We Saw the Easter Bunny Today!

Clarkson and I always love visiting the Saint Louis Carousel at Faust Park. We often go so he can enjoy a ride and they know us pretty well there. The other day an employee mentioned a fun event with the Easter Bunny that was free to attend so we went and had a great time thanks to the event's sponsor/organizer, Gallia Wealth Management Group. It was really fun!

There were doughnuts, coffee, candy, goodie bags, activities, a big Easter Bunny, and unlimited free carousel rides. The event was geared towards families with children or adults with special needs so Gallia had headphones/earmuffs ready for anyone with sensory sensitivities as well--a smart example of planning ahead! We had some family friends join us too and everyone loved getting pictures with the Easter Bunny and riding the carousel. Clarkson gave the Easter Bunny big hugs and was eager to take a picture as can be seen above--a great time was had by all! Thanks to GWMG for holding this event!

The Next Saint Charles Quad Con is Only a Week Away!

I always have a lot of fun at Quad Con when it takes place in Saint Charles. Located at the Steel Shop Event Center, it is always jam-packed with comics, collectibles, toys, unique art creations, games, cosplay, and more! Every time I go to Quad Con I see people I enjoy running into and I always meet someone new and really cool too. I've got my calendar marked for a week from now as April 13th is the next Quad Con that occurs locally! Running from 10AM to 4PM at the aforementioned Steel Shop Event Center (49 Lawrence Street), this latest Quad Con is sure to be as fun (or it could even be more fun) as the previous events I've had the pleasure of attending.

Clarkson and I Attended a Fun Autism Awareness Event!

Autism Awareness Day was this recent April 2nd, but many places held events this weekend in honor of the occasion. I took Clarkson to one today and it was lovely! Held by, "Simply Delightful Events by Kay," this Autism Awareness Day event was in the event center space of Renaissance Saint Louis Airport Hotel and completely free--they just requested folks register in advance. It ran from Noon to 4PM. Clarkson and I arrived a bit after 1PM and didn't stay too long as after a bit he requested on his talker to visit his Aunt who lived nearby, but while we were there it was really fun!

There was free food ranging from hotdogs and meatballs with plenty of chip selections to some sweet treats like cupcakes. A number of local resources had set up tables--many we were familiar with such as First Steps, Easter Seals Midwest, and some others that were great to meet such as Blueprint4 and Team Central Gymnastics Academy with their, "HUGS," classes. We also met AB Spectrum, who offer Autism diagnosis services and ABA therapy for kiddos ages 1 through 6. A DJ was spinning a lot of popular songs and a number of people present were enjoying dancing around. There was a sensory area with a lot of fun toys and tables with chairs to sit and eat your food or just relax at. I got a picture of Clarkson in front of a lovely balloon display too:

This Autism Awareness Day event was really neat and I appreciate that the company known as Simply Delightful Events by Kay put it on! They can create and run all kinds of fun parties/events ranging in theme so I'll keep them in mind if we ever need to throw a big party!

“Robocop is America's Godzilla,” Makes Sense the More You Think About It

A friend of mine named Sarah Diaz posted on Facebook, "RoboCop is America's Godzilla franchise. Discuss." It immediately got me thinking about how she had a point. I mean, at the most basic level they represent the hubris of humankind--Godzilla is born from our nuclear weaponry and Robocop is a corporation thinking they can build the perfect law enforcement officer out of machinery and a tiny bit of humanity. It works at multiple levels, however. Both alternatively protect and terrify their home regions (Japan/America--specifically Detroit) and both are looked at as monstrous to a degree but have a kind heart buried within their off-putting demeanor. Each franchise is deeply rooted in its home nation's worries and fears (Godzilla is a physical representation of the impact of WWII on Japan, in essence, and Robocop's movies showcase capitalism and law enforcement with no checks or balances). It all makes a shocking amount of sense.

The metaphor isn't perfect as Robocop has never gone to a Robocop Island/Monster Island but just as Godzilla has had crossovers with other characters (King Kong is a big example) Robocop has done so as well--at least in comic-books (Robocop/Terminator is notable and wacky). Godzilla and Robocop are looked at with a mix of awe and trepidation. They represent each nation's anxieties about just how bad things could get. One is a big more horror-leaning (Godzilla) and Robocop definitely has satirical and self-aware elements, but the tones aren't that different in the end--they both are worst-case scenarios that we pray turn out better than our country's history would indicate. I want to thank my friend Sarah for inspiring all these thoughts and giving me material for my blog--it is definitely a lot to chew on.

Film Friday: "The Naked Gun," Has a Sequel on the Way

"The Naked Gun," and its sequels were a spoof of serious police movies. For some time parody movies were all the rage with older ones like, "Airplane," eventually giving us, "Scary Movie," and all of its spin-offs. Some satirical flicks have been great and some were little more than derivative, "Let's reference a bunch of movies at once," experiences. The, "Naked Gun," franchise hasn't had a movie in decades and the original star, Leslie Nielsen, has passed. However, it is back with a new legacy sequel featuring none other than Liam Neeson and directed by Akiva Schaffer--a solid choice too. The movie is simply titled, "The Naked Gun."

Neeson being our new star is a clever joke, as Neeson started out in drama, did action movies later in his career, and now is making a flick that will joke about it. There is a teaser for the new movie that doesn't reveal too much beyond a silly action scene and a pretty sharp joke about one unfortunate former casting choice in the series (O.J. Simpson as Nordberg before all the legal troubles).  Here's the teaser trailer:

This newest iteration of, "The Naked Gun," will be in theaters on August 1st. I look forward to it (hopefully) being a good time.

Val Kimer Has Passed

Val Kilmer died this most recent Tuesday at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia. He was a fantastic actor. He is one of a small number of folks to portray Batman, he was a hoot in, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," amazed folks in, "Tombstone," and the original, "Top Gun." Whether in, "Heat," or doing voice-over work for animated properties, Kilmer was a great talent. 

Kilmer developed throat cancer in 2015 and treatment rendered it difficult for him to eat or speak, but that didn't stop him from making a fascinating autobio film, "Val," in 2020. His last film appearance was a brief but impactful role in, "Top Gun: Maverick," in 2022, which had his voice digitally fine-tuned. He was a superb actor and by many accounts a lovely person in general (although at times it was rumored he was hard to work with on films, hence him kinda-quitting/kinda-being-fired from portraying Batman again back when George Clooney replaced him, to give one example).

My favorite role with Kilmer has to be the absurd aforementioned comedy, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." Pitch black in tone while also being hilarious, it features Robert Downey Junior as well and it is a treat to see Kilmer and Junior on screen together being uproarious. It's a strange little flick that shows off how much range Kilmer could have when allowed to let loose. Val Kilmer was a great talent. He will be missed.

Switch 2 Details Have Been Announced--The Good, Bad, and Pricey

The Switch 2 was announced earlier this year, but we were informed that more details would be forthcoming. Today, we learned a lot more. Due for release on June 5th, the Switch 2 has some cool elements! It will feature an open-world Mario Kart game at launch ("Mario Kart World,") plus a number of 3rd-party titles as it'll have a lot more tech. It will also have a degree of backward compatibility with original Switch games (some will even be enhanced). Plus, there is a camera you can use to video-chat with friends you're playing online with! There are issues already, however. You see, the battery life will be sucky, a number of games will not work on the new console, and then there is the price of the Switch 2 and its games. 

A Switch 2 is going to cost $450 (it could even be more with inflation from tariffs), and some games will be $70-$80 for digital copies, and up to $90 for a physical one. The backward compatibility will have games cost extra if you want any enhancements. The camera will cost extra too. Nintendo is, in essence, squeezing fans for every dollar that they can. In the old days, Nintendo could say, "We're known for slightly cheaper and less powerful but very fun consoles!" Now, they can state, "Screw you, pay me for this tech!" There are pluses and minuses to the Switch 2 news, clearly.

It is exciting that the Switch 2 is coming out soon, but is also discouraging how it will be expensive. Then again, I think that is a trend that will continue with future consoles due to general inflation and how unsteady the economic and political landscape can be. I do wonder if the Switch 2 is different enough that folks will feel it is worth the cost. Will people look at their somewhat similar Switch and say, "Eh, this is good enough," and pass on the Switch 2 until the price drops? Will it be a big hit and sell like hotcakes even if it is slightly more of the same--but with more power and features? I don't know, but I'll be watching what happens with great interest.

The Saint Louis Blues Are On An Amazing Winning Streak

The one sport I follow (like, at all) is NHL hockey, and I am quite fond of our city's team, The Saint Louis Blues. The Blues last won the Stanley Cup during the 2018-2019 season and in that year they had their longest winning streak ever at one point of 11 games. Currently, after a shaky start to the season, they've been on fire as of late and hopefully have earned a wildcard sport in the playoffs whilst currently having a winning streak of 10 games! The Blues managed to beat the Detroit Red Wings in overtime for a score of 2-1, yesterday, and it was an intense game to watch! 

The game was scoreless until late in the 3rd period when Detroit got a goal, the Blues managed to squeak a puck into the net with barely 30 seconds left in regulation, and then Cam Fowler sunk an overtime goal with an assist from Robert Thomas and the whole stadium went wild--besides a handful of Detroit fans who were present and looked a bit despondent.

It is always fun when our town has a team doing well as it gives the city something to be proud of and celebrate. When the Blues won the Stanley cup for the first time back in 2019 it made Saint Louis so proud and that celebration parade was a hoot to see. the Blues play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. I know many people around here (and fans nationwide) will be rooting for an 11th straight win!

Television Tuesday: "Doctor Odyssey," is a Wild Cruise Worth Booking!

Two people seem to work on a ton of shows. Taylor Sheridan ("Yellowstone," "Landman," "Special Ops: Lioness," and more) and then Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck," "Glee," "American Horror Story," "911," "Feud," and so much more). Murphy makes weird shows and I generally quite enjoy them, with a newer production he is involved in being, "Doctor Odyssey." This is a show that has a mix of medical drama, relationship drama, is quite quirky, and everyone involved is generally super horny...which makes sense for a Ryan Murphy show.

"Doctor Odyssey," follows Doctor Max Bankman as he starts working on a massive and impressive cruise ship known as The Odyssey. Played be Joshua Jackson, as he's new to the boat in the first episode it is a clever way for the show to ease us into everything as we're, of course, new too. Max is assisted by two nurses during cruises--Avery and Tristian (Phillipa Soo and Sean Teale) and the boat's captain, Robert Massey is often important to the plot too (expertly portrayed by the always delightful Don Johnson). All of the main characters are intriguingly complex in their mix of hang-ups, interests, and nobody comes across as too one-dimensional. The cruise format allows weeks to have different themes and a variety of special guests too, which allows a lot of fun actors to swing by. There are lots of medical maladies to keep things intense as well.

As Johnson makes apparent in the first episode, people on a cruise want to live in a happy fantasy World so Max and his team need to keep everyone as safe as possible. As strange as it sounds, "Doctor Odyssey," really reminds me in some ways of a show that Ryan Murphy had nothing to do with (which is rare, I know). There is a bit of a vibe of the first season of, "Westworld," of all things to this show. It's a specially controlled environment where everything is perfectly designed and calibrated to make guests happy...so things obviously have to keep going wrong despite the, "Programming." 

There aren't any human-like robots on, "Doctor Odyssey," of course, but cruise ships are big floating theme parks, in essence, and no matter how hard we try to make a theme park flawless, cracks will show eventually. "Doctor Odyssey," is a fascinating exploration of how a ship's crew tries to fix or at least temporarily remedy said metaphorical cracks. Is it realistic in some of its wild medical cases? Hell, no, it is exaggerated to the extreme. Is it fun to see what crazy medical cases occur or watch as a zany love triangle forms between the medical crew? You know it is!

"Doctor Odyssey," is weird, sexy, clever, and quite often funny too. I've greatly enjoyed this debut season and hope it gets picked up for another. You can view new episodes of the show by watching ABC on Thursdays or catch up on everything via Hulu.

5 out of 5 Stars (for this season so far).

Tonia Haddix, of, "Chimp Crazy," Fame has Plead Guilty to Perjury and Obstruction of Justice

Tonia Haddix is a local-ish celebrity, living in Missouri and gaining notoriety for her role in faking the death of celebrity chimp Tonka--all of which was chronicled in the documentary, "Chimp Crazy." She admitted in court today she committed crimes when she had claimed Tonka was deceased while under oath and he was actually living in her basement. The whole story is bizarre and I'd encourage you to check out, "Chimp Crazy," on MAX for a wild ride. Having pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice, Tonia will be sentenced in July. 

Tonia Haddix could face years in person for her actions and some hefty fines too. I don't condone her actions at all and personally feel Tonka is served better living in a safe and big habitat with other chimps--but all of that said, I am somewhat impressed that someone could love a chimp that much. I don't know about you, but I would not be willing to face decades in prison for chimp, no matter how charming/adorable/lovable he or she is. We'll see what the future holds for Haddix this July.