.

He wishes were granted and one of the most devious players of the game (like Russell Hantz) will never return to the show again.

Sad. 

Matt Elrod

Christian Matt was a powerhouse on Redemption Island. He was a beloved character and fan favorite who has reportedly turned down playing Survivor again because he didn't want the show "defining his life"

Though I respect his decision I'm bummed he won't be returning to the show again.

10 Best movie cameos

If you saw it in theaters or just in the trailer, you know that Christopher Lloyd had a hilarious cameo in "A Million Ways to Die in the West" In which he reprised his role from Back to the Future. It was a GREAT cameo and after the movie was over I knew it had to be in my top 10 cameos of all time!

Then I got to thinking, what ARE the best cameos of all time?!

So in no particular order, here they are!

 Anchorman 2: Liam Nielson

Anchorman 2 was a disaster to watch, but it's saving grace was the several cameos during the "News Crew" fight scene. But since I'm limiting myself to just one, I'll pick Liam, representing the History Channel. Hilarious! Though Jim Carrey is an honorable mention too.

 Zombieland: Bill Murray

Or as they refer to him in the movie "Bill F***ing Murray" survives the zombie apocalypse, disguised as a zombie of himself. Great dialogue and delivery from the veteran actor which made this scene a show stealer for the movie.

 Spiderman 2: Bruce Campbell

Though he appeared in all 3 movies, 2 was my favorite of them all, as he shushes and denies Peter Parker access to MJ's performance since he arrived to late for the show. Why we're STILL waiting for him to come back for another Evil Dead movie is mind-boggling!

 Scream 3: Jay and Silent Bob

One of the biggest surprises in the film was their cameo. Though minor, I couldn't stop laughing at it, after I'd left the theater. Jason Mews remembers getting paid $300 and a free t-shirt for the shoot. He loved it so much he asked Kevin Smith if they wanted to continue making cameos instead of movies since it was "way more fun"

 The Protector: Jackie Chan

Looking at websites, I'm the only one who has this on their list and I doubt most people know it exist! Tony Jana (a rising martial arts star in America, who had starred in hits like Omg Bak) was starring in his first movie to receive an American big box opening was graced with the presence of a Jackie Chan cameo in the opening moments of the film.

While traveling in an airport the 2 bump into each other, turn to fight, recognize each other, Jackie then picks up his bag, bows and leaves. Giving his nod of approval for the next rising star of martial arts films.

Now that's class!

 Maverick: Danny Glover

I'd totally forgotten about this cameo until I saw the movie again last year. Glover is a bandit who's robbing a bank, Maverick is at. There's a hilarious moment of realization between the two (signifying they're prior Lethal Weapon films) but they shake it off as Glover delivers his classic line from the series and departs.

Awesome.

 Run Ronnie Run: Jeff Goldbloom

No one may remember this movie, let alone the cameo but to me it was one of the best. Jeff plays himself who has attended a "spiritual camp" and that he just realized is a complete waste of time. The scene is him asking for his money back and it's one of the best parts in the movie. I loved it!

In movies or cameos, it's always good to see his face!

 Wayne's World 2: Robert Patrick

Reusing his T2 role, Patrick makes a short but hilariously unexpected cameo in Mike Myers movie. Almost forgot about this one till someone reminded me of it when I told them my idea to make this post.

Thanks Bruce!

X-Men First Class: Hugh Jackman

 

Though not a fan of the movie, I'll admit this cameo by Hugh was pretty sweet. I can't quote his line but it's unquestionably the funniest moment in the film.

 

That's my Top 10. What's yours?

 

Justice League (Review)

A few weeks ago, I finished watching the Justice League cartoon. For years I've heard people tell me how good it was, so I finally took the time to watch it.

Though the first season was a little slow, it picked up in the 2nd and when it flipped to "Unlimited" it was excellent.

The creators really had a true love for DC characters and even ones that weren't as well known as others. My only question is why it only lasted 4 seasons before ending, because to me they were really starting to hit their stride.

Favorite episode was "Epilogue" where they finished up the Batman Beyond story line. Their persistence on keeping on the cartoons (Batman and Superman included) in continuity, is to be admired.

Don't know how I felt about the Wonder Woman/Batman love interest, but they dropped it in the last season because I guess it didn't get much traction with the fans.

Overall, the entire cast of characters was well done and I'm glad I took the time to see it.

Edge of Tomorrow review

So a few weeks ago I saw Edge of Tomorrow and I've got to say... it's probably the best movie I'll see all year.

The story is so thought-provoking and Tom Cruise is excellent as always. It's Starship Troopers meets Groundhog's Day. If it's still in theaters this week in your area, check it out. You won't regret it!

Essential Guide to the Force

Last month I decided to collect the "new" essential guide books that came out a few years back. The one I wasn't that crazy about buying was this one. Reading the summary didn't help either, I had NO interest in buying this book It was merely to complete.

Wow, did I underestimate it though.

I read it first thinking it would be the worst and it turns out it was one of the finest reads I've had in a while!

The story (yes, it's a story) takes place during the events of Legacy of the Force series after Mara Jade's death. It begins with an intro by Tionne where she describes a Great Holocron that was found a few years earlier that she's been studying. The "book" is a collection of accounts that happened in history all coming from the Holocron. And it's more than just a repetition of what's happened in the books.

They have several commentaries and accounts of other events that happened though time. I was enthralled from front to back cover of this book.

I'm almost done with the next guide now and I'll start on the last one soon so hopefully I'll have their reviews later on next weekend.

That's all for now folks!

July Movie Preview

A new month slowly approaches, let's look at what movies are on the horizon:

 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes


The first one episode in this new series was ok, but I think I'll wait till video to see how it ends. The trailer really grabbing me much. Any chance we go back to costumed humans instead of CGI animals? I doubt it.

 The Purge: Anarchy

The fact that they made a 2nd one of these makes me sick to think people actually went out and watched the first one in theaters. Just like it's predecessor, I'll be skipping on this one too.

 Planes: Fire and Rescue

More proof that Disney has no shame when making sequels. (yes that was a Episode 7 jab) I saw the first one on video and was mildly impressed. The fact the a sequels being made this early makes me wish I hadn't have bothered with it in the first place.

Hercules

The Rock reprises his role as the Scorpion King but without the outstanding list of supporting actors. Again my desire to see a movie in theaters this year has waned significantly.

What about you? Interested in seeing any of these duds?

Arkham Origins Review

A few weeks ago I bought Arkham Origins on Amazon's Lightening Deals for a sweet $15 and I think that's how much you should pat for it too.

Though not bad it's clearly not the best Arkham game. Multiple glitches inhibit the game play and even though updated were made I still had issues with it freezing up. So bad I had to turn off and on my console twice to get it to working again.

It's lazy and shoddy work by the design crew and it's a shame too. The story (as always) is good but with terrible bugs I don't think I could play the game again.

The Deathstroke DLC only unlocked the character for practice games. In "City" you got to PLAY as Catwoman in the actual game, again the laziness of the staff leaves you wondering what the point was in the first place.

Although I look forward to the original crew (Rocksteady) coming back for the 3rd and final installment, this game left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm going to wait a while before picking the next one up.

Got the other DLC's for the game but I'll review them separately later.

Batman Beyond review

Last month I finished watching a show I've avoided seeing for years.

Batman Beyond.

You all know I was a fun of the original Batman series but when this came out, I was getting "too old" for cartoons and frankly didn't care about the futuristic story line.

Boy was I missing out.

The series (though not as good as the original) was still worth my time to see. At first it was hard, getting used to the new feel of the show. But as the first season carried on, I started getting used to the characters and recurring villains.

The mystery of what had happened to Robin, Nightline and Batgirl was an allure that was sadly cut short due to the series only making it 3 seasons, but watching Return of the Joker at the end of the series had it's payoff. I'm halfway tempted to buy to buy it but am holding off for now.

Favorite episode hands down was in season 3 "Out of Time" Talia coming back to make Bruce an offer to dip into the Lazarus pit and become young again. Loved it.

I also watched Justice League, but I'll do that review later.

Top 5 Star Wars children's books

I've been keeping my focus on adult books, why not give the children's books some love and talk about them as well. Here's my Top 5 most enjoyable series!

#5 Jedi Prince Series

 

Guilty little pleasure here but this is still one of my favorites. One of the first books to be printed (it came out during Zhan's books) this series has gone largely ignored because of it's "cheap" Sci-Fi story that feels like something written right out of the Marvel comics.

But I ate it up! As a kid, this and the Thrawn trilogy was all they had so I accepted this story as full fledged cannon. Following Ken (the emperor's bastard grandson) this series took a walk on the wild side with a few other story plots. Darth Vader's glove, lost Jedi Cities and even a few prophets of the Dark Side.

Made for a wild tale and even has an engaged Han and Leia which would make it fit perfectly in between the final 2 chapters of "Courtship of Princess Leia" No other authors has picked up story plot from this series but as some of you know it's where my Star Wars short story came from, because I've always wanted to know what happened to my favorite characters from this series.

And now my fiction is just as non-canon as the rest of this stuff so I guess I could call it even!

#4 The Adventures of Teebo

 

A surprising book from the 80's makes it to the list, with this rare gem I fond a few years back when I was collecting all the Ewoks books. This puppy is DARK for a children's book and I was surprised by it's depth. Though not many pages, it's written in small print, which will take longer than you think to read through. Why do I call it dark? In the book, Duloks capture, skin and eat ewoks, then (as the dulok is cornered on a cliff by the ewoks) the wind gods push him off a climb were he plummets to his death and is splattered against the rocks. I'm not making that up.

#3 Jedi Apprentice series

Big fan of the first children's series to come out after Episode 1 exploring the past of Obi Wan and Qui Gon Jinn and their adventures together before the film. A wonderful story line handled by Jude Watson and Dave Wolverton which really added that extra element of characters from the film. Even it's sequel series "Jedi Quest" wasn't as bad since it harkened back to it's parent series on more than one occasion.

#2 Galaxy of Fear

Inspired by the, then popular, Goosebumps series, this children horror tales did an amazing job tying in several EU story plots from other books without alerting the average reader they were doing so. In fact, it could be argued that Death Troopers spawned from the book above.

A great series that was a joy to read back in the day.

#1 Young Jedi Knights

C'mon, if you knew anything about children's books, you knew this one was topping the list. The series even went up in value when the New Jedi Order books came out and started using it's stories as part of main story arc. It made all the cheesy moment in these books way more incredible. Haven't re-read them in years but looking forward to it one day when I eventually do.

That's all for today folks!

Top 20 Best Star Wars EU books

I've always wanted to go back and add 10 more books to my "Top" Star Wars list, so here's #11-#20

#20 Courtship of Princess Leia

Dave Wolverton's only adult novel he did for the series I don't know why because this was a pretty good book.

One of the first few to hit the market after Zahn, this book had good humor and a wonderful story line to keep things moving. It introduced the Witches of Doathamir, which have become very big in the Star Wars EU.

Most memorable scenes is Han cooking breakfast for Leia and 3PO trying to "help" him out on his quest to woo the princess. Outright GOLD!

#19 Darth Plagues

 One of the "newer" books on my list, but boy does it deserve this ranking. Taking place right before the events of Episode 1 this book gives you a whole new perspective on what's going on behind the scenes. An excellent book to read before watching Phantom Menace. This is one of James Lucero's best!

#18 Darksaber

Kevin J Anderson joins the list once again with this beauty. The first time I ever gasped out loud while reading a book. Mr Anderson became the first person to kill off a character from the movies. Crix Madine met his fate at the hands of a Butt just before seeing the Calvary arrive too late to save him. Needless to say, I was shocked. Another great story from a great author!

#17 Fate of the Jedi

Though the weakest of the NJO period, that doesn't mean it wasn't good. I loved this series which placed Luke at the center of a political incident that ended up banishing him from the Republic. Though Luke had this as part of his plan all along.

He and Ben scour the galaxy and the authors did an amazing job connecting SO many other media tie-ins to this series. West End Games Role Playing books, comics and even an episode from the Clone Wars, all tied in to this masterfully written story. Some day when I meet Troy Denning I'll have to shake his hand to thank him for another well written story arc.

#16 Death Troopers

When I hear they were making this book, I got excited. When I saw the cover I freaked out. And when I read it.... it easily became one of the best Star Wars books ever. A true horror story in space, it's a shame they ever tried to "explain" it in the sequel/prequel "Red Harvest" because this book on it's own is good enough!

Some of the best scenes is the descriptions of staggering zombie stormtroopers who wander aimlessly around a ghost ship. (not to mention the guest star appearance from Han and Cherie, which added some welcomed humor into the book)

#15 Bounty Hunter Wars

Boba Fett? Bounty Hunters? What's more to say? Jeter does an excellent job giving you just enough Fett, an interesting story line involving the guild and adding a few other favorite bounty hunters from the films. This book had it all!

Oddly enough these were the only novels to focus on Fett, though I'm not sure why. Perhaps too much of a good thing? Oh well, guess we'll never know!

#14 Dark Nest Trilogy

This "buffer" series between the New Jedi Order and Legacy of the Jedi, showed us some amazing revelations. Jacen's growing strength n the Force, the creepy fate of Raynar (who would later be an interesting character in the Fate of the Jedi story arc) and a nice "breather" in between 2 of the greatest stories the EU would ever put out.

The perfect series at the perfect time.

#13 Black Fleet Crisis

As I start to write about this book I already feel it may deserve a higher ranking. One of the few books to focus a story line on Lando and that alone makes it one of the best Bantam Books put out. I actually got to speak to the author years ago. Michael's an awesome guy who ended up giving me his personal Omnibus copy of his books from his very own collection!

It was my first autographed book and still means so much to me to this day. By the way, it also feature Lobos as a moan character which no other book has used since! If that doesn't get you interested I don't know what will!

#12 Star Wars Tales

The brain child of Kevin J Anderson and handled by not only himself, but other great authors as well, this trilogy of tales told us the stories from aliens in the cantina, the Bounty Hunter's fates from Empire and the characters from Jabba's palace.

Each tale was phenomenal and interlaced with other stories as well A brilliant concept that paid off big time in my opinion. I had a hard time keeping this one out of the Top 10 and wouldn't need much convincing to put it back in. It's just that good.

#11 Kenobi

Rounding up the Top 20 is this gem that came out only last year. I've already written my review so I won't say much more about it, but giving it that "ole west" setting won me over completely.

A fine read to be sure.

K, that's all for today folks!

Highlander: The Raven

After years of telling myself I was never going to do it, I finally broke down and watched the Highlander spin-off, The Raven.

Following the adventures of the character Amanda from the original show this spin-off has to be one of the worst out there.

The acting, the writing and even the music are horrendous. The idea of combing a "cop" show with the Highlander franchise was just plain lame. (not to mention lazy)

The main actors have a much talent in them as Arnold Swartzenegger's turd

The writing is so bad, it makes America's Funniest Home Videos look like an award winning comedy. Why Mythos was never given his own spin-off show instead and down right mind-breaking.

The only good thing I can say about this show is that I now appreciate Season 6 of Highlander SO much more than I used to

Crocodile Mile

I wanted this so bad when I was a kid but mom wouldn't let us get it because we already had a "Wet Banana" (the cheaper version of the slip n slide)

But I thought this one was so cool. With a splash pool at the end, what could be better than that?!

They should make an adult version of this with a bigger ramp and splash pool. I bet it'd sell like hot cakes!

Even if it didn't, I'd buy one.

Crocodile Mile

Water Willy Bug

Now that summer's in full swing, I'm remembering all my favorite water toys as a kid. One timeless classic was the water Willy bug. We'd set this out for hours playing with it outside.  Though jumping over it was all we did, it was pretty fun to do.

What summer fun did you play with as a kid?

Willy Water Bug by Wham-O

The female version of me

Holy cow. This sounds like me as a girl!

Potato Head kids

Now these toys I didn't much mind.

We had a goodtime playing with them and though you couldn't do much but give them new shoes and a hat they provided hours of entertainment to us! I was never a Mr Potato Head fan but his kids were ok with me!

INTRO POTATO HEAD KIDS

Popples

These lame toys only allowed you to role them up in a little ball and.... that was it.

I have know idea why Mom thought her 3 sons would love these but she got them for us one day and we were confused as to how to play with them. To make matters worse and I had the pink one and didn't think anything wrong with it.

(sigh) What was wrong with ME back then??

Popples INTRO

Care Bear Cousins

I remember my grandmother gave us these once when we visited over the holidays. We were so embarrassed and begged mom to let us take them back, but she wouldn't let us.

So we had to make the best of them and since we were only allowed to take one toy with us on trips, the cousins became part of the "toy fold" that week before our real cousins came in.

The Cousin Call

Glo Friends toys

It's time to talk about an embarrassing time in my life when I was a kid and played with Glow Friends.

Yep, you heard me right. I can't believe I actually played with these guys. But you have to remember that glow in the dark things were all the rage back then!

We loved pumping these guys up on light and then taking them to bed with us and watching them glow. It was the best part about going to bed some nights! I remember we even watched the cartoon as well!

Ah, the gay good ole days!

Glo Friends

Sissy Toys

This week I thought I'd change gears and talk about some unbelievably sissy toys I actually had (and played with) as a kid.

Note: Jeremy and Bray are guilty as well here.

Hope you enjoy the posts starting tomorrow!

Honor Among Theievs review

So I've finished this book after months of dragging my feet to read it (since it'll be the last new Star Wars book I'll ever read) I have to say that it was kind of ho-hum.

James A Corey writes well but it's set in the "Rebellion Era" which is between the 1st 2 movies and is one of the most crowded eras in the Expanded Universe. I get everyone wants to tell stories of Han, Luke and Leia on the run from the Empire, but from the looks of the EU timeline you'd just about to have to assume that every day within those 2 years have been filled with stories!

Besides that, the book also had the "end of the universe" super weapon that the rebellion had to stop the Emperor from getting his greedy little Sith paws away from. Reading other reviews it's funny how so many people didn't mind this story plot though they berate Kevin J Anderson for doing the whole "super weapon" in his books. Proving the inconsistent and down right bias view of my favorite author.

I digress.

The book was ok, Luke's hardly in it but then again this book was meant to follow Han. I wouldn't rank it in the Top 10 by any means, but I'd put it floating in the middle with the rest of the Star Wars novels.

And now that my vacation videos are over I'm considering posting reviews on ALL the Expanded Universe material I have. Comics, books, shorts and RPG's. It's going to be a huge undertaking but I think I'm up for the task!

I guess only time will tell if I actually go thru with it.

Circus Time (2)

Shooting a guy on fire with a giant crossbow is JUST the ending every circus needs. Don't you think?

Circus Time (1)

Forgot to post our videos from the circus earlier this year, so I thought today would be the time!

Got a wild one I'll post later today.

Discovery Cove (2)

Ok, Vimeo obviously sucks, so we're not doing that again!

Here's the 2nd and final vid for the day.

Enjoy!

Discovery Cove (1)

For this next video, I'm trying out Vimeo to see if it's better than going thru YouTube, or the generic player they give me on Blogspot.

If things look good on it, I'll start using it for my blog more often.

Click here and we'll see how it goes.

Dolphin Encounter (10)

Dolphin Encounter (9)

Dolphin Encounter (8)

Dolphin Encounter (7)

Dolphin Encounter (6)

Dolphin Encounter (5)

Dolphin Encounter (4)

Dolphin Encounter (3)

Dolphin Encounter (2)

Dolphin Encounter (1)

This was Megan's "BIG" day. She was finally living her dream of swimming with a dolphin.

Don't ask why. She's crazy.

But I got the whole thing on video. So through out the day I'll be posting more, so stay tuned!

Wet suit time!

Discovery Cove is an amazing place and well worth the price of admission. On top of receiving a "dolphin experience" you also get tickets to Sea World and Aquatica as well! That makes it quite the deal!

All your food and drink (even alcoholic) are comped with the ticket!

They provide breakfast, snacks and lunch. It's all inclusive!

Surprise #5

Megan's 5th and final surprise cam eon our last day, when we went to Discovery Cove. It wasn't much but it was the thought that counted.

Watch how annoyed she gets when I talk to her. It's early in the morning and she's grumpy because she hasn't eaten yet.

Ah....true love!

Something in the wood...

 A few months ago I went up to our attic to cut off an alarm system that went haywire after an ice storm. (yes we have ice down here some times) But while I was up there I noticed a creepy substance dripping from one of my wood beams.

It looked like something straight out of a horror movie and I completely expected some demon creature to come out of the dark and attack me while I took these pics.

After some online research I discovered that this wood beam (unlike the others) had been treated with a substance that (during times of extreme heat) began to ooze out from the wood.

Gross I know, but according to the website, nothing big to worry about.

Whew! Good. I couldn't afford another set back on the house right now!

C-ya!