This Week's Top 5 - Games of 2012

Yup I know, normally I do a top ten. Well 2012 saw a pretty drastic decrease in my gaming all together.  I used to play almost everything big that was released, but lately I've become far more selective. More of my time has been spent on my collection, working on this blog, and getting my you tube channel going.  I actually enjoy this stuff much more and have devoted more time and effort to my recent endeavors.  That being said there were still 5 games I played this year that I really enjoyed. Here they are.....

Number 5 - Borderlands 2

I really enjoyed Borderlands. I love a good co op experience when I'm gaming.... Borderlands delivered that. The sequel added to an already excellent formula and didn't disappoint.  For the coop lol factor coupled with the lols provided by the trusty claptrap this one was worth the dough.

(My Neca Claptrop)

 

Number 4 - Angry Birds Star Wars

I mean this was a no-brainer.  Take Star Wars (one of the first loves in my life) add Angry Birds (first and only touch screen game I've been "addicted to") and you get pure awesomeness! Not to mention the appearance of some cool new collectible goodies likes these.....

Go here for more info on these guys!

 

Number 3 - Call of Duty Black Ops II

I used a COD zombies pic because that is one of the main reasons I get COD games.  I also really enjoy the over top campaigns.  I have had hours of lolzy times in Xbox parties playing zombie mode.

Number 2 - Assassin's Creed 3

I am a big fan of this franchise.  I have played all the games and was beginning to feel that things were getting a bit stale with Ezio.  The new setting and Assassin were a welcomed change. The Revolutionary War period is one that I find extremely interesting so this was easy to add to my top 5 list!

My Special Edition Connor Statue

Number 1 - Halo 4

This was easy to place atop my top 5 of 2012. Honestly this would be easy to place on my top 5 of all time (and for a guy who has played TONS of games....that is saying something).  The campaign is, in one word, EPIC.  I love the multiplayer.  Nicely balanced and I actually have a positive K/D for once!  If you like shooters and havn't played this DO IT!

My Blind bag Master Chief

For more on what I think of this awesome game go here.

 

So that'll do it for this week's top 5.  I'll be back to a full 10 next week. Happy New Year everyone!

 



"She said that to me once...about being a machine"- Master Chief

Random Throwback

Clear Pepsi! Who remembers this ridiculous marketing ploy? This lasted what like 10 minutes? Either way its good for a lol on a Saturday morning!

Nerd Nook Newbies - Christmas Haul

Yup, looks like I'll be doubling down on the Newbies this week to show you guys some of the pop culture related goodies I got this Christmas!

Newbie #1 - DC Collectibles Justice League New 52 "We Can Be Heroes" 7 Pack

My Bro, as I have mentioned in pervious posts, was my partner in crime growing up.  We were our own dynamic duo of collectors and lovers of pop culture. That being said, big bro came through.  He picked me up this awesome combo pack that I really wanted.  I don't collect much of the new stuff but I absolutely love the new 52 figs! The set includes Aquaman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Flash, and Cyborg. Thanks Bro!



Newbie # 2 - A mini Yoda Statue

My wife really came through with some awesome nerdy goodness this Christmas.  She is not into the whole geeky thing but she pays attention and knows the stuff I love!  She got me this awesomely detailed Yoda statue. He has found a good home in the Nerd Nook!

Newbie #3 - Fruit Stripe Gum

I know this isn't a collectible.  Its gum! Why is it being shown as a Nerd Nook Newbie?!?!? Well I'll tell you why....  My wife also picked this up for me as a stocking stuffer. Unbeknownst to her I have a pretty strong setimental attachment to this particular type of gum.  Anyway heres a quick story (painfully nostalgic remember!).  As kids me, my brother, and my mom shared a house with my grandmom and her brother.  My Uncle Ants as I called him.  Well he always used to keep exactly 2 pieces of gum in his top dresser drawer for me and my brother to help ourselves to.  Fruit stripe was one of his favorites to keep stocked.  As I got older I started to understand more fully what a great guy he was and started hording some of my pieces of gum to remember. Here is a shot of my collection of memories....

The gum in that picture is easily 15 years old and worthless to most people, but to me its priceless.  I'd give up all my valueable collectles before I even thought of giving this stuff up.  Needless to say I was choked up Christmas holding a pack fruit stripe!

Newbie #4 - Star Wars Mad Libs

Like I said my wife did really good this year on the nerdy gifts front (and nostalgia for that matter).

So that does it for another Nerd Nook Newbies.  I'll have another installment next week to show off some of the goodies I gave myself this holiday season!

"There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all" - Seemed fitting

Happy Birthday Stan Lee!

So the mastermind behind many of the most amazing super heroes turned 90 today! Lee is responsible for such characters as Wolverine, Spider-Man, and the Hulk (many others as well!). The phrase living legend comes to mind when one thinks of the accomplishments of Stan Lee!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Nerd Nook Newbies - Week 4

Welcome to another week of Nerd Nook Newbies.  This week I'll be showing you some additions to collections I am currently working on.

Number 1 - Fruit Brute

As I mentioned 2 Newbies ago, I am working on a complete set of the General Mills Monsters vinyl toys that were promotions during the 70s. I picked up two more recently bringing me within one of the completing the set.

This particular monster was discontinued leaving only Count Chocula, Frankenberry, and Boo Berry. Fruit Brute is really cool in my opinion. He seems to have the most detail in both his paint and his sculpt.

Next New Newbie - Frankenberry

These guys are pretty cool.  I am hoping to add some other vintage items of these characters and maybe even some of the newer stuff.

My Monsters Collection So Far....(The Count is still my favorite)

Next on Newbies -  My Vintage Star Wars Collection Grows....

Luke Skywalker 1977 and Han Solo 1977

"You're all clear kid, now let's blow this thing and get outta here!"

EWOKS! "akeeeeatah!"

These old school vintage figures from Kenner are really cool.  I have plans for a really neat display as my collection gets closer to being complete.  Look for that update in the weeks to come on a future Nerd Nook Nerbies!

Thanks for taking a look at some of my new stuff and feel free to let me know what you think...esp if you collect any of the items I'm showcasing! I personally really enjoy hearing about and especially seeing other people's collections.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

"Yeah but who's gonna fly it kid!? You!?!?"

This Week's Top 10

As I type this blog I find myself one day away from the coveted Christmas break.  The time when everyone gets together eats great food, gives gifts, eats cookies, and feels all warm and fuzzy.  As a kid the build up to Christmas break was something to be remembered.  I remember the sheer joy I felt that last day before Christmas break as a kid.  Getting coloring books, candy, and gifts from the teacher knowing the next time you would be in school it would be a new year and you'd be packin a new arsenal of toys.  So this brings me to the subject of this week's top ten...Gifts from Santa.

Now I didn't compile this list all by myself. I called upon the help of my brother to recall all the best ones!

Number 10 - Bikes

Yup that was 1990ish. Every few years me and the bro would get new bikes. Always awesome!

Number 9 - Wooden Dinobone Models

I guess this choice increases my nerdyness but I absolutely loved Dinosaurs as a kid and had tons of these models.

 

Number 8 - Nintendo 64

I was a bit older when this system came out (like 12 or so) and I remember reading up on it and watching previews and such. I remember being totally blown away by Mario 64.  Only an 80s/90s kid would get a kick out of distorting Mario's face in the menu. Eiter way this system was awesome. It brought us the classic Golden Eye 64....nuff said!

 

Number 7 - The Ultimate Warrior Wrestling Buddy

As a kid I definitely could appreciate the appeal of wrestling. I had the old school rubber wrestlers and the plastic ring.  My favorite wrestler as a kid was Ultimate Warrior.  Hulk was cool and all but there was just something about the Ultimate Warrior.  I remember begging my mom for months for this toy and getting the old "maybe Santa will bring it for you" routine.  Well Santa came through!  I have long since lost interest in wrestling but do have this guy on my radar as something I'd like to add to my collection at some point. I can't retrace/collect my childhood without this guy!

 

Number 6 - Thundercats haul of 1986

 

I remember this Christmas very well.  My bro and I were totally hooked on the Thundercats cartoon and wanted anything with that red emblem on it.  I don't even think we were specific in our notes to Santa. Regardless of this he came through! We got the playset and the vehicle as well as all the main characters. We even got mini characters with a mini playset.  IT.WAS.AWESOME. And of course my curiousity with Cheetarah's "barettes" as I came to call them began.

Number 5 - Pool Table

I don't know if you remember those pool tables from back in the day that could be transformed into other games? Either way me and the bro wanted one.  We wound up getting an actual mini pool table for kids which was even more awesome!

Number 4 - K'nex

I have many great memories attached to these things. Quick walk down memory lane here.... not long after I got these for Christmas there was an ice storm that literally coated everything in a fine sheet of ice. This lasted for days resulting in schools being closed for a solid week. My friends and I hung out that whole week building stuff and playing Street Fighter on SNES.  Great memory.

Number 3 - The Great He Man haul of 1985

The caption for this add says it all.  We got Greyskull, Snake Mountain tons of figures and more.  Pure He Man bliss!

Number 2 - Fireball Island

This game was just badass.  Cool pieces, awesome setting, and you could make pretend you were Indy while playing. I remember plenty of times using only the jewel to imagine I was Indiana himself after some ancient artifact. 

Number 1 - Super Powers Hall of 1984

The 80s were veritable gold mine for toys.  The first few Christmases of my life were spent opening some of the most iconic toys of all time (my opinion of course but one shared by many).  This Christmas it was Super Powers.  My love for this toy line has spanned decades!  I got the Hall itself, The Batmobile, The Supermobile (lol what), and a bunch of the first series figures.

So that brings me to the end of my walk down memory lane as I sit here on the night of the last day of school before Christmas break.  If I could rewind time 20 years or so I'd be on the floor with my bro in front of our old NES flipping through comics and playing Golden Axe with sheer unadulterated excitement coursing through our bodies in anticipation of the goodies to come in just a few short days.

Anyway Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and I hope Santa is good to you all this Tuesday!

"And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!”



 

Nerd Nook Newbies (Week 3)

Welcome back for my third installment of Nerd Nook Newbies.  Now I know that my collection pales in comparison to many others as far as size goes. Even still I find myself needing to find interesting ways to utilize my space. I have already envisioned the evolution of my nook and have planned ahead for how I am going to organize my growing collection.  Anyway this first adaptation will house my loose vintage Star Wars collection I am working on as well as some other plans I have for the new year.

The Nerd Nook itself is somewhat of a newbie this week.  I purchased an Ikea glass case that I see so many other collectors using.  I'm planning to add a light source as well as purchase risers to increase the usable space without restricting the ability to see the figures inside.  I got the idea from this collection being featured over at Cool and Collected. 

The next Newbies this week represent the start of my loose, vintage Star Wars collection (I'd love to go for them all MOC but I would not only be broke but burried in figures).



IG88 and Boba Fett

Dengar and Imperial Commander

 

I'm pretty excited about these new guys. Love these vintage figures.

 

Next on Newbies is a new addition to my ever growing Super Powers collection. As I have said before Batman is my favorite Super Powers figure (Superman a close second).  So I have set out to collect as many of the card variations (foriegn included) that I can.  This week I was lucky enough to add this guy:

 

To most people this just looks like another Super Powers Batman BUT if you flip it over there is a sticker which shows it to be the UK palitoy cardback. I am definitely excited to have added this guy to my collection!

 

So that wraps up a pretty busy week for the Nerd Nook.  New layout and a new collection underway! Hope you enjoyed seeing some of my new additions.

 

"The empire will compensate you if he dies....put em in!" .....couldn't resist what with adding Boba Fett n all.



The League Has Spoken - Wish List

For this week's league assignment....

 

"The big guy is on his way! What’s on your Christmas wish list this year? "

 

 

For a collector of all kinds of pop culture related items this poses a decent challenge.  I'm not sure if I should approach this practically (as in things I actually have a shot at getting) or outrageously (ask the big fella for stuff that is out of this world expensive/rare). Maybe a little of both!

 

For my outrageous request I'll go big....why not? What's the worst that can happen? Coal?

 

Dear Santa,

I have been extra special good this year. I deserve a minty on card Masters of the Universe He Man and Thundercats Lion-o.  These were two of my all time favorite toys and since you got them for me once, I figured you might have some extras stashed away somewhere up in the North Pole. You'll make me the happiest kid ever!              

 

Now Santa I understand if you don't have any extras lying around for the last 30 years and don't have a spare 2 grand this holiday season.  If this is the case I'd settle for the 1989 Batman Hot Toys figure. Michael Keaton is my all time favorite Batman and this awesomely detailed figure would look great in my new display case!



                                                                                        

 

So there you have it. There are tons of other items I would love to have delivered to me free of charge by a fat guy in a red suit.  However, I may be nostalgic but I ain't stupid. Maybe I'll get lucky and get the Batman Hot Toy!

 

Happy Holidays everyone. Hope you get everything you asked for and more!

 

"Vintage He man and Lion-o? Keep dreamin asshole!"

 

Also from some other extraordinary bloggers we have Infinite Hollywood wishing for some awesome old school items here. The Monster Cafe is also after some really cool items here.



Super Powers Spotlight - Superman

As many of you know (or maybe you don't) I am a huge fan of the Super Powers line by Kenner. Many of the fondest memories I have from my childhood are associated with my love for Super Heroes and Super Powers.  I was always drawn to the colors on both the figures themselves as well as the amazing packaging.  It just screams 80s, vintage, and awesome!

Just a quick bit of background on the line.  It ran from 1984-1986.  There were 3 waves of figures released on varying card types.  There were also many other foriegn toy companies that made Super Powers toys including Playful (Super Amigos), Pacipa(Super Amigos), Gulliver (Super Powers), Estrela (Super Powers), Lily Ledy and many others. 

The first series of figures included the most recognizable characters including: Batman, Superman, Robin, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Lex Luthor, Joker, Brainiac, Hawkman, Penguin, and Flash.  The first two waves of figures also included mini comics that were numbered in order. I figured I'd follow that order for my Super Powers Spotlights.

Number 1 - Superman

 

It's pretty fitting that Superman be #1 for the iconic Super Powers line.  It seems like even the cardback was modelled using old Supes' colors.

 

Here we have one of my prized possessions. An Action Figure Authority (AFA) graded 80, first series 12 back, fan club offer Superman.  Superman's cardback looks awesome. His pose sums up for me all that is awesome about Superman and brings me back to why I loved him so much as a little kid.  For me this first series Superman is THE Super Powers figure.  I can still vividly remember when I got this guy over 25 years ago.  My brother had a new Batman and I had a new Supes.  I rememeber us both eagerly tearing into them to free our heroic toys!  My 3 year old self was only concerned with defending the Hall Of Justice not collectibility!

Next in my Superman Collection is the Canadian card variation.  These are pretty common and usually have yellowed bubbles (Canadian bubbles are notorious for this). I found this one in amazing condition and picked it up.  I usually don't like Canadian cards so this is one of only two Canadians in my collection.  Notice the French writing in the thought bubble.

For the final carded Superman in my collection I have Super Amigos Superman by the Argentinian toy company Pacipa.  I personally think the foriegn stuff is pretty cool and enjoy collecting them when I can. I actually got this item straight from Argentina.  Special thanks to Google Translate!

Finally I have the mail away Clark Kent. I figured Supes wouldn't mind sharing the spotlight with his secret identity.  Do notice the little green head at Clark's feet.  That is one of my few pre production pieces. It is a first shot mold of Superman's head that Kenner used for product testing before mass producing Superman.  It is made in a non production green color.

 

So that's it for my first of many Super Powers Spotlights. If you want more info be sure to check out The Hall of justice website found here. It's a treasure trove of information regarding all aspects of this line.

 

I'm going to close with a quote from the new "Man of Steel" trailer. I couldn't resist. It just looks so awesome!

 

"My father believed that if the world found out who I really was, they'd reject me. He convinced that the world wasn't ready. . . .What do you think" - Um yes...we're ready!

Movie Minute.....or two and a half....

So I've been a Superman mega fan for as long as I can remember ....

Who is that kid?!?!?And how did he get in my blog!?!?! Hmmmm.....

Anyway I was automatically excited, even after being epically disappointed by 2006's go at what seemed to be a reboot of Christopher Reeves' Superman. Don't get me wrong, Christopher Reeves, in my mind, is THE perfect Superman and I have some great memories watching those movies. But I think for this day and age something fresh is needed. For fear of getting my hopes up...I think this new one may be just that.

I'm definitely digging the music (even though it sounds strangely familiar to one of my favorite movie's original scores "Gladitator"). I also like how he doesn't come off as perfect in this trailer. He doesn't look like the goody two shoes old Supes has come to represent.  I like the inner demons thing when it comes to my super heroes.  Probably why I like Batman so much. Needless to say I am psyched for this release. 

 

Being a teacher i already love the month of June. With this movie being released on the last day of school!!!!! I mean come on! But hey, I'm not complaining......

 

"I'm here to fight for truth, justice, and the American way...." .....great quote but now we need some grit to our Man of Steel.....I hope this movie delivers it.

 

This Week's Random Top 10.....Christmas Vacation Quotes

So this weekend I had my annual viewing of the Holiday Classic and perennial favorite Christmas Vacation.  As I brainstormed ideas for my top ten I kept coming back to Christmas theme and then off course to Christmas Vacation.  So my random top 10 shall be my top 10 favorite quotes from Christmas Vacation.......

Number 10......

"put it over there with the others Greaseball!"

The classic scene when Clark gives his a- hole boss a gift that is shaped exactly like the rest of the gifts lined up behind him.

 

Number 9.......

 

"Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"

 

Clark is obviously thrilled to have Eddie and Company in his home for his fun old fashioned family Christmas!

 

Number 8......

 

"Oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn... the clean, cool chill of the holiday air... an asshole in his bathrobe, emptying a chemical toilet into my sewer... "

 

Number 7....

 

"Merry Christmas....shitter was full!"

"Checked our shitters honey?"

 

I had to follow up the last quote with this gem!  Todd and Margo's reaction just adds to the awesomeness of this scene!

 

Number 6.....

 

"You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant."

 

Uncle Lewis is responsible for a few great quotes but this one is probably my favorite.

 

Number 5 ......

 

"WORSE? How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell."

I love this quote. I've actually used it several times in real life situations!

Number 4 ......

"Yes officer, it seems my husband's been abducted. The man was, was wearing a blue leisure suit. Plates were from Kansas. He was a huge, beastly, bulging man."

 

The bulging descriptive gets me every time.

 

Number 3.....

 

"that ain't the friggin Christmas Star it's a light in the sewage plant"

I remember rewinding this scene over and over again on the old VCR with my big bro laughing like crazy!

 

Number 2.....And.....1

 

 "I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey shit he is! Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where's the Tylenol?"

 

"Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse."

 

These are two of the funniest rants in movie history in my opinion!

 

So that'll do it for this week's random top ten.  After this post I may need to watch this again before the holidays are over!

 

Be sure to post any of your favorites that I may have missed!

 

"can't see the line ey Russ?"