Disney World adds Avatar Land

“Two great tastes that taste great together.” That was the Reeses’s Peanut Butter Cup’s slogan thirty-plus years ago. And they’re right … who doesn’t enjoy peanut butter and chocolate (unless you’re allergic)?

Courtesy Google Images

When I saw a news report that Disney was going to create an attraction based on James Cameron’s Avatar my first thought was, “Two great tastes that taste great together.”

I love Disney World in Orlando, FL. When we visit the in-laws in Dade City, FL, we make a point to get to Disney World for at least one day. (My bride’s favorite park is EPCOT; mine is Disney Hollywood Studios.)

I really enjoyed Avatar. (I’m looking forward to the three sequels … the first being Avatar 2 in 2016.) I like the world that Cameron created and when the movie ended, I wanted to know more about Pandora and its people and culture.

The expansion of the Avatar lore will be furthered explored in a series of books by Steven Charles Gould (author of the Jumper series). According to avatarmovie.com James Cameron has tapped “… noted science fiction author Steven Charles Gould to write four novels base upon Avatar and its three sequels.”

Courtesy Google Images

And now Disney and Avatar will be joined … just like peanut butter and chocolate. The Avatar attraction will become a part of Animal Kingdom. According to FOX NEWS, it will be the largest expansion in the history of the park.

Of all the Disney World parks in Orlando, Animal Kingdom is my least favorite. I think it’s claustrophobic. The main walks are lined with vegetation and if you happen to be going “upstream” when a show lets out, the mass of humanity coming at you can be overwhelming.

WDWMAGIC.com reports that Avatar Land is expected to open in 2016. The addition of Avatar Land might just be enough to entice me to return to Animal Kingdom.

Anyone interested in planning a trip to Orlando in 2016? Take me with you.

Snow Fun

The first day of winter is December 21st but as New Englanders, we are all too aware that the seasons don’t pay attention to the calendar. It’s just as likely to snow in October (2011 ring a bell?) as it is in December. Therefore, it’s not too early to think about winter preparedness.

We have our generator in place (finally got that hooked up) so we won’t be powerless for an extended period of time. Now, it’s time to focus on a snow blower.

I had a 2003, Toro, 6.5 HP snow thrower. I abused that thing and not in a bad way. That snow thrower got me through the winter of 2010-2011. Remember that winter? It seemed like it snowed every other day. The piles of snow bordering my driveway were up to my chest. But that little Toro performed admirably. It finally died on February 9, 2013, the day after an epic snowfall. Unfortunately, I had just started clearing the driveway and had to finish with shovels (fortunately, the kids were visiting so I wasn’t stuck shoveling by my lonesome).

I discovered there are a lot of snow blowers on the market, such as Honda, Cub Cadet, Toro  Craftsman, Ariens, Husqvarna and Snapper. I had no preconceived notions regarding the manufacturer. All I knew was I wanted something capable of clearing 6 – 8 inches of snow.

Ariens - Courtesy Google Images

I am not an expert when it comes to anything with an engine. I pretty much rely on the opinions/knowledge of friends and online comparison sites, such as Consumer Reports and Top Snow Blowers.

I evaluated the posted opinions of purported snow blower users and compared prices and reliability reports of various brands.

Cost was a huge factor. I wanted reliability but I didn’t want to “break the bank” getting it. I narrowed it down to the Ariens Compact 24 inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower and the Toro Power Max 724 OE 24 inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower. They were comparable in price and performance.

My New Toro

I settled on the Toro for two reasons.

1) The performance and reliability of my previous Toro
2) Toro’s S’NO Risk™ Guarantee
According to Toro.com, “If it snows less than 10% of your market's average this winter, you get your money back and you keep your Toro snowblower.
If it snows less than 50% of your market's average, you get a 10% refund and keep your Toro snowblower.”

Considering how much I despise winter and snow, I have a dual incentive to root for a mild winter.

Check out this short video for a fellow who found an interesting snow removal tool.

Fall 2013 Science FictionTV to Watch

The best show on TV … I’ve heard this from many different sources; my kids, some co-workers, my friends and television pundits. No … not Breaking Bad … The Walking Dead. The fourth season of The Walking Dead premieres on Sunday, 10/13/13 and I’m somewhat ashamed to admit I’ve yet to watch an episode. I’d always thought it was a show about zombies and I’ve never been a big fan of zombie movies because I’m not a big fan of gore. I can only recall watching two zombie movies: Warm Bodies (2013) and Shaun of the Dead (2004).

Many people have told me that The Walking Dead is less about zombies and more about more about relationships. Is this accurate? I don’t know, but I like character driven shows so I guess I’m going to have to get caught up via Netflix.

I probably watch way too much TV and the following are four science fiction shows that I plan to follow this season so I doubt I can fit in another show, even one as allegedly good as The Walking Dead.

Courtesy Google Images

1. Revolution, NBC, 2nd season debut 9/25/13
Revolution takes place fifteen years after a world-wide blackout. The U.S government has collapsed, and multiple factions are vying for control of the country. I like this show because no character is safe. During the last few weeks of the spring 2013 season two main characters got terminated. I think it adds an element of suspense when the viewer isn’t certain who will survive.

Courtesy Google Images

2. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, ABC, 1st season debut 9/24/13
This show takes place after the battle for New York in the 2012 movie, The Avengers. Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) leads a section of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. Their mission seems to be hunting down powerful artifacts and potentially dangerous individuals before said items or persons can menace society.

I’ve seen two shows. I think there’s room for the show to grow. I’m not certain if the show’s creators plan to focus on action and gizmos or character development. I hope they opt for character development and allow the “tech” to supplement the story not drive it.  But, since the show is part of the Marvel universe and is directed by Joss Whedon I’m willing to give it a little leeway.

Courtesy Google Images

3. Arrow, CW, 2nd season debut 10/9/13
Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) has returned to Starling City after being stranded on an island for five years. He assumes the guise of the vigilante the Arrow (Arrow is Green Arrow of DC Comics). The show has grown on me. It has gotten better with age; the creators have allowed for growth in the characters of Arrow and Oliver Queen.

Courtesy Google Images

4. Grimm, NBC, 3rd season debut 10/25/13
A detective, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) discovers he is the descendant from a long line of Grimms, hunters of creatures that come straight out of the Grimm Fairy Tales. I like the show; there’s ample suspense and construction of character relationships and the continuing story arc links each episode. It makes me want to come back next week to find out what happened.

I think the four shows I’ve presented are worth a view. But, I probably watch too much TV as it is so I ask you … should I make room for another show and add The Walking Dead to my viewing line-up?

Does anyone wish to share a show they’re looking forward to? (It doesn’t have to be science fiction.)