Yeah, this won't be my most eventful review. I thought about doing various things but because of various reasons, I decided to stay in or remain low-key and visit some spots in town that aren't even really worth mentioning. I used the word ennui and it fits as I had that dissatisfied and listless feeling where I didn't feel like driving anywhere far or being outside in the hot humid Florida summer or dealing with any rain... hopefully the next time I post I'll have more exciting things to talk about; as is, this will be short compared to usual.
Monday through Wednesday, the only thing of note was on Tuesday, when me and someone went to the local IHOP restaurant. That went well for me as I rate their new cupcake pancakes pretty highly; regrettably, the person I was with had a problem with their eggs... yes, the restaurant found a way to screw up making eggs. Once that was fixed, at least they liked their food too. Thursday, I returned to the Florida Mall as I hadn't been there in awhile; I looked around and saw there were some new stores. I got a random shirt from the U.S. Polo Association store and got a random drink from Jamba Juice. It was nice to do some walking around in an indoor location, for sure.
Really late Friday night, I had to make yet another airport run. It was to Sanford; on the way back I stopped at a Denny's for a bite to eat. It was at Altamonte Springs, at a location I'd been to before. It was remodeled, and the food was what you'd expect. I'd like to say that driving home when it was almost 6AM meant I had no problems on the road, but I'd be lying. In the past I have had issues while on the highway at that time, and this time it was some jamokes passing me... I had the windows open since it was in the 70's at the time and one clown in the clown car literally yelled at me. Yes, yelled, then they sped off. I'll presume all the individuals in the clown car did not possess a high IQ; for certain, this was the first time such a thing happened to me.
Saturday and Sunday, the highlight there was going to Chipotle, so I'll close this out by saying that August should be more entertaining for me.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Monday, July 24, 2017
Tales Of Ale Houses & Cities With A Thousand Planets
Here's what I've done in the preceding week. Last Monday and last Wednesday were boring but on Tuesday, I went out to eat with someone. We decided on an Ale House restaurant, as I hadn't been to that Southeastern chain in months. We went to the new location they built in Winter Garden, which is convenient for us. It's not the largest location but overall it's fine and the food was good. I'll mention now that in the past I've sometimes made complaints about Apple and its products, as I've had a number of problems dealing with them and their products that are not intuitive at all to use. This actually started last fall but I had issues with some money I had on my iTunes account via some giftcards. It literally finally was fixed this past week-no kidding it took that long. I purchased some random older albums and it took some effort to figure out how to put it on my device so it can be used in the automobile as that was not intuitive either but I figured it out. I doubt I'll put more money on iTunes as I have zero faith the added cash would be immediately recognized.
Thursday, I was out on the town, so to speak. I spent time in the Orlando area. Among other things, I got some items from the Safeway grocery store, purchased a few beverages from Total Wine & More (more on that later) and because the weather was rainy at that time, I went to the AMC Theatres in Altamonte Springs early and I had dinner while sitting on a bench near the lobby-it was some flatbread pizza and it was good. What I saw was Valerian and the City of One Thousand Planets. Until the movie was announced two summers ago, even I hadn't heard of the old French comic book series Valerian & Laureline that it was based on. I just know it is or was popular in Europe, naturally. As it was an independent movie financed and directed and written by the guy who gave us The Fifth Element, I was hoping to be entertained.
I was entertained, although I definitely understand why a lot of people wouldn't love it, at least in the United States. For years now, many of the movies from Hollywood are quite homogenized and safe, which is why I don't go out and see as many of those as most others do. Even some movies I rate highly can be accused of having the homogenized and safe label. I was happy the new Planet of the Apes movies weren't like that (which is why I enjoyed all three) and yet this movie is pretty weird by any standard; I am not shocked at all that in the United States this won't make a lot of money. I admit the story isn't always the best, there's some hammy acting (including from the two leads) and some cornball dialogue. Yet I thought that and it being very weird was part of its charm and the movie is a marvel to look at. It looked amazing the entire time and was full of many bright colors, and the universe was full of wacky characters and unique alien races. Yeah, it'll naturally be a cult hit and I hope it makes money elsewhere around the world.
I am glad I saw the movie on a Premium Large Format screen (you know, that's what they now call those giant screens such as the original IMAX, the smaller newer IMAX screens, Cinemark's XD, Regal's RPX, etc.), and that was why I went to that particular AMC as it has what I think is the best, Dolby Cinema at AMC. It was awesome watching it that way. Friday through Sunday, things were quiet. The only thing of note is that on Saturday night I returned to Walmart, where I got some items and things weren't as chaotic or as dumb as they were when I last visited that infamous chain.
When I return a week from today, I do have an idea or two as to what I'll be doing. It may very well include more theatrical experiences.
Thursday, I was out on the town, so to speak. I spent time in the Orlando area. Among other things, I got some items from the Safeway grocery store, purchased a few beverages from Total Wine & More (more on that later) and because the weather was rainy at that time, I went to the AMC Theatres in Altamonte Springs early and I had dinner while sitting on a bench near the lobby-it was some flatbread pizza and it was good. What I saw was Valerian and the City of One Thousand Planets. Until the movie was announced two summers ago, even I hadn't heard of the old French comic book series Valerian & Laureline that it was based on. I just know it is or was popular in Europe, naturally. As it was an independent movie financed and directed and written by the guy who gave us The Fifth Element, I was hoping to be entertained.
I was entertained, although I definitely understand why a lot of people wouldn't love it, at least in the United States. For years now, many of the movies from Hollywood are quite homogenized and safe, which is why I don't go out and see as many of those as most others do. Even some movies I rate highly can be accused of having the homogenized and safe label. I was happy the new Planet of the Apes movies weren't like that (which is why I enjoyed all three) and yet this movie is pretty weird by any standard; I am not shocked at all that in the United States this won't make a lot of money. I admit the story isn't always the best, there's some hammy acting (including from the two leads) and some cornball dialogue. Yet I thought that and it being very weird was part of its charm and the movie is a marvel to look at. It looked amazing the entire time and was full of many bright colors, and the universe was full of wacky characters and unique alien races. Yeah, it'll naturally be a cult hit and I hope it makes money elsewhere around the world.
I am glad I saw the movie on a Premium Large Format screen (you know, that's what they now call those giant screens such as the original IMAX, the smaller newer IMAX screens, Cinemark's XD, Regal's RPX, etc.), and that was why I went to that particular AMC as it has what I think is the best, Dolby Cinema at AMC. It was awesome watching it that way. Friday through Sunday, things were quiet. The only thing of note is that on Saturday night I returned to Walmart, where I got some items and things weren't as chaotic or as dumb as they were when I last visited that infamous chain.
When I return a week from today, I do have an idea or two as to what I'll be doing. It may very well include more theatrical experiences.
Monday, July 17, 2017
War For The Planet Of The Apes & General Monkeying Around
Here's what I've done since last Monday. My plans ended up changing due to circumstances beyond my control. Last Monday was dull, but Tuesday I ended up at Universal Studios CityWalk; it ended up sprinkling the entire time... that was OK. I ate dinner at Red Oven Pizza Bakery for the first time. Their food is in fact tasty. Late on Tuesday night (after I watched the baseball All Star Game on TV)... I had more Internet issues. No kidding. It was the modem and it was replaced on Wednesday. Having to deal with that caused me to alter my plans; originally on that day I was going to see, Rise, Dawn, then War for the Planet of the Apes in a triple bill. But, instead I saw War on Thursday night, which I'll get to in a bit. As I saw Rise again recently and I have that on Dawn on Blu-ray, I just watched Dawn at home Wednesday night.
Thursday night, I return to the eastern suburbs of Tampa; who knows when I'll be back there in the future but it's been a few months since I had eaten at the restaurant known as Ford's Garage, which makes some tasty food. I ate there, then moved onto the nearby World of Beer for a drink, then I went to the Xscape Theatres (which I had been to twice before) to see the new Apes film. I thought Rise was pretty good and Dawn was great; War is also great and I am glad that was not a letdown. I wish that the seats would have been properly cleaned so I did not have to go wipe down my seat with paper towels... and note that the family sitting by me got paper towels and a spray bottle (!) to clean their seats. No, I don't know why a pimply-faced member of the staff didn't go in there and use those items his or her self; not the best look for Xscape, although the movie played with no issues so it doesn't mean I won't return there in the future.
Friday I did nothing; Saturday, I went to a Walmart in the area. It was not a long journey and even then, the traffic... I expect it to be horrid on Interstate 4 (and it was on Thursday; on the way back, multiple people had their bright lights on, so having that in my rearview and side mirrors after I passed them... no fun) but on small 2 lane roads, I shouldn't have to deal with multiple issues, but I did. I shouldn't see a presumably young punk driving recklessly in an older pickup truck in that Walmart parking lot, but I did. The reason why I talk about such things often is that it's a constant problem down here. Sunday, it was a blah day in general. I won't get into the reasons why, except that the deaths of both George A. Romero and Martin Landau were sad. I've seen some of Landau's films before, and Night of the Living Dead is a classic... of course I've seen some other Romero flicks before too.
When I return next Monday, hopefully there are no changes in plans or calamities that pop up out of nowhere. Little is on the agenda... as of now.
Thursday night, I return to the eastern suburbs of Tampa; who knows when I'll be back there in the future but it's been a few months since I had eaten at the restaurant known as Ford's Garage, which makes some tasty food. I ate there, then moved onto the nearby World of Beer for a drink, then I went to the Xscape Theatres (which I had been to twice before) to see the new Apes film. I thought Rise was pretty good and Dawn was great; War is also great and I am glad that was not a letdown. I wish that the seats would have been properly cleaned so I did not have to go wipe down my seat with paper towels... and note that the family sitting by me got paper towels and a spray bottle (!) to clean their seats. No, I don't know why a pimply-faced member of the staff didn't go in there and use those items his or her self; not the best look for Xscape, although the movie played with no issues so it doesn't mean I won't return there in the future.
Friday I did nothing; Saturday, I went to a Walmart in the area. It was not a long journey and even then, the traffic... I expect it to be horrid on Interstate 4 (and it was on Thursday; on the way back, multiple people had their bright lights on, so having that in my rearview and side mirrors after I passed them... no fun) but on small 2 lane roads, I shouldn't have to deal with multiple issues, but I did. I shouldn't see a presumably young punk driving recklessly in an older pickup truck in that Walmart parking lot, but I did. The reason why I talk about such things often is that it's a constant problem down here. Sunday, it was a blah day in general. I won't get into the reasons why, except that the deaths of both George A. Romero and Martin Landau were sad. I've seen some of Landau's films before, and Night of the Living Dead is a classic... of course I've seen some other Romero flicks before too.
When I return next Monday, hopefully there are no changes in plans or calamities that pop up out of nowhere. Little is on the agenda... as of now.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Baby Driver, Orlando City SC, Froot Loops Shakes & General Buffoonery
I did do some interesting things in the preceding week. I did not go out on the 4th... then again I haven't done so in years. It's best just watching some fireworks on television; that is enough to make me feel satisfied. On Monday night the 3rd I went to a Regal Theatres to see Baby Driver; I picked that particular location as I could watch it on a giant screen. I know most people love the film... I don't. When you never like the lead character and have many problems with the story... I can't say I hated it as there were some memorable moments and the soundtrack was excellent, but I did not need a change of underwear after seeing it like the vast majority of movie-goers out there. Alas... afterwards I ended up at Disney Springs and had a bite to eat as I happened to drive by it on the way back home.
Wednesday, I went and saw the Orlando City SC Major League Soccer club play against Toronto FC. Orlando has a new stadium built just for them, and I wanted to check it out. It was pretty nice. It was pretty hectic in downtown Orlando on this night; in their old stadium (the Citrus Bowl) was a concert by... Metallica. Seeing SC play was certainly cheaper and Metallica would be best if I could travel back in time and watch a live concert in the late 80's to early 90's. Thankfully I managed to find a parking spot close to the stadium; right outside the grounds was some food trucks. I had no idea what the grub would be inside so I got something from there. I made a mistake; the food tasted decent but the experience of just trying to order the food was not good (don't ask) and in the future I'll stick to what they offer in the stadium as it looks like a nice selection and I imagine at least some of it is tasty.
As for the game itself, as Toronto is one of the best teams in the league, no surprise they won 3-1. As typical, I ended up sitting by some loudmouth fools, who were typical odious sports fans. They especially liked yelling at a Toronto player who happened to be pretty short (at 5 foot 4) but he scored two of their goals... plus those fans left before the match was even completed, so I don't have a high opinion of them overall. Even with all that, I was glad to finally visit a nice new stadium and see a sporting event which was not boring. The excessive heat and humidity was not enough to deter me from attending, and I hope it's not too much longer before I return to the stadium.
Thursday, I went with someone to the local Longhorn Steakhouse, which turned out fine as they make tasty food. Friday, I ended up at the local Walmart to get a few items, and that could have gone better. It would have been better if the person that checked me out wasn't a complete fool and had some sort of a clue; there were problems with the people in front of me, too. By the time that ordeal was finished, the line was real long. At least in the near future, I think I'll go to other Walmart locations in the area. Saturday, I got gas then I purchased dinner from Burger King for me and someone else. As it's Burger King, it means that the food was not as good as they used to make it “way back when”. But, I did try their Froot Loops shake; I am not sure why I didn't have it sooner as it sounded like something in my wheelhouse, and it was. It won't be as long until I try their Lucky Charms shake.
As I did nothing on Sunday, I will close this out by saying when I return on the 17th, I actually do have a few ideas concerning what I'll be talking about. Hopefully it's more good times than bad times.
Wednesday, I went and saw the Orlando City SC Major League Soccer club play against Toronto FC. Orlando has a new stadium built just for them, and I wanted to check it out. It was pretty nice. It was pretty hectic in downtown Orlando on this night; in their old stadium (the Citrus Bowl) was a concert by... Metallica. Seeing SC play was certainly cheaper and Metallica would be best if I could travel back in time and watch a live concert in the late 80's to early 90's. Thankfully I managed to find a parking spot close to the stadium; right outside the grounds was some food trucks. I had no idea what the grub would be inside so I got something from there. I made a mistake; the food tasted decent but the experience of just trying to order the food was not good (don't ask) and in the future I'll stick to what they offer in the stadium as it looks like a nice selection and I imagine at least some of it is tasty.
As for the game itself, as Toronto is one of the best teams in the league, no surprise they won 3-1. As typical, I ended up sitting by some loudmouth fools, who were typical odious sports fans. They especially liked yelling at a Toronto player who happened to be pretty short (at 5 foot 4) but he scored two of their goals... plus those fans left before the match was even completed, so I don't have a high opinion of them overall. Even with all that, I was glad to finally visit a nice new stadium and see a sporting event which was not boring. The excessive heat and humidity was not enough to deter me from attending, and I hope it's not too much longer before I return to the stadium.
Thursday, I went with someone to the local Longhorn Steakhouse, which turned out fine as they make tasty food. Friday, I ended up at the local Walmart to get a few items, and that could have gone better. It would have been better if the person that checked me out wasn't a complete fool and had some sort of a clue; there were problems with the people in front of me, too. By the time that ordeal was finished, the line was real long. At least in the near future, I think I'll go to other Walmart locations in the area. Saturday, I got gas then I purchased dinner from Burger King for me and someone else. As it's Burger King, it means that the food was not as good as they used to make it “way back when”. But, I did try their Froot Loops shake; I am not sure why I didn't have it sooner as it sounded like something in my wheelhouse, and it was. It won't be as long until I try their Lucky Charms shake.
As I did nothing on Sunday, I will close this out by saying when I return on the 17th, I actually do have a few ideas concerning what I'll be talking about. Hopefully it's more good times than bad times.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Avatar Flight of Passage, Golden Corral & Saippuakivikauppias
As I discovered in the past week, saippuakivikauppias is a Finnish word which happens to be the longest palindrome. Here's what I've done since Monday. Monday the 26th was an interesting day. I returned to the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. I was lucky in that this time I was able to ride Avatar Flight of Passage. It definitely helped that right before you get on the actual ride there is a separate single rider line and I got in line right after they fixed it, but I was happy the whole ordeal was less than 90 minutes, as I was expecting to wait quite a bit longer. As for the ride itself, it's a 4D thing and you basically ride a fancy Jet Ski as you simulate riding the winged Banshee creatures; it's awesome and I highly recommend Flight of Passage.
Tuesday was boring but Wednesday I made yet another airport run. Before that I stopped at the World of Beer in Altamonte Springs to kill time. That was a good choice on my part. I'll take this time to mention that Florida will never stop being Florida. I will mention that as where my parents live, something wasn't working. It took two different people coming over at two different times to fix it, and at another time I had to fix it myself so it would finally work properly. In this state, plenty of people aren't great at their jobs. Then again, I guess I do have to note that at one of those times, the house was called to say that they would be a little late. I realize this will be hard to believe for those that don't live in this state, but when it comes to the sorts of jobs where people come over to perform a task (whether on a set schedule or it's a special call to fix something), pretty much people NEVER call if they are going to be late or even if they won't show up until another day. I realize how appalling it is, and yet I swear it's true. That is how awful things are in Florida; “common courtesy” is something you usually don't find anywhere. But anyhow...
Thursday I did nothing, but Friday I went to Orlando for something, and after that I was gonna eat dinner at Disney Springs. A deluge of rain changed that. No surprise that because I live in the state I do, even a small amount of rain causes accidents. When there's a good amount of it... I saw the aftermath of several wrecks. I instead had dinner at the Seadog restaurant in Orlando; I've talked about that place a few times before, and they make decent food. By the time I got done, it was only sprinkling so that was when I went to Disney Springs and walked around for a bit. The weekend, the only thing I did was on Saturday, when I went with two people to the local Golden Corral. It was exactly what you'd expect it to be on an early Saturday evening, with the exact kind of clientele you'd expect at that famed buffet chain.
When I return a week from today, I think I'll have more to talk about.
Tuesday was boring but Wednesday I made yet another airport run. Before that I stopped at the World of Beer in Altamonte Springs to kill time. That was a good choice on my part. I'll take this time to mention that Florida will never stop being Florida. I will mention that as where my parents live, something wasn't working. It took two different people coming over at two different times to fix it, and at another time I had to fix it myself so it would finally work properly. In this state, plenty of people aren't great at their jobs. Then again, I guess I do have to note that at one of those times, the house was called to say that they would be a little late. I realize this will be hard to believe for those that don't live in this state, but when it comes to the sorts of jobs where people come over to perform a task (whether on a set schedule or it's a special call to fix something), pretty much people NEVER call if they are going to be late or even if they won't show up until another day. I realize how appalling it is, and yet I swear it's true. That is how awful things are in Florida; “common courtesy” is something you usually don't find anywhere. But anyhow...
Thursday I did nothing, but Friday I went to Orlando for something, and after that I was gonna eat dinner at Disney Springs. A deluge of rain changed that. No surprise that because I live in the state I do, even a small amount of rain causes accidents. When there's a good amount of it... I saw the aftermath of several wrecks. I instead had dinner at the Seadog restaurant in Orlando; I've talked about that place a few times before, and they make decent food. By the time I got done, it was only sprinkling so that was when I went to Disney Springs and walked around for a bit. The weekend, the only thing I did was on Saturday, when I went with two people to the local Golden Corral. It was exactly what you'd expect it to be on an early Saturday evening, with the exact kind of clientele you'd expect at that famed buffet chain.
When I return a week from today, I think I'll have more to talk about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)