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.

Star Trek Picard Episode 1

This stunning piece of art was done by:

Laz Marquez

Episode one of Star Trek Picard premiered on Thursday Jan 23rd 2020 but I had to wait a few more days to watch it as I wanted to watch it with my buddy Brian. He and I had watched The Mandalorian together each week and it was such a fun experience. Since we are both big Trekkies this was the perfect series to continue that tradition.

First of all here's a brief synopsis of episode one titled "Remembrance".

In 2399, retired admiral Jean-Luc Picard is interviewed about his retirement: In 2385, two years prior to the Romulan supernova, an attack on Mars by rogue synthetics resulted in the destruction of the armada tasked with evacuating the Romulan system's inhabitants; Starfleet banned synthetics and reneged on its promise to aid the evacuation, prompting Picard to resign and retire to his vineyard. A woman named Dahj kills Romulan assailants after they infiltrate her apartment and murder her boyfriend. She experiences visions of Picard; after seeing his interview, she seeks him out. Picard visits the Starfleet Archive Museum, where he examines a painting by the late Lieutenant Commander Data that features a woman who resembles Dahj. Dahj asks Picard for his help, but is killed by the Romulan assassins. Picard questions scientist Agnes Jurati about the possibility of creating a sentient organic-passing android, deducing that Dahj is actually Data's daughter; Jurati tells him Dahj must have an identical twin sister. At a Romulan reclamation site located inside a Borg cube, Romulan Narek meets Soji Asha, the sister in question.

I LOVED IT!!!! It was amazing that you were able to jump right back into this world only 20 years later. It still felt like Star Trek The Next Generation yet still different enough to stand on it's own. We were introduced to characters who you instantly liked or even feel in love with. Patrick Stewart didn't miss a beat, it felt like he never left the roll of Jean Luc Picard. It was great to see Brent Spiner back as Data, their relationship has always been special. I was intrigued by the story and as it unfolded I was excited to see where it was going to go next. The scene in which Dahj dies is heartbreaking, especially since moments before Picard said he would do anything in his power to protect her. But the following scene was amazing. Picard recovering from the explosion and realizing he failed in protecting her and gets fired up. There is this visual character shift from this old man waiting for death to come, to this determined man wanting to find the answers. Part of me loves the idea of having to wait a week for the new episode as you get to chat and debate about it and watch it a few more times but on the other hand.... I want more now!!! I can't wait to see how this seasons unfolds.

Star Wars Clone Wars Season Seven Trailer

Last year Disney + announced that they will be releasing one final season (season seven) for Star Wars The Clone Wars. They will be able to give it it's proper send off. When Disney purchased Lucasfilms The Clone Wars was cancelled at the end of Season Five, thankfully Disney was kind enough to finish the episodes that were for season six and near completion. These episodes eventually were released on Netflix a few years back and they were amazing. But there was never truly a proper ending... until now. I've blogged a bunch about The Clone Wars over the years, you can do a search on this blog and find them if you want to read them.

Clone Wars is my favorite of the Star Wars Animated Series. It introduced one of my all time favorite Star Wars characters Ahsoka Tano. But this blog is about the final season of Clone Wars, Season Seven that will be premiering at the end of February on Disney + and I can't wait. Here is the final trailer for season seven of Star Wars The Clone Wars.

Patrick Surprises Whoopi

I have been super excited for the new Star Trek series Picard coming out shortly on CBS All Access. Jean Luc Picard is one of my favorite Captains in Starfleet as well as one of my favorite characters in that universe. I'm also a HUGE fan of Sir Patrick Stewart. This morning on The View Stewart was on promoting Picard and officially asked Whoopi Goldberg to reprise her role of Guinan on the second season of Picard. She looked genuinely shocked and shaken. There was so much joy coming off of her it was palpable. She had her cheshire cat smile, it reminded me of her Color Purple character Celie. I adore Whoopi Goldberg and I loved the character of Guinan. I always wanted more and now it looks like will get our wish.

She of course accepted his offer and they embraced. It was a very sweet moment. I can't wait to see what's she's been up to the past 20 years.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

I came across this video on You Tube and it brought back so many amazing and happy memories for me that I had to share it. I've blogged about this place many many times but seeing the video really brought back so many feels.

This is Star Trek The Experience, it resided in the Las Vegas Hilton from 1998 to 2008. If you don't know what it is here's a quick description. You started by walking through a museum that included numerous items from Star Trek history. It also featured several video display devices and a timeline of Star Trek events. Later, there were displays for each of the major alien races, which included the Borg, Klingons, and Ferengi.

The last section of the museum was a hallway that served as the attraction queues. The left side was for the Borg Invasion 4-D, and the right side was for the Klingon Encounter. The Klingon Encounter held 27 people while the Borg Invasion 4-D held 48 people. And the ride would exit with the Gift shop on the right and Quarks Bar and Restaurant on the left.

For ten amazing years this was my only reason for going to Las Vegas, I attended Star Trek The Experience roughly once or twice a year for those ten years. I have some great memories with my Dad when we went for the very first time and he and I running down the hallway of The Enterprise. It's a memory I will cherish forever.

I would do an extended weekend and stay at the Hilton and would never leave the Experience area. I"d go on the ride many times (so happy when they went from buying one ticket to buying unlimited). I'd eat all my meals at Quarks Bar and gamble in the Space Casio.

I have hours and hours of footage that I shot for the museum and surrounding areas, but what makes this You Tube video extra special is that they were able to take video of the actual rides which was prohibited, I'm assuming this person worked for the ride and took video of the entirety of both rides. The only parts missing are the video that you watch on screen and the simulator ride video.

Punky Power

NBC announced that they will be producing a new series based on the 80's TV series Punky Brewster that ran from 1984 to 1988.  

Punky Brewster is a child who has been abandoned by her parents. Taken in by crusty Chicago photographer Henry Warnimont, Punky and her dog, Brandon, teach Henry how to lighten up. Cherie and Allen are two of Punky's friends. 

Here's what we know so far about the new series. NBC granted a 10-episode series order for the project for the Peacock streaming platform.  Soleil Moon Frye will return as Punky herself. Quinn Copeland, will star as Izzy, while Freddie Prinze Jr. will play Travis, Punky’s ex-husband and a musician who’s constantly popping in and out of town. Lauren Donzis, Oliver De Los Santos and Noah Cottrell are also confirmed for the cast.

According to reports, the new series will depict the grown-up Punky as a single mom with three kids “trying to get her life back on track when she meets a young girl who reminds her a lot of her younger self.”

I was a huge Punky Brewster fan back in the day I was around 14 when it started and watched every single episode (though I don't remember a whole lot of it) I also watched the short lived Punky cartoon. I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do with this reboot. Hopefully it does well and we get more then just the 10 episodes. Guess will have to wait and see.  

Star Trek Voyager Turns 25

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the premiere of Star Trek Voyager. It was the flag ship show that launched the new network UPN. I was already a HUGE Star Trek having watched the original series here and there but fell in love with Trek when I watched Star Trek The Next Generation. My love continued with Star Trek Deep Space Nine, which at the time was four years into it's run when Star Trek Voyager premiered. I was ready for another Starship based series, I really enjoyed DS9 but missed TNG so I was excited when Voyager started. First episode premiered and I was hooked, more so then when I watched the first episode of Deep Space Nine. I loved Captain Janeway, I'm a sucker for strong women and Janeway was one of the strongest. Over the years we got some amazing stories and adventures from the crew of Voyager and then at the end of season three we got a character who would go down in Star Trek history as one of the best, Seven of Nine played be the amazing Jeri Ryan. Thought TNG is probably my favorite Trek series Voyager comes in at a very close second. I can't believe it's been 25 years since it premiered. Happy 25th Anniversary Star Trek Voyager.

Apple Reviews

So I'm trying to get more fruits and vegetables in my daily diet (working on eating 5 of each a day). I decided to make a game of it, since there are so many different types of apples I decided that I would buy a bunch of them and then review them on my social media. I'll give each apple a short review and try and find some interesting facts about it. I also give a number from 1 to 5 for Sweetness, Crispness and Tartness. So give me a follow on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook to see my reviews. In the end I will also post a final blog/review of all the apples that I tried and give you my favorites and least favorites. I hope to continue to do this with other fruits and possible vegetables. 

MASH 4077 Podcast Episode 218

Just released the latest MASH 4077 Podcast.

In this episode we cover Season 9 Episode 20 "The Life You Save"
218th Episode Overall
Directed by Alan Alda
Written by John Rappaport & Alan Alda
Originally Aired on May 4, 1981
Production Code is Z-418

Set during the Korean War in the 1950’s

Plot Summary: After a sniper attack on the 4077th Winchester sees 2 bullet holes in his cap, and goes through a journey searching for meaning in this life, and goes on a search for anything about what happened to the man who came back from death. Meanwhile, Potter switches up the officers duty rosters, Hawkeye is on kitchen duty, and finds himself in a situation where the mess is missing 50 trays, BJ is in charge of laundry, and Father Mulcahe is garbage officer, and each has their trials with their new found duties.

Hope you enjoy it, Kenny & Meds

Find Us on the Web:

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SpaceCamp Reboot

Today Disney + announced that they will be rebooting the movie SpaceCamp. Released in June of 1986, SpaceCamp, focused on a group of kids attending the NASA-themed summer learning experience. While sitting on board a ship undergoing an engine check, they're unwittingly launched into space and must navigate their way home using what they've learned.

I was a huge fan of SpaceCamp back in 86, I saw a double feather of SpaceCamp and Howard the Duck. Unfortunately the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded months before the release of this movie which caused it to do poorly at the box office but since then it's garnered a cult following.

I'm not sure how I feel about this reboot, I mean I don't mind them doing reboots because we will always have the original to love but how are they going to do a movie about the Space Shuttles when they are no longer in commission. Are they going to use another type of space vehicle or will this be set in the 80's/90's when we had space shuttles. I guess will have to wait and see.

Alien Nation The Newcomers Podcast Episode 34

Alien Nation The Newcomers Podcast is a podcast that I co-host with my brother Michael. We have a blast podcasting together and talking about a TV series that we both loved when we were younger. Alien Nation Con was the very first "con" that we attended together, so this series is very special to both of us.

Today January 10th marks the 8th anniversary from when Alien Nation: The Newcomers Podcast was launched. Though no new content has been released the past few years, Michael and I are committed to continuing to share our love of Alien Nation with releasing podcasts every now and then. To celebrate this 8th anniversary here is a brand new episode where they review Alien Nation, the movie that started it all. This is episode #34 Take a listen on itunes http://bit.ly/itunesAlienNation, or Stitcher Radio http://ow.ly/FDVAC, you can also Listen/Download the podcast at http://Aliennationpodcast.com and find it on any podcasting platforms. 

The Geek Roundtable Episode 24 - The Goonies

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 getting roughly 5000 feed hits a month. Of course I hope the audience continues to grow but 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 24 and we talk all about the 80's classic The Goonies. Listen on iTunes tinyurl.com/TheGeekRoundtable or Listen/Direct Download at TheGeekRoundtable.com

Star Trek: Short Treks

Star Trek: Short Treks is an American anthology web television series created for CBS All Access by Bryan Fuller and Alex Kurtzman. It originated as a spin-off companion series from Star Trek: Discovery, and consists of several shorts that use settings and characters from that series and the wider Star Trek universe. The shorts are around 10 to 20 minutes long.
There are currently two seasons.

S1Ep1 "Runaway" - Following a discussion with her mother, Sylvia Tilly encounters a young Xahean stowaway named Me Hani Ika Hali Ka Po. Tilly, who is accustomed to taking orders from others, decides to make decisions by herself, to help Po return home in time for her coronation.

I really enjoyed this one as I'm a big fan of Tilly. It was a nice simple story but also moving. I like that they bring back Po for season two of Discovery.

S1Ep2 "Calypso" - The USS Discovery has held position in space for a thousand years, and its computer system "Zora" has become sentient. She retrieves a passing escape pod carrying a man named Craft. Zora keeps Craft aboard the ship and begins to fall in love with him, but eventually lets him take Discovery's last shuttle to return to his family on Alcor IV.

This episode was heart wrenching. What I really liked about this episode is it was only one actor playing against a computer voice but it was incredible moving and you felt so bad for the ship. This was my favorite of the shorts from season 1.

S1Ep3 "The Brightest Star" - On the planet Kaminar, Saru wants to learn about life outside the pre-warp society of his village, where his people are harvested as food by the predatory Ba'ul. Saru is able to send a distress signal into space that is answered by Lieutenant Philippa Georgiou, who takes Saru to join Starfleet.

I enjoyed this episode, it was nice getting some back story on Saru, this episode also plays into an episode in season two of Discovery.

S1Ep4 "The Escape Artist" - Harry Mudd is captured by a bounty hunter and taken to a Federation ship, but there the hunter finds multiple other versions of Mudd already detained. Elsewhere, the real Mudd continues to create android copies of himself so he can continue to evade the authorities.

This is my least favorite of season 1 but I still enjoyed it. I'm not really a fan of Mudd but I'm glad they brought in an original TOS character.

S2Ep1 "Q&A" - On his first day aboard the USS Enterprise, Ensign Spock and his new superior officer Number One get trapped in a turbolift. While waiting for the turbolift to be repaired, Spock asks Number One numerous questions, and the pair bond over their similarities.

I was super excited that they made more of these Star Trek Short Treks. This new batch started off strong with this one. I really enjoyed this one. I like that they was when Spock first stepped foot on the Enterprise. I really liked seeing the interacting between Spock and Number One. They also started releasing these awesome pictures that look like old style Star Trek books.

S2Ep2 "The Trouble with Edward" - On the USS Cabot, science officer Edward Larkin tries to solve a planet's food shortage by genetically modifying tribbles against his Captain's orders, creating a species that is born pregnant and reproduces at a dangerous rate. The Cabot is overrun, and Larkin dies when he chooses to remain behind while the rest of the crew escapes.

This was a fun episode as we get to see the birth of the Tribble or at least the Tribbles we know. I really felt bad for the new Captain on her very first assignment.

S2Ep3 "Ask Not" - When Starbase 28 is attacked, Cadet Thira Sidhu is given care of a mutinous prisoner: Captain Christopher Pike of the Enterprise. Pike attempts to pressure Sidhu into releasing him, but she refuses. Pike reveals that this is a simulated test, and by passing it Sidhu is accepted as a part of the Enterprise crew. 

This was a pretty intense episode though I figured it was all a test pretty early on, it didn't take any of the enjoyment away and it's always cool to see Pike again.

S2Ep4 "Ephraim and Dot" - A tardigrade looking for a place to lay her eggs crosses paths with the USS Enterprise and is attacked by a repair drone named Dot. When the Enterprise self-destructs, Dot helps save Ephraim's eggs. When the eggs hatch, the pair travel with the baby tardigrades together.

This was the first of two animated shorts and it was pretty cute, I liked the style of animation and the story was cool.

S2Ep5 "The Girl Who Made the Stars" Young Michael Burnham's father eases her fear of the dark by telling her a story about a young African girl. In the story, the girl's people fear the dark because of a predatory Night Beast, but she braves the night and discovers an alien that gifts her new light. The girl uses this to create the stars, and grows up to be a warrior queen.

This was the second animated short, I liked that we got to see a young Michael but I have to say this was probably my least favorite of season two.

S2Ep6 "Children of Mars" Two schoolgirls on Earth develop a fierce rivalry, but are drawn together by a tragedy when they see news of Mars and its orbital facilities (where both girls have family working) attacked by rogue synthetics. During the news footage an image of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard appears, with the network reporting that Picard called the attack "devastating."

This is the last and final Short for season two, I watched it today in prep for the new series Picard as it's a kind of prequel. I really enjoyed it, no words are said, it's all music and parts of it had me in years.

All of these shorts were so well done, they convey so much emotion in such a short amount of time. I cried on more then one occasion and several of these shorts I'd love to see longer versions. I'm happy to say that we are getting a season three. I can't wait to see what comes next.

If you have CBS All Access and enjoy Star Trek these are must see's. 

Amazing Twitter Post

I came across this twitter post that explained what it's like growing up a gay man and I couldn't have said it any better. I played a version of what I thought everyone wanted for 27 years before I was tired of it all and just wanted to be me. But because I pretended for so long to be straight I didn't know who I was, deep down. At first I considered myself bisexual because I was attracted to women, well some women... at least I thought I was.

Now that I've been out for over 22 years I have managed to strip down the "true" me. I'm now comfortable in my own skin, but it was a struggle for half of my life. Now I don't care what others think of me (for the most part) and I'm going to enjoy what time I have left just being me.

Willow TV Series

Well over the years there has been rumors from the powers that be about making a sequel to one of my all time favorite fantasy movies from the 80's, Willow. Well last year we heard rumblings that Disney + might be creating a series based on the movie. On Jan 6th 2020 the writer Jon Kasdan posted a picture on Instagram with a hat with the character Willow on it pinned to a cord board and the caption that said "The Office is Open". Of course the rumor mill has gone crazy, no one really knows what that means, has he started working on the first scripts? All I know is this is awesome news and maybe in the near future Disney + will actually announce the series and when we might be seeing it... Here's hoping...

Doctor Who Is Back

After taking almost a year off we finally get a new season of Doctor Who. I enjoyed last season of Doctor Who (Jodie's first season as The Doctor) so I was looking forward to this premiere and  I have to say they didn't disappoint. This episode kicked off with a bang and was non stop until the OMG moment at the end. I really don't know what to think. I'm really hoping this is a version of The Master before Missy as I really like how they ended The Master's story two seasons ago. I guess will have to wait and see but I do hope we get more answers before this season ends, but I'm really looking forward to seeing where they take this season.

MASH 4077 Podcast Episode 217

I record a MASH 4077 Podcast with my buddy Simon, we release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. We review one episode of MASH per episode. This is by far my most popular podcast bringing in over 100,000 Feed hits a month.

Today we released episode 217 where Meds and I review S9 Ep19 "Foresight Saga" You can listen on iTunes tinyurl.com/MASHonitunes, Listen or Download from our main website MASH4077Podcast.com we're also on Spotify tinyurl.com/MASHonSpotify  or on any other podcast catching platform.

The Past Few Years - Catching Up On My Geeky Life

So not a whole lot has changed the past several years since I stopped blogging. I'm still working for Original Productions as  Post Production Supervisor on the show Jay Leno's Garage Season Five. I'm still going to Nerdstrong Gym 5 to 6 times a week. I'm still struggling with my diet and my dating life is complicated. I'm still podcasting, currently have two "active" podcasts with MASH 4077 Podcast and The Geek Roundtable. I'm also part of my gym's podcast called We Are Nerdstrong. I'm still producing episodes for my Alien Nation The Newcomers Podcast and Knights of the Guild Podcast, but not on a regular bases. You can still listen to my limited series My Gimpy Life podcast for the webseries My Gimpy Life. And I'm working on revamping and restarting my Confessions of a Fanboy/Fangirl podcast. I hope to have new episodes up by this summer. So I keep myself busy but as I have said I miss blogging so I'm going to try and squeeze this in here and there.

Starting My Blog Back Up

So I've had several false starts when I have attempted to re-start my blog but I really do miss blogging. For me it's always been like an online diary, I enjoyed looking back a year or two and see the fun and sometimes not to fun things that had happen to me. So I've decided for 2020 I'd try again. It's halfway through February so I'm going to first start by back blogging. So I'll be seeing post from the past month and a half and once I'm caught up I'll try and keep up with it. I won't be blogging daily, though I may blog several days in a row. I hope to blog interesting things that happen to me along this journey of this thing we call life.