I don't really make New Years Resolutions as a rule. I tend to think that if you want to change your life, you should just get off your ass and do it. But I do also think the start of a new year is a good time to reflect a little and to set some goals or focus back in on goals. So here's my list, these aren't really Earth shattering or anything:
Read more old comics than in 2013.
This was a goal I made for myself in 2013. I did okayish. My guess is that I read somewhere between 100-200 issues of old comics in 2013. That's better than 2012 by a lot so that's a success. So if I'm sitting here at the end of the year and I've read more than 200 issues, I think I can safely call my reading a success. I'm currently focusing heavily on Post-Crisis Era DC, late 80s, and the books I've been reading are the Superman titles, Justice League, Suicide Squad and the Flash. I'm going to progress with that for quite awhile I think.
Read more books.
I was absolutely pathetic in 2013 when it came to the books I polished off. If I got through 5, it would be a miracle. My wife is aiming for 2 a month this year but she's also a faster reader than I am. I've been taking my Kindle to work and reading during my lunch breaks. I've really enjoyed that as I think it's better for my brain than staring at my phone for the entire 45 minutes. I'm winding down Witches Aboard by Terry Pratchett and I don't have an official to read list for the year. Thanks to the Kindle deals and cheap books, I have more than I could ever hope to read.
Work out more.
I slacked off a lot in 2013. I kept the weight off, put some on during the holidays, but I also didn't lose any. I want to get back into a solid workout routine and try to slid into the 240s weight wise.
Get into Yoga.
I listen to a medical podcast called Weird Medicine. One of the regulars on the show is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. Yoga comes up from time to time and they've said numerous times that even a few times a week will make a great difference in your back. It's been on my list for awhile now but I think my wife's goal to stretch every morning will sync up well with this.
Well, those are my main ones as of this moment. Hope you all had a good New Years!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The Sci-Fi Boys: A mini review
I caught this documentary on Netflix today. It features interviews with many of the guys that are big names in sci-fi like Ray Bradbury and Roger Corman.
The first thing that struck me about this movie is just the passion these guys have for their craft. A lot of them were making movies when they were 10 years old and in the days when video equipment wasn't a cheap or easy thing to come across. Some of them even developed some sophisticated special effects for amateur's. The passion of the men interviewed was really infectious. You could really feel their love for the art of movie-making. You get the feeling that making money was just a happy side effect to their passion.
I think this is a must watch movie if you have Netflix. It was a really fun look at several creative people and getting a little insight to what makes them tick.
The first thing that struck me about this movie is just the passion these guys have for their craft. A lot of them were making movies when they were 10 years old and in the days when video equipment wasn't a cheap or easy thing to come across. Some of them even developed some sophisticated special effects for amateur's. The passion of the men interviewed was really infectious. You could really feel their love for the art of movie-making. You get the feeling that making money was just a happy side effect to their passion.
I think this is a must watch movie if you have Netflix. It was a really fun look at several creative people and getting a little insight to what makes them tick.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Football Friday: Big Ten Season
Well, not really. There's been a few games played but this weekend features the first important Big Ten conference game as Ohio State takes on Wisconsin. This has been more of a rivalry the last decade as Wisconsin has been more on par with Ohio State talent wise. Wisconsin has taken a bit of a step back the past few seasons though.
Ohio State has looked really good for 3 of their 4 games and were a preseason favorite to contend for the National Championship. Wisconsin I think has looked better than expected but aren't what I would call an elite level team.
This is the first real challenge that OSU faces this season. I don't expect Wisconsin to win or even come close in this game though. OSU is just better plan and simple. I think there's a chance that they'll slip up and lose a game, it's just too hard to go undefeated for 24 straight games, but Wisconsin isn't going to be the team that beats them.
The keys for an upset here and the running game and defense. If Wisconsin can establish the run early and get a lead, they might have a chance of grinding out a victory. If they fall behind at any point in the game, I think they're done. OSU seems to get a head of steam in these games and just keep piling on the points.
The only other game in the Big Ten this weekend is Minnesota vs. Iowa and really? Who gives a damn about that?
Ohio State has looked really good for 3 of their 4 games and were a preseason favorite to contend for the National Championship. Wisconsin I think has looked better than expected but aren't what I would call an elite level team.
This is the first real challenge that OSU faces this season. I don't expect Wisconsin to win or even come close in this game though. OSU is just better plan and simple. I think there's a chance that they'll slip up and lose a game, it's just too hard to go undefeated for 24 straight games, but Wisconsin isn't going to be the team that beats them.
The keys for an upset here and the running game and defense. If Wisconsin can establish the run early and get a lead, they might have a chance of grinding out a victory. If they fall behind at any point in the game, I think they're done. OSU seems to get a head of steam in these games and just keep piling on the points.
The only other game in the Big Ten this weekend is Minnesota vs. Iowa and really? Who gives a damn about that?
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Middle Manager of Justice Review
I came across this game while we were sitting in a restaurant last Saturday. It looked interesting but I decided that it would probably play better on my tablet. I really have a love/hate relationship with mobile platform video games. I try to convince myself that I'm really enjoying the game but then I turn on my 3DS and realize that 90% of mobile games are just garbage in comparison. There are always exceptions to those rules and MMoJ is one of those rare games.
You're a middle manager that's in charge of a group of superheroes. You hire them with special packs and then send them on missions, train them and level them up. The heroes are interesting and varied. They all have unique personalities that come out during their promotion ceremonies and during the missions. The little world that the game built is intriguing and grabs you.
Most games of this nature fall apart due to the free to play aspect. You eventually hit some invisible wall where you either have to spend money or you aren't getting any further or getting the cool stuff. The Simpsons Tapped Out game is one of the worst culprits of this. You could dump $10 into the game's currency and literally get one thing for your efforts. I've put 5 or 6 hours into this game and haven't felt the need to do it. I did drop $1 so I could get a beefed up superhero for my squad. But it was hardly necessary. As long as you keep doing missions and pushing forward, you can get all the upgrades and nicer heroes. You just have to be a little more patient with it.
The game really keeps you moving forward. The missions are basic but strategic. The way you train your heroes up is also vital. You can completely hamstring your heroes if you don't train them properly. When you aren't on missions or training your heroes, you're busy managing their moral and upgrading your base. Unlike most time sink games, you never really feel like you're waiting around.
If you have an Android or iOS device, you owe it to yourself to try this game out.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
NFL Week 3 Thoughts
I may do this weekly but I haven't totally decided yet. This is going to mostly consist of random thoughts by me. They probably won't be long form or anything like that. Maybe a couple of sentences about a particular player or team. So let's go...
Barkevious Mingo has 6 tackles and 2 sacks through the first 3 games of the season. I would like to see a written apology for all of the sports writers that bashed the Browns for taking him with their first round pick. Mingo has been a super athletic player and really causes issues on the line for other teams. So far he's my defensive rookie of the year.
Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Washington, NY Giants and Jacksonville are all 0-3. Only 3 teams have started 0-3 since 1990 and rebounded to make the playoffs and zero teams have done it since 1998. I know we like to say "it's early" but I think 0-3 is a good indicator that you aren't making the playoffs. The math is a really hard thing to overcome. Just to go 9-7 these teams would have to go 9-4 the rest of the way. And have you seen these teams play football? Woof... it's for the dogs.
I haven't quite figured out the Tennessee Titans yet. They seem to have a tough and gritty defense that keeps the offense in the games. Jake Locker has played pretty well so far too. The main knock I have against the Titans are that they beat an awful Steeler team and a pretty mediocre San Diego team. I think they'll probably beat the Jets next week and then their real challenge is going to be Kansas City. Who would have thought that would be a critical game?
Chip Kelly really doesn't seem to understand how NFL football works. He doesn't seem to understand that you're not going to wear down the opposing defense by just running a bunch of rapid fire plays. He also made the classic misstep of implementing his offense before he had the players to do it. So now the Eagles are running an offense that have averaged 20 minutes of possession the last two games and are leaving the D out their for 40 minutes a game. That's how you wear down an NFL calibur defense. It seems like the league adjusted to this style almost immediately and have it figured out. A couple of stops and the team just falls apart.
Peyton Manning is the MVP no questions asked thus far.
I think the Cincinnati Bengals are maybe the second best team in the AFC. They've gutted out two close wins, a feat which previous Bengals teams have struggled with. The Green Bay win was ugly but that was a signature win by a team that hasn't really had any in the Marvin Lewis era. This is the year for the Bengals to make a playoff run if they ever intend to.
Barkevious Mingo has 6 tackles and 2 sacks through the first 3 games of the season. I would like to see a written apology for all of the sports writers that bashed the Browns for taking him with their first round pick. Mingo has been a super athletic player and really causes issues on the line for other teams. So far he's my defensive rookie of the year.
Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Washington, NY Giants and Jacksonville are all 0-3. Only 3 teams have started 0-3 since 1990 and rebounded to make the playoffs and zero teams have done it since 1998. I know we like to say "it's early" but I think 0-3 is a good indicator that you aren't making the playoffs. The math is a really hard thing to overcome. Just to go 9-7 these teams would have to go 9-4 the rest of the way. And have you seen these teams play football? Woof... it's for the dogs.
I haven't quite figured out the Tennessee Titans yet. They seem to have a tough and gritty defense that keeps the offense in the games. Jake Locker has played pretty well so far too. The main knock I have against the Titans are that they beat an awful Steeler team and a pretty mediocre San Diego team. I think they'll probably beat the Jets next week and then their real challenge is going to be Kansas City. Who would have thought that would be a critical game?
Chip Kelly really doesn't seem to understand how NFL football works. He doesn't seem to understand that you're not going to wear down the opposing defense by just running a bunch of rapid fire plays. He also made the classic misstep of implementing his offense before he had the players to do it. So now the Eagles are running an offense that have averaged 20 minutes of possession the last two games and are leaving the D out their for 40 minutes a game. That's how you wear down an NFL calibur defense. It seems like the league adjusted to this style almost immediately and have it figured out. A couple of stops and the team just falls apart.
Peyton Manning is the MVP no questions asked thus far.
I think the Cincinnati Bengals are maybe the second best team in the AFC. They've gutted out two close wins, a feat which previous Bengals teams have struggled with. The Green Bay win was ugly but that was a signature win by a team that hasn't really had any in the Marvin Lewis era. This is the year for the Bengals to make a playoff run if they ever intend to.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Monday TTM: GOAT Edition
We're going to keep it brief today. I got this back this afternoon and it's easily the best autograph that I've ever seen come back.
That's right. The greatest wide receiver of all time and probably my favorite NFL player of all time. He's really tough to get as the site I use has him at a 22% success rate. This one was gone for 47 days. I will say that there are few autographs that could beat this as far as being my favorite.
That's all for this week. I think Jerry Rice deserves a post all to himself.
That's right. The greatest wide receiver of all time and probably my favorite NFL player of all time. He's really tough to get as the site I use has him at a 22% success rate. This one was gone for 47 days. I will say that there are few autographs that could beat this as far as being my favorite.
That's all for this week. I think Jerry Rice deserves a post all to himself.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Top 10 Reasons that Fall Rules
1. Football
This is an obvious reason. Football comes back in September both college and the NFL. You can spend a good weekend glued to the tv and gorge yourself on football from noon Saturday until midnight Sunday. What could be better.
2. Apple Cider
It's not officially fall until you've taken that first sip of apple cider. There's a local apple orchard called Lynd's where I live and they have absolutely awesome cider. It has a nice deep flavor to it. Not too sweet and not too tart. It's just that perfect spot between the two. A great weekend snack is to get some mini Hostess donuts and wash them down with a nice cold glass of cider.
3. Halloween
There's many reasons why Halloween is one of my favorite days of the years. For starters, the old horror movies come on television. There's always some odd movie on television or Netflix to really get into the mood for the season. I love old horror movies, it's a bit of a hobby of mine. On top of that you have all the cool costumes that people make and dress up in. I don't really do the costume thing but it's cool to see what people can think up.
4. The leaves change
Ohio has kind of gotten screwed in this regard the last few seasons. But there's nothing like a cold fall evening with all the bright and vibrant colors as the trees begin to shed their leaves.
5. It's the epicenter of the sports world
Think about this. Football, hockey and basketball are all amping up AND you get playoff baseball. There's literally something awesome on every night as far as sports go.
6. The start of fire season
Those first couple of chilly days come around and you get to hunker down with a nice fire. There's always something special about those first few fires of the season.
7. Pumpkin pie
Namely from Big Boy. Pumpkin pie is probably my favorite of the pie world. When it's well done, nothing can compare to it.
8. Honeycrisp apples
The king of the apples. I tried these for the first time this year and absolutely fell in love with them. I've been heard saying many a time that I would "knife a bitch for some honeycrisp apples." These are amazing. They are super sweet and just full of flavor. You owe it to yourself to go to a farmer's market and get some.
9. HOODIES
Need I say more?
10. WOW
My wife and I are seasonal World of Warcraft players. We usually pick the game up in November some time and play till April. We usually retire the game for the summer as we do a lot of outdoor activities. WOW is the perfect cold weather kind of game. There's always something to do and it gives you a sort of routine to pass the short winter days with. MMOs aren't for everyone but my wife and I really just get a lot out of the game. We can play together or apart if we want. It allows you to set goals for yourself and there's always the allure of starting a new character and building them from the ground up.
This is an obvious reason. Football comes back in September both college and the NFL. You can spend a good weekend glued to the tv and gorge yourself on football from noon Saturday until midnight Sunday. What could be better.
2. Apple Cider
It's not officially fall until you've taken that first sip of apple cider. There's a local apple orchard called Lynd's where I live and they have absolutely awesome cider. It has a nice deep flavor to it. Not too sweet and not too tart. It's just that perfect spot between the two. A great weekend snack is to get some mini Hostess donuts and wash them down with a nice cold glass of cider.
3. Halloween
There's many reasons why Halloween is one of my favorite days of the years. For starters, the old horror movies come on television. There's always some odd movie on television or Netflix to really get into the mood for the season. I love old horror movies, it's a bit of a hobby of mine. On top of that you have all the cool costumes that people make and dress up in. I don't really do the costume thing but it's cool to see what people can think up.
4. The leaves change
Ohio has kind of gotten screwed in this regard the last few seasons. But there's nothing like a cold fall evening with all the bright and vibrant colors as the trees begin to shed their leaves.
5. It's the epicenter of the sports world
Think about this. Football, hockey and basketball are all amping up AND you get playoff baseball. There's literally something awesome on every night as far as sports go.
6. The start of fire season
Those first couple of chilly days come around and you get to hunker down with a nice fire. There's always something special about those first few fires of the season.
7. Pumpkin pie
Namely from Big Boy. Pumpkin pie is probably my favorite of the pie world. When it's well done, nothing can compare to it.
8. Honeycrisp apples
The king of the apples. I tried these for the first time this year and absolutely fell in love with them. I've been heard saying many a time that I would "knife a bitch for some honeycrisp apples." These are amazing. They are super sweet and just full of flavor. You owe it to yourself to go to a farmer's market and get some.
9. HOODIES
Need I say more?
10. WOW
My wife and I are seasonal World of Warcraft players. We usually pick the game up in November some time and play till April. We usually retire the game for the summer as we do a lot of outdoor activities. WOW is the perfect cold weather kind of game. There's always something to do and it gives you a sort of routine to pass the short winter days with. MMOs aren't for everyone but my wife and I really just get a lot out of the game. We can play together or apart if we want. It allows you to set goals for yourself and there's always the allure of starting a new character and building them from the ground up.
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