Sunday, December 6, 2015

What I Believe ……

I believe in a lot of things, many things that have shaped the person that I am today. Some of these beliefs are listed below …..

I believe if you work hard, you will be rewarded for it …. Eventually.

I believe that if you are running late you will not only hit every single light but will also likely need to stop for gas.

I believe that good friends are hard to come by, and great friends are even harder to come by so hold on to them as hard as you can.

I believe that I’m going to regret not learning to crochet from my mom, tho I don’t believe that enough to change it, sadly.


I believe the more urgent the need to print the more horribly the printer will either jam or not work at all.

I believe the people who put so much effort on religion need to open their book a little more and realize that it’s just a book. It’s a great guide to life but it’s not the only guide you should follow. Especially if you are only picking parts of it to follow.

I believe this election cycle is going to kill me, I also believe that we have let Trump last too long. If anyone else were saying what he is saying they’d have been done by now.

I believe that Hillary should take a Trump speech verbatim and say it on the stump and watch the world implode around her. Then at the press conference about it just play the trump speech and stand there starring at the press like “come at me now!”

I believe technology is fantastic but is also killing us slowly from the inside out don’t believe me next time you are at a Restaurant leave the phone in your pocket and look around. You’ll be one of the few without that box in your hands, including small children.

I believe my family is the most important thing to me on earth, yet sometimes I also wish they’d leave me alone sometimes. Then again that’s why they are family.

I believe that I should spend more time with my friends, however I also like alone time and alone time often wins. I believe one day I’ll regret that.


I believe that Golden's body is one day going to push her to her breaking point and that's going to be a long drive to hold her hand and talk her through it. It may even require a plane ticket. 

I believe in the Great Pumpkin and until Linus is proven wrong I’ll continue to do so.

I believe in Santa, cause frankly a fat man who brings me gifts is not something I want to risk by not believing in it.

I believe everyone has a talent, it just takes some of us longer to find how to harness it.

I believe everyone should give blood, as often as they can, and if they can’t give blood for whatever reason they should at least support financially the Red Cross


I believe that Golden is the strongest most wonderful person I know. She deals with more in an hour than most people deal with in a lifetime. She's my hero. 

I believe in Auburn and love it, it’s kind of a rule when you get accepted to Auburn but I’ve felt that way all my life, always will.
 
I believe these are my beliefs and in no way reflect the beliefs of this blog, Golden or anyone else, tho it wouldn't surprise me that we didn't share some of these beliefs cause well she's awesome and my beliefs are as well. :D 

I believe my nephews are two of the smartest young men in this world. I believe I had very little to do with their education, but I will take credit for it as my awesomeness had to rub off on them at least a little bit.

I believe that I wrote this when still half asleep and if you had read that post you really would have been moved to act or care, however I farted around (had dinner, took out the trash, played some games) and forgot the majority of what I mentally wrote in my head. I believe that happens to me far too often and it makes me sad.

There are many more beliefs that I have but the thing that amazes me about the last week or so is that I’ve NEVER believed in something enough to die for it. I can’t even fathom what that has to feel like. Don’t get me wrong I’m not condoning anything that’s happened, it makes me sick to my stomach and scares me like you’ll never understand but it does fascinate me more than I’d like to admit. What in the world do they tell these guys to convince them this is how their life should play out ? How lost do those people have to be that this sounds like a viable option ? Why isn’t that something we are trying to fight in this “fight against terror?” I think that’s the hearts and minds we need to “win” or at least understand better if this fight is going to be won.

The events of the last month or so are textbook examples of why I don’t like large crowds, of why I have to sit where I can see the door when out in public and why most people see me out in public and think I’m having a horrible time, even when I’m not.

I used to LOVE crowded football games or going to a mall filled with people during the holidays all laughing and enjoying themselves. Then people happen. Someone upset with the Government decides to blow up a random building in Oklahoma, someone on a mission decides to shoot up a movie theaters, schools, malls, it just felt as if the places that were supposed to be safe were becoming fewer and I didn’t know how to handle it. Sometimes I still don’t. It’s not unusual for me to get home from work on a Friday and not move my car until Monday when it’s time to go back to work.

I wasn’t always like this. I wasn’t always skittish or afraid especially in large crowds. I tend to sit back and observe what’s going on around me, not really looking for trouble so much as if trouble does happen I’ve already come up with about 45 different plans on how I can get out or how I can flip the table and use it as a shield. I’m fully aware that if shit really did go down half of those plans would likely go out of the window. I’d either be the person who freaked out and died that way cause I couldn’t think fast enough to survive or I’d be the person who died cause I was over thinking and not moving fast enough, or the person who would fight until there was no breathe left to fight with, especially if I thought there were other people around me counting on me to get us out.

Things are changing in this world and it’s not all good but I do BELIEVE that as long as we get up, we go out, pay attention to what’s going on around us, and we keep moving things will be ok. So as we move towards the holiday season I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and wonderful holiday with friends, family, and loved ones.

-Marcy

@beaslma

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

2015 Christmas TV Specials Calendar

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!! Happy Freaking Holidays!!!!

As I've said before my favorite thing about the holidays is sitting down to watch a good ole fashioned Christmas TV/Movie special usually with a bowl of popcorn and my mom sitting nearby. I like to make a Christmas TV/Movie Specials calendar so I don't miss a single moment of my favorites both those that I've watched a million times and those that are new favorites.

As you all know Hallmark, and ABC Family have been showing Holiday Specials since no joke JULY. That’s right people July, I mean how insane is that? I just couldn’t buy into the program tho until now. I'm ready to throw on some flannel jammies, pop some popcorn and cry my eyes out. Every year my beloved animated specials are being shown fewer times and early (The Grinch was on this past Sunday ... wait ... what?!) Thank goodness for ABC Family who is keeping the stop motion animation alive and well, they are showing some of the goodness throughout the day... every day ... literally.  

As I said ... Hallmark, Lifetime, and ABC Family have been vomiting Christmas specials since everyone was still popping fireworks so those channels didn’t get as much love as they usually do. If something had to be cut for room on that particular day those channels got cut first. If say ABC family was showing 3 great shows in a row I only listed one and figured while watching it you’d be alerted to the others, unless it was a show I wanted to see cause that’s right it’s all about me you are just invited in the car.

That said if I don’t have the channel I didn’t include it … again cause it’s about me. There are some great specials on the Hallmark Mysteries and Movie (or something like that) Channel or the Inspiration channel, and other specialty channels like that so check those out if you are lucky enough to have those channels. I don't so those channels can suck it!
This calendar comes with rules ... not quite as ridged as a Mogwai but still rules that need to be mentioned. 

First . . .  a few guidelines:
  • NO messages about taking Christ out of Christmas, it’s just a really long word and using X-Mas allows for more shows on the already full calendar.
    • Thanks for your understanding.
    • For those that don’t understand feel free to move on and forget that this calendar exists. 
  • I live in the central time zone, the times on this calendar reflect that, adjust accordingly.
    • That said unless otherwise stated the times are PM
  • This calendar does not focus on established show “Christmas special episodes” so watch out for those … I did however add a great episode of Psych cause my best friend loves it and she asked nicely.
  • This calendar contains shows I want to see, so a mixture of adult themed shows/movies and kid themed shows/movies are represented. Some are classics and some are new, so PLEASE be mindful of what is on before you sit the kids down with popcorn to watch.
    • Don’t call me cause your little one watched some holiday movie on Lifetime or and now has “questions”. . . . that’s your mess not mine.
      • Please NOTE: The Disney version of a Christmas Carol (AKA the computer animated Jim Carrey version) is a little dark and can be scary (much like the original story btw), you might want to check it out before you and little man/lady plop down with popcorn and a blanket to “watch a classic.”
  • Keep an eye out for additional shows/movies that pop up throughout the month as networks change their lineups.
  • Feel free to add your own specials and traditions to the calendar that’s what it is there for.
  • For you stay at home mom’s they run specials all day long and for the most part my calendar focuses on the after work hour times since that is when I can watch.
      • That’s right it’s all about me!

A few programs of note:
  • 50th Anniversary Special about A Charlie Brown Christmas – ABC Nov. 30th -  a special talking about the greatest Christmas special ever created followd by the actual show. A must viewing if you have little people in your life, even if they aren’t in the room. Repeats on Dec. 24th
  • I can only find A Christmas Story during the TBS Christmas Day Marathon so make sure you work it into your Christmas celebrations. Last year it was on several times ... this year it's sparse .. I hope the channels just haven't finalized their line ups yet.
      • Bless you Ted Turner, you crazy old man, may this tradition live forever!!
  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, one of the best movies ever, comes on several times this year. If you don’t know the joy of Chevy Chase finally getting the lights to finally work…well I feel sorry for you and your family and the people that know you because you are missing the joy in your life. Correct that this year please!
  • IT’s A Wonderful Life – Dec. 5th on NBC Repeats on Dec. 24th
  • The “boys” in my life informed me that DIEHARD should have been on the calendar …. boys are silly … however and I couldn’t find it showing anywhere so yeah there’s that. 
A few programs of note that are not “Christmas” related but interesting enough to make the calendar include:
    • To Kill A Mockingbird – NBC – Nov. 28th – a must viewing at least in our house.
    • The Wiz – NBC Dec. 3rd – with the ever ahmazing Queen Latifah
    • CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute – Dec. 6th – it’s nice seeing that in a world full of insanity there are some people out there trying to do good and are being recognized for it. NOTE: I don’t understand why they have already announced the winner, if you don’t want to know stay away from CNN.com. Either way it’s a really inspirational night so check it out.
    • Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – Dec. 8th on CBS – a dear friend of mine loves this and insists that it go on the calendar every year, she’s the boss.
Anyway, the intention of this calendar, much like the Halloween one is to get your family to pause and spend some time together making memories. In this season where we spend so much time rushing around we forget to enjoy the down time and enjoy the family time. Great specials come and go and if we don’t watch they will go forever.

Today’s “classic Christmas special” may be next year’s no show on the calendar. That’s the other reason for this calendar, if we stop watching they will stop showing. So just because you have The Grinch (which is not on this calendar nearly enough (NOTE: I can’t tell if it’s animated or the movie anymore and I’m NOT ok with that!) on your shelf or the Charlie Brown Christmas (which comes on twice this year), take the time to watch it with your family as it airs so that it will air for years to come.  I can name a ton of specials that no longer come on cause we stopped watching ... Garfield, the Chipmunks, the Smurfs, the Flintstones, The Nutcracker, Casper, the Gift of the Magi, etc.,

So here's the 2015 calendar, you should be able to save it and zoom in and out without losing too much readability. You are best printing it 11X17 if possible.
 
So sit back, laugh, smile, and cry (some of these are sad, I mean who doesn’t cry when George Bailey is standing next to the tree with Mary and his friends are coming in to save the Bailey Savings and Loan, oh no did I give the end away ?!) and have a good Drunksgiving, a full Thanksgiving, and a safe BlackFriday, so that you can enjoy this fun and have a wonderful Christmas!

Marcy (@beaslma)


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Hey, what's up, hello!

Argggghhhhh!

You ever have that feeling that your life is just a real game of wack-a-mole? I know I've been MIA for quite some time now. It's been hard to write. And I'm sorry that my first time back is a bitch and moan post. I've been fighting for my right to live, these past few months. Ok so it's not really that dramatic. I have been going months of being undermedicated because my insurance company has been refusing to cover the meds that my rheumatologist wants me to have.

Check this routine that I've been on since June. The doctor that has known me for over 11 years writes a script. The script goes to my insurance company. (Now at this time let it be known I have a very well known, nationally recognized insurance provider. It's not something fly by the seat of your pants, late night commercial scam company.) The insurance company denies me coverage on the script. They prefer me to try a cheaper med, that I've tried in the past (I had a horrible reaction to it. It wrecked my body.) But it was awhile ago and insurance feels I may not have the same reaction to it. My doctor petitions the insurance company to accept the script. We wait. And...they refuse.*whack-a-mole* So my doctor researches and tries another script. It goes to the insurance company. They deny the script. Doctor petitions the insurance company. We wait...they refuse. *whack-a-mole* So my doctor researches and tries another script. It goes to the insurance company. They deny the script. Doctor petitions the insurance company. We wait...they refuse.

 
You see the pattern here?

For four months. Four months without meds in my system to help stabilize a progressive illness. (If I'm being honest I have to put some blame about this on my doctors head too. She knows me and my body well enough to know not to do this)

You know what the insurance company doesn't have a problem approving and covering? Pain meds. Pain meds that I wouldn't need if they would cover the meds to help me not develop pain. That's fucking shameful in and of itself. But finally on the fifth try my insurance company approved a medication! *wack-a-mole* So I call the pharmacy to get everything set up and I'm informed that my insurance company has approved this medication at 100% repay. Meaning I pay for everything upfront and the company will pay me back 4-6wks later at 100%. So. How much is a one month supply of this medication? $3,988.00. Because who the fuck doesn't have $4,000 just laying around each month? *slowly raises hand*

So what now? that's right .... *Whack-a-mole*.

I contacted the drug manufacturers and applied for their underinsured program. But because I have insurance from a popular company I'm not a priority. All this time still no meds in my system other than the pain meds that they are willing to cover each month. I did eventually get approved and am now on this medication. I'm having slight reactions against it but I fought too damn hard to get it so we are just monitoring everything.
*whack-a-mole*

It's starting to build up in my system and that's a good thing. But the damage of not being properly medicated for months prior has taken it's toll. I've weakened myself to the point of last week managing to mess up my vertebrae pretty severely. *wack the next f-ing mole*

My doctors have been trying to get me to go on disability since I was 25 and I keep pushing myself to work. For a few reasons. I've worked because I enjoy working, being useful. But also to have good insurance to help cover the things I need for my illness (yeah fucked up huh?). But mostly because this...As long as I keep struggling, I'll be ok. But the moment I stop, I'll sink. But I guess at that point I'll have no more moles to whack.

 
So hopefully going forward I will have more energy and strength to be more involved with the blog. But I promise just because you may not be getting regular posts from me doesn't mean I'm not thinking about you guys and gals. And it definitely doesn't mean that I may not pop back up when you least expect me. I'm kinda like the blog version of the Spanish Inquisition.




--Golden @theonlygolden

 

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween … here’s free Music!!!!!



First off ….. I hope you and your family had a fantastic Halloween filled with fun, laughter, costumes, candy and tricks or treats depending on how you swing. I’ve seen some really awesome costume pictures posted, and not quite as many pumpkins posted but I can’t say much cause for the first time in years I haven’t carved a pumpkin this year either. To say the last week of my life was insane is a HUGE understatement. 10-14 hour work days were not fun at all.


Second off …. FREE MUSIC!!!! Loyal readers know I LOVE music and if it’s free then it’s even better. A few years ago a friend of mine came into town for Bayfest (RIP Bayfest) and before Eric Church hit the stage The Springs hit the stage. I LOVED it. They were a fun group to watch live and I immediately came home and bought their EP off Itunes. I’ve been watching them from a far ever sense. By far the best song from that album was Stand for those who can’t … and Summer all year long. :D

This group has gone through some changes but at it’s core is their need to get their music out there for the fans, with 7 free songs available on their website, some of which were on their EP. In 2014 they released a 12 track “CD” released on Itunes. Worth every penny. They are growing with every track they create, and every song they cover on YouTube. Seriously check out their version of

Tim McGraw’s Meanwhile Back at Mama’s and you’ll fall in love with this group https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-sGU26A5L0

Another good one is their cover of the Florida Georgia Line song “Dirt”.      https://youtu.be/0pNMW7IGNNI   

(I really wish these were one the 7 or even on the CD but oh well that’s why I have you tube right?! :D


They’ve done it again. So who are the Springs Band? They are a country group, now a duo, consisting of Stewart Halcomb and Holly Helms, I mean my bad Stewart and Holly Halcomb (they recently got married) who are both Alabama natives. Stewart was born on Halloween (10/31) and as a gift to the fans they released not only 7 new songs but a brand new website. Check it out here ..


They are asking for feedback on their new songs so I thought BLOG POST (I’m a multitasker after all) !!! :D so here goes … Like with my review of Start Here by Maddie and Tae I’m posting my initial reaction to each song as I listened to it for the first time, then I refine my “critique” as I listen a few more times. It’s my belief that when you listen to music for the first time you hear the words but not the melody, or vice versa. Then after a few listens you start taking in the entire track. :D

I love that so many of these tracks are original to this band, after so many covers it’s nice to hear their voice come out on these tracks! :D

As Long As I’m With You
I really like this song I do … I like the melody, the harmony they create and I like the idea behind this song, I do NOT however like they “hey” in the middle of the lyrics of the chorus, I guess at a live  show it’s a good place to introduce audience participation, but it just takes away from what they are trying to do with the song.

Everybody Runs
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!! Any song that paints a picture into my head from the first lyric makes me happy. I like how it showcases the range of Holly without blowing out my ear drums to do it. Upon my second or third listen I was already singing along with this one. I could TOTALLY see this as a Highway Find, I hope someone at the Highway hears it and makes that happen. I’ve done my part by tweeting the Highway (I assume that’s how a Highway Find is … well found …) I wish they had a spot on their site where you could really recommend Highway Finds.

Hey Time
This is another that I’ve heard before, they posted it on youtube (if you have exclusive access … which I do) and both versions are perfect. I love the melody of this song, it reminded me of Amen written by Bryan White, performed by Love and Theft and as I’ve said before any songs that makes me think of Bryan White is a winner in my book. This one showcases the talents of Holly and was written by Holly and Stewart with their friend Daisy Mallory.

I Just Might
Not gonna lie I’ve heard this one before. They posted it somewhere (Facebook maybe?) and I loved it. I like having a more “professional” version of it cause it showcases Stewart so well.

I Just Wanna Know
This song perfectly showcases the harmony that happens when Stewart and Holly sing together. That makes me happy. Can we talk about how the fast tongue twisterness of this track just really works with this song. (that’s right I said Twisterness). Gotta love a good harmony. When this track starts immediately think of Garth Brook’s song but I can’t put my finger on which track. Something about the guitar riff makes me thing of the Garth Brooks song. I wish I could remember which one it was cause it is distracting me from this song.

One Thing
This is a really great “beat bullying” song but with a new twist. I’d tell you most but you need to hear it. It’s more about celebrating what makes you different than about what the “bully did” at least to me.

Good Night
This one starts off very aggressive … it also feels me with anxiety cause it’s basically a list of everything that can go wrong in a day … however what I love about is the message that anyone can make any day better for someone else. The right word at the right time, a hug, a smile it all makes a difference. Giving someone a smile in a store, telling a coworker good job on a project they are working on, anything could literally make their day better and this song is a good reminder of that. Thank you Holly and Stewart for this track … it made me smile and that is always a good thing.

Final thoughts …. I love how this group complements one another perfectly and yet also know their strengths and how to showcase each other at the right time on a single track. I love the way they blend together. Each track they release they grow as a team, they are better as artist because of it. I can’t wait to hear what they do next.

So there you have it. Those are my thoughts on their new music but what I LOVE about music is that you might feel entirely different about these songs. So check out their new website, get their music, and then tell them what you think about their music and wish Stewart a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! (they are super active on social media) . . .

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesprings/
Instagram:  https://instagram.com/thesprings/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thespringsband
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thespringsband
ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-springs/id890654834

Happy Halloween!!!!! I hope you got more than Rocks, unlike the kids here who were stuck at home due to the weather :( boooooo Mother Nature!!!!!


Marcy (@beaslma)

Monday, October 26, 2015

Have you enjoyed October ?

I know .... I know .... we suck. It's been a while since we posted but it's October, my favorite time of the year, and my waking minutes not spent working have been spent watching some horror movie awesomeness.

Some of my favorites have included the Halloween series, but not the 3rd one or the 1st one that Rob Zombie did, tho I admit the 2nd Rob Zombie Halloween IS one of my favorites. He totally tanked the first one, he even admits that so I’m not scared he’s going to come after me about that, but he redeemed himself, in my opinion, with the 2nd one. If you haven’t seen it you totally should.

It’s been fun watching old classics again like The Shining, the Curse of Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Little Shop of Horrors, Poltergeist, and the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which isn’t really a classic but a darn good movie.

It’s been fun watching old favorites too like the Addams Family, Casper, Hocus Pocus, anything by Tim Burton, Toy Story of Terror, and of course It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. It’s not Halloween without watching it at least once, but if you can swing watching it more than once you will be happier because of it.

I do however admit I've slept through more of these movies than I'd like to admit. I remember as a child being terrified by some of these movies, staying up late at night cause I couldn't sleep with the image of Michael Myers burned into my head. Yet as of late I lay down to watch one of these shows/movies and I’m really into it and then boom I’m waking up and the movie is over... it’s annoying really. The question is am I falling asleep cause they are boring now or am I falling asleep after a long day and it’s totally justified. Either way I don't like it!

For the record it’s not just movies, I’ve fallen asleep or struggled to stay awake for hour long dramas, or crappy “terror” related shows like Scream Queens on Fox, or American Horror Story Hotel on FX. I just can’t with either of those shows. I gave up on Scream Queens about 3 episodes in. It wasn’t entertaining, it wasn’t cleaver, it wasn’t something I wanted to be a part of, and when it first started I totally wanted to be a part of it. I wanted it to be good. I’m about an episode away from giving up on AHS too because it’s just … well gross. It’s not scary, it’s not even something that makes me jump, I spend most of the episode thinking well that’s not how something like that would happen or thinking about how many diseases must be spread in that hotel on a daily basis.

It's not even sexy, which is sadly what I think they are going for, it’s just … gross. I will however say that Lady Gaga has impressed the heck out of me. I am not a fan of her music, but it’s cause I don’t like repetitive music and her songs seem to be 6-8 lyrics repeated over and over and again to a technoish beat. I just can’t with that kind of music, it makes my brain feel it will seep out of my ear, and frankly I like my brain where it is at the moment, so I'll pass. I admit it .... My name is Marcy and I'll never be a club kid. However I admit that LG has embodied the character she has been given and you have to give her credit for that.

I hope you have all enjoyed your October found some new moves/shows to enjoy and took some time to enjoy the good weather with your family if not there’s still time. Go carve a pumpkin, go on a walk, watch some good TV and relax, that’s what this time of the year is all about.

PS we are going to get back to posting more frequent, we may even attempt the 27 days of thankfulness again, tho I make no promises. I do wish we could get some chatter going on this blog, otherwise it becomes more of a diary that isn’t really about me and that seems to be stilly. So join us …. Let us know you are out there.

-Marcy

Saturday, October 3, 2015

TIME FOR HALOWEEN WARS !!!!


My all time favorite thing on Earth is back…. That’s right people it’s time for Halloween Wars on Food Network!! This is such a uniqe and fun take on a “Halloween” special that I look forward to it every year. I LIVE for new episodes every Sunday. As I type this up I’m watching a replay of last years Halloween Wars cause I missed it that much. Incase you haven’t heard of this amazing wonderful thing Halloween Wars consists of a Pumpkin Carver, Candy Craftsman and a Master Cake Artist (AKA rice Cereal Treat Artist) who team together to create a cohesive show piece that wows the judges and keeps them in the game. It’s a 4 part series and this will be the 5th season of the show. I truly hope it NEVER ends. Each episode, each year is so different because the competitors are different, even when contestants come back for a 2nd time they have a different team which changes everything. Did I mention the winning team gets $50,000?


The 2015 Teams:
Maroon–Spell Binders (Kristen Lovulla, Joseph Yakovetic and Charity George)
Orange– Scream Team (Robert Teddy, Adam Bierton and Darci Rochau)
Purple – Morbid Morticians (Renay Zamora, Rebecca Wortman and Doug Goodreau)
Green– Gore Mayhem (Heidi Trelstad, Rocio Varela and Dean Murray)
Yellow– 2 Ghouls and a Guy (Diane Fehder, Jeff Munchel and Bridget McCarty)

Learn more about the teams here…


The setup of an episode:
Each episode has 2 rounds…. Round 1 is the Small scare challenge (45 minutes) in which the winner gets an advantage going into round 2 known as the Spine Chiller challenge (5 hours) which includes a tasting element for the judges and could be the difference in staying or going home. Each round has a specific theme that the teams have to focus their displays on. At the end of each episode a team is sent home.

L-R Brian Kimney, Shinmin Li, and your new host Rossi Morreale
Judges:
The series is judged by 2 main judges who remain through all the competitions and a guest judge who is a fresh pair of eyes every week. The main judges, who return for another season, include Shinmin Li, a pastry chef, and Brian Kinney a make-up artist known for the movie Dark Skies. 

Guest judges for this season include: Episode 1: Robin Atkin Downes (The Strain). Episode 2: Benjamin Papac (Walking Dead). Episode 3: Bex Taylor-Klaus (MTV’s Scream). Episode 4: Elvira (if you don’t know Google or Bing her & you'll fall in love with her).

NEW HOST!!!!

I’m sad to report that my buddy Justin Willman will NOT be the host for this year’s War as he has gone back to his day job. He’s a comedian/magician if you didn’t know. Check him out cause he’s awesome but that’s a post for another day.  

However, I digress….. as I said the new host is Rossi Morreale a former college football player at the University of Arkansas and is now an actor/producer/TV host. He appeared on the 2nd season of “Temptation Island” and was the host of Junkyard Wars on TLC. He’s was listed in People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" edition. He’s also hosted shows on G4, TBS, Extra, and On Air with Ryan Seacrest. I look forward to getting to know him better as this series progresses.

Follow Rossi on twitter @rossimorreale and welcome him to the War :D

Weekly Themes for the Spine Chiller Round include:
Week 1 – Infestation
Week 2 – Hybrid Horror
Week 3 – Grave Robber
Week 4 – Undead Dinner Party

Each team has a “leader” but all 4 have to come together to make it from week to week. There is a ton of chatter on Twitter each week so join the conversation by Tweeting #HalloweenWars and also hit @FoodNetwork so they will continue this event next year and for years to come.

It’s fascinating seeing these guys take these highly different mediums and get them to all work together to create a fantastic show piece. I love how each showpiece is so different even though they all have the same theme. The creativity of it is just awesome! Sometimes there are EPIC wins and other times epic fails but watching the steps it took to get there is great getting to see their creativity come to life and how working as a team affects the end result. One wrong move from one of them could ruin them all and send the team home.

This awesome show is on every Sunday with a new episode 9/8c. It’s only 4 weeks so jump on the bandwagon now and hopefully we’ll be back next year and for many years to come.

-Marcy (@beaslma)

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Annual Halloween TV calendar

That’s right people it’s time for the annual Halloween TV calendar!!! Where has the year gone I mean seriously didn’t we just do this?! 
 
As always …. a few guidelines:
  • I live in the central time zone, the times on this calendar reflect that, adjust accordingly.
  • Unless otherwise stated the times are PM
    • Also the times may vary (my Tivo could be wrong, the website could be wrong) don’t call cause you missed Casper and now little Timmy is sad. Be an adult and check it before Timmy gets involved. Better yet tell Timmy we all have to grow up sometimes! K-thanks
  • This calendar reflects the channels I get, I didn’t include HBO, Encore, Suspense, Sundance, Stars, Showtime etc., as those are NOT channels I get. That’s right people it’s all about me not you I’m just sharing the wealth! You are welcome!
  • This calendar contains shows I want to see, so it includes a mixture of adult themed shows/movies and kid themed shows/movies. Some are classics and some are new, so PLEASE be mindful of what is on before you sit the kids down with popcorn to watch Michael Myers in Halloween.
    • Don’t call me cause Timmy watched Halloween and can’t sleep because that shadow looks like a guy holding a knife … that’s your mess not mine. Seriously don’t call, or that shadow won’t just be a shadow anymore.
  • NOTE: there are several channels like ABC Family & SYFY who show round the clock shows this time of year. Due to space limitations I have picked the ones I want to see, and figure if you are watching those you will learn about Casper coming on next so again check listings in and around shows as there’s far more on than what made the calendar this year.
I am sad to report that there are several classics that haven’t made the calendar, but not because they aren’t loved. From Halloween to Beetlejuice, to Gremlins, to It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown etc., their showtimes aren’t posted yet. I’m sure they are showing it, I mean why wouldn’t they? It would be stupid not to show them. The sites are more concerned about their fall lineups at the moment than my Halloween calendar which frankly is just rude! Heck even AMC was like hey we have the Walking Dead, and Fear the Walking Dead, and Talking About the Walking Dead, (I mean really take an idea and run it into the ground why don’t you) what more do you need and the internet was all we need FEAR FEST! So the AMC Gods replied, ok fine it’s happening but we can’t release the line up yet so hold tight guys until Oct. 19th in the meantime have you seen the Walking Dead?! … Sigh … All of this is to say PLEASE watch out additional programing to pop up throughout the month, as some of them are just too much fun to miss.
 
A few programs of note:
  • Halloween Wars is back on Food Network starting Oct. 4th this is a 4 part completion series where teams of pumpkin carvers, cake decorators, and candy makers try to prove they are the best. Each episode has a different theme. My boy Justin Willman will not be the host this time around and I’m trying really hard to not be angry at him about it. Check it out every Sunday night! It’s awesome, even without Justin! :D
  • Fox is showing the Simpson’s Treehouse of Horrors on Sunday Oct. 25th. Rumor has it Bart is going to have a very interesting episode. *cough* Sideshow Bob *cough* so check that out then turn over to Food Network for Halloween Wars, seriously I live for Halloween Wars!  
  • AMC is once again doing their FEAR FEST starting on Oct. 19th through Oct. 31st. Again the lineup hasn’t been set yet, but last year they showed Halloween, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Misery, and had Steven King and Child Play movie marathons.  It’s good fun!
  • SYFY is also celebrating 31 days of Halloween starting Oct. 1st showing great “cult” horror movies and science fiction awesomeness which includes original movies and classics. It also includes original programming like Scare Factor and Ghost Hunters, but that’s not what this calendar is for.
  • ABC Family is once again celebrating the 13 Nights of Halloween starting October 19th lots of fun animation and family friendly movies and Halloween themed shows. ABC is showing Casper, Hocus Pocus, Toy Story of Terror, Adams Family, and so many others! Fun for the whole family !
  • The Disney Channel  is having Monstober from Oct. 2nd through the 31st showing movies and Halloween themed shows as well. Another spot for family friendly fun!
  • The Travel Channel has some fun programs that highlight decorating and celebrating the holiday across the country with shows like Halloween Crazy (Halloween Crazier) and my favorites America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions and Making Monsters.
This calendar does not focus on regular show “Halloween theme episodes” so no a Halloween themed Reba, or Roseanne won’t appear on this calendar. It’s more for movies and TV specials tho I admit Roseanne should be required viewing for TV writiers tasked with writing a Halloween Themed episode. If you are home and one comes on definitely stop and watch it.
 
If you are interested a partial list of these kind of shows (being added to daily) can be found here ….
 
The intention of this calendar, much like the Christmas one is to get your family to pause and spend some time together making memories. Maybe carve a pumpkin while watching, or create some fantastic Halloween Treats from your various Social Media sites and RELAX with your family. I loved watching the Garfield Halloween special as a kid, and am sad that it no longer comes on. That’s the other reason for this calendar, if we stop watching they will stop showing. So just because you have the Great Pumpkin on a shelf, take the time to watch it with your family when it FINALLY airs on ABC.
 
So sit back, scare yourself, and have a GREAT Halloween! It’s fall people enjoy it!
 
 
Marcy
 
 
 

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Dragon Con Coma


Sorry for lack of tweets for this year’s DragonCon there just honestly hasn’t been time, well ok there might have been time but that time was spent sleeping. Like for real I’ve been sleeping most of the afternoon/evening. I’d feel bad about that but my body loved every second of it.


While I have chosen to forgo Cosplay this year, it always amazes me the amount of Cosplay around me, some expected like movie characters (Captain America, Ironman, Spiderman, The Joker, Batman, any and every single character’s from Star Wars, well you get the picture ….), then some refreshing characters that I didn’t expect like Roger and Jessica Rabbit, or Quailman from the TV show Doug, whom I’m sad to report I didn’t get a picture of, from Nickelodeon. . Speaking of Nickelodeon I also saw some contestants from Legends of the Hidden Temple and another group as the contestants from Guts. 90’s Nick for the Win! :D


However it was the truly unexpected that amazed me, like SheRa and Rainbow Brite with a full size Sprite. I really wanted to get a hug from Baymax but he was covered up by everyone so i just watched from afar. I also  didn’t expect to see so many from the Back To the Future franchise. Not because it’s not a great movie trilogy but because I just didn’t expect it to get so much love. Then there was the group of Amish guys whom I still haven’t figured out. I also loved seeing so many Agent Carter characters because I love that the series is getting that much love.


Once again the creativity of the Con has overwhelmed me. The effort and creativity around me fascinates me and until I’m in it I forget that there are really no rules whatever and whomever you want to be is what you should do, unless you can’t decide that’s when the struggle gets real, or you just go with a  costume for all seasons like this young man who may be the smartest of us all.


Tomorrow will be a full day of fun and more costume watching so I’m going back to sleep …. Night night.

-marcy