Noah's Ark Playset

 Here's a blast from my past! It's the Noah's Ark playset from the 70's!

 Surprisingly enough, a lot of the toys I had in the 80's were actually from the 70's and I never really knew it. It makes sense now, knowing that back then, people just handed it down to the next person instead of throwing things away.

 But this set I remember vividly! The Ark, the animals, everything. We played with this thing for hours at my old church back in Mississippi!

If you ever get bored, ebay search "70's toys" and see what pops up. You may be surprised!

Album to look forward to in 2016

Weezer is coming out with the "White" album April 1st and I'm pumped to listen to it! My favorite band and they're still cranking out tunes. Gotta love it!

And since it looks like New Found Glory's still sitting 2016 out we can always hope for next year!

Any albums you're excited about this year? Do tell!

Books to look forward to in 2016

 My favorite author Kevin J Anderson has 2 books coming out the same day on September 13th! The first one is his final book in his latest sequel trilogy to "Saga of the Seven Suns"

And the next one is the conclusion to the "Schools of Dune" trilogy. I've waited FOREVER for this series to wrap up! I think I'll read Eternity's Mind first and save Dune for last since it will most certainly be my favorite!

Any books you're looking forward to this year? Or am I the only nerd in the room here?

Chipmunks fan

I can't believe this, but after 25 years, things have come full circle for me and I'm listening to the chipmunks once again!

Ever since Megan got me that record player for Xmas I've done nothing but look for interesting albums to find. Mainly older children's records because those were the ones less likely to get a reprint.

It started with grabbing one of my old chipmunks records from my house, now I have 4 more I LOVE listening to because it sends me WAY back! My favorite album is one from the old 80's cartoon show because that's how I know them the best.

I'm telling you! With the records blaring and Intellivision hopping it's like 1983 up in my house!!

Best Jim Carrey movies

Jim Carrey USED to be good. And today I'm going to remind you why.

5) Dumb and Dumber

Out of all the man's comedies, this one reigns supreme. I still laugh seeing it today (and cry when I think about the sequel) It doesn't hurt to have the perfect wingman Jeff Daniels either! The 2 of these together was comedy gold! (emphasis on "was")

4) The Truman Show

Such a smart idea for a movie and Jim Carrey's acting just made it that much better. Carry's cliche humor went out the door for this movie and a whole new adorable one took it's place. Showing the world he wasn't so one-sided when it came to taking on different roles.

3) Man on the Moon

Carrey never wanted a role worse than he did this one and it paid off too. This movie pulls us into the insane world of the late comedian Andy Kauffman, whom Carrey's perfect portrayal of, really set the tone. Right down to the facial features, this comedian played ANOTHER comedian unbelievably well! Andy would be proud.

 

2) The Grinch

I saw this movie when it came out in 2000 in the theater, bought it the next year and have watched it every Xmas since then. I thought about stopping the "tradition" a few years back but Megan and Charity won't let me and I'm glad. This flick still gets me laughing every time!

1) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Words cannot describe how good this movie truly is. Carrey with Winslet is the perfect match and it's got to be his best performance ever. An incredible movie that Carrey should be thanking his agent for, till the day he dies. This is THE movie to see with the one you love.

Well? Questions? Comments? Anyone want to get up and dance?

Best Val Kilmer movies

Yep, I'm a Val Kilmer fan too. Shoot me.

 5) Thunderheart

One of his earlier movies about an FBI agent investigating a tribe, this movie came with a bunch of humor and an interesting plot to move it along. I remember renting this at Blockbuster hoping it wouldn't suck (the plot REALLY sounded dull) but it ended up being one of my favorite Val movies ever!

4) Felon

One of his later films (yes I still watch every one!) was actually one of his greatest. Kilmer plays an inmate and is almost unrecognizable in the film (thanks to his size) Again, I ended up loving this film more than I thought I would and talking about it again has me hankering for a 2nd viewing!

3) Heat

Now we're getting to the Top Tier movies. Heat was probably in my Top 5 greatest movies of all time when it came out. (it has since fallen) but I love this film. Kilmer is at his coolest in it and the ending is just heart breaking. Another movie I need to add to my "re-watch" list for this year.

2) Willow

Easily Kilmer's most famous role (next to Top Gun) Face it folks, Val MADE this movie! He had a charisma equal to Jack Sparrow. This movie's in my collection and was re-watched last year. Besides weak special effects (which you can't really fault it for) this movie is excellent and worthy to stand in my collection!

1) Tombstone

Surprised I didn't put Top Gun? I like the movie but Val really was so-so in it. However, as Doc Holiday he out-shown every actor in Hollywood in this role. I'm not the biggest fan of westerns but this is a film I LOVE! Sad to say but I don't think he'll get any better than this. But that doesn't mean I'll stop watching them...


 

Best Edward Nortan Movies!!

Edward Norton is probably my favorite actor. I LOVE all of his movies. So to make a Top 5 is hard but I'll give it a try!

5) The Score

This must have been a dream come true for Norton. Getting to work with some of his idols really made for a great film. I got this movie as a gift and have watched it a few times since. It's smart yet forgettable when you mention it to others. Regardless of all that, I love it!

4) Rounders

C'mon! Who's top 5 DOESN'T consist of this film?! It's a classic! I have a buddy who met Edward Norton and says he's a really great guy in real life and reads all the time! Kinda good to know when you're such a fan of his movies like I am.

3) Red Dragon

The prequel to Silence of the Lambs it didn't disappoint with Norton's performance of the young detective on the case. Anthony Hopkins was of course good but this was the 3rd movie in a group of films some folks thought had died out with the 2nd one. It turned out not to be true of course, hence it's on the list!!

2) Fight Club

Everyone's #1 will be my #2 (though barely) No doubt about it, I love this film. It was one of the first DVD's I ever bought and it's tied for the most viewings of an Edward Norton film for me! On the "All-Time Movie" list, I'm pretty sure my brother Jeremy would have this one close to the top. So what's #1?

1) Primal Fear

No movie twist was ever as big as it was for me in this film. This was Norton's breakthrough role and it was here that he caught my attention and added another die hard fan to his ever growing list. His performance as the alter boy is flawless. Richard Grere should thank him for having the one bearable film of his I can stomach to see over and over again. Edward stole the show from the seasoned actor and has seen his career take off ever since.

What about you? Any Norton fans out there with me?

Best Johnny Depp movies

This was a hard list to put together because he's made so many brilliant films, but I'm going to try and narrow it down to a Top 5!

5) Edward Scissorhands

I can't imagine a list not including this film. It practically defined who Depp is today as an actor. Such a silly concept that was delivered in such a marvelous way makes me wonder how he ever nailed this role down so well in the first place!

4) Once Upon A Time in Mexico

I'm pretty sure this woul be on no one's else's list but mine...and I don't care. Depp is outstanding as the villain which gave Banderas' "Desperado Trilogy" legs for one more round. I can't think of a single film where Depp is portrayed any cooler than he is here.

3) Pirates of the Caribbean

I loved him in the first 3 but to be specific we'll just say the first movie. Jack Sparrow is a character that has changed the way people view pirates. It's one of his most famous scenes and Depp even carries a costume of the beloved Captain everywhere he goes, just in case there's a charity, school or children's hospital to attend. Rumor has it that he has to approve any "Jack Sparrows" at the Disney Parks by video audition sent to his agent but I'm not so sure that's true.

2) Ed Wood

Not familiar with it? Rent it today and thank me later. Depp's incredible performance of the late Hollywood director is magnificent! I've seen this movie several times over and enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time. Not many movies can claim bragging rights such as that!

1) Sleepy Hollow

But #1 hands down is this one. I've seen it the most out of all his films. (thrice in theaters) I was expecting garbage when I walked into the theater and came out asking friends who wanted to see it with me again. Depp's BEST performance in my opinion and with the help of Tim Burton's direction this film stands proud on my short list of films I own.

Well.... what'd I miss? Agree or disagree? Lemme know in the comments!

Best Arnold Movies

This week I thought I'd give me Top 5 favorite movies from some of my favorite actors starting with the former Governator himself! Here goes:

5) Kindergarten Cop

Arnold had it going for him on both sides of the action and comedy realm. His endless movie quotes lasted decades among our friends and some are probably still with you today! Kindergarten Cop is a good example of this. "It's not a tumor" and "Thanks for the tip" are still quoted among my brothers today!

4) Last Action Hero

Good gravy I love everything about this movie. It's smart, it's funny and Arnold really looked his best in the 90's in my opinion. If you haven't watched it lately, you should. Since it was a farce from the beginning it still holds up today! And the magic movie ticket is still Cinema GOLD!!

3) True Lies

Great film from start to finish, no question about it. It had heart, it had action, it had you thinking Jamie Lee Curtis was the hottest chick in Hollywood with that dance scene. By the way, when googling images for blog posts, be prepared to explain to your wife why racy images of the Scream Queen show up.

2) Terminator 2

I don't even think I have to explain this one. Perfect in every way it's a movie that will never get old for me. The moons aligned for this sequel and as I've said in earlier post, from the non-stop action to the music video by GNR this movie HAS IT ALL!

1) Predator

But my #1 has to be with this one. Arnold is ripped, guns are mowing down a forest, punch lines are abundant and the supporting cast is nothing but perfect. I love everything about this film and it's also why I love these movies more than the Alien franchise!

What are your Top 5 Arnold movies? Did I miss any that weren't on your list?

Madri Gras season

Mardi Gras season is upon and (if you don't already) be glad you don't live in Louisiana.

Here's a little secret. I hate Mardi Gras.

Nope. Never liked it to begin with. I'm from Mississippi so growing up we never celebrated it unless I was at my Grandparents on those rare occasions in Mobile when they took us to the parade.

Fun Fact: Mardi Gras started in Mobile AL

But I hate King Cake, think the colors are ugly and the "tradition" of watching a parade just to catch some cheap plastic beads is not appealing to me in the least. But you should see the bozo's down here who practically run over children just to grab a free trinket.

Megan loves the holiday so we go to the parade. I usually sit there, freeze and throw any beads back that I catch. Every year it gets more and more crowded in Monroe, I can only imagine the terror that happens in New Orleans this time as well.

I'm begging St Patty's Day comes early this year!

Febuary Movie Preview

Ok folks, let's see what's in store for next month at the moving picture show shall we?!

 Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny

In all honestly I was so interested in seeing this movie...LAST YEAR. But then it got delayed and delayed and delayed.... and now I don't even care about it anymore.

 Deadpool

Yes. This looks good. I love how Ryan Reynolds has been promoting it too. I'm expecting great things out of this movie. Great things indeed!

 Pride Prejudice and Zombies

This was such a big book when it came out a few years back. Don't know why it took so long to put into a movie. But I saw the other film based off this guys books "Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" and it sucked. I'll be passing on this one as well.

Zoolander 2

Yes. 2 hits in one month! I loved the first one and have high hopes Ben Stiller will ensure this isn't like "Dumb and Dumber To" Looking forward to being entertained on this one as well!

Did I miss anything else coming out next month? Let me know in the comments!

Pensacon 2016!

Well, after yesterday's post I've made the decision we're going to Pensacon again this year. What made up my mind? They announced a few weeks ago one of my favorite authors Troy Denning will be there and that's an opportunity I can't miss!!

Kevin J Anderson and Dave Dorman will be there as well so I'll have at least 2 others to see while I'm there. The rest of the guest? Bah! I'll look around the vendor tables and probably leave early that day.

Should be fun!!

The "Me" update

Jumping off yesterday's post, I realized I haven't done an update on me in quite a while so here goes:

Work is going great! I love it. I'm happy there and hope things continue to stay that way. I've gotten a few projects around the house done and even cleaned out some of the corners to make a little more room in the house. (it's amazing how much junk piles up in your lifetime) Overall things are going well!

Travel plans haven't been decided on this year by me and the Mrs. We've talked about a few things but haven't yet settled on just one. Not sure if I'll be attending any Con's this year. GenCon IS tempting but I'm not sure back to back years would be worth it. As for other cons, there's one I may be going to but I'm still deciding on that as well.

I know I'll be going on the family vacation. Dad bought a beach house this year and it'll be fun to check it out. Other than that, we've talked about Orlando, Chattanooga, California and a cruise but as I said earlier, it's all still up in the air.

A Rangers game is probably in our future too, we just need to decide when to go. 

Where are you going for vacation this year? Any place I should look into while we're making our decision? Let me know!

2016 Keep a journal

One thing I've kept up with ever since my senor year in high school was keeping a journal and I'm glad I have. It allows me to go back and look at what was going on in my life at the time and reflect on the way things are now.

I don't write in it everyday, but it's become a habit to at least write in it once a week unless something interesting happens, then I'll write more frequently.

I know these days folks put stuff up on social media they can look back on but for those more personal things in our lives, I think journals are very important to keep. I'm still using mine from last year but will switch over to another later this year.

I have stacks of these in my closet and (when time allows) I'll shift back thru them every now and again to see what happened in my life. Kinda life how the comics I wrote was a "fantasy" of my real life, the journal reminds me of what it was like going thru struggles or celebrating victories.

It's a worth while thing to do my friends. So start today! Trust me...you'll be glad you did as time moves on.

2016 Diet

Another thing Megan and I started this month was the Ideal Protein diet. Now usually, I'm not for hoping on the band wagon to the latest craze but I have to admit, I've seen some pretty telling results from it.

Mom lost several pounds and cured her diabetes while on it and folks from our church have not only lost weight from doing it but have managed to keep it off for a whole year!

So Megan and I thought we'd give it a try. I'm about 25 pounds overweight from eating out all the time while on the road this year and am looking to curve that down to what I was at the start of the year. With this diet I can do that and keep it off (as long as I eat responisible and continue my daily work out routine that is)

The diet's very simple to follow. they give you a list of foods you can eat along with protein snacks to help you get by. You cut out ALL sugars (even natural) and let your body pull from fat to keep up. But you have to ensure to eat a lot of protein so it doesn't attack your muscles as well! I have to say it's the easiest diet I've ever done!

Once you've reached your weight goal, it eases you off the plan slowly to let your body adjust to your new weight. This ensures you won't gain it all back when you eventually get off the diet and start eating whatever you want. I love it!

Only a few weeks in and I've already seen improvement. Over the next few months I'll keep ya'll posted on the end result!

Have a good weekend folks!

Mr Fix-it

Last week our garbage disposal broke so I had to replace it with a new one. I had no idea what I was doing and had never done anything like this before, but after a full hour I was able to switch it out with a new one.

I even had to re-wire the plug for the new one because it didn't come with one. (cheap-skates) it was quite a hassle, but I felt a strange sense of accomplishment after it was done. I now know why Dad knew how to do so much when I was younger....he'd figured it out along the way just as I'm doing now.

Kind of wild when I think about it.

Anyway, have you ever tried taking on a home project on your own? What was it like? Did you succeed or fail? And would you try it again?

Me? No way. I hope this disposal last forever! I NEVER want to do this again!

P.S. And Megan won't call me "Mr. Fitx-it" no matter how much I beg her to.

Clean out your Storage room

We all have one and chances are you haven't looked in there since it was first loaded in. But I'm here to tell you....do it.

Go in there, look through boxes, discover things you forgot you had or things from your past that you remember. It's well worth it I guarantee you.

I just did this a few weeks ago and found a lot of stuff from my old college days. Notes, letters, my old math book (which I promised to burn 20 years ago and still haven't done yet but will soon) and several other things that gave me great joy to look at.

I threw a ton of stuff away, have a nicer looking storage room and look forward to going through more closets around the house to see what's in them as well.

It's like having a Treasure Hunt in your house! Trust me, you won't regret it!

Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation

Just finished watching the live action Turtles show that ran from 1997-1998. I was in college when it came out and didn't care for it's childish script but watching it now I have to say it's enjoyable (yet I couldn't suggest anyone watch it)

If you're a BIG turtle fan, this show is fun. It only went 2 seasons and follows the story from the movies. Though the Shredder is hardly in it and it's made for small kids, I still laughed once at each episode.

What changed from the movies first off, was the costumes. It bothered me when I was younger but now I don't mind. Each turtle has a shoulder strap with a letter corresponding to their name. Their mask are each different and their weapons too.

Leo carries one sword, Raph's Sia can attach to make one weapon, Donnie's bo staff is metal and Mikey NEVER uses nun-chucks because they are outlawed in the UK where this was shown. He just has them strapped to his belt the whole time.

It runs a lot like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in that it's mostly dubbed, with goofy sounds thrown in during fight scenes, which make watching it slightly annoying.

Fun fact, they were actually owned by the same company who produced MMPR and even had crossover episodes with the Turtles in Season 2. (both episodes are an added bonus feature in the DVD) Even though it was with the "Space Rangers" it was still a fun show to watch. Maybe my favorite of the whole set.

The biggest disappointed is the addition of Venus De-milo, who a lot of fans still hate to this day. She's a dumb character and I think they knew that after season one because she takes a back seat in a lot of the story lines for season two.

Overall, this show made me miss the movies... which has now got me thinking that now that I've watched this "sequel" series to the 3rd movie, I should watch the movies backwards. That way in the end I can leave on a high note.

Did anyone else watch this series as a kid? What did you think? Or did you even know they made such a show? Megan had no clue when I showed her and was interested until the 2nd episode, when she realized how kiddy the story lines were.

Oh well, NINJA POWER!!

It's all about the money!

Wee Sing | Little Bunny Foo Foo Part 2

Wee Sing Big Rock Candy Mountains

Finally, this is one that not only we loved (due to Little Bunny Foo Foo) but got all of our friends watching too!

Yep, a bunch of teenagers over at my parents house watching movies that were meant for Charity. The insanity was explainable.

There you have it folks, Wee Sing!

Check them out on YouTube or buy them on Amazon...or forget about them completely and enjoy your weekend!

Wee Sing King Cole's Party Part 1

Wee Sing King Cole's Party

Jeremy's favorite movie from the Wee Sing Library.

This is when we started drinking the Wee Sing Kool Aid.

Wee Sing in Sillyville part 4

Wee Sing in Sillyville

  
Sillyville. At this point you watched them thru with Charity just to see what ridiculous story line they'd come up with.

I found these on DVD online but they don't have that much nostalgic pull over me to get them!

Yet Charity's birthday was last week so hmmmm....belated B-Day gift?

Wee Sing Grandpa's Magical Toys part 3

Wee Sing Grandpa's Magical Toys

Continuing the talk about Wee Sing videos another one she had was about toys. I still remember a lot of the songs today.

That's something NOT to brag about.

Wee Sing Together part 1

Wee Sing Together

Back in the day Wee Sing was what Charity used to watch for years as a kid and had it playing around the house constantly.

Years later I'm kinda fond of it now. Makes me think back to the old days.

So weird!

Record Player

For Xmas I got a Record Player that I love. I've been listening to old records of my parents and look forward to finding more at antique stores.

Listening to them has been great too. I love the sound and even played a few Xmas records on it too. Around the tree listening to it was awesome!

Remember any records you used to listen to as a kid?

Do tell!

80's Ads: Burnin' Key Cars Kidco 1982

Does anyone remember these?!

It's about time!

Congratulations to Mike Piazza! Finally, after 4 years, the voters have come to their senses and elected the best catcher in MLB history!

I love Piazza. 2nd only to Keith Hernandez, he is one of my all time favorite players! I'm happy he finally got the respect he deserved in the game that matters most.

 Now about getting Keith Hernandez in....

New Year's Resolutions

Time once again to set those goals! So today I thought I'd share some of mine!

1) Lose weight (again)

All this travel on the road for work had me gain all the weight I'd lost at the first of the year, so it's time to do it again. This time thankfully, Megan said she'd diet with me, which should make things much easier this time around.

2) Write (again)

I plan on writing more Dinner Theatre shows and who knows what else this year! Murder is Served has gracefully extended their invitation for me to write more shows so the opportunity is there if I want it.

3) Plan a fun vacation

I don't know where and I don't know when, but I really want to do something awesome this year for a vacation. The memories alone are always worth the trip.

4) Expand my hobby

I'd like to go on the look out for more board games. Old and new. Since I'm not spending anymore money on Star Wars books I have extra available to afford further interest into another!

Guess that's all I have for this year. What about you? 

Xmas lights (3)

Well, it's been a great Xmas season and I look forward to the next one!

Have a great day folks!

Xmas Lights (2)

It's amazing all the hard work that goes in to it. And it gets bigger every year!

Xmas Lights

On the 12th and Final day of Xmas I thought I'd show you a few of the lights that go up at a Chiropractor's office down the road.

More videos to come...

January Movie review

Whoops! I let the month go by me again! Oh well, here goes:

 400 Days

Even though, I'm betting everything I know how this movie will end, it still doesn't kill my curiosity to see it. If you haven't already seen the trailer, go ahead and check it out and let me know what you think.

 Kung Fu Panda 3

And when it comes to Redbox I'll rent it....after it's been out a few weeks....and there's nothing better to watch....and when I have down time. But I'll watch it then!

 Moonwalkers

I'm strangely interested in this tell of how the moon landing was "faked" it just may be worth checking out!

The Hateful Eight

I was busy his weekend but I'll be for sure checking it out. Looks good and since I'm not a cop, I don't have to boycott it either!

Did I miss anything else?

Happy New Year!

And we're off...