half-assed productions » Greg’s ramblings

Q*Bert – The Board Game

Greg — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:57:16 +0000

Back in 1983, we hit the golden age in arcade games. Leading the “Pack” was Pac-Man, followed by several other arcade characters like Frogger, Dig Dug, Donkey Kong, and several others. CBS turned their entire Saturday morning lineup into Saturday Supercade, which was a 4 hour block of cartoons based on arcade game characters. You could go to the grocery store to see several cereals, spaghettios, & snacks all with arcade characters as the mascot. It wouldn’t be long that they turned the digital market into the board game market. Today, we’re looking back at the Parker Brothers Q*Bert board game.

According to the box, it’s “a board game based on the exciting arcade game”. In the arcade game, when Q*Bert gets stomped he says a bad word. Well, actually he has a bubble over his head that says something like “!@#?!”. They removed any faux curse words from this game.

The arcade game is simple enough, you have to light up all the squares and avoid the obstacles / bad guys climbing all over the board. The board game is super complicated. There’s about 4000 pieces in the box, some of which seem to be missing in my old box.

One kid rolls the dice & moves Q*Bert to collect the pegs on the board. The other kid rolls 2 dice and moves whichever “Nasty” pops up and however many spaces on the other die. When the “bad guy” kid captures Q*Bert, they swap places. Whoever gets the most pegs, wins.

When I got this game when I was a kid, I was so excited because I loved Q*Bert. Unfortunately, besides putting all the decal stickers on on the game pieces, I don’t remember ever playing this game. I just don’t see how a kid would ever play this game over the arcade game. Anyway, as with everything, I found the commercial for the Q*Bert Board game on youtube, here it is… enjoy!

Pictures of the Cardinals Game

Pork Steak BBQ Potato Chips

Greg — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:04:05 +0000

Pork Steaks are a staple in the St. Louis area. It’s a cheap and delicious cut of meat that is the staple of almost every barbecue around here. Although, unless you live around the midwest, you’ve probably never heard of pork steaks. A Pork Steak is the Shoulder part of the pig, most commonly used for pulled pork, but instead cut into steaks.

Local St. Louis potato chip company, Old Vienna, is known for their chips around here. My favorite is their red hot riplet chips. They have created a new flavor to celebrate our favorite cut of meat; Pork Steak BBQ Potato Chips.

The chips themselves look like normal barbecue potato chips. The flavor?! Awesome! I’m surprised at how good these actually are. I’ve had chips that tasted like meat before. But, normally, they taste like a cigar that’s been sitting on the floor of a public restroom. These chips, however, are actually pretty spot on to the taste of a pork steak. They’ve got the barbecue & smokey taste. I can’t believe it, but I’m actually recommending these.

- Greg

Christmas Rewind – The Island of Misfit Toys…

Greg — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:13:21 +0000

Are you looking for my article on “The Island of Misfit Toys? Well, it’s right here:

Complete with new video!

Gameshow Fun

Greg — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:27:17 +0000

Spin the Wheel Backwards!

I wondered awhile back if everyone ever attempted to spin the Big Wheel in the opposite direction. Well, a quick search on YouTube found one time when it happened. One woman attempted to do it, but not on Bob Barker’s watch. He immediately put the kibosh on that. Of course when she spun it in the correct direction, she landed on the $1.00. I wonder if Drew Carey would be as assertive to stop the wheel like Bob did.

- Greg

No related posts.

Jet Scream – Rollercoaster

Greg — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:13:23 +0000

Hi there, yes it’s been awhile. Well, I’m back today.. That’s one post for August, I’ve met my quota! Here’s a look back to my first looping roller coaster experience. Seeing an old picture from Weird Al’s website brought up old memories of Six Flags. Imagine that?

When I was younger, my parents would buy season passes every year for the local theme park: Six Flags Over Mid-America (later changed to Six Flags – St. Louis). My first experience with a roller coaster was there. I started with a slower mine-ride coaster called “The River King Mine Train“. Then I graduated to the fast wooden coaster called “Screaming Eagle“.

I had been a young coaster enthusiast, except, I still was a little scared of rides that went upside-down. I would sit at the exit of “Jet Scream” with Mom while my Dad & my brother rode it. Of course, this had it’s benefits. The waffle fries stand was at the “Jet Scream” exit. So, eating some cheesy waffle fries and pretending to drive remote controlled boats was how I spent my time while I waited. I was tall enough at 8 years old, but I wasn’t ready.

Then came 1986, I was turning 9 years old. The biggest Ferris Wheel ever was coming to Six Flags called “The Colossus” Unfortunately, after waiting in line forever to ride the thing, I realized how boring it was.

Sure it rose to unbelievable heights, but it was slow. You were locked in a big cage with 9 other people. The thing spent more time loading up, than actually going around. And when it spun around, you got about 3 rotations, and it was time to unload. What a disappointment.

To get over the disappointment of The Colossus, my Dad talked me into going on “Jet Scream”.

It would be the first time I walked through Jet Scream’s iconic neon archway. I would have that animated archway in my front yard if it was available. I guess it’s fortunate for my neighbors that I’m not rich, and don’t know where to buy old neon theme park signs. How cool would it be? Every day from work driving through the archway into my driveway. Neighbors shaking their fists. Yeah, a man can dream.

I had been to Six Flags many times before, but seemed like forbidden territory. Everyone beyond the archway seemed older, like I had just made it into an exclusive club. I made it past the bouncer and the velvet rope. I rode my first looping roller coaster and I loved it. I had gotten over my fear of going upside-down. Since then, I’ve ridden every roller coaster I can, no matter how many twists or loops.

Unfortunately, Jet Scream is no longer around. In fact, it left Six Flags St. Louis 3 years after I rode it for the first time. It moved to Six Flags Astroworld in Houston, TX and renamed “Viper”. The track was painted green, and they added a tunnel around one of the turns. Sadly, Astroworld closed at the end of the 2005 season. So, I never got to ride Jet Scream / Viper again. I don’t know what ever happened to that coaster, it may be in a scrap yard somewhere, but it still remains one of my favorite coasters of all time.

- Greg

Grilled Pizza!

Greg — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:30:17 +0000

It’s the season of grilling, so time to fire up that charcoal / propane grill. But, why do something traditional on that grill? I mean, anyone can make hamburgers and hot dogs. Come with me as I make my first attempt at making pizza on the grill.

I’ve made home-made pizza several times in the oven, but never have tried it on the grill. So, I took what ingredients I had and my fridge, and worked with them. First thing I did was grill up some vegetables. All I had was a pepper, roma tomato, and some green onions. I coated them in canola oil and charred them on the hot part of the grill. Oh, if you’re like me, you don’t have a very big grill, so you’ll have to used some heavy duty aluminum foil to separate the coals. So, I have hot coals on one side, no coals on the other. This way, after your vegetables get a good char, you can move them to the cooler side, to continue to cook without burning.

I rolled out some pizza dough into a shape that would fit onto the grill. As you can see from the picture, mine isn’t perfect. In fact it’s a little wrinkled in some spots. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. I cooked it about 2 minutes on each side, just enough to get some grill marks and become pretty solid. Take it off the grill after that.

Next I threw the meat on the grill. I formed Italian sausage into a patty-type shape, and chopped a chicken breast into small pieces. After the meat was done, I took the meat & the vegetables off the grill.

I sauced up the grilled pizza crust, and chopped up the vegetables & meats into small pieces.

On one side of the pizza, I put sausage, onion, & peppers. On the other side, I put chicken and roma tomatoes. Then, I covered it with freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Next, I put it onto some aluminum foil and put it back on the grill from about 10 minutes.

The pizza turned out awesome! For a first time grilled pizza maker, I’m pretty impressed with my skills. Since I’m throwing stuff on the grill, why don’t I try something else, how about some dessert?

I learned this trick from Alton Brown. Slice up some pineapple (obviously). Next mix up some vanilla, lime juice, brown sugar, & salt. Coat the pineapple in your mixture and grill ‘em up.

Add some ice cream, and it’s freakin’ delicious! All the food was great, but now my kitchen is a mess!

Happy Fourth of July!

- Greg

8 Days Until Halloween: Evil Pizza

Limited Edition – Pebbles Boulders

Greg — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:11:15 +0000

Yabba Dabba Doo.. I’m back with another cereal review!

Today we look at a limited edition version of Pebbles called “Pebbles Boulders”. Sounds like a strange oxymoron. It’s touted to have “Stone Age Caramel Taste”. Since I love caramel apples, I figured this should be wonderful. Although, I wonder why they release a caramel apple flavor during the Summer? Isn’t that more of a Fall time treat? Oh well.

When I opened up the bag, I the scent just about knocked me over. It is a strong caramel scent. Way too strong. I got the same reaction when I opened some leftovers from some forgotten leftovers in the back of the fridge.

After pouring it out in a bowl, I noticed that there’s way more caramel boulders than apple “bones” This definitely overpowers the taste. It just isn’t good. I would say it’s up there with the worst cereal I’ve ever had. Yuck. It’s got a horrible aftertaste as well. Stay away from this stuff! But, if you must try it, have some Listerine handy to clean the rancid taste outta your mouth.

- Greg

Kung Fu Panda 2 – Review

Greg — Thu, 26 May 2011 06:00:31 +0000

Today’s movie review is from Josh, a good friend of mine. He was lucky enough to see an advance screening of Kung Fu Panda 2. Here’s his review…

I was lucky enough to recieve an advanced screening pass to see Kung Fu Panda 2 this weekend. I knew Jackson, my five year old, would be SUPER excited to see the movie. Jackson and I arrived at the theater a bit early just to make sure we got seats in the theater. Before the movie started they had invited a local Martial Arts group in to do some demonstrations. Jackson really like seeing the kids breaking boards, etc.

The movie starts with a new character Shen, played by an evil peacock, trying to show his parents that he can conquer and rule China. A local sueth sayer played by an old goat tells Shen that if he continues on his current path he will meet his demise by a black and white beast (panda). So Shen goes on a killing spree to find and kill all Pandas. Shen returns home, and goes to show his parents the he is a great warrior, only to find that his parents are disappointed in his actions.

Po and the Furious 5 are protecting their city and neighboring cities from evil doers. Po is back to his odd traing habits, he was trying to fit as many dumplings in his mouth that he could. The movie deals with Po’s recent lack of focus and trying to attain “Inner Peace”. Po has been having dreams involving a fight and a grown female panda dropping off. He begins to wonder who his real parents are. They get word that a local village is being attacked by wolves wanting to steal all the metal they can find. Po and the 5 go to assist and save the village and it’s citizens, but they make away with the metal. The wolves give them information as to Shen and that he has a master plan to take over China. The rest of the movie is about Po and his friends trying to save China from the secret weapon that Shen has created.

Overall I thought the movie was really good, as did my 5yr old. It had plenty of humor for kids, but also had a good amount of “adult” topics including adoption and parental love. There is a scene where the 5 are in a Chinese dragon and fighting Shen’s wolves that was particularly funny for adults and kids. There was another scene where baby Po’s birth mother was hiding him from Shen’s attacking wolves and sacrificed herself to save a baby Po, it was not graffic, but you could tell what was happening. At that moment, Jackson leaned over and grabed my arm and told me that he loved me. I am not sure if that was coencidence or not. Not to give away a spoiler, but the end of the movie TOTALLY sets up for a third installment of Kung Fu Panda.

Overall a great animated movie for adults and kids!

- Josh

Film Bacon!

Greg — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:35:44 +0000

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to let you know about a little “side project” I’m working on. Me and a friend of mine are working on a movie / tv reviews & news website. It’s called Film Bacon. I’m still going to be posting the same old nonsense that I do here on half-assed, but all of the movie reviews will now be found over at filmbacon.com. Until, get gets totally off the ground, you’ll probably see movie reviews in both places.

Anyway, add Film Bacon to your favorites now!

Thanks…
- Greg

Hangover 2 / Kung Fu Panda 2 – Coming Soon

Greg — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:46:26 +0000

There’s a ton of sequels coming out this summer. The first two, Hangover 2 and Kung Fu Panda 2 come out this week. We’ll have the reviews up early on their release date, so you can decide if you want to see them or not. Stay tuned!

- Greg