Packing Woes

With my official notice given I have to start packing up all my things. These are the times I wonder why I collect so much stuff. I have the normal furniture; bed, desk, dining table and chairs, book shelves and love seat but then I also have a few hundred boxes full of toys, magazines, trading cards, books and statues. I am giving myself one week (3 hours after work everyday) to pack up my "toy" room, figured that would be plenty of time. I had already gone through my bedroom and took all my action figures down and boxed them up. But of course things don't go as planned. It's only been a few days and I'm realizing that it's taking me a lot longer to pack things up also I'm running out of bins. I usually pack my toys in plastic bins as they tend to protect my things better then card board boxes but I'm only about a third of the way through my toy room and I'm running low on bins. I even went out and bought five new bins and those were filled in minutes. I can feel the familiar anxiety creep back into my life. I've been really good at keeping it a bay but in recent months I've had a few attacks but I can feel it returning once again. Rationally I know everything will get done, I still have a month before I have to move out. But the more I load everything into my living room the more I see on how much stuff I actually have and that I'm going to have to find an apartment with some storage space or I'll have to rent a storage unit in addition to my rent cost, which isn't a happy thought. Now I just feel like I'm babbling, packing is moving along, slowly but moving forward. I still hope to have everything packed by early March and find a place to move by mid March so I can take a few weeks to move in rather then just one weekend... fingers crossed.

Onward - My Thoughts

I was fortunate enough to see an advance screening of Disney Pixar's new movie Onward. I brought my friend Brian along to a sponsored PGA (Producer's Guild of America) screening. I've been looking forward to seeing this movie ever since I saw the trailer a few months back. It comes two things I love Fantasy and D&D, so I was going into this ready to love it and I have to say I LOVED IT!!!!

Here's a quick synopsis: Set in a fantastical world, where the populace once had magic, two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, receive a wizard's staff as a prearranged gift from their father, who died before Ian was born and when Barley was too young to remember him. The staff came with a spell that will bring him back for only 24 hours, so his sons can meet him. Prompted by Barley, Ian uses the spell, only to end up with just his father's legs. This causes the brothers to go on a quest for a way to bring back the rest of their father before the time is up.

This going to be a non-spoiler quick review since it's a prescreening and not many of you have seen it it.

I think for me personally this is one of my top five Pixar movies. I cried minutes in and I continued to cry through out. The idea of bringing back your father for one day hit me hard, I would do anything to see and talk to my dad again for one more day. And then the other theme of family and being brothers was also close to my heart. I of course loved the fantasy theme, imagining a world of fantasy but within modern times. I love the idea that magic is hard to do and others developed technology to take it's place, technology that anyone could use causing magic to die out. I liked the brothers relationship, though I am the older brother in my situation I felt connected to both brothers, the younger brothers shyness and awkwardness and the older brothers love of D&D and caring about his younger brother.

There were several moments where my heart actually ached. One involved a tape recorder and the second was towards the end. Tom Holland is fantastic as the younger brother Ian and of course Chris Pratt is hilarious as the older brother Barley but also has some very sweet moments. Octavia is one of my all time favorite actresses and she killed it as the once ferocious Manticore and Julia Louis-Dreyfus was perfect as the mom.

I will be seeing this movie again in the theaters for sure and will be a must buy when it comes to blu-ray.

Onward gets a solid A from me.

Star Trek Picard Episode Five

 I was in tears the first few minutes of this episode... more on that later but first here's a quick synopsis of Episode Five "Stardust City Rag".

In a flashback, Seven of Nine mercy-kills her foster son and Starfleet officer Icheb, a fellow xB, after his Borg implants have been ripped out by the black-marketeer Bjayzl. In the present, La Sirena arrives at Freecloud, where Raffi discovers that Maddox is being held prisoner by Bjayzl, who intends to sell him to the Tal Shiar. Picard's crew plan to recover Maddox by staging a prisoner exchange, with Seven (whose Borg implants Bjayzl covets) as the bait. When Bjayzl recognizes Seven, Seven drops the charade and reveals her true intention: to kill Bjayzl to avenge Icheb. Picard persuades Seven to relent, and Maddox is safely recovered and beamed to La Sirena. Afterward, Seven returns to Freecloud and kills Bjayzl without Picard's knowledge. In sickbay, Maddox tells Picard what he knows about Soji and Dahj, explaining that he sent them to Earth and the Artifact in order to discover the true motivation behind the synth ban. After Picard leaves them alone, Jurati tearfully kills Maddox, saying "If you'd seen what I saw". Meanwhile, Raffi tries to reconnect with her estranged son Gabriel, who is married to a Romulan woman, but is rebuffed and rejoins the La Sirena.

As I said at the start of this blog, two minutes in an it felt like my heart was being ripped out. The scene of Icheb's dissection was horrific, and actually a bit to much (for Trek). And when Seven had to mercy kill him I was a mess. I knew this was going to be a rough episode to watch. I loved watching Seven and Picard interact. Seven's life hasn't been the best the past 20 years. I like that she's helping the helpless, but at what costs. Jeri Ryan's acting (which is always amazing) was on point in this episode. My heart just broke for her and everything she's been through. When she confronted Bjayzl you can hear the hurt that she caused, the pain of being betrayed and the lost of Icheb really has effected her life. She felt responsible for his death since Bjayzl found him through Seven. I loved that Seven went back down the the planet and killed Bjayzl. I wish it as a slower more painful death but I guess it looked and sounded painful enough, for at least a few seconds before she disintegrated.

We had a side story with Raffi and her estranged son. She tried so hard to convince him that she's clean and sober but he's been hurt to much and for to long to accept it. Raffi tried so hard but in the end was rejected and went back to the ship. I'm sure she's going to go down a deep dark hole in the next episode. 

I knew something was up with Dr. Jurati but I didn't expect her to kill Maddox. I mean she was obviously shown something so horrific that will happen if things aren't changed to kill the man she loved. I'm not sure how her story is going to unfold. I actually liked her in the beginning but once Commodore Oh visited her I knew something was up. My speculation is that Commodore Oh mind melded with Dr. Jurati and showed she something, maybe a future where synths take over or destroy humanity. I think time travel is part of this series, but what Commodore Oh showed her was it real or fabricated? I mean I could be complete wrong about all of this but that's one thing I love about this series is I have no idea where this story is going and that's exciting.

Can't wait for the next episode.

Apartment Hunting Begins

So it begins... Apartment hunting. I'm looking for a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment that's at least 1000 square feet. I need good size closets and a balcony/backyard (to store things). It must be a single level or top floor (I can not live under anyone). I'm looking to spend no more the $1800 a month. I'm looking to stay in the valley area (Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Studio City, Burbank and such). I know getting a 2 bedroom place in decent area is a tall order. When I searched Zillow only a handful of places popped up and only a three matched my criteria.

I had already set up an appointment at 1pm with this really nice place, they actually had two places available. My buddy Brian came with me as a second pair of eyes. The first place a Triplex (house), 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The place was small but very cute and every clean. I only shared one wall with a little old lady. Best thing about this place is it had a rather large back yard and side yard, especially for being an "apartment". Downside the closets were non-existence. But I was super excited about this place. When then walked about a block away to another apartment that was available. This one was 2 bedroom, 2 baths, it was bigger in size and had hardwood floors, the last place had tile floors. Both bedrooms had a bathroom attached. The closets were much larger then the last but there was no outside space. Best thing about this place is that it was a good size, downside to this place was the fact that it was the middle apartment. I would have people on both sides of me. But I liked both places so I didn't make a decision at the time. I grabbed an application and said I would let them know on Monday.

After lunch Brian and I drove around to other apartments that were available to check out the neighborhoods. Some were in decent areas, some were in not so decent areas. I called a few places to see if we could get in to see them but only left messages.

When we got back to my place Brian and I talked about the two apartments that we did see. I was leaning towards the smaller place because it had a great outside space where I could buy a small storage shed and store a lot of my things. As I looked around my house it dawned on me that I have alot of things, I mean I know I have a lot of toys and collectables, but I have alot of clothing, including lots of cosplay outfits and this smaller place had very little closet space and though it had a huge back yard I didn't want to have to go out back to get cloths every morning. So that place is out. The second place had two decent size closets but no place to store all of my empty toy bins once my toy room is up so that place is out as well.

This is going to be harder then I thought. Brian mentioned getting a storage unit to hold my excess and I'm good with that but then I was thinking maybe I can up my rent to $1900/$2000 and get a larger place that had storage area so I can't keep everything under one roof. Uping my rent from $1800 to $2000 had added a few more places to look at, so that's promising. .

Overall it was a good first day of apartment hunting. I know it's going to be difficult to find a place that's just exactly what I need but I do have a month to do it (or four weekends). I know what's important and what too look for. I'll keep you guys posted on how this hunt goes. If you hear of anything that meets my criteria please let me know.

"NerdStrong" Board Game Night

After taking a few months off because of holidays and such I had another "Nerdstrong" Board Game Night at my place. This is something that I've been doing every month the past year or so. This final one is kind of bitter sweet as this will be the last of the game nights for the foreseeable future, since I'll be moving in March and my new place will probably be much smaller then my current house. But who knows maybe someone will start having game nights at their place or I can plan to have them at the gym like we did in the past.

We had a great turn out for this one, we usually get 10 to 15 people per game night but this time around we had about 20 people. We had three tables playing different games, until it was just one table playing games. The last hour and a half there was a few of us playing games while the majority were in the kitchen/dining area socializing. One thing I love about these people is that we might be socially awkward nerds but you get us together and we can talk. It looked like everyone had a good night. We ate, drank, gamed and laughed, couldn't ask for a better night. Hopefully this won't be my last game night but for now it was a great way to end the tradition.

Why I'm Moving

Today I gave my 30 +9 days (be out by March 31st) notice at the house I've been living in for the past two and a half years. When Andrew (1st roommate) and I first got the place it was perfect, but soon we got to know the owner (he goes by Bunny), he's this older cooky British guy. Once a month he'd come by the house just to check up on things to make sure we weren't damaging his property. He did not like Andrew so he would always deal with me. After ever visit I'd get a call about something he didn't like about the house.

Some of the worst ones were during the summer when it's really hot outside and the outside plants started to wilt (as they do) he'd threaten to take money from my security deposit if the I didn't take care of them better. First of all per our lease he is suppose to supply a gardener (which he did once a year) and I did agree to water which I did once a week but even with that it's hot and things brown out here.

He complain if we changed door knobs even though the knobs that were there were from the 70's and did not work. Last year he complained about our cleanliness, he didn't like how we were keeping our bathrooms and once again threaten to use my security deposit replace shower/toilet and such. He then hired a cleaning lady to come clean our place, he paid for the initial cleaning and said that he wanted us to pay for her to come once a month afterward, if I didn't agree to it he would raise our rent. (we were no longer in a lease at this time so he could do whatever he liked). I agreed to pay for the cleaning lady.

He had a heart attack when I removed the shower curtain rod from my bathroom because it kept falling and hitting me. He hounded me until I put it back up and took pictures to prove that I have.

And recently our Fridge and Microwave broke, I informed him back in December and per our lease he is not responsible for fixing appliance and I'm okay with that. I have my own refrigerator in the garage and I purchase a small microwave. He asked that we get a repair man to come out and look at the appliances, which I was fine with but I have been busy the past few months and we have the back up appliances so it's not a priority. Well at the beginning of this month he texted me asking if I had them looked at and of course I had not but told him I still plan to. Well he flipped out and texted me back. "No more bullshit, I want those appliances looked at by end of week". That was it for me, I knew that I wanted to move out. I am a very patient and laidback guy and I have put up with alot of shit but that was it for me. Needless to say that I had already scheduled a repair man come out and actually paid a few hundred dollars to fix the fridge (which I now regret) but the mirowave was going to take over $500 to fix and there was no way I was going to pay for that.

That brings us to yesterday when Bunny come over for his monthly visit. I stress out over these visit because I know he's going to complain about something and sure enough I got an call my Darcy (Bunny's realtor and ex) informing me that Bunny want's Adam (current roommate) out and wants him to take all his equipment with him (Adam is a black smith) immediately. She informed me that Bunny was fine if I stayed but Adam had to go. He says all of Adam equipment is a fire hazard, but Adam take precaution with all his work and Bunny has known about all this stuff for a year and a half. Bunny also claims that it's Adam's equipment that cause the appliances to fail which is BS as the appliances are old and not on the same circuit as the garage stuff. Anyways I immediately spoke with Adam and decided that we would move out as soon as we can so we don't have to give any more money to this person. As I said I was already planning on it but I wanted to wait until my downtime at work, but this forced my hand and we will be leaving by the end of March. I sent them the official notice this morning, still waiting to hear back from them, I also know that Bunny is going to try and make me pay for every little issue in that house (and there are alot but they were there before we moved in). I hope it doesn't come to this but I'm preparing for fight for my security deposit.... Stay Tuned...

Scots Festival

I've gone to the Scots Festival a few times and have always enjoyed myself. This time I wanted to take Brian so he could experience the festival. If you don't know what it is, here's a quick description. 

The 27th annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games. Experience the rich culture and history of Scotland first hand through an array of authentic activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment, and cuisine, paying homage to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy. Eighty-nine years ago, in the quaint seaside town of Clydebank, Scotland, construction began on the Queen Mary. Exemplifying the finest craftsmanship of the country, the Queen Mary’s heritage is celebrated throughout the two-day festival honoring Scottish culture and nearly fifty clans and vendors.

Throughout the weekend, guests can witness professional and amateur competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, Highland dancing, and Highland athletics: the all-new North American Light Weight Women’s Championship and the North American Professional Male Championship. Whisky tasting sessions with aged malt experts are available for adult festival goers while the laddies & lassies can bear witness to Queen Mary’s coronation and knighting ceremonies, and even take part in the Wee Highland Games. With falconry, sheep herding, axe-throwing and archery, guests will have culture at every turn!

We went on Sunday and got there around noon, the place was packed and we were redirected to a near by parking structure. Once there we got in a long line to get on a bus to take us to the Queen Mary and Scots Festival. While we were in line I noticed that folks across the street were grabbing Ubers so I looked up the cost and it was like seven bucks at the same time I heard the couple behind us comment about an Uber so I suggested that we Uber together and split the cost.. so we did.

We finally got to the event around 1pm and had five hours to try and see everything. I always enjoy going to new places with Brian, I love watching him experience everything. He kind of just stands there with a big smile on his face and takes it all in, this was no different. Once he did that we wandered over to a stage where people were dancing and then I saw numbers on them and figured it was a dancing contest.

We then watched a bit of the Highland games before wandering over to the booths where they were selling all sorts of cool items. If I had unlimited funds I would have bought so many things. We strolled through the shops playing with swords and trying on hats. We watched a bit more of the Highland Games then we grabbed a favorite of mine Welch Cakes, I discovered these a few years back when I first visited the ScotsFestival. I introduced Brian to them at last years RenFaire, this time around we had them with lemon curd and clotted cream.

Things Brian never had were a meat pie and a scotch egg. I've had both in England and they were far superior to what we got here, but they were okay. We finished out day by watching more the Highland Games. Around 5:30 we decided to go back to the booths to buy things that we had saw earlier, I second guessed everything I was going to buy and got nothing while Brian made two purchases. I was close to getting this amazing winged Helmet but it was $160 and I couldn't figure out when I would wear it.

The place closed at 6pm so we decided to leave a little early to avoid the crowds. We opted to walk back to the parking structure instead of Ubering it, there was lots of traffic all over. It was a nice walk (about 30 minutes.)

Over all it was a fun visit to the Scots Festival. Brian seemed to have a good time. Will probably do it again next year when it comes back around.

MASH 4077 Podcast Episode 221

Today we released a new episode of MASH 4077 Podcast

Show Notes:

Kenny Mittleider from Knights of the Guild, Alien Nation: The Newcomers Podcast & The Geek Roundtable Podcast and Simon Meddings from Waffle On Podcast discuss one of the most successful and longest running television series in history.. M*A*S*H

Today we cover Season 10 Episode 3 "Identity Crisis"
221th Episode Overall
Directed by David Ogden Stiers
Written by Dan Wilcox & Thad Mumford
Originally Aired on November 2, 1981
Production Code is Z-423

Set during the Korean War in the 1950’s

Plot Summary: Father Mulcahy counsels a guilt-ridden GI who swapped tags with a dead colleague. B.J. and Charles consider ways of keeping a soldier-salesman quiet, while Hawkeye and Margaret help another GI get even with the woman who jilted him.

Hope you enjoy it, Kenny & Meds

Find Us on the Web:  Main website - http://MASH4077Podcast.com
Listen on Stitcher Radio - HERE
Spotify - HERE
Twitter - @MASH4077Podcas
Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/MASH4077Podcast
Email Us - MASH4077Podcast@Gmail.com
Patreon (Donation) Supporter - https://www.patreon.com/geekyfanboy

Podcast promo’s played during the show this week:
Waffle on
The Geek Roundtable Podcast

© Geekyfanboy Productions

Star Trek Picard Episode Four

After enjoying some deep dish pizza (see previous blog) Brian and I came home to watch the next episode of Star Trek Picard.

Here's a quick synopsis for episode four called "Absolute Candor": Picard asked Rios to make a detour to the planet Vashti, where he helped relocate Romulan refugees before the attack on Mars. He goes to the temple of the Qowat Milat, warrior nuns who took in a boy named Elnor, whom Picard grew close to. Picard asks Elnor, now an adult, to join him on his quest; Elnor initially refuses but changes his mind when Picard is attacked by Romulans who resent Starfleet abandoning the evacuation effort. Picard and Elnor beam up to La Sirena, where Rios and Raffi are fighting a battle with a local warlord. A strange ship helps La Sirena win the battle but is damaged in the process, forcing the pilot, former Borg drone Seven of Nine, to be beamed over to La Sirena. Meanwhile, aboard the Borg cube, Soji is trying to find out more about the Romulan ship that was assimilated by that cube and about "the Destroyer". Narek offers to get her information on the ship, but they have a falling out when he expresses doubt about her past. Rizzo tells Narek that he has a week to get the location of other synthetics from Soji before she switches to her own methods.

I really like the interaction between Dr. Jurati and Rios, Juarti reminds me of actress Kristen Bell; cute, awkward and funny. It was sweet seeing Picard so attached to this young Romulan boy. We know from Trek past that Picard wasn't found of children but over the years has soften a bit and it's nice to know that eventually he is able to care for a child, though I couldn't imagine forgetting about him for all those years (as Picard supposedly did). And like Elnor, I'd be upset as well, since Picard was his father figure and he grew up in a house of nuns. Picard was kind of a dick in this episode, taking down the "Romulans only" sign and then stepping on it and then expecting to be served in the bar. I think he did that on purpose to cause a ruckus, to get in trouble so Elnor would have to save him, thus bonding himself to Picard cause. If it wasn't his plan it worked anyways. Elnor is exteremly skilled in fighting, taking off the head of that former Romulan Senator was pretty graphic, we would have never see something that graphic if it was on 'regular' TV.

Not a whole lot going on on the Borg cube, Soji is still investigating the events of last weeks episodes, Narek and Soji has this weird scene where they were sliding down a slick hallway having some fun (I assume this hallway will come back into play, at least I hope it does). We do get our first little rift between Soji and Narek, as he says something about not trusting her and she storms off. Once again Narek's 'sister' tells him that he has one week to get the info that they need from Soji or she will do it her own way (which won't be good, I mean she blew up Daji).

Picard and Elnor get back to the ship and we get this very cool space battle between the La Sirena (Rio's ship) and very a old, like TOS old Romulan Bird of Prey. La Sirena is getting knocked around a bit but then this unknown shuttle comes flying in with some high tech weapons, good enough to slice one of the wings off of the Bird of Prey but in doing so their ship is destroyed but before it explodes they are able to beam the pilot onto La Sirena and it happens to be Seven of Nine!!!! IT'S SEVEN...woohoo!!!! I"ve been waiting four episodes for Seven to show up. She get's one line, well two lines, She says "Picard", Picard says "Seven of Nine" and she says "You own me a ship" then passes out. End of episode.

So another great episode, a little bit more info about Picard's past, we get our final member of Picard's new crew and Seven has joined them. I can't wait to see where this story goes.

My First Deep Dish Pizza

For Valentines day Brian and I went to Gino's East in Sherman Oaks, it's a pretty famous Pizza place in Chicago and they serve deep dish pizzas. I've never had a true deep dish pizza so when I heard they were opening here in the valley I knew I had to go and since Brian and I like to try new things together we figured we'd go on Valentines day, assuming it would be a made house like most sit down restaurants. We were kind of right, it was busy, a half hour wait but they had a table in the bar area that the hostess offered to us so we grabbed it after only waiting about five minutes.

Next was picking the pizzas, they have lots to choose from but I wanted a meat pizza so I got the Meaty Legend with Pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian Bacon and bacon. Brian wanted to try something that he hadn't had before. He lived in Chicago for a while and had been to the original Gino's. He got Diavola with Spicy pepperoni, basil and white truffle oil. It take about 30 minutes for the pizzas to be made. While we waited the owners Dan and Tod stopped by our tables and chatted with us for a few minutes, it was a nice touch. They were excited that this was going to be my first experience eating a deep dish. They later came back to get my opinion.

Brian's pizza, the Diavola came out first so we dug into that. At first I thought it was the meaty one and was kind of disappointed in it but soon I realized my mistake. First let me say that this pizza was amazing. the sauce was incredible and with the basal it was probably one of my favorite pizza sauces that I've ever had. I didn't really taste the truffle oil or maybe I did and didn't realize it since I don't eat truffle much. This pizza was fantastic and I'll be getting it again.

My pizza came out about five minutes later so after we had a slice of the Diavola we dug into the meaty legend. Now that was meat, lots and lots of meat. I will saw with all that meat it took away a bit of the sauce flavor but again this pizza was amazing. Oh and I didn't mention this before but besides the incredible sauce the dough is something out of this world. 

I couldn't praise them any more, Brian did mention that he's had deeper dish pizzas in Chicago but he agreed these pizzas were incredible and I'm so happy this was my first experience with deep dish. I'll be going back again and again.

The Geek Roundtable Episode 25 - Indiana Jones

This is a podcast that I've been wanting to do since 2010 but just started it a few years ago at the beginning of 2018. It's currently being released once a month on the 10th. It's not my most popular podcast and I hope the audience continues to grow but I'm happy with my handful of amazing listeners.

The Geek Roundtable is a podcast dedicated to all Geeks and Nerds who love to talk about their fandoms. Hosted by Kenny along with three or four of his friends, they have a fun discussion/debate about a single geeky/nerdy topic per episode.
 
This is episode 25 and joining me for this roundtable are friends, Anne Westcott, Tony Nagatani , Chad Singleton & Jenni Powell. This episodes topic is all things Indiana Jones. Listen on iTunes tinyurl.com/TheGeekRoundtable or Listen/Direct Download at TheGeekRoundtable.com

Star Trek Picard Episode Three

Was able to watch Episode 3 of Picard tonight with Brian, another stellar episode, this series continues to impress. More detailed review below.

Here's a quick synopsis of episode 3 titled "The End is the Beginning":

A flashback reveals how, in the aftermath of the synth attack on Mars, Picard demanded that Starfleet either agree to his evacuation plan or accept his resignation. They chose the latter; his executive officer Raffi, who suspected Romulan involvement in the attack, was fired. In the present, Picard asks Raffi for help; she throws him out, but recommends a pilot for his mission, Chris Rios. Meanwhile, aboard the Borg cube, project director Hugh, a former Borg drone, takes Soji to see a group of Romulan former drones. One of the reclaimed Romulans declares Soji to be "the destroyer" and tries to kill herself; Soji uses her enhanced speed to stop her. Narek's sister warns him not to get emotionally attached to Soji. Picard, Laris, and Zhaban are attacked by Zhat Vash operatives. They kill all but one, who also calls Soji "the destroyer" under interrogation, before dissolving in a pool of acid. Dr. Jurati is approached by Commodore Oh, who demands to know what was said during Jurati's meeting with Picard. Jurati decides to join Picard on his journey. They board Rios' ship, La Sirena, and find Raffi already there. She directs them to Freecloud, where she believes Bruce Maddox is located.

At the start of this episode it was great to see a younger Picard in their new uniforms which I really liked. We see the close relationship between Raffi and Picard and why she's hates him so much in the present. Raffi is a damaged person, you could tell how much Picard meant to her and when he up an left her she swirled down even further down the drug and alcohol hole.

We meet another new character Captain Rios, I really like him, he's a former Starfleet officer who is also disenchanted by Starfleet. His ship Ls Sierna is a cool looking ship and ran completely my Emergency Holo beings. We've met the EMH (Emergency Medical Hologram) and the ENH (Emergency Navigation Hologram). They all look like Rio (with various hair/beard styles but all have different accents. This guys is going to be an interesting character.

We were reintroduced to one of my favorite side characters from TNG, former borg Hugh. We find out that he's "in charge" of the restoration of the Borg on the Romulan artifact and is friends with Soji. He takes her to a holding cell where previously Borg converted Romulans are being held. Soji meets a reclaimed Romulan who is "psychic" she proclaims that Soji is The Destroyer but we don't have a clue what she means. Can't wait to see what that is about.

Commodore Oh visit Dr Jurati but they didn't show us the scene then Dr. Jurati shows up at Picards and wants to join him. It's making people suspicious of her. I hope she's not working for Commodore Oh because I really like Agnus. Guess time will tell.

We get a great action sequence when Picard, Laris, and Zhaban are attacked. Both Laris and Zhaban can kick some but thought I was worried that one of them was going to get killed. Luckily everyone survived. We also got an explanation as to who Romulans looks different (ridges vs no ridges) it was a throw away line but I love that they finally explained it. They captured one of their attackers and before he killed himself he said the Soji was the Destroyer.

And of course we had the very end where Picard has the majority of his crew and they set out but not before Picard says one of his most famous lines "Engage". I literally started to tear up, I mean we knew it was coming but still.. FANTASTIC!!!

So overall another stellar episode. I loved the new characters, we got to know a little bit more about Soji, though still a mystery. And now it looks like we are leaving Earth and starting the adventure. Can't wait to episode 4 next week.

Recording New Episodes of The Geek Roundtable

Tonight after work I assembled a rag tag group of friends to record four new episodes for my latest podcast, The Geek Roundtable podcast.

Friends Jenni, Rita, Adam and Kent gathered around my roundtable (actually a square) to discuss Disneyland Park, The Mandalorian, John Hughes Files and the Back to the Future Trilogy. Jenni has been a guest host before but Rita, Adam and Kent were all new to guest hosting. Previous episodes were me asking questions of my guest hosts on the topic at hand. This round I decided to not only do questions on the topic to discuss interesting facts that I had found. I really liked this new edition and the three hours flew by. All of my guests were fantastic and knowledgeable in each subject that we discussed. I think doing this on a weekend after work really worked out. I'll be recording more and more of these as time goes on. This podcast has found a small audience but I hope it continues to grow and it's one of my favorite podcasts to record.

Fishy Green Ale

They announced a new drink at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Three Broomsticks, they are now serving Fishy Green Ale! I have to say that the name of this drink doesn't sound appealing but the description, "creamy mint drink with cinnamon notes and tasty blueberry ‘fish eggs’"does. I think another trip to Hogwarts is in order. I love mint, cinnamon and blueberries, I hope they taste amazing together. I'll report back here once I have tried it. I don't think it will replace Butterbeer but it's nice to change up things from time to time.

5 Years at Nerdstrong Gym

Today marks 5 years at Nerdstrong Gym, from the moment I walked in and met owner/head coach Andrew I knew this was the gym for me, I’ve been going roughly five days a week for five years which means I’ve gone to the gym around 1300 times since I started. It’s been an amazing journey and it’s far from over. I’ve met so many amazing people through the years at this gym who will be life long friends. I’m still challenged with every workout and find myself sore more often then not. I’ve pushed myself beyond any limits that I set for myself and constantly setting new limits to reach. I’m one of the oldest gym members but still managed to keep up with the younglings. Nerdstrong has instilled in me my love of fitness, which is a statement that I didn’t think I’d ever say. I’m living my best life theses days and Nerdstrong gym is a big reason for that. Thank you to Nerdstrong and thank you to all my friends who have supported me over the years with your kind words and encouragement. Five years has flown by and I can’t wait to see what the next five years has in store for me... my story continues... 

Upcoming Marvel Awesomeness

Today they released a 30 second video of the three upcoming Marvel/Disney + series. Falcon and the Winter Solider, WandaVision and Loki. I mean it's only 30 seconds so it's not a lot of footage but it's enough to get you excited for what's to come. Falcon and the Winter Solider looks pretty straight forward, a continuation of their story after the final Avenger's movie. WandaVision looks bizarre and it very confusing, from what we saw it looks like alot will be taking place in her head (I'm assuming) but I have to say this one is the one I'm most excited to see. Loki hasn't even started yet but they had one quick clip of Loki talking to the camera. I'm not a huge Loki fan, I mean I like him but I know folks who are obsessed with him. Falcon and the Winter Solider comes out in August, WandaVision in December and Loki sometime next year. We got lots of awesome shows to look forward to and I'm sure I'll be blogging about them here.. so stay tuned.

MASH 4077 Podcast Episode 219 & 220

Nine years ago today we published our very first episode of MASH 4077 Podcast. I would like to thank all our amazing listeners, you guys have made this one of my most successful podcasts and I am very grateful to you all. I want to thank my fantastic co-host Simon Meddings for I couldn't have done this without your amazing talent and support. I also would like to Thank Al Kessel for his contribution to the podcast in the early seasons and to all the guest hosts who have joined Meds and I over the years. We're coming down the homestretch here (starting season 10 today), but we still have a few good years in us before we say Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.

Today we cover Season10 Episodes 1 & 2 "That's Show Biz"
219th & 220th Episode Overall
Directed by Charles S. Dubin
Written by David Pollock & Elias Davis
Originally Aired on October 26, 1981
Production Code is Z-419 & Z-420

Set during the Korean War in the 1950’s

Plot Summary: A touring USO show brings an unexpected touch of vaudeville to the 4077th when the star showgirl requires an emergency operation.

Hope you enjoy it, Kenny & Meds

Find Us on the Web:

Main website - http://MASH4077Podcast.com
Listen on Stitcher Radio - HERE
Spotify - HERE
Twitter - @MASH4077Podcas
Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/MASH4077Podcast
Email Us - MASH4077Podcast@Gmail.com
Patreon (Donation) Supporter - https://www.patreon.com/geekyfanboy

Podcast promo’s played during the show this week:
Waffle on 

The Geek Roundtable Podcast
 
© Geekyfanboy Productions

Star Trek Picard Episode 2

This stunning piece of art was done by:

Laz Marquez

Brian and I were able to get together tonight to watch the second episode of Star Trek Picard.

Here's a quick synopsis of episode 2 titled "Maps and Legends": Picard investigates the mystery of Dahj as well as what her very existence means to the Federation. Without Starfleet's support, Picard is left leaning on others for help, including Dr Agnes Jurati and an estranged former colleague, Raffi Musiker. Meanwhile, hidden enemies are also interested in where Picard's search for the truth about Dahj will lead.

This episode opens with a flashback at Utopia Planitia shipyears on Mars 14 years ago. We meet the synthetic F-8 and see his interaction with a few engineers. During their lunch break "something or someone" triggers the synthetic (you can see some sort of programing in his eyes). He starts furiously tapping away on a computer screen when the crew realize something is wrong, Suddenly alarms go off and the engineers try and stop the synth but F-8 grabs one of them by the neck and snaps it before grabbing a phaser and killing the rest (it's quiet a brutal scene). This was an interesting scene cause you got to see various types of people interact with the synth. Some were playful while some were disrespectful.

After the opening credits we are back at Picard's vineyard with Picard, Laris and Zhaban looking over footage of Picard and Dahj's attack. Laris mentions a super secret group worse then Tal Shiar called Zhat Vash. We were told that these Zhat Vash has a deep, unassuageable loathing … of androids and any form of synthetic life. This is interesting to have a secret group within a secret group. We had never heard of the Zhat Vash in the series.

Laris and Picard investigate Dahj's apartment and find out that her sister is off-world. 

Back on the Borg Cube aka Romulan reclamation site aka The Artifact we have Narek in bed with Soji. This seemed to happen really fast since they only met what seemed a the day before but who am I to judge.

We then meet one of Picard's old crewmate from the USS Stargazer Dr. Moritz Benayoun. We find out that Picard has an abnormality in his parietal lobe. This is a call back to the TNG series finale "All Good Things" were we find out that "future" Picard suffers from Irumadic syndrome, and though it wasn't mentioned in this episode it's also an abnormality in the parietal lobe. So Picard is dying, we don't know how long he has, it can be weeks, months, years but he will die from this. I swear if they kill Picard off at the end of this series I will not be happy.

Picard meets with Fleet Admiral Clancy and requests a small ship and crew but he is turned down. This is a great scene, very powerful but you can't stand the Admiral. She has no respect for Picard and is clearly upset at what he said about Starfleet in last episodes interview.

We get introduced to Commodore Oh who is informed about Picard's request. In a later scene we see Lt. Rizzo meeting with Commodore Oh and we find out that Rizzo is in disguise and is part of the Zhat Vash and is respondible for killing Dahj on Commodore Oh's orders. We don't know if Oh is Zhat Vash aka Romulian disguised as a Vulcan or if she is a sympathizer.  We also find out that Narek is Rizzo's "brother" and also part of the Zhat Vash and is playing Soji, trying to get close to her to get more information.

We also get introduced to Raffi Musiker, Picard goes to her for help but she wants nothing to do with him. I assume will get more of her in the next episode.

One big thing we learned was that LaForge is alive, it was rumored that he was on Mars when it was attacked and presumed dead, but Picard mentions LaForge, Worf and Riker in this episode.

Lot's of exposition in this episode, this episode was still setting up the series. One big thing I love about this series is they don't hold back anything, they don't play the is he or isn't he a bad guy. They clearly identify the good guys and the bad guys. Of course this can all change but I like that we are getting answer and more questions in every episode. I really enjoyed this episode and I can't wait for episode three.

Lifesize Baby Yoda

So Sideshow announced their "The Child" (aka Baby Yoda) statue today.

Sideshow presents The Child Life-Size Figure, created in partnership with Legacy Effects to bring you the galaxy’s most sought-after bounty.

Lovingly referred to by audiences as ‘Baby Yoda’, the mysterious alien known as The Child has quickly become the breakout fan-favorite of Star Wars: The Mandalorian on Disney+. Now eager collectors can become a clan of two and bring home the asset as an incredible 1:1 scale Star Wars collectible, no tracking fob needed.

The Child Life-Size Figure measures 16.5” tall, standing on a simple ship deck base that lets this adorable alien steal all of the focus- along with the Mandalorian’s ship parts. Inspired by its unique onscreen appearance, this mixed media statue features a tan fabric coat swaddling The Child as it gazes up with charming wide eyes, hiding the silver shift knob from the Razor Crest in its right hand.
Every inch of this incredibly lifelike figure has been meticulously detailed to recreate everything that Star Wars fans love about the young alien, from the fuzz on its wrinkled head to its irresistible pout, all the way down to its tiny, toddling feet. Fans looking to bring home The Mandalorian collectibles need look no further- bounty hunting is a complicated profession but collecting the galaxy’s cutest alien has never been easier!

The cost is $350.00 and it won't be out until October of this year.

When I first saw it and wanted it. I'm a huge fan of Baby Yoda but I knew it was going to be pricey and though I love most things from Sideshow I have never bought anything because of the price. So I posted about this on my social media and said I as tempted but resisted.

About eight hours later I saw that several friends including my brother had pre-ordered theirs and I knew I couldn't be left out so I pre-ordered mine as well. With tax and shipping it will cost my over $400 for this item. It will be the most I spent on any of my collectables but for me it's well worth it. Now we just have to wait until October to get this precious gift. 

A Magical Coffee House

I recently heard about this Harry Potter themed Coffee shop, now I'm not a coffee drinker but I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan and so is my buddy Brian so we decided to take a field trip to downtown Los Angeles and visit this place. It's called Nimbus Coffee and it's located at 1115 S Hope St. in Downtown LA. It's not exactly Harry Potter but it's Harry Potter adjacent, I assume that's why it hasn't' been shut down yet. When you walk in your definitely get a Harry Potter feel. 

They have these fun portraits of Celebrities crossed with Harry Potter Characters, such as the Half Blood "Prince" and it's a picture of the singer Prince via Snape. We also had Mariah LeStrange who is of course Mariah Carey mixed with Bellatrix LeStange and finally Albus Freeman, which is a protrait of Morgan Freeman ala Albus Dumbledore.

Lots of magical looking things all around the place, like wands, luggage and wizard looking posters. They had a wall that looks like a newspaper (ala Daily Prophet) with TV's build in so it looks like moving images. They had several lounging places with cool chairs along with wooden tables and chairs. And in the back they have a wall of wands which seems to be the Instagram photo spot.

As for their drinks, like I said I'm not a big coffee person but Brian tried several of there drinks I can't remember the names of them but they too were Harry Potter themed. We also had a piece of  very tasty lemon poppy bread. All were very good and very sugary. The staff was great, there were tons of other Harry Potter fans, some dressed up in robes and such. It's a small place and it was packed but never felt crammed. It does close fairly early, be aware of that... It's not a place I would go to all the time (like I do with Hogsmeade) but if I'm in the area I'd stop on by again.