“Liking” Your Own Posts

STOP THAT.  It makes you look like a complete douche bag.  If you made a status update to your own wall, it’s safe to say that you like whatever it is you wrote.  Otherwise, why in hell would you write it in the first place?!?!?  Commenting on your own stuff is fine.  Sometimes you don’t want to go on a big long diatribe in your status update (After all… that’s what a blog is for ).  Sometimes you want to add a little bit more information about the status, photos or link you posted.  No big deal.  But good lord… don’t “like” it.

I took a bit of an informal poll on Twitter.  It appears that I’m not the only one who dislikes the practice of self-liking.  I was told by a few people that they use the “ironic like” in seldom situations, but certainly not for every post.  I suppose I can get behind this but that’s an iffy use at best in my book.

One more thing about self-liking.  This also extends to your company if you’re a business owner.  STOP THAT.  Not only does it make you look like a douche bag, but it makes you AND your company look like losers.  Is there anything more pathetic than a company that posts a story, link or picture and the only one that likes or comments on it is the owner?  I think not.  Post your stuff, let others comment and like it.  If they don’t, it’s not the end of the world.  Come up with something better to post next time.

Clever / Fake Facebook Names

OK… this one is just ridiculous.  Folks, the whole idea of Facebook is that you have the ability to accept or decline invitations.  As such, it’s pretty silly to NOT use your real name with your Facebook profile.  Sure, many people have 2 accounts:  one personal (real) account and maybe one to play mind-numbing games with.  But you know WHY you have that other account?  It’s so your real friends don’t get bothered by all of your requests for cows, mafia members, virtual candy canes and whatever other crap you’re trying to find in your game.  I’m down with that.  That said, if you’re using that second account, please don’t pretend that you’re really that “persona”… it makes you look like a douche bag.

Not really sure what I’m talking about?  Here’s some examples:

Chill Mascaras – Am I honestly supposed to believe that this guy’s name is “Chill”?  With that picture?  Come on now.  I’m about the biggest wrestling fan you’ll ever meet, but you don’t see me wearing a luchador mask in my Facebook profile picture.  In fact, you don’t even see me write this blog under my real name (you didn’t really think my God-given name is Chewie did you?).  No… I post stuff that I write on the 406 Facebook page, and often times share it to my personal profile.  But I never “like” it… see above.

Harry James Potter - Those are great movies and better books.  Harry Potter is quite honestly one of the most well developed characters in modern literature.  He’s been read by millions and has made the author billions.  But he’s not on Facebook.  Here’s a little insight… Harry Potter is a FUCKING FICTITIOUS CHARACTER.  He doesn’t exist and he’s not real.  Now, if by chance your names happens to be “Harry James Potter” which, let’s face it is a relatively common name… feel free to use your own picture.  This is a picture of Daniel Radcliffe.

Ahsoka Tano – Sigh… I think I covered fictitious characters above but this one is a special level of asshole.  Look, if you want to be clever and create a Harry Potter page good on you… at least you were the first one to think about doing it.  However, if you’re going to create an Ahsoka Tano page you’re a loser.  She’s a crappy character from a crappy non-Star Wars version of Star Wars.  She’s one step above Jar Jar Binks and if he had a shred of dignity left in his body, George Lucas would admit she’s complete crap.

George Lucas - Speaking of plaid clad, bearded asshole named George Lucas.  THIS is George Lucas.  It’s not his fault that he happens to be named after a the director that gave us such classic garbage as Howard The Duck and The Phantom Menace.  And you know what?  This guy’s REAL.  He’s got a real profile picture of him and his girl and he’s PIMP.  Look at that look.  You know he absolutely hates his name.  He’s heard every joke about midichlorians, terrible dialog and worse directing.  But he’s pimp.  This is George Lucas.

My respect for George Lucas is officially gone.  The man that created what I consider to be the greatest series of films ever has finally gone too far.  There was a day long ago where the idea of sitting down with the bearded and plaid clad Lucas would have a been a dream come true for me.  Not anymore.

Next month The Phantom Menace is going to be back in theaters… in 3D.  You remember the Phantom Menace right?  It was the piece of shit movie that George gave us that kicked off the prequel trilogy.  Yeah… that one.  When the 10 year anniversary of TPM rolled around, I wrote this post about how I was done defending Lucas.  I just re-read it and I stand by it 100%.

Now to the real crux of this post.  George Lucas I have a question for you sir.  How much fucking money do you need?  When will enough be enough?  Cause let’s face it… that’s all you care about these days.

Why else would you re-release your legacy in 3D?  I’m pretty sure the “I’m still tinkering with my story to give you my original vision,” line of bullshit is completely out the window at this point.  Do you honestly think we’ll believe that you wanted that stupid ass “NOOO” from Vader at the end of Jedi?  Come on dude.

I could even get behind this 3D thing if you came out and said something to the effect of, “I wanted to see how my films would look with today’s technology.”   But let’s face it sir… the only films that you’ve made that people still want to see these days are your original trilogy.  The crap that you put out starting with Phantom Menace no one wants to see.  The fact that you’re going to rape us for the additional 3D fees just really pisses me off.  THAT is why I hope this movie fails at the box office.  It’s time to start voting with our dollars.

I didn’t buy Star Wars on Blu-ray when it came out.  (Luckily Pip did )  To be fair, I don’t own a Blu-ray player at all, but when I get one you can rest assured that Star Wars won’t be my first purchase.  Old Uncle George already has enough of my money with what seem like annual releases of his saga.  If George wants to get any more of my money for a home video release, he’s going to have to give me the ORIGINAL versions of Star Wars, Empire and Jedi.  I don’t want special editions where Han looks like a pussy and doesn’t shoot first.  I don’t want CGI-laden crap where Darth Vader has no eyebrows and I don’t want 36 hours of commentary from George and other producers telling me why I should love these versions.

I didn’t head to the theater the last time Star Wars was in theaters… you know why?  Cause it was essentially nothing more than 2 episodes of a crappy television show that George decided to slap together and call a feature film.  I fully recognize that The Clone Wars isn’t for me.  My kids love it and to George’s credit I don’t ever recall him saying that he was trying to appease fans like me.  He’s more interested in action figure sales.

Merchandising…

I like action figures.  I’ve always enjoyed collecting and playing with them.  Because of that, there is a nostalgia around these products for me.  And good ol George capitalizes on that better than anyone.  But enough is enough.

The original Kenner line of Star Wars action figures was around from 1977 to 1985.  During that time there were “only” 115 action figures released.  12 figures per year isn’t too much to ask for from a collector especially when you figure in the price of the toys back then. By comparison, the “Vintage Collection” from 2010-2011 contains 98 figures.  That’s an average of 49 figures per year for ONE LINE.  Factor in the other lines (Saga Legends, Clone Wars, Legacy Collection) and you can just start to see why collectors might get pissed.

But I can’t put all the blame on George for this stuff.  After all… if there weren’t folks buying it he wouldn’t put it out right?

Folks, if you get excited by a “packaging variant” you’re a dork.  Do you buy your toys specifically to keep them in the package and get them “graded”?  You’re wasting your money and kind of pathetic in my book.  Did you pay more for an “exclusive” version of a figure cause it was packaged differently?  Seriously?  Just as it’s George’s “right” to remake his movies as often as he likes, it’s your “right” to spend your money any way that you see fit and “collect” anything that you want to collect.  And it’s my “right” to laugh at you and write about it here.

Yep… I do a bit of collecting myself.  But you know what I do when I get home with my action figures?  I open that shit up…

Would it be nice to take my kids to see Star Wars on the big screen?  Sure it would.  But I can’t in good conscience give George Lucas one more dime of my hard earned money.  I honestly think that the ONLY way it will stop is if one of these projects crashes and burns.  What if the LOSE money on this Phantom Menace release?  That’s not going to happen, but boy would that be AWESOME. If it sounds like I’m bitter its cause I am.  Star Wars was a huge part of my childhood and at this point I feel like I’m being taken advantage of by a flash in the pan filmmaker who hasn’t had an original idea since 1983.  Except of course which action figure will bring in the most cash.

That's right... I'm wearing my Crocs to the Home Depot. I am dad... Hear me roar.

Interested in the responses?  Here they are (some of them had me rolling)…

• not cool..lmao!
• Yuck
• Lowes is much better
• you shouldn’t be wearing those unless you’re mario batali or 6.
• -5 cool points
• I see no problem with this…
• Fressssssshhhh!
• Do they at least match your slacks and sweater vest?
• Omg a preppie daddy …
• If you are at bainbridge HD you’ll fit in …
• Looking for those shoes that look like feet
• Sad,sad day
• they don’t make those for men…do they?
• Chop!
• That’s wrong in more ways than I can count. Next you’ll wear them with black socks and plaid shorts.

My only question is this.  When did Crocs become synonymous with “preppy”?

It focuses on figures from the first 4 waves of the current G.I. Joe line called Pursuit of Cobra and also includes Voltron, Star Wars and Transformers toys.  What’s in your collection?

So… to that end, I’ve been cleaning up the basement, organizing, throwing away, etc.  During this exercise, I ran across a trunk full of my Transformers from when I was a kid.  After some digging and some searching on the Internet I managed to put him back together in all his glory.  I can’t say that all of his joints are as tight as they were 25+ years ago, but all his parts are there and he now enjoys a prime spot on the top of my TV (conveniently out of the reach of the boys).

I’ve missed you old friend… welcome back.

The Top 10 Posts Of 2010 (Based On Number Of Views)

#10 – WrestleMania VI – The Ultimate Challenge
This is part of my WrestleMania Project where I’m reviewing every show since the beginning.  As you’ll soon learn (if you don’t already know) I’m a wrestling geek.  This particular show was great as the main event pitted Intercontinental Champion the Ultimate Warrior against WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan.  Tremendous.

#9 – Robert B. Parker – R.I.P.
My all time favorite author Robert B. Parker (creator of Spenser of Spenser For Hire fame) passed away in January.  This was my, “Thank you and goodbye” post.

#8 – Top Holiday Movies
The top 10 and 5 honorable mentions.  If you’re looking for some good movies to check out next holiday season this would be a good list to start with.

#7 – Finally Something Good From The Birdman
Another wrestling related post.  Koko B. Ware had one of the worst gimmicks in wrestling history (in my opinion).  He was a “jobber” as smart wrestling fans say… a guy that loses to the big talent.  Yet he’s in the WWE Hall Of Fame.  All of my angst aside, I found something to like about him.

#6 – Top 10 Movie Villains (Pt. 1)
One of only 2 posts on the entire blog that I didn’t write.  My good buddy Pip put together a list of his top villains.  Pure gold.  Unfortunately, part 2 has yet to be delivered *hint hint*

#5 – The WrestleMania 26 Drinking Game
Drinking is fun.  Wrestling is fun.  Mix them together and you’ve got a great time.  This is last year’s version.  If you’re interested in the current year’s list you can check it out here.

#4 – Mint.com FAIL
Mint.com is a (supposedly) site that allows you to keep track of your money, create and maintain a budget, etc.  This post talks about my (brief) experience with the site.

#3 – Top 10 Guilty Pleasure Movies
I love top 10 lists.  Here’s a list of movies that I hate to admit that I love.

#2 – Harry Hamlin Made Me Smile (in 2010)
The other post on the site that is not written by me.  Pip has 2 out of the top 10… you’d think that’d be enough of an ego boost to get him to join me once in a while?  This is a report of a video game that Pip played with an interesting cameo.

#1 – Top 80′s Action Movies
Thank GOD I managed to get the top spot on my own blog!  Another top 10 list… this time my favorite 80′s action flicks.  Love it!

“The boys are neanderthals because they’re learning from their blockhead father.”

While I certainly don’t mind the personal comparisons to Charlie Brown, I thought that was a wee bit harsh on G & C so I decided to investigate what would bring their mother to speak so ill of them.

If you’ve ever read this blog, you know by now that I’m a bit of a wrestling geek.  I don’t apologize for it… it’s been part of who I am for the better part of 3 decades now.  Also, for those longtime readers, you’ll know that as part of the WrestleMania Project I’m right around the mid teens of the event.  In any case, at WrestleMania 15 a tag team called the New Age Outlaws was pretty popular so I got to hear their theme song and it got stuck in my head.

Now this particular theme song is a bit “raunchy” and begins with the line, “Oh, you didn’t know?  Your ass better CALL somebody!!!“  Naturally, with this song stuck in my head my boys wanted to know what I was saying under my breath now and again.  I told them (leaving out the “ass” part) so they’ve been running around the house yelling (at the top of their lungs)… “Oh you didn’t know?!?!?”

So now we come to today… The wife had them in the doctor’s office waiting for their flu shots.  Apparently, my two little angels were running right up to a couple of young girls in the waiting room and saying at the top of their lungs… you guessed it, “Oh you didn’t know?!?!”

I love being a dad

I’ve written in the past about how based on those prequel movies I’m done defending George Lucas’ movies.  I’ve also talked about how I’m rather on the bitter side that my childhood is being raped by all of these remakes and reboots.  However, after this weekend, I’m happy to report… I’m back baby!

SPIKE TV had an original trilogy marathon this past Labor Day weekend.  For those of you that DON’T know, this includes episodes IV, V and VI of the Star Wars Saga – A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi.  Based on my bad feelings toward the prequel trilogy it’s been years since I’ve sat down and watched the original.  While I didn’t watch all 3 films straight through this weekend, I did get to watch enough where it got my geek juices flowing again.  These movies are awesome folks.  They hold up incredibly well after 30+ years.  The characters are iconic and it’s some of the best storytelling and action put to film.

Thank you SPIKE… I feel like I’m home.  I’ve got, if you’ll excuse the pun, a new hope.

I dug through my emails from Pip and my files on the hard drive and managed to find them.  I don’t have time to crop and post them all tonight, but I figured I’d give just a little taste of what you can expect once they’ve been posted (will probably be early next week).

As you can see, Pip hooked us up with some SWEET t-shirts for the event and naturally we had our list to help the night along.   Stay tuned!

Don’t worry… this post contains no spoilers.  I couldn’t spoil you if I wanted to.

The series finale of ABC’s Lost airs on Sunday evening and so (hopefully) does my confusion.  I consider myself a Lost fan for sure, but I’m not a Lost geek.  The distinction is minor, but one that’s important to make between fans.  As an example, I have no problem sitting in a bar talking theories with my buddy Pat about who did what or what’s going to happen and I do listen to the Official Lost Podcast as well as The Lost Podcast With Jay and Jack.  However, I’m not one of these folks that looks at the books on the shelves in the background of a scene, I don’t care what the significance of the rabbit’s name is and I sure as hell don’t know how the two time lines are going to come together.  And therein lies my enjoyment of Lost.

I can’t remember the last show where I was completely and utterly confused while watching… and KEPT watching it.  This is one of the few shows that the wife and I can watch together (I roped her into ABC’s V as well) and regardless of the outcome on Sunday evening, I’m going to be sad to see it go.  I really do hope though that they give us some closure.  I’ve been confused long enough folks.  Damon/Carlton… thanks for the memories.  It’s time to bring it home.