Voting, Elections, DVD's & Scorpion

I got up this morning and did my 30 minute jog/walk before getting ready for work but before heading in I went to my local church to vote. There was only a few people ahead of me so I got in and out in no time. Last time I went to vote I wasn't registered with my new apartment so I had to do an absentee ballet.. but not this time.

I headed into work and got word that another state's marriage ban was determined unconstitutional. So congratulations to all my gay and lesbian brothers and sister in the state of Kansas who can now join hand n hand and take the plunge.

Towards the evening I started hearing election numbers coming in and it wasn't looking good, at least not for us Democrats. When all the dust settles the Republicans will have a majority vote in the House of Representatives as well as the Senate. This makes me sad because marriage equality has come such a long ways in the past two years and I don't know if this new Republican run government will hurt us, but I do know for sure that it won't help us.  There are already hateful Republicans representatives making derogatory statements about gay rights and marriage. I guess time will only tell.

It was a rough day not only at work but with the election so I wanted to treat myself... so I headed over to Walmart to pick up Maleficent and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Extended Edition as both of these came out on blu-ray today. And yes I went to Walmart which I would never have done if the prices weren't the lowest. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot I was regretting this plan, it was a rough day and now this experience was going to be rough but I really wanted these DVD's and I'm on a strict budget so I have to go where the deals are, even if it means Walmart.

On my way home I resisted all kinds of fast food for dinner instead I made some dinner at home.. so yay me.

Before heading to bed I was able to watch an episode of Scorpion. Tonight was S1 Ep  7 "Father's Day" When Ralph's absentee father Drew calls the Scorpion office to talk to Paige, it triggers the familial memories of everyone. The team tries to protect Ralph by running a background check on Drew, who is a struggling minor league baseball player. Meanwhile, the team is tasked with finding out how three convicts, including a high IQ hacktivist, escaped from a high-tech prison and as to what their plan really is.

Another fun episode, I liked getting a bit deeper into the Walter and Cabe backstory, they also addressed Happy's daddy issues and we even get to meet him at the end of the story. I hope we see this relationship grow. I liked how Paige dealt with Ralph's father. I don't think will be seeing him around in future episodes. I liked how the gang were all concerned for Ralph and his well being and it did annoy me a bit when Paige was so resistant to their help. Overall another great episode and I can't wait for the next one.

Beanies, Minions & Fairytales

Starting my third week of six at this new job. It's starting to get a bit crazy as post tends to do. There are things that happen that remind me why I took off a year from this kind of work but then I remember that I need the funds to help pay down some of the debt I went into while off work. So I have to bite the bullet and get through it.

This morning it was cold enough outside at 7am for me to wear a beanie. I love wearing my beanies, not only does it keep me warm but I think I look cute wearing them... and believe me I don't say that about myself often. So hopefully it will remain cool for the next few months so I can do beanie caps everyday.

I came across a trailer for a Minion movie. I had no idea they were making this movie. Of course I knew Despicable Me 1 & 2 did well at the box office and the Minion were the breakout stars so it was only a matter of time but this news kind of snucked up on me. But of course it looks great and I can't wait to see it.. check out the trailer.

After work I managed to get one episode of TV in before calling it a night. Tonight I watched Once Upon A Time S4 Ep 6 "Family Business"

Belle attempts to use Rumplestiltskins dagger to find out where the Snow Queen is hiding. Hook and Emma search for answers about the snow queen. Back in fairytale land of the past Anna returns home from her time in the enchanted forest but doesn't know what to tell her sister about what she found out.

I enjoyed tonight's episode, I'm a big fan of Belle and we got some backstory and her encounter with Anna (because everybody knows everybody in Fairytale land). I really liked seeing Anna and Belle visit Grandpappie rock troll. OMG and we got to see Oaken, who was prefect. I'm really disliking Rumple more and more with every new episode. We find out the Snow Queens plan and how Emma and Elsa are part of it. I don't know if the end goal of the Snow Queen is to just have a family, I'm sure there has to be more to the story. We also learn that the Snow Queen has a "secret" weapon that can turn the entire towns people against each other. So will see how this story continues to unfold in next weeks episode.. can't wait.

Rebels, Downton, Once & Who... So Much TV

Today was all about relaxation... I really should have edited a podcast as several are due very soon but it was a long week of work and I wanted to do nothing but catch up on some TV as it's starting to build up on my Tivo.

So today I watched 2 episodes of Star Wars Rebels, 3 episodes of Downton Abbey, 2 episodes of Once Upon a Time and 2 episodes of Doctor Who. Here are my thoughts...

First up was Star Wars Rebels S1 Ep 3 (or 2 if you don't count the pilot as episode one) "Fighter Flight" Hera sends Ezra and Zeb out on a supply run together to keep them from bickering with each other, specifying that they do not return without a rare meiloorun fruit. The two find that the market's sole supply of meilooruns has been purchased by the Empire. Ezra's attempt to steal the fruit leads to an entanglement against the stormtroopers, forcing Zeb to hijack a TIE fighter for the two to escape in. En route to their rendezvous with the Ghost, the two find farmer and Ezra's friend Morad Sumar being arrested along with his family. Using the TIE fighter to their advantage, Ezra and Zeb are able to rescue Sumar and retrieve the fruit, and return to the Ghost after crashing the fighter.

This episode is pretty much all about Ezra and Zeb, these two act like brothers through out the entire episode. Both are a bit immature but in the end they have each other's backs. I enjoyed this episode, it's building some nice relationships between the characters.

I then watched Star Wars Rebels S1 Ep 4 (3)  "Rise of the Old Masters"The Ghost crew discover an underground transmission reporting that Jedi Master Luminara Unduli has survived Order 66 and is being held in a high-security Imperial prison on Stygeon Prime. Kanan leads his crew to rescue Luminara for her to train Ezra, frustrated with his own inability to teach the boy. Upon reaching her cell, Kanan and Ezra discover that Luminara is long dead and that her remains used as bait by the Inquisitor to lure the Jedi into a trap. The two work together to escape the Inquisitor before Hera rescues them aboard the Phantom. Afterward, Kanan comes to understand the meaning of Master Yoda's saying, "There is no try," and resolves to train Ezra himself.

I really enjoyed this episode. This one had a lot of Star Wars themes attached to it. It was interesting to see that Kanan really isn't a teacher, but that's understandable as he was barely taught himself before the Jedi purge happened. He was probable in his early teens when his master died. So it's going to be interesting to see this Jedi train his padawan Ezra. Both are going to learn from each other. I really like the Inquisitor, he's going to be a good villain. I don't know if he's a sith but he diffidently has the force working for him. Can't wait to see where this storyline goes.

After Star Wars I moved on to Downton Abbey and started with S5 Ep 4,  Violet and Isobel visit the soup kitchen Rose is running for the Russian refugees and Isobel is surprised when Violet confesses that Prince Kuragin once asked her to run away with him. Isobel herself is flattered by Lord Merton's sincere marriage proposal but asks for time to consider whilst Mary travels to London to reject Tony's offer. He is persistent but by chance she meets and dines with Charles Blake. Edith hears that Michael may be alive but in prison in Germany for opposing Fascists though is upset when the Drewes refuse to let her see Marigold. Bricker's reappearance angers Robert, as does Sarah Bunting's continual challenge to his authority, causing him to ban her from the house. Baxter discovers that Barrow is attempting to 'cure' his homosexuality whilst the police continue to rake up Green's death, especially as, whilst in London with Mary, Anna visited the spot where he was killed.

Another great episode, it's hard to review these episodes as so much happens. I'm interested to see where Mr. Barrow's storyline goes. He's a horrible human being but part of me feels so bad as he's so extremely lonely and I think that's a big contributor to nasty ways. I hope they do something with this Edith story soon. She just needs to take her child back and deal with the consequences. It's funny when Mary tries to break up with Tony he refuses her and pretends everything is just fine and they will work through it.. I wonder how she's going to get out of this. Sarah has to go, I know she likes to speak her mind and she may be in the right but there is a time and place for everything and that fight was completely uncalled for. 

Next was Downton Abbey S5 Ep 5, Tom breaks off his friendship with Sarah but, on learning that she is moving to another job in Preston and encouraged by Daisy, wishes her well and thanks her for reminding him who he is. Rose meets Atticus Aldridge, a young lawyer of Russian-Jewish descent, who invites her to call on him when she is in London whilst the police interview Anna regarding Green's death, to the interest of Barrow, whose unhealthy complexion is getting noticed. Baxter relates her crime to Molesley and the pair grow closer. Violet's daughter Rosamund visits and the dowager tumbles to the fact that Marigold is Edith's daughter. The two older women want to get her away to France but Edith hopes to take her to London instead. Bricker tries to force himself on Cora but is interrupted by Robert. Whilst Cora resists Robert is still unsure as to whether she is attracted to the art expert.

Roses new beau Atticus is very cute and sweet. Can't wait for the family to find out he's Jewish. I want them to resolve this Mr. Green's death storyline. I just want Anna and Bates to be happy. I'm loving the budding relationship of Molesley and Baxter. I hope it goes well.. I feel like Mr. Molesley keeps getting the raw end of the deal. The entire Bricker/Cora/Robert thing finally came to a head, I'm glad Cora rebounded Bricker's advances

And finally Downton Abbey S5 Ep 6, Violet has a new maid, Denker, who makes it clear to her what she regards as the limitations of her duties. She accompanies Violet to see Prince Kuragin with news of his wife's whereabouts but the dowager is shocked when Kuragin reveals that he still loves her. An anonymous letter to the police has them questioning Baxter as to whether John ever went to London though she is unable to help. Aware that it was sent by Barrow she is forgiving enough to take him to see Dr Clarkson, who tells him that he cannot 'cure' his sexuality. Robert and Cora reconcile as Robert accepts Mary and Tom's view that they should build decent houses on Downton land whilst John convinces Anna that he did not kill Green. An unused train ticket, evidence to support him, is however in the pocket of a coat donated to charity. Edith learns that Michael Gregson has been murdered by Fascist thugs and that she now owns his publishing company. Most of the family attend a point to point race, where Blake parades new girlfriend Mabel in front of Mary and Rose introduces Atticus's aristocratic parents to the Crawleys. Edith uses the opportunity to take Marigold and flee with her to London.

So much happened in this episode.. I'm so happy that Baxter helped Barrow though he did just throw her under the bus. I liked how the doctor handled his issue and explained that he just has to enjoy the life he was given. I hope we see him find a fella and can change his nasty ways. I feel so bad for Edith and totally understand why she does what she does and leaves Downton with her daughter. Violet's reaction to finding out that Rose's new beau is Jewish was priceless. I'm happy to here that Mrs Crowley is accepting Lord Merton's sincere marriage proposal. I'm so happy that she's gonna find happiness (at least I hope she does). And we finally find out that Bates did not kill Mr. Green and he and Anna are good again. Well for the time being as the cops still think Mr. Bates is a suspect.

Only a few more episodes for this season.. can't wait to see how this all ends.

Next up after Downton was Once Upon A Time. I started with S4 Ep 4 "The Apprentice" Hook asks Gold for his hand to be reattached for a first date with Emma. Henry and Mary Margaret try to help Regina when she becomes frustrated over not being able to find a cure for a frozen Marian. Back in the Fairy Tale Land that was, Rumplestiltskin uses Anna to acquire a magical box from the Sorcerer's apprentice.

This was another good episode. In Fairy Tale land we are finding out more about Anna, we meet the Sorcerer's apprentice and I love that Rumple turns him into a mouse (very Disney). The date with Hook and Emma was cute. I'm not liking present day Rumple, he's up to no good and I hate that he is lying to Belle. I know he loves her but at some point it's all going to fall apart. I hope Hook can get away from Rumple and not follow in his footsteps.

And then I watched Once Upon A Time S4 Ep 5 "Breaking Glass" Regina reluctantly teams up with Emma to search for the Snow Queen after Sidney, who is once again Regina's prisoner in the mirror, discovers her whereabouts and agrees to lead her to the location. With Belle babysitting baby Neal, a nervous Mary Margaret and David prepare for their first date night away from their child and find themselves on a mission to track down Will Scarlet, who has escaped from the town jail, and Elsa sees Anna in the Storybrooke woods. Meanwhile, back in the past, young Emma finds herself a kindred spirit when she befriends a girl who, like her, is a runaway orphan.

I like the Emma and Regina are somewhat friends again. I love that they use their powers together to defeat the ice creature. Elsa find her courage and Rumple up to his nonsense again. I liked that we got to see a young teenage Emma. I'm not sure who the girl was that she befriended but with that special star scar on her wrist (which they made sure the audience saw) I'm sure will see her again at some point. The shocker was that it was finally revealed how the Snow Queen knows Emma.. she was her foster parent when Emma as a young teenager.. dun dun dun...

Next up was Doctor Who.. I start with S8 Ep 10 "In The Forest of the Night" One morning in London, and every city and town in the world, the human race wakes up to the most surprising invasion yet: the trees have moved back in. Everywhere, in every land, a forest has grown and taken back the Earth.

I knew what the trees were doing after it was reveal that the sun was being wonky. Don't know why it took everyone else so long to figure it out. I enjoyed this episode for the most part. The doctor didn't really annoy me as much and was somewhat nice to Clara. Not an amazing episode but fun.

And the final TV episode I watched for the night was Doctor Who S8 Ep 11 "Dark Water" In the mysterious world of the Nethersphere, plans have been drawn. Old friends and old enemies manoeuvre around The Doctor, and an impossible choice is looming over him.

Now this was an amazing episode, Pink (Clara's boyfriend) dies and Clara loses it and forces the Doctor to help bring him back. Enter the mysterious Missy who we come to find out is none other then The Master or The Mistress (Missy for short). I had seen things online about who Missy was but I never though of the Master so this was a total OMG moment and I loved it. Can't wait to see how this storyline is resolved in the finale next week. It's going to be interesting as Pink will still be dead when it's all said and done.. I wonder what's going to happen to Clara.

A long but awesome day of TV watching.. and though I watched all those shows I still have a ton more to try watch soon. Luckily for me the holidays are coming up and alot of TV shows go on hiatus so I'll be able to fully catch up then.

Snail Mail Issues

The past few days have been pretty light on geeky things to blog about so I figured I'd blog about something boring.. like snail mail.

I haven't gotten any mail in the past 2 weeks which is very unusual for me since I get junk mail everyday and it's election time and I have been getting a ton of political flyers so it seemed very odd to me. I contacted the post office last week but they never got back to me so I contacted them again yesterday and that seemed to work. They responded by giving me my route number and office phone number to my mail carrier and said that I should call them directly between 8am to 8:30am.  Yeah not a lot of help, so I did as they requested and got up on a Saturday by 8am so I could call in between that short time frame but they never answered. So when I went down to check the mail as I have done the past two weeks I was shocked to see my mailbox full of mail. Of course they removed all the junk mail so it was a good stack of letters and some political flyers. There was no explanation as to why my mail was being held or anything. My mail carrier never called me back. Needless to see it's very bizarre and I may never know why I didn't get mail for those two weeks. But I'm thinking there was a mail "hold" put on an address in my building and they accidentally held my instead. For whatever reason I guess it doesn't matter as my mail is working again... so yay!! Hopefully I'll have more excited things to blog about with my next blog.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween... I don't have any plans for tonight as my new job pretty much drains me of all my energy and I don't normally get home until around 8pm. I was invited to my friend Tom's place for a party and you all know how much I love dressing up in my Hobbit gear and really considered going but it was a long hard day at work so I opted out.

I also live in a secure building with only six apartments and none of the tenants have any kids so I also had no trick or treaters. That's one thing I miss about Halloween, passing out candy and seeing all the cute kids dressed in their costumes. The past few places that I have lived I haven't gotten any kids and as long as I'm at this apartment I won't be getting any in the future.

I considered going over to my brothers and go trick or treating with my niece and nephew.. maybe I'll do that next year.

If you celebrated Halloween.. I hope it was a good one.

Getting Healthy Is Hard

Nothing really going on in my geeky world today.

I'm struggling with my new eating habits. I'm trying to do my best but feel like I'm failing at times. Being at home is simple as I don't have a lot of the "bad foods" in my house, but it's when I'm working and trying not to go out for lunch... fast food is my downfall. I could give up sweets and snacks easily enough but fast food.. that's the toughie. But I know in time things will eventually change.

I have not had any sweets, snacks or candy for the past two weeks. But today while on my lunch I was in the lunch room where there is a ton of candy, chips and other tasty snacks and I had a mini three musketeer and a mini kit kat. I could have eaten so much more but I resisted and only allowed myself that small taste and I was okay with that.

I've told myself at the beginning of this that I won't deprive myself of anything, as what would be the point of living if you can't enjoy your life. But I do know that I was a bit excessive when it came to eating poorly (fast foods, snacks, etc...). I will still have my occasional french fries or candy bar but instead of it being a daily/weekly thing it will be more of a monthly thing.

Besides my diet I have committed myself to getting up at 7am and going for a walk/jog for at least 30 minute every single day (weekends included) around the Noho park. It's really a nice way to start my day.

The Theory of Everything - My Review

After work today I went to a PGA screening of "The Theory of Everything" Here's a quick synopsis: This is the extraordinary story of one of the world's greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of - time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed. 

Here's the trailer:

 

I saw this trailer a few months ago and I knew I wanted to see this movie. Now I'm not a huge Stephen Hawking fanboy, I mean I know who he is and have a idea of what he is known for but I really don't know alot about him personally. So besides getting to know him better the trailer really tugged on my heartstrings and if you know me, you know I'm a sucker for romance.

So when I got the email from the PGA announcing a pre-release screening of this movie, I jumped at it and invited my best bud Robert to join me. It's not due to be released in theaters until Nov. 7th.

Besides the movie screening there was also a Q&A with cast members Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, Producer Lisa Bruce and Producer/Writer Anthony McCarten. 

Here's my review: I really enjoyed this movie, it's wasn't just a story about Stephen Hawking but a story about Stephen and his wife Jane and their love affair that lasted nearly 30 years. Come to find out (from the Q&A afterwards) that this movie is based on the autobiography of Jane Wilde and that both Jane and Stephen were somewhat involved in the movie. But there was a nice balance of story between the two of them. Towards the end of the film when their marriage was beginning to unravel you never really picked a side. It felt like it was a natural evolution to their relationship.

This isn't a story about Stephen Hawking's theories about Black holes and such, though it's all part of the film this is really a story about their relationship and lives. I expected to be a big ball of tears by the end but the way it was presented I only chocked up a few times and a few tears may have fallen. It was more inspirational and beautiful then sad and depressing.

The leads were amazing... Eddie Redmayne should defiantly be nominated for the Best Actor Oscar. His portrayal of Hawking is full of intelligence, poise, grace, eventual frustration/devastation, and an eventual passion and humble love for life. There were times when you forgot your watching an actor playing a role. When you think back to how Stephen Hawking was before he was diagnostic with ALS to the very end of the movie, you'd never guess that was the same person.

Felicity Jones was just as impressive as Jane Wilde. Such a strong women, who had to deal with so much so young. She was an amazing spirit and I'm sure she's the reason Stephen has lived for as long as he has. She was a devoted wife and mother as well as his sole care giver for many years.

Is this a movie that I would want to own on blu-ray, probably not as I can't seem myself watching it over and over again but with that said I'd definitely wouldn't mind watching it from time to time. I'd give The Theory of Everything a solid A-

Marvel Movies & Scorpion Review

Lots of geek news today from Marvel Studios.. they announced their "Phase 3" plans for upcoming Marvel movies. They also released titles and title art. I won't be posting everything here because there are much better sites who did all that already, like this one HERE.

Here is what will be released in the coming years.

• Avengers: Age of Ultron: May 1, 2015
• Ant-Man: July 17, 2015
• Captain America 3: Civil War: May 6, 2016
• Doctor Strange: November 4, 2016
• Guardians of the Galaxy 2: May 5, 2017
• Thor 3: Ragnarok: July 28, 2017
• Black Panther: November 3, 2017
• Avengers: Infinity War, Part 1: May 4, 2018 
• Captain Marvel: July 6, 2018
• Inhumans: November 2, 2018
• Avengers: Infinity War, Part 2: May 3, 2019

Lots of amazing movies on the horizon. I think I'm most excited for the Avengers movies as well as Captain America 3... oh and Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

After work I had some time before bed to watch some TV so I choose to watch the latest episode of Scorpion. S1 Ep 6 "True Colors" After taking a security job at an art museum, Scorpion is accused of destroying a priceless piece of art which they think is a forgery. They must pass a mandated psych evaluation or be disbanded from all Homeland assignments. But Gallo has a connection, Hetty Lange, head of NCIS: L.A. who helps them track down the real painting. Paige tasks Walter with an experiment to gain emotional quotient so his team can get more work. She also asks the team for help when Ralph doesn't have anyone to go with to his school's Halloween party.

Another fun episode, lots of character interaction, and some nice character development. I enjoyed how this story to told, via backstory as each member was talking to a psychologist. I like that we see a bit more emotion from Walter and it's confirmed that he does indeed like Paige. I think my only complaint about this episode was them having to "prove" themselves again. It seems like in every other episode they're competence is being questioned. If they continue to do this it will get old fast. Other then that I still loving this show. Oh and I have to mention the guest star from NCIS: LA was fantastic.. hopefully will see her again in future episodes.

And one more thing about Scorpion... it was picked up for a full season... WOOHOO!!!!

Random Geek Question: Middle Earth

This morning I dropped Erik off at the Burbank airport as his extended weekend trip has come to an end. Had a great time hanging out with him, even if it was just for a few short days. Hopefully the next time we hang out I'll be visiting him up on Portland.

Headed into work to start my second week on the job. Things are moving along as well as they do in post. We've hired our 2 editors and I have a great assistant editor so my crew is set. Now we just need to finish shooting the show so we can get it edited together.

I posed a Random Geek Question on Twitter and Facebook today; Which Middle Earth creature would you be, an Elf, Hobbit, Orc, Human, Maiar, Wizard, Troll, Ent or other and why?

I guess the question can be taken several ways.. am I asking which creature are you (currently) if you had to pick one to fit your personality and lifestyle.  Or you can read it as.. if you had a choice which character would you want to be (which was my true intent). Either way I got alot of responses.

From Facebook:

Annalise Rose - I want to be a hobbit but they don't often like to travel and have adventures so maybe an elf.

Cait Shull - Humans seem to get a pretty raw deal. There's something sort of romantic about Gondor or Rohan, but when it comes to the reality of it, people seem pretty miserable. Gotta go with Hobbit. No responsibilities beyond keeping your house and home, unless you're Frodo, Bilbo or another Hobbit who volunteers for a task. So I wouldn't *have* to be confined to my home. And the area I'd live in looks peaceful, fertile and prosperous.

Erik Nelson - I'm actually going with Dwarf. I like all the meals and ales, but adventure to go with it!

Christopher Setts - Dwarfs rule and Elfs drool! Although if someone allowed me to be a Maiar or Wizard I wouldn't say no.

Will Gatlin - Maiar would be awesome - but who even knows what it would be like to be inside of their ancient, eternal space brains? I'd probably go with elf - but more of a book elf than a movie elf. The movie elves seem serene, stern, and joyless. The elves in the books like to dance and sing a lot more. They sound like fun. I'd also be cool with being one of the Dúnedain.

Jack Alvino - Wizzzzzaaaaahhhdddddd!!!!!

Christopher Quilty - Gotta go with a coin toss between elf and wizard. Both have special abilities, and live in fabulous places. But the Wizards do seem to get around more... (And into more trouble)

Ripley Adams - Hobbit. Their way of life is the most alluring to me; peaceful, playful, companionable.

Tim Gin - I think I'd be pretty suited to be either Hobbit or Ent. Wizard would be pretty cool though.

From Twitter:

@TheRobZone - Human. We're adaptable and resilient.

@Josh_TolkienFan - I’d have to agree…as much as I’d also like to be an elf or hobbit, final answer— same as Rob

@BelRand - I want to be Sauron. That playah metal as hell, yo!

@Aradinsc - In that case definitely either one of the Istari or a Númenórean as Gandalf and Aragorn were my favourite characters @GrrAargh - Yes, Id be an average hobbit. Staying at home, eating.

@mattalexbrown - Realistically, I'd say a Hobbit, but I can dream of how cool it would be to be a dragon. Just because... dragons! @Ruvio - Ent. I like the forest.

@KayleeTonks - Realistically, I'm a hobbit. Short, fat, likes to eat. Ideally, I'd want to be an elf. Tall, beautiful, athletic, graceful.

As for me if you know me at all you know I'm going to pick Hobbit. To live a life in a peaceful and beautiful place. All you have to worry about it taking care of your gardens & your community, eating good food, drinking and smoking good pipeweed (which I would not partake in). Seems like the ideal life. And if you feel like a bit of adventure there is nothing stopping you from walking out your front door.

Spending the Day with Erik

LA skyline is back there somewhere.

So today was all about Erik and I. He came down partly to be part of the Murder Mystery Masquerade party but also he wanted to hang out with me. So today we spent the entire day together.

We started our day with breakfast at the NoHo Diner. We then watched some TV (that we normally watch over Skype together). We watched the latest Flash and Arrow episodes. Both were really good and it was fun to be able to watch them with Erik in person.

Afterwards we headed to Pasadena and walked around downtown for an hour before stopping at the Stone Brewing Company. Erik found several beers that are not available up north in Porland, so this made him very happy.

After Pasadena we headed over to Griffith Park to go hiking. I had planned to take him to the "old zoo" but it looked like they were setting up some sort of Halloween event and that section of the park was closed off. So instead we went on a longer hike but only got about half of it done as my "extra" pounds were working against me. It was still a nice hike and we were able to see the LA skyline and Griffith Observatory.

After the hike we headed back home so we could freshen up before heading out to dinner to a restaurant that I normally wouldn't have stepped foot in, Flemings. Luckily for us Erik works at the home off for this restaurant chain and has been there for years so he has a 75% off discount and thank goodness for that. When I opened the menu I almost fell over when I saw the prices. Everything is ala cart and the main dishes run from $30 to $70 dollars and then sides go for $10 to $20. For the two of us, and this was with out drinks as neither of us drank, so this was just the food it cost us $135 for dinner. But with his discount we paid much less.

Now the food was fantastic and the steak was some of the best I've ever had but it wasn't worth the $50 and the baked potato was amazing but again not worth $10. But regardless of the price it was a fun evening nonetheless.

D&D Masquerade Murder Mystery Party

I totally forgot to mention this in yesterdays blog post but last night my buddy Dallas came over to my place so I could shave his head.. well it's actually called a Tonsure (aka the Friar Tuck look). I had never shaved anyone's head before other then my own and certainly not in this fashion. Friend Erik and Brett were there to cheer me on and in the end I think it turned out pretty cool. BTW he was doing it for today blog topic.

Okay.. now for today's blog post...

Today is a super duper D&D Pathfinder session. Today is Will's "Ginneon" session but Dallas has planned something extremely special.. We are actually doing a Masquerade murder mystery party/D&D session. Everyone is dressing up as their D&D character and there will be over 20 guests also participating, including my buddy Erik.

So we headed over to Will's place (this is where it's happening) and helped Dallas and others prep the area. Dallas went all out and is decorating the apartment from top to bottom. By the time we are done it will look like the inside of a castle.

We spent a few hours there before heading to lunch and then over to Michael's craft store to pick up some white masks and paints for tonight. Erik and I got back to my place and began painting our masks. It took alot longer then expected but I'm happy with the final results.

photo courtesy of Jes

We then got into costume, I wore my Hobbit outfit along with my feet and instead of my brown curly hair wig I had this white anime wig. Erik wore one of my Hobbit shirts.

We got to the session and we helped finish setting up. I'm not going to go into great detail about the event. All I will say is it was one of the best D&D/Pathfinder/Murder Mystery parties that I have ever been to. The food was fantastic (thanks the Jes), the ambiance was amazing (thanks to all who helped set up), the guests were wonderful and the storytelling/tasks were top notch (thanks to Dallas). I know Dallas was super worried about this event as there were alot of moving parts but from my perspective everything went off without a hitch and everyone had a blast.

We were up to about 1am and the party continued but Erik and I had a fun day planned for tomorrow so we called it a night and headed back to my place.

Watching my GI

So being pre-diabetic sucks when it comes to food selection. Not only do I have to worry about sugar in food but also carbs as many carbs turn to sugar once they're in the body. I already have a limited diet and now I have to worry about losing weight while not spiking my sugar levels, it's a tough balance.

It comes back to the Glycemic index, it's tough to know what has a high GI and what doesn't. Things you think would, don't and things you think wouldn't do. Not all fruit and vegetables are low in GI. Most beans are good for you but there it depends on how they are cooked. Some pasta is okay but the more you cook it the more sugar is produced. Same with some fruits.. the ripper they get the more sugar is made. In the past I would eat alot of rice cakes as they are low in everything but come to find out that they are high in GI and one of the worse things I could eat.

For now I'm focusing on eating more meats (chicken, turkey, beef and fish) as they are very low GI. I know that I'm not going to change my eating habits over night but it's been a week and I have cut out unnecessary sugars like candies and juices. I've also reduces eating potatoes and/or pasta to once a week. It's going to be a continued struggle and I know I won't be perfect everyday but I need to work on losing weight in the next three months so my tests come back and say that's I'm no longer pre-diabetic.

Miss Earth & Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Was up early and got to hang out with Erik for a bit before I heading into work. Today marks my one week at this new gig. So far it's going great, I'm liking the people, it can be stressful as times but for the most part things are moving along as they normally do in post.

I came across this on my friend Marissa's Facebook page. Several of my friends, including Marissa worked on this mini movie. I remember when Greg was doing the alien make up and asked if I wanted to participate. Unfortunately I was out of town at the time so I had to decline. The final product was released a few weeks ago and it's pretty awesome. I would have loved to have been part of this. Check out the video below.

Here's a short synopsis: Victoria Young is thrust into Galactic's depopulation pageant and forced to fight for the survival of our planet.

I got home from work and Erik and I went out to dinner before coming back home and watching the latest Agents of SHIELD. S2 Ep5 "A Hen in the Wolf House" Raina threatens to expose Simmons to Hydra unless Coulson hands Skye over to her father. Hydra is trying to reverse engineer the alien artifact but aren't happy with the final results.

Wow what an episode, I don't even know where to start. This is by far my favorite of his season. So much action, so many things revealed and more questions asked. Coulson comes clean with Skye and informs her that she may be an alien. She also finds out that her father is alive, evil and a killer.

It looked like Simmons was done for until an unexpected friend revealed herself (Bobbi, aka Mockingjay) and saved Simmons and reunited her with the team. We find out that Coulson had Bobbi infiltrate Hydra to keep an eye on Simmons, she's almost as bad ass as May. We also find out that Bobbi is Hunter's ex wife that he's always complaining about.  And then Raina reluctantly gets recruited by SHIELD. I have really grown to like this character.. can't wait to see where this goes. So much awesome in the episode. It's an episode that you need to watch several times just to take it all in. 

Scorpion & Visiting Friend

So I had some time before work today (benefit of going in at 10am) so I watched the latest episode of one of my favorite new series Scorpion. It was S1 Ep5 "Plutonium Is Forever" A nuclear reactor at a Los Angeles power plant with an out-of-date system nears a cataclysmic meltdown. Walter must enlist the help of genius Mark Collins, a former troubled team member who brought him "down the rabbit hole", what he calls a dissociative state of intelligent thought years ago that almost jeopardized Scorpion.

Another amazing episode, I'm really liking the character developments. Some are saying that it's a bit to mushy/lovey dovey but I actually like that aspect of the series. All these characters really care and like each other. There were all so alone until they found one another. Maybe it's because this is how I felt until I found my current group of friends. The stories are fun, entertaining and suspenseful. I mean you know none of the main characters are going to die but still they are fun. I'm liking that they are slowly building some possible romantic relationships. I'm super happy that it's doing so well in the ratings that it looks like it will be picked up for a full season. Here's hoping for it's continued success so we can get plenty more Scorpion.

Super excited for this.. in the evening I went to pick up my buddy Erik who is visiting me for an extended weekend, but travel didn't go as planned, his connecting flight out of Salt Lake City was having mechanical issues and there was a long delay. They weren't even sure if it was going to take off so he booked another flight. So instead of flying into Burbank (about 10 minutes from my place) he had to fly into Long Beach (which is about 45 minutes from my work). And it gets worse.. he arrived in Long Beach and found out that his luggage did not, though he was assured that it was on his new flight. After giving his info so they could deliver his luggage to my place tomorrow we finally made it back to my place an hour after his original flight was to land. Not a great way to start his short vacation but hopefully it can only get better from here on out.

Bewitched Pilot, Middle Earth Safety & Age of Ultron Trailer

Today NBC announced a pilot for a new Bewitched series. If you don't know what or who Bewitched is, it's a TV series from the late 60s to early 70s. The show is about a witch who marries an ordinary mortal man, and vows to lead the life of a typical suburban housewife.

This version of Bewitched would be a continuation of the story from the original series. A reimagining of the tale two generations later, centering on Daphne, Samantha’s granddaughter, and Tabitha’s daughter — a "single twenty-something witch who has always used her magical powers to conjure herself the perfect life." But Daphne soon realizes that the one thing she cannot conjure and control is the one thing she wants most: real love.

I am a huge fan of Bewitched and back in 2011 there was talk from CBS about rebooting the series. I'm so glad that didn't happen and instead NBC is continuing the story. Of course it's a long ways from series but I hope the pilot does well so a series can be made. Let's hope it's a magical as it's predecessor.

Air New Zealand has made these amazing safety videos since Lord of the Rings was released back in the 2000's. Well they did it again and this might be my favorite yet.

Marvel had a bit of fun today... they announced that they would be releasing the teaser trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron during the next episode of Agents of SHIELD.. which is brilliant marketing. Well today a "leaked" version of the trailer got out. It looked as though someone videotaped it off of a screen so it wasn't the best quality.  It was hitting all the entertainment sites and would last about a half hour before Marvel asked them to take it down... but it was a lost cause as the video was everywhere so Marvel did the only thing it could do.. Well first of all they tweeted "Dammit, Hydra." inferring that Hydra leaked the trailer and then they officially released a nice HD version of the trailer online. So now everyone can enjoyed a sneak peek at Avengers 2... I have to say I'm super excited for this movie.

Dr. Appointment, Glycemic Index & Gotham

So I got up early this morning for my unscheduled Doctor's visit. I was meeting up with my doctor's PA to go over my options now that I'm prediabetic. We talked for about a half hour and came up with a game plan. I obviously need to do more cardio, he want's me to do at least 30 to 45 minutes a hard cardio workout every other day. He always wants me to cut out carbs, well bad carbs like potatoes, pasta, rice, bread... you know all the things that make up my diet. We discussed this thing called the Glycemic index which gives a number to food items and how they release their sugars into your blood stream, gonna have to research more on that.

I pretty much have to revamp my entire eating habits, I know it won't be easy but it's something that I have to do to regain my healthy body. There is also a medication that you can take that will slow the process of becoming diabetic. Since I was so close to the edge we agreed that I will take the medicine as well as revamping my diet and increasing my workouts. He also wants me to go see a diabetes specialist. I'll be going back in three month and having my blood sugar tested once again and hopefully with alot of hard work the numbers will go down. But even if they do go down this isn't something that I can just make go away.. I'll have to continue eating properly and working out for the rest of my life to maintain the lower blood sugar numbers. It's going to be a challenge but I'm up for it. I wanna be around for another 44 years.

After the doctors visit I headed into work, unlike yesterday the office was packed today since they were not shooting. I got to meet my office mates and they all seemed very nice and friendly. I especially liked the executive producer of the show.

When I got home tonight I had just enough time to watch Gotham with my friend Erik (via Skype). This was S1 Ep5 titled Viper. Bruce plans to find a way to speak to the board members of Wayne Enterprises to know their connections of the Arkham Project. A new drug called "Viper" is hitting the street where the user gains super-strength while having to consume milk and cheese to replace their used up calcium and would kill them if the calcium is not used. Maroni plans to rob a casino owned by Falcone. While Gordon and Bullock look for supplier Stan Potolski, Gordon is brought to Maroni when Cobblepot reveals that he used to work for Mooney and wanted confirmation of Carmine Falcone wanting Cobblepot disposed of. Afterwards, Gordon learns from an old professor of Stan's that he plans to distribute the "Viper" drug (which turned out to be an earlier version of Venom) at a charity event held by WellZyn and Wayne Enterprises which Bruce and Alfred are attending. Stan takes the "Viper" drug canister to the rooftop in order to flood the ventilation as he broadcasts into the charity event. Gordon and Bullock arrive where they arrange for the evacuation. When Gordon shoots the canister upon making it to the roof, Stan gets exposed to it as Bullock arrives. Stan then jumps off the rooftop as he suggests that they check out a warehouse. A Wayne Enterprise operative calls a mysterious person that the detectives found nothing and will take action when they get too close. Gordon and Bullock arrive at a warehouse where they find nothing. Outside the casino, Cobblepot and Maroni await for Cobblepot's contact in the casino. As Mooney makes plans to conspire against Falcone, a disguised Liza visits him in the park where she shares her opera music with him.

Another entertaining episode. If they keep Penguin as one of the leads then I'm a happy camper.  I really enjoy the actor's portrayal of this classic villain. I liked the interaction with Bruce and Alfred and the end when Alfred realizes that Bruce is actually on to something and is going to help him instead of trying to hinder him... awesome. Still not a fan of Fish Mooney and her plan to infiltrate Faclone group with her young protege. I'm softening a bit towards Bullock, I still think he's a pretty horrible person but I'm not hating him as much as I did with episode one.

Five episodes in and I'm enjoying this series. After episode one I didn't think I'd make it pass the second one, but week after week they keep me coming back... glad I gave it a chance.

Low GI Foods (55 or less)

• 100% stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread
• Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli
• Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar
• Sweet potato, corn, yam, lima/butter beans, peas, legumes and lentils
• Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots

Medium GI (56-69)

• Whole wheat, rye and pita bread
• Quick oats
• Brown, wild or basmati rice, couscous

High GI (70 or more)

• White bread or bagel
• Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, instant oatmeal
• Shortgrain white rice, rice pasta, macaroni and cheese from mix
• Russet potato, pumpkin
• Pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn, saltine crackers
• melons and pineapple

- See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html#sthash.mPE9yhoX.dpuf

Low GI Foods (55 or less)

• 100% stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread
• Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli
• Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar
• Sweet potato, corn, yam, lima/butter beans, peas, legumes and lentils
• Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots

Medium GI (56-69)

• Whole wheat, rye and pita bread
• Quick oats
• Brown, wild or basmati rice, couscous

High GI (70 or more)

• White bread or bagel
• Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, instant oatmeal
• Shortgrain white rice, rice pasta, macaroni and cheese from mix
• Russet potato, pumpkin
• Pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn, saltine crackers
• melons and pineapple

- See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html#sthash.mPE9yhoX.dpuf

Low GI Foods (55 or less)

• 100% stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread
• Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli
• Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar
• Sweet potato, corn, yam, lima/butter beans, peas, legumes and lentils
• Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots

Medium GI (56-69)

• Whole wheat, rye and pita bread
• Quick oats
• Brown, wild or basmati rice, couscous

High GI (70 or more)

• White bread or bagel
• Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, instant oatmeal
• Shortgrain white rice, rice pasta, macaroni and cheese from mix
• Russet potato, pumpkin
• Pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn, saltine crackers
• melons and pineapple

- See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html#sthash.mPE9yhoX.dpu

Low GI Foods (55 or less)

Low GI Foods (55 or less)

• 100% stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread
• Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli
• Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar
• Sweet potato, corn, yam, lima/butter beans, peas, legumes and lentils
• Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots

Medium GI (56-69)

• Whole wheat, rye and pita bread
• Quick oats
• Brown, wild or basmati rice, couscous

High GI (70 or more)

• White bread or bagel
• Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, instant oatmeal
• Shortgrain white rice, rice pasta, macaroni and cheese from mix
• Russet potato, pumpkin
• Pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn, saltine crackers
• melons and pineapple

- See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html#sthash.mPE9yhoX.dpuf

Low GI Foods (55 or less)

• 100% stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread
• Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli
• Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar
• Sweet potato, corn, yam, lima/butter beans, peas, legumes and lentils
• Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots

Medium GI (56-69)

• Whole wheat, rye and pita bread
• Quick oats
• Brown, wild or basmati rice, couscous

High GI (70 or more)

• White bread or bagel
• Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, instant oatmeal
• Shortgrain white rice, rice pasta, macaroni and cheese from mix
• Russet potato, pumpkin
• Pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn, saltine crackers
• melons and pineapple

- See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html#sthash.mPE9yhoX.dpuf

Low GI Foods (55 or less)

• 100% stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread
• Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli
• Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar
• Sweet potato, corn, yam, lima/butter beans, peas, legumes and lentils
• Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots

Medium GI (56-69)

• Whole wheat, rye and pita bread
• Quick oats
• Brown, wild or basmati rice, couscous

High GI (70 or more)

• White bread or bagel
• Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, instant oatmeal
• Shortgrain white rice, rice pasta, macaroni and cheese from mix
• Russet potato, pumpkin
• Pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn, saltine crackers
• melons and pineapple

- See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html#sthash.mPE9yhoX.dpuf

Low GI Foods (55 or less)

• 100% stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread
• Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli
• Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar
• Sweet potato, corn, yam, lima/butter beans, peas, legumes and lentils
• Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots

Medium GI (56-69)

• Whole wheat, rye and pita bread
• Quick oats
• Brown, wild or basmati rice, couscous

High GI (70 or more)

• White bread or bagel
• Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, instant oatmeal
• Shortgrain white rice, rice pasta, macaroni and cheese from mix
• Russet potato, pumpkin
• Pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn, saltine crackers
• melons and pineapple

- See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html#sthash.mPE9yhoX.dpuf

From Good to Bad in 30 Seconds

I'm so excited... I could barely sleep last night... today is my first day at my new job out in Santa Monica. I'm working as post production supervisor for a new pilot for CNN. I start at 1pm and will work until 10ish as we are getting our first footage in tonight. My regular schedule will be 10am to 7pm or there abouts.

Just before I left for work I got a call from my Doctor's office, I had gone for a full physical back in September and have been waiting for my results from all the testing. Well my doctors PA finally got back to me and though 99% of the tests were great there was one major issue. My A1C test, which test my sugar levels in the blood and it wasn't good.

Normal levels are 5.5 and below and if it's 6.5 or above you are diagnosed as being diabetic. Mine came back at 6.4, I barely came in under the "bad" number but what it means is that I have prediabetes. If I continue down this path I will most likely become diabetic within the next three months. Once you are diabetic you can never go back to not being diabetic. You can get your numbers down but you will always be diabetic and will have to control your blood sugar levels for the rest of your life.

I knew my eating habits were bad and that I have been gaining weight the past 10 years but I didn't realized how bad it was and how close I was to being diabetic. So I made an appointment with my doctor (well his PA) for tomorrow morning to go over my options and to discuss how we were going to prevent this from going any further. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress.

So it was a rough start to my day but I put it behind me and headed into to work. Even though I have been out of work for over a year and a half it was like no time had passed. I jumped back in with both feet and got started. I didn't have my laptop yet so I tried to do as much of my work as I could on my iPad. I should be getting my computer tomorrow. But overall it was a great day. I only met two people in the office as everyone else was out on a shoot but this looks to be like a fun group to work with.  It's good to be working again.

Nothing Much Happening Today

Today is my last day before I start my new job. I haven't had a "paying" job since March of 2013 so this is a big deal. I spent most of the day cleaning up my house and working on some podcasts as I know my "free" time will be coming to an end for the next five to six weeks.

No real geek news to share with you and I haven't had a chance to watch the latest Downton Abbey to review.

I'm super excited for tomorrow!!