Little Rascal Movie

 

    It has been about 30 years since the "Little Rascals Movie" came out. What Do I think about this movie in particular? What has changed about this movie? Is it the acting, the story the overuse of celebrities? Well, I don't know what it is, but thirty years have passed, and I still enjoy this movie.

   Little Rascals were based on a tv show from the thirties that had characters like Alfalfa, Spanky, Porky, Froggy, Darla and many more. They would get into all sorts of mischief and well.... sometimes they would end up saving the day or something like that. I don't remember. These shows were out when my grandma was a high schooler. 

    Most of the cast members are pretty much dead, some even murdered. But for some reason, sixty years later, it inspiered a movie to come out of it.

Travis Tedford "Spanky"- Spanky was the leader of the club he and the rascals were in. In the movie, their goal was to win to go cart derby so they can rebuild a clubhouse after a fire. Now.... Travis Tedford is in his mid-thirties and stayed out of the acting light. Happily, he has a family and a few pets, but he'll always be Spanky to me.

Brandon Bug Hall "Alfalfa"- Alfalfa was considered a lover not a fighter. Is in love with the main girl and tries to keep his love a secret. It doesn't work and his girl is gone. His friendship is destroyed and the only way to get back.... is to apologize to Spanky. Bug Hall still acted after Little Rascals ended. However, he ended up in trouble as well. Happily, he's doing ok now and not acting as much as he used to.

Britney Ashton Holmes "Darla" - Alfalfa's love interest. She soon falls in love with another guy who is richer and handsomer. She even wonders why boys are the way they are. Frankly, I was nine years old when this movie came out and well.... looking at these actors now, it's amazing how much time has flown by. Britney is no longer acting as well. She has a normal life with her family. But did go to the reunion ten years ago.

  There are other characters that were in the gang as well that have all grown up. And the dog, I think it's safe to say is dead. They all came back for a twenty-year reunion ten years ago and many of them talked about how much fun they had playing kids from the 1930s. One person did not make it however. One of the bullies did not come to the reunion and not much has been heard about him since.

Blake McIver Ewing "Waldo"- the antagonist of the film, Waldo makes Darla fall for him and his father.... I'm not going to say his name, but let's just say.... he was rich and leave it at that. The actor Blake McIver Ewing had been acting before the movie and acted after. He's considered a nice person in real life, unless he has to play a statistic billionaire. He was also in full house during the movie as well.

  Like I said, this move is very known for its celebrity guest spots. Darla has two friends at her sleep over played by the Olsen Twins (Mary Kate and Ashley), Buckwheat's mother is played by Whoppi Goldberg. The dance instructor of Darla's school is played by Lea Thompson, Reba Macentire is a former race car driver that Spanky had no idea was a woman. Mel Brooks, George Wendt...the list goes on. 

  Today, all these kid actors have grown up and went on to do better things. Some have made choices they regret, and some have vanished without being seen in the spotlight. I'll still remember then when they were kids having a club house, building a friendship, making enemies, riding race cars. This movie was one of my favorites, and it still is thirty years later.

Pretzel Brands

          Craving snacks. Some with crunch, others with a chew. Pretzels. A snack that is considered unique in their own way. Their history...vague yet it seems that anyone loves them. Either way, it means that there are verities of pretzel. Some of them good and some...are not as great to be tasted.

    I'm not a huge fan of pretzels as I am with chips. But I don't mind one once in a while. When I'm craving a salty snack, and chips are nowhere to be found. But...which pretzel is the best? Without me ever trying any, I'll just explain some of the brands I have heard of and some that I have tried and well...was fine with. You be the judge. Here are some hard pretzel brands

Hershey Dipped Pretzels:  Not many people know that some things that are salty, are great when you combined it with something sweet. Like dipping fries in a Chocolate Milkshake. For this one, Hershey, as well as other companies, decided covering a salty pretzel in chocolate (or white chocolate which isn't much chocolate at all) will do the trick. The only downside: don't eat them on a hot day since the chocolate might melt on your fingers and show the pretzel. Do sticky fingers really help when you want a chocolate pretzel?

Rold Gold Pretzel: A Philadelphia company, these pretzels are hit and miss. They are crispy sometimes, but only if you get a good bag. Other times they can be either salty or have lack of salt. They have many verities like the twists, rods and many more. They have an interesting taste, but only if you get a good bag. Rold Gold is also part of the Frito-Lays company.

 Tom Sturgis Pretzel: A unique company that is only known and seen in certain states. Its logo shows a young Amish lad taking a pretzel. I don't know or ever tried this pretzel ever. Their most popular flavor is cheese. Cheese pretzel flavor. I find that flavor to be.... nauseating. No offense. Not knowing much about the company or the history, this is all I can say about them.

Zapp's Pretzel Stix: Pretzel with a kick of spice. I guess some people enjoy that. I'm not one of them. Zapp's is a potato chip company that also has pretzels. Owned by Frito-Lays, this company was stationed around New Orleans. With interesting names like Voodoo kick and Jazzy Honey Mustard, this company can only think of names that are from Louisiana.

  Snyders of Hanover Pretzels: A pretzel company stationed in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Snyders is known for pretzels. Their rods, sticks, waffle and many more. Recently they came out with a new style and flavor. Pieces of the pretzel with bucket loads of flavors. Buffalo, Honey Mustard, Sour Cream and Onion. A lot. I've tried these pretzels before. They came in twists, and they were tasty. We don't buy them much as we used too.

  Hanover Pretzels: Not all pretzels are hard. Hanover is a company that not only makes frozen vegetables, but they also make soft pretzels that you would stick in the toaster and then salt them. I don't eat them, but my mom does, and she admits that they are very good for a snack when you want something not too tempting.

Utz Pretzels: Utz is a potato chip company from Pennsylvania. Near the Amish area of Lancaster. Utz is a company brand that has expanded to other companies. Utz also has a mascot of their own. A young girl with black hair and a red bow who was modeled after one someone that the Utz family knew a long time ago. Their pretzels are pretty good, but they have been trying their best to stay healthy by not adding too much fat and salt and their products. 

Dot's Pretzels: A recently new pretzel created by a woman and owned by the Hershey company, these flavors of pretzels go from regular, to honey mustard, to cinnamon. They only are designed as a twist. They have been pretty popular to consumers. I've never tried them, but I would love to try the honey mustard one to see how good it is.

Gluten free pretzels: Before the mid 2000's, people that could not digest gluten or having celiac disease, could not eat many things. Pretzels was one of them. Now a lot of companies that work in pretzel factories or even making pretzels are trying to make a healthier version of a pretzel that everyone can enjoy. Gluten free pretzels. They might not taste as great as the regular, but it'll help for anyone who could never eat a pretzel before.

   Many pretzel brands are similar to potato chip brands, unless certain companies, like Snyders of Hanover, focus on one thing.... pretzels. Herr's makes their own version. Not as great as their chips, but edible. J prefer the soft kind and in nugget form. But sometimes, I don't mind having a hard pretzel...if it tastes good that is. You judge. Hard, soft, flavorful, no salt. You decide the pretzel fate

25 years of Spongebob

 

  It has been already 25 years since a yellow sea sponge changed Nickelodeon forever. The creator, the late Stephen Hillenberg made a story about a simple sea sponge named SpongeBob and ever since then.... we can never forget the brilliance of one man who wanted to show and teach children of undersea life. Ok, he just wanted to create a cartoon for children using his drawings and teaching of undersea life. 

   Stephen Hillenburg was born on August 21st in 1961. He was considered a Marine Biology educator and would draw little images and cartoons thinking of an idea to teach children the importance of undersea life. He had many scratch drawings of his first SpongeBob images that are still at his old desk in Nickelodeon studios. 

 Around Mid-July in 1999, I was only 14 years old, and Nickelodeon was bringing in a new show. I've already was hooked when I saw that yellow sponge laughing his head off and saying the words 'I'm Ready' over and over again. HIs first episode is where he gets a job at the famous 'Krusty Krab.' However, he doesn't get it at first since he had to prove himself later.

  After the first episode, more characters started to appear. Patrick the dumbass starfish who can be brilliant on occasion. Sandy who is a squirrel who lives in a dome full of air. She is a scientist and was a good friend to SpongeBob. Sometimes, SpongeBob might have a little crush on her.

   Gary is SpongeBob's pet snail, Squidward is his neighbor who thinks SpongeBob is annoying, but will stick up for him sometimes.

   More characters started to come in and well... now some of the new episodes aren't as strong as the old ones. But then again, I'm almost 40 and I rarely watch SpongeBob anymore. Mr. Krabs was considered the protagonist/antagonist of the show. Sometimes he can be nice but mostly... he's a money hungry crab that charges a lot for a Krabby Patty. He doesn't even give SpongeBob much of a full pay.

    SpongeBob also had a 20th birthday bash in mid-July in 2019 and it was pretty good to watch. But there was something tragic that happened before that.

   

   SpongeBob SquarePants had a movie that came out around 2004-2005. It was supposed to be the series finale for SpongeBob SquarePants. However, Nickelodeon decided to keep the Sponge show going on a little longer. Stephen Hillenberg left the show and started to get sick.

   He had ALS or Lou Greigh's disease in 2017. He was confined to a wheelchair and lost the mobility of his arms and legs. Tragically, a year later...he died. Many fans, like me cried that night.

    In a later year, I forget when, but I think it was around 2019 or 2020, Nickelodeon wanted to honor the late Stephen Hillenburg during the Super Bowl half time show. Having an episode of 'Band Geeks' play before that. Only on Nickelodeon of course. During the half time show, the promise...was not kept. 

   Disappointing a lot of fans, and kids, Nickelodeon apologized and well...we eventually got what were promised, just not for a few years later.

    Sometime after Covid-19, our prayers were...somewhat answered. They gave a 3d image of Band Geeks ending where SpongeBob and a few under sea critters decided to help Squidward perform the best marching band they can be.

   It was really good. A few years too late, but at the end, there was a light show saying, "we miss you Stephen' I thought it was sweet. By the way, the episode Band Geeks is the best and number one episode of the series. And one of the only times Squidward got what he deserved.... happiness

    Who voices this yellow sponge for over 25 years? His name is Tom Kenny, and he is one hell of a voice actor. He voices many characters that isn't just SpongeBob on the show. His actual wife also voices a computer named Karen. She is the wife of another antagonist. His name is Plankton. A small little plankton with his one goal of stealing the Krabby Patty formula.

    He has succeeded before but failed at the end. If we knew, the who series of the show would be ruined. In my opinion, I think I already know what's in it. I think other crabs and plankton ground up.

  25 years of one Sponge and Nickelodeon making the right decision. Even though now, it's best to end it because there have been prequels, other spin off shows that well...are failing and aren't great. Even new episodes of SpongeBob aren't as great or laughable as the original.

   Stephen Hillenberg, God rest his soul, left Nickelodeon after the first movie and two other movies came after. I think they should have stopped after the second move, but then again knowing Nickelodeon, I feel SpongeBob and his friends are going to be with us for a long time. 

Goodbye, Donald Sutherland

 

   Half of the year has gone by, and so many actors have passed away. One of them is the talented Donald Sutherland. He was known for great roles like M*A*S*H, Invasion of the body snatchers, Hunger Games, Dirty Dozen and many more. Let's look to see who this great actor was and how he still has a legacy thanks to his family that still carries the torch on movies and TV

 Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Donald Sutherland didn't start getting into theater until graduating from the University of Toronto. He also studied in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He wasn't known that well until he starred in Dirty Dozen and his roles started to get bigger as time went by. He also became a father. 

  The first movie role I remember him in was 'Invasion of the body snatchers' A movie where people fear that there are pods becoming human and cocooning the real humans. The scene I remember the most is where Donald Sutherland starts screeching scaring not only the woman who he's chasing, but the audience in general. My parents feared it after the movie ended. 

  Like I said, Donald Sutherland has a family with a son who also is into acting. His name is Kiefer Sutherland. He has been in shows like 24 and movies that were pretty good. But I think I preferred his father more. Not that I'm saying Kiefer isn't a horrible actor, but comparing him to his talented father, it's hard to say that his father is (or was) the better actor. He and Donald were in a movie together a western called 'Forsaken'

 

  Donald even guest voiced a character on the Simpsons when Lisa wants to find the real truth about Springfield founder 'Jebediah.' Donald's son, Kiefer, also guest voiced in some episodes of the show. Donald only voiced one character. Sometimes the characters he portrays in his movies or tv shows can be evil like his character in one of his final films 'Hunger Games' I never got into those, but his character in those movies was considered deceitful.

   He even starred in a movie that won best picture with Timothy Hutton and the late Mary Tyler Morre. It's based on a book called 'Ordinary People' I've seen this movie and was pretty depressing. About a family never getting over the death of the oldest son and the youngest son (played by Timothy Hutton) felt guilty for his brother's death. 

  Now, Donald is gone. Like Shelley Duvall, Bill Cobbs and many other actors that have left us. This year has given us grief and sadness. Just like every other year does. Donald will be missed and all we have is the memories of his movie and tv shows. And also, Keifer Sutherland, who is a part of Donald through blood. We'll never forget you. It's not how they died that we miss them more; it's how they lived.

K-Pop Crazy- POEM

 

K-Pop,

what is it,

how did it get here,

why...are so

entranced

by the sound and movement

of Korean men

or women

singing one song

Many bands,

many names,

many,

getting their start,

back in Korea

a beautiful country,

bordered by hate,

destruction,

while they,

show they,

have a brighter light,

while up north,

it stays dim

Riize,

BTS,

BlackPink,

and many,

many,

many more,

they make us forget,

the others 

The boy bands,

the rock stars,

the bluegrass,

all have their own,

genera,

K-Pop,

is not one of them

K-Pop,

is more,

than a fad,

like the Rolling Stones,

or Beatles,

but it doesn't mean,

they aren't human

Going through problems,

they can't face alone,

being drafted,

to the army,

for training,

as few of them,

stay famous,

as others,

fade away

Is K-Pop,

growing,

with new bands,

is BTS,

yesterday's news,

no one knows,

to me,

K-Pop,

is only a fad,

but to others,

it must mean,

so much more

Born near the 4th of July

 

    It's that time of year again. Close to mid-summer and the grills start getting hot. Yep. 4th Of July is only two days away. What got me thinking...was about the people born around this time of year. Granted I'm born close to Christmas and its hell, but people that have a summer birthday would embrace it. Having fireworks coming out, having the chance to host pool parties and what not, but...who are these people born around this time of year?

   Let's start...with today.

  July 2nd:

Larry David- The co-creator of Seinfeld and creator of Curb your Enthusiasm. This comedian makes me laugh in any show and any situation he's in. He even does a good Bernie Sanders impersonation before realizing they were actual cousins. LOL Happy birthday to a funny comedian.

Lindsay Lohan- I remember her start on the reboot of Parent Trap. She did pretty well with some Disney movies. She also was in a reboot of Freaky Friday (which wasn't as great as the original, but still good) Mean Girls, you name it. But it all crashed down when she ended up arrested so many times. Now, she seems to be back on track on where she is and where she wants to go.

Margot Robbie- Celebrating a birthday today, she is known as Barbie, Harley Quinn and many other great roles she is in. What do I think of her? She's very talented, but sometimes I get her and Jennifer Lawrence (birthday on August 15th) I guess sometimes great actors can confuse use from what they are wearing to their hair color. Margot Robbie is bound for another Barbie performance in the near future.

July 3rd:

Tom Cruise- Ever heard of the movie "Born on the 4th of July", Tom starred in that movie, but he was born on the 3rd of July. Should have changed that title. He was also in movies like "Mission Impossible", "Top Gun", "Risky Business", Rain Man" and much more. He even was married to Nicole Kidman and said that he loved Katie Holmes while jumping on a couch on Oprah. 

Kurtwood Smith- If you ever seen the movie "Dead Poet's Society" or watched the hit show "That 70's show", you would have heard of this man. He is still acting today. Sometimes voice acting and going back to being his best character in "That 90's show" (which I don't find as great as the original.)

Yeardley Smith- This actress (who's not related to Kurtwood) is more than just Lisa Simpson, you need to look deeper. She has been in movies. Some hits like "Legend of Billie Jean" with Helen Slater, and failures like the Stephen King directed "Maximum Overdrive", she does very well in her acting career as well as voicing a yellow character for over thirty years.

July 4th: INDEPENDENCE DAY

Calvin Coolidge- It's strange. We've known about both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams dying on the 4th of July, but rarely many of us never knew there was one president born on the 4th of July. Calvin Coolidge who was the 30th president of the US. He's done a lot that not many people know. But now, they know when he was born. The same day as the US.

Post Malone- Real name Austin Richard Post. He started his singing career in the early 2010's, but really didn't get going until his hit white inversion. He even has done some amazing hits with the Spiderman Movie and collaborations with other singers. A rapper born.... on the 4th of July

Gloria Stuart- An actress famous playing an elderly woman in the movie "Titanic", she was only one years old when it really happened. She was in other movies like "The old dark house" and worked with Shirley Temple in a few movies like "Poor little rich girl." But I'll always remember her as Old Rose in Titanic.

July 5th:

Edie Falco- Mostly seen on TV, Edie Falco was known for her role as Camela Soprano on the hit show "Sopranos" but she has been in movies as well working with Woody Allen in a small role in "Bullets over Broadway" After Sopranos ended, she became Nurse Jackie. How long did that show last.? Not as long as the Sopranos. She's still around today, but not in many shows as she was before.

Ji Chang Wook- With the rise of Korean singers and actors, this man was born on the fifth of July. Staring in mostly Korean movies and TV shows, Ji Chang is more remembered in Korea, but is getting a big notice in the USA. Staring in hits like "Healer", "Fingers" and his recant show starring in "Welcome to Samardal-ri"

   Having a birthday the same time as having a 4th of July barbecue with family is fine. Not as bad as if you had a birthday like I do. Wishing everyone, including America, a happy birthday this week. Till then, watch of fireworks.