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!!

So Many Superhero Movies

Today I picked up the Blu-ray of X-Men Days of Future Past. I really enjoyed this movie when I saw it in the theater and I knew it was going to be a much buy when it came out on blu-ray. Here's what came on the blu-ray.

• Deleted Scenes (5:36) offer optional commentary by Bryan Singer.

• Kitchen Sequence (6:28) is a grabbag of snippets including some audio of Singer explaining how he had to direct via texting for part of this sequence.

• Gag Reel (5:40)

• Double Take: Xavier & Magneto (11:51) focuses on the quartet playing these characters at different ages.

• X-Men: Reunited (9:47) looks at the genesis of this project and how Singer wanted to reunite the original cast again.

• Classification: M (11:54) profiles some of the other supporting mutants in the film.

• Sentinels: For a Secure Future (9:19) focuses on (to cop a phrase from J.J. Abrams) bad robots.

• Gallery: Trask Industries includes: Mutant Experiments, Blueprints, Sentinel Construction

• Theatrical Trailers (7:09) 

I enjoyed all the extra but I felt there could have been more. These extra added up to about an hour of additional footage but I guess I've been spoiled by Peter Jackson and his Hobbit/Lord of the Rings movies as he gives us 9 hours of extras. And after I purchased this I found out that they are releasing a "directors" cut of the movie early next year so I assume they saved some of the additional extra for that release.. which I will be purchasing as well.

Today Warner Bros released a report detailing the next batch of Superhero DC movies that will be hitting theaters for the next six years. There are a ton of new movie on their way. When you add these to the Marvel lot and some of Sony's and Fox movies announced you have a butt load of new Superhero movies coming down the pipeline. Now I LOVE superhero movies but do you think this is overkill?

I remember back when I was a kid getting really excited when a superhero movie came out as we got one every five years or so. It was an event, something special to look forward to but nowadays it feels like every other movie that comes out is a superhero movie. Maybe I should just shut up and be happy that they are coming out as I know this "geek" trend will not last forever and these kinds of movies will go back to being made every once in a while. All I know is that it's going to be a pretty amazing movie season for geeks in the the next six years.

Spoilers... Good or Bad?

So I have always been one to avoid spoilers for the most part. Of course you get spoiled from time to time and some of them are HUGE and can really effect your TV or movie viewing. But recently I've been bombarded with all these Star Wars Episode VII "rumors" that are flooding the internet it's making it very difficult to not look or read what the rumor is.

Today a huge amount of supposed concept art "leaked" on the web and it took all of my will power to resist clicking on the link. I'm trying to stay as spoiler free as I can but I also want to know what's going to happen.. it's a constant struggle.

So are you for or against spoilers? Leave your answer in the comments below.

Disneyland One Last Time!!!

Since I start work on Monday I figured I'd get one more day in of Disneyland. My annual pass expires in December and this job goes until the end of November so I wanted to get one more day in before it's no more.

My buddy Brett was able to join me for this adventure. We started our visit with Disneyland. We usually start with Disney California Adventure (DCA) as the line to get in is usual shorter but today both were short and we opted to go to Disneyland first.

The park wasn't busy but there were still 30 to 45 minute waits on popular rides. We started in Tomorrowland before moving to Adventureland/Frontierland. We had lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant in Frontierland.

While eating I got word that my sister-in-law and niece were over at DCA and were planning to come over to Disneyland for a few rides. I figured we could join up with them. I was telling Brett how my niece would react to seeing me as she does the same thing every time I see her. She first yells my name "Uncle Kenny" and then look for anyone around and say.. "look it's Uncle Kenny" or "Uncle Kenny is here". And sure enough as we waited under the Magic Castle and she came around the corner, once she saw me she yelled "Uncle Kenny" and then said "Look mommy it's Uncle Kenny" and then proceeded to get out of her stroller, run over to me and give me a big hug... I love that little girl.

We rode a few rides with her and Lora, she favorite was Gadgets Roller Coaster. Yeah she's going be like her Uncle and love roller coasters.. They headed out for the day and Brett and I finished our time at Disneyland by riding the re-dressed Haunted Mansion (a must do during the holidays).

We then headed over to DCA and spent another four or so hours over there roaming around the park enjoying the rides and surroundings.

It was, as always, a fantastic day at Disneyland

My Thoughts on the latest RBS, Forever & Arrow

Today I caught up on some TV. I watched Red Band Society, Forever and Arrow.

First up was Red Band Society, this is S1 Ep5 "So Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want" Charlie's backstory is explained and the storyline flashes back to the night that he had gotten into a car accident while his father, Nick, was driving. Nick had unbuckled Charlie's seatbeat for him so he could lie down, right before a truck had struck them. Nurse Jackson was with him the night he went into the operating room and had promised him that she would be there right when he woke up. However, Charlie had extensive injuries and never woke up from surgery, thus resulting in his comatose state. His parents have been estranged ever since. Two legal men show up to assess Charlie's situation and confer that he most likely won't ever wake up. Nurse Jackson refuses to accept this, while his parents slowly come to terms. Jordi starts the emancipation process and a love triangle heats up between him, Leo, and Emma. Kara agrees to help Dash if he gives her inside information about the organ donor list.

Another great episode, I really enjoyed getting to know the "non-coma" Charlie. I liked the way they told us his background. Jordi is kind of a jerk now in my eyes as he knows Leo isn't over Emma but is still trying to pursue her. And I'm still not a fan of Kara or Dash so their storyline (thought sweet) really didn't effect me. Now on to Nurse Jackson which you guys know I totally love her but what she did at the end of the episode felt very out of character for her. I mean I know her heart is in the right place but I think she went to far. Of course we don't know what's going to happen next so will just have to wait and see but I know this is going to come back at some point and bite her in the butt. Ugh... no new episode next week due to baseball so we have to wait two weeks for a new episode.. that's so long.

I also watched Forever, S1 Ep5 "The Pugilist Break" Henry and Jo investigate a wealthy businessman's connection to the death of a former convict, who ran a recreation center for children in New York's inner city. Meanwhile, Abe begins suggesting Henry let go of his attachments to various artifacts in the museum shop. Henry reminisces about the inner city near the rec centre where he once worked as a medic for recent immigrants in the 1800s, and how the same poverty and discrimination has lived on from that time.

Another good episode, this has been a really solid series. I'm enjoying the characters, their interaction and stories. And even though it's a police drama for the most part it still has enough heart and fanciful aspect to it to keep me coming back each week.

And the final TV show that I watched tonight was Arrow S3 Ep2 "Sara" Not knowing what else to do, Laurel brings Sara's body to the team. Laurel demands to help Oliver find Sara's killer, but he forces her to go home. Captain Lance alerts Oliver to another archer in the city killing people, unaware that Sara was killed by an archer. Oliver follows a lead, and with Felicity and Diggle's help, he is able to identify the archer as Simon Lacroix. The team learn who Lacroix's next target is, and are able to stop him before he can succeed. Laurel arrives with a gun, determined to avenge Sara's death by killing Lacroix. As Oliver attempts to talk her out of it, Lacroix reveals that he was not in Starling City the night of Sara's death and leaves Oliver and his team with no more leads as to who killed Sara. The team bury Sara, but Laurel is unable to tell Quentin that Sara is dead. Roy also reveals to Oliver that Thea left town when she learned he was working with the Arrow. In Corto Maltese, Thea is with Malcolm and has proven capable of defeating several henchmen in combat. In flashbacks, Oliver is tasked with killing Tommy Merlyn, after the latter comes to Hong Kong to find Oliver after seeing activity on Oliver's email account. To save Tommy, Oliver pretends to kidnap him and tricks him into thinking that it was a ruse to gain ransom money.

Lots of anger in this episode, the only person who really mourned the loss of Sara was Felicity. I figured Oliver was accusing the wrong person and Laurel went way over the edge. She would have killed the guy if Oliver didn't take out the bullets to the gun. She also wimped out on telling her dad (Captain Lance) about his daughters death, which really bugged me. I actually liked the flashback in this episode for a change. It was great to see Tommy again. And when the final scene was playing out I already knew who was kicking butt I just wonder how this is all going to play out.. guess will have to wait and see.

A Podcast, A Death & A Question

Today I released episode 89 of my MASH 4077 Podcast and worked on episode 90 which will be released on November 1st. I'm trying to get as many episode in the can so I don't have to worry about them while I'm doing this new gig starting next week. You can download and/or listen on itunes tinyurl.com/MASH4077itunes , listen on Stitcher Radio ow.ly/iZJIz or Listen and get a direct download from our main website MASH4077Podcast.com

Sad news today actress Elizabeth Pena died. She was only 55. I will always remember her from "batteries not included", one of my favorite fantasy/sci fi movies. But she has done a ton of work including La Bamba, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Jacob's Ladder, Rush Hour and her most recent movie The Incredibles. She was always a class act and will be deeply missed.

So I posed a question on Facebook, I wrote 4 things that were true about me and 1 thing that was false and asked for folks to guess which one was false.

1. I Bungee Jumped 130 feet
2. I once watched all six Star Wars Films Back to Back to Back in one sitting
3. I spent a summer working as Donny and Marie's personal assistant
4. I graduated in the top 10% of my high school class
5. I rode my bike from San Fransisco to Los Angeles in seven days

Right off the bat my buddy Will picked the correct answer and I thought I was screwed, but of the 18 people who responded only 2 got it right (Will and my friend Joyce). BTW the false fact is #2. I have watched all the Star Wars movies over a weekend but never back to back to back. Most of the people said #1 and #5. 

Galadriel, Gandalf, Flash & S.H.I.E.L.D.

They have been releasing new Hobbit posters this past week but today is by far my favorite of the bunch. The relationship of Galadriel and Gandalf really isn't defined in the books, but it's fair to say that they are close friends who have fought against the same evil for many, many years.

It was Galadriel who first summoned the White Council and she wanted Gandalf to be the leader of the council instead of Saruman to whom the task was appointed in the end. It was also Galadriel who sent one of the eagles to seek Gandalf after he had fallen with the balrog in Khazad dum, and it was she who dressed him in white after his return. They are both also Ring-bearers, bearing one of the three Elven rings each. Hers is the ring of Water (Nenya), his is the ring of Fire (Narya).

So though they don't have an intimate relationship in the books I feel their friendship goes beyond lovers and I think this poster captures that relationship perfectly.

I watched several new episode of some of my favorite TV series...starting with Flash S1 Ep2 "Fastest Man Alive" Barry escorts Iris to a university gathering honoring scientist Simon Stagg. When six gunmen storm the event, Barry changes into The Flash and tries to stop them. While he does save a man's life, he passes out before he can capture the robbers, which frustrates him. As Dr. Wells, Caitlin and Cisco scramble to find out what's wrong with Barry, Joe comes down hard on Barry for taking the law into his own hands and risking his life. Barry realizes that it wasn't six gunmen but a metahuman named Danton Black, who can make multiples of himself. Meanwhile, Iris becomes even more intrigued by the "red streak." 

Another fun episode, I really like the relationship between Barry and Joe. I think Barry crossed the line several times when talking to Joe and telling him that he wasn't his father. I like that Barry was doubting his abilities, as he's still learning how to use them properly and what effect they have on his body. Lots of mystery surrounding Dr. Wells. Still don't know who he is or what his deal is, but I'm looking forward to finding out. A good second episode for sure.

I then watched Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D S2 Ep4 "Face My Enemy" While on a mission to learn more about the secrets of the mysterious writing, Coulson finds himself attacked by the only person he can trust: Agent Melinda May. Meanwhile, the rest of the team is trapped in an explosive situation, and it's up to Fitz to save them - but is he up to it? 

Another fun episode, lots of laugh as Coulson and May go undercover to get a painting that has the strange alien writing on the back. Some great fighting scenes between Coulson and May and then May verses May.. how awesome was that. I like that Fitz was able to help and feel like he was part of the crew again. Not a whole lot of Simmons (only imaginary Simmons this episode). Looks like next week is gonna be a nail biter.

Once Upon A Time S4Ep3 - My Thoughts

Today I watched Once Upon a Time S4 Ep3 "Rocky Road" When an icy spell is cast on Marian, the residents of Storybrooke place the blame on Elsa, unaware the mysterious woman who runs the town's ice cream parlor has the same powers as Elsa and is trying to frame her.

I really enjoyed this episode. I love Elizabeth Mitchell and I think she portrayed the Snow Queen beautifully.  I like how they tied her into the Elsa/Anna storyline. I don't know if she's telling the truth about being their aunt (mother's sister) or if Anna really did trap Elsa in that urn but she is defiantly up to something and it's not looking good.

I liked that Regina told Henry what she wanted to do and that he is standing behind her 100% and is going to try and help her. I love that Emma is using her powers more often and getting more control over them. It's was good to see the Knives of Hearts/Will Scarlet from the now cancelled Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. I'm glad someone finally confronted Snow about her attachment to her baby boy. And of course Rumple is being Rumple. You find out that he knows the Snow Queen and she is somehow connected to Emma.

Lot's of questions asked and I'm sure will get answers as this season plays out, but I'm really enjoying this "Frozen" themed storyline... can't wait for what comes next.

Nothing New

Wow.. nothing to blog about today. No geek news, no personal news.

Game Night

Tonight I went over to my friend Adam's place for game night. He invited me a few weeks ago and I was happy to join him. It was a small group of friends (not my "regular" group). Joining us for this fun night was Adam (of course), Andrew, Jared, Ariel, Beth and Margret.

We played five games and four were new to me. First up was Castle Panic. Now I've never played this game but did was them play it on Table Top and it looked like loads of fun. In Castle Panic players must work together to defend their castle, in the center of the board, from monsters that attack out of the forest, at the edges of the board. Players trade cards, hit and slay monsters, and plan strategies together to keep their castle towers intact. The players either win or lose together, but only the player with the most victory points is declared the Master Slayer.

Loved this game, it a great cooperative gave. We won and it was glorious!!!

Next we played Cash 'N' Guns, I had never heard of this game. In an abandoned warehouse, a band of gangsters is splitting their latest haul, but they can't come to an agreement on the split. It's time to let the guns do the talking, and soon everyone is aiming at everyone. All you have to do is stay alive and have the most money at the end of the game. Cash and Guns will make you relive the best scenes from gangster movies and other modern detective stories, where the flimsiest excuse serves to let bullets fly. Fun, bluff and negotiations are to be had. Thing is, do you have enough guts to play? This is a game where laughter isn't the only deadly thing.

This was one of the funniest games that I had played in a long time. This is difinatly going on my list of games to buy.

We then played a card game called "We Didn't Playtest This At All" The most aptly named game ever. In this exceptionally silly and awesome game, your objective is to win. Simple enough. Sadly, all of your opponents have the same simple goal and they are trying to make you lose. Between rock paper scissors battles, being eaten by a random dragon or saved by a kitten ambush, there are many hazards to avoid. Games last between 30 seconds and 5 minutes (if you play slow) and specifically engineered to fit in maximum fun. Any number can play, though we recommend between 2 and 15. Rumors of 20 person games swirl around the Internet.

This is like Fluxx and is a very random game. Lots of fun and can be very difficult at times. It was a blast.

The next game was called Telestrations. It's the visual version of the classic "Telephone Game" where you draw what you see, then guess what you saw to reveal hilarious outcomes. It's miscommunication at its best. LOL fun for everyone!

I really enjoyed this game, though I'm a terrible drawer I think it helped to make this game even funnier. This is definitely going on my must buy list.

And the final game of the night was Superfight, this is the only game that I had played previously. This is a card game like Card Against Humanity were you build the perfect superhero to fight the perfect villain.

This game is fun but it requires you to be a good debater and that's not my strong point.

National Coming Out Day - My Story

Today is National Coming Out day, I have shared my coming out story on this blog before but it seemed appropriate to share it again on this special day.

Growing up I knew I liked boys more then girls but being a kid, boys often like boys and hate girls, so this felt "normal".

My first memory of actually liking a boy was when I was in the fourth grade. I can remember falling for this Spanish boy who use to call me his "little Bambino". I really didn't think anything of it as I was still of the age on not liking girls. I was raised in a world where a man married a woman. I had known only one gay man from my childhood who worked at a local liquor store. But I really didn't know or understand what "being gay" really meant. I remember one day a friend of mine told me that this man liked other men and looking back I think I always knew that and it might be the reason why I spent so much time there with him.

In the sixth grade I found myself playing on the gymnastic bars with the girls more then playing football with the boys. Also in sixth grade I had my first crush on a teacher... Mr. Anderson (he was my first male teacher). By the time I entered Junior High School I knew I was different, but I didn't allow myself to feel those feelings or at least express them. I remember looking a bit to long at the other guys in the changing room during P.E.

I was raised in the 70's and 80's and what I saw of "being gay" was very negative stereotypes, promiscuous, feminine, flamboyant and dying from AIDS. So I pushed my feelings deep down and got on with my life, hoping to forget about them... but of course I would never truly forget. I pretended to like girls and went on a few dates in high school but those girls always put me in the "friendzone" and I was fine with that. I remember people often asking me about a "girlfriend" and when I was going to get one, but my standard reply to that was "I'm focusing on schooling right now, but if someone came along..." I used that excuse all through high school and collage.

I fought with depression as most kids do during their teenage years, but mine had this extra layer of loneliness and confusion. I never considered suicide, or hurting myself. From the outside you would think I was just an extremely shy and socially awkward kid (and I was). I had very few friends and even among them I always felt like I was an outsider.

From age 16 on, all I've ever wanted was to be married and with kids. My goal then was to be married by 20 and have my first child by 25 and second by 27 and possibly a third by 30. I remember every year I would tell myself.. this is the year that I will find a girlfriend, I will fall in love and she will be the one. And every year I was disappointed with myself for not finding "the one". But the next year I would make the same goal.. to find the perfect woman for me and again I would fail. This was hard on me, I didn't know what was wrong with me, why I wasn't able to find that "perfect one". I would fall into some really deep depressions of loneliness. Of course I would put on a brave face for the public and my family but inside I was devastated and lost. I remember crying at night, praying to whatever god there was that I would find some one to love, to care for and to be with for the rest of my life.

My early 20's were tough, I was embarrassed by the fact that I had never had a girlfriend or been with a woman. I would lie or not bring up the topic when I was asked. I convinced myself that I was bi-sexual, I watched "straight" porn in my later teens and early 20's and enjoyed both sexes. But deep down I didn't know if I was pretending to like girls, because liking women is what I was suppose to be doing, that was normal. It was a very confusing time.

By my mid 20's I was tired of hiding who I really was, honestly I was tired a long time ago but I finally was brave enough to admit it to myself. At 25 I graduated collage and was working in Hollywood in the Entertainment Industry. The entertainment industry tends to draw a large gay community so I was working with and being friends with several gay people, this was the first time I was interacting with other gay people since the gentleman at the liquor store when I was very young. I was starting to get very comfortable with the idea of being gay. But everyday was a struggle, do I finally come out and accept who I am but in turn live a life that will expose me to hatred and prejudices or stay in the closet and be what society sees as "normal"?

My life changed forever at age 27. I spent two years working in Hollywood I was on the verge of finally coming out but what really pushed me over the edge... well are two things. First I saw the movie In and Out with Kevin Kline and it really hit home for me. If you've never seen it, it's about a man in his 40's so deep in the closet and he's about to get married until another man comes into his life and helps him understand who he really is. That was going to be, I knew that if I didn't come out that I would probably marry a woman and have kids, then later in life realize how unhappy I was and either divorce or cheat on my wife with a man. I didn't want that to happen.

The second factor was that I met someone online. Back in the day the internet was just starting up and I use to frequent yahoo chat rooms. They had a Star Trek one that I would visit often. I started up a conversation with this guy named Mat. We hit off, we would chat for hours and soon our online chats moved to phone chats. A few months into our friendship he came out to me and told me he was gay. By this time I already knew this and felt a very strong connection with him. I in turn told him that I was bi and really liked him. He asked if he could come down and visit me, he lived in Canada. I was overjoyed, this was the one, the person I have been waiting for all my entire life. There was just one problem.. I was still deep in the closet. Mat was coming down in a few weeks and was going to be staying with me for a few weeks. This was the time I had to come out, this finally pushed me to the point of no return.

I remember the fear that was building up. All I kept asking myself is what would my friends and family say. Would they accept me or reject me. What would my life be like if I lived the life of a gay man. So many questions but one thing was for certain, the door to my closet was starting to open.

One night talking to Mat I blurted out that I was gay. It was the first time I had ever said it out loud and to someone. Of course he was thrilled which actually gave me a boost of confidence. That was it, one person down.. the ball was rolling. The next day I was talking to my best girl friend at the time Renee, we were making plans to see a movie later that night. I remember telling her that I had some big news but I wanted to tell her in person. I remember getting off the phone and the panic setting in.. this was it.. there was no turning back now. I picked her up and the car ride to the theater was quiet, we chit chatted but I was slowly building up the nerve to tell her. We parked and were walking to the theater when she asked, "So what's this big news" we stopped and for an agonizing few seconds I looked up at her and took a deep breath and said "I'm gay".

It's only two little words but man what an impact they have. She stared at me for a moment and then a huge smile came across her face and she embraced me. I can't describe what I was feeling.. it was a combination of relief, panic, nausea, joy, love and acceptance all rolled into one. She said she was so happy for me. I told her about Mat and how I was in love and showed her a picture of him.

It hard to describe how I felt after coming out, it was a huge weight lifted off my chest. For the first time in my life I felt like I was me. So at the age of 27 on the verge of 28 I was finally out and ready to start living my life.

The next big hurdle was telling my family. That didn't happen until I was 31. I was out now for three years and been in several relationships. But of course now that I was out and living the gay lifestyle my family never asked me how my love life was going or if I meet any nice girls like they did for so many years. I couldn't take that next step and just tell them. I didn't want to come out close to a holiday because if things went bad I didn't want that holiday to be associated with it. Finally one day I was going to have lunch with my mom and like with Renee, I told her over the phone that I had some big news to tell her.

Again like with Renee, we didn't talk much in the car when I picked her up. We got to the restaurant, ordered food and sat down when my mom asked "So what is this big news?" By this time I had been out for years and have had several boyfriends so it wasn't as hard saying the words but in a way it was harder as this was my family. I chose my mom to come out to first as I figured she'd be the one that would be okay with it the most. So I said those "oh so hard to say two words" .. "I'm Gay". She asked if I was sure and that it's not a phase, she then went on saying it must be her fault as she babied me to much. I assured her that it wasn't a phase and that nurturing had nothing to do with it... I was born this way.

She asked if she could tell other family members like her sisters (my aunts) and mom (grand mother) and I told her she could but not to tell dad, that I wanted to tell dad personally. My brother already kind of knew so I didn't see the need to tell him personally. I remember getting a call from my brother not to long after I told my mom and he said.. "so you're gay... cool". And that was about it from him.. he treats me no differently. I told my mom I was going to tell dad the next weekend and my mom said something like.. "oh I don't know how he is going to take it". This actually scared me from telling him for another nine months.

Finally while visiting him one Sunday we were in the kitchen washing and drying dishes and I was agonizing over telling him for months now and it just came out. "Dad I'm Gay". I held my breath and waited for a sharp reply but nothing happened. He looked at me and said "Okay". I said "Okay?" He said "You're still my son and I love you no matter what." I was shocked and surprised. I had built up this fear of what would happen when I told him and he actually took it better then anyone else that I had told.

So at age 32 I was out of the closet to everyone and having fun. I have had some bad experience and prejudices but living in Southern California and in the Los Angeles area is probably one of the best places to live and be a gay man. It hasn't always been easy but I can honestly say, at age 44 I have never been as happy as I am now. The past 16 years have had there ups and down but I'm living the life that I was meant to live and loving every minute of it. 

 

So if your struggling with coming out... take it from me. It's the best decision you'll ever make.

Gaining Weight :(

Just a heads up on this blog post it's more personal then geeky.

So I made the mistake of weighting myself this morning, I knew I had not been eating right and my workouts have been sporadic and since coming back from my vacation in March/April I have been gaining weight. Well I got on the scale and wasn't really surprised at what I saw but I was extremely disappointed in myself. I am now currently the heaviest I have ever been. It's disgusting and I can blame it on my depression, or medication that I'm taking but truth be told it's me being lazy and eating poorly. It's tough to change 44 years of bad eating. I've never eaten healthy though I have tried from time to time. And as for working out, when I'm on a roll I can workout everyday and it's great, but when my laziness takes over I become lethargic and it's difficult to get out of that mood.

This was a real eye opener for me. I can see the extra weight, especially in my face and I hate it. I need to make some changes or I'm not going to be around to enjoy another 40 years. I hope by admitting this on my blog it will help motivate me to do the right thing. I know my eating habits aren't going to change overnight but through time I hope to eat healthier. As for working out, I just need to get my fat butt off the couch and do it. I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

Freakshow, Forever, Downton Abbey & Tomorrowland

Watched some TV today and wanted to review some of it.. first up is American Horror Stories: Freakshow. I had not watched any of the previous three seasons but the commercials for this new season intrigued me.

I have to say I enjoyed it, but I don't know if I will continue watching it. I am currently watching alot of TV and when I start my new job next week free time will be even harder to come by. This series might be a just a bit to much for me or at least to watch on a regular bases. I think I'll give it one more episode to really hook me but after that if I'm not hooked I think I'll let it go.

I watched Forever S1 Ep4 "The Art of Murder" Gloria Carlyle, the matriarch of a rich and powerful New York family, was found dead during a celebratory event in the museum that was organized in her honor. Henry was first reluctant to investigate the case as Gloria was pivotal in his life. However, he was determined to complete the investigation after he was being forced off the case by Conrad Carlyle, Gloria's son. Conrad was determined to close the case fast as soon as possible.

Another good episode of Forever. I really enjoyed the story behind this one. Each week these stories are full of heart and this one was no exception. At the end when it's revealed that Gloria wanted to die in front of her long lost loves painting.. it was heart breaking.

So far this series has been consistently good. I'm liking the character developments, I'm liking the relationships and the stories. Yes it's a procedural cop show but with just enough "fantasy" element thrown in. I'm defiantly going to keep watching.

I watched Downton Abbey S5 Ep3 May 1924. The police sergeant reveals that a woman overheard Green talking to another man on the pavement just before the road accident, and had also told his fellow-servants that he had been badly treated at Downton, and had argued with Bates. Violet's butler sees Mary and Gillingham leaving the hotel in Liverpool; he tells Violet, who invents an excuse for them to be staying there together, but later interviews Mary, and makes clear her disapproval; Mary stands up to her. Miss Baxter tells Cora she was forced to steal jewelry from her former employer by an abusive and manipulating male servant, and is allowed to stay at Downton. A group of Russian aristocrats arrives for tea; one of them, Prince Kuragin, turns out to have known the Dowager Countess when she was in Russia, and Isobel teases her by implying a romantic encounter.

So much happens in a 45 minute episode of Downton Abbey... another great episode. We finally find out Baxter's secret and Cora decided to keep her. I loved Violet in this episode, especially when she ran into the Russian Prince (who obviously have a crush on her). Things aren't looking good for Bates with the cops snooping around the Abbey. Poor Edith, I wish she could just take her child back and I think it's going to come to that eventually. And Thomas is such a horrible human being but you can't help but feel bad for him... he's so lonely, but something is up with him as well.

Can't wait to see next weeks and see how the lives of the folks at Downton Abbey play out... I'm sure there will be lots of drama.

And the final thing I want to share is a trailer for a new Disney movie, Tomorrowland. I heard they were making this movie years ago but haven't heard much since until they released this teaser trailer.. and man is it a teaser.. can't wait to see more. 

Finishing My 4th Tattoo

I got to spend some time with family which is always nice but during the evening I headed over to my friend Moose's place to get my Star Trek tattoo completed. Two and a half weeks ago I got my 4th tattoo which was to be Star Trek. I wasn't able to finish is as it was extremely painful and I could only last the four hours. So I had to wait at least two weeks for it to heal before going back to finish it. Well it's all healed up and I'm back to finish it.

To finish this tattoo he had to make it look like the tubes and claws were going into my skin. I also wanted to change the color of the skin around the tattoo as if the assimilation was spreading. I showed him a picture of the Borg Queen and the veins/make up design on her head. Instead of color my kind a pale/yellowish white (which doesn't work well in a tattoo) I wanted it green, specifically Borg green so it would stand out more.

Well Moose drew on the design and had me take a look. It wasn't what I was thinking but I loved it. He made it so the assimilation starts at the point where the tubes enter my skin. It was a very cool idea.

So we started the tattoo and for the next three hours I was in immense pain. I knew going into it that it was going to be bad as the last session was horrible as well but I did manage to get through the entire thing.

Both Moose's oldest daughter and wife kept looking at it and being grossed out and saying that it looks like I had been infected which was awesome because that's what assimilation is like.

I'm extremely happy with the final product.

I now have completed my initial plans for tattoos.. I wanted one tattoo to represent my four loves... Harry Potter on my left upper arm (1st tattoo), Lord of the Rings on my right upper arm (2nd tattoo), Star Wars on my right calf (3rd tattoo) and now Star Trek on my left calf (4th tattoo). But as they say tattoos are an addiction and I have others planned, but I don't be getting my fifth one any time soon.

Arrow S3 Ep1 - My Review

I spent the last few months watching season one and two of Arrow so I would be ready for when season three started in October... well I did it and I am finally able to watch it live like everybody else. So today I watched season 3 episode 1 "The Calm".

Following Slade's defeat, the Arrow is embraced as a hero by the people of Starling City, and newly-promoted Captain Lance calls off the anti-vigilante task-force. Elsewhere, Werner Zytle, who has claimed the mantle of Vertigo, attempts to kill Arrow in a bid to raise his profile. After losing the first battle, Oliver and Roy are able to stop Zytle, along with some help from Sara who is back in town.

Meanwhile, businessman Dr. Ray Palmer successfully acquires Queen Consolidated under a plan of rebuilding the city and renaming it "Star City". Laurel helps Lance deal with his health issues, and Diggle and Lyla welcome a baby girl, which convinces Diggle to take Oliver's suggestion and retire from field duty.

After visiting with Laurel, Sara is shot in the chest with arrows by an unseen figure and falls from a rooftop to her death in front of Laurel.

I really enjoyed this episode, I like that they dealt with the Oliver and Felicity relationship and also kind of resolved it and didn't drag it out all season. I liked the addition of Brandon Routh's character, I've always liked that actor and I think he'll be a nice addition to Arrow. Don't know what Diggle is going to do now, now that he has decided to not be in the field anymore. And Arrow once again had their OMG shocking final moment with the death of Carny (Sara). I did not see that coming.

I think the only part that I really didn't care for was the flashback to Hong Kong. But then again I really didn't enjoy all the flashbacks from season two either. I loved Roy's new outfit, I wonder what name they will give him. And of course I love Felicity and felt bad that things didn't work out with Oliver and you know she's dying inside. And it was kind of cool to see part of the scene with Arrow and Flash from the pilot of The Flash last night. A great start to what I expect to be a fantastic season.