Mom, Can I have That?

I am thrilled that The "Toys that Made Us" series on Netflix has new episodes. The first season nailed it, covering Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Barbie and He-Man. I was actively watching every episode. Being slightly judgmental on some statements made. I got pretty worked up over some Barbie controversies and a comment concerning She-Ra's origin.

I think these new episodes will be just as good. We're getting Star Trek, Transformers, Hello Kitty, and Legos. You can not go wrong with any of these. Yet there are so many more that I hope they cover. Honestly I'm surprised that they chose Hello Kitty before My Little Pony.

I have composted a list of other toy lines that I think are must have episodes for this fabulous series. Most of these will be more toys that have stood the test of time, and no matter how many times you think they're done they roll right back around. Others just have a large fan community that is still thriving and hungry for any new products we can get.

Art Bell Dead at 72

We at BZ85/PZ85 are saddened by the news of Art Bell's passing.

Bell was the creator and long time host of Coast to Coast AM until his retirement in the late 2000's.

C2CAM is one of many influences on Podzilla 1985's creator Seanán, and was the biggest inspiration for the initial creation of the podcast, as well as the currently running monthly program "I Want to Believe."

Bell's personality and dedication to the paranormal lives on the in programs like the X Files, and will continue to inspire those who look into the beyond for answers.

He was 72.

Goodbye, Farewell and Amen, David Ogden Stiers

I was sad to learn that David Ogden Stiers passed away not long ago.  He was suffering from bladder cancer, and passed away peacefully at 75 in his home.

Like many others I remember him as Major Charles Emerson Winchester the 3rd from M*A*S*H. He was the stuck up rich boy doctor who quickly became the replacement for old ferret face Burns. I always liked him more as a balance to Hawkeye and B.J., and he became more of a team player as the series went on.

His character's love of classical music has always stuck with me. I didn't care for it much as a teen, but over the years I've grown to understand its beauty.

Funny, in some ways I use to feel the same way about M*A*S*H* in general. I wasn't a fan as a kid, and always got bored when my mom would watch it. Yet, as I got older I did get hooked on the reruns. I spent a lot of TV time in high school and college enjoying the show.

Although, that wasn't hard to do when it was being aired ten times a day via three or four different networks. I actually miss watching M*A*S*H*. I may have to break out the few seasons I have on DVD.

Hello Bishi?

Hello Kitty has always been a part of my life in one way or another. I was never a hardcore fan, but I do love Sanrio characters so very much.

Early on it was all about Hello Kitty and My Melody, and in my munchkin years when I enjoyed watching the Hello Kitty's Furry Tale theater cartoon on TV.

Then in middle school it was all about Keroppi and Pochacco. A friend reminded me of the adorable animals and several teen aimed fashion brands were using them on t-shirts.

When high school hit, I discovered my favorite yet in Badtz Maru.

I still love this bad boy penguin to death. His style just makes me smile.  I like Tuxedo Sam, the earlier penguin in the brand, but he's no Badtz, though he does have an adorable sailor hat.

After college, Chococat joined my list of beloved characters and most recently I find myself rather entertained by Aggretsuko, who is an office worker red panda that get's angry at work and goes into metal music rages.

She's so cute.

What I didn't know is that, three years ago, Sanrio created some characters for social media to help sell their products. Theses five human characters are Sanrio fans as well and got popular enough to spawn a manga, drama CDs, a phone game, and most recently an anime.

I heard about Sanrio Boys last summer, and honestly thought it was a joke.

I mean come on, pretty anime boys who love Sanrio characters?

It's not a joke.

It's a thing, and has been since 2015.

How did I miss this?

Seriously? How?

The anime began airing this month, and I'm already hooked.

You Will Not Live Forever

Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I AM Mr. 100, and it's going to take more than some high blood pressure and a possible heart attack to slow me down. I have lived through the deaths of my parents, exile from my family, and the most painful emotional breaks that have brought me to the edge of suicide.

I'm still standing here.

Defiant.

Confident.

Impossible to knock down.

Don't let my bravado fool you. Sunday was one of the most frightening days of my life. I felt a pain unlike any I've ever experienced, and it echoed through my chest, back, jaw, and arms. It was so overwhelming that I could no longer convince myself that it was nothing, and I went to an Urgent Care office here in Cape Girardeau.

Until this point I was sure that it was just sore muscles. I haven't been able to lift much lately, but I'm a big guy, so it's probably just a nagging old injury. I had made the mistake of looking up the symptoms online, and anyone that has ever done the same will know the fear that follows. The internet is an awful place, filled with awful people, and very scary information when you're some simpleton trying to self diagnose. My hope was that Urgent Care could ease my mind and I could go home, rest, and get over this.

Instead, the doctor on staff did a great job convincing me that I was going to drop dead almost immediately.