Icy Cumberbatch, Dancing Groot & Loving Arrow

Today I came across my favorite (so far) of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.. of course it's the very charming Benedict Cumberbatch.. you can watch the video below.

I got an email today from San Diego Comic Con informing me that I have been approved for SDCC 2015 and no further action is required. I thought I had one more year left. With SDCC you have to send in credentials every three years to prove that you are part of the entertainment industry. It's a pain in the butt, but it's worth it to get in free.

Today is Day 12 in my "photo a day" until my 44th Birthday. So here I am at Age 12.

Funko who make those Pop! vinyl characters that are really hot right now announced the release of a new Guardians of the Galaxy figure... you ready for it... it's Dancing Groot. How awesome is that. With that popularity of that movie and especially that character, this was a wise and very fast move on Funko's part.. well done guys. I just hope it's easier to find then the "regular" Groot.

I spent most of my day back and forth from the TV to my computer. I worked on my next MASH 4077 Podcast while trying to finish up season one of Arrow. I succeeded on both accounts. I finished the next MASH podcast, episode 85, which will be released on September 1st and I finished watching season one of Arrow. I watched episodes 13 to 23 to finish off the season.

My over all thoughts on Season one are positive. I enjoyed every minute of it though some characters I could have done without, but what's crazy is that some characters that I really didn't like at the beginning turned into my favorites by the end and some that I liked at the beginning I didn't care for by the end.

I really disliked Queen's little sister, she just annoyed me way to much at the beginning but I have to say she's growing on me. I'm far from calling her my favorite but if they continue with her growth in season 2 then I'll learn to like her.  Queen's Mom is another that I just despised and was unsure of your loyalties, was she good, was she bad and over the course of the season you find out that she's bad but she wasn't always. She did this for her family and got in way over hear head.

I'm glad that Felicity became part of Queen's team, I was surprised by the ending of season one. I figured they would save the day and all would be well.. but at first you think that but then find out that their is a second device and it goes off causing a huge Earthquake which takes down half of the Glades. I was disappointed in how they kept flip flopping Tommy's character in regards to Oliver, they were friends, he was mad at him, they were friends, he was mad at him. And his death at the end didn't come as a surprise. It was a Heroic death as he did save the women he loved.

I'm really looking forward to S2 and I hope to have that all watched before S3 starts in early October.

Another B-day Pix, Elvish Donut & Random Deep Question

Birthday picture countdown continues with Day 11. So here I am at Age 11. Only 33 more days to go.

I wanted to share this awesome picture of a doughnut, now this isn't any ordinary donut it's The One Donut to Rule Them All... how awesome is this, evil never looked so good.

I posted a Random "Deep" Question on Facebook and Twitter. I wasn't sure if anyone would respond as it's not the easiest thing to answer, though I did get some joke answers, I also got quite a few serious ones. So here was the question... What is your end goal in life? Fame, Family, Exploration, Love, Knowledge, A Combination of those, etc?

Here are the responses I got from Facebook:
  
Christopher Quilty - The end scene from "It's A Wonderful Life" (without needing the bowl of money). 

Matthew Kuhns - Immortality. 

Tina Zettel - A combo. but the main thing is to die happy, surrounded by loved ones 

Gabe Gebhart - Having a good time and sliding into home plate.

Ken Todd - Happiness for myself and the people I love.

Linda Longfellow - to love and be loved by family and friends plus never hurt anyone on purpose.

Markus Hunt - I want a legacy mate. Something that will be going after I've long gone but still brings happiness to others or benefits the planet.

Matthew Luchsinger - That is a deep question. I guess it is just to make everyone around me smile and a little happier on this planet.

Jonathan Nail - A garden to tend and my family to love.

Tiffany Anne Buckner - Damn........ I honestly have no clue

Diana Perry - Service.

Mazin Dajani - Conquest of the known universe

And I got one from Twitter..
 
@NeghvarNews - To have loads of fun & become outstanding in my line of work!

As for my answer, I think in the big picture I'd like to just be loved and to love in return. But I admit there is a small part of me that would like to leave my mark on this world somehow.

Birthday Countdown & Babylon 5 Viewing Continues

So it's day 10 of my picture countdown until my 44th birthday. To celebrate here I am at age 10. I was such a tanned little boy.

Today was TV night with my buddy Robert. We continue our first time viewing of Babylon 5. We only got a couple episode watched tonight.

First up was S5 Ep7 "Secrets of the Soul" Dr. Franklin discovers a
secret hidden by the Hyach. Lyta and Byron become closer, eventually having sex. During this intimate moment, Lyta reveals to the telepath colony the truth about the Vorlons' involvement in the development of telepaths.

A fairly "mundane" episode but with one big reveal at the end. The Vorlon's created all telepaths, or at least manipulated each race to create a telepath. It's hard to side with the telepaths when they are so racist and horrible towards the mundane (what they call non-telepaths). I understand that they have been hunted and are loathed by some people but turning into an use against them mentality. I don't know where this series is going but I see a telepath battle coming in the near future.

And the second episode of the night was S5 Ep8 "Day of the Dead" The dead return for one night during a mysterious Brakiri religious festival: Garibaldi is visited by a ground pounder, Dodger, with whom he almost had a romantic fling three years ago, Londo cherishes a night with his lost love Adira Tyree, Lennier tolerates the Shadows' associate Mr. Morden, and Captain Lochley is visited by her friend for whose death she feels responsible. Kosh also delivers a message to Lochley for President Sheridan: "When the long night comes, return to the end of the beginning."

Again nothing to special about this episode. We got to see some characters from the past. We got Kosh's message to Sheridan, but I don't get it.. yet. We delved into Lochley's past a bit and I still don't understand why Mr. Morden would come to Lennier but it was still good to see Lennier.

Penn and Teller made an appearance in this episode.. I saw no reason for their appearance other then "stunt" casting. I really didn't care for either of their characters.

These last few episode have felt like set up episodes. I'm waiting for something big to happen.  I'm still really enjoying the series I just hope the story picks up soon.

Videos, Fixed TV & Firefly Goes Pop!

I came across several videos that I want to share with you all. First up is a Do's and Don't for Men dressing. It's really straight forward and easy to follow. I think it's the best men's fashion video that I have ever seen. 

The next video is a music video from Meghan Trainor for the song "All About that Base". It's been out for a few months but this is the first of hearing it. Besides the song being super catchy I love the message to girls that it's giving. "Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top"

So I'm a huge Country music fan so of course I found a country cover for All About That Bass that's awesome..

Today is day 9 in my picture a day until my 44th Birthday. So here I am at Age 9. As a kid my hair was always various lengths, full and curly. Wish I still had the fullness.

I also replaced my 60" TV lamp today and my TV is once again working. It was an easy process which made me very happy. The picture is brighter then it's been in a year or so. I guess the lamp has slowly been dying.

And the last thing I want to share today is the announcement that they are releasing Firefly Pop! vinyl figures.  This set includes Mal, Zoe, Wash, Jayne and Kaylee. Hopefully with the second set they release the others, Simon, River, Book, and Inara.

I don't know when or where these are going to be released all I know is I must have them!!!

Escape to Disneyland

Here's my 44th Birthday countdown picture, it's Day 8 so here I am at Age 8. Only 36 more days to go!!

I came across this on the net and got a real kick out of it so of course I had to share it on Facebook and Twitter... and now on my blog. -->

Today was all about Disneyland and Disney California Adventures with my buddy Brett. It's been a month or so since going with Lydia and I've been wanting to escape the "real" world and enjoy a day of no stress and worry about how your life isn't quite going as planned.

We started with Disney California Adventure (DCA) as there wasn't a huge line to get in like there was at Disneyland. The park was busy but at most I think we stood in line for maybe a half hour. We did take advantage of fast passes so we didn't have to stay in any hour lines. We did most of the rides at DCA. We also picked up some lunch out in Carsland.

We headed over to Disneyland around 2pm and that place was super packed. We actually only rode two rides and watched the Guardians of the Galaxy "sneak preview". Before we left we stood in the Dole Whip line. I have walked by this line for years and years and never attempted to get a Dole Whip... well today was the day. Neither Brett nor I have ever had one so we got in the long line. It actually moved pretty fast and within 20 minutes or so we had our Dole Whip soft serve non-dairy ice cream. I have to say it did not disappoint and was well worth the wait.

Radcliffe, Family & The Geekies

First I want to share a video that I came across. It's Daniel Radcliffe (who played Harry Potter) surprising unsuspecting people who are at a screening of his new film "What If". The reactions of some of these folks are hilarious. I don't think I would have had a "big" reaction though I'd be dying inside. Check out the video below.

 

Today I visited with family, it's been a few weeks and I always try and see them every few weeks. Both Kenobi (nephew 5) and Molly (niece 2) are growing up so fast. Both kids are now running up to me when I arrive at the front door. Molly goes around and announces to everyone that Uncle Kenny is here.. it's the cutest thing. She even came up to me and gave me a piece of paper that she wrote on (okay it was nothing but scribbles but still I'm putting it up on my fridge).

Went out to lunch with my Dad, we went to Red Lobster. This was my first time ever going to Red Lobster and the reason is that I don't like Lobsters or crab so I've never been. But I am a big fan of shrimp and my dad wanted to go so we did. I had heard of their cheddar biscuits and I have to say that they did not disappoint and the food was really good. This may be my first time but it won't be my last.

After lunch Dad and I went to Toy's R Us, CVS and Grocery Shopping. When we got back to the house my brother and sister-in-law were home so I got to visit with the entire family for a few hours. I mostly played with the kiddos.

I got home around 8pm. I was suppose to attend the Geekies tonight but things changed. Last year they gave us judges tickets to the event and I had a blast watching this award show live and in person so I was really looking forward to it this year.

Well a few weeks ago I got an email from them saying: As a special guest, you are invited to watch the show from our private celebrity room in Bardot and attend an exclusive DJ pre-party from 5-7pm. Party includes food courtesy of Wahoo tacos and a variety of wines from Rocca Vineyards (along with a full cash bar). This is our exclusive viewing area for judges, show presenters and celebrities, where you'll be able to party and mingle all night. After the show, we'll host a post-show party with DJ and pizza courtesy of Pizza Hut!

It sounded nice but there was no mention of watching the show live and in the main room. But at the bottom of the email was Tickets: If you or your guests would like to purchase tickets in the main room, LIMITED floor and balcony seating is available. So we had to purchase our own tickets if we wanted to watch the show like last year.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure for some people this sounds great, hanging with celebrities and networking with entertainment folk but it doesn't for me. I'm extremely shy and introverted when it comes to parties and talking to people. If I'm going to attend the Geekie Awards Show I want to actually "attend" the show, not watch it on a TV screen from a room in a Hotel next to the venue. 

Needless to say I was disappointed and did not go. I don't mind that they didn't give us free tickets for this year but the fact that they didn't tell us this before we agreed to be judges is what bothers me. Last year judges were given tickets to attend the show so why wouldn't we get tickets this year. 

Would it have changed my mind if I knew that I wasn't going to get free tickets to the event.. probably not. I enjoy being a judge for the Geekies but it wouldn't have been such a shock and disappointment. I really had been excited for this event for months... oh well life goes on.

Birthday Countdown Pixs & More D&D (Pathfinder)

Forgot to post my picture from yesterday so I'm posting both Day 5 (Age 5) and Day 6 (Age 6) of my 44th Birthday countdown picture challenge.

I spent alot of time at the pool with my mom that's why I have such a nice golden tan in the Age 6 picture :)

Today was all about D&D Pathfinder. We started our day with the continuation of our battle with the 2 Flesh Golems and a mob of skeletons. The skeletons weren't a match for my buddy Robert's half Orc/ half Human, Zander. But the Golems proved to be a much tougher opponent. And their master Nilius got off some bad mojo before Dash (yeah that's me) was able to charm him. We were finally able to kill both Golems and our Halfing friend Percy through a stone at Nilius' head and killed him instantatly while the rest of us argued on what to do with him. Some wanted to kill him and some wanted to take him back to the castle.

We spent a few weeks recouping in the city before heading out on our next adventure. This time it's all about the dwarves, seems there is some unrest among them so we head underground in search for one particular dwarve. We came upon a large man eating plant and some Derro's from below who attacked the party. We defeated them fairly easily. We then traveled on foot for a few more days underground before finding an old dwarve who helped us out with rations but more importantly he had large spiders for us to ride. While traveling on the spiders we were attacked by Cave Fishers. It was a tough battle but we defeated them and continued on our way when time ran out and our session was over for the day.

It was another fun session, we've been playing for over a year and it's still just as fun as it was on the first day. Thanks Dallas (our DM) for all your hard work in making this the best D&D/Pathfinder group I've ever played with.

More Midwives and The Giver

I spent the day watching more of Call the Midwife. I continued with S2 and watched episodes 3 - 8. There were alot of good episodes but one really stood out to me, Episode 4. It had two main stories that tugged at my heart. First a baby boy was born with spina bifida and we see these young parent go through some hard times. Jenny finds an "asylum" that is will take unwanted disabled children. You just feel so bad for this kids/ young adults as they were unwanted and just tossed aside before they have health issues or a disability.

The other part of this story, which kind of ties into the asylum as well is the story of Jane, she's the new assistant helping at the Nonnatus House. She's extremely quiet and shy but a visiting Anglican priest takes a shining to her and they have what I hope will be a very sweet relationship. But we find out that she was abandon at this asylum because she was so introverted her parent figured she was mentally disabled. There are scenes were she is so scared and frighten to do something, that she just lies on her bed crying and ashamed of herself for not having the strength. My heart broke as I could identify with her (maybe not to that extreme). I bawled through most of this episode.. between the baby and Jane my poor empathic heart couldn't take it. I am happy to say that both stories end in happy endings.

And in the final episode of season two we finally get a conclusion to a storyline that kind of started in S1 with a nun, not losing faith but second guessing the path God had given her. She leaves the order and joins the man that she's secretly (or not so secretly) has been pining for... Doctor Turner. I was so happy about this turn of events. These two people deserve so much happiness.

We also see the return of Chummy in this episode, who was gone for a big chunk of the middle episodes. She gives birth and almost dies and at one point I thought they were going to kill her which would have angered me so much I think I would have thrown my TV out the window.. luckily it was all a red herring and she survived as did her baby. What a way to end season two.

I stopped after season two as season three is not on Netflix yet. There is also a Christmas special between S2 and S3. So I'm going to have to find them elsewhere. Season 4 doesn't started until 2015 but again they are doing a Christmas special at the end of this year as well. So I'm sure I'll post more about his amazing series when I continue to watch S3.

During the evening I went to a screening of The Giver with my buddy Robert. Here's a quick synopsis. This film, based on Lois Lowry's 1993 book, tells the story of a perfect world. Everyone here is happy. When Jonas is 16 years old, he's chosen to be the community's Receiver of Memories. He enters into training with an old man called The Giver. From the Giver, Jonas learns about love, happiness, compassion but also pain, sadness, war, and all the unhappy truths of the "real" world. He quickly realizes that his community is fake. Confronted with this reality, Jonas faces difficult choices about his own life and his future.

I enjoyed this movie, it's was an interesting look at a society when you remove free will from it. I enjoyed the way it was filmed in B&W and Color. The fact that this society didn't know color so they saw everything as black and white, until Jonas is told about color and shown it then he can see the world in color. I enjoyed the story, it was simple but entertaining. I did feel that the big conflict wasn't big enough. It almost felt like it was a half of movie. I wanted to know more, I wanted to see what happens when everybody gets their memories back about what life use to be. There was something missing in this movie for me but it didn't take away my enjoyment of it... just left me wanting more, which I guess is a good thing.

I enjoyed the acting, it was nice seeing Katie Holmes again, I've been a fan since her Dawson's Creek days. Bridges and Streep were good and the guy playing the main role of Jonas was fine. The big surprise was seeing the credits and seeing that the country singer Taylor Swift was in this movie. Once I saw who she played I realized it was her but when you see her with the dark hair she looked nothing like herself.

I don't think I'll be buying it when it comes out on blu-ray but that doesn't mean I wouldn't want to see it again. I give The Giver a B-

Call the Midwife & More Babylon 5

Last night my friend Jes mention a series that our friend America recommended to her. It's called Call the Midwife. It's a British show that started back in 2012. I had never heard of it but both Jes and America was singing it's praise so I checked out the first episode this morning.

Here's some info about the series.... The plot follows newly qualified midwife Jenny Lee and the work of midwives and the nuns of Nonnatus House, a nursing convent, part of an Anglican religious order, coping with the medical problems in the deprived Poplar district of London's desperately poor East End in the 1950s. The Sisters and midwives carry out many nursing duties across the community. However, with between 80 and 100 babies being born each month in Poplar alone, the primary work is to help bring safe childbirth to women in the area and to look after their countless newborns.

Episode one ended and I was hooked. It's charming, sweet, fun, sad, tense and emotional... yes I cried. Then episode two started and introduced a new character named Chummy and she instantly became my favorite character on the show. I couldn't tell you why, she just was. Every episode of season one continue to expand the characters, we got little tidbits of information about each of the main characters. Every episode of season one was compelling and it sucked me in within the first minute. Every birth was a nail biter as you didn't know if something would go wrong or if the baby was going to die.

There is just something about these British period shows that are so compelling/addictive. It's the same with Downton Abbey. After the first episode I was hooked and I have loved every minute since.

I watched all of Season one and then went on to watch the Christmas special before moving onto a few episodes of Season two before having to stop and head over to my buddy Robert's place to continue our Babylon 5 first time viewing. We haven't watched any B5 for over a month so I was looking forward to continuing our viewing.

For tonights TV night we watched 3 episodes from Season Five.

First up was S5 Ep4 "A View From The Gallery" A day in the life of 2 maintenance workers on Babylon 5. As crisis arises, they encounter the command staff, and the ambassadors each dealing with the crisis.

Interesting episode, seeing the main characters through the eyes of 2 lower level characters. Didn't think I'd like it but it actually was a nice episode. The two "maintenance" workers were very relatable and likeable. Wouldn't mind seeing them again from time to time.

Next was S5 Ep5 "Learning Curve" Two Minbari Rangers-in-training come to the station and learn a difficult lesson. A new underworld boss tries to take control of Down-below.

This was an okay episode, nothing to special. I think the underworld boss was an idiot trying to take down some chief members of the B5 crew.  We learned a bit more about the Rangers. They eluded to something in this episode about Sheridan and the new commander Lochley.

And the final episode of the night S5 Ep6 "Strange Relations" Bester comes to Babylon 5 with several bloodhound units in an attempt to arrest and detain the colony of rogue telepaths. Someone attempts to assassinate Londo Mollari prompting Delenn's suggstions that G'Kar becomes Londo Mollari's bodyguard.

Well we find out that Sheridan and Lochley were married once, which I didn't see coming. We knew there was something going on but I didn't expect that. Love the "love/hate buddy" team up of Londo and G'Kar again. They started this way in season one and I'm glad they are back to this type of friendship. We find out that someone is trying to kill Londo and I'm sure will get more into this story as the series progresses. Bester was back and horrible as ever. I'm glad Lochley came up with her plan that would give the telepaths 2 months to figure out a game plan. We see Leta completely join this band of telepaths and we also see that she has some major powers that I'm sure will play a part in the rest of the season.

Over all it was a good day of TV... Found a new TV series that I adore and continue to watch a TV series that I'm well invested into.

Oh and I almost forgot to mention that it's Day 4 of my photo countdown to my 44th Birthday. Here I am at age 4. 

Cookies, Jack Ryan, Sherlock & Hobbities

It's Day 3 of my picture a day until my 44th Birthday.. so here's a picture of me at Age 3

I headed over to my friend Jes' place to hang out, bake cookies and watch some TV. When I got there the baking was well underway. She was making my favorite cookies, peanut butter and then trying to make a new one for her, double chocolate and cherry cookies. Both were amazing but my favorites were of course the peanut butter... very tasty.

While she was baking we watched a movie that I had not seen yet called Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. The film features the fictional Jack Ryan character created by author Tom Clancy. It is the fifth film in the Jack Ryan series but is presented as a reboot that departs from the previous installments. Unlike its predecessors, it is not an adaptation of a particular Clancy novel, but rather an original story. Pine stars in the title role, becoming the fourth actor to play Ryan, following Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, and Ben Affleck.

I don't think I have seen any of the other Jack Ryan movies (maybe bits and pieces) but this was the first one I've seen from beginning to end. I enjoy it, it did what it set out to do. Had lots of action, suspense and a decent story. It was good fun. Solid B from me.

After we walked to the Habit to pick up some food for dinner we came back to her place and started  watching some Sherlock. Both Jes and I love Sherlock so we watched the first two episodes of Season one. That's one thing I love about Sherlock is that you can watch it over and over and still love every minute of it... at least I can. 

One last thing.. I came across a video of a super fan of Lord of the Rings and all things Tolkien. I've seen better "Hobbit" type houses but what makes this extra special is all the amazing things he has inside his house. Check it out below.

DMV, Shaved Head & Skyping

Was up early as I needed to get to the Van Nuys DMV to renew my driver's license as it expires on my birthday in September. I wanted to get there when they opened but didn't realize that they opened at 8am, I arrived around 9am. I spent a total of 2 hours waiting in lines and for my turn at the counter. All in all it wasn't a horrible experience. I normally make an appointment but the appointments were already a month out and I needed this renewed in the next few weeks.

Now that I had taken my new photo for the DMV it was clear to do what I have been wanting to do for the past few weeks... shave my head bald. If you know me you know that my hair has been thinning on top for the past ten years and within the past year a bald spot has appeared on the crown of my head.

I have almost shaved my head in the past with a #1 guard on the clippers and was shocked how short it was but I thought I looked pretty good. I have a decent shaped head for being bald, so I decided that I'd take it all off and see how it looks.

It's a very bizarre experience shaving your head, I mean once you do the first pass there is no turning back. Even with clippers I couldn't get all the hair so I threw on shaving cream and used my razor to get a cleaner cut. It's a lot of work but I'm happy with the end results. I don't know if I'll maintain the bald look as I said it takes alot of work and some very sharp razors but for now I'm liking it.

I'm continuing my posting of a picture of me everyday for the next 44 days until my 44th birthday. Today is day 2 so here is a picture of me at Age 2.

I got a happy surprise today when my buddy Matt (from England) and I were able to video chat via Skype. We try and chat at least once a week. He's like a little brother to me so I try and keep up on his daily life. It's always good fun.

And last but not least.. I came across this story of two gentlemen who took some very cool engagement photos. I'm a huge Doctor Who fan but these guys went all out and it's AWESOME!!!  You can read the story and see more photos HERE.

In Memoriam... Robin Williams

I was working on a podcast when I got a tweet notification on my phone from breaking news that Robin Williams was found dead of an apparent suicide. I looked at the tweet and it didn't register right away. I re-read it several times before it sunk in. Robin Williams was dead.

I immediately jumped on twitter and Facebook to get more details in hopes this was one of the those stupid celerity fake death hoax, but more and more news feeds were announcing it and my heart sank. Tears started falling as I read tweet after tweet about the death of Robin Williams, suicide, depression, mental illness and addictions.

Unfortunately Celebrities die, they are only human but I don't recall having this gut wrenching, overwhelming sorrow and uncontrollable tears for a celebrity in recent years. Yes I'm sad when a celebrity dies but not to this degree. The last time I felt this way was when John Ritter died in 2003.

I grew up watching Robin Williams as Mork from Ork, I was 8 when it started and 12 when it ended. I watched it religiously and adored this crazy alien guy. I had the action figures and dolls when I was a kid and use to play with them all the time.

Over the years I have enjoyed his TV appearance as well as his many, many movies with some of my favorites being Mrs. Doubtfire, Hook, Dead Poet Society, Patch Adams and Aladdin. I was thrilled when I heard he was coming back to TV last year with The Crazy Ones and was heart broken when I heard that the freshman series was not being picked up by CBS for another season.

I never got to meet Mr. Williams or see him do his stand up live but he seemed like he would have been the nicest guy in the world. And from the thousands of tweets that I have read within the last few hours it would seem that statement would be correct.

I think one of the main reasons this has shocked so many people is that he took his own life. If he had died of natural causes, though it would be sad, it wouldn't have been so tragic. It was well known that he suffered from depression and addiction, but was on the mend. He had been clean and sober for a while now and his career was on a upswing (not that it ever really dwindled). He had a beautiful wife and three amazing kids. He should have been on top of the world... and from the outside looking in... he was. But that's the problem with depression, though there can be outward signs, most of it is internal and can't be seen, only felt.

I have dealt with and continue to deal with depression everyday. I deal with feelings of sadness, loneliness, fatigue, guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and overeating that depression can cause, the feeling that it will never get better, that this is how I will spend the rest of my life. But I am fortunate that suicide has never crossed my mind, I work hard at not letting these feeling overwhelm me. Some days it works.. some days it doesn't, but I will continue to fight this battle for the rest of my life.

Robin Williams lost his battle... and the world weeps.

Thank you Mr. Williams for the millions of laughs you have given me and will continue to give me for the rest of my life. You are a Legend among us mere mortals, one that will truly be missed.

Rest in Peace...

Birthday Countdown, Groot, MASH & Tragedy

So today is exactly 44 days until my 44th Birthday. I did this a few years ago and folks seemed to like it so I plan on doing it again. I will be posting one picture a day starting at Age 1 and continuing until Age 44 on September 23rd. Everyday you see me age a year.

I came across this Groot and Rocket drawing today. I've seen a lot of pictures and drawings in the past week but this one really got me in the feels. It's the scene in the movie that I tear up at every time. This drawing/painting was done by maXKennedy you can see more of their art HERE. 

I spent a good chunk of today continuing my work on the upcoming episodes for the MASH 4077 Podcast. I found out all the uploads I had done yesterday were a waste of time as I had already uploaded all those files a week ago. I did finish my first pass at episode 85, which is due to be released on August 15th. But I got a tweet that shook me to my core... Robin Williams has died.

There was no working after that... I watched the news, read social media and cried for the next few hours. This couldn't be real.. but it was.

Podcasts and Videos

First I want to wish my Dad a very Happy 67th Birthday today. I got to spend last weekend with him to celebrate. My brother and I help purchase a new iPad for him. He's addicted to App games and Facebook :) He likes to play the games with his grand kids.

Spent the entire day uploading episodes of MASH for the next six MASH 4077 Podcasts. Gonna try and edit them all this week so I can get ahead of the game. I only release two a month so if I can get them edited and done then I'll be good for three months.

While I'm uploading stuff for podcasts, I continue to try and catch up on my blogs, watch more of Melissa and Joey and job search.

There are a few videos that I want to share with you.

First one is this really cool "Crazy Circle Illusion" video. I love video like these...

The second video made me tear up, it's this 95 year old Veteran who is out supporting runners of some sort of marathon when suddenly they start to come up to him and shake hands and thank him for his service... only issue I have with the video is that I wish it was longer.

The final video that I want to share with you is a PSA about texting and driving. I try not to text but I have done it in the past but after watching this video I have sworn off doing ever again. This video got to me.