GoT: Winter is over and our watch has ended…

I really wanted to see Jon or Arya take out Grey Worm...

***SPOILERS***

With the final episode of ‘Game of Thrones’ having finally aired the internet trolls and haters are out in full force spreading their hate and venom to any who will listen about how much they hated the series finale. I am neither a troll nor hater, despite what certain people say when I speak out against the abysmal ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ (fitting that their acronym is ‘STD’…something you definitely do not want…). I thought the series finale of GoT was good and a fitting end to the series. Was it everything I had hoped for? No. I held out hope Jon would claim his birthright and be the King he was supposed to be. But this is ‘Game of Thrones’ after all, if you were expecting a perfect and happy ending you really were not paying attention all these years.

As I stated in a previous blog post I feel the last few seasons of GoT were rushed. But I also understand there is more to consider when making a TV series such as the business end of making a TV series. When writing books such as this that George RR Martin has done, there really is no limit to what he can and has put down on the printed page. But when making a TV series there are so many variables that come into play when telling your story such as money, actors, crew, locations, studios, viewers, time…so many things to juggle and unfortunately sometimes compromises have to be made to tell the story. So the timing and logistical issues that have played a part in GoT these last few years I do not blame the show runners for. I think they did the best they could with all the variables they had to deal with.

 

There are spin-offs already in the works (prequels) and given the way the series ended there are definitely plot threads a sequel series could pick up on. Some unanswered questions:

-         What’s Arya going to find as she sails west? Will she find the other end of Esso’s or perhaps another unexplored continent?

-         What’s up with the Doltraki? Did they stay in Westeros or go back to Essos? Did they sail away with the Unsullied?

-         Are there more threats beyond the wall for Jon Snow to face? Maybe the Night King didn’t bring his entire army with him…and maybe those forces were unchanged after his downfall because of the spells still helping to hold up the wall that’s still standing…

-         Where did Drogon go?

-         Is Tyrion the Mad Kings kid? I know at the end of the day it does not matter now but I’d kinda like to know one way or the other…

 

I love this show and as a fan I found the finale satisfying. To all the haters I say this:  

 

 

Rush Hours: Where ‘Game of Thrones’ went awry

 

I can honestly say I have been a fan of GoT since its debut on HBO in 2011. It was earlier between 2010 and 2011 I put it out on Facebook that I was taking suggestions for a good book series to read. My friend Sheila recommended ‘A Song of Ice & Fire’. I’m not much of a fantasy reader and I hadn’t heard of it so I Googled it. It sounded fascinating to me and I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was being developed into a TV series for HBO. Admittedly I had a hard time getting through the first book so I decided to wait for the series in the hopes watching it would help with the reading of the book. I was addicted to the series right from the first scene of the pilot episode where the Nights Watchmen encounter Wytes. I even showed it to my wife who was skeptical about a “good” fantasy TV series but she too was a GoT addict, and we have been watching ever since. All seasons were viewed multiple times.

My only real issue with the series as a whole is timing/pacing of the series. This series is set in a medieval fantasy world where the quickest forms of transportation are horseback and sail boat and the quickest communication between great distances is by raven. Yet it seems word spreads more quickly within the show than logic would allow and people travel great distances very quickly. For example in season one Robb Stark calls the northern banner men to assemble at Winterfell, then they will take the Kings road to Kingslanding. The North is established as the largest of the Seven Kingdoms and the messages to all the north lords were sent by raven. On the show they were assembled and ready to march within a few days, maybe a week at the most. In reality it would take days even a week for all those ravens to reach their destinations, then it would take days or a week for those lords to assemble all their men, then it would take days or weeks to march to Winterfell. But again on the show all this was accomplished within a few days. Author George RR Martin even cited this as an example of how timing is not realistic on the show.

Now fast forward to season six, this was the season when they moved past the books. The timing and pacing really started to move faster and faster to the point where it was now becoming laughable. Example: In the season 7 episode ‘Beyond the Wall’ completely defied all logic with its internal timing. It’s even been proven that a raven covering the distance from Eastwatch to Dragonstone (several thousand miles away) would have taken a minimum of 5 days travel, and that’s assuming the raven doesn’t stop at some point to rest. But in the show it seemed to only take a few hours…

Dan Benioff and D.B. Weiss are the showrunners of GoT and it was they who decided to end the series at season 8 and with season 7 being only 7 episodes and season 8 being 6 episodes. The first six seasons had 10 episodes each, the final season does have extended episodes but the runtime is still less over all compared to other seasons. In my opinion the main plot threads for season 7 and 8 could have and should have filled 4- 10 episode seasons. GoT should have gone 10 seasons with seasons 7-10 being 10 episodes each. Season 7 and 8 as they are now feel rushed both plot wise and character wise. More time should have been used to further develop these characters and certain other plot threads could have been explored (looking at you Dorne) and expanded (the Night King’s march on the seven kingdoms should have been an entire season in itself). But I fear Dan Benioff and D.B. Weiss wanted to end the series sooner rather than pass it off to someone else to run. So we are left with 2 final seasons that were good but EXTREMELY rushed. Honestly some of the plot threads in season 6 were rushed too fast and should have carried on into season 7.

 

 

Here’s a quick breakdown on how I think the seasons main plot points should have gone after GoT moved past the George RR Martin novels (There would be plenty more plot points & character development that I’m not mentioning):

Season 6: Jon and Sansa rally the north and defeat Ramsay (which they did do) with Jon being named ‘King of the North’. Dany returns to Mereen after being rescued by Sir Jorah and her boy toy (and that’s it for her story that season). Cersi takes the throne after destroying the Faith Militant and Tyrells (as it was on the show). The Sand Snakes find a new ‘Prince of Dorne’, Prince Oberyn’s strongest male bastard.

Season 7: Jon must rally the North and prepare for war against the Night King and Cersi. Euron and his Iron Fleet attack the North and Jon must battle against this new wildcard. Dany and her peeps take back Mereen from the slavers, she forms her alliance with Theon and his sister (more time spent on this development) and by seasons end she establishes a ruling democratic government to rule over Slavers Bay when she leaves for Westeros. Cersi meanwhile must battle against an alliance between the Dornish armies and Tyrell army (that plot line could have ran a season). When the Lannister/crown forces beat back the Dornish/Tyrell alliance they fall back and then are approached by Varys to ally themselves with the Targaryan restoration. During this season we learn of a cult of people living in Westeros and Essos whom worship the fabled Night King (I’ll call them the ‘Night Followers’). They WANT him to destroy the world and they plot to bring down one of the abandoned Nights Watch castles in order for the army of the dead to pass through.

Season 8: Dany begins her war against Cersi with Dorne and the Tyrell forces joining her. The Tyrells are defeated and the Dornishman retreat back to Dorne to regroup.  Jon meets with Dany and urges her to go North to fight the dead. Dany needs proof so Jon ranges north to bring a wyte back with him (this story should take SEVERAL episodes. Dany does NOT come to his rescue and no dragon is killed). Dany is convinced and they meet with Cersi and declare a cease fire. Cersi betrays them by not sending her forces north. The Night Followers go to the abandoned ‘Sable Hall’ castle and burn it down, opening the gate for the Night King to pass through. Several of the Nights Watch are killed including Ed during this battle. The Night King and his forces march south.

Season 9: The war against the dead takes most of this season with the North and Allied forces suffering great losses and frequently have to retreat. Dany is starting to lose her cool as her forces and advisors are getting picked off one at a time. Cersi and her forces take Dragonstone from the skeleton defense force Dany left behind (which included Messandi). Cersi’s forces also crush the armies of Dorne, whom didn’t go north. By seasons end Jon learns of his true lineage and he shares that with Dany, the Night King is defeated and the long night is cut short. But Dany’s and the Norths forces are depleted, and signs of her mental state are showing her beginning to snap. The only saving grace is she still has her dragons…

Season 10: What’s left of the Northern armies and Dany’s forces march south. Their first battle is at the Trident where they face off against the might of ‘The Golden Company’. Dany’s dragons turn the battle in their favour but one of them is killed and their forces are even more depleted. Dany goes to Dragonstone to take it back but again one of her dragons is killed by Euron. She escapes but her ships are destroyed, Messandi isn’t rescued and now Tyrion is captured as well. Dany goes outside Kingslanding to negotiate only to watch as both Messandi and Tyrion are executed. The remaining Dany forces sack Kingslanding and she burns down the city with her dragon after going completely mad. Worrying that Jon will betray her she orders his arrest and execution. Loyal north forces free Jon and Arya kills Dany, and is killed as well. The northern lords (thanks to Varys) back Jon’s claim to the throne. Bran wargs into Dany’s remaining dragon and uses it to destroy the remaining Unsullied and Doltraki.

Jon assembles all seven high lords of Westeros, and in his first (and only) act as King he declares them all Kings of their own independent kingdoms. No more one king to rule 7 kingdoms. The new Kings/Queens break down as follows:

-          The North: Queen Sansa Stark

-          The Westerlands: King Lannister (a Lannister cousin, not sure whom. Someone young and wise)

-          The Reach: King Bronn of the Black Water (Jon honors the vow Tyrion made with Bronn)

-          Dorne: A new Princess Martell

-          The Riverlands and Iron Islands: King Edmere Tully

-          The Stormlands: King Gendry Baratheon (legitimized by Queen Dany)

-          The Vale: King Robin Arryn

 

 

 

GoT: The Great War

Random Question of the day:

I posted the following on Facebook: what are your thoughts? 

Blog #36: Giant Sized Blog Spectacular

 

Well here is my annual Giant Sized Blog Spectacular. Lots of Random Things to cover so enjoy and see you again on the week of August 14th!!! Taking some time off from writing for some summer fun!!!

 

1: SpongeBob SquarePants
I never understood the hype about SpongeBob until I actually sat down and watched an episode with the kids. It is a funny show! It's kinda like Shrek with its hidden humour, it really is a show for all ages. Kayde loves SpongeBob and it is her favourite show. Out of all the shows the kids watch it is the show I like to watch with them. SpongeBob lives in a Pineapple under the sea and works for Mr. Crabs at the Crusty Crab...Mr Crabs is the cheapest bastard you'll ever meet. His best friend is a starfish named Patrick. He is also friends with a chipmunk named Sandy who lives in a bubble environment. It really is a fun show for all ages, check it out!!!

2: Bud Light with Lime (in bottles not cans)
I love the Bud Light in the bottle and it is awesome. But it does not taste as good in the cans, like most beers but you really can taste a significant difference when drinking it from a can. I wish they would make it Budweiser with lime instead of just Bud Light.

3: Golf
I used to love to play slow-pitch baseball in the summer but with my changing shift rotation schedule I haven't been able to commit to a team for the past 2 years. But I have been golfing a lot more these past 2 years. I'm not that good and not competitive at all, I just like to go out and walk the course, take in the fresh air and enjoy myself. The last 2-3 years I have been golfing with my son Bailey. He enjoys it too and is doing very well for just being 9 years old. I'm trying not to push him, If he really loves the game and wants to pursue it more I'll fully support him on that but I'll never be one of those Dad's who tries to live out his dreams through his kid. I like to golf at the in-town course here in Barrhead. It's not too hard and you can walk the whole course. I don't understand these golfers who drive a cart and drink beer while golfing and yet claim to be getting exercise...I think not. Tiger Woods is the best player in the game and possibly the best golfer of all time. I was never a fan of watching golf on TV but Tiger makes it worth while. Even when he's not doing good its fun to watch him get mad, yell and freak out on the course...it's very entertaining.

4: The TV Series "Mad Men"

It's still summer and there is not a lot on TV right now but the AMC series "Mad Men" just recently wrapped up their 5th season. It really is a great drama and worthy of watching. If you want to learn more read my thought:

I want to discuss a great show that is currently on TV which I enjoy to watch, it's called "Mad Men". The title refers to the men who work for an ad agency on New York City's Madison avenue in the early 1960's. The series is created by Matthew Weiner (hehe..weiner..) who was a writer on "The Sopranos". The show primarily is about the character Don Draper, played by a great actor named Jon Hamm. In season one Draper is the creative director and eventual junior partner of Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency. His character in many ways is similar to Tony Soprano. Like Tony, Don leads a double life. In his personal life he is a suburban husband to a beautiful ex-model and the father to two little kids. They have the perfect house in a beautiful neighbourhood and everything should be happy and perfect, but of course its not. Don can't relate to his wife Betty, played by the beautiful January Jones (American Wedding). She herself is not happy, she is a loving mother and wife but misses her days modelling andtravelling the world. And she suspects her husband is cheating, which of course he is, just like Tony Soprano.
In Don's professional life he is a voice of authority to the men who work for him and they love and respect him, except for Pete Campbell: a young ambitious account executive who admires Don but does not truly respect him. Don like Tony Soprano has a girlfriend, the complete opposite woman of his wife. She is a hippy chick who smokes pot and does not have kids. Don spends alot of time staying in the city because of his "job" so he has plenty of opportunity to see the girlfriend. He also pursues other women, the guys a dog, but really a great guy, honest.
The series takes place in the beginning of the 1960's. Women in the work place did not receive equal rights and they had to endure relentless sexual flirting, and this is seen on the show. At the beginning of the series a character named Peggy Olson is introduced, through her the viewers are introduced to the world of 60's Madison avenue. Peggy starts as a secretary for Don but soon rises to be a junior copywriter and receives her own office, which she has to share with the xerox machine. But she is a pioneer for women but is resented by the other women in the office.
Don is literally not the man he says he is. He comes from a family where he suffered mental abuse from his father and wicked step-mother. Well I don't know if she is technically his step-mom cause Don is the child of an affair his Dad had, and Don was brought into his Dad's family. And he has a half brother, whom he loves but leaves behind with his home life by joining the army as a young man. But I can't say too much because a theme of the first season is the mystery of Don Draper and Dick Whitman. But I will tell you that when the truth of Draper/Whitman is revealed and the tragedy of Don's decisions is revealed...I cried. I admit it, there is some very powerful drama on this show and Don Draper is truly a tragic character.
The show is just cool to watch on so many levels. Even though the series is set in the 60's the problems that men and women face doesn't change. Plus its just cool to see how much things have changed like televisions, smoking was everywhere and you were ridiculed if you didn't smoke, winding phones, drinking in the workplace, sexual harassment and the list goes on and on. I was born after the 60's but apparently the show's crew has taken the detail of the 60's world to the extreme, everything is supposed to be historically accurate. So if you were alive in the 60's you might find watching the show fun visually, but trust me you will love the show.

- The first 4 seasons are currently available on DVD, as well as on Netflix Canada.  

 

5: Diet Coke with Lime
What can I say I am a fan of lime. I love it in my beer and I love it in my pop. I am not a fan of Diet Coke but having lime with it is awesome and one of my favourite pops out there. The rest of the family loves it too because we always seem to be running out every time I go to grab one from the fridge. I also love to drink the Crush Lime pop but only in small doses cause it is way too sweet, but good just the same.

6: Law & Order: UK
Well its still summer and there ain't much on TV at this time so may I suggest you check out Law & Order: UK.
I caught a few episodes of Law & Order: UK on City TV in the past and it is a great show. I am a huge fan of the Law & Order franchise and was excited to hear that they were expanding the show to the UK, having their version take place in London. It follows the same formula as the original Law & Order, a team of police detectives investigate the crime then the crown prosecutors prosecute the offenders. Apparently they are even borrowing scripts from the original show and re-using them with a London twist. Law & Order: UK stars Bradley Walsh, Jamie Bamber, Harriet Walter, Ben Daniels, FreemaAgyeman, and Bill Paterson. Law & Order: UK is as it turns out the first American drama television series to be adapted for British television. This series like the others was created by Dick Wolf. I didn't recognize anyone in the cast except Jamie Bamber, he plays the junior detective. Bamber previously played Major Lee "Apollo" Adama on the new Battlestar Galactica. Its kinda weird to hear him speak in his English accent because on Battlestar he spoke with an American accent.
So far they have filmed 3 seasons. Apparently some critics in the UK had mixed reviews: some loved it calling a "breath of fresh air" while some didn't think it felt like a UK production because it is filmed in an American style, like the other series of Law & Order. I liked it, I found the acting to be great and actually found it a little more realistic than Law & Order CI or SVU for the fact that so far they are not relying on "pretty people" to spruce up the show. And I think its cool to see the lawyers wearing robes and wigs for court.

7: The Books of Dan Brown
"Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown, which was just released as a movie a couple years back by Ron Howard starring Tom Hanks. I purposely chose to read the book first before seeing the movie. I can honestly say its one of the greatest books I have ever read. I couldn't stop reading on the last two hundred pages because it was so good. I highly recommend reading this book, you will not be disappointed. I also read "The Da Vinci Code" which is the sequel to "Angels and Demons" which is written again by Dan Brown and features his main character Robert Langdon. Again I never watched the movie until after I read the book and the book is so much better, but it was a good movie too. I was told that the "Angels and Demons" movie was a good movie, much better than the "Da Vinci Code". I also read the second sequel to "Angels and Demons" called "The Lost Symbol" which is better than the Davinci Code but not as good as Demons. Apparently again this book too will get movie treatment from Tom Hanks and Ron Howard. Dan Brown also has 2 other books which are separate from 'Demons' and 'Code' : "Deception Point" and "Digital Fortress". I have read those books and they too are great.

 

8: The Edmonton Eskimo's
Grey Cup bound this year... too early to say. Anything can happen in the CFL!!

 

9: Global News
In my opinion Global News has the best local coverage. I really can't stand to watch CTV News Edmonton, they are bland and boring. City News can barely be called news and I don't even know if CBC Edmonton has local news anymore. Global does a segment call 'Our Town' in which they travel to rural communities and highlights something about the community, which is great. They have the best weather reports in my opinion and they even run a contest where kids can colour pictures about weather and send them in for free tickets to something like Castrol Speedway, the Edmonton Oil-Kings, etc. A couple summers ago my daughter Kayde submitted a picture and won family tickets to Castrol...didn't actually use them but its still cool just the same. Also you have to check out the Saturday and Sunday Global Morning News with Shane Jones and Kevin O'Connell, they are hilarious and make waking up on a Saturday worth it!!!

 

10: Watchmen: The Movie
For those of you who do not know this movie is based on an 80's comic book mini-series written by the talented Alan Moore. Moore's comics have been adapted before for film: 'From Hell' with JohnnyDepp, 'V For Vendetta' with Natalie Portman and 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' with Sean Connery. Moore hated the films that were adapted from his comics, not sure what he thinks about 'Watchmen' though. I loved this movie, I actually made a special trip into Edmonton when it was released to watch it. It is not your traditional comic book movie and there is a lot of plot to follow and wrap your brain around but if you stick with it it pays off. It's one of those movies either your gonna love it or hate it. I loved it, one of the best and most original comic book movies in years. It is now out on DVD. It is definitely a thinking man's movie, not just mindless entertainment. But it is not a movie for kids!!! There is a lot of violence and nudity...do not allow your young ones to watch it.

11: GI:Joe the 80's cartoon first season on DVD
As a kid growing up I loved to rent the GI Joe cartoon from the video store. We didn't have it on our local stations so I had to settle with video tapes. 25 years later they have released GI Joe on DVD and I had to buy it. It's fun to re-watch but it is very much a kids cartoon. What can I say I miss the 80's. It was a carefree time when I had no worries or pressures...miss those days.

12: Riding Bikes
I love to ride bikes with the kids, reminds me of when i was a young lad learning to ride for the first time. The trailer court beside the Fort Assiniboine Motor Inn was a great place to grow up, and I remember learning to ride my bike there. My Mom and Dad went into the city to Canadian Tire I believe to buy my first bike, a BMX. I had no training wheels and learned to ride my bike without them. I remember my Dad trying to teach me how to ride my bike, I think I was 5 or 6 years old, and I remember falling a lot on the gravel road in front of our house. My parents went somewhere that night and my babysitter Harvey Ehrenholz came over to take care of us. I begged Harvey to let me ride my bike, begged him to teach me how to do it and Harvey did. He took me outside and patiently taught me how to ride my bike. Thank you Harvey, you were a great babysitter and forever be the guy who taught me to ride a bike, I'll never forget that. I was so happy and proud of myself and showed Mom and Dad when they got home.

13: the movie "Sex Drive"
I never even heard of this flick until one night I was watching TV the other night and it was on. It is actually a very funny movie with a classic ending. Check it out and again it is not a movie for the kids!!!

14: Tim Horton's coffee and donuts
I don't care how hot it gets outside I love Tim Horton's Coffee!!!! Plus their donuts are always awesome too. I'll usually pick up an ice cap and a coffee, extra large double double for the drive home from the city. I'll drink the ice cap first then the coffee. I really wish they would build a Tim Horton's here in Barrhead, I really think it would work here but it costs a lot to open one. Maybe if I win the lottery I'll do that...

15: Paying for a speeding ticket
I got my first speeding ticket back in summer 2009 and it cost me $136.00, or so I thought. I went to the registry office to pay it with a cheque, when I got there and after standing in line for 10 minutes I notice a small sign that says "Fines payed with cash only". So I went next door and got $140.00 out of the Fas Gas cash machine. I returned and lost my place in line. After 15 minutes of standing there I finally got up to a clerk and she informed me "The fine is $136 dollars and we charge a $9.40 service fee on top of that". I only had the $140 on me so I asked if I could pay the difference with a cheque because technically a service fee can be paid by cheque only the fine requires cash. She looked at me with those 100 year old eyes and said "No...CASH ONLY!!!". Well that was that, off to Fas Gas again to get another $20 dollars out, at least I didn't lose my spot in line a second time she was nice enough to hold it for me. So in the end my speeding ticket cost me $136 + 9.40 + 6.00 (for ATM fees)....I'm using my cruise control more often now....

16: Drinking tea
I love to drink coffee but its not good for the blood pressure so I've been told to drink more tea, apparently its better for the blood pressure. I love Red Rose tea and Earl Grey.

17: Barrhead Splash Park
They just built it about 3 years ago and it is awesome for the kids to kill time...they love going there. But I was told to be careful and have the kids wear their sandals at all times cause a friends little girl got some glass lodged into her foot from walking around the splash park in bare feet. Better to be safe than sorry but it really is a wonderful thing for the kids to play at.

18: Mowing lawn
Still hate doing this. and moving on...

 

19: Red Ants have returned!!!
I have noticed that the dreaded 'Red Ant' has made a return this summer. Last decade or so I've only seen the black ants running around and they are harmless. Reminds me of the time Lenny and I had a run in with red ants about 24 or so years ago...

One lesson learned with my time spent with Lenny was never, NEVER, pee on a red ant pile!!! Anyway the story goes like this: I was about 5 years old and we lived at the old trailer court behind the Fort Motor Inn. One day I found this huge mound of dirt that had these little creatures crawling all over it, which I now know was a red ant pile. Anyway Lenny was dropped off for a visit and I wanted to show him my discovery, Lenny was about 4 years old then. He was just as amazed by them as I was. I'm not sure who it was who came up with the idea of peeing on the red ant pile but it was decided by us both that it would be a good idea. So we whipped out our ding-a-lings and went to work giving the ants what is known in some circles as a "golden shower". And we laughed, and laughed, and laughed. We zipped up our flys and patted each other on the back for a job well done. Then I noticed an ant on Lenny's shoulder. I swatted it off for him and soon discovered many more ants crawling around Lenny's shirt. Ants were all over Lenny now and he started to scream!!!! I looked down at my shirt and pants and discovered that I too was covered in red ants!!!! I screamed in pain as they began to bite me, and Lenny and I ran back to our house. My Mom heard our screams and we ran up to our deck. While still outside my Mom stripped us both down to our tighty whiteys in an attempt to get all the ants off our bodies. A lesson hard learned, never ever pee on a red ant pile. EVER!!!

20: Watch 'Game Of Thrones'. One of the best series ever made in my opinion. Winter is coming... 

 

21: Summer is almost over....again...Winter approaches...
Summer is almost over yet again and winter will be here soon whether we like it or not! As a kid growing up on an acreage I loved winter. I loved playing hockey on the rink my Dad would build every year. I loved to ski-doo every winter in the fields and trails around our acreage. I loved the cold days when they would cancel school and I got to stay home. Now as an adult I HATE winter. My Dad lives away from me now and has given up the art of rink building. I have no ski-doo anymore nor a truck to pack it around in if I wanted to go somewhere to ski-doo, because I live in town now so ski-dooingin my back yard would just be lame. When there is cold days work is never cancelled, and a lot of times I'm working outside in the cold. Plus I'm working away from my home town so I get to enjoy winter road conditions, and all the crazy winter drivers who still drive like its summer. I hate winter and always will miss summer. When I win the lottery I'm buying a winter house away from this cold and snow, somewhere like Arizona. I'm all for the environment but if global warming would give me summer year round I'm thinking it might not be a totally bad thing!!!

22: Read the comic book 'Daredevil' from Marvel comics. Written by Mark Waid this is the best comic book series being put out by marvel comics right now.  

 

23: Playing the Lotto or getting played by the lotto???
I checked my lottery tickets Thursday and I am still not a millionaire. One day...hopefully soon. It's not that I don't like my job cause I do but it would be so nice not to have to wake up at 3:40 AM to work a day shift. Plus I would love to not have to worry about pay cheques and paying bills and all those unforeseen expenses. Even just to win a hundred or two hundred grand would make my life so much easier..pay off debts, buy a new van, buy a new house, take the kids to Disneyland now that would be nice. I play the Lotto's every week and I play the same numbers going on over 11years now. But I do know the odds are against me but as the saying goes 'you can't win if you don't play'. One time I got 5 numbers out of 7 on the Lotto Super7...I was so excited I thought I must have won big time!!! Then I got my ticket checked and I won $156.00...which is better than a kick to the ass but seriously 5 out of 7 numbers and all i won was 156 bucks!!! That's the most I have ever won playing the Lotto so far. 3 years ago I bought a 'Crossword' scratch ticket for Crystal and she won $500.00, bought it on my way home from work at the Swan Hills 'Gas Town'. Sometimes I play 'Sports Select' during Football season and I win a little here and there but I never bet more than $5.00 and more often than not I lose. But what I love about Sports Select is that it requires some knowledge about the sport and team to hopefully win, where as a scratch ticket or regular lotto ticket comes down to just pure dumb luck...not smart luck but dumb luck.

 

Anywho again that is the end of the Giant Sized Blog Spectacular. See you in 2 weeks!!!

Beer Goggles: April 2012

As part of my 'Random Nerdness' Blog I have included a monthly update I am calling 'Beer Goggles' where I will share a brief outline on what I am drinking, reading, viewing and listening to for the month.

 

Beer: I just purchased some 'IPA' India Pale Ale from Calgary's 'Big Rock Brewing Company'. I also have some Rickards Red's that I am finishing. Although not a beer I have been enjoying 'Orangina' sparkling orange beverage. 

 

Comics & Books: My favourite comic book right now is 'Batman' written by Scott Snyder. His 'Court Of Owls' storyline is reaching new heights and is just getting better each and every month. I'm also enjoying Fantastic Four, FF and The Ultimates, all written by Jonathan Hickman. 

I bought several 'Star Trek: Titan' books at the Edmonton toy show last Sunday and I am very excited to read the further adventures of Captain Riker and the USS Titan. 

I'm also still reading 'The Great American Cereal Book'. Awesome history about breakfast cereals that Canadian consumers share with our American neighbours. 

Last month I bought and continue to read the 'Compendium' of the comic book series 'The Walking Dead'. In March I finished the first trade and I was blown away by what I read and saw. I loved it so much I went out and ordered the first Compendium of this comic series, and I will buy the second one when it is released. Robert Kirkman is perhaps one of the greatest comic book writers in history!

Viewing: I am watching season 2 of 'Game Of Thrones' on HBO and season 5 of 'Mad Men' on AMC. But I recently bought season 1 of  'Game Of Thrones' on Blue-Ray which I will be re-watching. I also bought the newest DC Universe animated movie 'Justice League: Doom', which I intend to watch shortly. Look for a future review on 'The Cola Dog' blog. 

'Commander' Shelby assisting me in this hard photo shoot. 

Listening: Having a long drive to work every workday I tend to do a lot of listening. 'The Atomic Geeks', 'Nerd Lunch' and 'Classic Film Jerks' are all great podcasts I love to listen to. Some other great podcasts I listen to are: 'iFanboy', 'Comic Geek Speak' and 'I Sell Comics'. I've also downloaded some great audiobooks I hope to crack open this month: 'Bradbury 13', radio-like drama's about some of Ray Bradbury's classic sci-fi tales. Also 'World War Z: An Oral History Of The Zombie War'.

 

Well that is all for April's 'Beer Goggles'.

 

Cheers!