“Why is it that everyone’s solution to everything around here is some sort of covert plan?” “That’s a secret.”

broderic on September 9, 2022

Remember when I decried the lack of movies to watch this past Labor Day? Remember that I did say that I did watch a movie that weekend? Well the film we watched was The Invitation, one of those low budget horror movies that always seem to be a staple of the end of summer movie releases.

This one starts with a lady who had just lost the last member of her family, her mother. She conveniently takes a DNA test and is connected with a branch of her family from England. They invite her to their home for a family reunion as well as a wedding. Things start of fine, but then we never meet the bride and groom. Later we find out why.

It turns out that her long lost relatives were a cabal feeding the last vampire. The head vampire has three brides. They had lost one. Guess who is the third?

I didn’t want to watch this one, but I really wanted to watch a movie. I guess it was something. A lot of this was easy to see coming. There were a few jump scares, but overall it wasn’t too frightening.

2 of 5 stars.

“There’s nothing like the sound of 1500 people not laughing.”

broderic on September 6, 2022

This past weekend was Labor Day here in the States. Usually, there’s a move good enough to watch being released in theaters. This year that was not the case. I really wanted to watch a movie this weekend, but there wasn’t one worth to see. Eventually, I did, but it wasn’t a choice I made — you’ll have to wait for that one later.

What happened? Where have all the movie releases gone? Is it over for movies in the theaters? Are we no longer going to go to a dimly lit public space and watch a movie on the silver screen with many people in the audience? Do we just like it at home? Is streaming movies worth it?

Sometimes I just want to get out of the house. Spend some time away from my computing devices. In darkness would be fine tucked away watching a movie. But there must be something to watch.

What was playing this weekend was movies from earlier in the year. If there was a new release, I did not notice it. I was expecting a somewhat recognizable cast and a particular genre. It wasn’t there. It was gone.

The cinema experience in the theaters is dying. Maybe. It’s not really doing well.

“Oh, never mind. Didn’t realize relieving myself was going to turn into the Danish Inquisition.”

broderic on September 30, 2021

I am on a paella kick. I thought I was going to be on a wok kick, but once I found out how easy it is to make a single serving of paella, I have made about 4 of them in the past week.

I’ve made it with cod, chicken and green beans, cod and green beans, and just some chicken.

You really need the paella pan. I purchased mine at PaellaPans.com. You also really need the round Spanish rice. Beyond those two things, I believe its open to your imagination.

First saute garlic, onions, and other vegetables in some fine olive oil. Next is the sofrito with some tomato and paprika. Salt to taste. Then what ever your main ingredient is — chicken, meat, or ? It goes in. Finally rice and some stock. Boil at medium high for about 10 minutes. The water should be just about boiled away. Lower to medium low for another 5 minutes. Finally, for the socorat — the crunchy rice — bring the heat back up for another 2 minutes.

You’re down!

Let sit for 5 minutes covered then enjoy.

I’ve been following Spain On A Fork‘s recipes. He also has given me the directions. I just follow them generally. It’s strange that a lot of recipes tell you ten minutes at high. They’re usually doing a larger portion and yet it is the same time for my smaller portion. Also, follow the Spaniards and don’t mix seafood and meat. But you can do it anyway.

Mayhaps tomorrow will be another paella for dinner?

“He’s so good. Hard to believe he was fired from 37 different stations.” “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” “Are you saying he was a gay Marine?”

broderic on September 24, 2021

Link of the Day [9.24.21]

Was it really thirty years ago that these albums came out? Yes. Supposedly this was the best release days ever. Others can make the claim. I don’t know. All I know is that I remember the day well.

I was still in university at the U. I was especially waiting for the new Tribe album. I went to a music store called Coconuts. On the radio was playing “Smells like Teen Spirit.” I could not find the Tribe album. It was all sold out. I would get it sometime later, but not that day.

Since this was so long ago, I may be misremembering it all and this happened on a different day.

https://www.theringer.com/music/2021/9/24/22691047/biggest-album-release-dates-in-history-nirvana-tribe-rhcp

“You drank too much of Max’s Spookadelic punch, and wound up makin’ out with that girl from accounting that smells like garbage.”

broderic on September 17, 2021

Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings is just one of the upcoming movies to kick off the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s a kung-fu flick and also a superhero movie as well. It’s got an all Asian cast, which is a first for an MCU film. It is also a film that starts out good, but then falls down upon itself as it fits into a Marvel film with a big bang of an ending.

I thought the action wasn’t bad. I wish we would get more kung-fu flicks in the west. I found it lame that we had to get the big crazy fight at the end — like it had to justify its existence as an MCU movie. I would’ve loved to have seen Tony Leung be more badass. I found that he was somewhat wasted with a disappointing arc. I want to see more and we are going to get a sequel. I guess I’ll watch.

3 of 5 stars.

“Sir, Beth is one of the wolves that haunts the mean streets of New York City.”

broderic on September 4, 2021

September 4, 2016 Nogizaka46 introduced the Third Generation. At its center was a weak, easily rattled member, Ozono Momoko. She was always crying, which was endearing and frustrating at the same time. How can they have such a center for what was an important addition to the group?

Fast forward to today. Not just their 5th Anniversary, but also Ozono’s graduation day. One reason to follow Japanese idols is to witness their growth as members and as a person. Certainly, Momoko’s growth is one of the more satisfying to witness. She’s not so quick to cry anymore, and it shows how genuine of a person she was as an idol. That was really her as a person and not a character she put on for privacy. Congratulations on your graduation Momoko!

Our final gift from her is this MV for “Omoide First,” the 3rd Gen’s 2nd song which can be found on Nogizaka46’s 3rd album from 2017. Please enjoy and watch over the 3rd Gen members with a smile.

“Mr. James, why are you so gung ho about this?” “Because investigative reporting is the lifesblood of American journalism. Besides, I lost my golf date this afternoon so I’m kinda bored.”

broderic on September 4, 2021

Whelp. It’s Nogizaka46’s third single of the year and their twenty-eighth overall. Also, it’s another new center for this single. Three to match the three singles released. The center is from fourth gen, Kakki Haruka. To be honest, I’m not on the Kakki bandwagon completely. I think I have trouble with the fourth gen, but it isn’t her fault. It’s me.

Anyhow, like the song. Like the center. Like the group. I cannot wait for the release at the end of this month.

“So the guy has an insatiable appetite for hardcore porn. So what?”

broderic on September 3, 2021

This guy has some nice specialty dogs. I especially like what he has done with the bacon. I am getting hungry for some hot dogs. I’m about to dial up his food truck and get him to send me some!

I should quit my job and start up my hot dog stand. I’ve got two specialty dogs myself. My original and first: fresh diced jalapeno with Cheez Wiz and crumbled feta. My second one which hasn’t been perfected yet: corned beef, mustard, and onion. I just can’t get the frying of the corned beef correct to distinguish it from the hot dog.