Terry Pratchett

He may be gone but he shall never be forgotten. It was recently announced that he finished a book before his death and it will be published on Sept. 10th 2015. I am not sure if it will be available everywhere on that date or just in the UK. They usually release his books in the UK a week or two ahead of the rest of the world. 

School part 2

So school is going o.k. so far. I'm learning a lot, I guess. My math class has four projects this term, and the book is broke down to 4 chapters, so the 1st project and 1st chapter are now done and turned in. I hope I did well on the project. I feel I either hit it out of the park, or bombed it completely. We will find out soon enough. Speech is by far my favorite class so far. Again we just finished out 1st module project. I hope and feel I did well, but again I shall see soon. Registration for summer term is Friday. I have everything lined up and hopefully will not screw up like I did this term.  

Follow up to this post, I got a D on my project but spoke with the teacher and got it raised to a C. Did much better on the second project, got a A, and my last project will be turned in tomorrow.

School

So yesterday was my first day back at school. It went o.k. I guess. It started with an issue, but I think it will work out. I screwed up when I registered for my classes. I clicked on the right class, but not the right day. It was open on Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday. I wanted the Tuesday one. So I ended up missing the course, and had to scramble and find a replacement. My next choice was a business speech or a interpersonal speech class. The business class didn't work with my schedule, so I picked the interpersonal. It is technically full, with two people on the waiting list. Several people didn't show, unfortunately, more people showed up wanting to be in the class. As it stands I am on the chopping block. 20 seats, I am number 21. Teacher was awesome and said she might make an exception for 21. I can't believe I am saying this but I am actually excited about this course. After the first day I am pumped to go to this class. Now one other thing has come up. My work has strongly requested I do another SCTE course. I started that last Friday. There giving me an hour paid each week to work on it, but this is a big course. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by it. It's a 10 week course. Eight chapters, but there very long chapters. So hopefully I can power through them. My new work schedule is o.k. I guess. Four ten hour shifts is o.k. Have done it before, but it gets old fast. Being that I am starting a new shift, school, SCTE course, and am on call all at once is a bit overwhelming. I shall survive,,,,,I think

Timberline Lodge

These are just a few pics from inside the lodge.

Mt Hood

These pics are from the road and parking lot at Timberline Lodge

The coolest Cabela's

This place is amazing!!. Even if your not into outdoor activities, It's just an amazing place to walk around. The Cabela's we went to was in Lacy, WA I think. It is near Seattle. 

Beth's Cafe

The one and only place you need to eat when your in Seattle. Beth's Cafe!!!!

 The walls are covered with interesting art!!

 This is the 6 egg omelet(the small), next time I might try the 12,,,maybe

And this is man beats food!!!

Seattle Comic-con

Sir Terry Pratchett

It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce that author Sir Terry Pratchett has died at the age of 66.
Larry Finlay, MD at Transworld Publishers:

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Sir Terry Pratchett has died. The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds.

In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet like few before him. As all who read him know, Discworld was his vehicle to satirize this world: he did so brilliantly, with great skill, enormous humour and constant invention.
Terry faced his Alzheimer's disease (an 'embuggerance', as he called it) publicly and bravely. Over the last few years, it was his writing that sustained him. His legacy will endure for decades to come.

My sympathies go out to Terry's wife Lyn, their daughter Rhianna, to his close friend Rob Wilkins, and to all closest to him." 

Terry passed away in his home, with his cat sleeping on his bed surrounded by his family on 12th March 2015. Diagnosed with PCA [1] in 2007, he battled the progressive disease with his trademark determination and creativity, and continued to write. He completed his last book, a new Discworld novel, in the summer of 2014, before succumbing to the final stages of the disease. 

We ask that the family are left undisturbed at this distressing time.
A Just Giving page donating to the Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE) has been set up in his memory: www.justgiving.com/Terry-Pratchett

This is by far, one of the saddest days in my life. Sir Terry you will never know how many lives you touched, and how magical you made this world. You shall truly be missed, but never forgotten. Go with out fear brave knight.

College

So I am busy trying to get my financing lined up for school. Asking for so little, and having to jump through so many hoops. I will spend the summer applying for scholarships and grants, so I won't have to go through this crap again. just need a grand to get this first term behind me.

Febuary Apocabox

So I missed one box, I will go back and share it in the near future. But Lets dig into February. So far this has been my favorite box. So in no particular order I am going to share the items, and my opinion of them. 

Pure Vermont Maple Syrup $5. I tiny bottle of some of the yummiest syrup I have ever had.

Winter tree finder $6 A super handy book to I.D. trees during winter/fall when they are missing the leaves were all so used to I.D.'ing them with. The book is small, and very easy to use. A real plus to any outdoors person.

Survival Spile $3 not sure if this is relevant in my part of the world, but for many this could be a life savor. A good item, and hopefully someday I will be in an area were I can use it.

Molle Bottle Holder Kit $20 this made the month for me, love this bag, have been wanting to get one for a while and now I have it. Wish it was a different color but oh well. Nice large main pouch will hold a standard Nalgene or Klean Kanteen, small front pocket can hold a ton of smaller water purification items. whole thing has molle webbing around it so more things can be attached, can be hooked to your bug out bad, or used by it's self. I can't say enough good things about this bag. 

Batuca bug out battery case $6. nice idea, a little big. I don't think I will use this in my bug out bag, but that is just me. I can easily pack just as many batteries in half the space. 

Pocket bellows survival fire starting tool $12  this expands to about 3'. great tool for your fire kit. you get get the oxygen right were you need it, and keep your self at a safe distance. great idea, and the little plastic case it comes in can be packed with tinder so you always have dry tinder. 

Apocabox rules of 3 patch $5  I am not sure why survivalists love patches but honestly can you ever have enough?

Opinel folder no.6 $12  French pocket knife, super sharp, and has this great old world field. really high quality knife fantastic pocket knife. It's classy and functional, what's not to love about it?

Seamless survival scarf(2) $24 sorry the picture fails to really show these. basically there a tube of stretchy scarf material that you can do about a million different things with. were on your head, or neck, these are super useful.

Creek's speed block $12. This is the handmade item for this month. a small wood block about the size of the palm of your hand. the item in the center is a frictionless bearing block. You use this with your bow drill kit. A great idea, and I am looking forward to trying it out. anything you can do to make a bow drill easier is a plus in my book. 

Luminous Fire striker $10. first off, I noticed this striker is much more solid feeling then others I have. It feels heavy and well made, like it will last a life time. Next the green handle is glow in the dark, so if you drop it or loose it in your bag it will be easy to find. the striker tool is all so very solid, fits your hands well, and comes with more features then just starting a fire. best of all it puts out a tone of sparks. 

Apocabox fire picks $4   guitar picks with the Apocabox logo. Why would you put this in a survival kit? well they make great fire tinder. there waterproof and unassuming. something you can carry on you at all times. Put a few in your wallet, you'll be glad you got them. 

And last but by no means lease, a free chapter of Creek's new book. Build the perfect bug out Survival Skills If you have not read any of Creek's books your so missing out. There by far some of the best books on survival skills

Seattle comic con

It's almost time for Seattle comic con. Can't wait. March 27th-29th. 

Sick

Oh being sick sucks so bad. The flu or what ever it is going around my area is just horrible. The fever, sweating non stop, even when your freezing cold. sore throat, glands swollen, coughing, and oh so much mucus. It just never stops. I had no idea so much snot, ear wax, and flem could come out of one person.

School

So I have been wanting to go back to school for a while. I have done a ton of technical training at work through the SCTE and a few other organizations. But I am now officially, once again, a college student. 

I am working on a one year certificate in auto cad. Once it is done I may go another year or two and get the associate degree. So at the end of the month I shall be taking three classes, math, English and a business communications, summer off then three classes each term for fall winter and spring. If I still have my sanity we will see about the associates

Game of War

So right after x-mas I found game of war. I got a tablet for x-mas and well I have been addicted to this stupid ass game thence. 

So I don't recommend this game, you will be sucked in and waste month of your life that you will never get back. If you don't listen to my warning at least cancel your credit cards, or hide them really well, to save you from wasting not only time but money on this game. It's not worth it, you will hate yourself in the morning.

FUCK

So my goal of posting monthly has all ready failed. I did good for a month or two,,,,oh well, I shall keep trying and hopefully will make this more of a habit.

Christmas

I think I am about ready for x-mas. Most of the shopping is done. The tree is up, and I think tomorrow I shall put up some lights outside, if the weather will cooperate for me. This will be the first time I have put up lights on the new house. It will be the first time I have put up lights outside in years and years. I think my son was 4 or 5 the last time I put up lights. So i am actually a little excited for x-mas this year.

Eve

So my friend talked me into trying out Eve. Really don't want to get back into online gaming, but it's a free 21 day trial. Not really into the whole space thing, so doubt I will really get hooked on it. But we will see.

My Son

My son and I went to the store the other day, and he decided his dad had been single long enough. So he decided to take action. He spots one of the prettiest women I have ever seen in real life, and starts flirting with her. Playing peak a boo and all the cute things kids can do, and we adults can't with out getting strange looks. I wasn't really paying attention to who he was putting so much energy into being cute for, I was busy trying to get the groceries in the cart and sticking to the list, and budget and all those crazy adult things. Next thing I know this lovely was right next to me talking to my son. I was speechless, as is my usual when I am around women for some strange reason. She was talking to my son telling him how cute he was. After a few minutes of this, he gets a sad look on his face, and puts his head down. She asks him whats wrong and gives him a half hug. With the saddest puppy dog look I have ever seen, he says,"I don't have a mommy" and of course she falls for this hook line and sinker. Gives him a hug and looks at us both like were lost little lambs. I am still speechless and just starting to grasp what my evil little mini me is up too. As he is getting his third of fourth hug he shoots me a evil little grin. It becomes crystal clear what he is up too. next I hear, "will you be my mommy?" Of course she is all touched by this. I am beat red, and noticing other shoppers stopping to watch this unfold. She gives him another hug and then says good bye to us. My son with out missing a beat turns to me and says, "Hey dad why are you so bright red?" Which of course brought a round of laughter to all the people who had over heard this and watched the whole thing. I push the cart towards another isle the whole time my son is giggling, and asking me why I look so embarrassed.

Creek Stewart-Build The Perfect Bug Out Bag

What a way to end a long week, but to receive my auto graphed copy of Creek Stewart's book Build the Perfect Bug out bag. Great book, and what a cool guy. Let me mail it to him signed it, mailed it back to me, and included some cool stuff along with it. Buy his books, there amazing, watch his show"fat guys in the woods" it's a great show. I can't say enough nice stuff about this guy!!

Snow

So we got 14 inches of snow. It has now turned into a giant ice rink. Gotta love working out doors this time of year. Everything freezes while your using it and your hands go numb. Hopefully it will all be gone in a few days.

CompTia Network+

Well I completed the SCTE Comp\Tia Network+ course. I still need to complete the actual test at the local college, but at least the timed scte part is done. I so do not recommend the course. I learned more from taking the test question and googling the subjects and watching YouTube video's. I highly recommend you just buy the comp\tia study guide for $50 and do it all on your own. The course was a complete waste of time and effort. I like most of the scte courses, but I got to say your wasting your money on this one. The modules need to be divided into smaller sections, and they need to go into much deeper detail on many of the subjects. You can not learn how to sub net in an 2-3 minute power point slide. Binary code takes more the an 45 second slide. There is just way to much information to take in, in a quick short power point presentation. All so the way stuff was lumped together, one module would start with one subject and randomly switch to something else that had nothing to tie them together. Again splitting the modules up would help. The study guide breaks it down to 17 modules, which seems more reasonable. So I will be spending the next few months studying the guide and many of the websites I found then will wonder over to the college  and take the real exam.

SNOW

There is snow in the forecast. Tuesday is suppose to be 13 degrees. Thursday and Friday calls for chance of snow. Son is super stocked. I am less so. driving in it and working in it really sucks. Need to get busy tomorrow and put plastic up over the windows. wrapped the a/c units today to help keep the cold out. So wish it was still summer.

HOA's

I sit here looking out my window at the vacant lot that will soon be a another cookie cutter HOA neighborhood. I can't stop thinking how un-American the whole idea of a HOA is. Not only do you give up your freedoms, but your paying someone to take them from you. What is wrong with the country now? Why would we allow this? How can it be legal? It's bad enough that these cookie cutter neighborhoods are so cheaply built and every third house is the exact same floor plan. No yard, just cram as many houses into the area as humanly possible. Another sad turn our country is taking for nothing more then some green colored paper.

Snow!!!

Well not here, but the mountains were bare the other day, over night they turned into the snow capped wonders we all know and love. Just love staring at them when there like this. So pretty!!

SCTE Comp/Tia Network+

Wow, what a brutal program. I am powering through it, but wow!!! Learning how to do Binary code. Six more modules to get through. Hope to get through two to three a day. The next few look much smaller and easier. hopefully I am correct on that.  

So I made it through all the modules on this course. it is not that bad. there are two that are brutal but the rest are not bad. I am working on the 800 page study guide and doing the practice tests now. will hopefully not have to ask for a extension.

Hi, I know your probably laughing right now, but lets please take a moment to think about things. All religions when boiled down to there most basic, key word here is basic, principals, are all the same. Things getting messed up when we add in the little things, and the deities. There a million forms of Christianity none of which can agree on everything, the same is true for all other major religions. We get lost on the little things. The church of Santa-ology is here to fix that. Forget the little things. Life is too short to argue over semantics. The basics-Be good to each other. Be good to yourself. It's better to give then to receive. Forgive and forget. Love everyone for who they are, not what you want them to be. Thank you for reading this, I hope you have a wonderful day. May Peace and candy cains be with you.

Lawn Mower

So we broke down and finally got a lawn mower. Started mowing last night stopped when it got dark. It's slow going when the grass is over knee deep. but it looks so much better. It's nice to finally have a little cash free to fix up the place. I will be mowing again today, I got about 2/3 of it done yesterday.

DIY Survival Matches

DIY Survival Matches

MyApocabox

So I just signed up for the "Myapocabox". It's a every other month delivery of survival/bush craft supplies. It also has a challenge that teaches you a skill. It seems very cool. It costs $58, which includes S&H, but they say every box contains $100 or more of stuff in it. I will get the box in mid October and will post a review of it. I have been reading up on the first box that went out in August and everyone seems pretty impressed by it. http://www.myapocabox.com/
https://www.facebook.com/apocabox

Should be receiving my box in about a week. Feels like Christmas. 

So I got my box on Friday. Came with some cool things. So lets dig in. 1st was a fire keeper, valued at $12, it is a hard plastic holder for a disposable lighter, with a lanyard. kinda cool. not worth $12 in my opinion, but any-who, moving on. 550 fire cord. very cool product value $13. 25' of para cord, that ha been made to be used as fire tinder. remove inner strands and use as tinder the outer can still be used for cordage. Then we have a Olympia granola trail bar. $2.99, and a 15% discount coupon. I know hippy food costs more, but I can honestly say I would not pay that much for this thing. It was o.k. tasting, but for the size vs. the cost, way not worse it. Then we have a patch for a bag or coat, cost 5.95. I guess that's about right price wise. I haven't shopped for patches but the few I have seen are around that price. Then we have a E.D.C handcuff key. Pretty cool item, slips on a belt loop, can barely see it is there, cost $9. Have seen these a few dollars cheaper, but all so seen them a few $'s more. Now we have the big money item. I gotta say at first I had no idea what it was then I was blown away by it. Item is called "a bug out band" price $19.95. Basically you have one of those slap bracelets that has an 1 gig USB hidden in it. Now in a survival S.H.T.F situation I would probably want to black out or scratch off the giant white letters that say bug out band, so to make it a little less obvious. After that we have a Marbles razor knife $4( I was so hoping for a real knife like the first Apocabox had, still kicking my self for missing out on that.) Knife is maybe 2 inches long folded up. doubles in size with a very long nasty looking razor in it. could be very useful in a mini-tin kit, Feels pretty sturdy for it's size. 4 more items to go, so we have a solar parabolic fire starter $14,(this is part of the monthly challenge) so I will post how the challenge goes, it is way to windy to be starting fires today, but I have always wanted one of these types of fire starters I have not worked with one, and living in the high desert it makes thence to have a fire starting option that works with the crazy amount of sun we have. I will watch Creek's video on how to use it later and maybe tomorrow give it a try. It also came with a nice little bag of tinder options to use for the challenge I will definitely keep the sack for keeping fat wood and other tinder in my kit. So next up is Zombie Tinder, $9.99. It is almost Halloween after all, small tin of 100% water proof tinder. never goes bad, can be used with wet wood, and burns at 1,600*F while still being non toxic. Really looking to trying it out this winter doing some winter camping with my son. 2 more items to go, thanks for sticking with me, a pack of playing cards, $9.95, now these are not regular cards, while they can be used to play card games, they all so have info about wild edible plants in north America. so see, learning is fun. plus it looks like the box was signed by the creature, Mr Sergei Boutenko. Last Item, Creek had one of the last textile mills in the U.S. make a bandanna that he designed. It has an American southwest feel to it. Bandanna's are super helpful in every one's kit, so you can always use one more. Price on it $5.95 Total price, $106.78

Would I recommend the Apocabox? At this time I would say yes. Are you really getting your money's worth? I don't know about that, a few of the items I think were over priced and just filler(granola bar and fire keeper), but there were some real good items that have some real merit(bug out band, solar fire starter, wild edible cards). So I feel it is a nice way to treat yourself. Who doesn't love getting a package with goodies in it? Plus your getting knowledge, your getting challenged to get off your but and put skills to work, which is something we all need to do. Your all so getting exposed to new products(zombie tinder, 550 fire cord) I will get at least one more Apocabox before I really decide if this is worth it. I can honestly buy a lot of gear for the same price, but there are so many items and new ones all the time so it is nice to get exposed to some of those items. 

A nice surprise, and a rough end

So I got a very nice surprise this week. I opened my mail to find we got a bonus check from the old company. Was able to make a extra payment on the house, pay a few bills, and go stock up at Costco. Then Saturday to end my work week, I get a kidney stone. End up going home like a half hour early and spending the night and part of Sunday in a bit of discomfort. Thankfully it was a small one and passed pretty fast. So I week of highs and lows.

View from work today

I joined this cause, because I believe everyone has the right to believe what ever they want, and there beliefs should be treated with respect and understanding. With that said, the post before mine, by Hira Qureshi, is a prime example of why we have to have causes like this. If you don't believe as I do go to hell?? We all need to take on a attitude of patience and respect for others. Don't curse them, prey for them to find there way.

Very true. The weirdness kept me away for a long time. I just recently joined Facebook, do to pressure from almost everyone I know. When my mom and dad(both retired) began heckling me for not having a Facebook page when they both did, I caved. I am still treating it like a strange science experiment, that both amazes and scares me.

Paver Patio, Day 1

We started a paver patio project a year ago. I got pretty frustrated with it because it just wasn't going right. So today I yanked it out and started all over. I think I finally got the right pitch. Had to stop when my supervisor fell asleep.

New Bag

I have been shopping for a new bag for hiking, and/or as a bug out bag. I got one from National parks depot, they were having a killer sale. got it for like $39, plus S&H. Ordered it on Saturday, had it Thursday. So far I gotta say I am really impressed by it. It has tons of molly, came with three extra small bags. My only concern is it is single stitched, but it seems really heavy duty. I was going to post a pic, but have had not been able to attach a picture to any posts thence Google took over and fucked everything up.

A great teacher is humble enough to admit they still have something to learn, and actively look to expand there knowledge.

September

So September has been going well, I guess. Been trying to get the home ready for winter. So much work. The change of management at work has gone much smoother then I expected. I always expect the worst. It's kinda weird having everyone being a FNG. My only complaint is I wish they would have timed the take over to happen at new years. That way it wouldn't have messed with the health benefits as much. But the new benefits are much better, so I can't complain to much.

Blogger

Not digging the changes to blogger by Google. Gotta say if it ain't broke why fix it? I guess I will get used to it, but I doubt it will ever be as good as it once was. 

Ok, So I guess Google and Blogger don't work with the new IE. Way to stay up with the times Google. 

So,,,What's new with you?

 So what's new, been living in central Oregon for 3.5 years now, Just had our 2 year anniversary for buying our home. My youngest will soon be a teen, so scary. I feel so old.


 Work has been good, the company got bought out by a huge publicly owned company called TDS. The sale goes through tomorrow I believe. I am really excited about it. I think it will open a lot of doors for me and my co-workers. The benefits appear to be much better, and the company seems like a good place to work for.


 This past winter my wife was able to track down my father who I hadn't seen thence I was about 4 or 5. So we have met a few times, and we are slowly building a relationship. It is hard to have someone just pop back into your life and try to make up for 34 or so years. I am glad my son is getting to know him. I am not a real talkative person and not real emotional at times so it is hard for me to go through this but I am trying. I am having a hard time with the emotions. Part of me is very angry, part of me is I don't know what. Strange sight note, his wife is about 4 month older then I am. That is a bit weird.


 I am currently working on getting my ass back into school. I have completed some SCTE courses(it's a cable thing). I recently won a scholarship from them that is paying for me to take the CompTIA networking certification. It's a ton of info to get into my head in just 12 weeks. It's a online course which makes going back and reviewing material a pain. I am going to go back to college and work on a business degree next term. The new company has a amazing program to help it's employees go to school. It will probable take years and years. I will only be taking 1-2 courses a term, but am going to go year round. So hopefully one day I will have a degree and make something of my self.

One of these days,,,,,,

So I keep trying to be more active on this thing, but continue to find my self getting pulled in a million directions. The house I bought is always needing work, work of course is always pulling me. Family, kids are teens now,,,so scary. I will try to post at least once a month, that is my goal. Hopefully I can do more, but once a month is my goal.

Life in a nut shell

So what's new with me,,,,, let's see, re-married, not sure if that was my best decision. Moved to central Oregon about two years ago. It's been pretty fantastic, love my job here. Bought my first house. Scary but a good move. I will never go through the house buying process again. It is such a misserable experience. I have no idea why we agree to go through the hoops they make us. We are such lemmings. About a year and a half ago I was put on high blood pressure meds, and was faced with the fact that I am not as young as I think I am. I started going to the gym with a friend of mine, and totally changed my diet, a month or two later I was off the meds. Lost a lot of weight, put on some muscle. So all and all a good thing came out of a bad thing. Got a puppy about a year ago. She is a boxer, her name is Mia. She's fawn, with a black mask. Super sweet, I don't think she knows she is a dog.

O.K. so it's been a while,,,

So let me be the first to point out that posting once every few years is really not acceptable. I shall try to do better, but let's be honest my track record doesn't bode well.

I'm Back

Wow, with life being so busy I forgot all about this blog. I shall try to not let that happen again.

A hidden world, growing beyond control

The top-secret world the government created in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has become so large, so unwieldy and so secretive that no one knows how much money it costs, how many people it employs, how many programs exist within it or exactly how many agencies do the same work.


These are some of the findings of a two-year investigation by The Washington Post that discovered what amounts to an alternative geography of the United States, a Top Secret America hidden from public view and lacking in thorough oversight. After nine years of unprecedented spending and growth, the result is that the system put in place to keep the United States safe is so massive that its effectiveness is impossible to determine.


The investigation's other findings include:
* Some 1,271 government organizations and 1,931 private companies work on programs related to counterterrorism, homeland security and intelligence in about 10,000 locations across the United States.
* An estimated 854,000 people, nearly 1.5 times as many people as live in Washington, D.C., hold top-secret security clearances.
* In Washington and the surrounding area, 33 building complexes for top-secret intelligence work are under construction or have been built since September 2001. Together they occupy the equivalent of almost three Pentagons or 22 U.S. Capitol buildings - about 17 million square feet of space.

so-called "World War II"

-This is a very funny post-

As I mentioned in my last entry, I've been watching Babylon 5 lately. It's not a perfect show, but it has one big advantage: it's consistent and believable.



Contrast this with Doctor Who. Doctor Who is fun to watch, but if you think about it for more than two seconds you notice it's full of plot holes and contradictions. Things that cause time travel paradoxes that threaten to destroy the universe one episode go without a hitch the next. And the TARDIS, the sonic screwdriver, and the Doctor's biology gain completely different powers no one's ever alluded to depending on the situation. The aliens are hysterically unlikely, often without motives or believable science, the characters will do any old insane thing when it makes the plot slightly more interesting, and everything has either a self-destruct button or an easily findable secret weakness that it takes no efforts to defend against.


But I guess I'm not complaining. If the show was believable, the Doctor would have gotten killed the first time he decided to take on a massive superadvanced alien invasion force by walking right up to them openly with no weapons and no plan. And then they would have had to cancel the show, and then I would lose my chance to look at the pretty actress who plays Amy Pond.


So Doctor Who is not a complete loss. But then there are some shows that go completely beyond the pale of enjoyability, until they become nothing more than overwritten collections of tropes impossible to watch without groaning.


I think the worst offender here is the History Channel and all their programs on the so-called "World War II".

Let's start with the bad guys. Battalions of stormtroopers dressed in all black, check. Secret police, check. Determination to brutally kill everyone who doesn't look like them, check. Leader with a tiny villain mustache and a tendency to go into apopleptic rage when he doesn't get his way, check. All this from a country that was ordinary, believable, and dare I say it sometimes even sympathetic in previous seasons.

A great blog I just found