https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/04/02/mere-minutes-of-magnificent-mile-mealtime-a-c2e2-2026-epilogue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/caramel-apple-pie-donut.jpgcaramel apple pie donut!For Anne, one of the day's specials -- a caramel apple pie donut.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/do-rite-donuts-and-chicken-meal.jpgDo-Rite Donuts and Chicken mealFor me: a candied maple bacon donut and an Original Chicken Sandwich with standard mayo, lettuce, pickle and cheese.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/apple-crostata.jpgapple crostata!Our favorite part of the meal was bigger than our entrees combined: apple crostata!Adorned with cinnamon, butter crust, and a scoop of pistachio gelato.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/tagliatelle.jpgTagliatelle!For me, the Tagliatelle -- braised veal and Black Angus beef, via parmigiana in a chianti reduction.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chiappetti-spaghetti.jpgChiappetti spaghetti!For Anne, the Chiappetti Spaghetti, named after their executive chef -- done as a baked torta with herb ricotta and ringed with a tomato-and-basil sauce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/fonduta.jpgfonduta!We began with the Fonduta -- garlic bread topped with a smoked Gouda sauce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/anne-and-albert-mural.jpgAnne and Albert mural!Anne and the mural behind her. Several empty tables implied the reservation hadn't been necessary.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/albert-at-hotel-emc2.jpgAlbert at Hotel EMC2!The Albert's convoluted logo is at left.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/colors-aloft.jpgColors Aloft!Art in the hotel lobby commemorating the Magnificent Mile's 150th anniversary: Colors Aloft by Brandin Hurley.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chicago-water-tower.jpgChicago water tower!To the right, the sort of classic water tower you can imagine Spider-Man and Doc Ock having a big battle scene around.2026-04-03T02:48:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/30/mcc-qa-9-who-weve-met-the-master-list-so-far/2026-04-01T03:01:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/29/c2e2-2026-photos-part-2-of-2-jessica-jones-the-west-wing-and-a-cavalcade-of-comics/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/comics-and-stickers.jpgcomics and stickers!This year's loot. Guess which stickers came from which artists!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/man-of-krypton-melting.jpgMan of Krypton melting!The mini-sundae was called "Man of Krypton" and possibly served using a green-kryptonite scoop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/alien-hatching.jpgAlien hatching!Alien hatching at Glowing Vista Gifts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/steampunk-rocketship.jpgsteampunk rocketship!I meant to get details on the owners of this steampunk rocketship when we passed the other side of their table, but failed. I know it was some sort of Illinois museum...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cookie-run-braverse-inflatable.jpgCookie Run Braverse inflatable!Giant inflatable creature promoting the trading-card game Cookie Run Braverse.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/charles-soule.jpgCharles Soule!Charles Soule! Sure, we've met him at multiple C2E2s, but this time he and Eight Billion Genies co-creator Ryan Browne were selling an exclusive new 8MG minicomic that was #1 on my must-buy list for this con.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/justin-madson.jpgJustin Madson!Justin Madson! The mostly self-published cartoonist (Breathers, Carbon) was promoting his first full-length non-self-published graphic novel Tin Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/jarrett-melendez.jpgJarrett Melendez!Jarrett Melendez! Chef, food journalist, graphic-novelist (Chef's Kiss), and author/co-author of several geek-themed cookbooks. Eat the Borderlands immediately caught my eye.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/josh-trujillo.jpgJosh Trujillo!Josh Trujillo! Writer of DC's most recent Blue Beetle books as well as Adventure Time and Rick & Morty. For Marvel he's done the now-in-progress Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four miniseries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/phillip-kennedy-johnson.jpgPhillip Kennedy Johnson!Phillip Kennedy Johnson! Writing quite a bit at each of the Big Two lately -- Action Comics, Batman & Robin, Aliens, Infernal Hulk, and the creepy three-issue crossover epilogue Dungeons of Doom.2026-03-30T18:36:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/29/c2e2-2026-photos-part-1-of-2-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fallout-trio.jpgFallout trio!Fallout fun with Vault-Boy, Vault-Girl, and a RobCo Industries worker wielding a cold fusion diode, the show's season-2 MacGuffin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/vulpix-and-blurry-squirtle.jpgVulpix and blurry Squirtle!Pokemon dance party with Vulpix and a too-fidgety Squirtle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kai-wynn.jpgKai Wynn!May the Prophets be with you! Kai Wynn from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cubsamurai.jpgCubSamuraiAlso of Chicago: CubSamurai!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bozo-the-clown-and-cookie.jpgBozo the Clown and Cookie!Chicago legends Bozo the Clown and Cookie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/camouflage-soldiers.jpgcamouflage soldiers!Snipers not quite blending in in their ghillie suits.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hedwig.jpgHedwig!Hedwig, with a special delivery for a certain someone.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/strawberry-shortcakes.jpgStrawberry Shortcakes!Two Strawberry Shortcakes (one from Anne's childhood and one from the 2000s) and Blueberry Muffin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/king-triton-and-flounder.jpgKing Triton and Flounder!King Triton and a tiny Flounder who really, really wants to keep swimming.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/dark-darkwing-duck.jpgDark Darkwing Duck!Grimdark Darkwing Duck.2026-03-30T02:27:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/27/yes-there-are-mission-patches-after-the-project-hail-mary-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/project-hail-mary.jpgProject Hail Mary!IRON MAN IIIN SPAAACE!2026-03-27T17:06:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/our-road-trip-checklist/2026-03-22T04:39:25+00:00weekly0.6https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/22/our-2023-road-trip-20-appetites-for-asheville/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/wonder-woman-mural.jpgWonder Woman mural!Wonder Woman! Thumbs-up to artists Dustin Spagnola and Megan Kelly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/graffiti-mural.jpggraffiti mural!Graffiti mural.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/plant-mural.jpgplant mural!Plant mural.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/funkatorium.jpgFunkatorium!Points awarded for best-dressed bar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/oompa-loompas.jpgOompa-LoompasRoadside Oompa-Loompas!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/gold-star-latte.jpgGold Star Latte!For me, a Gold Star Latte with ginger, turmeric, honey and cayenne.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/vortex-donuts.jpgVortex donuts!Our haul, from upper-left: cookie butter chocolate chip, the Vortex (cinnamon sugar and chocolate icing), key lime, and espresso. The cookie butter donut won.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/vortex-side-mural.jpgVortex side mural!Neo-Cubist side mural.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/vortex-doughnuts.jpgVortex Doughnuts!Vortex Doughnuts, proud pastry purveyors since <a href="https://www.citizen-times.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/dining/2014/10/02/sneak-peek-vortex-doughnuts-set-to-open-in-asheville-oct-15/16607925/">October 2014</a>. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/salted-caramel-affogato.jpgsalted caramel affogato!For me, the salted caramel affogato. I did not berate Anne for ordering just a vanilla ice cream cone.2026-03-22T17:41:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2015/10/28/the-martian-my-own-planet-idaho/2026-03-21T03:45:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/20/our-2023-road-trip-19-asheville-before-hurricane-helene/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sidewalk-angel.jpgsidewalk angel!Unexplained sidewalk angel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ground-bell.jpgground bell!A rarity in our travels: a bell that isn't a Liberty Bell replica.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/groovy-sun.jpggroovy sun!Groovy sun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bunny.jpgbunny!Bunny!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/birdie.jpgbirdie!Birdie!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/childhood-statue.jpgChildhood statue.Childhood by Jim Barnhill.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/road-chalk-art.jpgroad chalk art.Road chalk art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/flat-fountain.jpgflat fountain!Street-side fountain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/manicomio-pizza-rooster.jpgManicomio Pizza roosterThe apparent mascot of Manicomio Pizza, which closed in June 2025 but was later reopened by different owners under a new name.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fine-arts-marquee.jpgFine Arts marquee!The Fine Arts Theatre, proudly showing Asteroid City.2026-03-21T13:50:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/16/the-academy-awards-2026-season-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/conanmaxxing.jpgConanmaxxing!This required the most painful alt-text I have ever felt obligated to type for the precisely zero passersby who'll ever note or appreciate it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/oscars-conan-2026.jpgOscars Conan 2026!Oscars jazz hands!2026-03-18T03:21:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/03/the-academy-awards-2025-season-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/lithgow-disappointed-2.jpgLithgow disappointed again!Oscar viewers who didn't take Monday off work like I did and were hoping to be in bed by 10.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/lithgow-disappointed-1.jpgLithgow disappointed!Lithgow was game. Sadly, this joke did not run all night long.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/conan-and-oscar.jpgConan and Oscar!He's written for comedy shows, starred in talk shows, and hosted other award ceremonies and events. Some of that might've even prepared him for tonight!2026-03-14T17:22:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/13/i-knew-the-bride-when-she-used-to-rock-and-roll/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/the-bride.jpgThe Bride!Not one of Madonna's better phases.2026-03-14T03:10:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/12/indiana-man-watches-all-50-academy-award-nominees-has-t-shirt-to-prove-it/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/elio.jpgElio!I miss wanting to see every Pixar film.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/if-i-had-legs-id-kick-you.jpgIf I Had Legs I'd Kick You!Psychotherapist, scrutinize thyself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/little-amelie.jpgLittle Amelie!Such a shame this lovely gem is about to get stomped by KPop Demon Hunters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/smashing-machine.jpgSmashing Machine!Will the Real Dwayne Johnson Please Stand Up?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ugly-stepsister.jpgUgly Stepsister!Lean how to win guys the Nellie Oleson way!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/viva-verdi.jpgViva Verdi!A retirement home where you might want to hear the residents sing! Believe it or not!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/voice-of-hind-rajab.jpgVoice of Hind Rajab.If you think your call center job is bad...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/odr-2026-shirt-front.jpgODR 2026 shirt front!Oscars Jazz Hands!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/odr-2026-shirt-back.jpgODR 2026 shirt back!Cooler than any band T-shirt I've ever owned.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/diane-warren-relentless.jpgDiane Warren Relentless!If it's Diane Warren, it must be Oscar season again!2026-03-13T03:18:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/15/heartland-international-film-festival-2023-screening-6-avenue-of-the-giants/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/avenue-of-the-giants.jpgAvenue of the Giants!With no official site and no trailer online, this is the only image available for this film on any site that's covered it.2026-03-10T21:02:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/08/sirat-if-you-can-still-feel-a-beat-keep-moving/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sirat-poster.jpgSirat poster!These speakers go to one hundred eleven!2026-03-09T02:34:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/07/oscars-quest-26-my-kokuho-road-trip/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/showplace-cinemas-evansville.jpgShowplace Cinemas EvansvilleEnormous special thanks to the Showplace Cinemas Evansville for being the right place and the right time. And a shout-out to the other five people in my showing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kokuho-poster.jpgKokuho poster!At last, a rare sighting in the wild!2026-03-08T02:58:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/03/06/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-scream-7-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/scream-7.jpgScream 7!Ghostface comes to small-town Indiana! But it was filmed in Atlanta, once again pretending to be Indiana, just like it did for Stranger Things.2026-03-06T11:36:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/22/oscars-quest-26-the-best-live-action-short-film-nominees/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/butchers-stain.jpgButcher's Stain!Gotta feel for Samir -- nobody's ever rude enough to hassle the baker or the candlestick maker.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/two-people-exchanging-saliva.jpgTwo People Exchanging SalivaLadies' shoe stores...of THE FUTURE!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/a-friend-of-dorothy.jpgA Friend of Dorothy!Remember when Miriam Margolyes was Steve Martin's assistant in Little Shop of Horrors?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/the-singers.jpgThe Singers!Archie Bunker's Place: The Musical.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/jane-ausens-period-drama.jpgJane Austen's Period Drama!"Fear not, milady! I, a man, can save you from anything!"2026-03-02T01:38:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/25/oscars-quest-26-the-best-documentary-short-film-nominees/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/children-no-more.jpgChildren No More....https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/perfectly-a-strangeness.jpgPerfectly a Strangeness!If you loved EO but wish nothing had happened to him, have we got the movie for you.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/devil-is-busy.jpgDevil Is Busy.A staffer at the Feminist Women's Health Center takes calls from out-of-state women, checking whether they legally qualify to come in.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/all-the-empty-rooms.jpgAll the Empty Rooms.An ordinary child's bedroom, except for what's missing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/renaud-brothers.jpgRenaud Brothers.Craig and Brent Renaud, brothers and journalists.2026-03-01T19:07:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/28/oscars-quest-26-the-best-documentary-feature-nominees/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/the-perfect-neighbor.jpgThe Perfect Neighbor."I have evidence of all these happy Black kids running around and being kids. YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mr.-nobody-against-putin.jpgMr. Nobody Against Putin!A happy classroom with happy learning, just like the good ol' days before the current century of propaganda doom.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cutting-through-rocks.jpgCutting Through Rocks!The Real Bikeriders of Iran.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/come-see-me-in-the-good-light.jpgCome See Me in the Good Light!Bittersweet times for happy couple Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/alabama-solution.jpgThe Alabama Solution.A prison community tries to come together and lift each other up in The Alabama Solution, when guards aren't using them as tackle dummies.2026-02-28T18:15:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/22/oscars-quest-26-the-best-animated-short-film-nominees/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/eiru.jpgEiru!Harvey Comics presents Li'l Red Sonja!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/retirement-plan.jpgRetirement Plan!MYTH: After retirement you'll accomplish all your dreams. REALITY: You'll spend 16 hours a day on Facebook.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/girl-who-cried-pearls.jpgGirl Who Cried Pearls!A churl with a pearl not cloistered from boisterous oysters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/papillon.jpgPapillon!A history lesson just in time for Olympics season.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/three-sisters-short-film.jpgThree Sisters short film!An extremely lo-fi Gilligan's Island meets Petticoat Junction.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/forevergreen.jpgForevergreen!The secret origin of Smokey the Bear.2026-02-23T01:09:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/21/song-sung-blue-the-healing-power-of-nostalgia/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/song-sung-blue.jpgSong Sung Blue!"Leopold" and his new Kate.2026-02-21T17:34:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/16/people-really-win-with-amc-theatres-apparently/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/holdovers-sweatshirt.jpgHoldovers sweatshirt!It's a major award!2026-02-16T22:53:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/15/valentines-day-morning-in-the-carmel-arts-design-district/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tous-les-jours-sweets.jpgTous les Jours sweets!Our haul: one chocolate creme donut, one matcha creme donut, a strawberry croissant snack sandwich, a hazelnut-filled chocolate muffin, and a loaf of mascarpone cream bread.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tous-les-jours-macarons.jpgTous les Jours macarons!Sample macarons, including double-stuffed options, because Indiana.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tous-les-jours-cakes.jpgTous les Jours cakes!Sample luscious cakes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/eternal-spring.jpgEternal Spring!Eternal Spring by Jerry Joslin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/swing-me-higher-mama.jpgSwing Me Higher Mama!Swing Me Higher, Mama by Dominic Benhura.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/gavin-aspiration.jpgGavin - Aspiration!Gavin - Aspiration by Jason Myers, whose latest in the series, , has caused quite the fuss among Mass Ave residents.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/brickhead-human.jpgBrickhead Human!Brickhead Human by James Tyler.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sail.jpgSail!Sail by Owens & Crawley, near the southern entrance to the District along the Greenway. I understand it lights up at night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ambassador-of-the-streets.jpgAmbassador of the Streets!Ambassador of the Streets and its pet human.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/one-mans-search.jpgOne Man's Search!One Man's Search, featuring wardrobe by the Carmel High School bookstore.2026-02-16T02:39:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/13/our-2023-road-trip-18-columbia-house/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/gamecocks-logo.jpgGamecocks logo!Their sports-themed interiors are covered with souvenirs, memorabilia, quotes, and other decorative flourishes such as the logo for USC's Gamecocks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/beezers.jpgBeezer's!I welcome any alternative to my old nemesis Subway.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/modjeska-monteith-simkins-painting.jpgModjeska Monteith Simkins paintingOur least worst shot of civil rights leader Modjeska Monteith Simkins.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/two-paintings.jpgtwo paintingsOther prominent painting subjects included renowned educators Wil Lou Gray and Mary McLeod Bethune.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/revolution-painting.jpgRevolution painting!Mandatory American Revolution painting.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/david-finley-bust.jpgDavid Finley bust?David E. Finley, who served as a state and U.S. Congressman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/robert-e-lee-bust.jpgRobert E Lee bust!Other immortalized figures include famous statue subject Robert E. Lee.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/secession-document-enlarged.jpgsecession document enlarged!Historical artifacts on display include a super-sized copy of the South Carolina Declaration of Secession.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/state-house-lobby-upstairs.jpgState House lobby upstairs!Hangout spot upstairs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/stairway.jpgstairway!Sample staircase up to the open areas.2026-02-14T03:20:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/12/our-2023-road-trip-17-columbia-pictures/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/strom-thurmond-statue.jpgStrom Thurmond statue!Strom Thurmond, last known survivor of the French and Indian War.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wade-hampton-horse-statue.jpgWade Hampton horse statue!Confederate General Wade Hampton -- white supremacist group leader, rich plantation owner with thousands of slaves, and [checks notes] a governor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/robert-mcnair-tribute.jpgRobert McNair tribute!Monument to Robert McNair, the governor in office when this complex was designed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sc-generals-monument.jpgSC Generals monument!Also brought to you by the UDC but not a Confederate monument: this one's for Revolutionary War Generals Thomas Sumter, Francis Marion, and Andrew Pickens.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/benjamin-ryan-tillman-statue.jpgBenjamin Ryan Tillman statue!Benjamin Tillman, Governor and US Senator, virulently pro-lynching. The murderer of the aforementioned Mr. Gonzales was his nephew.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/james-f.-byrnes-statue.jpgJames F. Byrnes statueJames F. Byrnes, who held various state offices on up to governor and served as Truman's Secretary of State and as a Supreme Court Justice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/jefferson-davis-highway-marker.jpgJefferson Davis Highway markerThe Jefferson Davis Highway marker, coutersy of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/soldiers-monument.jpgsoldiers monument!The requisite soldiers' monument, resembling ours back home in Indy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/spanish-american-war-monument.jpgSpanish American War monumentRelated: their Spanish American War monument, sculpted by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cannon.jpgcannon!There's always a cannon in these sorts of collections, but this one's a remnant from the Maine. Remember the Maine?2026-02-13T03:23:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/04/07/our-2023-road-trip-5-columbia-records/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/diner-silhouettes.jpgdiner silhouettes!One more mural for the road, painted on the side of Cafe Strudel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/tropical-bicycle-rack.jpgtropical bicycle rack!A tropical bicycle rack.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/crepe-myrtle.jpgcrepe myrtle!A crepe myrtle, the oddly specific specialty of a particular local business.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/palmetto-trees.jpgpalmetto trees!Palmettos!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/marquee.jpgmarqueeA randomly recurring MCC road-trip motif: an old-fashioned theater marquee. This one salutes a USC footballer of the time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/columbia-shop-mural.jpgColumbia shop muralA portrait of Five Points circa 1937.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chain-mural.jpgchain mural!Blue Sky work of more recent vintage, 2019's Rubble Without a Cause.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/farmland-mural.jpgfarmland mural!Also by Blue Sky, the 2000 mural Other Side of the Tunnel, done for the 75th anniversary of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/tunnel-mural.jpgtunnel mural!The best possible trap to help control the coyote population.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/hootie-ground-guitar-pick-.jpgHootie ground guitar pick!To learn more about Hootie and the Blowfish, read the granite plaque that is the statue's base or check out your local library.2026-02-12T22:31:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/08/sentimental-value-the-magic-of-movies-comes-with-a-price/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sentimental-value.jpgSentimental Value!The Winner of the "Win a Date With a Marvel Star" Sweepstakes was really hoping to meet Chris Evans.2026-02-08T19:23:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/07/arco-the-rainbow-connection/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/arco.jpgArco!Cel-paint with all the colors of the wind!2026-02-07T15:58:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/13/six-kind-things-about-the-worst-person-in-the-world/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/worst-person-in-the-world.jpgWorst Person in the World!CAUTION: RATED NC-17 FOR SCENES OF STRONG SMOKING.2026-02-02T02:47:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/02/01/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-zootopia-2-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/zootopia-2.jpgZootopia 2!HE's a wiseacre thief trying to walk the straight-and-narrow! SHE's a righteous bunny seeking justice! THEY FIGHT CRIME!2026-02-01T20:45:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/29/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-jimmies-eat-world/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cult-of-jimmy.jpgCult of Jimmy!Mighty Morphin' Jimmy Rangers!2026-01-30T04:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/25/beef-boards-blizzard/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/blizzard-dinner-quartet.jpgBlizzard dinner quartet!Group photo by the nice lady at the next table.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/snowstorm-012526.jpgSnowstorm!Around 12:30 I shoveled our front walk, which by 5 p.m. was clearly done in vain. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/intro.jpgintro!Cast member and assistant stage manager Jeff Stockberger introduced the play, with the customary request that the audience not go forth and spoil it for others.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/mousetrap-program.jpgMousetrap program!Our souvenir program.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/beef-boards-2026-season.jpgBeef & Boards 2026 seasonSpirited performances yet-to-come.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/beef-boards.jpgBeef & Boards!Time stamp: Saturday, January 24th, 5:37 p.m. EST. We'd not yet gone antarctic yet.2026-01-26T00:04:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/22/2022-at-the-movies-at-my-house/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/amber-midthunder-prey.jpgAmber Midthunder in Prey!Meet your new favorite archer supreme.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/enola-holmes-2.jpgEnola Holmes 2!*needle-scratch* *freeze-frame*https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/beavis-and-butt-head-do-the-universe.jpgBeavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe!Gonna tell my grandkids this is Richard Linklater's Apollo 10½.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-wonder-council.jpgThe Wonder council!Toby Jones, Luther's Dermot Crowley, and Ciaran Hinds turn to Florence Pugh for help, as one does.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/moonfall.jpgMoonfall!Live footage of Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson exiled off-planet as punishment for being in Moonfall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rrr.jpgRRR!The trailer alone is better than the bottom third of this list.2026-01-25T16:09:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2016/07/26/our-2011-road-trip-16-bright-on-broadway/2026-01-25T15:54:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2016/11/13/2016-nyc-trip-photos-22-back-on-broadway/2026-01-25T15:53:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/24/our-saturday-matinee-at-a-christmas-carol-live/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/goldens-selfie.jpgGoldens selfie!God bless us, every one!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/snow-and-feet.jpgsnow and feet!Practical special effects at our very feet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/snow-jazz-hands.jpgsnow jazz hands!This was much cooler than being drenched by sitting too closely to our zoo's dolphin shows.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/christmas-carol-backdrop.jpgChristmas Carol backdrop!A Christmas Carol selfie station, possibly painted in a previous year with some different actors than the cast we saw.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/snowy-stage.jpgsnowy stageIt seemed miraculous when I called the box office to redeem our vouchers two weeks before showtime, a pair front-row seats were available at stage right. This was our pre-show view.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/a-christmas-carol-poster.jpgA Christmas Carol poster!IRT chandeliers!The official poster for our feature presentation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/irt-chandeliers.jpgIRT chandeliers!In terms of square footage, the lobby seemed much smaller than it did in my teen memories, but the vaulted ceiling still impresses.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/indiana-repertory-theatre.jpgIndiana Repertory Theatre!Our destination: the Indiana Repertory Theatre, housed since 1980 in the Indiana Theatre, built in 1927.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/to-poet-poem.jpgTo poet poem!Washington Street sadly had more empty storefronts than ever. A few have been put to alternative use.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mike-wazowski.jpgMike Wazowski!Candy shopping at Rocket Fizz, my favorite place to pick up stocking stuffers.2026-01-25T15:53:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/22/my-oscars-quest-2026-quick-start-scorecard/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/brad-pitt-f1.jpgBrad Pitt F1!"I feel the need for SPEED! And corporate sponsors!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/michael-b-jordan.jpgMichael B Jordan!16 nominations for Sinners? Smoke and Stack about to throw another killer party.2026-01-23T04:09:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/21/2025-at-the-movies-at-my-house/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/mountainhead.jpgMountainhead!Worst Beastie Boys video ever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tom-hardy-havoc.jpgTom Hardy Havoc!Eddie Brock is back, and this time he doesn't need a cartoon suit tdo his killing for him!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/highest-2-lowest.jpgHighest 2 Lowest!"...you'll give me HOW MUCH to reboot St. Elsewhere?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/benoit-blanc.jpgBenoit Blanc!"Ah do declare...one moah time!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/kpop-demon-hunters.jpgKPop Demon Hunters!A group of ladies who appreciate a good snack. They're just like the Golden Girls!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/phoenician-scheme.jpgPhoenician Scheme!Looks like a board from one of those escape-room board games my family plays every New Year's.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/companion.jpgCompanion!A 21st-century Bride of Frankenstein minus the flimsy cadaver parts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/section-31-yeoh.jpgSection 31 YeohThe IDIC credo means at least some of those infinite Everything Everywhere All at Once timelines were gonna suck.2026-01-22T15:32:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/18/no-other-choice-theres-been-a-murder-at-dunder-mifflin-korea/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/no-other-choice.jpgNo Other ChoiceTo any head of household having a hard time out there: keep in mind your spouse will not consider your flop-sweat a turn-on.2026-01-19T03:44:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/17/the-secret-agent-the-past-is-a-sharks-maw-swallowing-our-histories-whole/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/the-secret-agent.jpgThe Secret Agent!Flashback to the '70s when DMVs and recordkeeping offices were miserable places of endless waiting.2026-01-18T04:30:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/13/our-2023-road-trip-16-farewell-beach-romp/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/deck-selfie.jpgdeck selfie!Deck chair selfie!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/skywalker-house.jpgSkywalker House!A long way from Tosche Station.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/anne-and-atlantic.jpgAnne and Atlantic!Anne's turn to pose with the Atlantic for the folks back home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/freighter.jpgfreighter!We saw no dolphins or turtles, just this freighter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/busier-beach.jpgbusier beach!The far end of the beach opposite the pier.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cacti.jpgcactiCacti off to the side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/buildings-from-beach.jpgbuildings from beach!Some of the places we couldn't afford to stay.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/seashells.jpgseashells!We see seashells on the seashore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/no-swimming-flag.jpgNo Swimming flag.The red-and-yellow flag identifies where not to swim in the sand.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sand-footprints.jpgsand footprints!Footprints of walkers who may or may not have been carrying others.2026-01-14T04:11:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/11/my-2025-at-the-movies-worst-to-best/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jeff-bridges-tron-ares.jpgJeff Bridges Tron Ares!The Trapper Keeper lasers really tied the room together!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/wolf-man-cast.jpgWolf Man cast!"Over there, coming toward us...is that Svengoolie?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/thunderbolts.jpgThunderbolts!"Wait, we have to share our next movie with how many other actors?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/28-years-later-alfie.jpg28 Years Later Alfie!Caution: not a YA film.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ballerina-movie.jpgBallerina movie!Nurse Marta Has HAD IT: A Knives Out Story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/obaa-grenade-launcher.jpgOBAA grenade launcherLots of real American heroes carry this sort of ordnance! Like, uh, that guy Bazooka in G.I. Joe!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/exploding-needle.jpgExploding Needle!Revolving restaurants: novelty dinner delight or a prom-night DEATH TRAP?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/superman-2025.jpgSuperman 2025!Speeding bullet. Locomotive, Tall buildings. And so on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/frankenstein-lives.jpgFrankenstein lives!Really, there are some subtleties in it, I promise!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/galinda-bubble.jpgGalinda bubble!So what movies did you love or hate inside your sealed bubble?2026-01-12T02:43:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/23/the-running-man-a-fistful-of-new-dollars/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/running-man-2.jpgThe Running Man!Hit Man is back! And this time, it's personal!2026-01-09T03:50:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/04/marty-supreme-the-king-kong-of-ping-pong-is-a-ding-dong/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/marty-supreme.jpgMarty Supreme!Preening Putz Proud of Patriotic Paddle.2026-01-05T17:48:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2026/01/02/midlife-crisis-crossover-2025-in-review-according-to-our-bot-overlords/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/indy-art-cube.jpgIndy art cube!Fissure, a 2019 work by Owens + Crawley, one of many art installations along Mass Ave in Indy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/church-sanctuary.jpgchurch sanctuary!One of our annual family gatherings was held in the rec room of a small-town church. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/man-cave.jpgman cave!My brother-in-law got out of the Amazon Marketplace biz and returned to his previous career. His man cave is totally tricked out with the merch he kept.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/michigan-avenue-chicago.jpgMichigan Avenue Chicago!Our latest jaunt through downtown Chicago, briefly while in town for C2E2.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/adoring-fan-and-scamps.jpgAdoring Fan and scamps!I don't post about my retro gaming anymore, but here's the single most annoying moment while I've been playing through Oblivion this year: descending into Darkfathom Cave accompanied by the Adoring Fan and Rosentia Gallenus' pack of silent scamps. This was THE WORST. SO MUCH TRIPPING OVER MY OWN HORDE.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/logo-down.jpglogo down!Over the summer my employers had the giant logo on our building replaced. I was among the few in-office during the process.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/victory-field.jpgVictory Field!Victory Field! In August I was invited to come see an Indianapolis Indians ballgame, first time in a while.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/squirrel.jpgsquirrel!On the way back from the ballgame: SQUIRREL!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/buc-ee-jazz-hands.jpgBuc-ee jazz hands!Jazz hands at the Buc-ee's in Smiths Grove, KY, on our way to Dragon Con 2025.2026-01-03T03:25:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/28/avatar-fire-and-ash-spider-he-is-our-hero/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/avatar-3-poster.jpgAvatar 3 poster!Beware the Dragonriders of BURN!2025-12-28T23:48:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/27/our-2023-road-trip-15-parks-and-pastries/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/raspberry-nutella-turnover.jpgraspberry Nutella turnover!Our final Charleston chews: a raspberry Nutella turnover and a lemon pecan coffeecake muffin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/quiches.jpgquiches!Quiches for our main course, both with goat cheese. One was laden with sausage and red pepper; the other, figs and prosciutto.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/wildflour-baked-goods.jpgWildFlour baked goods!Still more floury wonders, plus greeting cards you can send to people and make them wish they were here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/wildflour-quiches.jpgWildFlour quiches!Quiches and pies in all the flavors of the rainbow.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/wildflour-pastry.jpgWildFlour Pastry!It was attached to a strip mall that seemed otherwise dead, which had me worried for a minute.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/denmark-vesey-statue.jpgDenmark Vesey statue!Bible in one hand; hat and carpenter's tools in the other.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/denmark-vesey-plaza.jpgDenmark Vesey plaza!Subject acquired. Erected in 2014; sculpted by Ed Dwight, whose work we'd see again the next day in a another city.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hampton-park-powerline.jpgHampton Park powerline!A power line cut through the middle of the park, detracting a bit from the prettiness.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/canna-lily.jpgcanna lily!The pretty flowers included this canna lily.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hampton-park-path.jpgHampton Park path!The dirt path was easier on our feet than downtown sidewalks, and it was blessedly shadier than too-sunny King Street.2025-12-28T04:16:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/25/hamnet-special-providence-in-the-fall-of-a-sparrow/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hamnet-poster.jpgHamnet poster!The poster as I left the theater, hanging outside and perfectly framed by night and nature.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hamnet.jpgHamnet!The Globe Theatre was a lot cooler before they started hiring soccer hooligans as security guards.2025-12-26T04:46:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/23/merry-christmas-from-mcc-8/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ugly-sweater-queen.jpgugly sweater queen!Fierce ugly Christmas sweater competition. Notice that fireplace on her sweater isn't a drawing; that's a diorama large enough for Barbie dolls to heat up marshmallows on a stick.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/christmas-whiteboard.jpgChristmas whiteboard!A whiteboard at work, decorated by persons unknown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/shriner-bear.jpgShriner Bear!Shriner bear!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/black-clauses.jpgBlack Clauses!The Clauses defy convention up on the fourth floor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/red-train.jpgred train!Christmas train embedded in an evergreen cliffside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lobby-reindeer.jpglobby reindeer!The first of four outtakes from our recent visit to the annual Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society. First up: reindeer greeters in the lobby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/christmas-ip-totems.jpgChristmas IP totems!Choose your Christmas IP lawn totem!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lawn-angel-nativity-scene.jpglawn angel nativity scene!Obligatory Nativity scene, but with different textures.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/anne-and-abominable.jpgAnne and Abominable!What if Rankin-Bass Christmas characters were real and large enough to flatten us, but instead showed us love and especially mercy?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/christmas-diorama-2025.jpgChristmas Diorama 2025!Once again with feeling, the Golden Family Christmas diorama!2025-12-24T03:33:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/19/the-osu-mcdonalds-and-more-a-galaxycon-columbus-2025-epilogue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/grinch-storefront.jpgGrinch storefront!High Street stores reminding everyone Christmastime is here!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/high-crane-on-high-street.jpghigh crane on High Street!Construction across the street from the convention center.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hotel-window-view.jpghotel window view!Our hotel window view...of the hotel next door.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/moda-chicken-sandwich.jpgModa chicken sandwichDinner Friday night at MODA: the hot honey chicken sandwich topped with chili infused honey, spicy Carolina slaw , habanero cheese, and chipotle mayo, served with tri-colored sweet potatoes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/brassica-pitas.jpgBrassica pitas!Mediterranean pita lunch Friday at our old favorite Brassica, up the street from the Greater Columbus Convention Center.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/osu-mementos.jpgOSU mementos!Last call for OSU collectibles!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/buckeyes-vitrine.jpgBuckeyes vitrine!Mini-Brutus!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/basketballs.jpgbasketballs and sports!Two rows of basketballs break up the football monopoly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/osu-ohio-stadium-rotunda.jpgOSU Ohio Stadium rotunda!Artist's rendition of the rotunda at Ohio Stadium.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/osu-autographed-photos.jpgOSU autographed photos!Still more autographs. If you can name all these men, you're probably from Ohio!2025-12-20T03:30:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/07/galaxycon-columbus-2025-photos-part-1-of-4-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/amy-rose.jpgAmy Rose!Amy Rose with her Piko Piko Hammer, from the world of Sonic the Hedgehog. This weekend we learned the hard way he has a LOT of fans nowadays.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/spider-man-noir.jpgSpider-Man Noir!Spider-Man Noir, soon to star in his own TV series.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/spider-punk.jpgSpider-Punk!Spider-Punk, hero of the Spider-Verse!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/squirrel-girl.jpgSquirrel Girl!The unbeatable Squirrel Girl!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/christmas-she-hulk.jpgChristmas She-Hulk!Christmas She-Hulk!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/peacemaker-and-vigilante.jpgPeacemaker and Vigilante!Peacemaker and Vigilante!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/seventh-doctor.jpgSeventh Doctor!The Seventh Doctor, who joined us at the front of Jodie Whittaker's Saturday autograph line.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pyramid-head.jpgPyramid Head!Pyramid Head from the world of Silent Hill.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/booth-axolotl.jpgbooth axolotl!Now that "booth babes" are no longer a thing, here's a booth axolotl representing for Agi-Jagi Shop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/steve-buscemi-meme.jpgSteve Buscemi meme!How do you do, fellow kids?2025-12-20T03:29:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/08/galaxycon-columbus-2025-photos-part-2-of-4-celebrities/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/us-in-weird-al-panel-2.jpgUs in Weird Al Panel 2!Here's us in the crowd, above-center and ironically blocked by a Weird Al cosplayer, possibly as karmic payback for taking up seats in the <em>Twilight</em> panel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/weird-al-panel-selfie-2.jpgWeird Al Panel Selfie 2!Fast-forward back to 2025. Can you spot us in Weird Al's crowd? Scroll down for the answer!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/us-in-twilight-cast-panel-2.jpgus in Twilight Cast Panel 2Here's us, unflatteringly, at upper-left in the group shot. I've no idea why I look drunk. Anne is already scouting out closer seats for the next panel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/twilight-cast-panel-selfie-2.jpgTwilight Cast Panel Selfie 2Left to right: Jackson Rathbone, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, and Peter Facinelli.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/weird-al-listening.jpgWeird Al listening!The man, the myth, the legend, the listener.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/weird-al-jumping.jpgWeird Al jumping!Our Hero of course couldn't just walk up to a couch and sit, but had to climb over the back of it first.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/peter-facinelli.jpgPeter Facinelli!And head of household Carlisle Cullen -- Peter Facinelli, whom we met at Superman Celebration, back when he had a recurring role as Maxwell Lord on The CW's Supergirl.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/kellan-lutz.jpgKellan Lutz!Kellan Lutz, their vamp sibling Emmett Cullen. I've seen him in HBO's Generation Kill.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/jackson-rathbone.jpgJackson Rathbone!Jackson Rathbone, a.k.a. Jasper Hale -- the most ebullient of the bunch, who I'm now rather keen to watch in something sometime.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ashley-greene.jpgAshley Greene!Ashley Greene, who played Alice Cullen.2025-12-20T03:28:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/12/galaxycon-columbus-2025-photos-part-3-of-4-comics/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/maleficent-kangas.jpgMaleficent by Liana Kangas!A nifty new addition to my humble art collection!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hutchison-kangas-sketch-duel.jpgHutchison Kangas sketch duel!Hutchison and Kangas. TWO WOMEN ENTER! TWO WOMEN LEAVE!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/comics-writing-panel.jpgcomics writing panel!Left to right: Johns, Watters, Sacks, Orlando and our moderator.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/steve-orlando.jpgSteve Orlando!Steve Orlando! A longtime DC writer who's handled Batman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, the Justice League, Midnighter, and plenty others; over at Marvel he's been handling 2099 line as well as Scarlet Witch, who's about to relaunch from #1 again for like the sixtieth time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sam-johns.jpgSam Johns!Sam Johns! Works include House of Slaughter, Over the Garden Wall, The Backstagers, and numerous Bat-related comics. (I was in the photo but cropped myself due to goofy-looking expression.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/megan-hutchison.jpgMegan Hutchison!Megan Hutchison! Credits include The Department of Truth, Crossover, Archie Comics: Judgment Day, and a passel of variant covers for Marvel, DC, Image, and more.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/dan-watters.jpgDan Watters!Dan Watters! The prolific Englishman has done Nightwing, Batman: Dark Patterns, IDW's new Twilight Zone revival, Doctor Who, GI Joe's Destro, Cowboy Bebop, Home Sick Pilots, Coffin Bound, The Six Fingers, and the list keeps going and going.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ethan-sacks.jpgEthan Sacks!Ethan Sacks! He's written several of Marvel's Star Wars books, Old Man Hawkeye, and the creator-owned A Haunted Girl co-written with his daughter Naomi (a long story unto themselves).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tony-fleecs.jpgTony Fleecs!Tony Fleecs! Creator-owned books include Uncanny Valley, Feral, Local Man, and Stray Dogs; IP work includes Star Wars, My Little Pony, Army of Darkness, the current X-Men alt-timeline crossover event, and a pretty fun Thing miniseries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/galaxycon-columbus-2025-books.jpgGalaxyCon Columbus 2025 booksMy reading haul this year, plus a little extra merch.2025-12-20T03:28:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/12/14/galaxycon-columbus-2025-photos-part-4-of-4-con-stuff/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/us-in-star-trek.jpgus in Star Trek!Not our first time around a simulated Enterprise bridge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/anne-and-warp-core.jpgAnne and warp core!Not an ideal place for a civilian.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aurebesh-eye-chart.jpgAurebesh eye chart!An Aurebesh eye chart, useful to such characters as Hondo and Dr. Pershing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/speeder-bike.jpgspeeder bike!Get your own speeder bike today! Space gas sold separately.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/black-and-gold-astromech.jpgblack and gold astromech!Astromech droid in Purdue's colors.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pink-astromech.jpgpink astromech!Pink astromech!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/baby-pit-droid.jpgBaby Pit Droid!Baby Pit Droid!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/star-wars-wanted-posters.jpgStar Wars Wanted posters!As usual, we took a disproportionate number of Star Wars pics.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ghostbusters-paraphernalia.jpgGhostbusters paraphernalia!Once again the Ghostbusters brought in their paraphernalia for charity fundraising.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/martians.jpgMartians!The Martians are coming! The Martians are coming!2025-12-20T03:28:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/30/wicked-for-good-revenge-of-the-shiz/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wicked-for-good.jpgWicked For Good!Down the witches' road, one last time. Well, until someone decides this should be a prequel trilogy.2025-12-02T13:55:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/21/the-indiana-historical-societys-festival-of-trees-2025-indoor-christmas-forest-fun/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/circus-tree-and-me.jpgCircus Tree and me!The Mothershead Foundation presents a very special circus Christmas! And I'm a clown!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/white-christmas-movie-tree.jpgWhite Christmas movie tree!The Songbook Foundation salutes the 1954 classic White Christmas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wthr-peacock-tree.jpgWTHR peacock tree!Peacocks a-plenty from Indy's longtime NBC affiliate WTHR.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wfyi-tree.jpgWFYI tree!Sesame Street lives! WFYI Public Media, our local PBS affiliate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/balsa-village.jpgbalsa village!A wee balsa village by CountryMark.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/shades-of-red-tree.jpgshades of red tree!Sample wares from a local specialty decorator calling themselves Stonedcandy Christmas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/catholic-tree.jpgCatholic tree!An expansive display from the Catholic Business Exchange.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/pennywise-christmas-tree-bucket.jpgPennywise Christmas tree bucketWE ALL FLOAT DOWN HERE, GEORGIE.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/pink-tree-ii.jpgpink tree!I lost track of how many trees were pink this year. This one's from BFF Indy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/susan-g.-komen-tree.jpgSusan G. Komen Tree!The Susan G. Komen Tree of Hope.2025-11-22T04:01:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/16/predator-badlands-yautja-yutani-yutani-yautja/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/predator-badlands.jpgPredator Badlands!She's a happy-go-lucky android! He's a space hunter! THEY FIGHT CRIME!2025-11-17T03:37:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/13/our-2023-road-trip-14-82-queen-and-back-to-king-street/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/me-sunburnt.jpgme sunburnt!Me sporting a brand new sunburn. Not my kind of vacation shopping souvenir!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bubbies-cookies-treats-cookies.jpgBubbie's Cookies & Treats cookiesBought from Bubbie's Cookies & Treats: double chocolate chunk with dark chocolate M&Ms; chocolate chip walnut; and a sweet-'n'-savory Steely Dan tribute called "Pretzel Logic".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sweet-charleston-cookies.jpgSweet Charleston cookies!Bought at Sweet Charleston: M&M chocolate cookies, pralines, and cinnamon churro toffee.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/record-stop.jpgRecord Stop!After grabbing new things to read, I also picked up new things to hear at Record Stop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/blue-bicycle-books-rare-shelf.jpgBlue Bicycle Books rare shelfStrikingly rare books at Blue Bicycle Books, which we failed to photograph from the outside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/trophy-husband-mannequin.jpgTrophy Husband mannequinA second pass by The Vault Retro Sports Apparel, whose Jesus window pics we posted previously.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gucci-purse.jpgGucci purse!Probably the most expensive item sighted while window shopping: the Gucci Bamboo 1947 Top Handle Bag, at the Gucci Store at Charleston Place. Priced up to $4900 as of today from their site, or you can get a Walmart knockoff for $29.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/king-street-return.jpgKing Street return!King Street again, this time northbound.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/giant-sucker.jpggiant suckerGiant suckers at OMG Candy Store.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/more-christmas.jpgmore Christmas!It wasn't even the last Christmas store we'd see on vacation.2025-11-14T15:43:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/12/bugonia-what-if-rod-serling-made-a-lifetime-movie/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bugonia.jpgBugonia!Reservoir Dogs x V for Vendetta.2025-11-13T22:02:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/11/im-a-funko-pop/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/funko-pop-collection-2.jpgFunko Pop collection also!You'll note not all these are Funkos. MST3K fans may recognize three bots that came with the DVD sets. (That's Gypsy peeking in at the bottom.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/funko-pop-collection-1.jpgFunko Pop collection!Unlike other companies, my employers are pretty cool about letting those of us with assigned desks pretty them up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/randy-golden-funko-pop.jpgRandy Golden Funko Pop!Sorry, shoppers, I'm all sold out!2025-11-14T15:42:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/09/wordpress-blogger-weeps-upon-realizing-chinese-bot-swarms-dont-count-as-found-family/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/new-robot-overlords.jpgNew Robot Overlords!This entry isn't about how Chinese scientists have made their very own version of DC Comics' Shaolin Robot. That discovery is incidental.2026-01-12T11:52:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/07/del-toros-frankenstein-9-reasons-why-youll-need-a-bigger-screen/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/frankenstein-movie-poster-2025.jpgFrankenstein Movie Poster 2025!Now showing at a theater near few!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/oscar-isaac-frankenstein.jpgOscar Isaac Frankenstein"Somehow Frankenstein returned."2025-11-08T04:30:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/11/01/happy-belated-halloween-from-mcc/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/lowes-halloween-2025.jpgLowes Halloween 2025Yet another tradition: every MCC Halloween photo-dump includes the latest arrangement of yard spooks at Lowes. I took this pic back in August.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/chef-bones.jpgChef Bones!Not part of the wedding: an indulgent snack arrangement from another Halloween mini-event earlier in the week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/purple-tomatoes.jpgPurple Tomatoes!The wedding stage before our feature presentation, prefaced with a montage of old horror trailers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/inflatable-frankensteins.jpgInflatable Frankensteins!The happily married Mr. and Mrs. Monster of an alternate timeline where everything worked out.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/halloween-jazz-hands.jpgHalloween Jazz Hands!Halloween joy on Friday night!2025-11-04T22:52:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/26/cincinnati-comic-expo-2025-photos-cosplay-and-the-superman-family/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/phantom-zone-exit.jpgPhantom Zone exit!You Are Now Leaving the Phantom Zone.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/kevin-eastman-booth-banner.jpgKevin Eastman booth banner!The con's own merchandise booth also offered some extra special souvenirs: booth banners from previous shows, autographed by their guests! I was SO tempted by this one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toy-vending-machines.jpgtoy vending machines!I chuckle whenever I see vendors bringing back the vending machines of our childhood that sold sub-Chuck-E-Cheese plastic junk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/smallville-quilt.jpgSmallville quilt!For this occasion, Sew Quiltable also brought this Smallville quilt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/andor-quilt.jpgAndor quilt!Speaking of Andor: the skilled artisans at Sew Quiltable had this awesome piece for sale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/b2emo.jpgB2EMO!The only RC droid I saw was this B2EMO from Andor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ursa-costume.jpgUrsa costume!As mentioned, we'd already met Sarah Douglas, but she brought along an Ursa costume to show off.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/kenoki.jpgKenoki!Mash-up fun! Barbie's friendzoned Ken plus Loki equals Kenoki! Who looks an awful lot like the magician Alan Moore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/peacemaker.jpgPeacemaker!TV's Peacemaker!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/riddler-and-catwoman.jpgRiddler and Catwoman!The Riddler and Catwoman!2025-10-26T19:25:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/24/our-2023-road-trip-13-calhoun-and-the-slave-mart/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/hymnal.jpghymnal.An old hymnal turned to "Holy Bible, Book Divine".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/yoke.jpgyoke.Along with the shackles in the lead photo, the yoke does not convey "Slavery Was Good".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/slaver-bill-of-sale.jpgslaver bill of saleA slaver's itemized bill of sale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/lockets.jpglockets.Artifacts in their modest collection included lockets and framed photos of loved ones.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/old-slave-mart-museum.jpgOld Slave Mart Museum.At various times the building had also been a tenement and a car dealership.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cemetery-cat.jpgcemetery cat!Another cemetery visitor probably had thoughts about the blue jay.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bluejay-in-cemetery.jpgbluejay in cemeteryOur new friend was no help locating the other graves on our list.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bluejay-near-ground.jpgbluejay near ground!The blue jay flutters down and hangs out with us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bluejay-on-fence.jpgbluejay on fence!A blue jay welcomes us to the hallowed grounds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/grave-resume.jpggrave resume!The engraved portions can't cover all the details.2025-10-25T02:38:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/11/17/our-2017-road-trip-part-31-the-african-american-experience/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/quilt-3.jpgquilt 3!A better tonal fit: so, <em>so</em> many quilts, apparently? It's puzzling sometimes trying to figure out why Anne or I each photograph what we do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/malcolm-x-quote.jpgMalcolm X quote!Another keeper of a quote, suspended above the "Sons" exhibit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tyree-taft.jpgSons!Better summations of the concept can be found here and here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ladies-hats.jpgladies' hats!I see this collection and all I can think about is Omar being a good grandson and taking his grandma to church on Sunday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/brandon-hill.jpgBrandon Hill!<em>Spoken Word</em> and <em>Fresh</em>, two among several pieces by painter Brandon Hill.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/freedoms-gate.jpgFreedom's Gate!Local art on hand included Sam Christian Holmes' steel sculpture <em>Freedom's Gate</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/quilt-1.jpgquilt 1!Another quilt. In hindsight I don't recall seeing or taking photos of that many quilts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/lucille-clifton-quote.jpgLucille Clifton quote!Words of wisdom from a former Poet Laureate of Maryland, the late Lucille Clifton.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/bathroom-door.jpgbathroom door!...and the first bathroom door I've ever seen as a museum exhibit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/railroad-signs.jpgrailroad signs.Mandatory civil rights history section offers repellent artifacts such as these signs...2025-10-24T23:30:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/20/the-heartland-international-film-festival-2025-season-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/heartland-screen.jpgHeartland screen!Screen shot before my showing of Happy Birthday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/kan-kan-at-night.jpgKan-Kan at night!The Kan-Kan at night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/alamo-indy-car.jpgAlamo Indy car!...and don't hold me to it because I couldn't find a placaard anywhere, but this might be Rick Mears' #2 car he drove for Penske in the 1990 Indy 500? (Corrections welcome!)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/helio-castroneves-suit.jpgHelio Castroneves suit!In addition to vintage posters for racing movies (some from other countries!), decor in their claustrophobic lobby includes one of Helio Castroneves' old jumpsuits...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/alamo-drafthouse-indy.jpgAlamo Drafthouse IndyThey're a couple miles north of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and consequently put up murals of racing-movie collages.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/blue-doll-pumpkin.jpgBlue Doll pumpkin!One in a series of uncommon pumpkins in the hallway leading to the theater.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/octopus-tentacles.jpgoctopus tentacles!Octopus tentacles! Because Halloween!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/black-dandelion.jpgBlack Dandelion!Currently dominating the atrium is Black Dandelion by Kori Newkirk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/greg-sorvig.jpgGreg Sorvig!...and Artistic Director Greg Sorvig.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/michael-ault.jpgMichael Ault!Closing night included opening remarks from Heartland CEO Michael Ault...2025-10-21T04:19:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/20/heartland-film-festival-2025-nuremberg/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nuremberg.jpgNuremberg!Zeus vs. Freddie Mercury! TWO GODS ENTER! ONE GOD LEAVES!2025-10-20T19:21:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/19/heartland-film-festival-2025-blue-moon/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/blue-moon.jpgBlue Moon!Super-Villain Team-Up presents Moriarty and The Grabber!2025-10-19T19:00:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/18/55-is-just-a-number-not-a-limit/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/me-and-shake.jpgme and shakeAnne's birthday shake and her companion who thought he was smiling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/burger-and-tots.jpgburger and tots!I had the Model "A", a bacon cheeseburger with fried egg. My side order of sweet potato tots exceeded expectations and came with a scrumptious brown sugar sauce for dipping.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/anne-and-burger.jpgAnne and burger!Anne had the American Standard, which was their cheeseburger. Sometimes ordinary is perfectly fine! Note the cattle-branded bun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tire-sink.jpgtire sink!The faucets and sinks in the men's room are a gas pump and a metal bowl inside a tire.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/oil-rags-and-clamps.jpgoil rags and clamps!The napkins and napkin rings are oil rags and clamps.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fords-logo-wall.jpgFord's logo wall!More wall decor. We didn't search around for any plaques apologizing for Henry Ford's assorted problematic aspects.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bar-car-side.jpgbar car side!Same bar and car, side view. Note the sort of wall knickknacks TGIFriday's used to have.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bar-car-front.jpgbar car front!Another car looms over the bar, right as you walk in.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fords-garage.jpgFord's Garage!The Ford's Garage in Avon, out on Indianapolis' western border and about fifteen minutes from Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/anne-and-sign.jpgAnne and signYoung woman, old car stuff.2025-10-20T23:28:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/17/heartland-film-festival-2025-it-was-just-an-accident/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/it-was-just-an-accident.jpgIt Was Just an AccidentCAUTION: Rated NC-45 for scenes of smoking.2025-10-18T00:29:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/17/heartland-film-festival-2025-happy-birthday/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/happy-birthday.jpgHappy Birthday!Last-minute birthday cake shopping: kind of a headache in every country.2025-10-17T16:57:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/16/best-cds-of-2024-according-to-an-old-guy-who-bought-11/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/linkin-giants.jpgLinkin GiantsBut wait! There's more!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2024-albums.jpg2024 albums!The nominees, alphabetically.2025-10-16T15:27:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/09/23/best-cds-of-2023-according-to-an-old-guy-who-bought-7/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cds-2024-1.jpgCDs 2024!The nominees were...2025-10-16T14:19:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/15/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-tron-ares-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tron-ares.jpgTron Ares!At no point does Greta Lee appear to enjoy herself half as much as she did in her great episode of The Studio.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ares-tron.jpgAres TronIn which Morbius evolves into Morpheus!2025-10-16T03:18:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/14/heartland-film-festival-2025-christy-with-bonus-live-qa/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/christy-closeup.jpgChristy closeup!The audience questions got a bit more personal than I expected, but she handled them gracefully.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/christy-and-greg.jpgChristy and Greg!Christy Salters (Martin no more) and our host, Heartland Artistic Director Greg Sorvig.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/heartland-qa-wide.jpgHeartland Q&A wide!Monday night, October 13th at the Alamo Drafthouse Indianapolis.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/christy-explains.jpgChristy explains!Ladies and gentlemen, Christy Salters!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/christy.jpgChristy!For anyone who was really hoping Spider-Woman would get a fight scene in <em>Madame Web</em>, have we got great news for you!2025-10-14T18:47:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/13/heartland-film-festival-2025-the-invisible-half/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/invisible-half.jpgInvisible Half!Funny how wearing lots of bandages always means "scary monster" and not "victim receiving the care they sorely needed".2025-10-13T17:12:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/12/if-we-were-having-high-tea/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tea-with-jazz-hands.jpgtea with jazz hands!See what I mean?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tiny-sandwiches.jpgtiny sandwiches!Samples of their tiny sandwiches, which were identical to their American counterparts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/serving-tower.jpgserving tower!As for the snacks...I believe this was the "Grand Tea Time" extravaganza.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/come-as-a-guest.jpgCome as a Guest!Another table near ours offered fluffy throw pillows for ambiance or possibly dignified pillow fights.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tearooms.jpgtearooms!They also sell accessories and paraphernalia for hosting your own tea parties at home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/rustic-root.jpgRustic Root!The teahouse of the June sun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tea-service.jpgtea service!Welcome to the Finer Things Club! Relax, no one’s quizzing you about Angela’s Ashes.2025-11-14T15:42:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/05/yes-theres-a-tribute-after-the-one-battle-after-another-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/one-battle-after-another.jpgOne Battle After Another!"Help yourself to a sniper rifle."2025-10-10T19:17:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/19/creed-iii-fighting-it-out-vs-working-it-out/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/creed-iii-standee.jpgCreed III standee!Killmonger v. Kang. Two villains walk in, one champion walks out.2025-10-05T22:47:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/09/indiana-state-fair-2025-photos-part-1-our-taste-of-the-fair-tour/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cotton-candy-lemon-shake-up.jpgCotton Candy Lemon Shake-Up!This writer with the last thing he'd consume this day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/smores-cookie.jpgS'Mores cookieWe didn't ask if they kept an actual campfire going inside their truck.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/street-corn-steak-tacos.jpgstreet corn steak tacos!We were okay to a small serving size to an extent, but...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pickle-fried-oreos.jpgPickle Fried Oreos!Served with a side of ranch, so you can tell your doctor this basically counts as a salad.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fried-oreo-menu.jpgFried Oreo menu!I know at least one coworker who'd stomp a man for that Orange Creamsicle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/anne-and-pineapple-whip.jpgAnne and Pineapple WhipAgain, not a Taste of the Fair entrant, just a beloved fave.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/key-lime-shake.jpgKey Lime Shake!We made a point of getting in early before the Barn's lines got overlong, as they reliably always do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/deep-fried-pork-chop.jpgDeep Fried Pork Chop!I wasn't kidding about the prices. But the pork was nicely cooked.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/anne-and-fried-sugar-biscuit.jpgAnne and Fried Sugar Biscuit!The biscuit wasn't immediately fresh out of the fryer this time, so I'd downgrade it from 12/10 to a mere 10/10. BUT STILL.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bbq-machos.jpgBBQ Machos!BBQ Machos!2025-10-05T02:59:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/09/indiana-state-fair-2025-photos-part-2-the-soundtrack-of-summer/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/me-and-fake-top-10.jpgme and fake Top 10!Hey, kids! I'm a fake influencer hopelessly mired in nostalgia now! Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and patronize me!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/offspring-supercharged.jpgOffspring Supercharged!BREAKING NEWS: The Offspring are still around and released this new album last year. Who knew.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pj-harvey-to-bring-you-my-love.jpgPJ Harvey To Bring You My LovePJ Harvey's To Bring You My Love.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sticky-fingers.jpgSticky Fingers!I once saw a copy of the Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers with the original zipper (!) intact. It was at, of all places, the Indiana State Fair two years ago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/seal-second-album.jpgSeal second album!Seal's technically self-titled second album is the one with "Kiss from a Rose", or you could've gotten it on the Batman Forever soundtrack.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pretenders-last-of-the-independents.jpgPretenders Last of the IndependentsChrissie Hynde front and center for the Pretenders' Last of the Independents.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/michael-jackson-dangerous.jpgMichael Jackson Dangerous!I don't know if Indiana's own Michael Jackson is still canceled in other states, but local stations haven't let him go. Anyway, here's Dangerous recreated as a large shadowbox diorama.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/suzanne-vega-nine-objects-of-desire.jpgSuzanne Vega Nine Objects of Desire!Suzanne Vega's Nine Objects of Desire.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/crowded-house-woodface.jpgCrowded House Woodface!Crowded House's Woodface, one of the first 15 tapes I ordered from the Columbia House Record Club right after I turned 18.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/helmet-betty.jpgHelmet Betty!The unnamed model from Helmet's third album Betty, whose caption cited a Page Hamilton quote with an F-bomb in it. Everyone be cool and don't narc to State Fair officials.2025-10-05T02:59:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/14/indiana-state-fair-2025-photos-part-3-the-year-in-food-look-but-dont-taste-division/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jim-nabors-lp.jpgJim Nabors LP!Among the few music-themed works in that building: someone glued seeds to an old vinyl copy of Jim Nabors' "Everything Is Beautiful".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/giant-fake-crops.jpggiant fake cropsThe closest we got was a collection of fake veggie sculptures. Not the same.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ugly-sonic-cake.jpgUgly Sonic cakeUgly Sonic cake! As seen in that one terrible trailer and in the live-action Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers movie! Yes, really!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/poo-emoji-cake.jpgpoo emoji cakePoo emoji cakes! And they have a queen!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/manure-pile-cake.jpgmanure pile cake!Manure pile cake!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/surfin-cake.jpgSurfin' cake!Surfin' cake! Not really an Indiana thing, but Cowabunga anyway!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/indiana-cookies.jpgIndiana cookies!Indiana cookies!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/summer-single-cookies.jpgSummer Single cookies!Summer Single cookies!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/state-fair-cake.jpgState Fair cake!A much larger State Fair cake celebrates the concept of genres and fair snacks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/mixtape-cake.jpgmixtape cake!Mixtape cake! I still have a rack full of these homemade keepsakes.2025-10-05T02:59:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/24/indiana-state-fair-2025-photos-part-4-the-year-in-lego/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/planet-lego.jpgPlanet Lego!Planet Lego.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lego-sequoia-tourists.jpgLego sequoia tourists!Lego tourists gawping at the Lego General Sherman Tree.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lego-sequoia.jpgLego sequoia!A Lego rendition of the General Sherman Tree at California's Sequoia National Park.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lego-combine-harvester.jpgLego Combine Harvester!Lego combine harvester.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lego-farm.jpgLego Farm!Lego Farm, natch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/normandy-barn-sign.jpgNormandy Barn sign!Last time we approached this doorstep was when we wandered blindly into a political press conference back in 2018.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lego-natural-history-museum.jpgLego Natural History Museum!Over at the Indiana Arts Building, offerings included a Lego Natural History Museum.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lego-jurassic-park.jpgLego Jurassic Park!Lego Jurassic Park.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lego-manor.jpgLego Manor!Stately Lego Manor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lego-paint-rainbow.jpgLego paint rainbow!Lego abstract paint rainbow.2025-10-05T02:59:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/28/indiana-state-fair-2025-photos-part-5-of-7-the-year-in-art/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fisher-price-addams-family.jpgFisher Price Addams Family!Fisher Price Addams Family!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hocus-pocus-plate.jpgHocus Pocus plate!A salute to Hocus Pocus, which I haven't seen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/harley-quinn.jpgHarley Quinn!Harley Quinn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/timothee-chalamet.jpgTimothee Chalamet!Timothee Chalamet, probably.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/david-lynch.jpgDavid Lynch!A tribute to the late David Lynch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/up-house.jpgUp house!Carl Fredriksen's house from Up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/stitched-national-parks.jpgstitched National ParksNational parks and other attractions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/stitched-star-wars.jpgstitched Star WarsA Star Wars poster for a bedroom door.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wall-e.jpgWALL-E!Pixar's Wall-E.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gamer-in-repose.jpggamer in repose!Gamer in repose.2025-10-05T02:59:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/02/indiana-state-fair-2025-photos-part-6-of-7-the-year-in-antiques/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/political-cartoon-original-art.jpgpolitical cartoon original artThe most surprising find: a page of original art by John T. McCutcheon, a Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist who worked for the Chicago Tribune for over forty years.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/old-comics-3.jpgstill more old comics!Gene Autry Comics #54 (August 1951), Katzenjammer Kids #5 (July 1948), Tarzan #75 (Dec 1955), and Barney Google and Snuffy Smith #2 (Aug 1951).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/old-comics-2.jpgmore old comics!Classics Illustrated #15 (Nov 1943), Fury (Dell #01-292-208, June-Aug 1962), Navy War Heroes (September 1964), and Silver Surfer #1 (August 1968).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/old-comics-1.jpgold comics 1Batman #181 (June 1966), Suicide Squad #1 (May 1987), which I have!, Betty and Veronica #122 (February 1966), and Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #67 (April 1946).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/all-in-the-family-album.jpgAll in the Family album!If you love vinyl but hate music, enjoy the sounds of Mike and Gloria arguing a lot! Edith Bunker screeching! Archie bellowing "STIFLE IT, DINGBAT!" And more!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sound-of-music-autographed.jpgSound of Music autographed!The Sound of Music soundtrack, autographed by several cast members!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/wayne-newton-and-traffic.jpgWayne Newton and Traffic!Albums you definitely don't have by Wayne Newton and Traffic (Steve Winwood's '70s band before he topped the charts solo in the '80s).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bob-dylan-and-the-grateful-dead.jpgBob Dylan and the Grateful Dead!That time Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead toured together back in 1988.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/beatles-let-it-be.jpgBeatles Let It Be!Their 1970 swan song Let It Be, whose recording was the subject of that Peter Jackson three-part documentary on Disney+ a while back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sgt.-peppers-lp.jpgSgt. Pepper's LP!The Beatles' 1967 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I have this on CD!2025-10-05T02:59:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/10/04/indiana-state-fair-2025-photos-part-7-of-7-outtakes-and-more/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/shuttle-selfie.jpgshuttle selfie!We're the Goldens. It's who we are and what we do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/my-fair-loot.jpgmy fair lootLocally produced food! Listening material! Tiny collectibles!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/house-of-1000-corpses-blanket.jpgHouse of 1000 Corpses blanket!Get cozy with a House of 1000 Corpses blanket!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/knitted-yoshi.jpgknitted Yoshi!Knitted Yoshi, for the gamers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/knitted-pooh-friends.jpgknitted Pooh friends!Pooh and friends from a knitted Hundred-Acre Wood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/flower-skull.jpgflower skull!Painted deer skull.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/pink-floyd-rock.jpgPink Floyd rock!Tiny painted Pink Floyd rock.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bottlecap-butler-blue.jpgbottlecap Butler Blue!Butler University's mascot Blue...made of bottlecaps!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/youtube-fishing-channel-tutorial.jpgYouTube Fishing Channel tutorial!For the down-to-earth wannabe influencers out there, a YouTube Fishing Channel tutorial.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tiger-vs-penguin.jpgtiger vs penguin!Ambitious subjects included a Venn diagram of all the physiological commonalities between tigers and penguins. The extremely few answers might surprise you! Or not!2025-10-05T02:56:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/27/the-long-walk-the-worlds-deadliest-walk-and-talk/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/long-walk-night.jpgLong Walk Night!The logical sequel would be The Long Drive, which is just the Indy 500 but they keep going till every car runs down and explodes.2025-09-28T03:24:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/25/downton-abbey-the-grand-finale-and-they-all-lived-even-more-happily-ever-after/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/downton-abbey-iii.jpgDownton Abbey III!Our Heroes recoil at an unladylike voice in the next section screaming, "COME ON, DOVER! MOVE YER BLOOMIN' ARSE!"2025-09-26T02:40:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/20/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-13-of-13-a-conclusion-of-convivial-concatenation/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dc-ribbon-2025.jpgDC ribbon 2025!...and here's mine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/my-ribbon-2025.jpgmy ribbon 2025!Anne's final badge-ribbon standings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/comics-and-swag.jpgcomics and swag!My Artists Alley collection, plus some bits of swag given to us by other con-goers throughout the weekend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/statler-and-waldorf-ghost-puppets.jpgStatler and Waldorf ghost puppets!Crowd sightings included Statler and Waldorf ghost puppets in the style of A Christmas Carol.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/french-mouse-droid.jpgFrench mouse droidThis weird French mouse droid began beeping at me. I couldn't stop its RC wielder, so I comically backed away.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/walk-of-fame-trash.jpgWalk of Fame trash!5:00 Saturday outside the Walk of Fame. Imagine the passersby who looked at this and thought, "Yes, it is okay for me to add to this." (come to think of it, it's a perfect metaphor for today's social media.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/emma-caulfield-1.jpgEmma Caulfield!One of her several hair-trigger alternate takes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/anne-before-parade.jpgAnne before parade!Anne waits for the cosplay parade to begin. Note the growth in her badge ribbons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/andor-fan-panel-column.jpgAndor fan panel columnMy view of the Andor panel. It was Jenny Nicholson's Galactic Starcruiser dinner all over again.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kameel.jpgKameel!Some functions are being transferred to family members as he's gotten older, but Kameel was there nevertheless, as gregarious and welcoming as ever.2026-02-26T04:34:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/14/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-12-of-13-the-cosplay-parade-marches-into-the-west/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/robot-santa.jpgRobot Santa!...Robot Santa, who wishes you a merry DEATH.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dr.-zoidberg.jpgDr. Zoidberg!...Dr. Zoidberg...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/professor-farnsworth-and-scruffy.jpgProfessor Farnsworth and Scruffy!The final group paid tribute to Futurama: Professor Farnsworth and Scruffy...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/princess-ariel.jpgPrincess Ariel!Princess Ariel!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/big-chicken.jpgBig Chicken!Marietta's famous Big Chicken.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/keyleth.jpgKeyleth!..and Keyleth.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mollymauk.jpgMollymauk!...including Mollymauk...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/critical-role-group.jpgCritical Role group!Orym and others from the Critical Role costume group.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/spartans-ripped.jpgSpartans ripped!Several members confirmed in Facebook they do not wear fake chest plates.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/spartans-with-shields.jpgSpartans with shields!SHIELD PHALANX!2025-09-21T03:45:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/14/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-11-but-sir-you-ask-what-about-the-cosplay-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lt.-dangle.jpgLt. Dangle!Lt. Dangle from Reno 911!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hulk-hogan.jpgHulk Hogan!Hulk Hogan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/snake-eyes.jpgSnake-Eyes!Snake-Eyes, the only Joe who matters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cobra-baddies.jpgCobra baddies!Cobra collaborators from the world of G.I. Joe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/aliens-legacy.jpgAliens Legacy!A Colonial Marine from the Aliens Legacy: Aliens Costume Group.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hypatia.jpgHypatia!Our next guest needs no introduction because she brought her own.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/skeptics-for-science.jpgSkeptics for science!The Skeptics group, celebrating science and science-based contrarian expression.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kaylee.jpgKaylee!Kaylee from Firefly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tardis-dress.jpgTARDIS dressTARDIS fashions were in full effect.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sixth-and-thirteenth-doctors.jpgSixth and Thirteenth Doctors!The Sixth and Thirteenth Doctors.2025-09-21T03:45:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/13/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-10-the-cosplay-parade-is-coming-to-get-you/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pirate-with-badge-ribbons.jpgpirate with badge ribbons!Today's pirates prefer badge ribbons because they're much lighter than doubloons. Have you ever tried dangling dozens of doubloons from your neck?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/badge-ribbon-pirate.jpgbadge ribbon pirate!This pirate's ARRRR stands for "ribbon"!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/badge-ribbon-queen.jpgbadge ribbon queen!The Loyal Order of the Ribbon gave Anne a tiny badge ribbon!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/rick-oconnell.jpgRick O'Connell!Rick O'Connell, hero of The Mummy trilogy -- one of several members of the Loyal Order of the Ribbon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/indiana-jones.jpgIndiana Jones!Indiana Jones! (No relation. Unless there's a fanfic for that.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/casey-jones.jpgCasey Jones!The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' pal Casey Jones.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/woody-jessie-and-bo-peep.jpgWoody Jessie and Bo Peep!Sheriff Woody, Jessie and Bo Peep, with Deadpool's multiverse hot on their heels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/slimer.jpgSlimer!Slimer!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ghostbusters-also-more.jpgGhostbusters also more!I don't normally post this many Ghostbusters, but they just kept acknowledging our existence!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ghostbusters-also.jpgGhostbusters also!More Ghostbusters!2025-09-21T03:45:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/12/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-9-did-we-mention-there-was-a-cosplay-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/klinger-from-mash.jpgKlinger from MASH!Klinger from M*A*S*H gave Anne a badge ribbon!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/vanellope-von-schweetz.jpgVanellope Von SchweetzVanellope von Schweetz from Wreck-It Ralph.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/big-mom-and-whitebeard.jpgBig Mom and Whitebeard!Big Mom and Whitebeard from One Piece. On stilts!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/spongebob.jpgSpongebob!Spongebob greets the kids.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/black-elvis.jpgBlack Elvis!Black Elvis! Take THAT, Chuck D.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kenku-from-dd.jpgKenku from D&D!A Kenku from Dungeons and Dragons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pee-wee-hitchhiking.jpgPee-Wee hitchhiking!One of several members of the Dragon Con Over 40 group: Pee-Wee Herman hitchhiking to the Alamo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bebop-and-rocksteady.jpgBebop and Rocksteady!TMNT foes Bebop and Rocksteady.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tmnt-venus-and-foot-ninja.jpgTMNT Venus and Foot ninja!Venus from Ninja Turtles: The NExt Mutation and another Foot ninja.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tracksuit-michelangelo.jpgTracksuit Michelangelo!Tracksuit Michelangelo.2025-09-21T03:44:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/11/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-8-more-than-cosplay-at-the-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seed-feed-fairy-and-heavy-brass.jpgSeed & Feed fairy and heavy brassThe Seed & Feed are heavily involved in community events and fundraisers, so yeah, rounds of applause.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seed-feed-bass-sax.jpgSeed & Feed bass sax!MS. SAXOPHONIST, LOOK OUT FOR THAT RAPTOR!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seed-feed-saxes.jpgSeed & Feed saxes!Lisa Simpson! Buzz Lightyear! Squidward again!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seed-feed-woodwinds.jpgSeed & Feed woodwindsSquidward! Superman! Another Marriott Carpet cultist!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seed-feed-flutes.jpgSeed & Feed flutes!Some of their flautists and an accordionist, in the proud tradition of Weird Al, John Linnell, and Lydia Tar!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seed-feed-front-line.jpgSeed & Feed front lineThe Seed & Feed front line continues our way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seed-feed-leader.jpgSeed & Feed leaderThe Seed & Feed is a marching band and a cosplay troupe. Twice the hard work, twice the fun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seed-feed-drum-dragon.jpgSeed & Feed drum dragon!Another D*C staple: Atlanta's own Seed & Feed Marching Abominable band!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lakeside-high-school-viking-band-saxes.jpgLakeside High School Viking Band saxes!...and Lakeside saxes. Honestly, if I'd gotten to play sax in junior high instead of being assigned to bass clarinet, I might've not quit band after ninth grade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lakeside-high-school-viking-band-drummer.jpgLakeside High School Viking Band drummer!...one of Lakeside's drummers...2025-09-21T03:44:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/09/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-7-pimp-my-cosplay-parade-rides/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mach-5.jpgMach 5!Speed Racer busy revving up the powerful Mach 5! And no doubt itching to finish the parade and floor it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ghostbusters-suv.jpgGhostbusters SUV!The Ghostbusters bought themselves a second car!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cruxshadows.jpgCruxshadows!Entourage for the Cruxshadows, one of many bands gracing the con this year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tardis-float.jpgTARDIS float!Doctor Who fans share a TARDIS float.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seventh-doctor-in-antique-auto.jpgSeventh Doctor in antique auto!The Seventh Doctor driving Bessie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/netherworld-semi.jpgNetherworld semi!Once again Netherworld Haunted House announced their upcoming Halloween season.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marriott-carpet-truck.jpgMarriott Carpet truck!For fans of D*C running gags: the Cult of Marriott Carpet's wheels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/care-bears-jeep.jpgCare Bears jeepA Care Bears jeep.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sheriff-hoppers-truck.jpgSheriff Hopper's truck!Also from Stranger Things: Sheriff Hopper's truck!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/surfer-boy-pizza-truck.jpgSurfer Boy Pizza truck!Argyle's pizza truck from Stranger Things season 4. (The phone number is real, but offers guided tours, not pizza.)2025-09-21T03:44:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/08/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-6-the-cosplay-parade-marvel-and-dc-comics-division/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blade-too.jpgBlade too!Once again: Blade! Gotta love a cosplayer who plays to the camera.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dr.-strange.jpgDr. Strange!Dr. Strange.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/scarlet-witch.jpgScarlet Witch!The Scarlet Witch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/khonshu.jpgKhonshu!Khonshu, boss of Moon Knight.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dazzler.jpgDazzler!Dazzler, Marvel's disco sensation!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/j.-jonah-jameson.jpgJ. Jonah Jameson!J. Jonah Jameson wishes he had this level of control over Spidey.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/deadpools-also.jpgDeadpools also!More Deadpool variants!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/chefpool-and-pools.jpgDeadpool variants!Deadpool variants!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/black-widows-and-peggy-carter.jpgBlack Widows and Peggy Carter!Black Widows and still another Peggy Carter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/peggy-carter-and-howling-commandos.jpgPeggy Carter and Howling Commandos!Peggy Carter and other Cap supporters.2025-09-21T03:44:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/07/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-5-the-cosplay-parade-video-game-division/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/labubu-mario-.jpgLabubu Mario!One more, in under the wire: Labubu Mario!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nuka-cola-car.jpgNuka Cola car!Cruise the Wasteland in your new Nuka Cola-mobile!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/elvis-of-vault-35.jpgElvis of Vault 35!An Elvis impersonator from Fallout: New Vegas' Vault 35.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cooper-howard.jpgCooper Howard!Mixing the show and the games: Cooper Howard a.k.a. The Ghoul, and a spokesperson for Sunset Sarsaparilla.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fallout-vault-dwellers.jpgFallout Vault Dwellers!Vault Dwellers from the world of Fallout, now a major TV series!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bioshock-splicers.jpgBioshock splicers!Bioshock Splicers, for good measure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bioshock-little-sisters.jpgBioshock Little Sisters!A Bioshock Big Daddy and Little Sisters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/booker-and-elizabeth-.jpgBooker and Elizabeth!Booker and Elizabeth from Bioshock Infinite.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zombie-in-back-seat.jpgzombie in back seatResident Evil whenever you shop, work, or bank. Thank you.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/resident-evil-green-jeep.jpgResident Evil green jeep!That name again: Resident Evil!2025-09-21T03:44:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/06/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-4-the-cosplay-parade-star-wars-division/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/darth-bender.jpgDarth Bender!One last on-topic participant in under the wire: Darth Bender!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sandcrawler.jpgSandcrawlerFull shot of the Sandcrawler in our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tricycle-jawa.jpgtricycle Jawa!The Jawa tricycle stunt spectacular!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/refreshment-jawa.jpgrefreshment Jawa!Let's all go to the lobby! Let's all go to the lobby!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/big-tie-jawa.jpgbig tie Jawa!The Jawa accessorized with whatever they plucked from some circus they'd just looted.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fabulous-jawa.jpgfabulous Jawa!The most fabulous Jawa of all, among the members of the Great Jawa Horde.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mandalorian-with-flag.jpgMandalorian with flagNeither of us got a decent shot of the flag.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mandalorians-two.jpgMandalorians two!Mandalorians turned up in nearly every color of the rainbow.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mandalorian-red.jpgMandalorian red!Right around here began a procession from the Mando Mercs Costume Club.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mandalorian-yellow.jpgMandalorian yellow!"I want YOU to come to Dragon Con!"2025-09-21T03:44:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/03/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-3-slightly-more-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/plant-man.jpgplant-man!A plant-guy who sat still in the hallway and would jump-scare the occasional unsuspecting passerby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lex-luthor.jpgLex Luthor!Lex Luthor is displeased with his mugshot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/vault-boy-encumbrance-warning.jpgVault-Boy encumbrance warningA familiar scolding sign to Fallout players who try carrying too much loot at once.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/large-marge.jpgLarge Marge!Large Marge from Pee-Wee's Big Adventure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/he-man.jpgHe-Man!He-Man!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/godzilla.jpgGodzilla!GODZILLA!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/viewmaster.jpgView-Master!View-Master!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pope-marriott-carpet.jpgPope Marriott Carpet!The Pope of the Cult of Marriott Carpet. Or maybe a pope. I don't know their hierarchy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/heimskr-again.jpgHeimskr again!Heimskr from Skyrim again, but with a new sign sticking it to the Aldmeri Dominion.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/starfleet-dalek.jpgStarfleet Dalek!That time the Voyager crew tamed a Dalek in the Delta Quadrant.2025-09-21T03:44:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/02/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-2-some-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/billy-butcher-and-starlight.jpgBilly Butcher and Starlight!A pleasure to chat with in Karan Fukuhara's photo-op line: Billy Butcher and Starlight from The Boys.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/smokey-and-the-bandit.jpgSmokey and the Bandit!Smokey and the Bandit!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/santa-and-mrs.-claus.jpgSanta and Mrs. Claus!Santa and Mrs. Claus!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dwight-with-resusci-annie.jpgDwight with Resusci-Annie!Dwight Schrute with his mauled Resusci-Annie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/squid-game-guard.jpgSquid Game guard!A Squid Game guard, ready to play games.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/weeping-angel.jpgWeeping Angel!A rare sighting of a Weeping Angel attack.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bob-ross.jpgBob Ross!Bob Ross, ready to paint happy little trees everywhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/heimskr.jpgHeimskr!Heimskr from Skyrim, preaching on one of the Hyatt's street corners.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dr.-doom.jpgDr. Doom!Dr. Doom, soon to star in a major motion picture, wearing his variant Pandora armor from Fortnite.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/squirrel-girl.jpgSquirrel Girl!The unbeatable Squirrel Girl!2025-09-21T03:43:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/09/02/dragon-con-2025-photos-part-1-the-stars-in-our-galaxy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/robert-duncan-mcneill.jpgRobert Duncan McNeill!New to us and to Anne's enormous autograph collection: Robert Duncan McNeill, who played both Lt. Tom Paris and onetime Next Generation antagonist Nick Locarno.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/robert-picardo.jpgRobert Picardo!Robert Picardo, TV's Emergency Medical Hologram himself, character actor in hundreds of the things. We met him at another Indy Trek con back in the 2000s.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tim-russ.jpgTim Russ!Tim Russ, a.k.a. Tuvok, whom we met at Starbase Indy 2010.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/garrett-wang-panelist.jpgGarrett Wang panelist!Voyager's Garrett Wang, this time as a panelist rather than moderator.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bob-wheeler-face.jpgBob Wheeler face!And yes, they brought up his occasional Night Court defendant Bob Wheeler, who returned for the revival before it was canceled.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/spiner-thinks.jpgSpiner thinks!A question about Next Generation guests brought up the less amusing, more terrifying time the cast had to work with the late Lawrence Tierney.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/brent-spiner.jpgBrent Spiner!Spiner was funny as usual. and recounted chance encounters with such luminaries as Judy Garland and Paul Newman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gates-mcfadden.jpgGates McFadden!McFadden's topics included the infamous Next Generation episode "Sub Rosa", and how she used to post pics of her Dr. Crusher action figure placed in compromising positions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/john-de-lancie-shocked.jpgJohn de Lancie shocked!Younger fans know de Lancie as the voice of Discord from My Little Pony.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/garrett-wang-moderator.jpgGarrett Wang moderator!Our moderator Garrett Wang, Trek alumnus and director of D*C's Trek Track programming.2025-09-21T03:43:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/16/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-captain-america-brave-new-world-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/captain-america-4-poster.jpgCaptain America 4 posterAnd then there's the big red elephant in the room...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/captain-america-4-imax-poster.jpgCaptain America 4 IMAX posterEvery heart bleeds true under Red, fight and BOOM.2025-09-14T15:51:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2013/08/13/wizard-world-chicago-2013-photos-part-3-of-3-actors-artists-alley-and-things/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/brandon-routh-2013.jpgBrandon Routh 2013!File photo from Wizard World Chicago 2013.2025-09-02T16:20:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/18/fan-expo-chicago-2025-photos-part-1-of-3-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/scooby-doo-in-mystery-machine.jpgScooby-Doo in Mystery Machine!We started with a vehicle, we end with a vehicle: Scooby-Doo in the Mystery Machine, handing out Scooby Snacks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/rose-dress.jpgRose Dress!I thought this rose dress was cool, but couldn't identify it. Little help?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/black-chainsaw-man.jpgBlack Chainsaw Man!Black Chainsaw Man, Pochita's true form, from Chainsaw Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chef.jpgChef!Fellow South Park resident Chef.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inflatable-cartman.jpginflatable Cartman!Not so huggy: inflatable Cartman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inflatable-olaf.jpginflatable Olaf!Also huggy: inflatable Olaf.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/master-chief-and-spidey.jpgMaster Chief and Spidey!Master Chief has finished the fight and is ready for some hugging.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/venom.jpgVenom!Venom about to attack another photographer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/juggernaut.jpgJuggernaut!I'M THE JUGGERNAUT!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/squirrel-girl.jpgSquirrel GirlThe unbeatable Squirrel Girl and her amazing friends. (Bonus points for very cute doggo.)2025-09-02T14:57:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/18/fan-expo-chicago-2025-photos-part-2-of-3-celebrities/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pom-klementieff.jpgPom Klementieff!One of the best-dressed guests, by my count.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/vacation-jumbotron.jpgVacation Jumbotron!I try not to take or post too many pics of large-screen-TV panel coverage, but I love this one because it looks like the showrunners are trying to tractor-beam Chase into the ceiling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/randy-quaid.jpgRandy Quaid!Past headlines notwithstanding, Randy Quaid was a perfectly normal and congenial guy here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/anthony-michael-hall.jpgAnthony Michael Hall!We've heard nothing but glowing reviews about Hall from numerous fans who've met him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chevy-chase-smiling.jpgChevy Chase smiling!Chase was much happier whenever he was the center of attention.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chevy-chase.jpgChevy Chase!CHEVY CHASE CAN SEE YOU.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/vacation-panelists.jpgVacation panelists!Clockwise from upper right: Randy Quaid, Beverly D'Angelo, Chevy Chase, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, and Juliette Lewis, whom I forgot took over for Barron in Christmas Vacation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/paul-reiser.jpgPaul Reiser!Sometimes it can be funnier if I'm the only one doing jazz hands.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/orlando-bloom.jpgOrlando Bloom!Still low-key, but he did them just subtly enough to make this funny.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jennifer-beals.jpgJennifer Beals!Beals brings my "autographed Criterion disc" subsection up to four!2025-09-02T14:57:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/21/fan-expo-chicago-2025-photos-part-3-of-3-comics-and-more/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/anne-at-adobe-gilas.jpgAnne at Adobe Gilas!Last stop before we left town: the upper-level eatery Adobe Gilas, which at 1:00 Sunday was nearly deserted. Unlimited elbow room for everyone!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tiramisu.jpgtiramisu!Our shared dessert: tiramisu served in a glass.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fig-pizza.jpgFig Pizza!Behold their fig pizza with prosciutto, arugula, shaved parmesan and pistachio pesto.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/clear-aisle.jpgclear aisle!Flapping my arms Sunday 10 a.m. at the intersection of two large exhibit-hall thoroughfares. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/saturday-outside-line.jpgSaturday outside line!The entrance line 8:20 a.m. Saturday morning, super-sized thanks to 600,000 John Cena fans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/anime-manga-truck.jpganime & manga truck!An anime/manga truck we walked past Friday and Saturday night on our way back to the parking garage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/superdog.jpgSuperdog!...and a Krypto superfan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bat-dog.jpgBat-Dog!...not Ace the Bat-Hound, but surely a very good Bat-Doggo...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bb-8.jpgBB-8!...BB-8...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/r5-d4.jpgR5-D4!Pets on the prowl around the place included R5-D4...2025-09-02T14:57:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/24/the-first-rule-of-weapons-club-is-you-do-not-talk-about-weapons/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/weapons-window.jpgWeapons window!Folks who haven't seen Weapons trying to peek in through all the internet redactions.2025-08-24T18:19:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/10/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-naked-gun-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/naked-gun-standee.jpgNaked Gun standee!The long arm of the law takes a more hands-on approach.2025-08-11T00:28:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/08/03/our-2023-road-trip-12-morning-stroll-down-king-street/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/welcome-to-palmettoville-.jpgWelcome to PalmettovilleHERO OF THE BEACH. Well, okay, HERO OF THE BEACH-ADJACENT.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/palmettoville-gift-shop.jpgPalmettoville gift shop!Like Sheila's, their penny machine was right out front.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pandemic-asphalt-sticker.jpgpandemic asphalt sticker!A historical marker of sorts is a reminder of a bygone era.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/carriage-ride.jpgcarriage rideIn happier news: carriage rides! Probably not free. We didn't investigate, though that shade sure looked keen right about then.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/smashed-penny-machine.jpgsmashed penny machine!Till then, Anne shall keep on smashing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sheilas-shamrock.jpgSheila's Shamrock!Behind the front counter was a photo of Sheila, for shoppers who thought she wasn't real.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/city-market-end.jpgCity Market end!One end Charleston City Market.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hotel-fountain.jpghotel fountain!The vibrant grounds of The Charleston Place, a luxury hotel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/riviera-marquee.jpgRiviera marquee!Completing the marquee hat trick: the Riviera, another music venue. Shows coming later in 2025 include Chris Isaak, Hoda Kotb's book tour, and forgotten American idol winner Taylor Hicks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jesus-of-athletics.jpgJesus of Athletics!"I'm the Son of sports and love! / The Jesus if Athletica!.."2025-08-04T01:34:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/07/29/our-2023-road-trip-11-charleston-monday-mealtimes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/coburg-cow.jpgCoburg Cow!Yay cow statue!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/carolina-mountain-trout.jpgCarolina mountain troutFor Anne: pan-roasted Carolina mountain trout with street corn-on-the-cob and smashed potatoes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/braised-pork-belly.jpgbraised pork belly!For me: braised pork belly with butter beans, smashed potatoes and sweet pepper jelly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/crispy-brussels-sprouts.jpgcrispy Brussels sproutsOur appetizer: crispy Brussels sprouts with parmesan and garlic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/star-trek-episode-list.jpgStar Trek episode list!In Anne's corner: the titles of all 79 episodes of the original Star Trek in production order, not airdate order, as well as those of the subsequent animated series.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tmbg-birdhouse-in-your-soul-lyrics.jpgTMBG Birdhouse in Your Soul lyrics!In my corner, the complete lyrics to They Might Be Giants' "Birdhouse in Your Soul", which was released in the middle of my high-school senior year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/glass-onion.jpgGlass Onion!Among the many differences: they have a "THE".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/seafood-stuffed-hush-puppies.jpgseafood stuffed hush puppies!This is why it's sometimes okay to pay attention to knowledgeable hotel staff.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/she-crab-soup.jpgshe-crab soup!I guess I understand why we can't just buy cans of it back home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/anne-at-fleet-landing.jpgAnne at Fleet Landing!Milady enjoys that breeze and an escape from the sun. A bit of leftover pandemic plastic separates us from folks to one side.2025-07-30T02:39:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/07/28/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-fantastic-four-first-steps-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/human-torch-fan-club.jpgHuman Torch Fan ClubIt's a thing in their world! Here's the Johnny Storm Fan Club offer from Marvel's recent prequel comic to this very movie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ff-first-steps-2.jpgFF First Steps-2The World's Greatest Comic Magazine, now in theaters!2025-07-29T23:39:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2015/08/10/fantastic-four-a-maddening-marvel-mishmash/2025-07-26T15:42:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/07/25/our-2023-road-trip-10-that-one-house-from-the-notebook-has-a-pretty-garden/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/anne-and-ice-cream.jpgAnne and ice cream!Anne enjoys her fruit-flavored treat whose specific key ingredient we forgot to note for posterity. Definitely not pumpkin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/monarch-on-purple-plants.jpgmonarch on purple plantsIf any other butterfly species lived there, they didn't show up for posing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/monarch-obscured.jpgmonarch obscuredAnother monarch unaware its powers don't include camouflage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/monarch-butterfly.jpgmonarch butterfly!Monarch butterfly!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/santas-little-helper-statue.jpgSanta's Little Helper statue!Santa's Little Helper statue.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/red-and-purple.jpgred and purple!Reddy and purply, live together in perfect harmony.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/red-colony.jpgred colony!Something red. After a while I got tired of researching.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/canna.jpgcanna!Canna.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/celosia.jpgcelosia!Celosia.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hydrangeas.jpghydrangeas!Hydrangeas.2025-07-26T01:16:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/07/20/mr-mrs-golden-21-years-and-counting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dc-krispy-kremes.jpgDC Krispy Kremes!Krispy Kreme celebrates SUPERMANIA! SUPERMANIA! SUPERMANIA!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/taste-the-twist.jpgTaste the Twist!Only three other customers came and went while we ate. Mostly it was the two of us alone, plus easily ignorable reruns of Chicago P.D.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/chicken-tikka-masala-pizza.jpgChicken tikka masala pizza!A 12-inch chicken tikka masala pizza. We also ordered a chicken butter paneer pizza, which looked identical except it was yellower.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/anne-and-me-071925.jpgAnne and me!Strange visitors from another planet.2025-07-21T19:22:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/07/13/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-superman-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/superman-and-anne.jpgSuperman and AnneLook! Up in the theater! It's a cute tiny bird!2025-07-14T00:27:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/07/12/my-2024-reading-stacks-2-of-2-the-omnibus-edition/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gn-3.jpgGN-3!And the rest!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gn-2.jpggraphic novels!Honorable mentions!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gn-1.jpgGraphic novels!The best things I read last year that I haven't previously covered, graphic storytelling division.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/9-books.jpg9 books!All the books in this entry with the fewest pictures!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/criminal-kung-fu.jpgCriminal Kung Fu!Special thanks to Gem City Books out of Dayton, OH, for showing up at comic-cons and selling such oversized collections at enticing discounts.2025-07-12T04:39:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/07/06/jurassic-world-rebirth-on-the-island-of-misfit-dino-toys/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jurassic-world-rebirth.jpgJurassic World Rebirth!Next time your doctor asks for a blood draw, be thankful this isn't the needle.2025-07-07T01:25:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/07/03/28-years-later-undead-will-find-a-way/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28-years-later.jpg28 Years Later!A father/son coming-of-age zombie hunt? What's the worst that could happen?2025-07-04T03:42:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/06/29/our-2023-road-trip-9-from-the-waterfront-to-the-rainbow/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/southern-plant-boxes.jpgSouthern plant boxes!Splendid efforts of one green-thumbed resident who grew other kinds of plants presumably because they couldn't figure out how to stuff a palmetto in a box.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/private-doorway.jpgprivate doorway!Important note: these are private residences. Rainbow Row is not a theme park where each house has cosplayers ready to explain history.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/beales-house-sign.jpgBeale's House sign!One house posted a sign for historical context regarding a former owner and one or more subsequent slumlords.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rainbow-row-also-more.jpgRainbow Row also moreOkay, this one's not bad, maybe even adorable.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rainbow-row-heading-back.jpgRainbow Row heading backNote how said trees made it impossible to get basic shots of just the houses.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rainbow-row-trees.jpgRainbow Row trees!Note the compromised mix of palmettos and non-palmettos lining the blocks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rainbow-row-heading-out.jpgRainbow Row heading outAdmittedly the exteriors looked far brighter in the travel brochures than in person at sunny noontime.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rainbow-row-more.jpgRainbow Row!Welcome to Rainbow Row! Pics are not in geographic order.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gift-shop-pig-chef.jpggift shop pig chefChef Pig welcomes us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/graffiti-car.jpggraffiti car!Unexpected flashback to Manhattan's Lower East Side.2025-06-29T20:39:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/06/21/the-life-of-chuck-a-celebration-in-dance-and-math/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/life-of-chuck.jpgLife of Chuck!Someday we'll watch new Tom Hiddleston projects without joking about Loki variants.2025-06-23T01:20:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/06/15/our-2023-road-trip-8-the-fort-sumter-tour-and-non-confederate-flag-raising-program/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fort-sumter-wide.jpgFort Sumter wide!Admittedly our first look at Fort Sumter would've been cooler if they'd flown us in instead.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jack-the-cat-that-went-to-war.jpgJack the Cat That Went to WarTo learn more about the Civil War, check out your local library or museum gift shop for such books as Jack the Cat That Went to War.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cotton.jpgcotton!Cotton! That critical Southern product, for us Yanks who don't see much of the stuff unprocessed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palmetto-guard-flag-remnants.jpgPalmetto Guard Flag remnants!Remnants of the Palmetto Guard Flag, the first flag raised when the Confederates took the fort. The better-known Star and Bars came later that same day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/flags.jpgtwo flags!Vintage flags on hand included another Stainless Banner (a.k.a. the Second National Flag of the Confederacy, as we saw earlier on arrival) and the 35-star American flag as of February 18, 1865.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/keokuk-model.jpgKeokuk model!Model of the USS Keokuk, an experimental Union warship sunk by the Confederates off nearby Morris Island on April 8, 1863.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fuses-and-primers.jpgfuses and primersFuses and primers of the time, for explosives history buffs out there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/springfield-69-musket.pngSpringfield 69 musketSpringfield 1842 .69 musket and ammo box.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/u.s.-army-regulation-artillery-hat.jpgU.S. Army regulation artillery hat!U.S. Army regulation artillery hat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gorge-wall.jpgGorge Wall!Among the few original pieces is the inland-facing Gorge Wall --what's left, anyway, after so much early shelling before it was fortified with sandbags and cotton bales.2025-06-19T20:59:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/06/13/our-2023-road-trip-7-across-charleston-harbor/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/seabirds.jpgseabirds!More seabirds awaited us on the island. Oh, and some history stuff, too.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/flying-formation.jpgflying formation!Seabirds showing off.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/battleship.jpgbattleship!The decommissioned USS Yorktown docked at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, which was on our sightseeing shortlist.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/surfers-and-kneeboarders.jpgsurfers and kneeboardersSurfboards and knee boards, whether vacationers or locals.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/more-shoreline.jpgmore shoreline!Boats and beaches and so forth.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/boat-and-buoy.jpgboat and buoy!Everyday life carried on in the harbor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ravenel-jr-bridge-zoomed.jpgRavenel Jr Bridge zoomedCOMPUTER, ENHANCE IMAGE.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ravenel-and-harbor.jpgRavenel and Harbor!Bordering us on the north was the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which we drove a few times over the next couple days.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/anne-and-harbor.jpgAnne and harbor!The happy amateur historian on the high seas. That's the island in the distance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/spirit-of-the-lowcountry-ferry-closeup.jpgSpirit of the Lowcountry ferry!Our same ferry later as we boarded for the return trip. We made sure to grab seats then.2025-06-14T03:21:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/06/06/the-best-of-my-free-comic-book-day-2025/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fcdb-2025-2.jpgFCDB 2025-2The trilogy concludes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/batmobile.jpgBatmobile!Comic Carnival also had a special guest: Batman!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fcdb-2025-1.jpgFCDB 2025-1Another one-third of those FCBD 2025 samplers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fcdb-2025-3.jpgFCDB 2025-3One-third of this year's total complimentary offerings.2025-06-10T02:23:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/06/08/ballerina-hello-i-am-joan-wick-you-killed-my-father-prepare-to-die/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ana-de-armas-ballerina.pngAna de Armas Ballerina!Rina...BALLE rina.2025-06-09T03:44:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/06/01/mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-or-is-it/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tramell-tillman-mission-impossible.jpgTramell Tillman Mission Impossible!"I am just agog at how well you're fitting in."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tom-cruise-reckoning-2.jpgTom Cruise Reckoning 2!Will Ethan Hunt join James Bond in that great big spy headquarters in the sky?2025-06-02T00:30:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/05/25/final-destination-bloodlines-death-returns-to-delete-entire-ancestry-com-pages/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tony-todd-final-destination.jpgTony Todd Final DestinationKurn, son of Mogh, gone on to Sto-vo-kor.2025-05-25T04:49:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/05/19/53rd-and-13th/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/instacake.jpgInstaCake!Special thanks to Ice Cream Maker Guy for his pretend assistance with the "baking" of this DIY "treat".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wordpress-13th-anniversary.jpgWordPress 13th AnniversaryLast month's official notification to me. I haven't exchanged words with a living WordPress employee in over a decade, but their app appreciates I haven't bounced a payment yet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/me-on-windmill.jpgMe on Windmill!This writer two days ago on the fourth floor of De Zwaan, the titular centerpiece of Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan.2025-05-19T19:50:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/05/11/here-we-go-crazy-alt-rock-hero-bob-mould-returns-to-indianapolis/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bob-mould-goodbye.jpgBob Mould goodbye!Mould bids Indy farewell. Hopefully he'll return!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bob-mould-guitar-solo.jpgBob Mould guitar!Mould during the quiet part of "Celebrated Summer".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/jason-narducy.jpgJason Narducy!Least worst shot of Narducy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bob-mould-band-2.jpgBob Mould Band 2!My kingdom for a camera smart enough to realize you're in an audience and you want to focus on what's past their heads, not on the heads themselves.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bob-mould-band.jpgBob Mould Band!The Bob Mould Band, left to right: Jason Narducy, Jon Wurster, Mould.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/peter-moffett-cymbal.jpgPeter Moffett cymbal!Drummers are always impossible for us amateur photogs to capture, but please enjoy this lovingly rendered shot of one of Peter Moffett's five cymbals.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brooks-harlan.jpgBrooks Harlan!Brooks Harlan, much nearer to me. These pics could've been worse; I just got a new phone the day before.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/j-robbins.jpgJ Robbins!My least worst shot of J. Robbins himself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/j-robbins-band.jpgJ Robbins Band!The J Robbins Band. CAUTION: my attempted band pics largely suck.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hi-fi-stage.jpgHi-Fi stageThe stage before the show, with two bands' worth of equipment set up.2025-05-13T02:31:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/05/04/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-thunderbolts-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/thunderbolts-wheaties.jpgThunderbolts Wheaties!I found this buried on the movie's official site.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/thunderbolts.jpgThunderbolts!They're here to save Marvel from themselves.2025-05-04T19:29:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/05/02/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-sinners-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sinners.jpgSinners!Thankfully Coogler makes it easy to tell which one's Raphael and which one's Leonardo.2025-05-03T02:09:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/02/19/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-black-panther-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/black-panther.jpgBlack Panther movie standee!Local theater pays proper tribute.2025-04-27T21:30:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/13/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-black-panther-wakanda-forever-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/namor.jpgNamor!To the comics fans out there: yes, he has the pointed ears. No, he doesn't have the Bette Davis eyebrows. And yes, he eventually says his trademark catchphrase regardless of the questions it begs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wakanda-forever-fashions.jpgWakanda Forever fashions!Okoye and Shuri teach us a "Goofus & Gallant" lesson about what "going undercover" should look like.2025-04-27T21:29:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/04/26/our-2023-road-trip-6-far-from-hoth/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/macarons-to-go.jpgmacarons to goFor dessert, macarons to go -- key lime pie and pecan pie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/boxcar-chicken.jpgBoxcar chicken!The Boxcar Chicken sandwich topped with pimento, peach slaw, and spicy mayo. We paired it with a side of pickled fried green tomatoes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/power-grenade-art.jpgpower grenade art!Sample dining room ambience.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/boxcar-bettys-restaurant.jpgBoxcar Betty's restaurant!From the front it looked almost abandoned, with only a couple handicapped spaces visible and a single row of spaces in the rear.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/charleston-hotel-window-view.jpgCharleston hotel window view!Our hotel was behind a white-collar strip mall, but at least there were palmettos.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cliff-sitter-mural.jpgcliff sitter mural!...and Sojourner by Michael Geddings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cayce-poolside-mural.jpgCayce poolside muralThe route to the AT-AT took us through the Cayce River Arts District, where we saw more murals such as Come and See Cayce! by Joel Cothran...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/murals-across-the-street.jpgmurals across the streetAn abstract mural across the street from the ex-distillery, which might or might not be related.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/anne-and-at-at.jpgAnne and AT-AT!A tall chain-link fence around the yard prevented any really cozy pics.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/old-distillery.jpgold distillery!The distillery shut down in October 2022. We don't drink anyway, so it's just as well.2025-04-27T21:29:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/04/14/c2e2-2025-photos-part-3-of-4-the-stars-in-our-galaxy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/moses-inside.jpgMoses Inside!...she had him sign inside the cover. Not my first choice, but it gave him room to sign generously, which made it all the cooler.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/patton-oswalt.jpgPatton Oswalt!And here we are, two over-50 dudes ready to costar in their own overlooked sitcom on Peacock.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/john-boyega.jpgJohn Boyega!Boyega fully committed to our bit, doing the Broadway hand-shaking and everything.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/patton-oswalt-live.jpgPatton Oswalt live!We were asked to stow all our devices, but Anne managed this quick shot, ready to preface a Vulture "Patton Oswalt's Best 100 Bit Parts" listicle after his death.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/michael-ironside.jpgMichael Ironside!Michael Ironside, three-time cancer survivor!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/saturday-autograph-lines.jpgSaturday autograph lines!This was how the general vicinity around the Lord of the Rings guests' autograph lines on Saturday -- sans Astin, who only appeared Friday and Sunday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/monaghan-and-boyd.jpgMonaghan and BoydThis may or may not be when Boyd was telling his spicy-shrimp story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/serkis-and-host.jpgSerkis and host!Serkis and our host Ashley V. Robinson, podcaster and Popverse Video Producer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/wood-and-astin.jpgWood and Astin!I hate taking pics of giant TVs, but here's Frodo and Sam anyway!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/estevez-and-anne.jpgEstevez and Anne!Emilio looks more and more like his dad every day, doesn't he?2025-04-18T19:18:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/04/14/c2e2-2025-photos-part-2-of-4-saturday-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/princess-bubblegum.jpgPrincess Bubblegum!A costume years in the making: a crocheted Princess Bubblegum from Adventure Time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/richards-family.jpgRichards family!Reed and Sue Richards, coming soon to theaters!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/simpsons.jpgSimpsons!Krusty the Clown tags along with Bart, Marge and Homer Simpson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/inflatable-squidward.jpginflatable SquidwardInflatable Squidward!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/inflatable-patrick.jpginflatable Patrick!Inflatable Patrick!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sheriff-woody.jpgSheriff Woody!Reach for the sky! It's Sheriff Woody!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kino-loypool.jpgKino LoyPool!Kino LoyPool. ("ONE WAY OUT! ONE WAY OUT!")https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bozo-the-clown-and-cookie.jpgBozo the Clown and Cookie!Chicago's own Bozo the Clown and Cookie!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/vaxildan-and-the-raven-queen.jpgVax'ildan and the Raven Queen!Vax'ildan and the Raven Queen from Critical Role.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/halo-parade.jpgHalo parade!Halo parade.2025-04-18T19:18:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/04/13/c2e2-2025-photos-part-1-of-4-friday-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/steve-irwin.jpgSteve Irwin!CROIKEY! IT'S STEVE IRWIN THE CROCODILE HUNTER!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/charlie-brown.jpgCharlie Brown!Good ol' Charlie Brown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/saul-goodman.jpgSaul Goodman!Tougher to put down than any zombie: lawyer Saul Goodman!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/zombie-teletubbies.jpgzombie Teletubbies!Zombie Teletubbies!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sho-nuff.jpgSho Nuff!SHO'NUFF! The big-bad from Berry Gordy's the Last Dragon, which I saw in theaters when I was 13.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/flamin-hot-dragonball.jpgFlamin Hot Dragonball!Vegeta evolved from Super Saiyan form to FLAMIN' HOT VEGETA!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/spider-mandalorian.jpgSpider-Mandalorian!Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Mandalorian.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/squirrel-girl.jpgSquirrel Girl!The unbeatable Squirrel Girl!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/rowlf.jpgRowlf!Rowlf from the Muppets, who brought jellybeans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dracula-and-lucy.jpgDracula and Lucy!Wedding bells ring for Coppola's Dracula and Lucy.2025-04-18T19:18:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/04/18/c2e2-2025-photos-part-4-of-4-comics-and-more/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/c2e2-exit.jpgC2E2 exit!The traditional pic of our final photo as we leave the exhibit hall in the South Building, head back to Lot A in the West Building, and depart Chicago for the seasons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/loot-misc.jpgloot misc!Loot pile part II: Jenny Park's Severance print, a giveaway sampler from Bad Idea Comics, and other items accumulated throughout our weekend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/john-hughes-typewriters.jpgJohn Hughes typewriters!Typewriters from the collection of The Breakfast Club's late writer/director John Hughes, on display at the table of the American Writer's Museum.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/moonshine-chocolate-snacks.jpgMoonshine Chocolate snacksPricey sugar hits at Moonshine Chocolate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/wigged-skeleton.jpgwigged skeleton!Wigged skeleton at McNoodle Crafts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/groovy-llama.jpggroovy llama!Groovy llama!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/giant-coraline.jpggiant Coraline!Giant Coraline!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/purple-astromech.jpgpurple astromech!Purple astromech!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/landspeeder-pit-droid.jpgLandspeeder Pit Droid!An RC Landspeeder with its own Pit Droid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/501st-droids.jpg501st droids!The 501st Legion's latest collection of droids.2025-04-18T19:17:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/mentions/2025-04-18T14:53:37+00:00weekly0.6https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/04/06/our-2023-road-trip-4-here-we-come-a-carolina/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/nc-hillside.jpgNC hillside!They also had one heck of a backyard.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/serafina-dresses.jpgSerafina dresses!...and outfits not unlike those as might've been worn by the characters in Robert Beatty's Serafina YA novels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/indoor-lighthouse.jpgindoor lighthouse!Exhibits inside include a replica of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, located on the Outer Banks...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sticker-covered-electrical-box.jpgsticker-covered electrical boxInorganic displays included this sticker-covered electrical box.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/adams-needle.jpgAdam's Needle!Flora on display included this Adam's needle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bear-statue.jpgbear statue!Value-added bear statue, though we never saw a single live bear on this trip, as usual.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/decorative-pond.jpgdecorative pond!Decorative pond with peaceful waterfall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/nc-welcome-center.jpgNC welcome center!Welcome Center #3 of 4 on our eastbound journey. Collect them all!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mountain-tunnel.jpgmountain tunnelInterstate mountain tunnels always feel like an amusement park ride to me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/welcome-to-north-carolina-road-sign.jpgWelcome to North Carolina road sign!The first official signage welcoming us before the Welcome Center welcomed us.2025-04-06T19:20:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/04/05/our-2023-road-trip-3-tennessee-geeks-n-grub/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/squawking-good.jpgSquawking Good!Yep, fork-and-knife all the way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/knoxville-mural.jpgKnoxville muralDistinguishing features included a mural of downtown Knoxville.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/knoxville-hotel-window-view.jpgKnoxville hotel window viewThe non-prizewinning view out our first-floor room window.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/maple-street-biscuit-company.jpgMaple Street Biscuit Company!Their Sherrill Hill location.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/morning-after-burger.jpgMorning After burger!My meal: the Morning After burger -- topped with bacon, egg, cheddar, mayo, and potato latke. The tater tots were nicely seasonedhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/random-memorabilia.jpgrandom memorabilia!How many of these objects did you own when they were first released without paying extras for them on eBay twenty years later?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/wall-of-toys.jpgwall of toys!Welcome to our world of toys! But ten demerits for the Raiders poster with the revisionist home-video title.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/magazine-rack.jpgmagazine rack!A reading rack offers gamer walkthrough magazines, Dungeons & Dragons supplements, comics and more.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/decorated-booth.jpgdecorated booth!Sample booth space.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bit-burger.jpgBit Burger!Tucked away in a strip mall with no real competition around.2025-04-05T18:59:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/31/our-2023-road-trip-2-ernest-meets-henry-clay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/blue-rose.jpgblue rose!His grave was next to his parents', where we found a lone pretty flower.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/drinks-for-varney.jpgdrinks for Varney!Drinks to pour out in his honor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rose-shakespeare-and-slinky-dogs.jpgRose Shakespeare and Slinky DogsThe tributes were on the other side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/jim-varneys-grave.jpgJim Varney's grave.On this side, an ordinary tombstone same as the rest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mustard-grave.jpgmustard grave!I'm 80% the tombstone at right is that of his wife, Harriet Christina Wallis McCullough. The adjacent headstones were too eroded to make out.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/folded-flag-sign.jpgfolded flag signOne more tribute to the sacrifices on behalf of the United States.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/gettysburg-address-plaque.jpgGettysburg Address plaque!A rebuttal from our side: the full text of the Gettysburg Address.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bivouac-of-the-dead-plaque.jpgBivouac of the Dead plaquePlaques throughout their section quote "The Bivouac of the Dead", written by local poet Theodore O'Hara, who served under Breckinridge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/csa-marker.jpgCSA marker.A marker for the 160 CSA soldiers buried here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/breckinridge-tombstone.jpgBreckinridge statue!Breckinridge's statue was likewise moved from the same place as Morgan's and around the same time.2025-04-04T01:38:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/31/the-mcc-presidential-burial-site-visitation-checklist-so-far/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/washingtons-tomb.jpgWashington's Tomb!#1, George Washington! d.12/14/1799, age 67. Inside his crypt at Mount Vernon, a teaser image from our 2024 road trip.2025-03-30T23:35:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/30/our-2023-road-trip-1-kentucky-greets-n-greeks/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/lamb-burger.jpglamb burger!For Anne, the lamb burger. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/gyro.jpggyro!The gyro tided me over for a good while.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/athenian-upstairs.jpgAthenian upstairs!Downstairs was their takeout counter; the upstairs dining room held four tables.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/athenian-grill-sign.jpgAthenian Grill sign!The signage was so small, we did a couple laps around the laundromat next door before we finally found their cubbyhole.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/athenian-grill.jpgAthenian Grill!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mary-todd-lincoln-house-marker.jpgMary Todd Lincoln House markerThe Mary Todd Lincoln House was on our visitation shortlist, but we had to settle for merely driving past it coincidentally.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/lexington-horse-statue.jpgLexington horse statue!Bonus horse statue!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bourbon-display.jpgbourbon displayAlso famous in Kentucky: bourbon!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/horse-racing-display.jpghorse racing display!More horse racing tributes for fans of Churchill Downs and/or the Kentucky Derby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/commonwealth-of-kentucky-seal.jpgCommonwealth of Kentucky seal!Inside the Welcome Center, the Kentucky seal pays tribute to the lost quality of human unity.2025-03-30T23:03:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/28/mickey-17-the-day-the-clone-cried/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mickey-17.jpgMickey 17!Edward Cullen! Cedric Diggory! Bruce Wayne! Lighthouse Guy! Crisis on Infinite Pattinsons!2025-03-29T03:11:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/24/here-comes-novocaine-the-man-without-pain/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/jack-quaid-novocaine.jpgJack Quaid NovocaineMeet THE NUMBER ONE ACTION HERO IN AMERICA until that new Jason Statham flick opens!2025-03-24T04:15:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/16/indiana-comic-convention-2025-photos-part-1-of-3-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/elizabeth-liones.jpgElizabeth Liones!Elizabeth Liones from The Seven Deadly Sins.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/oompa-loompa.jpgOompa-Loompa!"Oompa, Loompa, doopity-domicon! Enjoy your weekend at Indiana Comic Con!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/captain-america.jpgCaptain America!Captain America! Anne thinks she's funny photo-bombing here, little realizing she just got double-photo-bombed because HEY GUYS I FOUND WALDO!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/winter-soldier-and-steve-rogers.jpgWinter Soldier and Steve Rogers!The Winter Soldier and old WWII buddy Steve Rogers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/al-and-peg-bundy.jpgAl and Peg Bundy!Al and Peg Bundy from Married...with Children.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/peanut-butter-and-jelly.jpgpeanut butter and jelly!It's peanut butter and jelly time! Ironically, we met them on the opposite end of the exhibit hall from the literal peanut butter and jelly stand.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/yosemite-sam-and-elf.jpgYosemite Sam and elf or hobbit or harfoot!Yosemite Sam and a Middle-Earth envoy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bluey-and-bingo.jpgBluey and Bingo!Bluey and Bingo and a mini-Bluey who has better things to do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/neo.jpgNeo!Neo from The Matrix series.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/gandalf.jpgGandalf!Gandalf chilling out in an aisle wide enough to let a Balrog safely pass. NOT THAT HE WOULD LET IT.2025-03-18T03:58:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/17/indiana-comic-convention-2025-photos-part-2-of-3-the-stars-in-our-galaxy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rainn-wilson-calls-creed.jpgRainn Wilson calls Creed!Wilson exercises his "call a friend" lifeline.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rainn-wilson-yelling.jpgRainn Wilson yelling!Not once did he begin any answer with "FALSE."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rainn-wilson-answering-more.jpgRainn Wilson answering more!Not once did he begin any answer with "FALSE."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rainn-wilson-answering.jpgRainn Wilson answering!Actually, his book contains fun Sahara anecdotes about what it was like seeing some of the same deserts where Lucas shot Star Wars.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/anne-sitting.jpgAnne sitting!Milady waits comfortably at the end of row 17 on her collapsible stool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mega-sean-gunn.jpgMega Sean Gunn!Sean Gunn looks puny before the might of MEGA SEAN GUNN on the simulcast screen behind him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sean-gunn-smiling.jpgSean Gunn smiling!Anne and I only got a few episodes into our Gilmore Girls binge before getting waylaid, but we shall press on someday!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/shantel-vansanten.jpgShantel VanSanten!As a former model, she still knows some moves.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sonequa-martin-green.jpgSonequa Martin-Green!O captain, our captain!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dwight-schrute-quotes.jpgDwight Schrute quotes!Fans who wanted him to include a Dwight quote with his autograph had to pay $25 extra and could choose only from this list of ten options.2025-03-18T03:57:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/17/indiana-comic-convention-2025-photos-part-3-of-3-the-exhibit-hall-of-wonders/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chipmunks-glasses.jpgChipmunks glasses!Now Anne has a complete set again, including the uncommon Chipettes glass.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dc-multiversity-map.jpgDC Multiversity Map!Morrison's ideas as realized by master designer Rian Hughes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fudgie-wudgie.jpgFudgie Wudgie!In an unorthodox move, they also had a stand in the hallway outside the exhibit hall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/warrior-bowl.jpgWarrior Bowl!For me, the Warrior Bowl: acai, granola, banana, maca, mulberries, chia seed, almond butter and a drizzle of honey on top.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/berry-bowl.jpgBerry Bowl!For Anne, the Berry Bowl: acai, granola, banana, blueberries and strawberries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/anne-chokes-dianoga.jpgAnne chokes dianoga!Realizing Falkor couldn't possibly fit into the trash compactor to save her, Anne summons every last ounce of strength and murders the dianoga with her bare hands. And that is how you win a Star War!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/anne-riding-falkor.jpgAnne riding Falkor!Milady ecstatic upon her noble steed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dragonborn-bust.jpgDragonborn bust!I've been dying to find Skyrim merch at a con -- ANY con -- for years. This bust of the Dragonborn is literally the first such object I've seen in person ever since I "finished" the game.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/glow-light-knickknacks.jpgglow-light knickknacks!Happy glowing knickknacks! Use them as a nightlight, an awkward book light, or a conversation piece the next time you host Game Night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/soundwave-balloon.jpgSoundwave balloon!That sinister Decepticon, Soundwave, is back...in balloon form! Courtesy of the talents at Balloons R Cool.2025-03-18T03:56:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/09/so-youre-going-to-a-comic-con-our-convention-survival-tips-for-beginner-geeks/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bag-of-holding.jpgBag of Holding!My convention carryall: a Bag of Holding from the now-defunct Thinkgeek. Buttons sold separately at myriad booths.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/convention-badge-collection.jpgConvention Badge CollectionSelections from our convention badge collection.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kieron-gillen-2013.jpgKieron Gillen 2013!Fun memory from C2E2 2013: a moment with comics writer Kieron Gillen, future co-creator of my favorite current series The Power Fantasy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/c2e2-badges-2025.jpgC2E2 Badges 2025!Teaser image for our upcoming April plans!2025-04-20T21:57:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/03/01/oscar-quest-2025-final-scorecard-47-50/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sugarcane.jpgSugarcane.Today due to gravitas the role of Charlie Kelly will be played by a serious investigator.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-substance.jpgThe Substance!Ladies! What if you could put on a whole new face in the morning and have it last for up to 7 days?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nikita-khrushchev-decolonization.jpgNikita Khrushchev decolonization"DECOLONIZATION NOW!|" shouts would-be African liberator Nikita Khrushchev.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/six-triple-eight.jpgThe Six Triple Eight!A trued story about 17 million pieces of undelivered mail, which feels ripped out of today's headlines.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/memoir-of-a-snail.jpgMemoir of a Snail!To learn more about what we outsider kids like to read, check out your local library for these books!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/flow-cat-movie.jpgFlow cat movie!Cat, capybara. Capybara, cat. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/elton-john-never-too-late.jpgElton John Never Too Late!Someday I wanna have this the kind of retirement party.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-different-man.jpgA Different Man!Moral of the Story: not all Super-Soldier Serums are created equal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/black-box-diaries.jpgBlack Box Diaries!The year's best Oscar-nominated catchphrase, maybe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/the-apprentice.jpgThe Apprentice"Look, Bucky, you're gonna get me into the MCU right NOW."2025-03-03T21:56:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/28/the-mcc-2025-oscar-nominated-short-film-revue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/the-man-who-would-not-remain-silent.jpgThe Man Who Would Not Remain Silent.Soon our man will learn Murder on the Orient Express wouldn't have been much of a whodunit if all the guilty parties had carried rifles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/a-lien.jpgA Lien!Everyone loves a story about a happy government bureaucracy! What's the worst that could happen?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/beautiful-men.jpgBeautiful Men!Half the official trailer is rated R.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/yuck.jpgYuckIn France they teach kink-shaming at an early age, starting with innocent kisses and working their way down.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/wander-to-wonder.jpgWander to Wonder!The Incredible Shrinking Woman: The Retirement Years.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/magic-candies.jpgMagic Candies!Pee-Wee's Playhouse Origins: Chairy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/i-am-ready-warden.jpgI Am Ready WardenThe defendant's last words, played at his own funeral after his execution.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/incident.jpgIncident.If only we lived in a world where security cameras shot only in perfectly rendered 8K.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/only-girl-in-the-orchestra.jpgOnly Girl in the Orchestra!Someday I'll figure out how to take screen shots in the Netflix app instead of from their crappy trailers online, but today is not that day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/instruments-of-a-beating-heart.jpgInstruments of a Beating Heart!YOU HAD ONE JOB, TINY CYMBAL GIRL! YOU'LL NEVER GET THROUGH BEETHOVEN'S ENTIRE NINTH LIKE THIS! YU WOULDN'T LAST SIX SECONDS IN A JK SIMMONS JAZZ CLASS!2025-03-01T03:49:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/25/yes-theres-a-family-photo-album-during-the-im-still-here-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/im-still-here.jpgI'm Still Here!We're a happy family! We're a happy family! We're a happy family! Me, Mom, and...oh.2025-02-26T04:01:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/23/no-other-land-the-oscar-nominee-they-didnt-want-you-to-see/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/no-other-land-poster.jpgNo Other Land posterNow playing in 54 theaters this weekend as opposed to Captain America 4's 4100+ screens.2025-02-24T03:54:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/22/the-girl-with-the-needle-the-case-of-the-37-week-abortionist/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/girl-with-the-needle-poster.jpgGirl with the Needle poster!Not another Lisbeth Salander mystery.2025-02-23T03:17:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/20/the-seed-of-the-sacred-fig-your-father-worked-very-hard-for-his-promotion-to-death-sentencer/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/seed-of-the-sacred-fig.jpgSeed of the Sacred Fig![???]2025-02-22T04:50:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/18/a-complete-unknown-deluxx-folk-explosion/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/a-complete-unknown-poster.jpgA Complete Unknown poster!As seen on Saturday Night Live!2025-02-19T04:37:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/09/video-scorecard-22-oscar-quest-2020-animated-extra-credit/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/klaus-2.jpgKlaus!Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night nor facing off against Disney and DreamWorks films for an Academy Award...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/missing-link.jpgMissing Link!I know that feeling when you're glimpsing paradise but haven't yet realized your tour guide thinks you're stupid. It's hard out here for a yokel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/i-lost-my-body.jpgI Lost My Body!As you'd expect, a film about an amputated limb is rather dark, definitely not lighter fare.2025-02-16T02:44:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/13/sing-sing-the-divines-comedy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sing-sing.jpgSing Sing!Colman Domingo, two-time nominee for Best Actor -- for this and last year's Rustin.2025-02-14T03:21:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/08/yes-theres-a-qa-after-the-september-5-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/september-5.jpgSeptember 5We are all made of screens.2025-02-09T04:33:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/06/nickel-boys-press-start-to-begin-empathy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/nickel-boys-poster.jpgNickel Boys poster!This is from an actual scenes, and not even among the first four moments with reflections in them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/nickel-boys-standee.jpgNickel Boys standeeNew | Load | Save | Options | Download Extras from Amazon2025-03-03T04:50:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/02/02/my-reading-stacks-1-walter-white-saul-goodman-and-the-joy-of-recaps/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/breaking-better-books.jpgBreaking Better Books!The one on the left is autographed!2025-02-03T03:54:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/01/31/the-brutalist-architectural-gothic/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/brutalist-intermission.jpgBrutalist intermission!The house lights were up. I figured it was fair game.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/brutalist-poster.jpgBrutalist poster!I'm 80% certain this wasn't A.I. art.2025-02-01T04:37:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/01/26/wolf-man-the-entropy-of-lycanthropy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/julia-garner-wolf-man.jpgJulia Garner Wolf Man!Life through the eyes of a werewolf -- warped colors and very few survivors.2025-01-26T22:16:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/01/24/my-oscar-quest-2025-quick-start-scorecard/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/the-wild-robot.jpgThe Wild Robot!The Wild Robot, my favorite film of 2024, nominated for three Academy Awards!2025-01-25T14:19:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/01/18/2024-at-the-movies-at-my-house/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/hit-man.jpgHit Man!Would you buy a murder from this man?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wolfs.jpgWolfs!Who wore it better?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bikeriders.jpgBikeriders!CAUTION: Rated NC-17 for smoking.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/aaron-pierre.jpgAaron Pierre!Aaron Pierre. If you don't know him now, you will.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/rebel-moon-ii-jimmy.jpgRebel Moon II Jimmy!The Wild Robot 2099.2025-01-25T03:02:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/01/19/i-did-not-see-anora-you-are-not-reading-this/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/anora.jpgAnora!TikTok was made for couples like them.2025-01-19T22:21:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/09/indianapolis-man-watches-all-53-academy-award-nominees-receives-pat-on-head-from-his-oscar-widow/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/el-conte.jpgEl Conte!Vampire Pinochet has peculiar notions about vampire panache.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/napoleon.jpgNapoleon!I won't be surprised if he wears this same suit in the Joker sequel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/american-symphony.jpgAmerican Symphony!Jon Batiste playing Carnegie Hall between awards ceremonies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/rustin.jpgRustin!"Okay, people, HERE is how you plan an Oscar campaign..."2025-01-18T15:30:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/26/the-oscar-quest-22-grand-finale-all-the-other-nominees-i-could-catch/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ascension-documentary.jpgAscension Documentary!Inventing machines to do all the work for you is just one of the many ways of living the Chinese Dream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/coda.jpgCODA!Ah, the joyous satisfaction of blocking internet trolls.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/eyes-of-tammy-faye.jpgThe Eyes of Tammy Faye!Frighteningly uncanny. Never have I rooted for a Makeup and Hairstyling nominee quite like I am now. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/free-guy.jpgFree Guy!"Y'know, Guy, I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I took an arrow in the knee!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/house-of-gucci.jpgHouse of Gucci!Please enjoy this picture of Lady Gaga, feel free to skip the next paragraph and pretend I loved her movie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/lunana-a-yak-in-the-classroom.jpgLunana A Yak in the Classroom!They're not kidding about the yak. Some film titles keep their promises, unlike Licorice Pizza.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/spencer.jpgSpencer!Imagine the Tarantino version where Princess Di lives to see today with her boyfriend Brad Pitt, but Charles and Camilla bloodily don't.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tragedy-of-macbeth.jpgTragedy of MacBeth!Come at the king, you best not miss.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tick-tick-boom.jpgtick tick BOOM!Those who swear Andrew Garfield's best performance of 2021 was in <em>No Way Home</em>, I am BEGGING you to watch a second movie.2025-01-18T15:29:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/01/11/my-2024-at-the-movies-part-2-of-2-the-top-10/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wild-robot.jpgWild Robot!A 'bot amongst the butterflies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/abigail-cast.jpgAbigail castCHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wicked-hat.jpgWicked Hat!Everyone don your sorting hats!2025-01-11T17:57:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/01/05/my-2024-at-the-movies-part-1-of-2-starting-at-the-bottom/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/kraven-the-hunter.jpgKraven the Hunter!It's even harder to take seriously if you've read his appearances in Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/furiosa.jpgFuriosa!Fast and the Furiosa: Outback Drift.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/deadpool-and-wolverine.jpgDeadpool and Wolverine!The Year's Best Marvel Film, for lack of serious competition.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/twisters.jpgTwisters!This year suddenly everyone thought the weather got a lot more interesting.2025-01-07T22:27:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/01/furiosa-a-mad-max-saga-in-super-awesome-dolby-cinema-all-caps-o-rama-well-kinda/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/furiosa.jpgFuriosa!GET IN, LOSER! WE'RE GOING TO THE MOVIES!2025-01-04T19:38:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2025/01/03/midlife-crisis-crossover-2024-in-review-guaranteed-100-a-i-free/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/christmas-ham.jpgChristmas ham!12/25/2024: One more food pic for the road! This year for Christmas my brother-in-law labored for hours on this gorgeous smoked ham. 12/10 would feast upon again.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/yoda-marble.jpgYoda marble!9/10/2024: I've walked past this marble wall thousands of times over the past 24 years, but until someone pointed it out at an after-hours work function, I never noticed Yoda's head.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gen-con-mech.jpgGen Con mech!8/1/2024: We haven't been to Gen Con in years, but we're happy they're still around. This year a mech stood on guard outside our Convention Center.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/parlor-doughnuts.jpgParlor Doughnuts!6/30/2024: Parlor Doughnuts! Started in 2019 in Evansville, Indiana, these large, layered wonders made their way to Indy last year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tiny-eiffel-tower.jpgtiny Eiffel Tower!6/12/2024: USA Swimming held their Olympic trials here in June (my employer was among the sponsors). Downtown decorations for the occasion included giant ads and a tiny Eiffel Tower across the street from the Indiana Convention Center.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/country-wedding.jpgcountry wedding!6/12/2024: Another of our nephews got married! These signs were posted along the entry path to the artisan barn where they held the reception.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bb-8-lovepop-card.jpgBB-8 Lovepop card!2/14/2024: Anne got me another awesome holiday card from Lovepop -- in this case, BB-8 on Valentine's Day!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/anne-eclipse.jpgAnne eclipse!4/8/2024: Anne dresses up for the Total Solar Eclipse extravaganza. Indianapolis was among the prime viewing spots.2025-01-04T04:26:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/29/nosferatu-102-years-later/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/nosferatu.jpgNosferatu!PROTECT YA NECK, KID!2024-12-29T23:35:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/29/it-chapter-2-that-previous-evil-clown-movie-before-the-next-evil-clown-movie/2024-12-29T21:04:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/22/merry-christmas-from-mcc-7/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/nativity-scene.jpgNativity scene!Speaking of brighter circles: our Christmas diorama's Nativity scene, with the cast of A Christmas Story in attendance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hallmark-enterprise-b.jpgHallmark Enterprise-B!Among our new ornaments this year: the Enterprise-B from Star Trek: Generations.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/festival-of-trees-lobby.jpgFestival of Trees Lobby!An outtake from my third annual visit to the Indiana Historical Society's Festival of Trees.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/christmas-tree-2024.jpgChristmas tree 2024!We finally replaced our 20-year-old tree with a 7½-footer that's easier to assemble and fits way more ornaments.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/lowes-christmas.jpgLowes Christmas!Here in Indianapolis, all the Lowes Home Improvement stores are the first businesses to bring out the holiday merch in October.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/christmas-diorama-2024.jpgChristmas diorama 2024!The pinnacle of our home's 2024 Christmas diorama, which is something Anne does every year with our various pop culture Christmas ornaments and figurines.2024-12-24T11:49:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/23/my-2024-reading-stacks-1/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/novels-2024.jpgNovels 2024!Fictional prose was given short shrift this year, sadly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/omnibuses-nsfw.jpgOmnibuses NSFW!From the Department of Discounted Omnibuses!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/batman-city-of-madness.jpgBatman City of MadnessIntermission for a pair of library checkouts, one of which I absentmindedly returned without taking a pic. Here's the other in all its plastic-jacketed glare.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/wilds-cards-2024.jpgWilds Cards 2024!At long last, I'm finally caught up! Unless they released a new volume last week and didn't tell me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/monsters-and-amazons.jpgMonsters and Amazons!Two of my favorite reads of the year, oversized-pages edition.2025-01-09T12:41:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/10/21/the-chicago-2018-birthday-weekend-part-2-of-4-gray-friday-windy-city/2024-12-22T22:19:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/03/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-1-the-grounds-alone/2024-12-22T22:19:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/20/our-day-at-the-eiteljorg-museum-beyond-jingle-rails-2024/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/lego-long-walk.jpgLego Long Walk!Ryan Singer, Lego Long Walk, 2021.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tribal-license-plates.jpgtribal license plates!On a more empowering note: a salute to nations and tribes who issue their own license plates, a practice pioneered by the Red Lake Ojibwa in 1974.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tribal-coopting-sports-tops.jpgtribal coopting sports topsA wall essay in one corner called "Fact Over Fiction: Perceptions of Native Peoples" discusses stereotypes throughout American culture, starting with sports teams, their mascots and their merchandise.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/jewelry.jpgjewelry!Sample jewelry crafts. This particular room was dark; if there was a label, I overlooked it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kill-the-indian-save-the-toys.jpgKill the Indian Save the Toys!Ryan Singer, Kill the Indian, Save the Toys, 2021.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/three-boxes.jpgthree boxes!Most of this is the backlit wall behind three Singletary works, all 2018: Box of Stars, Box with Daylight, and Box with the Moon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/thunderbird-man.jpgThunderbird Man!Singletary, Thunderbird Man, 2018.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/killer-whale-man.jpgKiller Whale Man!Singletary, Killer Whale Man, 2018.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/raven-and-the-box-of-daylight.jpgRaven and the Box of Daylight!In addition to Jingle Rails, another temporary exhibit called Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight showcases works by the Tlingit artist through March 9, 2025.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/stillwater-crossing.jpgStillwater Crossing!Daniel Smith, Stillwater Crossing, 2009.2024-12-20T21:15:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/17/toy-trains-and-xmas-xings-jingle-rails-2024-at-the-eiteljorg-museum/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/toy-vegas-other-end.jpgtoy Vegas other end!Vegas' other end.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/toy-wedding-chapel.jpgtoy wedding chapelTiny Vegas wedding chapel with at least as much legal authority as the real thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/wooden-poker-chips.jpgwooden poker chipsWood chips of the poker variety.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/toy-vegas.jpgtoy Vegas!Appropriately the most ostentatious display: Las Vegas! Probably not to scale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mesa-verde-cliff-palace.jpgMesa Verde Cliff PalaceMesa Verde's Cliff Palace.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/toy-ahwahnee-hotel.jpgtoy Ahwahnee Hotel!The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/toy-golden-gate-bridge.jpgtoy Golden Gate Bridge!The Golden Gate Bridge, as seen and threatened in even more films.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/toy-hoover-dam.jpgtoy Hoover Dam!The Hoover Dam, as seen threatened in several action films.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/toy-aspen.jpgtoy Aspen!The skiing wonderland of Aspen, including tiny ski lift.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/toy-tlingit-village.jpgtoy Tlingit village!A Tlingit village in Alaska.2024-12-20T19:59:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/19/nobody-cares-if-theres-a-scene-after-the-kraven-the-hunter-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kraven-the-hunter.jpgKraven the Hunter!Tonight on Wild Kingdom, a soon-to-be-forgotten predator faces extinction!2024-12-20T01:28:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/16/the-billy-ireland-museum-presents-original-art-from-the-golden-age-of-comics/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/roy-krenkel-prize-comics-western.jpgRoy Krenkel Prize Comics Western!Roy Krenkel, Prize Comics Western #109, Jan. 1955.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/al-williamson-and-bernie-krigstein-weird-science-11.jpgAl Williamson and Bernie Krigstein Weird Science 11!Williamson pencils for Weird Science #22 (Nov/Dec. 1953), partially inked by an EC rookie named Bernie Krigstein. Williamson rejected the work-in-progress,redrew it and had Frazetta ink it instead.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/al-williamson-two-gun-kid-25.jpgAl Williamson Two-Gun Kid 25!More of Williamson from Two-Gun Kid #25, Sept. 1955.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/al-williamson-astonishing-47.jpgAl Williamson Astonishing 47!Williamson solo art on Astonishing #47, Jan. 1957.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/al-williamson-and-frank-frazetta-buster-crabbe-5.jpgAl Williamson and Frank Frazetta Buster Crabbe 5!Buster Crabbe #5 (July 1952), page 6; pencils by Al Williamson with inks by Frazetta.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/joe-shuster-1940s-superman-sketches-1.jpgJoe Shuster 1940s Superman sketchesAnother Shuster sketch from the '40s.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/frank-frazetta-buster-crabbe.jpgFrank Frazetta Buster Crabbe!An unpublished 1960s Buster Crabbe strip (based on the then-famous Olympic swimmer and actor) drawn by a young Frank Frazetta.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/strange-world-of-your-dreams.jpgStrange World of Your Dreams!An obscurity from Simon and Kirby's many collaborations, the cover of The Strange World of Your Dreams #4, Jan./Feb. 1953.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kirby-and-simon-captain-america-4-splash.jpgKirby and Simon Captain America #4 splash!Jack Kirby and Joe Simon's splash from Captain America Comics #4, June 1941 -- photographed at a funny angle to avoid glares and reflections, which plagued several of our outtakes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/alex-toth-green-lantern.jpgAlex Toth Green Lantern!An Alex Toth page from the original Green Lantern series of yore, circa 1940.2024-12-16T20:56:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/15/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-moana-2-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/moana-2.jpgMoana 2!They're back! And they brought their favorite tools!2024-12-16T02:48:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/14/high-street-outtakes-a-galaxycon-columbus-2024-coda/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hotel-window-view.jpghotel window view!And the view from our room wasn't too shabby at night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hotel-blinds.jpghotel blinds!A closeup of our blinds. Maybe these are stretches of pi?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dont-forget-me-drawer.jpgDon't Forget Me drawer!A nightstand drawer offers practical advice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/antiqvvm.jpgAntiqvvm!The Greater Columbus Convention Center has its own art installations. This is one portion of Antiqvvm by Allison Luce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kneel-before-pikachu.jpgKneel Before Pikachu!In the other window, Pikachu has an easier time getting subjects to kneel before him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/barbie-house-with-groucho-marx.jpgBarbie House with Groucho Marx!All of Barbie Land revolts against its would-be tyrant Rufus T. Firefly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/she-ra-sandwich-board.jpgShe-Ra sandwich boardShe-Ra on the flipside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/big-fun-columbus-godzilla.jpgBig Fun Columbus GodzillaFun displays once again outside Big Fun Columbus, a vintage toy shop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/utility-box-art-2.jpgutility box art 2More utility box art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/utility-box-art-1.jpgutility box art 1Utility box art.2024-12-14T21:05:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/03/galaxycon-columbus-2023-photos-part-1-of-2-a-very-special-cosplay-christmas/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/spider-armor.jpgSpider-Armor!Spider-Man in his '90s Spider-Armor, vying with the Santa in our lead photo for the title of Shiniest Costume of the Con.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/captain-spider.jpgCaptain Spider!Captain Spider! Or Spider-America! Whichever!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/loki-and-thor.jpgLoki and Thor!Loki and Thor set aside their differences for five seconds, then get right back to warring.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/hamburglar.jpgHamburglar!The Hamburglar! I thought about him a lot Saturday night while we were driving home and I was starving and looking for drive-thrus.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inflatable-ursula.jpginflatable Ursula!Ursula from The Little Mermaid and her pet eels Flotsam and Jetsam.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/madame-ping-young.jpgMadame Ping young!Madame Ping (her younger form) from the game Genshin Impact.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fallout-vault-dwellers.jpgFallout Vault Dwellers!Vault Dwellers from the Fallout games, soon to be an Amazon Prime series! (I've been playing Fallout 3 for months and thoroughly adore them for this.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/zapp-brannigan-and-gwen-demarco.jpgZapp Brannigan and Gwen DeMarco!Gwen DeMarco from Galaxy Quest and Zapp Brannigan from Futurama.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/elysian-kingdom-laan.jpgElysian Kingdom Laan!La’an’s fantasy-world dress (and dog Runa) from the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode “The Elysian Kingdom”.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/guinan.jpgGuinan!Picard's friend/confidante/bartender Guinan!2024-12-11T02:16:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/04/galaxycon-columbus-2023-photos-part-2-of-3-who-we-met-and-what-we-did-friday/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/terry-farrell-and-nana-visitor.jpgTerry Farrell and Nana Visitor!See, this is why I usually try to turn sideways whenever we pose with more than one star.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/brent-spiner-says-hi.jpgBrent Spiner says hi!Right before our turn, Brent Spiner walked over to say hi to Matalas. We were happy to stand by.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/terry-matalas.jpgTerry Matalas!His eyes lit up at the sight of Witch. He took a photo and sent it to Mr. Fickett.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/john-jackson-miller.jpgJohn Jackson Miller!We bought three more books from him, made easier by the fact that we're finally diving into Discovery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/liana-kangas.jpgLiana Kangas!The cover for Know Your Station, co-created with Sarah Gailey, leapt off the table at me, as did the premise summary on the back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/declan-shalvey.jpgDeclan Shalvey!We also took a standard "artist at their table" shot, but this is him sketching in the copy of Old Dog Volume 1 I'd just bought from him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/squickerwonkers-books.jpgSquickerwonkers books!Every time he handed out one Squickerwonkers set, two more took its place.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mara-wilson.jpgMara Wilson!She's rather active on Bluesky, for those still wondering whatever happened to her.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/evan-evagora.jpgEvan Evagora!And throw in an updated pic. Very nice guy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/jeffrey-combs.jpgJeffrey Combs!Surely this isn't the face of a man who contains unspeakable Lovecraftian horrors?2024-12-11T02:15:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/08/galaxycon-columbus-2023-photos-part-3-of-3-who-we-met-and-what-we-did-saturday/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/loot-part-2.jpgloot part 2!My loot pile. Yay graphic storytelling!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/loot-part-1.jpgloot part 1!Anne's loot pile. Well, I guess we have joint custody of the Squickerwonkers books.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/todd-stashwick-tattoo.jpgTodd Stashwick tattoo!Stashwick (showing off his Yggdrasil tattoo?) revealed his Captain's Chair had a working iPhone embedded in one armrest, which made for convenient fun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/frakes-happy.jpgFrakes happy!I don't really have any other Frakes tidbits. I just thought this was a nice shot and I'm trying to space the Stashwick pics apart.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/quizzical-stashwick.jpgquizzical Stashwick!Every time Stashwick mentioned 12 Monkeys, its small yet mighty fandom cheered. Every single time. So of course he had to keep mentioning it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/chatty-brent-spiner.jpgchatty Brent Spiner!Spiner talked about his unrequited audition for Boardwalk Empire and his Big Bang Theory appearance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/frakes-with-arm-raised.jpgFrakes with arm raised!Frakes answered questions about Riker's walk and his small part in North and South.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/picard-panel.jpgPicard panel!All four panelists and the two moderators who faces you just saw earlier.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/frakes-and-spiner.jpgFrakes and Spiner!Spiner had laryngitis yet managed spot-on impressions of Patrick Stewart with laryngitis and Ian McKellen with laryngitis.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/stashwick-and-matalas.jpgStashwick and Matalas!Stashwick with old pal Terry Matalas. The two previously worked together on 12 Monkeys.2024-12-11T02:15:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/08/galaxycon-columbus-2024-photos-part-1-of-2-tiny-cosplay-gallery/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a-new-hope-crawl.jpgA New Hope crawl!The iconic opening crawl from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/macho-mandalorian-randy-savage.jpgMacho Mandalorian Randy Savage!MACHO MANDALORIAN RANDY SAVAGE! AND GROGU! OH YEAH!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/baylan-skoll.jpgBaylan Skoll!Baylan Skoll from Ahsoka (R.I.P. Ray Stevenson.) and proud possessor of the Arcana Star Map.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quinlan-vos.jpgQuinlan Vos!Quinlan Vos, the best Jedi ever to come out of the SW Expanded Universe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sith-trooper.jpgSith Trooper!A Sith Trooper, which leapt from the Star Wars Battlefront II game to the big screen in The Rise of Skywalker.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tie-fighter-pilot.jpgTIE Fighter Pilot!A TIE Fighter Pilot who apparently gets asked to play Vader at birthday parties a lot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/han-solo-in-carbonite.jpgHan Solo in carbonite!Han Solo in carbonite -- a costume, not a prop -- escorted by Kylo Ren and Darth Vader on Take Your Grandson to Work Day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hamburglar.jpgHamburglar!The Hamburglar trying to scam the nearest McDonald's out of some free food by filing a fake drive-thru complaint, but the manager put him on hold 15 minutes ago and never came back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ursula.jpgUrsula!Ursula with Flotsam and Jetsam.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/steve-zissou.jpgSteve Zissou!Not Jesse Pinkman, but rather the main character of Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.2025-01-20T14:10:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/09/galaxycon-columbus-2024-photos-part-2-of-2-weird-al-yankovic-and-everything-else/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/galaxycon-backdrop.jpgGalaxycon backdrop!Galaxycon backdrop for taking happy comic-con selfies after a fun time has been had by all!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/loot.jpgloot!The rest of our loot. Yay shopping!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/anne-and-carbonite.jpgAnne and Carbonite!These were not the jazz hands we were looking for.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dawn-of-order.jpgDawn of Order!Dawn of Order, a Palpatine sculpture by Nick Hahn just begging to be toppled by Rebel Alliance activists.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/r2-d2-and-huyang.jpgR2-D2 and Huyang!R2-D2 and Huyang, most recently seen in Ahsoka.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/speeder-bike.jpgspeeder bike!A speeder bike, though I don't recognize the model offhand.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/armed-wampa.jpgarmed Wampa!A Talz, one of the original Star Wars Cantina aliens who later got spotlighted in the Clone Wars episode "Trespass".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/roronn-corobb.jpgRoron Corobb!Roron Corobb, an Ithorian Jedi and Clone Wars bit player.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/snort.jpgSnort!Merely a supersized display item, not for sale: Snort, a mascot from Otherworld, a local specialty art museum.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/darth-vader-crushed-helmet-bust.jpgDarth Vader crushed helmet bust!Darth Vader's crushed helmet! The vendor regaled us with tales of past cons and sharing after-show bar rounds with the likes of Ron Perlman and Peter Weller.2024-12-11T02:15:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/23/our-galaxycon-louisville-2019-photos/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/galaxycon-loot.jpgGalaxyCon loot!My total haul, including two new cassettes. And yes, I still have a working cassette player. Dual-cassette, even. Shut up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/felicia-day-2.jpgFelicia Day!She was kind to every single fan who asked a question, and knows how to keep a Q&A moving and on track. Moderator dude didn't really have to moderate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/felicia-day-1.jpgFelicia Day!Felicia Day with YouTuber/interviewer RealBreakingNate. I believe this was when they were arguing over how crystals are non-magical.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ehrlers-ice-cream.jpgEhrler's Ice Cream!Ehrler's Ice Cream, a Louisville business 150 years old and counting. Their chocolate/peanut butter ice cream was beyond reproach, perfectly salty and sweet. Their bourbon pecan, on the other hand, was not my thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/chicken-and-waffle-cone.jpgchicken and waffle cone!Chicken in waffle cones, which was tasty and brilliant until the spicy honey sauce oozed out the hole in the bottom and dripped all over my clothes and con bag.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/darkwing-duck.jpgDarkwing Duck!Darkwing Duck!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/big-brother-and-little-sister.jpgBig Brother and Little Sister!Big Brother and Little Sister from <em>Bioshock</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mr.-freeze.jpgMr. Freeze!Mr. Freeze, standing guard with the food vendors.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/spider-america.jpgSpider-America!Captain Spider. Or Spider-America. Whichever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cap-with-hammer.jpgCap with hammer!Captain America with Mjolnir.2024-12-08T15:47:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/04/galaxycon-columbus-2022-photos-part-1-of-4-the-stars-in-our-galaxy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/brak-attacks.jpgBrak attacks!...so, possibly thinking Zorak put me up to this, Brak attacked me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/andy-merrill.jpgAndy Merrill!Andy Merrill! Best known as the voice of Brak, star of Adult Swim's Brak Presents the Brak Show Starring Brak.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/richard-dreyfuss.jpgRichard Dreyfuss!Academy Award Winner Richard Dreyfuss! You may have seen him in things. He's recently published a new book, which we'll talk about more in Part 3.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/amanda-pays.jpgAmanda Pays!Amanda Pays! I was 18 when she costarred in TV's original The Flash, based on the comics I'd been collecting since age 6.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/clone-wars-cast.jpgClone Wars cast!From the cast of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, voice actors Ashley Eckstein, Matt Lanter, and James Arnold Taylor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/jodie-whittaker-jazz-hands.jpgJodie Whittaker Jazz Hands!MCC file photo from GalaxyCon Columbus 2022!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/smallville-cast.jpgSmallville Cast!It's a <em>Smallville</em> cast reunion! Us with star Tom Welling (Clark Kent pre-Superman), Kristin Kreuk (Lana Lang), the always ebullient Michael Rosenbaum (Young Lex Luthor), and John Glover (his dad Lionel Luthor).2024-12-08T15:45:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/12/01/wicked-part-i-down-the-witches-road/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/wicked-part-1.jpgWicked Part 1!Emerald and Ivory, sing together in perfect harmony...2024-12-02T00:19:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/24/a-real-pain-roman-roys-european-vacation/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/a-real-pain.jpgA Real Pain!Pretty much every site that;s written about the film has used this same image. Here's me trying to be mistaken for one of them.2024-11-24T21:33:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/21/the-indiana-historical-societys-festival-of-trees-2024-a-forest-of-christmas-highlights/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/in-bmv.jpgIN BMV tree!The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles embrace their inner sloth.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hikerbabes.jpgHikerBabes tree!Hikerbabes celebrate Indiana parks and ambling spaces.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/healthnet.jpgHealthNet tree!HealthNet, medical and insurance providers to underserved communities, bring gingerbread and eye charts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sheltering-wings.jpgSheltering Wings!Sheltering Wings, a domestic abuse retreat and treatment center serving Hendricks County.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/asian-american-alliance-inc.jpgAsian American Alliance tree!Indy's own Asian American Alliance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/butler.jpgButler tree!Butler University's Arts & Events Center. They've gotten really big on eSports in recent times.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/firefly-children-family-alliance.jpgFirefly Children & Family AllianceFirefly Children & Family Alliance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/eiteljorg-museum.jpgEiteljorg Museum!The Eiteljorg Museum advertises their annual "Jingle Rails" holiday exhibit, which Anne and I will be visiting in the near future. You heard it here first!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/chick-fil-a.jpgChick-Fil-A tree!Once again the Chick-Fil-A in Avon goes all-out, this time in tandem with Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tabletop-tree-for-auction.jpgtabletop tree for auction!A special room displayed a selection of tabletop artisan trees up for auction.2024-11-22T04:37:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/10/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-9-round-springfield/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/psychedelic-teddy-mural.jpgpsychedelic teddy mural!We also found one more mural, though it seemed geared more toward deadheads than the LGBTQ+ community.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/doggie-bench-statue.jpgdoggie bench statueOther non-Lincoln sights along our blocks of walking included this statue of a very good doggo who recommends local news media.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsboy-statue.jpgnewsboy statue!Exterior features include a statue of Lincoln the eager schoolboy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/me-and-crepe.jpgme and crepe!The happy purchaser of a fresh crepe packed with vanilla Greek yogurt, minted berries and honey.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/making-crepes.jpgmaking crepes!Among the many proprietors , the longest line was for a crepe stand, because I always have room for more breakfast.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/old-capitol-farmers-market.jpgOld Capitol Farmers' Market!Also happening adjacently: the Old Capitol Farmers' Market!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/capitol-art-fair.jpgCapitol Art Fair!Happening on the same street that day: the Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/old-state-capitol.jpgOld State Capitol!Looming large was the Old State Capitol, which has been closed to visitors since January 2023. But streetside looks are free.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dumb-records.jpgDumb Records!Shopping fun continued a couple streets down at Dumb Records. I lost the receipt and can't recall the three CDs I bought, but I'm sure they were cool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/elf-shelf-books-music.jpgElf Shelf Books & Music!Snapshot of the vintage collectibles that were.2024-11-16T02:43:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/07/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-8-the-lincoln-museum-minus-lincoln/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/geodesic-sphere-model.jpggeodesic sphere model!A model of a geodesic dome designed by R. Buckminster Fuller, the architect and futurist who helped popularize the term in America. EPCOT's Spaceship Earth is based on such designs; its very name was a term he coined.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/reagan-letterman-sweater.jpgReagan letterman sweater!Letterman sweater that belonged to a young Ronald Reagan. During childhood his family moved around Illinois a lot -- seven times in six cities over five years.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tina-turner-dress.jpgTina Turner dress!A dress worn by Tina Turner for a 1982 Tonight Show appearance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/life-of-black-hawk.jpgLife of Black Hawk!A vintage copy of the memoir Life of Mà-ka-tai-me-she-kià-kiàk, or Black Hawk, released (with interpreter and co-authoring assistance) in 1833 by the eponymous Sauk leader and warrior.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jane-addams-bust.jpgJane Addams bust!A bust of Jane Addams, co-founder of Hull House, a converted mansion that expanded into an entire complex for housing immigrants. This 1964 work by Lawrence Taylor commemorated her 100th birthday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/michelle-obama-piano-trophy.jpgMichelle Obama piano trophy!A piano contest trophy once won by a young Michelle Obama.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/herndon-books.jpgHerndon books!On the less traumatizing side, other artifacts in the main Lincoln exhibits include these actual books from the collection of William Herndon, Abe's old law partner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/black-family-torn-apart.jpgBlack family torn apart.In stark contrast to those successes and later happy days, the horrors of slavery and the devastation of Black families are the subject of one of what may be the most horrifying life-sized dioramas I've ever seen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/black-family.jpgBlack family!Also on the porch: Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/officers.jpgofficers!Other statues in the museum include these two officers in front of the faux White House.2024-11-16T02:43:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/04/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-7-his-presidential-library-museum/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-family-jazz-hands-me.jpgLincoln family jazz hands!Catch my upcoming sitcom Hangin' with the Lincolns, this fall on Peacock!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-bust.jpgLincoln bust!Yes, of course they have a Lincoln bust -- a prep piece for the 1908 version now in the U.S. Capitol. Its sculptor Gutzon Borglum is best known for such works as the the polar opposites Mount Rushmore and Stone Mountain. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mary-todd-lincoln-in-shadows.jpgMary Todd Lincoln in shadows.Mary Todd Lincoln mourns.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/replica-coffin-front.jpgreplica coffin front.A replica of Lincoln's funeral coffin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/fords-theatre-balcony.jpgFord's Theatre balcony!Failed actor John Wilkes Booth ends the night with tragedy, despite the efforts of millions of time travelers to stop him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/our-american-cousin-poster.jpgOur American Cousin poster!Fast-forward to 1865, and the war's over and the North won! Now everyone can relax and enjoy some entertainment, like a play at Ford's Theatre.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/graveyard-mural.jpgGettysburg Address mural!November 19, 1863: the Gettysburg Address.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-letter.jpgLincoln letter!An actual letter written by Lincoln in June 1863 to General Joseph Hooker, drafted for telegraphing, discussing Robert E. Lee's imminent second invasion of the North.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-pondering.jpgLincoln pondering.At no point does the Great Emancipator think to himself, "Which choice will get me the most Likes and the sweetest product endorsements?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/emancipation-proclamation-deliberation.jpgEmancipation Proclamation deliberation!Lincoln ponders signing the Emancipation Proclamation. On each side of the hallway leading to him are ghost-like angry faces.2024-11-16T02:43:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/25/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-6-misc-museum/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/stuffed-geese.jpgstuffed Canadian geese!...and Canadian geese, which Illinois apparently loves way more than we do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/raccoon.jpgraccoon!...a cute, fuzzy, kleptomaniac raccoon...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/mountain-lion.jpgmountain lion!Hey, kids! Taxidermy! Enjoy such critters as a mountain lion...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/mammal-fossils.jpgmammal fossils!But Illinois kids ought to see animal bones in a museum like any other kids, so they've acquired a few anyway.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/no-illinois-fossils.jpgno Illinois fossils!Fun trivia: Illinois was covered by water waaaay back when. To this day no Precambrian fossils have ever been discovered there, which complicates the "natural history" section a bit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/shark-attack.jpgShark Attack!Shark Attack: the Educational Video Game!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/marine-life-exhibit.jpgmarine life exhibit!We've seen plenty of Natural History exhibits at other museums, but they're always the most fun to photograph. Behold: airborne waterborne animals!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/smashed-penny-machine.jpgsmashed penny machine!Longtime MCC readers know Anne collects smashed pennies and weeps every time we encounter an out-of-order smashed penny machine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/guns.jpgguns!A History of Gun Ownership in Illinois, maybe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/harold-washington-jet.jpgHarold Washington Jet!An issue of Jet featuring Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, the first African-American to serve in the office.2024-11-16T02:43:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/10/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-5-generation-x-belongs-in-a-museum/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/aol-disk.jpgAOL disk!Then came America Online, which is how I boarded the internet in 1999 at age 27 -- lagging behind many, but ahead of the curve, by which I mean the olds who "discovered" internet through socials.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/consoles.jpgconsoles!Before, during, and after all of the above came video game consoles! I bought my first system when I got a job at 16, and I've lagged behind the rest of the world ever since.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/commodore-64.jpgCommodore 64!Then came home computers for rich kids! Who used them for playing crude knockoffs of our favorite arcade games!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/blockbuster-rental.jpgBlockbuster rental!Then Blockbuster Video came along, and you didn't have to go broke buying every film you wanted to see! Now you could go broke renting them all and racking up late fees!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vcr.jpgVCR!Remember when you could only watch certain movies if and when they were rerun on TV? Then VCRs came along and you could watch your favorite movie anytime, and as many times as you wanted!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/continuity-shots.jpgcontinuity shots!The most unique item in the exhibit: continuity shots from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which was mostly filmed in Chicago 200 miles northeast of Springfield.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/movie-posters.jpgmovie posters!Also a thing for us: posters! Such as these posters of films, as opposed to actual movie posters with the credits on them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/smells-like-teen-spirit-45.jpgSmells Like Teen Spirit 45I collected 45s/singles for a short time ('83 to '85) and regret missing out on the exhibit's most amazing collectible (to me).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/mixtapes.jpgmixtapes!One of my racks was filled with dubbed tapes and mixtapes. (ANACHRONISM ALERT: At least five songs on the pictured tape were from the '90s.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cassette-rack.jpgcassette rack!In my heyday I filled eleven of these racks. I didn't buy my first CDs till 1991. They cost more.2024-11-16T02:43:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/09/15/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-4-around-the-capitol-complex/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-and-bison-top-hat.jpgLincoln and bison top hat!The spirit of young Lincoln gazes over the home where the buffalo roam.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vachel-lindsay-top-hat.jpgVachel Lindsay top hat!top hat with the full text of the Vachel Lindsay poem "Lincoln".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/giant-us-top-hat.jpggiant US top hat!All-American top hat with Lincoln quotes written in each stripe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/confused-deer.jpgconfused deer!Deer bearing the same expressions their ancestors held whenever Lincoln would walk into the woods and rehearse a speech to them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/visitor-center-antidrug-buttons.jpgVisitor Center antidrug buttonsSouvenirs of various Illinois anti-addiction campaigns -- collectible coins, buttons and patches.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/land-of-lincoln-plates.jpgLand of Lincoln plates!Illinois vanity license plates and an anti-drug teddy bear.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-totem-pole.jpgLincoln totem pole!Lincoln: the totem pole!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-bike-rack.jpgLincoln bike rack!Lincoln: the bike rack!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/white-tailed-deer.jpgWhite-Tailed Deer!White-Tailed Deer, a 1994 sculpture by John Kearney made of chrome bumpers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/illinois-firefighters-monument.jpgIllinois firefighters monument!The Illinois firefighters monument.2024-11-16T02:42:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/09/13/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-3-the-illinois-state-capitol/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-statue-inside.jpgLincoln statue inside!Yes, of course there's a Lincoln statue inside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/stephen-douglas.jpgStephen Douglas!Stephen Douglas, Illinois Secretary of State, U.S. Senator and famous debater.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/richard-daley.jpgRichard Daley!Nearly-six-term Mayor Richard J. Daley, not to be confused with his son, actually-six-term Mayor Richard M. Daley.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lottie-holman-oneill.jpgLottie Holman O'Neill!Lottie Holman O'Neill, Illinois' first woman to serve in the Illinois General Assembly (as either Senator or Congressperson).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/adelbert-roberts.jpgAdelbert Roberts!Other politicians in statuary inside the premises include Adelbert Roberts, the state's first Black State Senator.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/silver-pitcher.jpgsilver pitcher!Shiny objects on display include this silver pitcher that was a gift to Senator John B. Cohrs, who helped keep Springfield the state capital.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/washington-painting.jpgWashington painting!Mandatory George Washington painting, by George Sigurd Wetterhoff circa 1890.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/oxen-painting.jpgoxen painting!"Agriculture" is one of three 1918 murals by Chicago painter Robert Wadsworth Grafton.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/george-rogers-clark-painting.jpgGeorge Rogers Clark painting!Up on the third floor, the largest painting in the building is Gustav Fuchs' 1886 rendition of George Rogers Clark negotiating with the locals.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/frontier-frieze.jpgfrontier frieze!A frieze of frontiersmen.2024-11-16T02:42:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/09/08/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-2-more-wars-more-memorials/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mr.-accordion.jpgMr. Accordion!...and the crypt of World War II veteran Roy Bertelli, a.k.a. "Mr. Accordion", who's actually buried in another cemetery but fought hard for his purchase of this specific plot right inside the Oak Ridge gates. It's kind of a long and fascinating story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/korndog-king.jpgKorndog King!Other local notables in their final resting places include Bob Vose, a veteran and alderman whose corn dog booth at the Illinois State Fair had been a mainstay since 1966 until his passing last year...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/giant-family-memorials.jpggiant family memorialsThe sizable Oak Ridge landscape features family plots in all shapes and sizes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mushrooms.jpgmushrooms!Also not far away: mushrooms!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/museum-chaperone-sticker.jpgmuseum chaperone stickerEvidence of fellow tourists left behind on a bench, foreshadowing a later chapter in this series.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/battle-of-chosin-reservoir-memorial.jpgBattle of Chosin Reservoir memorial.Furthering the Korean War remembrances is the much more specific "The March Out of the Chosin", in tribute to the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/korean-war-memorial.jpgKorean War memorial.The Korean War Memorial honor four branches and 1,748 who died.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/wwi-memorial.jpgWWI memorial.A much smaller, county-specific World War I memorial for 113 local veterans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vietnam-war-memorial.jpgVietnam War memorial.The Vietnam War memorial takes up a bit more square footage and honors another 3,000 Illinoisans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/halsey-quote.jpgHalsey quote....and culminating in this, um, juxtaposition with Admiral William Halsey.2024-11-16T02:42:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/09/07/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-1-the-tomb-of-honest-abe/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-the-circuit-rider.jpgLincoln the Circuit Rider!Also a Tomb exclusive, Lincoln the Circuit Rider remembers the slightly older lawyer who often rode hundreds of miles from one courtroom to the next.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-the-ranger.jpgLincoln the Ranger!Lincoln the Ranger is a Lincoln Tomb exclusive design and likewise marks his short military service, which lasted all of 80 days at best.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-the-soldier.jpgLincoln the Soldier!Lincoln the Soldier recalls that time in 1832 when he fought in the Black Hawk War. The original statue is in Dixon, Illinois.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-the-debater.jpgLincoln the Debater!Another series of statues commemorates his ages and phases. Lincoln the Debater is an obvious, solid choice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-lincoln-ne-statue.jpgLincoln Lincoln NE statueReplica of Lincoln, Nebraska's Lincoln Monument.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-hodgenville-statue.jpgLincoln Hodgenville statueReplica of a statue in Hodgenville, Kentucky.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-chicago-statue.jpgLincoln Chicago statue!Replica of a statue in Chicago that we've apparently missed on our numerous Windy City expeditions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lincoln-memorial-statue.jpgLincoln Memorial statue!A series of replicas of Lincoln statues in other states naturally includes the Lincoln Memorial as their centerpiece.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/illinois-farewell-address-plaque.jpgIllinois farewell address plaque!Around the walls are plaques bearing transcripts of some of his more famous speeches, such as the farewell address he gave here in Springfield before moving out to DC.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/robert-todd-lincoln-marker.jpgRobert Todd Lincoln marker!A marker for other brother Robert Todd Lincoln completes the set. As a Civil War veteran and U.S. Secretary of War under James Garfield and Chester Arthur, Robert was buried in Arlington National Cemetery per the wishes of his widow Mary.2024-11-16T02:42:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/15/the-lincoln-birthday-weekend-part-10-lincoln-home-law-gifts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-art.jpgLincoln art!Sample Lincoln art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/smashed-penny-machine.jpgsmashed penny machine!At last Anne tracked down her primary quarry: a smashed penny machine!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-souvenir-gift-shop.jpgLincoln Souvenir & Gift Shop!Lincoln Souvenir & Gift Shop, a stone's throw from the cemetery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mr.-lincolns-souvenirs.jpgMr. Lincoln's Souvenirs!Just down the street was Mr. Lincoln's Souvenirs, a gift shop that was not a visitor center, where Anne found the Lincoln hat in our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-home.jpgLincoln Home!That same home today.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-home-1860-rally-photo.jpgLincoln home 1860 rally photo!That time they held a rally outside the Lincoln Home in 1860.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/route-66-sign.jpgRoute 66 signA proud reminder of the once-mighty Route 66 ran through town.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-hamlin-banner.jpgLincoln Hamlin banner!Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin: the original woke ticket.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-pop-machine.jpgLincoln pop machine!Lincoln: The Pop Machine!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lincoln-and-douglas-maquette.jpgLincoln and Douglas maquette!1990 maquette by Lily Toplo of Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, his his frequent opponent and a bespoke Oompa-Loompa.2024-11-16T02:39:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/14/if-two-million-people-do-a-foolish-thing-it-is-still-a-foolish-thing/2024-11-15T03:26:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/05/there-i-voted-and-ate-my-vegetables-now-to-spend-the-evening-unplugged/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cap-250.jpgCap 250!I was 8 when Cap declined the chance to run for President. Today I'd vote for him three times if I could.2024-11-05T22:42:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/11/03/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-venom-the-last-dance-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/venom-shush.jpgVenom Shush!I mean, they're basically Chuck Campbell and Bob from Soap.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/venom-desert-balloon.jpgVenom Desert Balloon!The Mirror Universe version of The Red Balloon.2024-11-03T21:11:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/31/halloween-stats-2024-of-course-the-only-day-it-rained-this-entire-week/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/conductor-cat-pumpkin.jpgConductor Cat pumpkin!I was out of office for a week and returned to find this lightly decorated, unexplained cat pumpkin just sitting, waiting, watching, and weirding me out. To this day no perpetrator has confessed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/target-halloween.jpgTarget Halloween!Target gamely gets into Halloween displaying to the extent that they're permitted to express any overt holiday cheer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/lowes-halloween.jpgLowes Halloween!Lowe's was once again killing it in the outdoor monsters section this past September. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/halloween-table.jpgHalloween table!Our fifth consecutive year tabling outside our house on Halloween night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/halloween-buffet.jpgHalloween buffet!No, this wasn't our house, but an office party I ran across a couple weeks ago.2024-11-01T02:12:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/29/so-many-signs-indianapolis-redecorates-for-the-2024-coming-of-taylor-swift/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/taylor-swift-marriott-full.jpgTaylor Swift Marriott full!A wider shot of the Brobdingnagian Taylor Swift adorning the JW Marriott's hundreds of sold-out rooms.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/hooters-taylor-swift-specials.jpgHooters Taylor Swift specials!...and Hooters! I've never been inside one and can't speak to how much her fandom overlaps with theirs, but they're going all-in!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/district-tap-taygate-sign.jpgDistrict Tap TayGate sign!Downtown businesses getting into the spirit of Swift will include District Tap with a special "TayGate" party...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/swift-city-banner.jpgSwift City banner!From the Department of Other Kinds of Signs, banners on Georgia Street (between the Fieldhouse and the Convention Center) welcome one and all to Swift City. 'Round this space, free parties will be held at noon Saturday and Sunday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/midnights-drive.jpgMidnights Drive sign!Midnights Drive! Also at Market and Illinois, next to the existing Hilton featuring McCormick and Schmick's.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/the-man-blvd-sign.jpgThe Man Blvd sign!The Man Boulevard! At Market and Capitol, across from the State House.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/enchanted-lane-sign.jpgEnchanted Lane sign!Enchanted Lane! At Washington and Capitol, across the way from the Hyatt Regency where we once waited in a long line at 5 a.m. to get into the Convention Center.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/swift-street-sign.jpgSwift Street sign!Swift Street! (A simple nod to her self-titled debut, maybe?) Washington Street, on the south side of the Indiana State House.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bad-blood-blvd-sign.jpgBad Blood Blvd sign!Bad Blood Boulevard! In front of the Convention Center, on the other side of Maryland. Ms. Swift just missed the 70,000+ FFA kids who dominated the place last week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/gorgeous-drive-sign.jpgGorgeous Drive sign!Gorgeous Drive! In front of the east entrance of the Indiana Convention Center. (Longtime MCC readers know that name.)2024-10-29T21:26:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/27/joker-folie-a-deux-the-last-laugh-is-the-best-and-only-laugh/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/joker-folie-a-deux.jpgJoker Folie a Deux!Oh, great, THIS frickin' guy again.2024-10-27T21:53:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/21/the-heartland-international-film-festival-2024-season-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/heartland-poster.jpgHeartland poster!I'd been to that Landmark only once before in my entire life, to catch Spielberg's Munich during my 2006 Oscar Quest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/landmark-glendale.jpgLandmark Glendale!The Landmark Glendale, where I had myself a Tuesday night double feature of Jazzy and Superboys of Malegaon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/garage-art.jpggarage art!Street art in the nearby garage, The theater will validate parking after your showing's over.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/living-room-theaters-mass-ave.jpgLiving Room Theaters Mass Ave!Living Room Theaters on Massachusetts Avenue, which showed Micro Budget and We Strangers each Sunday on the exact same screen and time slot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/halloween-plants.jpgHalloween plants...and some killer plants.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/gourds.jpggourds!Newfields' annual Harvest Nights were in full swing, which meant gourds everywhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/anne-on-the-moon.jpgAnne on the moon!Anne posing in Newfields' Tobias Theater lobby like the DreamWorks fishing kid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/newfields.jpgNewfields!Newfields, the establishment f/k/a the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Anne accompanied me for ReEntry; I returned stag for Small Things Like These.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/emagine-noblesville.jpgEmagine Noblesville!Emagine Noblesville, nearly an hour from our house, where we saw <em>Sheepdog</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dirty-laundry-movie-2024.jpgDirty Laundry movie 2024Charlie Schultz and Mitchell Wray go through several cans of obsolete soft drinks.2024-10-22T02:35:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/20/heartland-film-festival-2024-screening-7-we-strangers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/gordon-strain.jpgGordon Strain!Gordon Strain at right, with our host Greg Sorvig, Artistic Director of the Heartland Film Festival.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/we-strangers.jpgWe Strangers!A single shot from this scene near the end tells you a lot about what she's put up with.2024-10-21T00:50:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/19/heartland-film-festival-2024-screening-6-sheepdog/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sheepdog-poster.jpgSheepdog posterIt's extremely tough finding screen shots of films that don't yet have a distributor, an official site, or a trailer available for screen shots...2024-10-19T16:10:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/18/heartland-film-festival-2024-screening-5-small-things-like-these/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/greg-sorvig.jpgGreg Sorvig!Mielants with our host Greg Sorvig, Artistic Director of the Heartland Film Festival.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/tim-mielants.jpgTim Mielants!Director Tim Mielants.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/tobias-heartland.jpgTobias Heartland!Unlike our last two Heartland Q&As. this time I brought a camera!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/small-things-like-these.jpgSmall Things Like These!What evil lurks within the coal shed?2024-10-18T04:09:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/17/heartland-film-festival-2024-screening-4-superboys-of-malegaon/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/adarsh-gourav.jpgAdarsh Gourav!Movies will break your heart, kid.2024-10-17T15:54:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/16/heartland-film-festival-2024-screening-3-jazzy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/jazzy.jpgJazzy!THEY FIGHT CRIME! OR SOLVE MYSTERIES! Or...wait, no, this isn't that kind of film.2024-10-16T20:16:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/24/my-oscar-quest-2024-quick-start-scorecard/2024-10-16T13:41:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/15/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-wild-robot-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wild-robot-purple.jpgWild Robot purple!...I just couldn't stop screen-shotting.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wild-robot-showroom.jpgWild Robot showroom!I, Robot meets Rog 2000 meets WALL-E meets Machine Man meets etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wild-robot-nighttime.jpgWild Robot Nighttime!A rare moment of a listening device working toward a positive use.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wild-robot-landing.jpgWild Robot Landing!Not nearly as bumpy a landing as some actual "Your package has been delivered" Amazon porch pics we've seen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wild-robot-and-gosling.jpgWild Robot and Gosling!Concept art for my upcoming fanfic, "Atomic Robo Meets Henery Hawk".2024-10-15T19:40:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/14/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-transformers-one-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/transformers-one.jpgTransformers One!Just hanging out after work, two buddies who have each other's backs and will never, ever, ever lead separate sides in a planetary civil war. Friendship!2024-10-14T21:58:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/14/heartland-film-festival-2024-screening-2-micro-budget/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/morgan-evans-at-heartland.jpgMorgan Evans at Heartland!My phone loves low-light conditions but not across long distances. But I'd feel wrong bringing an actual camera into a movie theater.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/morgan-evans.jpgMorgan Evans!Morgan Evans and our host Julie Landrum, Film Programmer for the Heartland Film Festival.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/micro-budget.jpgMicro Budget!Imagine if Don't Look Up were made with no money or agenda. Now imagine the behind-the-scenes featurettes about that.2024-10-14T13:59:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/13/heartland-film-festival-2024-screening-1-reentry/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/reentry-qa.jpgReEntry Q&A!Same panel sans zooming.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/reentry-qa-mod.jpgReEntry Q&A + mod!As with our recent Trek convention, low-light conditions at long distances are our recurring foes. Seated left to right:https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/reentry-poster.jpgReEntry poster!something something ReEntry2024-10-14T12:16:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/06/star-trek-to-chicago-2024-photos-part-5-sunday/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ranger-michelle-hurd.jpgranger Michelle Hurd!And the mighty ranger Michelle Hurd!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/celias-dice-tower.jpgCelia's dice tower!(Celia also brought her own spiffy dice tower!)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/spellcaster-celia-rose-gooding.jpgspellcaster Celia Rose Gooding!As some kind of spellcaster whose exact class I didn't catch, Celia Rose Gooding!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/halfling-bonnie-gordon.jpghalfling Bonnie Gordon!The halfling (I think?) Bonnie Gordon!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pervy-rogue-anthony-rapp.jpgpervy rogue Anthony Rapp!The pervy rogue Anthony Rapp! (Who made it back from his errand on time.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/paladin-cirroc-lofton.jpgpaladin Cirroc Lofton!The paladin Cirroc Lofton!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dd-event.jpgD&D event!I've never watched other people play D&D, not even Critical Role, so this was a new experience.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dungen-master-todd-stashwick.jpgDungen Master Todd Stashwick!Our Dungeon Master, Todd Stashwick!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/anson-mount-smiling.jpgAnson Mount smiling!TV's Captain Christopher Pike himself, Anson Mount shines as the generous leader with the fantastic hair who's counting down to his own doomsday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ethan-peck-smiling.jpgEthan Peck smiling!Ethan Peck, our new Spock, doesn't try to replace Leonard Nimoy or Anthony Quinto and has his own admirable take.2024-10-07T00:56:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/04/star-trek-to-chicago-2024-photos-part-4-saturday/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/combs-does-shatner-ii.jpgCombs does Shatner!Moments like this just don't come through on CD. This is why you should support live performances, folks!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/combs-does-shatner.jpgCombs does Shatner!Also: Combs doing his Shatner impression.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/star-trek-rat-pack-tracklist.jpgStar Trek Rat Pack tracklistI didn't take notes on the set list as I did with Anthony Rapp's Friday night gig, but most of them were on their CD in a different order.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vaughn-armstrong-croons.jpgVaughn Armstrong croons!Vaughn Armstrong had my favorite song, a spoof of "If I Were King of the Forest" but regarding his Enterprise admiral.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/max-grodenchik-sings.jpgMax Grodenchik sings!Max Grodenchik wrote many of the songs performed that night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/casey-biggs-as-dean-martin.jpgCasey Biggs as Dean Martin!Casey Biggs as Dean Martin, not ready to let the wine-tasting end.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/jeffrey-combs-in-tux.jpgJeffrey Combs in tux!Mister Re-Animator, once the stuff of nightmares, now rocks a tux.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/rat-pack-concert.jpgRat Pack concert!Kids, ask your grandparents what the original "Rat Pack" was.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/celia-rose-gooding.jpgCelia Rose Gooding!Celia Rose Gooding is Cadet Uhura. At least she knows her character's future.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/christina-chong.jpgChristina Chong!Christina Chong is Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh, Chief of Security and descendant of Khan.2024-10-07T00:56:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/02/star-trek-to-chicago-2024-photos-part-3-friday/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/rapp-eyes-shut.jpgRapp eyes shut.The passionate Mr. Rapp.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/lolita-fatjo.jpgLolita Fatjo!We've seen Fatjo at past cons, back in the '90s and ten years ago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/connor-trinneer.jpgConnor Trinneer!I last saw Trinneer in The Fabelmans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dominic-keating.jpgDominic Keating!My memory of Keating's guest-turn on Buffy is a much fainter memory.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/con-and-dom-panel.jpgCon and Dom panel!Their spotlight episode "Shuttlepod One" remains among the show's best in my truncated experience.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/anthony-rapp-talking.jpgAnthony Rapp talking!He was born in Chicago, grew up in Joliet, and is openly a Cubs fan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/anthony-rapp-panel.jpgAnthony Rapp panel!But he was still talking up those cute li'l sons of his.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cirroc-lofton-panel.jpgCirroc Lofton panel!Fun trivia: Lofton is now only two inches shorter than Tony Todd, who played his future adult self in "The Visitor".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/funko-pops.jpgFunko Pops!Of course there were Funko Pops. Duh!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/action-figure-exclusives.jpgaction figure exclusives!A selection of action figures available through various exclusive offers. My Captain Calhoun is in a box in our garage.2024-10-07T00:55:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/09/30/star-trek-to-chicago-2024-photos-part-2-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/janeway-with-macrovirus.jpgJaneway with macrovirus!Katie Nickolaou, a meteorologist at WLNS in Lansing, won the official costume contest as Captain Janeway lugging a macrovirus from the Voyager episode "Macrocosm".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/sea-captain-data.jpgSea Captain Data!Captain Data sailing the holodeck seas at the beginning of Generations.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/qpid-crew.jpgQpid crew!Worf, Picard, Data and LeForge trapped in Merry Men costumes in "Qpid".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/holmes-and-watson.jpgHolmes and Watson!Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson technically from the Next Generation episode "Elementary, Dear Data".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mark-twain.jpgMark Twain!Mark Twain from the Next Generation two-parter "Time's Arrow".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/fenris-ranger-annika-hansen.jpgFenris Ranger Annika Hansen!Fenris Ranger Annika Hansen from Picard season 1.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/zefram-cochrane.jpgZefram Cochrane!Zefram Cochrane from First Contact.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vitameatdilithium.jpgVitameatdilithium!...carrying a bottle of Vitameatdilithium. Tastes like space candy!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ensign-lucy-ricardo.jpgEnsign Lucy Ricardo!Ensign Lucy Ricardo (nice nod to the Desilu legacy)...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/borgpool.jpgBorgpool!Borgpool!2024-10-07T00:55:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/09/30/star-trek-to-chicago-2024-photos-part-1-the-stars-in-our-galaxy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dawnn-lewis.jpgDawnn Lewis!Anne missed the Lower Decks op due to a scheduling conflict, but wanted to catch up with Dawnn Lewis and add to her collection of Starfleet captain autographs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/john-de-lancie-table-2024.jpgJohn de Lancie table 2024!insert!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cirroc-lofton.jpgCirroc Lofton!Cirroc Lofton! Best known as Deep Space Nine's Jake Sisko, teenage son of Captain Benjamin Sisko, he was one of the show's only two main cast members we hadn't met.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lower-decks-cast.jpgLower Decks cast!Tawny Newsome! Dawnn Lewis from A Different World! Eugene Cordero from Marvel's Loki! All from Star Trek: Lower Decks, a s sort of follow-up to my previous Lower Decks trio photo at Mission Chicago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dominic-keating-and-connor-trinneer.jpgDominic Keating and Connor Trinneer!Dominic Keating and Connor Trinneer! The erstwhile Malcolm Reed and Trip Tucker from Star Trek: Enterprise, which Anne finally finished watching and I haven't. They now team up as Trek podcasters!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/john-de-lancie-op-2024.jpgJohn de Lancie op 2024!We've already done jazz hands with John de Lancie, but Anne likes to get updated pics every time he happens to be at a show we're attending. This is the ninth such show.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/michael-dorn.jpgMichael Dorn!Michael Dorn! TV's Worf himself from The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Picard. We missed out on a previous chance for a pic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/marina-sirtis.jpgMarina Sirtis!Marina Sirtis! Counselor Deanna Troi from Star Trek: The Next Generation and Picard. Anne met her at an early-'90s con before the invention of photo ops.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/anthony-rapp.jpgAnthony Rapp!Anthony Rapp! A.K.A. Mark Cohen from the original cast of Broadway smash Rent; Lt. Commander Paul Stamets, our favorite character from Star Trek: DiscoverY; or you might have seen his most well-known child-actor part in Adventures in Babysitting.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jeri-ryan.jpgJeri Ryan!It's Jeri Ryan! You might remember her from such shows as Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Picard, Boston Public, Leverage, AMC's Dark Winds, and more!2024-10-07T00:55:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/10/06/star-trek-to-chicago-2024-photos-part-6-and-the-rest/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/michelle-hurd-laughing.jpgMichelle Hurd laughing!Michelle Hurd having a ball during Dungeons & Dragons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ethan-peck-explaining.jpgEthan Peck explaining!Ethan Peck explaining, in a more patient manner than Spock might.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/anson-mount-apprehensive.jpgAnson Mount apprehensive!Renowned potter Anson Mount.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/de-lancie-thinking.jpgde Lancie thinkingJohn de Lancie: the Sunday version.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/casey-biggs-and-max-grodenchik.jpgCasey Biggs and Max GrodenchikThose swingin' Rat Pack pals Casey Biggs and Max Grodenchik.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cirroc-lofton-drinking.jpgCirroc Lofton drinking!Cirroc Lofton at same.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dominic-keating-drinking.jpgDominic Keating drinkingKeating again, at the Saturday wine-tasting panel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/todd-stashwick.jpgTodd Stashwick!Todd Stashwick crashing Ryan's panel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/jeri-ryan-listens.jpgJeri Ryan listensHeadliner Jeri Ryan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/john-de-lancie-sideways.jpgJohn de Lancie sideways!John de Lancie: the Saturday version.2024-10-07T00:54:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/09/21/beetlejuice-beetlejuice-the-curse-of-repetition/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/beetlejuice.jpgBeetlejuice!Who's gonna believe the dramatic star of Dopesick and Clean and Sober could possibly star in a comedy?2024-09-21T18:38:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/30/alien-romulus-when-the-perfect-killing-machine-stops-evolving/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/alien-romulus-poster.jpgAlien Romulus poster!In space, no one complains about eating the same meal rations again and again and again.2024-09-19T20:38:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/25/disney-world-part-31-the-season-finale-and-the-magic-outtakes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/smashed-pennies.jpgsmashed pennies101 Disney World smashed pennies, no two alike.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/disney-world-cards.jpgDisney World cards!Our souvenir cards -- Anne's per-diem expense card, our resort room keys, and so on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/annes-swag.jpgAnne's Swag!Some of Anne's souvenirs and swag.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/southwest-heart.jpgSouthwest heart!We meet again, Southwest Airlines, our old friends who have yet to disappoint us massively on our very few flights ever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/third-party-gift-shop.jpgthird-party gift shop!...and a Disney gift shop, as if the parks didn't already have enough of their own.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/casting-building.jpgCasting building!Sights along the interstate included their Casting building, which I presume holds their HR offices...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-at-lagoon.jpgAnne at lagoon!One last glimpse of Seven Seas Lagoon, out behind Boca Chica.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-and-cinderella-castle-and-confused-woman.jpgAnne and Cinderella Castle and confused woman!Anne enjoying our final minutes gazing upon Cinderella Castle at night. I took a few tries to get that errant balloon in the shot, which frightened and confused another patron.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-after-dumbo-ride.jpgme after Dumbo ride!Anne spotted me as the Dumbo ride winds down.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/aladdin-lamp-and-camel-butt.jpgAladdin lamp and camel butt!Thursday afternoon in the Magic Kingdom, Aladdin fans may love that section of Adventureland. The camel's butt, maybe not so much.2024-08-25T18:54:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/24/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-8-the-year-in-art/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/9-to-5-quote.jpg9 to 5 quote!A realist's inspirational song-lyric quote from Academy Award Nominee Dolly Parton.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taylor-swift-eras-hanging.jpgTaylor Swift Eras hangingGratuitous Taylor Swift art!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/coca-cola-cow.jpgCoca-Cola cow!What if cows could offer other beverages besides boring old milk?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/abstract-waves.jpgabstract waves!Abstract waves.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/wildebeest.jpgwildebeest!Wildebeest hunting trophy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/stop-motion-chess.jpgstop-motion chess!Chess match at the stop-motion puppet park.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/four-eyed-doggo.jpgfour-eyed doggo!Poor four-eyed doggo, no one wants to play poker with him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/native-girl-and-husky.jpgNative girl and husky!Far-north Native girl and a husky -- by Todd Prince, same artist as in our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dead-nativity.jpgdead Nativity!That parable in the Apocrypha when baby Jesus cut his first fart.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bleeding-earth-.jpgBleeding Earth!Earth bleeds.2024-08-25T02:04:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/14/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-7-the-year-in-antiques/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/comics-krazy-goldwater-big-boy.jpgcomics Krazy Goldwater Big BoyKrazy Komics #18 (June 1945); Barry M. Goldwater Complete Life Story (September 1964); and Adventures of the Big Boy #61 (January 1957).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/comics-spectre-pep-spider-woman.jpgcomics Spectre Pep Spider-WomanShowcase #61 (April 1966), cover by Murphy Anderson and Ira Schnapp; Pep #248 (December 1970), cover by Dan DeCarlo; and Spider-Woman #1 (1978), cover by Joe Sinnott.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/comics-iodine-scamp-monkees.jpgcomics Iodine Scamp Monkees!Little Iodine #29, Dell (July 1955), art by Jimmy Hatlo; Walt Disney Scamp allegedly #205 (sometime late '60s or '70s); and The Monkees #8 (January 1968).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/comics-lash-action-buster.jpgcomics Lash Action BusterLash LaRue Western #11, March 1950; Action Comics #254 (July 1959), cover by Curt Swan and Stan Kaye; and Buster Brown #40 (circa 1952), cover by Reed Crandall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/freckles-series.jpgFreckles series!Check back for future sequels in the series such as Freckles Leaves Home Again; Freckles, Make Up Your Mind; Freckles, I Am Begging You to Get Out; and Freckles and the Horse He Rode In On.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/look-with-johnny-carson.jpgLook with Johnny Carson!Spotlight on Doc Severinsen's old boss.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ugly-lamp-contest-winner.jpgugly lamp contest winner!The winner of this year's Ugly Lamp Contest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/beefeater-bottle.jpgbeefeater bottle!One of those creative liquor bottles that alcoholics love to use to hide their sins.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cookie-monster-jar.jpgCookie Monster jar!This was actually in the 4-H Building and may have been handmade in 2024, but the "Year in Art" chapter 8 photo finalists is such a huge list that I'm declaring Cookie Monster an honorary antique just for balance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/belly-dance-album.jpgBelly Dance album!brb, planning an elaborate heist to nab this for my wife.2024-08-25T02:04:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/12/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-6-the-year-in-lego/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-super-mario-bros-tv.jpgLego Super Mario Bros TV!Lego Super Mario Bros on your family's old TV!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-mario.jpgLego Mario!Lego Mario!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-robert-indiana-love-2.jpgLego Robert Indiana Love!Lego Robert Indiana Love of Earth-2!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-robert-indiana-love-1.jpgLego Robert Indiana Love!Lego Robert Indiana's Love!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-viking-carrier.jpgLego Viking carrier!James Cameron's Lego ancient Viking aircraft carrier?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-national-mall.jpgLego National Mall!Lego National Mall!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-london-bridge.jpgLego London Bridge!Lego London Bridge!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-star-destroyer-deconstructed.jpgLego Star Destroyer deconstructed!Different Lego Star Destroyer, deconstructed!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-star-destroyer.jpgLego Star Destroyer!Lego Star Destroyer!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lego-firefighting.jpgLego firefighting!Lego firefighting!2024-08-25T02:04:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/11/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-5-food-for-displaying-not-devouring/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cheese-sculpture-2024.jpgcheese sculpture 2024For the hardcore fans of the Mona Lisa, American Gothic, and/or dairy products.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ugly-cake-contest-bottom-row.jpgugly cake contest bottom row!Same contest, same vitrine, bottom row.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ugly-cake-contest.jpgugly cake contest!Some entrants in the 4-H Ugly Cake Contest, including the pie that we overlooked at first.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taylor-swift-cake-side-2.jpgTaylor Swift cake side 2!Same Taylor Swift cake, side 2.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taylor-swift-cake-side-1.jpgTaylor Swift cake side 1!Taylor Swift cake, side 1.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/needlework-cake.jpgneedlework cake!This is not a faux cake made of needlework; this is faux needlework made of cake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/painter-cake.jpgpainter cake!The grand prize winner in the cake division, apropos of the fair's art theme.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/puzzle-cookies.jpgpuzzle cookies!Jigsaw puzzle cookies were the big winners in a 4-H baking contest. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/living-smores.jpgliving Smores!Living S'mores,,likely a sculpture and not just mores with faces penciled on the marshmallows.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/canned-tree-of-hope.jpgcanned Tree of Hope!Canned Tree of Hope! A symbol of the never-ending efforts to end hunger.2024-08-25T02:04:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/11/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-4-land-of-the-glowing-giants/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/t-rex-on-tv.jpgT-rex on TV!One of several faux TV frames for photo-op fun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/t-rex.jpgT-rex!Closer view of the T-Rex in our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-skull.jpgdinosaur skull!A giant dinosaur skull lending value-added museum cred despite being unreal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/butterflies.jpgbutterflies!Butterflies large enough to kill.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/chimpanzees.jpgchimpanzees!Chimpanzees!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/capybaras.jpgcapybaras!Capybaras, which I've loved ever since their viral moment in the BBC's Planet Earth II.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pandas.jpgpandas!Panda-monium.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/butterfly-spider.jpgButterfly Spider!A butterfly spider, which I didn't know is a real thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bell-flowers.jpgbell flowers!Bell flowers represent for fauna.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poison-frog-album-cover.jpgpoison frog album cover!More poison frogs modeling for your favorite indie-rock band's next album cover.2024-08-25T02:03:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/11/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-3-where-the-art-museum-meets-the-chainsaw/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/chainsaw-black-bear-in-log.jpgchainsaw black bear in log!I like to this this is his adorable mascot, Chainy the Chainsawed Bear.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/chainsaw-big-fish.jpgchainsaw big fish!I doubt he does imaginary creatures such as unicorns or Grogu, but who knows.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/chainsaw-bald-eagle.jpgchainsaw bald eagle!Most of his works are custom-made and available at a variety of price points depending on the size and complexity of what you have in mind.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/chainsaw-dolphin-ram-horse.jpgchainsaw dolphin ram horse!Finished pieces appear to undergo polishing and lacquering for final finesse, but we missed any demonstration of that part of the process.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/chainsaw-black-bear-and-friends.jpgchainsaw black bear and friendsDon't like the pocket-sized toy animals you can buy at any given museum shop? Have we got an alternative for YOU!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cube-wall-shadows.jpgcube wall shadowsSample shadow patterns on one of the walls.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cube-ceiling-shadows.jpgcube ceiling shadowsThe platform above.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cube-and-floor.jpgcube and floor!The floor below.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/all-the-flowers-are-for-me-turquoise.jpgAll the Flowers Are for Me Turquoise!As composed in-shot, it looks like what if Grant Morrison designed a TIE Fighter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/artscape.jpgArtscape!This way to Art™!2024-08-25T02:03:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/10/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-2-lets-pretend-were-influencers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/shuttle-selfie.jpgshuttle selfie!If you made it this far, thank you! Please enjoy the one (1) authentic selfie Anne took that day while riding the shuttle from the northeast corner back to Main Street.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/glass-barn-2024.jpgGlass Barn 2024!Our annual goofy pic at the Glass Barn's green-screen photo booths. I always share these with Facebook friends, but not always on MCC.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gullet-with-butterfly-wings.jpgbutterfly wings!Gullet with butterfly wings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tv-flamingo-and-me.jpgTV flamingo and me!Also at Illuminate, I do my best to impress a flamingo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-in-play-patch-maze.jpgAnne in Play Patch maze...or excitedly run a lap around a giant tamale maze.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-on-play-patch-logs.jpgAnne on Play Patch logsThe Newfields space at the Harvest Pavilion (which we'll cover in Part 3) featured a "Play Patch" for kids. At 10 a.m. on a school day there was plenty of space for Anne, age 53, to balance on logs...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-victory.jpgAnne victory!Anne celebrates her imaginary gold medal in an as-yet-uninvented sport.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/rockin-anne.jpgrockin Anne!At the Illuminate exhibition (which we'll cover in Part 4) Anne spins around in a chair designed specifically not to let humans sit still or flatly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-corn-dog.jpgAnne corn dog!Anne the dancing corn dog.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-and-beaver.jpgAnne and beaver!I tried not to be self-conscious about my own buckteeth while Anne hung out with this beaver sentinel at the DNR Building.2024-08-25T02:03:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/08/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-1-our-taste-of-the-fair-tour/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/shark-attack.jpgShark Attack!I already posted this pic of the "Shark Attack" drink, but this is honestly my favorite solo pic of the day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cookie-butter-elephant-ear.jpgcookie butter elephant ear!Our last solid food for the rest of the day, for better or worse.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/happy-jack.jpgHappy Jack!Speaking of which, here's Veggie Dish #3.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/jerk-chicken-nachos.jpgjerk chicken nachos!Many fair booths only sell nachos as Hungry Man platters. We were okay with a modest portion.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/saucing-fries.jpgsaucing fries!The extremely nice young gentlemen invited us to watch their creative process. Another young guy. non-employee, was behind the counter excitedly shooting phone video for, I presume, his followers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/chocolate-duck-fries.jpgchocolate duck fries!Our first vegetable dish of the day, so it's basically honorary health food.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/strawberry-concession-stand.jpgstrawberry concession stand!Points awarded for Best Concession Stand Design among the ten we visited.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tropical-daze-float.jpgTropical Daze Float!The "Taste of the Fair" includes several drinks, which tend to photograph poorly. On the bright side: here's Anne!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/strawberry-cheesecake-funnel-cake.jpgstrawberry cheesecake funnel cakeI applaud their self-restraint with the modestly portioned whipped cream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pork-riblets.jpgpork riblets!Pork! It isn't a fair or carnival in Indiana without some.2024-08-25T02:03:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/24/indiana-state-fair-2024-photos-part-9-the-rest-of-our-day/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/food-loot.jpgfood loot!The Hoosier-made non-perishables we brought home. We have yet to use the apple butter to recreate that awesome Nitro-Hog sandwich.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/conductor-hats.jpgconductor hats!Or you could walk over to the Indiana Arts Building and buy a conductor hat. You too can cosplay as George Carlin or Ringo Starr!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taylor-swift-40-mugs.jpgTaylor Swift $40 mugs!Gratuitous $40 Taylor Swift mugs!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/baldy-in-the-corner.jpgbaldy in the corner!Someone put Baldy in the corner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/flooding-dinosaur.jpgflooding dinosaur!Their flood-plain action-demo diorama dates back to my childhood. It still works, and now it has tiny dinosaurs!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/coccidiosis.jpgCoccidiosis!Sometimes I will genuinely learn new things during my talent searches. Parasitic diseases, for example, are not among my skill sets.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/i-got-worms.jpgI Got Worms!A young vermeologist quoting Dumb and Dumber. This is what I'm talking about, people.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ring-of-fire.jpgRing of Fire!A young volcanologist quoting Johnny Cash.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mimas-the-death-star-moon.jpgMimas the Death Star MoonThis year I learned about Mimas, Saturn's seventh-largest moon, which has a massive crater that lends it an overall familiar feel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/action-goat.jpgaction goat!The making of GOAT SNOUT IN 3-D!2024-08-25T02:02:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/19/fan-expo-chicago-2024-photos-part-3-of-3-stars-and-strifes-forever/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/combined-loot.jpgcombined loot!All the stuff we bought or were given. All of it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/r5-d4.jpgR5-D4!To you he may be R5-D4, but to me he'll always be Skippy the Jedi Droid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ig-88.jpgIG-88!Somebody put IG-88 in a corner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bb-8.jpgBB-8!The 501st Midwest Garrison brought their Star Wars show-droids, such as the obligatory BB-8.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gi-joe-ferret.jpgGI Joe Ferret!Finest, A GI Joe Costume Club (a bit awkward, probably for legal reasons) again brought Real American Hero replicas, such as the Ferret ATV.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ghostbusters-fan-group-area.jpgGhostbusters fan group areaWindy City Ghostbusters and other factions kept those spookity banners flying.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/deadpool-statue.jpgDeadpool statue!Not sure how many miles we walked past dealers and resellers and others, but this was the only shot we took through all those aisles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tony-moy.jpgTony Moy!They went on for quite a while about the book's subjects, the Japanese-Americans who fought in World War II while their families were interned without due process.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/historia-pages.jpgHistoria pages!Whereas her fellow illustrators Phil Jimenez and Gene Ha worked digitally, she drew the old-fashioned way and brought those pages with her for perusing. Just.,..wow.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nicola-scott.jpgNicola Scott!Absolutely kicking myself for not bringing my copy to have her sign.2024-08-23T03:39:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/19/fan-expo-chicago-2024-photos-part-2-of-3-a-single-measly-cosplay-gallery/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/fallout-luigi.jpgFallout Luigi!My favorite of the bunch: Luigi by way of Fallout. Call him Falluigi!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/vault-boy-and-yes-man.jpgVault Boy and Yes Man!Fallout fun! Possibly the same Vault Boy and Yes Man we saw last spring at C2E2, but this time they've turned the channel, which is a nifty touch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/not-michigan-j.-frog.jpgMr. Frog!Mr. Frog from Adult Swim's Smiling Friends, no relation to Michigan J. Frog.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mirror-geordi.jpgMirror Geordi!Mirror Geordi LaForge, smiling suspiciously.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lrrr-and-planet-express-rep.jpgLrrr and Planet Express rep!A Futurama party with a Planet Express attendant (carrying the Hypnotoad!) and Lrrr, ruler of Omicron Persei 8.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dale-gribble.jpgDale Gribble!This time Bobby brought along his neighbor Dale Gribble.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bobby-hill.jpgBobby Hill!We keep seeing Bobby Hill again and again, but may never get tired of him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/abomination.jpgAbomination!The Abomination, Chris Giarrusso style.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/deadpool-with-gold-guns.jpgDeadpool with gold guns!Deadpool with his new guns. Uh, spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine, now in theaters!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/steampunk-dr.-octopus.jpgSteampunk Dr. Octopus!Steampunk Dr. Octopus!2024-08-23T03:39:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/18/fan-expo-chicago-2024-photos-part-1-of-3-mark-hamill-live/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mark-hamill-autograph.jpgMark Hamill autograph!And he didn't skimp on his autograph after all. Every single letter is present.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/hamill-friendly.jpgHamill friendly!Arguably our least worst zoomed pic of Hamill from our lousy "guaranteed" seats.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/hamill-expounds.jpgHamill expoundsHe didn't seem to notice (or was too blinded by stage lights to see) several fans who'd lined up at the mic in the center of the room to ask questions. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/hamill-talking.jpgHamill talking!That's right, this guy!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/esposito-and-vader.jpgEsposito and Vader!Who else would dare upstage Vader but this man?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/faraway-esposito.jpgfaraway Esposito!The unzoomed view from our lousy late-arrival "guaranteed" gen-pop seats.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/giancarlo-esposito.jpgGiancarlo Esposito!Gus Fring! Baxter Stockman! Mike Giardello! Stan Edgar! Sidney Glass! More, more, MORE!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/hamill-signing-rules.jpgHamill signing rules!Reminders of the many rules abounded.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mark-hamill-op.jpgMark Hamill op!We're no Muppets or Simpsons, but we tried to be good company.2024-08-23T03:39:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/22/foods-beyond-the-stephens-center-a-fan-expo-chicago-2024-epilogue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/arcade-tabletop.jpgarcade tabletop!The highlight of the visit: they had one of those retro cocktail arcade machines!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/out-of-order-elevator.jpgout of order elevator.There'd been no such sign Thursday or Friday. At least now they were admitting to the problem.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/crispy-potato-golf-balls.jpgCrispy Potato Golf Balls!Crispy Potato Golf Balls! Fried garlic mashed potatoes with bacon and cheddar, served with horseradish ranch. 10/10 no notes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/caddyshack-napkin.jpgCaddyshack napkin!I got a different napkin!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-at-caddyshack.jpgAnne at Caddyshack!Anne shows off one of their custom napkins, but is done with jazz-hands for the rest of the weekend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/grand-budapest-hotel-poster.jpgGrand Budapest Hotel posterOn-topic movie posters included The Grand Budapest Hotel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/caddyshack-cabinet.jpgCaddyshack cabinet!Murray movie props, merchandise and ephemera abounded, though we were too broken to run around and photograph it all.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/caddyshack.jpgCaddyshack!The view from Balmoral Street, on the opposite side of the building away from the convention center.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/chicken-sandwich.jpgchicken sandwich!You'll note Anne's lunch in our lead photo dwarfed my chicken sandwich of usual size.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/egyptian-garage-mural.jpgEgyptian garage mural!The garage now has several murals, of which this salute to Egypt is the shiniest.2024-08-23T03:38:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2015/04/30/c2e2-2015-photos-part-8-of-9-stars-of-comics-and-screens/2024-08-19T19:33:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2015/08/11/2015-road-trip-photos-5-signs-of-the-revolution/2024-08-15T01:33:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/06/08/the-spring-birthday-2021-trip-part-5-of-8-maximum-bob-ross/2024-08-12T01:31:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/07/disney-world-part-30-the-last-sunrise-and-the-character-breakfast/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mickey-and-minnie-jazz-hands.jpgMickey and Minnie jazz hands!Of course I wasn't gonna miss my chance to hang with the world's most famous mice, the stars of al that food we ate this week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/donald-and-daisy.jpgDonald and Daisy!Baller in-character move: right before the pic, Donald reached over and pushed Anne's hat back to hide Mickey's face from the camera.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/goofy-and-pluto.jpgGoofy and PlutoWHO LET THE DOGS OUT? (Gawrsh! Gawrsh gawrsh gawrsh!)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cinderella.jpgCinderella!To be fair, they didn't have jazz in Cinderella's century, let alone jazz hands.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mickey-head-cup.jpgMickey head cup!Last chance to grab a free souvenir Mickey cup.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mickey-balloons.jpgMickey balloons!One last Mickey-tastic party.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mickey-head-mini-waffles.jpgMickey head mini-wafflesOne new menu item stood out: Mickey mini-waffles! Our final edible mouse-heads of the trip.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mary-poppins-plates.jpgMary Poppins plates!My Fair Lady plates! I mean, uh, Mary Poppins plates.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/castle-and-balloon-painting.jpgcastle and balloon painting!Still more faux-Victorian art with a Mar Poppins sheen of unreality.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/childrens-cartoon-lounge.jpgchildren's cartoon loungeA children's cartoon lounge!2024-08-08T02:48:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/05/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-deadpool-wolverine-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/deadpool-wolverine.jpgDeadpool & WolverineThey're the best there is at what they do, and what they do is make money.2024-08-06T03:51:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/04/disney-world-part-29-magic-meals-and-mouse-food/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dessert-glasses.jpgdessert glasses!Dessert glasses! At left: coconut tapioca pudding, pineapple-coconut jam, popping boba and fruit. At right: Key Lime and passion-fruit curds, blood orange mango jam, graham cracker crumbs, meringue and popping boba.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/rainbow-poke-bowl.jpgRainbow Poke bowl!For me, the Rainbow Poke bowl with tuna, salmon, shrimp, hamachi, Fresno chili peppers, lotus root and spicy ponzu.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mahi-bacon-arugula-tomato.jpgMahi bacon-arugula-tomatoFor Anne, the "Mahi BLT" (bacn, arugula, tomato) with butter croutons, marble potatoes and Soy Velouté.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/seafood-pu-pu-platter.jpgSeafood Pu Pu Platter!Much-needed protein-forward appetizer: their Seafood Pu Pu Platter -- fried calamari, rock shrimp, and unspecified fish.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/magic-kingdom-fireworks.jpgMagic Kingdom fireworks!Behind the main building we could see some of the Magic Kingdom's "Happily Ever After" show after all.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lilo-and-stitch-surfboard.jpgLilo and Stitch surfboardLilo and Stitch! Okay, them I know.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/hawaiian-totem-monster.jpgHawaiian totem monster!Totemic god or monster. My entire knowledge on the subject is from that Brady Bunch two-parter when they went to Hawaii.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ceiling-lights.jpgceiling lights!The view from the second floor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/polynesian-decor.jpgPolynesian decor!Sample Polynesian decor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anne-and-dole-whip.jpgAnne and Dole Whip!Anne loves pineapple way more than I do and was excited to cross this off her must-list.2024-08-04T23:55:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/03/disney-world-part-28-magic-kingdom-after-dark/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cinderella-castle-parting-glance.jpgCinderella Castle parting glance!Our very last photo taken inside the Magic Kingdom. For now.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/shop-beauty-and-the-beast.jpgshop Beauty and the Beast!...and Belle and the Beast dancing the night away. Lumiere and Plumette tower disproportionately over them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/shop-aladdin-diorama.jpgshop Aladdin diorama!...the cast of Aladdin gone sightseeing...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/shop-pocahontas.jpgshop Pocahontas!Several shops had window dioramas celebrating such luminaries as Pocahontas...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/shops-at-night.jpgshops at night!Main Street after dark, if you can tear your eyes away from the candescent majesty of Cinderella Castle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tron-lightcycle-run.jpgTron Lightcycle Run!...and the Tron Lightcycle Run, which was technically still in beta testing and didn't officially open till the following month.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tomorrowland-speedway.jpgTomorrowland Speedway!Neighboring rides included the Tomorrowland Speedway...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/view-inside-gift-shop.jpgview inside gift shop!The PeopleMover drives through a gift shop!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/people-mover-diorama.jpgPeople Mover diorama!The PeopleMover tracks run inside and through the surrounding buildings. One had dioramas to glance at as we coasted past.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/planets.jpgplanets!In the future all buildings will have planet-shaped decorations on their roofs.2024-08-04T02:20:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/08/02/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-twisters-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/twisters-poster.jpgTwisters poster!So, how about that Singin' in the Rain reboot?2024-08-03T02:14:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/07/28/science-fiction-and-alternate-realities-at-the-indy-shorts-international-film-festival-2024/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/kowalski-qa.jpgKowalski Q&A!Our least worst shot of Kowalski and our host, with whom we chatted before the program -- a fellow Whovian!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/me-at-shorts.jpgme at Shorts!This viewer after the program, on the Indy Shorts red carpet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sandwich-board.jpgsandwich board!Coming to you not-quite-live from Mass Ave. in downtown Indianapolis!2024-07-29T01:55:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/07/21/a-quiet-place-day-one-the-mega-muppets-take-manhattan/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/a-quiet-place-day-one.jpgA Quiet Place Day One"I'm not coming out of this alley until you promise me a bigger part in the next Black Panther movie."2024-07-22T01:11:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/07/20/disney-world-part-27-the-magic-kingdom-beyond-the-castle/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tea-service.jpgtea service!Not the first abandoned tea service we've seen in a Disney park. This is an awfully weird pattern.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/medieval-minnie.jpgmedieval Minnie!Minnie Mouse goes medieval.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sir-mickeys-shop.jpgSir Mickey's shop!Sir Mickey's was one of several shops where we resumed my souvenir shirt quest, again in vain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/beanstalk.jpgbeanstalk!A beanstalk too short to reach the giants in the clouds above us, which is probably for the best.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/fantasyland.jpgFantasyland!Fantasyland, home of the incessant chant of "It's a Small World".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/neverland-map.jpgNeverland mapFrom history back to fantasy: a map of Neverland, probably not to scale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/disney-bust.jpgDisney bust!A 1990 Disney bust , whose sculpting was directed by retired animator Blaine Gibson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/nixons-key-to-disneyland.jpgNixon's key to Disneyland!This key to Disneyland was a 1955 gift to then-Vice President Richard Nixon, who'd eventually visit that park more than any other President has to date.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/polks-inkwell.jpgPolk's inkwell!An inkwell that belonged to James K. Polk and a walking stick that belonged to Indiana's own Benjamin Harrison.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/wilson-club-carter-boots.jpgWilson club Carter boots!At left, Woodrow Wilson's golf club and a letter signed by him. At right, Jimmy Carter's fly-fishing lures and wading boots.2024-07-21T01:51:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/07/18/on-the-unthinkable-occasion-of-our-20th-wedding-anniversary/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/peach-swiss-roll.jpgPeach Swiss Roll!And for the little lady, their Peach Swiss Roll -- lemon ricotta cake with blueberry relish, almond mascarpone, strawberry peach relish and a scoop of peach frozen yogurt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/trillium-cheese.jpgtrillium cheese!I went with a savory dessert -- a quasi-fondue of Tulip Tree Creamery trillium cheese with plum ginger rosemary jam, marcona almonds, and crispy lavosh for dipping.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/crispy-indiana-pork-schnitzel.jpgCrispy Indiana Pork Schnitzel!For Anne, the Crispy Indiana Pork Schnitzel with ramp kimchi fregola, French beans, marinated tomatoes, parsnip chips, pickled cherry fennel salad, lemon jus and cherry balsamic glaze.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/beef-brisket.jpgbeef brisket!For my main dish, beef brisket with a wild mushroom ragout, ratatouille, cheddar potato latkes, artichoke gremolata, Bleu cheese, and miso ketchup.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/nashville-chicken-deviled-eggs.jpgNashville chicken deviled eggs!Nashville chicken deviled eggs with dill pickle, mustard, paprika, Calabrian honey mustard, and a toasted bread cube on top.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shrimp-corn-dog.jpgshrimp corn dog!It was Anne's turn to try the shrimp corn dog, served with a mustard-seed and honey sauce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/oakleys-bistro.jpgOakleys Bistro!In looking at our previous photos, I just realized they seated us at the exact same table as they did in 2021.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/this-writer.jpgthis writer!This writer, thanking the Lord for every blessed minute with her.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/anne.jpgAnne!The seemingly ageless Dori-Anne Gray.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mount-vernon-jazz-hands.jpgMount Vernon jazz hands!Fun times at George Washington's Mount Vernon on our 2024 road trip.2024-07-19T02:40:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/07/14/disney-world-part-26-its-a-small-small-small-small-world/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/exit-flowers.jpgExit Flowers!At the exit, a garden teaches kids all the ways in the world to say "GET OUT."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blue-amusement-park.jpgblue amusement parkBlueberry theme park.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/finland-trio.jpgFinland trio!Rankin/Bass presents a white Christmas in Finland.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/aborigine-blinks.jpgAborigine blinks!One (1) Aborigine participates in the pageantry. They do not sing or dance. They blink. They wait. They judge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/south-america.jpgSouth America!South America, I think? None of the sections had educational signposts and assumed riders would recognize stereotypes without assistance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/fisher-price-lothlorien.jpgFisher Price Lothlorien!Fisher Price Lothlorien.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/indian-band.jpgIndian band!Their section could've been soundtracked by A. R. Rahman for all I know, but as we drifted from one section to the next, the entire soundtrack was muddled to my years.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/south-asia.jpgSouth AsiaHummel via Bollywood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/southeast-asia.jpgSoutheast Asia!Cheers from Southeast Asia.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mariachi-and-flamenco.jpgmariachi and flamenco!Mariachi and flamenco! One of many points where it might've been keen if we could discern individual song takes.2024-07-14T18:16:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/07/05/disney-world-part-25-adventure-friends-cavalcade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/jose-carioca.jpgJose Carioca!Before Encanto took us to South America, Brazil gave us Jose Carioca in The Three Caballeros.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/stitch.jpgStitch!Stitch in his happy place, imagining how awesome it'd be if his bosses let him devour Bert.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mary-poppins-bert-stitch.jpgMary Poppins Bert Stitch!Dance fever with Mary Poppins, Bert the chimney sweep, and Stitch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/max.jpgMax!Representing for non-princesses: Goofy's son Max.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mirabel-madrigal-mulan-pocahontas.jpgMirabel Madrigal Mulan Pocahontas!International princess float II: Mirabel Madrigal from Encanto, Mulan and Pocahontas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/baloo.jpgBaloo!Baloo, acclaimed film star who hasn't had to live on the bare necessities in decades.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/timon.jpgTimon!Timon searching for bugs to feast upon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/baloo-to-aladdin.jpgBaloo to Aladdin!Next character wave: Baloo, Terk from Tarzan, Meeko from Pocahontas, Moana, Genie, Timon, Jasmine, and Aladdin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/merida-flexes.jpgMerida flexes!Not that Merida needs help fighting her own battles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/officer-judy-hopps.jpgOfficer Judy Hopps!Security riding in the back: Officer Judy Hopps from Zootopia.2024-07-05T15:17:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/30/disney-world-part-24-dance-party-at-cinderella-castle/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/gift-shop-tiny-castle.jpggift shop tiny castle!One gift shop has a tiny version of the castle. This is probably where Cinderella's mice sleep at night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/castle-north-face.jpgcastle north face!The north face was as interesting and inaccessible as the rear of any video-game fantasy castle I've ever circled around.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/castle-west-view.jpgcastle west view!We could see the Castle from just about every other point in the park. This was from the west, around Adventureland or so.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/doorway-sneak-peek.jpgdoorway sneak peek!Ordinary human subjects prepare for their majesties' next performance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cinderella-art.jpgCinderella artA banner of Cinderella concept art hangs from one tower.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/50-and-cinderellys-mice.jpg50 and Cinderelly's mice!Every day Cinderelly's mice were dipped in gold-leaf body paint and forced to hold up the 50th-anniversary seal up to twelve hours a day with no breaks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/50th-anniversary-logo-closeup.jpg50th anniversary logo closeup!All the decorations for Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration were taken down a few weeks after our visit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/daytime-smoke-works.jpgdaytime smoke works!Daytime fireworks punctuate the finale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/exit-stage-center.jpgexit stage center!Our work here is done! Mickey mob, peace out!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/mickeys-magical-friendship-faire-3.jpgMickey's Magical Friendship Faire 3The big finish! Everyone forgives everyone else their transgressions!2024-07-05T13:27:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/08/a-quiet-place-part-ii-prolonging-the-silence/2024-06-30T23:44:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/25/disney-world-part-23-hurray-for-hollywood-studios/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/refilling-my-pixie-dust.jpgRefilling My Pixie DustThat was exactly our plan too, you smart, tired bus.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/disney-transport-bus.jpgDisney Transport bus"And now it's time to say goodbye to all our company..."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/incredibles-bus.jpgIncredibles bus!We took our leave of Hollywood Studios the way we'd arrived: via free bus back to the resort.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/giant-aerosmith-guitar.jpggiant Aerosmith guitar!...a guitar belonging to an unseen 50-foot Joe Perry. But the ride was closed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/aerosmith-headstock.jpgAerosmith headstockThe last cool-looking ride we walked past was the Aerosmith Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Follow the giant headstock through the arch...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/balloons.jpgballoons!I fit into the rides more easily than I fit into their clothes. Alas, for now I went unrequited. Side quest to be continued.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/marquee-also.jpgmarquee alsoVery little was in my size. What few items I found in my size, were ugly. Not even the flagrantly Pride-themed sections held anything for me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/majestic-theater-marquee.jpgMajestic Theater marquee!While Anne racked up more smashed pennies, I failed in my new-shirt side quest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sparkle-marquee.jpgSparkle marquee!Around this time, I suddenly decided I wanted some kind of Disney shirt for a souvenir. This never occurred to me once during my EPCOT adventure, but now suddenly I wanted one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sunset-boulevard-marquee.jpgSunset Boulevard marqueeWe ended our Hollywood Studios experience in Sunset Boulevard, an area that's mostly shops with marquees.2024-06-26T02:06:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/23/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-inside-out-2-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inside-out-2.jpgInside Out 2!Manic Pixie Dream Joy welcomes Frazzled Rock!2024-07-04T15:53:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/20/disney-world-part-22-its-the-muppet-show/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/me-in-muppets-3-d-glasses.jpgme in Muppets 3-D glasses!I could take or leave the glasses. I feel like John Goodman doing a cameo in Muppet Bikeriders.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/statler-and-waldorf.jpgStatler and Waldorf!Statler and Waldorf are in the theater and can't help heckling. They're like demigods to the internet troll population.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rizzo-on-tv.jpgRizzo on TV!The pre-show TV warm-up costars Rizzo wearing the cheapest possible Mickey Mouse costume.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/miss-piggy-luggage.jpgMiss Piggy luggageLobby decor includes a fraction of Miss Piggy's total luggage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/muppetvision-3-d-sign.jpgMuppetVision 3-D sign!Muppet*Vision 3-D is of course ostensibly the invention of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. Also, there is Beaker.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wall-sweetums.jpgwall SweetumsNo, you do not have to be taller than Sweetums to ride.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/muppet-building.jpgMuppet building!A bit of an upgrade from the old Muppet Theater.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/royal-flush-restrooms.jpgRoyal Flush restroomsSame as with the Toy Story area, their restrooms are expensively beyond apt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pizzerizzo.jpgPizzeRizzo!If you liked Remy's French cuisine in Ratatouille, maybe you'll love Rizzo the Rat baking pizza!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/miss-piggy-liberty-fountain.jpgMiss Piggy Liberty fountain!Ms. Liberty, played by Miss Piggy, welcomes you to Grand Avenue!2024-06-21T03:02:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/16/my-2023-reading-stacks-4-the-ludicrously-delayed-triple-sized-wrap-up/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reading-stack-2023-4.jpgReading Stack 2023!I usually prefer showing off all the covers, but we are waaaaay past the deadline that nobody gave me.2024-06-17T23:30:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/13/disney-world-part-21-toy-story-land/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/midway-games.jpgMidway Games!2-D versions of the characters appear sparingly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/green-army-band.jpggreen Army band!The R. Lee Ermey tribute continues with cast members as a marching toy-army band.. God bless those who serve, swelter and swing!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/green-army-man-with-light.jpggreen Army man with light!One soldier gets into the spirit of Christmas-in-March.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/green-army-men.jpggreen Army men!Green Army men, hard at work on expanding Andy's territory.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/giant-woody.jpgGiant Woody!Sheriff Woody keeps an eye out at the other entrance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/lgm.jpgLGM!One of the LGM and the CLAAAAAW.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/buzz-lightyear.jpgBuzz Lightyear!Buzz Lightyear, Star Command! On duty by the bumper cars.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/toy-story-land-restrooms.jpgToy Story Land restrooms!Even their RESTROOMS (11 points!) looked wild.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/tinkertoy-ant.jpgTinkertoy ant!This isn't from the Ants in the Pants game I had as a preschooler, but it'll do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/slinky-dog-dash.jpgSlinky Dog Dash!All around the Slinky Dog Dash, our old friends make themselves at home. Bonus points for the Jenga set.2024-06-14T02:29:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/08/disney-world-part-19-postcards-from-galaxys-edge/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/selfie.jpgselfie!The peak of our Galaxy's Edge emotional high, taken moments after we exited Rise of the Resistance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dok-ondar.jpgDok-Ondar!Hiding in his office, Dok-Ondar is an Ithorian shopkeeper who's all over the New Canon ancillary stories, including comics that didn't mean much to me when first published because, again, we never expected to come here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/swamp-frog.jpgswamp frog!Space frog! Like a smorgasbord for Grogu.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wampa-overhead.jpgWampa overhead!A Wampa stuffed and displayed on the second floor where we couldn't pose with it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/monster-trophy-heads.jpgmonster trophy headsSomeone's collection of big-game trophies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/vader-melted-helmet.jpgVader melted helmet!A replica of Vader's melted helmet was priced a bit outside our comfort zone.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/lightsaber-shop.jpglightsaber shop!One of the real shops. The most popular one, where you can make your own lightsaber for an exorbitant price, requires pre-ordering weeks ahead.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/tie-echelon.jpgTIE Echelon!A TIE Echelon from the sequel trilogy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hux-toy.jpgHux toy!Resistance members enjoy making and trading action figures based on their enemies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/droid-shop.jpgdroid shop!Droid corral. Sentience sold separately.2024-07-14T18:37:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/09/disney-world-part-20-the-museum-of-star-wars/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/anne-and-dejarik-table.jpgAnne and Dejarik table!Another Dejarik table like the one in Smugglers Run, and equally nonfunctional.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cantina-bar.jpgCantina bar!Space bar!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/speeder-bike.jpgspeeder bike!Authentic Return of the Jedi speeder bike behind glass, because of course everyone would want to sit on it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/slave-1-model.jpgSlave 1 miniature!Jango Fett's ship Slave 1 from Attack of the Clones, before it was passed on to Boba.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/droid-tri-fighter-model.jpgDroid Tri-Fighter model!A Droid Tri-Fighter miniature, which first appeared in Revenge of the Sith.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/imperial-props.jpgImperial props!A collection of Imperial filming miniatures.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/prequel-posters.jpgPrequel postersMeanwhile, posters for the Prequels share a dunce corner with the emergency exit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/revenge-of-the-jedi-poster.jpgRevenge of the Jedi poster!A less common collectible poster, before they changed Episode VI's name. The old Loews College Park theater in Indianapolis had one of these hanging up for years.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/star-wars-poster.jpgStar Wars poster!A familiar vintage poster.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/mcquarrie-droids.jpgMcQuarrie Droids!No exhibit of Star Wars concept art is complete without the seminal contributions of Ralph McQuarrie.2024-06-09T20:33:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/04/galaxycon-columbus-2022-photos-part-2-of-4-a-cosplay-sampler/2024-06-08T16:53:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/06/disney-world-part-18-star-wars-millennium-falcon-smugglers-run/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/blurry-cockpit-view.jpgblurry cockpit view!Our least worst shot from within that familiar cockpit frame.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hondo-video.jpgHondo video!Pre-recorded Hondo lectures us one more time, this time played by frequent Star Wars creature actor Robert Nairne.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/storage.jpgstorage!Space storage room with space cargo and a space cubbyhole containing space luggage. Optional details included just because they can.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/millennium-falcon-hallway.jpgMillennium Falcon hallway!Your large group breaks into smaller ones and is escorted deeper inside through the ship's hallways. I'm reminded of our Enterprise tour from the previous summer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dejarik-booth.jpgDejarik booth!The Dejarik booth was sadly nonfunctional.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hondo-closer.jpgHondo closer!Hondo 's brought to life by his original voice actor Jim Cummings and some of the best animatronics I've ever seen. Until I read otherwise online, I would've sworn this was a "cast member".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hondo-above.jpgHondo above!As the line is divided into groups, ours stops for ride exposition from Hondo, that sometimes lovable Clone Wars rogue.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/chewie-yelling.jpgChewie yelling!On one side, pre-recorded Chewbacca growls something at us. Safety instructions? Imperial intel? Restaurant reviews?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/me-in-smugglers-run.jpgme in Smuggler's Run!The line traipses up and down metal catwalks...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/millennium-falcon-roof.jpgMillennium Falcon roof!Details on the ship's roof can only be viewed from the line.2024-06-07T11:44:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/06/03/disney-world-part-17-star-wars-rise-of-the-resistance/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/r5-j2.jpgR5-J2!Finally we got to the part where we sat and rode. Same as the Chicago sampler, R5-J2 was mounted on the front as our driver.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/docked-tie-fighter.jpgdocked TIE Fighter!The Stormtrooper lineup in our lead photo was among the biggest jaw-drop moments. This half-sized Force Awakens TIE Fighter was mounted in the same room.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/red-room.jpgred room!By this point a lot was going on, which we couldn't track and photograph at the same time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/animatronic-mon-calamari.jpganimatronic Mon Calamari!Apropos of Disney, animatronics abounded.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/prison-ship-engines.jpgprison ship engines!The detailed engines on our "transport".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/prison-ship.jpgprison ship!Plot twist! We're all captives of the First Order, boarding a prison transport.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/black-one.jpgBlack One!The line took us outdoors one more time, passing by Poe's ship Black One.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/oscar-isaac-prerecorded.jpgOscar Isaac prerecordedSuch a lovely flourish: a prerecorded cameo by Oscar Isaac as ace pilot Poe Dameron. Will he ever get over Palpatine's return?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/resistance-alien-stars.jpgResistance alien stars!Video messages came in from the Star Wars Sequels' answers to Nien Nunb and Ackbar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rey-hologram.jpgRey hologram!...toward a very tiny Rey hologram delivering a special report. I cannot believe this photographed at all.2024-06-04T03:15:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2015/05/28/mad-max-fury-road-in-super-awesome-dolby-4k-digital-3-d-all-caps-o-rama/2024-05-27T02:41:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/05/26/proclaiming-the-good-news-of-the-kingdom-of-the-planet-of-the-apes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/kingdom-of-the-planet-of-the-apes.jpgKingdom of the Planet of the Apes!"So, Falcon, you do for apes what eagles did for dwarves and hobbit?"2024-05-27T13:52:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2014/07/26/dawn-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-in-a-world-where-apes-are-no-better-than-men/2024-05-24T20:48:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/09/13/nostalgia-for-war-for-the-planet-of-the-apes/2024-05-24T20:47:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/05/23/abigail-bunhead-of-blood/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/abigail.jpgAbigail!Black Swan: The Next Generation.2024-05-24T02:35:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/05/21/the-blue-52/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/kilwins-chocolate.jpgKilwins chocolate!My share of our loot: a dark chocolate pecan snapper, two chocolate-covered Nutter Butter cookies, and some extra dark chocolate bits they threw in because my birthday came up in our small talk. Unforced and with no expectation of freebies, I hasten to add.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/kilwins.jpgKilwins!The front of their Mass Ave location.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/wood-fire-roasted-half-chicken.jpgWood-Fire Roasted Half Chicken!For Anne, a Wood-Fire Roasted Half Chicken with Ancient Grain Pilaf / Haricot Verts / and an absolutely amazing leek-and-herb velouté that was the best thing I tasted all week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/duck-confit.jpgDuck Confit!For me, Duck Confit with Roasted Sweet Potato / Brussels Sprout / Jalapeño-Blackberry Purée / Soy Molasseshttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/medjool-dates.jpgMedjool Dates!For appetizer, Medjool Dates served and/or stuffed with Honey Ricotta / Bacon-Onion Jam / Mint / Peruvian Pepper Sauce / Apple Gastrique.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/alley-entrance.jpgalley entrance!...rather, the front door is in the alley.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/union-50.jpgUnion 50!The front side of Union 50 facing East Street. But you can't enter there...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/birthday-boy.jpgbirthday boy!...I have no memory of posing for this.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/white-chantilly-cake.jpgBerry Chantilly Cake!For dessert, a Berry Chantilly Cake from Whole Foods. It's even fruitier on the inside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/salami-flower.jpgPepperoni flower!Closeup of that pepperoni flower for emphasis. They made this.2024-05-22T02:53:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/05/19/another-transformation-a-eulogy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shawn-excited.jpgShawn excited!Flashback to our Best Man at our 2004 wedding reception.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/optimus-prime-head.jpgOptimus Prime head!Optimus Prime's head, the perfect gift for Megatron's birthday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/infinity-gauntlet.jpgInfinity Gauntlet!Regrettably, these Infinity Stones are merely display items lacking the power to change any of the above events.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/iron-man-helmet.jpgIron Man helmet!In a logical crossover move, Iron Man once met the Transformers when I wasn't looking.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/at-at-and-shield.jpgAT-AT and shield!Relics from opposite corners of the vast Disney Corporate Empire.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/trek-jacket.jpgTrek jacket!A very nice, recently purchased Star Trek jacket, paired with an old combadge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/transformers-poster.jpgTransformers poster!I'm not Transformers academic, but I know all these guys (including Megatron and Shockwave obscured by the fluorescent reflection).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/games-and-art.jpggames and art!Gen-X pop culture presents flashbacks to Voltron, Zelda, Nintendo, and more.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shawn-card.jpgShawn card!...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/me-and-shawn.jpgme and Shawn!Flashback to 2004 with our Best Man.2024-05-21T03:02:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/03/06/raggedy-anne-and-randy-our-2004-road-trip-wedding-prologue/2024-05-19T01:38:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/05/11/how-we-spent-this-blogs-12th-anniversary-a-c2e2-2024-epilogue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/three-donuts.jpgthree donuts!Front to back: a Chocolate Pocket with Nutella, a vanilla glazed cruller., and a Biscoff Pockethttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/stans-donuts-entrance.jpgStan's Donuts entrance!Doorway to sugar. Inside at 6:30 a.m. were a single employee and two customers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/stans-donuts-ground-level.jpgStan's Donuts ground levelLike a niche site, Stan's took a little effort to find. Fortunately after a decent night's sleep we were okay to tackle some stairs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/gulf-shrimp-and-grits.jpgGulf shrimp and grits!For me, their Gulf shrimp and white cheddar grits with cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, bacon, charred jalapenos, and bits of chicken velouté, which I had to look up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/roasted-tomato-bisque.jpgroasted tomato bisque!For Anne, a roasted tomato bisque listed only on the in-person menu, not on the online version.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/copper-fox-dining-room.jpgCopper Fox dining room!Those same rains discouraged outside diners from coming in, apparently.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/american-girl.jpgAmerican Girl!The hotel offers a special American Girl suite package for doll fans who come to town expressly to visit the American Girl store down the street.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/chicago-hotel-room-mural.jpgChicago hotel room mural!Plato's cave wall presents Chicago, right in our hotel room.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ugly-roof-day.jpgugly roof day!Take that same vantage, lean too far to one side, and now it looks like we're hanging out in pre-gentrified Hell's Kitchen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/okay-roof-day.jpgokay roof day!The late-afternoon view from our hotel window on the Magnificent Mile. Per our lead photo, it looked cooler at night.2024-05-11T18:03:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/05/06/my-free-comic-book-day-2024-results-ranked/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/unicorn-crush.jpgUnicorn Crush!So our #1 is a comic book collecting comic strips about making comic books, like when movies-about-movies win Best Picture. Art by Dana Simpson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/popeye.jpgPopeye!Once again the day is saved thanks to...Bluto? Art by Marcus Williams and Rodney Velchez.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/plants-vs.-zombies.jpgPlants vs. Zombies!Once upon a time on the Public Bloodcasting System. Art by Luisa Russo and Heather Breckel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ultimates.jpgUltimates!A tour through the Hall of Easter Eggs. Art by Juan Frigeri and Federico Blee.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/transformers.jpgTransformers!Life goes on without Michael Bay. Well, for some. Art by Ryan Ottley and Annalisa Leoni.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/spider-man-india.jpgSpider-Man India!Turn Off the Dark but with a lower body count. Art by Tadam Gyadu and Neeraj Menon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/gannibal.jpgGannibal!What we have here is a failure to communicate. Art by Masaaki Ninomiya.2024-08-11T19:07:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/05/04/happy-free-comic-book-day-and-may-the-fourth-2024/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/prideland-comics-collectibles.jpgPrideland Comics & Collectibles!Inside was a bit cramped, so they set up tables outside with lots of helium balloons and several dozen FCBD titles available, including many from past years.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/downtown-comics-north.jpgDowntown Comics NorthLong, long lines. If you're a geek, it's what you do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lego-star-wars-may-the-4th.jpgLego Star Wars May the 4th!Also in their favor: Lego Star Wars display! Happy May the Fourth!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/atomic-planet.jpgAtomic Planet!Don't ask me about the interstate construction I got stuck in after I left. UGH.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/comic-carnival.jpgComic Carnival!I never found out whatever happened to the clerks I used to know.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fcbd-2024-haul-1.jpgFCBD 2024 Haul 1!The first half of my haul.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fcbd-2024-haul-2.jpgFCBD 2024 Haul 2!The second half of my haul, alphabetized -- i.e., the half with the Star Wars comics in it. Happy May the Fourth for those who observe!2024-05-05T02:55:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/05/02/c2e2-2024-photos-part-5-of-5-and-the-rest/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/funko-poochie.jpgFunko Poochie!After we got home, Anne ordered a Poochie off of Funko's own site, which arrived today. That is not the official C2E2 exclusive sticker. We don't care.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/c2e2-exit.jpgC2E2 exit!The obligatory C2E2 banner shot, on our way out the door.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/love-seat-potato.jpglove seat potato!The non-geek folks at Idahoan handed out free samples and offered crappily edited photo ops, as if this were a state fair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/taylor-swift-comics.jpgTaylor Swift comics!Taylor Swift comics! We didn't ask if they were officially licensed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/iron-man-helmets.jpgIron Man helmets!Iron Man helmets! Arc reactors and repulsor rays sold separately.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dragonsteel.jpgDragonsteelThe back of the Dragonsteel booth, which always had a long line. Whatever that is, we'd never heard of it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/giant-beers.jpggiant beers!Same brewing company, inflatable product samples. We don't drink, so this was wasted on us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/revolution-brewing-banner.jpgRevolution Brewing banner!We arrived hours before showtime each day and had little to do except play on our phones and stare at this local beer company's banner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo-ops-area.jpgPhoto Ops area!The photo ops area went well for us this time, though they used the mic so rarely for announcements that some fans missed their appointments, under the assumption they had to wait to be called up. Whoops.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/anne-and-back-issue.jpgAnne and back issueIncredibly, Anne found the one back issue she wanted: an old DC Star Trek annual written by John de Lancie.2024-05-03T12:12:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/28/c2e2-2024-photos-part-1-of-5-friday-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/king-of-the-hill-homage.jpgKing of the Hill homage!Just four dudes drinking beer next to a wall while the King of the Hill theme blasted on a loop on that boombox.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/funko-pilot.jpgFunko pilot!Funko Pop made their grand C2E2 debut and brought a life-sized pilot to mingle with the billions of fans who attended only for Funko exclusives.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pirate-and-c2e2-logo.jpgpirate and C2E2 logo!A pirate queen welcomes you to C2E2!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/laszlo.jpgLaszlo!Laszlo from What We Do in the Shadows.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/starlight.jpgStarlight!Starlight from The Boys. (As it happens, I just finished season 1 the other day.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/starro-soldier.jpgStarro soldier!One of Starro's victims from The Suicide Squad and various DC comics.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/among-us-purple.jpgAmong Us Purple!A purple player from Among Us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/magneto-miles-morales-spider-punk.jpgMagneto Miles Morales Spider-Punk!Magneto, Miles Morales a.k.a. Spider-Man, and Spider-Punk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fairy-godmother.jpgFairy Godmother!The scheming Fairy Godmother from Shrek 2.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/harry-caray.jpgHarry Caray!HOLY COW! I'M HARRY CARAY! WILL FERRELL PLAYED ME ON SNL!2024-05-03T03:10:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/28/c2e2-2024-photos-part-2-of-5-saturday-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tva.jpgTVA!TVA on patrol! Ravonna, Hunter X-5, Miss Minutes and Ouroboros from Loki season 2.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mario-mustaches.jpgMario mustaches!Men of mustaches and mushrooms: Wario, Waluigi, Luigi and Mario.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pinocchio-and-jiminy-cricket.jpgPinocchio and Jiminy Cricket!Pinocchio all grown up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/garfield.jpgGarfield!Giant inflatable Garfield, coming soon to theaters with the voice and appetite of Andy Dwyer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snoopy.jpgSnoopy!Giant inflatable Snoopy!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/svengoolie.jpgSvengoolie!Chicago hometown legend Svengoolie!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lurch.jpgLurch!...and Lurch, who was busy menacing an artist when Anne took the previous shot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/addams-family-ii.jpgAddams Family II!The Addams Family, not the same troupe we met Friday: Addams Family costumes: Grandmama, Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley, Wednesday, Debbie from Addams Family Values, Uncle Fester...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pokeball.jpgPokeball!Can't catch 'em all without a Pokeball!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/audrey-ii.jpgAudrey II!Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors. Dad was on hand to chat about the costume design.2024-05-03T03:10:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/29/c2e2-2024-photos-part-3-of-5-actors/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lars-mikkelsen-surprised.jpgLars Mikkelsen surprised!This may or may not have been the moment Mikkelsen was asked how Thrawn might spend his downtime, prompting the suggestion of how a spa day might go for him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/star-wars-rebels-panel.jpgStar Wars Rebels panel!The gathering was a nice companion piece to the Clone Wars panel we attended two years ago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lars-mikkelsen-thoughtful.jpgLars Mikkelsen thoughtful!Lars Mikkelsen (Sherlock, House of Cards), who joined in season 3 as master planner Grand Admiral Thrawn. He later reprised Thrawn in live-action on Ahsoka.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/steve-blum.jpgSteve Blum!Steve Blum, who's been in ALL the voiced things (and has played Wolverine way more times than Hugh Jackman has), as the Lasat bruiser Zeb, who later got a live-action cameo on The Mandalorian.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/vanessa-marshall.jpgVanessa Marshall!Vanessa Marshall as the voice of Twi'lek ace pilot Hera Syndulla.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/freddie-prinze-jr.jpgFreddie Prinze Jr!Freddie Prinze Jr., (I Know What You Did Last Summer, the first two live-action Scooby-Doo films), a.k.a. fugitive ex-Jedi Kanan Jarrus.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiya-sircar.jpgTiya Sircar!Tiya Sircar (The Good Place, The Afterparty), who played Mandalorian warrior-artist Sabine Wren.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/preshow-game.jpgpreshow game!Congrats to the nice lady who won, as the fastest brainstormer and knower of the most dances.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tom-skerritt-laughing.jpgTom Skerritt laughing!Cartwright, 75, would occasionally assist Skerritt, 90, with an answer here and there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/veronica-cartwright-talking.jpgVeronica Cartwright talkingShe laments the six-hour haircut needed to turn her <em>Body Snatchers</em> locks into Lambert's spiky Johnny Rotten 'do, which did <em>not</em> become all the rage in America until Liza Minelli.2024-05-03T03:09:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/29/c2e2-2024-photos-part-4-of-5-artists-alley/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/arielle-jovellanos.jpgArielle Jovellanos!Arielle Jovellanos! She's worked for all the big publisher and brought her latest OGN, the DC YA book Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/christopher-jones.jpgChristopher Jones!Christopher Jones! A frequent artist for the comics versions of DC's animated series like Young Justice and The Batman Strikes! He's recently worked on Doctor Who (written by avowed Whovian Dan Slott), and he Liked one of my tweets several years ago, which I didn't mention because that's a stupid thing for me to even remember.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mark-sable.jpgMark Sable!Mark Sable! A writer and professor whose work appeared at Marvel, DC, Image, BOOM!, and others throughout the 2000s.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stokes-and-shand-.jpgStokes and Shand!Anthony Stokes and Pat Shand! Though the books on hand were largely Shand's, including a fun Cthulhu lark.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/meg-valentine-vargas.jpgMeg Valentine Vargas!Meg Valentine Vargas! Artist of Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass (written by Meg Medina), a high-school-set graphic novel that delves into themes of bullying and colorism, among others.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ryan-dunlavey.jpgRyan Dunlavey!Ryan Dunlavey! I've met him before and gushed about Action Philosophers and Action Presidents, but I needed more.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/derek-kirk-kim.jpgDerek Kirk Kim!Eisner Award Winner Derek Kirk Kim! He was still trying to set up his table when I showed up to buy the first two issues of his beautiful new Image Comics project The Last Mermaid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/morgan-beem.jpgMorgan Beem!Morgan Beem! Artist of the DC YA book Swamp Thing: Twin Branches (written by Maggie Stiefvater). Our chat segued into agreeing on the awesomeness of Ram V.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/jesse-lonergan.jpgJesse Lonergan!Jesse Lonergan! My local comic shop recommended his past works, but I'm loving his new BOOM! Studios series Man's Best (written by Pornsak Pichetshote).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/winston-gambro.jpgWinston Gambro!Winston Gambro! Among his works was a Bioshock ashcan that nicely captured Rapture's steampunk-Atlantis aesthetic.2024-05-03T03:09:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/21/disney-world-part-16-prisoners-of-epcot/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/jetsons-on-bus-tv.jpgJetsons on bus TVIronically, our bus-TV ride entertainment was not a Disney cartoon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stale-churros.jpgstale churros!I paused to grab a pair of churros only out of spite. They were stale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/epcot-night.jpgEPCOT night!Spaceship Earth looked pretty at night. Sure would've been awesome if we could WALK TOWARD IT.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/steak-and-square-potatoes.jpgsteak and square potatoes!For me, tenderloin of beef filet with bordelaise sauce, Gruyère potato pavé, haricot verts and roasted baby carrot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sea-bass-and-butternut-risotto.jpgsea bass and butternut risotto!Anne's sea bass and butternut risotto.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mickey-head-butter-pat.jpgMickey head butter pat!Notice how pairing this ordinary dinner bread with Mickey Mouse-head butter turns it into elevated dinner bread.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dinner-salad.jpgdinner salad!I feel utterly spoiled whenever I'm served a complimentary salad that isn't just iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and Ranch dressing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hors-doeuvres.jpghors d'oeuvres!The waitstaff kept the unidentified hors d'oeuvres coming nonstop, including this delectable fried thing seasoned with stuff.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/purple-party-ceiling.jpgpurple party ceiling!The obligatory pre-dinner mixer, where we could chat with strangers or the few new faces Anne had met in her meetings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/anne-sleeping.jpgAnne sleeping!#1 on her Disney World to-do list had been "BUY MICKEY MOUSE EARS". Achievement unlocked. The sunglasses were freebies handed out at the Tuesday night beach party.2024-04-22T00:03:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/19/disney-world-part-15-epcots-harmonious/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/final-purple-gate.jpgfinal purple gate!When reader and writer can connect, that is my kind of harmonious.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/blue-skies.jpgBlue Skies!If you actually read all these, thanks for joining me on this very special pretend DVD commentary! I appreciate your closer attention in this crowded era of waaay too much content.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/final-silhouettes.jpgfinal silhouettesAnyway, we're almost out of captions, so I should wrap up this extended digression as we prepare to rejoin everyone who just scrolled quickly through the pretty pictures.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/galaxies.jpggalaxies!That's okay. My wife thinks I'm cool! (Said in his best Milhouse voice.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/explosions.jpgexplosions!You can definitely keep all his smoking and drinking. Very much not my thing. Which makes me uncool, but so be it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/beauty-and-the-beast-rose.jpgBeauty and the Beast roseIf you've seen our photos, you know I'm no Don Draper. But that's a good thing on many levels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rockets-red-glare.jpgrockets red glare!The best-case scenario would be to sound like Don Draper selling you the Kodak Carousel with the greatest speech ever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/african-plains.jpgAfrican plainsThe last thing I want to sound like is Patty and Selma growling about their trip to Mexico to a captive audience.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/greek-gateway.jpgGreek gateway!Sure, some galleries are basic slideshows. Some of them lend themselves to more varied captions than others, when the facts are interesting to write about.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mulan.jpgMulan!Or if you'd prefer, I could revert to stale basics. "Here's a thing. Here's a firework. Another firework. Here's a light. Here's water. Here's more light." Et cetera.2024-04-20T01:57:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/14/late-night-with-the-devil-time-now-for-stupid-host-tricks/2024-04-15T02:06:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/12/disney-world-part-14-the-last-worlds-of-epcot/2024-04-12T20:28:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/08/our-modest-view-of-the-2024-total-solar-eclipse-from-indianapolis/2024-04-08T20:52:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/07/disney-world-part-13-the-epcot-world-showcase-showdown/2024-04-07T18:36:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/04/06/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-back-to-basic-behemoth-bashing/2024-04-07T01:23:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/29/disney-world-part-12-epcots-world-of-japan/2024-03-29T21:42:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/07/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-godzilla-king-of-the-monsters-end-credits/2024-03-29T13:49:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2014/06/10/if-godzilla-wont-rush-to-appear-in-his-own-film-why-rush-to-write-about-it/2024-03-29T13:49:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/03/28/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-kong-skull-island-end-credits/2024-03-29T13:48:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/05/18/godzilla-vs-kong-when-humanitys-doom-was-super-sized-not-microscopic/2024-03-29T13:48:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/28/disney-world-part-11-epcots-world-of-england-and-her-favored-subject-canada/2024-03-29T20:50:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/24/indiana-comic-convention-2024-photos-part-1-of-2-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/midsommar-may-queen.jpgMidsommar May Queen!Midsommar's May Queen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/tin-man-and-dorothy.jpgTin Man and Dorothy!Sharing the metal-man and old-fashioned-gal vibe: The Tin Man and Dorothy Gale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/anne-and-din-djarin.jpgAnne and Din Djarin!Anne hanging out with Din Djarin in the 501st Legion area.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wanda-and-vision.jpgWanda and Vision!Emmy Award Winners Wanda Maximoff and The Vision.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/harley-quinn.jpgHarley Quinn!Harley Quinn dares you to get past her into the exhibit hall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/leprechauns.jpgLeprechauns!Leprechauns, better late than never.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/duffman.jpgDuffman!DUFFMAN KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT COMIC-CON LOVES MOST!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cloud-9-employees.jpgCloud 9 employees!Cloud 9 employees from Superstore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mandalorian-with-no-name.jpgMandalorian with No Name!The Mandalorian with No Name.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fred-and-barney.jpgFred and Barney!Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble.2024-03-28T01:26:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/25/indiana-comic-convention-2024-photos-part-2-of-2-the-hayden-christensen-experience-and-incident/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/christensen-auto-line-selfie.jpgChristensen auto line selfie!Exhausted selfie inside the final hall to Hayden Christensen's booth. Anakin autograph achievement unlocked.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/john-cleese.jpgJohn Cleese!When Anne took this shot, she honestly didn't notice who else was in it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/john-cleese-booth.jpgJohn Cleese booth!One last autograph table. One last actor banner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/arthur-darvill.jpgArthur Darvill!Darvill was perfectly cheery as we entered, then made the perfect Rory Williams face.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/battle-damaged-anne-figure.jpgBattle-Damaged Anne figure!At the 501st Legion's area, Anne poses as her own figure that comes with plantar fasciitis action and possibly negative points of articulation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/r2d2-and-pit-droid.jpgR2D2 and Pit Droid!...and Coz3D, one of a few businesses selling items created using 3-D printers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pit-droid.jpgPit Droid!Vendors who caught our eye included BYO Lightsaber...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/anne-and-pillo-pascal.jpgAnne and Pillo Pascal!Anne models the Pillo Pascal, for those who didn't see it previously.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/laszlo-tote-bag.jpgLaszlo tote bag!The world needs more What We Do in the Shadows in it in general, and more Matt Berry in particular.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/kmmra.jpgKMMRA!One of the best of several contenders. Art by Andy Fowler.2024-03-26T10:35:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2012/08/07/wizard-world-chicago-clip-show-memories-of-2011-2010-and-1999/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/john-schneider-2010.jpgJohn Schneider 2010!Flashback to WWC 2010, complete with original hair colors.2024-03-25T23:30:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/22/disney-world-part-10-living-with-the-land/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/purple-tissue-cultures.jpgpurple tissue cultures!We began with purple, we end with purple: tissue cultures in the Biotechnology section.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fresh-greens.jpgfresh greens!Kale, Brussels sprouts, and other fresh greens. Much of this exhibit's greens are served in Disney World restaurants.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nutrient-film-technique.jpgNutrient Film Technique!A demonstration of Nutrient Film Technique -- actual hydroponics in action.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/peppers.jpgpeppers!Peppers! These seemed a more exciting novelty in person than in photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/eggplants.jpgeggplants!Eggplants grown in captivity.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/red-tunnel.jpgred tunnel!A red-light district but for flora.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/product-cart.jpgproduct cart!A selection of the end results from their spice crops.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fluted-pumpkins.jpgfluted pumpkins!Fluted pumpkins, which probably have their fans but will never catch the eye of the Great Pumpkin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/date-palm.jpgdate palm!Date palm, looking like a mutant pineapple.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/tiny-waterfalls.jpgtiny waterfalls!Tiny waterfalls amid the greenery.2024-03-22T15:23:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/17/dune-part-two-another-40-days-in-the-loudest-desert-ever/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dune-part-two-poster.jpgDune Part Two poster!We interrupt Oscar Quest '24 to bring you this flash-forward to Oscar Quest '25.2024-03-18T01:26:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/16/disney-world-part-9-the-epcot-international-flower-garden-festival-2023/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/miss-piggy-and-kermit.jpgMiss Piggy and Kermit!Miss Piggy and Kermit. No idea how he's fitting all that luggage on his li'l bike.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/buzz-lightyear.jpgBuzz Lightyear!Buzz Lightyear, Shrub Command!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mickey-and-minnie.jpgMickey and Minnie!Alternate versions of Mickey and Minnie, not the same two from our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/three-caballeros.jpgThree Caballeros!A deep dive for the elder Disney fans out there: Donald with his costars Jose Carioca and Panchito Pistoles from The Three Caballeros.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lady-and-the-tramp.jpgLady and the Tramp!Lady and the Tramp.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/elsa-and-anna-.jpgElsa and Anna!Also of the north: Elsa and Anna from the Frozen series.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/forgetful-troll.jpgThe Forgetful Troll!The Forgetful Troll, an icon of EPCOT's Norway section.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pandas.jpgpandas!Pandas in the China section might or might not have been Mulan references.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/donkey-and-flowers.jpgdonkey and flowers!Great big bunches of flowers and a random donkey who's no relation to any donkeys owned by any other animation studios.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hawaiian-ti-plants.jpgHawaiian Ti plants!Hawaiian Ti plants, which I've definitely never seen back home in Indy.2024-03-17T02:34:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/02/05/disney-world-part-7-our-50th-anniversary-gold-statue-scorecard/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-mad-hatter.jpgGold Mad Hatter!And if you simply must plunder the public domain for ideas, make sure your Mad Hatter resembles neither Disney's nor DC Comics'.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-cheshire-cat.jpgGold Cheshire Cat!Ditto their take on Alice in Wonderland's Cheshire Cat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-pooh-and-piglet.jpgGold Pooh and Piglet!Disney's extremely trademarked versions of public-domain superstars Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-chip-and-dale.jpgGold Chip and Dale!John Mulaney and Andy Samberg as the stars of the 2022 cinematic classic Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-dumbo-and-timothy-q.-mouse.jpgGold Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse!Dumbo and his benevolent master Timothy Q. Mouse.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-pluto.jpgGold Pluto!Pluto, Disney's original very good doggo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-goofy.jpgGold Goofy!Goofy, star of A Goofy Movie and one episode of Atlanta.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-daisy-duck.jpgGold Daisy Duck!Daisy Duck, who rarely threw fits like Donald.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-donald-duck.jpgGold Donald Duck!Donald Duck in a rare good mood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gold-minnie-mouse.jpgGold Minnie Mouse!M-I-N! N-I-E! M-O-U-S-E! (What. Well, maybe they should've sung about her occasionally.)2024-03-17T02:18:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/11/the-academy-awards-2024-season-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/oscars-2024-in-memoriam-snubs.jpgOscars 2024 In Memoriam snubs!R.I.P., all you deceased Honorable Mentions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/oscarsland-map.jpgOscarsland Map!Kate McKinnon's Weird Barbie gives a lost Jimmy Kimmel directions to the Oscars, in ABC's extended trailer.2024-03-12T02:33:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/09/io-capitano-from-naivete-to-nightmare/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/io-capitano.jpgIo Capitano!When you wish upon a star...2024-03-09T21:33:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/07/robot-dreams-youve-got-a-friend-in-me-for-now/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/robot-dreams.jpgRobot Dreams!If you love pointing at '80s Easter eggs or iconic NYC places, have we got a film for you!2024-03-08T04:07:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/03/yes-theres-a-word-of-the-day-after-the-perfect-days-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/perfect-days.jpgPerfect Days!Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays this cleaner from the swift completion of his appointed rounds.2024-03-04T00:51:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/03/02/the-teachers-lounge-the-case-of-the-school-sleuth-snafu/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/teachers-lounge.jpgTeachers Lounge!In my day, teachers could rest easy knowing Encyclopedia Brown would solve all their mysteries for them.2024-03-02T05:01:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/02/25/to-kill-a-tiger-and-the-mcc-best-documentary-feature-2024-revue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bobi-wine-the-peoples-president.jpgBobi Wine the People's President!Remember when elections in any country felt free and fair? Are any of us really that old?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/eternal-memory.jpgEternal Memory!Sounds advice for anyone watching this year's nominated documentaries in general.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20-days-in-mariupol.jpg20 Days in Mariupol.Narrator/director Mstyslav Chernov sums it up: "This is painful to watch. But it must be painful to watch."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/four-daughters.jpgFour Daughters.The real mother and the two real daughters who remained by her side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/to-kill-a-tiger.jpgTo Kill a Tiger!...is apparently a rarer specimen in India than unicorns.2024-02-25T22:26:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/02/23/madame-web-o-what-a-mangled-web-we-grieve/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/madame-web-imax-poster.jpgMadame Web IMAX Poster!NEVER FORGET.2024-02-24T04:33:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/02/18/the-mcc-2024-oscar-nominated-short-film-revue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/abcs-of-book-banning.jpgABCs of Book Banning!Imagine an alt-timeline where school libraries are the only place in the universe where you could get books...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/nai-nai-and-wai-po.jpgNai Nai and Wai Po!Shout-out to the elderly film stars who decline plastic surgery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/island-in-between.jpgIsland In Between!Kinmen sits across the water from the city of Xiamen. As neighbors go, they aren't exactly Tim Taylor and Wilson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/barber-of-little-rock.jpgBarber of Little Rock!100 points if you can name another film starring a benevolent Black banker. One million points if you can go make one yourself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/red-white-and-blue.jpgRed White and Blue!"If I have to listen to Mel call Vera "dingy' ONE MORE TIME..."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/knight-of-fortune.jpgKnight of Fortune!Not quite a Swedish Grumpy Old Men remake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/invincible.jpgInvincible!The unbearable discomfort of sitting still while someone else reads your poetry aloud.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/wonderful-story-of-henry-sugar.jpgWonderful Story of Henry Sugar!I will never get over the cameo at right by Jarvis Cocker from Pulp.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pachyderme.jpgPachyderme!Teaser image for Maurice Sendak's Woman in the Wall prequel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/our-uniform.jpgOur Uniform!The short is preceded by a disclaimer for the record to the effect of "NO, WE ARE NOT ANTI-HIJAB"2024-02-19T02:26:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/02/11/disney-world-part-8-welcome-to-epcot/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/animator-studio-loft.jpganimator studio loft!Along along the path was a recreation of a Pixar artist's studio during the film's production process.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/remys-ratatouille-adventure.jpgRemy's Ratatouille Adventure!The entrance to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Indifferent to the ambiance are a pair of marching John Hammonds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gusteaus-sign.jpgGusteau's sign!The line led indoors through differently simulated streets of France through a Pixar lens.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/france-fountain.jpgFrance fountain!A presumably French fountain amid an ostensibly French shopping neighborhood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/way-to-france.jpgway to France!Of course France has an Eiffel Tower, just like actual France and Kings Island in Ohio.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/skyliner-and-grass.jpgSkyliner and grass!At the park's west entrance, the Skyliner takes fans to and from other parts of Disney's Orlando terrain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/journey-into-imaginarium.jpgJourney Into ImaginariumThose distant pyramids are "Journey into Imagination with Figment", starring the park's dragon mascot about whom I know nothing except what I just typed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/finding-nemo-cast.jpgFinding Nemo cast!Random sights along my path included "The Seas with Nemo and Friends", some indoor whiz-bang thingamabob that was closed that moment and had several cast members standing weirdly stoically in front of its entrance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/epcot-40-souvenir-shop.jpgEPCOT 40 souvenir shop!Souvenir shops still carried merch from EPCOT's 2022 celebration of its 40th anniversary.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/spaceship-earth-postcard.jpgSpaceship Earth postcard!The email image that once linked to my now-deleted kiddie souvenir.2024-03-21T11:58:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/02/04/disney-world-part-6-lights-across-the-lagoon/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/tomorrowland-at-night.jpgTomorrowland at night!Anne also zoomed in for a fun look at Tomorrowland, two days before we'd see it firsthand. We'll get there!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/reverse-flag-and-stars.jpgreverse flag and stars!An all-star salute for the folks staying across the way at the Contemporary.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/red-octopus.jpgred octopus!The octopus wants to be your friend!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/dolphin-and-apatosaurus.jpgdolphin and apatosaurusDolphins and dinosaur.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/purple-50th.jpgpurple 50th!AND HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, DISNEY WORLD! WOOOOOOOOOO!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/stars-and-flags.jpgstars and flags!ONLY 119 DAYS TILL INDEPENDENCE DAY! PLEASE ENJOY SOME TOP-VOLUME AMERICAN CAROLS!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/frolicking-water-creatures.jpgfrolicking water creatures!King Triton! Sea horses! Crocodile! Apatosaurus! Dolphins!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/opening-dragon.jpgopening dragonSURPRISE! SURE HOPE NO ONE WAS WASTED AND IN BED BY 8:30!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/finale.jpgFinale!Encore! Set light beams to maximum!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pure-red.jpgpure red!Last call.2024-02-05T04:00:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/02/03/the-zone-of-interest-where-the-grass-is-not-greener/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/zone-of-interest.jpgThe Zone of Interest.A tour through a spacious, beautiful backyard garden. Meanwhile out of sight, thousands are murdered.2024-02-04T04:05:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/02/01/in-a-field-somewhere-noticing-the-color-purple/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/color-purple-poster.jpgColor Purple poster!Remember what happens when you walk past purple in a field and don't notice it.2024-02-02T04:31:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/28/ferrari-the-big-race-not-in-the-oscar-race/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ferrari.jpgFerrari!What this pic and movie need are some Photoshopped 3-D force-lightning.2024-01-28T22:53:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/27/i-wouldve-voted-for-american-fiction-three-times-if-i-couldve/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/american-fiction.jpgAmerican Fiction!"It was a Black and blackly night..."2024-01-27T19:35:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/21/poor-things-terry-gilliams-frankenhooker/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/poor-things-poster.jpgPoor Things Poster!Winner of two Golden Globes! Too bad I've never cared about the Golden Globes.2024-05-04T15:09:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/20/2023-at-the-movies-at-my-house/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/candy-cane-lane.jpgCandy Cane Lane!This would've been twice as funny if Murphy had done this in character as a "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood" sketch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget.jpgChicken Run Dawn of the Nugget!Chickens only have a lifespan of 5-10 years, but 23 years later somehow our tasty heroines returned!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/elemental.jpgElemental!"Hey, get a load of this Wish trailer! We're just gonna wait for that one to come to Disney+, right?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/a-haunting-in-venice.jpgA Haunting in Venice!Belgium's finest mustache is BACK and no wayward Winklevoss twin is gonna slow him down.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tmnt-mutant-mayhem.jpgTMNT Mutant Mayhem!Did you know you can sing "Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg" along to the cartoon's theme song? Good luck getting it out of your head now!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the-holdovers.jpgThe Holdovers!THE MOD SQUAD 2023.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fingernails.jpgFingernails!"I can't wait to tell our grandkids how we met by yanking each other's nails out!"2024-01-20T23:04:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/17/disney-world-part-5-disney-easter-eggs/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/disney-character-heads-egg-penciled.jpgDisney character heads egg penciled!The all-star collage egg in our lead photo was only half done. By the time we had to leave Friday morning, this is where things stood with its other side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kevin-from-up.jpgKevin from Up!Also not an egg: Kevin from Up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/easter-bunny.jpgEaster Bunny!Not an egg, just the largest Easter bunny in the exhibit, begging to be Disney-fied.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/totoro-egg.jpgTotoro egg!I'm old enough to remember when Disney's Buena Vista Home Video began releasing Miyazaki films on VHS, like My Neighbor Totoro.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/avengers-egg.jpgAvengers egg!Avengers Assemble!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/piper-and-hunny.jpgPiper and Hunny!The eponymous bird from the 2016 Oscar-winning short "Piper", and Pooh's honey jar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/remy-easter-egg.jpgRemy Easter egg!Remy from Ratatouille, easy to miss among the larger eggs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tow-mater-egg.jpgTow Mater egg!Dadgum! It's Tow Mater!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/luca-and-orange-bird.jpgLuca and Orange Bird!Pixar's Luca and Disney World's iconic Orange Bird, or so we were told.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fantasia-unicorns.jpgFantasia unicorns egg!The unicorns in the Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony segment from Fantasia.2024-01-18T04:01:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/07/the-crown-season-6-all-ten-episodes-ranked-according-to-a-guy-who-learned-uk-history-along-the-way/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/crown-season-6-part-2-qeiis.jpgCrown Season 6 Part 2 QEIIs!Elizabeth II 1, Elizabeth II 2, and Elizabeth II 3 ponder the final fate of the Crown-Verse.2024-01-15T03:57:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/14/my-2023-at-the-movies-part-2-of-2-the-top-10/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/godzilla-minus-one.jpgGodzilla Minus One!"WE'RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT! WAY BIGGER! MAYBE BIGGER THAN THE YAMATO!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/oppenheimer.jpgOppenheimer!SOMEONE SET UP US THE BOMB.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rocket-raccoon.jpgRocket Raccoon!Saving the best.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dungeons-and-dragons-arena.jpgDungeons and Dragons arena!Over 300 films stepped into the 2023 ring. Ten step out.2024-01-15T03:56:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/13/my-2023-at-the-movies-part-1-of-2-the-years-least-best/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/orm-and-giant-robot-octopus.jpgOrm and Giant Robot OctopusTeaser image from next year's big crossover Nite-Owl vs. Wild Wild West.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/nicolas-cage-flash.jpgNicolas Cage Flash!"THIS IS CINEMA." -- DeviantArt user DCFan4Lyfe525252https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/blue-beetle.jpgBlue Beetle!Every sueprhero wishes they had a weapon as cool as Voltron's Blazing Sword.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shazam-fury-of-the-gods.jpgShazam Fury of the Gods2023 was the 20th anniversary of the classic "LIGHTNING BOLT! LIGHTNING BOLT!" LARPing video. The future he foresaw has arrived.2024-01-15T03:22:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/12/disney-world-part-4-party-of-one-v-party-of-many/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/anne-caricature.jpgAnne caricature!...and caricatures! Anne's artist may have taken some liberties.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fancy-bean-bag-toss.jpgfancy bean bag toss!...a fancy beanbag-tossing game on what looks like a giant smartphone...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/beach-connect-four.jpgBeach Connect Four!For those who didn't simply want to sit around and get drunk, beach party activities includes Giant Connect Four...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fireworks-view.jpgfireworks view!The party didn't have the best view of the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks show. We'll come back to that, though.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/free-ray-bans.jpgfree Ray-Bans!A different kind of after-dinner treat: complimentary Ray-Bans!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/macarons-and-torte.jpgmacarons and torte!For dessert, Magic Kingdom blueberry macarons and a flourless chocolate torte with chocolate Mickey head coin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/party-dinner.jpgparty dinner!Dinner is served: chicken breast, mahi mahi, mashed potatoes, and quiche.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/crab-cake-with-mango-chutney.jpgcrab cake with mango chutneyHors d'oeuvres round 2: crab cake with mango chutney.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/spicy-korean.jpgspicy Korean!Hors d'oeuvres round 1: "spicy Korean on a cracker", according to her text.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1929-cadillac.jpg1929 Cadillac!A 1929 Cadillac that's been parked by the Grand Floridian since at least 1996 or so.2024-01-12T05:13:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/06/the-boy-and-the-heron-no-sanctuary-for-old-birds/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/boy-and-the-heron.jpgBoy and the Heron!Miyazaki hive represent!2024-01-06T19:50:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2024/01/01/midlife-crisis-crossover-2023-in-review-a-post-pandemic-performance-parsing-party/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/blue-heron.jpgblue heron!Sometimes stray herons show up in the retention pond out back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/deadpool-army.jpgDeadpool army!The Dragon Con parade presents ALL the Deadpool variants.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ferraris.jpgferraris!The weekend of Indiana Comic Con, we never found out why sports cars were on exhibit around Monument Circle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/marc-blucas-c2e2.jpgMarc Blucas C2E2!Pre-jazz-hands warmup shot at the C2E2 autograph table of Marc Blucas from Buffy and Necessary Roughness.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/nice-waving-lady.jpgnice waving lady!Quite a few of our D^C shots are pretty nice ones of folks whose characters we didn't recognize. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/red-power-ranger.jpgRed Power Ranger!The Red Power Ranger stands guard at Rocket Fizz in downtown Indianapolis, as seen shortly before we saw A Christmas Carol live.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/detmer-and-tilly.jpgDetmer and Tilly!Now that we've recently begun watching Star Trek: Discovery, I can retroactively appreciate Detmer and Tilly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wonder-women.jpgWonder Women!Our 100+ outtakes from the annual Dragon Con cosplay parade included an army of Wonder Women.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/anne-disney-mirror-selfie.jpgAnne Disney mirror selfie!We're only three chapters into our DIsney World 2023 miniseries, but enjoy an early outtake: Anne marveling at our huge Mary Poppins-themed hotel bathroom.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/restroom-selfie.jpgrestroom selfie!The author out of his element, by which I mean attempting a selfie.2024-01-02T06:19:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/30/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom.jpgAquaman and the Lost Kingdom!Poor Aquaman, waiting in vain for all his DC fans to come high-five him back in theaters.2023-12-31T03:48:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/24/merry-christmas-from-mcc-6/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/christmas-service-candle.jpgChristmas service candle!At Christmas Eve service they let us have lit candles again! But we weren't allowed to ride home with them in the car like that.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/anne-and-cup-tower.jpgAnne and cup tower!Christmas-bedecked Anne running around a living room and photographing a dozen youngsters we're related to, though we can barely name half of them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/tiny-glass-snow-church.jpgtiny glass snow church!Church-shaped snow globe. In person, persistence of vision lets you see the colorful sparkles inside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/christmas-light-yard.jpgChristmas light yard!A front yard not far from us, in a spot where it's impossible to stop for photos except in 6 a.m. fog.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/andy-the-elf.jpgAndy the Elf!Andy is one of our pastors. A few Sundays ago he preached an entire sermon about joy for which he dressed as Buddy the Elf. In context it was brilliant.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/maria-the-elf.jpgMaria the elf!My coworker is an elf. We will not be taking your questions at this time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/elf-on-the-shelf-and-basketball-on-the-wall.jpgElf on the Shelf and Basketball on the Wall!Spotted above the Society's temporary Chuck Taylor exhibit. If you loved Elf on the Shelf, get ready for...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/circle-centre-mall-white-tree.jpgCircle Centre Mall white tree!One of many outtakes from my recent visit to the annual Festival of Trees exhibit at the Indiana Historical Society. This one was brought to them by Circle Centre Mall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/christmas-fainting-couch.jpgChristmas fainting couch!A Christmas fainting couch at the Indiana Historical Society.2023-12-25T04:17:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/21/die-hard-in-a-dolby-cinema/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/die-hard.jpgDie Hard!David Addison takes time off from breaking the fourth wall to have fun breaking the other three.2023-12-23T02:31:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/18/top-10-alternate-realities-the-angel-clarence-didnt-show-george-bailey/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/george-bailey-and-the-angel-clarence.jpgGeorge Bailey and the Angel Clarence!Portrait of a man and a wingless angel peering into the Twilight Zone 13 years before it was created.2023-12-19T04:39:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/17/return-to-the-christmas-tree-forest-indys-festival-of-trees-2023/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/coworkers.jpgcoworkers!A few friends along for the walk. We will not be taking questions about the photo at this time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fourth-floor.jpgfourth floor!Cross-section of the fourth floor, where the Festival of Trees ends unless you took the elevator up and started here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/in-bmv-sloth-topper.jpgIN BMV sloth topper!The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles leans into the funniest scene in Disney's Zootopia. To be fair, the BMV today has lightning reflexes compared to their service levels when I began driving 30+ years ago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/little-angel-gowns-tree.jpgLittle Angel Gowns tree!Samples from Little Angel Gowns, a charity specializing in making burial gowns for infants.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/armstrong-tree-and-suit.jpgArmstrong tree and suit!Very cool space tribute from the Explorers Class at Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Mooresville (southwest of Indy).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cream-and-crimson-trimmings.jpgcream-and-crimson trimmings!Cream-and-crimson trimmings befitting the IU Kelley School of Business, my mom's alma mater.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/student-organization-of-latinos-candy.jpgStudent Organization of Latinos candy!On the same floor is their polar opposite, a few pinatas' worth of candy from Marian University's Student Organization of Latinos.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/diabetes-youth-foundation-of-indiana-tree.jpgDiabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana tree!The Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana brings happy kids.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sheet-music-ribbon.jpgsheet-music ribbon!Sheet-music ribbon adorns the entry from The Choir School at Christ Cathedral.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/west-indy-racquet-club-tree-.jpgWest Indy Racquet Club tree!Another sports/holiday crossover, this one from the West Indy Racquet Club.2023-12-18T01:15:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/17/yes-theres-foreshadowing-after-the-godzilla-minus-one-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/godzilla-minus-one.jpgGodzilla Minus One!Warning: objects in reflection may be scarier than they appear.2023-12-17T20:13:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/14/heartland-international-film-festival-2023-screening-4-monster/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/monster.jpgMonster!"Parent v. Bureaucracy" is a conflict that transcends international boundaries.2023-12-17T19:57:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/14/disney-world-part-3-three-nights-in-boca-chica/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/boca-chica-lobby.jpgBoca Chica lobby!Their overhauled lobby, as seen from our second-floor perch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunrise.jpgsunrise!On the brighter side this was sunrise Wednesday across the lagoon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/welcome-golden-family.jpgWelcome Golden Family!ANYWAY, WELCOME TO FLORIDA, YOU CRAZY KIDS!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/alligators-and-snakes-in-area.jpgAlligators and Snakes in Area!In case we felt too idyllic, exiting Boca Chica's back door brought us to this sobering reminder of that time in 2016...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/tomorrowland-way-off.jpgTomorrowland way off!East of the Castle lay what looked like a billion-dollar futuristic indoor agricultural complex. On Thursday we'd learn this was Tomorrowland.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cinderella-castle-afar.jpgCinderella Castle afar!COMPUTER, ENHANCE IMAGE. Voila: our first-ever in-person glimpse of the iconic Cinderella Castle. Alas, our first footsteps in its presence were still a full 48 hours away.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/magic-kingdom-distant.jpgMagic Kingdom distant!On the lagoon's north banks, Disney's Magic Kingdom beckoned.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/disney-ferry.jpgDisney ferry!A happy Disney ferry full of guests who got to start having Disney fun before we did.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/lagoon-ripples.jpglagoon ripples!Soothing lagoon ripples and oceanesque sounds abounded even though we were nowhere near the ocean. In the distance is Disney's Contemporary Resort, our backup option if the Grand Floridian had been full. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/seven-seas-lagoon.jpgSeven Seas Lagoon!On the balcony was our first look at Seven Seas Lagoon, adjacent to the main park and other Disney World resorts. A monorail surrounds the lagoon.2023-12-14T15:25:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/12/10/disney-world-part-2-welcome-to-the-grand-floridian/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/randy-anne-03072023.jpgRandy Anne 03072023When a Disney Resort photographer asked to take our picture, I bottled up my anxieties the best I could.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rice-krispie-mickey-head.jpgRice Krispie Mickey head!Anne was much more optimistic that everything would be fine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/horsies-and-seurat.jpghorsies and Seurat!Decor inside the Convention Center included horsey statues and another Seurat pastiche we'll call Sunday in the Park Outside the Grand Floridian, The Balloon Race Bores Us Now.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/grand-cottage-snacks.jpgGrand Cottage snacksIn the lobby is the Grand Cottage, a snack shop where we bought treats Thursday: a lemon blueberry whoopie pie, macarons, and a guava cream cheese sweet roll.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/chocolate-cinderella-castle.jpgchocolate Cinderella CastleA chocolate Cinderella Castle hand-decorated by the Grand Floridian Bakery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/chandelier.jpgchandelier!The chandelier from a closer vantage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/chip-floor.jpgChip floor!Chip is not far away on the same floor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mrs.-potts-floor.jpgMrs. Potts floor!Mrs. Potts suggests you go that-a-way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/gf-floor-monogram.jpgGF floor monogram!The Grand Floridian monogram was a repeating Easter egg of sorts, not unlike the Mickey Mouse heads reputedly found everywhere on Disney grounds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fake-tropical-window.jpgfake tropical window!A fake window lets guests think they're next to some other lagoon, or pretend Orlando is anywhere near the ocean.2023-12-11T02:47:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/06/galaxycon-columbus-2022-photos-part-3-of-4-who-else-we-met-what-else-we-did/2023-12-03T19:36:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/09/galaxycon-columbus-2022-photos-part-4-of-4-columbus-is-our-new-chicago/2023-12-03T19:36:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/30/disney-world-part-1-a-grand-prize-trip-to-orlando/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/orlando-inside.jpgOrlando inside!Palm trees inside and out.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/orlando-international-airport.jpgOrlando International Airport!Welcome to Orlando International Airport! We're definitely not in Indiana anymore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/first-lagoon.jpgfirst lagoon!Our first lagoon of the trip, and not the last.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/plane.jpgplane!The chariot we awaited.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/we-are-the-people.jpgWe Are the People!One of several art installations along either concourse: We Are the People by D. Powell-Smith, 2021.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/indianapolis-international-airport.jpgIndianapolis International Airport!For the third round-trip flight of our lives; Indianapolis International Airport.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-in-indy.jpgAnne in INDY!Anne the lucky winner, photographed by the guy who's lucky to be by her side for 18 years and counting.2024-01-29T02:20:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/26/my-2023-reading-stacks-3/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/witch-blast-heart.jpgWitch Blast Heart!Two of these were signed by their creators at 2023 conventions; one may be autographed soon, depending on how next weekend goes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/scenes-cinema.jpgScenes Cinema!Two books about movies, some of which are based on books. One book technically works as a sequel to the other.2023-11-27T03:00:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/21/the-crown-season-6-part-1-who-killed-princess-diana-the-most/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/princess-diana-piano.jpgPrincess Diana Piano"It seems to Elton I lived my life like a candle in the wind..."2023-11-22T04:04:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/12/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-marvels-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ms.-marvel.jpgMs. Marvel!I rarely do entries about Marvel's TV shows, but really, really should've done one about Ms. Marvel before now.2023-11-13T00:12:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/06/basil-fawlty-begs-no-pardon-a-night-in-indianapolis-with-john-cleese/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/question-john-cleese.jpgQuestion John Cleese!Attendees were invited to submit questions in the lobby in advance, though they barely got to any of them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/john-cleese-standee-jazz-hands.jpgJohn Cleese Standee Jazz Hands!The closest we came to getting a photo of our special guest. We gotta be us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/an-evening-with-the-late-john-cleese.jpgAn Evening with the Late John Cleese6:30 p.m. Sunday night, total darkness thanks to Daylight Savings ending that very day.2023-11-12T18:32:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/12/top-10-reasons-why-warner-brothers-canceled-coyote-vs-acme/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wile-e.-coyote.jpgWile E. Coyote!Wile E. Coyote getting the news from his agent on Friday.2023-11-12T18:44:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/10/my-2023-reading-stacks-2/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bowie-dragon.jpgBowie Dragon!From the Department of Tallest Books in This Year's Finished Pile (So Far)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/stewart-cox.jpgStewart Cox!From the Department of Candid UK Actor Memoirs That Have Been Mined for Clickbait Fodder by Entertainment News Sites.2023-11-11T16:12:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/06/my-2023-reading-stacks-1/2023-11-11T16:09:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/24/our-2021-road-trip-16-rapid-city-remainders/2023-11-11T02:34:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/08/best-cds-of-2022-according-to-an-old-guy-who-bought-ten/2023-11-09T01:10:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/11/07/the-creator-wont-someone-please-think-of-the-robots/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/creator.jpgThe Creator!Whenever the teaser for this film came up between my rounds of Words With Friends, this was the exact image when the X would finally come up and I could stop the teaser and get back to my games.2023-11-07T20:42:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/16/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-black-widow-end-credits/2023-11-04T18:10:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/31/halloween-stats-2023-extra-helpings-for-the-brave-and-the-bold/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/halloween-selfie.jpgHalloween selfie!We're the Goldens. This is who we are and what we do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/spider-donut.jpgSpider-Donut!We close with a fun holiday treat: umpkin-flavored donut with spider topping from Taylor's Bakery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/anne-banana-2023.jpgAnne Banana 2023!Once again Anne wore her banana costume to Sunday school, even though the teachers weren't asked to wear costumes that weekend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/lowes-halloween-september-2023.jpgLowes Halloween September 2023!As usual, Lowes had their Halloween decorations up and spooking hardware buyers in September.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/halloween-candy-2023.jpgHalloween Candy 2023!Yes, we overprepared. Fortunately candy never lasts long enough for us to worry about expiration dates. Assuming candy even has those.2023-11-01T01:32:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/29/the-october-2023-birthday-trip-part-6-of-6-cincinnati-with-special-guest-covington/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/patrick-stewart-live.jpgPatrick Stewart Live!Yes, There's a Scene After the October 2023 Birthday Trip End Credits: as they promised but over a week later, Joseph-Beth Booksellers finally posted their pics from the event. Look closely and you can find my head!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/filet-o-fish-tribute.jpgFilet-O-Fish tribute!This single sign is the entire Filet-O-Fish exhibit. Anne apologized immediately to the woman after taking the shot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cincinnati-mural.jpgCincinnati mural!This may be more of a tourism ad than a mural, but it's big and painted and we're including it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/et-and-elliott-silhouette.jpgET and Elliott silhouette!Closeup of Armstrong's upper-right corner reveals a very different pair of airborne travelers, one of whom has definitely seen some space.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/neil-armstrong-mural.jpgNeil Armstrong mural!Eduardo Kobra's Armstrong honors Best Astronaut Ever, who was born in Waoakoneta, Ohio.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/tiger-mural.jpgtiger mural!A portion of Benjamin Thomas' Rule the Jungle, in honor of the aforementioned Bengals.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mural-ebullient.jpgmural Ebullient!Murals we collected along the way included Paul Boehle's The Buzz Around Town, a tribute to the National Spelling Bee's 90th anniversary in 2017.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/big-boy-alley.jpgBig Boy alley!I was inexplicably amused at how this alley ended with a Frisch's Big Boy sign.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/metrobot.jpgMetrobot!The Contemporary Art Center wasn't open yet, but we could say hi to Metrobot, built in 1988 by Nam June Paik.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/salted-caramel-apple-crepe.jpgSalted Caramel Apple Crepe!For Anne, their Salted Caramel Apple Crepe. Because autumn.2023-10-31T19:58:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/26/the-october-2023-birthday-trip-part-4-of-6-antiquing-practice/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/walt-disneys-christmas-parade-1.jpgWalt Disney's Christmas Parade #1!The only comic they had in stock, Gold Key's Walt Disney's Christmas Parade #1 from 1962. A little tempting, but I passed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/goethe-page.jpgGoethe page!Apropos of Oldenburg, some Goethe in the original German.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/eisenhower-was-my-boss.jpgEisenhower Was My Boss!For amateur historians like Anne, there's the 1948 ghostwritten memoir by Eisenhower's chauffeur, secretary, and, er, BFF.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/song-hits-january-1957.jpgSong Hits January 1957!In the '80s, Song Hits Magazine helped me learn the lyrics to mumbled tunes long before the internet took up that task. I had no idea it ran all the way from 1941 to 1990.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/black-hole-read-along.jpgBlack Hole Read-Along!I remember seeing The Black Hole at the Westlake Drive-In when I was 7. All I remember is a lot of talking. Like, A LOT.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/keys.jpgkeys!Props for performing your own roadshow version of Locke & Key.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/santa-and-friends.jpgSanta and Friends!Santa and his very specifically designed caroling friends are among the doll collections on hand.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1853-pennsylvania-land-grant.jpg1853 Pennsylvania land grant!Among the oldest artifacts with a date prominently written on it was this 1853 Pennsylvania land grant.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vault-ventilator.jpgVault Ventilators!On this day I learned Vault Ventilators are a thing, which Hollywood has worked into the plot of no bank-robbery flick ever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vaulted-goods.jpgvaulted goods!What once kept valuable goods safe now holds differently valuable wares.2023-10-29T20:45:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/23/the-october-2023-birthday-trip-part-3-of-6-the-hydrants-of-oldenburg/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hydrant-overalls.jpghydrant overalls!Gonna tel my grandkids this one's Robert Redford in The Horse Whisperer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hydrant-papa.jpghydrant Papa!Same happy worker guy, rear view.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hydrant-oktoberfest.jpghydrant Oktoberfest!My best guess is "factory worker taking time off to celebrate Oktoberfest with his family."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hydrant-snickelfritz.jpghydrant Snickelfritz!Same li'l hydrant dude, rear view. Googling the name got me no new details about this whole project.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hydrant-pocket-frog.jpghydrant pocket frog!This guy with a froggie in his pocket, a doggie at his feet, and Cincinnati Reds fandom for life.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hydrant-hausfrau.jpghydrant hausfrau!I couldn't find a definitive guide to Every Oldenburg Hydrant Ever, so some are open to interpretation until I'm told otherwise, such as Die Hausfrau here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hydrant-monk.jpghydrant monk!A monk, for spiritual gender parity. The shot reminds me of the interviewees in one of The Onion's fake Man-on-the-Street articles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hydrant-franciscan-nun.jpghydrant Franciscan nun!Franciscan nun hydrant across the street from the Convent and Academy of the Immaculate Conception,2023-10-29T20:45:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/22/the-october-2023-birthday-trip-part-2-of-6-welcome-to-oldenburg/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/steins.jpgsteins!Beer steins for sale, natürlich.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kid-lederhosen.jpgkid lederhosen!...for all ages. They also had a wide selection of German hats to go with the lederhosen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/lederhosen.jpglederhosen!Couldn't tell you the last time we visited a store carrying bona fide lederhosen...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/golden-turtle-trading-center.jpgGolden Turtle Trading Center!For a few minutes of window shopping we ducked into the Golden Turtle Trading Center, whose wares were 90% clothing and 10% tourist souvenirs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/brewery-tap-room-and-police-department.jpgbrewery tap room and police department!On the other side of the highway, the town police share a building with a brewery tap room.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/oldenburg-iga-sign.jpgOldenburg IGA sign!The mural is on the side of their IGA, which of course has bilingual signage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/oldenburg-mural.jpgOldenburg mural!A mural celebrates the citizens and their legacies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/nativity.jpgNativity!Features on the church grounds include pretty flowers and a Nativity set.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/holy-family-church.jpgHoly Family Church!Holy Family Church was constructed circa 1862. Original pastor Franz Joseph Rudolph is interred in a crypt underneath.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/time-capsule.jpgtime capsule!A school time capsule, to be opened shortly after my 65th birthday and our final mortgage payment (Lord willing).2023-10-29T20:44:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/21/the-october-2023-birthday-trip-part-1-of-6-two-lunches-at-brau-haus/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/german-customer-service.jpgGerman customer service"Customer service is our goal. Please let us serve you a lot." Don't mind if we do!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/fried-chicken.jpgfried chicken!This was their smallest serving of their famous fried chicken, which made sense: we loved its seasoning and texture so much that having only two pieces would've felt stingy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pork-tenderloin-sandwich.jpgpork tenderloin sandwich!Indiana has no shortage of pork tenderloin sandwiches (there's a handy blog for that), but theirs was one of the most- and best-seasoned I've had in years, maybe ever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/friday-cod-sandwich.jpgFriday Cod Sandwich!Their Friday special is a cod sandwich that's hand-breaded, fried. and generously portioned. This kept Anne for most of our Friday at Cincy Comic Expo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/sauerkraut-balls.jpgSauerkraut Balls!Their Sauerkraut Balls, which are especially popular with the town's annual Freudenfest, were nicely crisped and had tiny bits of corned beef in the filling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/halloween-decor.jpgHalloween decor!Yep, it's Halloween month!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/brau-haus-door.jpgBrau Haus door!One of their interior doors all themed up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/brau-haus.jpgBrau Haus!The front entrance. Free parking is around the side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/anne-at-brau-haus.jpgAnne at Brau Haus!The lovely birthday gal who refuses to age.2023-10-29T20:44:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/19/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-blue-beetle-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/blue-beetle.jpgBlue Beetle!If too few people see this action-packed gem of a throwback, some of us will never stop calling it "criminally underrated" until the day you die.2023-10-20T03:07:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/16/our-heartland-international-film-festival-2023-photos-memories-and-afterthoughts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/living-room-theaters-marquee.jpgLiving Room Theaters marquee!And then it was showtime once more. I didn't see nearly so many Taylor Swift fans this time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/lick-ice-cream.jpgLick Ice Cream!Snacktime at Lick Ice Cream -- flavors were Lemon Lavender, Coffee Chip, and (farther down in the cup on the right) Spiced Apple Butter ice cream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/newfields-fountain.jpgNewfields fountain!By the time The Promised Land ended, night had fallen and the museum's annual Halloween outdoor festivities had begun. That would've cost extra, though.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/newfields-ima-logo.jpgNewfields IMA logo!The limited concession stand still sported the old IMA sign.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/heartland-banners.jpgHeartland banners!Heartland banners in front of the Toby Theater.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/newfields-venus-fly-traps.jpgNewfields venus fly traps!Venus fly trap sculptures. 'Tis the season.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/newfields-harvest.jpgNewfields Harvest!The main exhibits, cafe, and gift shop were all closed, so we missed out on Halloween merchandise browsing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/newfields-sidewalk-art.jpgNewfields sidewalk art!One of several sidewalk chalk circles, each with its own purpose.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/newfields-140.jpgNewfields 140!We arrived just in time for the museum's 140th anniversary.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/estevez-and-sheen.jpgEstevez and Sheen!Flash photography was forbidden, and this was two years before we bought our first smartphone.2023-10-17T03:52:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/14/heartland-international-film-festival-2023-screening-5-a-disturbance-in-the-force/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/a-disturbance-in-the-force.jpgA Disturbance in the ForceNEVER FORGET.2023-10-16T02:33:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/08/heartland-international-film-festival-2023-screening-1-jailhouse-to-milhouse/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pamela-hayden-and-milhouse.jpgPamela Hayden and Milhouse!"My mom thinks I'm cool!"2023-10-16T02:32:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/09/heartland-international-film-festival-2023-screening-2-the-promised-land/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/the-promised-land.jpgThe Promised Land!What if Little House on the Prairie but Charles Ingalls tries really hard not to become the Outlaw Josey Wales?2023-10-16T02:32:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/12/heartland-international-film-festival-2023-screening-3-fancy-dance/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/fancy-dance.jpgFancy Dance!If you can only see one Lily Gladstone film this year, you now have two choices if someone hurries up and distributes this one.2023-10-16T02:32:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2015/10/12/an-afternoon-with-the-woman-who-forgave-josef-mengele/2023-10-16T01:21:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/21/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-10-of-10-an-epilogue-of-film-fowl-and-facades/2023-10-08T19:35:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/10/07/admiral-picards-personal-log-star-trek-fans-welcome-patrick-stewarts-memoir-tour-to-cincinnati/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/souvenir-poster.jpgsouvenir poster!Now Anne has her Patrick Stewart autograph from 2011, a new book, and this souvenir poster exclusive to the Cincinnati tour stop -- another artifact for her Trek collections.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/stage-chairs-with-water.jpgstage chairs with water!Our view of the stage without zooming.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/book-line.jpgbook line!I got about two pages in but gave up because I have a hard time concentrating on prose when other people around, including my own family, which is why I do all my novel-reading on my lunch breaks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/making-it-so.jpgMaking It So!A better look at that memoir.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/stewart-line.jpgStewart line!Naturally we were 50th in line, at best.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/school-for-the-creative-and-performing-arts.jpgSchool for the Creative and Performing Arts!Where else would you find Stewart but in a THEATER.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/me-and-books.jpgme and books!Our copies of Making It So, now available at a bookseller or other upstanding merchant near you! Or through bookshop.org! Or Amazon, if you must!2023-10-11T02:22:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/28/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-8-of-9-the-year-in-antiques/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/frankie-yankovic-vinyl.jpgFrankie Yankovic vinyl!Frankie Yankovic is no relation to who you'd think he'd be related to, nor is it true that they're doing a biopic of him starring Rupert Grint.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/captain-fantastic-and-the-brown-dirt-cowboy-lp.jpgCaptain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy LP!I've never followed Elton John closely, but his 1975 album cover leaps off the shelf.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sticky-fingers-lp.jpgSticky Fingers LP!The Rolling Stones' 1971 classic Sticky Fingers, with the zipper intact.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bobbsey-twins-book.jpgBobbsey Twins book!From the dark age of 1913 come the Bobbsey Twins, who were recently reimagined for several episodes of The CW's Nancy Drew. I Am Not Making This Up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dick-clark-vinyl.jpgDick Clark vinyl!Everyone loves old vinyl! My mom used to have that Dick Clark collection.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/old-comics-2.jpgstill more old comics!I Love Lucy #3, Dell, July 1954, photo cover; Boris Karloff Tales of Mystery #78, Gold Key, 1963, art by George Wilson; Fantastic Four #243, Marvel, June 1982, art by John Byrne; and Little Iodine #29, Dell, July 1955, art by Jimmy Hatlo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/old-comics-3.jpgmore old comics!Round 2: Rex Allen #2, Dell, August 1951, photo cover; Four Color Comics #1290, Dell, March 1962, "Tom and Jerry" art by Harvey Eisenberg; and Sad Sack and the Sarge #14, Harvey, August 1959, art by creator George Baker.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/lincoln-plate.jpgLincoln plate!Lincoln is even older than the Eisenhowers. Totally antique. And yet both hail from a time when eating dinner off an American President's face was commonplace. Imagine doing that with any 21st-century President.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/eisenhowers-plate.jpgEisenhowers plate!Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower were famous before I was born. Ergo, antique.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/antique-clock.jpgantique clock!When we were kids, "antique" meant "things made in previous centuries". Anything with a Founding Father on it was probably an antique.2023-09-30T03:00:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/21/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-7-of-9-the-year-in-animals/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/swimming-otter.jpgswimming otter!HE DID THE THING! THE OTTER SWAM CUTELY! So we got our money's worth from this free attraction.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sliding-otter.jpgsliding otter!Cool thing about otters: they do their own stunts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/begging-otters.jpgbegging otters!The entire stage was encased in protective glass that was dirty from top to bottom with their paw prints.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/otter-adventure-trainer.jpgOtter Adventure trainer!The otter stage, where Our Heroes receive their paychecks at the start of every performance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/no-fingers-in-cages.jpgNo Fingers in Cages!Some people need practical advice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/caged-bunny.jpgcaged bunny!I Know Why the Caged Bunny Sings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/chicken-head.jpgchicken head!For just the price of a cup of coffee a day, you could feed this chicken a cup of coffee a day. watch what happens, and feel awful for the cruel thing you've been doing every day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/turkey-head.jpgturkey head!Some animals were not in the mood to entertain us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/turkeys.jpgturkeys!Other buildings had larger, more impressive animals -- possibly some you could ride. We saw the animals we saw.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/rooster-head.jpgrooster head!Admittedly most of this mini-gallery looks as if it should be set to the tune of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel".2023-09-30T03:00:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/29/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-6-of-9-the-year-in-art-2-d-division/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/painted-snowplow.jpgpainted snowplow!Saturday, August 19th, the Indiana Department of Transportation had a booth where folks could help paint a snowplow. It was the last art we saw before we left the State Fair for the year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ivermectin-poster.jpgIvermectin poster!A salute to Ivermectin, Nobel Prize-winning defense against meningeal worms.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ticks-suck.jpgTicks Suck!TAKE *THAT*, BEN EDLUND!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/spider-lamb-syndrome.jpgSpider Lamb Syndrome!The veterinary science posters frequently teach me new animal diseases I've never heard of.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/fred-the-snowman.jpgFred the Snowman!You don't know Fred the Snowman, but his life and death can teach you much about snow. (The tombstone is a brilliant touch.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dont-soil-your-pants.jpgDon't Soil Your Pants!A serious agroscience project involving multiple soil types and human underwearhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/life-liberty-and-the-pursuit-of-squirrels.jpgLife Liberty and the Pursuit of Squirrels!A submission sewn by Dug from Pixar's Up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/elephant-quilt.jpgelephant quilt!Elephant quilt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/antiwar-needlepoint.jpgantiwar needlepoint!Antiwar needlepoint.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/sewn-sauron.jpgsewn Sauron!Don't visit Mordor, home of Sauron!2023-09-30T03:00:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/29/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-5-of-9-the-year-in-art-3-d-division/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/non-lego-minions.jpgnon-Lego Minions!Updated 8/29/2023, 1:55 p.m. EDT: Somehow I forgot to post this, our third sighting of Minions at the fairgrounds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/kitsune-sculpture.jpgKitsune sculpture!Giant Kitsune!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/giant-snake-garden.jpggiant snake garden!Giant snake garden!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/giant-alligator-sculptures.jpggiant alligator sculptures!Giant alligators!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/wings.jpgwings!In the fields in front of the 4-H Building, a set of four art installations had no signs and no explanations, such as this pair of wings from an anime I haven't seen or maybe an old Aerosmith album.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/warhammer-army.jpgWarhammer army!Pray your dollhouse neighborhood is never overrun by a Warhammer army.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dollhouse-magic-emporium-.jpgdollhouse Magic Emporium!Every 21st-century dollhouse should have a Magic Emporium in its neighborhood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dollhouse-coffeehouse.jpgdollhouse coffeehouse!Soon every 21st-century dollhouse will have a coffeehouse in its neighborhood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/giant-green-octopus.jpggiant green octopus!A big green octopus in a different building and medium.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/giant-blue-octopus.jpggiant blue octopus!A big blue octopus.2023-09-30T03:00:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/27/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-4-of-9-the-year-in-lego/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-titanic.jpgLego Titanic!UPDATED 8/28/2023, 11:05 EDT: Somehow this Lego Titanic slid right by me in the sorting process. Management regrets the omission.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-starry-night.jpgLego Starry Night!Lego starry night upon which Lego Vincent van Gogh is down in the corner painting Lego Starry Night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-pandora.jpgLego Pandora!Lego Pandora from Lego Avatar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-elvis-68-comeback-special.jpgLego Elvis 68 Comeback Special!The Lego Elvis '68 Comeback Special!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-globe.jpgLego globe!Lego globe bordered by four Lego cityscapes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-tom-and-jerry.jpgLego Tom and Jerry!Lego Tom and Jerry.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-metropolis.jpgLego metropolis!A sprawling Lego metropolis.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-fast-and-furious.jpgLego Fast and Furious!Lego Fast and Furious: Lego Tokyo Drift.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-mordor.jpgLego Mordor!One does not simply walk into Lego Mordor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lego-minions-2.jpgLego Minions 2!Lego Minions II.2023-09-30T03:00:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/27/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-3-of-9-the-year-of-basketball/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/midway-basketball-pride-clown.jpgMidway basketball pride clown!A gateway arch on another side of the Midway featured Pride-themed decor and its own dedicated creepy clown head.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/basketball-bouncy-house.jpgbasketball bouncy house!A giant basketball bouncy house for kids who'd rather bounce like a ball rather than play with one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hoopfest.jpgHoopfest!Not far away, Hoopfest was set up for attendees to shoot actual hoops -- some regulation, some with tricks to them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/basketball-headed-scarecrow.jpgbasketball-headed scarecrow!A basketball-headed scarecrow stood guard over a plot in Pioneer Village.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/basketball-court-flowers-diorama.jpgbasketball court flowers diorama!Over at the 4-H Building, one of the diorama makers recreated a high school gym as a vehicle for a bouquet of black-eyed Susans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/midway-backboard.jpgMidway backboard!An Expressionist wider shot of that same Midway.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/midway-logo-backboard.jpgMidway logo backboard!Popular State Fair sights surround the arch that leads to the Midway (read: carnival rides), one leg of which can be seen in our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/indiana-stuff-backboard.jpgIndiana Stuff backboard!Indiana iconography on parade: corn, basketballs, an Indy 500 checkered flag, our state bird the cardinal, our state flower the peony, our state tree the tulip tree, the Indiana Dunes, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and Triple XXX Root Beer in Lafayette.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/normandy-farm-backboard.jpgNormandy Farm backboard!A salute to historic Normandy Farms, which used to be a thing in the Traders Point area.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grow-the-game-backboard.jpgGrow the Game backboard!A special competition invited artists to submit custom-painted backboards that crossed basketball with the State Fair and/or with farming.2023-09-30T03:00:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/26/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-2-of-9-the-year-in-food-art/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ceramic-pretzel.jpgceramic pretzel!Tangential from all of the above yet still within the "food art" topic, we present a ceramic pretzel. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ugly-christmas-sweater-cake.jpgUgly Christmas Sweater cake!We were rather partial to this glorious ugly Christmas sweater cake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/messy-burger-cake.jpgmessy burger cake!An audaciously focused Ugly Cake Contest awarded first prize to this sweet treat shaped like a Man v. Food burger.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/good-luck-pamela-panda-cake.jpgGood Luck Pamela Panda cake!Moving away from the basketball theme, hopefully this panda-themed salute to the mysterious Pamela wasn't made with bamboo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/basketball-court-cake.jpgbasketball court cake!One baker went bigger and more historical with an entire basketball court cake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/basketball-cakes.jpgbasketball cakes!Meanwhile over at the Indiana Arts Buildings, a few bakers upheld the "Year of the Basketball" theme in the cake contests.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1099-pound-gourd.jpg1099-pound gourd!The 2023 winner, weighing in at a staggering 1,099 pounds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/canned-reggie-miller.jpgcanned Reggie Miller!Remember that time between the Pacers and the Knicks in the '94 playoffsm when Knicks superfan Spike Lee wouldn't stop heckling Reggie Miller, who then shot five 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and heckled Lee back? They went there...in cans!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/canned-air-bud.jpgcanned Air BudIt's Air Bud...in cans!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/canned-space-jam.jpgcanned Space Jam!It's Space Jam...in cans!2023-09-30T02:59:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/20/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-1-our-year-in-food/2023-09-30T02:59:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/29/indiana-state-fair-2023-photos-part-9-of-9-the-year-in-miscellany/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/wanted-anne.jpgWanted Anne!Prospector Anne, wanted for the crime of Hoggin' All Them Bubbles. Back in them there olden days, $113,000 was all the money in the world, so you knew they was real serious about this.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/loot-and-freebies.jpgloot and freebies!Our collection of freebies given to us and some Hoosier-made foods we bought at the Mercantile on our way out.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/large-chess-board.jpglarge chess board!An unexplained, lawn-sized chess board in the northeast corner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/circle-city-sidewalk-stompers-clown-band.jpgCircle City Sidewalk Stompers Clown Band!The Circle City Sidewalk Stompers Clown Band, a frequent afternoon sight on the north end.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pioneer-village-cover-band.jpgPioneer Village cover band!A live cover band playing at Pioneer Village.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nitro.jpgNitro!Nitro, dragon mascot for the Indy Fuel (our minor league hockey team), who showed up and seemed like he might do something...but then kinda didn't.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/radioactive-horse-head.jpgradioactive horse head!A radioactive horse head on the two-story carousel, landing somewhere on the carousel fright scale between Something Wicked This Way Comes and Strangers on a Train.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/indiana-pork-producers-pig.jpgIndiana Pork Producers pig!The Indiana Pork Producers booth had a pig promoting their organization's educational AR app.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/midair-bubbles.jpgmidair bubbles!I got bored after a while, but Anne kept going and going and I thought she might not stop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bubbles.jpgbubbles!We played around for a while, catching bubbles and photographing them and trying not to trample the li'l kids around us.2023-09-30T02:58:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/25/cincinnati-comic-expo-2023-photos-part-2-of-2-who-we-met-and-what-we-did/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cce-loot.jpgCCE loot!My Cincinnati Comic Expo loot pile. Not pictured: the giant-sized omnibus that could've broken my back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/anne-in-carbonite.jpgAnne in carbonite!Anne in carbonite, caught by some unknown bounty hunter who's too much of a COWARD to face me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/me-in-palpatine-throne.jpgme in Palpatine throne!I have my own reaction to being given too much power.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/anne-in-palpatine-throne.jpgAnne in Palpatine throne!Anne in Palpatine's throne, doing Q's finger-snapping gesture.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/grogu-and-rickshaw-droid.jpgGrogu and Rickshaw Droid!Grogu and a Rickshaw Droid. Not until the next day did we see the other baby in this shot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/me-on-tattooine.jpgme on Tattooine!Me on Tattooine in a Tattooine shirt. Double jeopardy!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/space-ice-cream-maker.jpgspace ice cream maker!For Empire Strikes Back fans, a space ice cream maker, courtesy of the Rebel Legion fan group.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/thestrel.jpgthestrel!If all you see is a dark forest backdrop with nothing in front of it, congrats on your normalcy!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pillo-pascal-embiggened-signage.jpgPillo Pascal embiggened signage!Emboldened by sales at other shows, Drew Blank brought an even bigger sign for his Pillo Pascal pillow covers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/chalk-girl-predator-friday.jpgChalk Girl Predator Friday!The latest work from The Chalk Girl, where things stood as of late Friday.2023-09-30T02:38:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/24/cincinnati-comic-expo-2023-photos-part-1-of-2-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/macho-man-randy-savage.jpgMacho Man Randy Savage!Macho Man Randy Savage! NEED A LITTLE EXCITEMENT? STEP INTO A SLIM JIM!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/galadriel.jpgGaladriel!Galadriel from the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, bearing magic water from her fountain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/blues-brothers-1.jpgBlues Brothers!The Blues Brothers, on a mission from God. The beer in the background is totally coincidental.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ratchet.jpgRatchet!Ratchet, star of the video game series my son and I used to play together all the time. Double bonus points for the game-accurate Clank in her backpack.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/spamton-neo.jpgSpamton NEO!Spamton NEO from the Undertale sequel Deltarune.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/rosalina-piranha-daisy.jpgRosalina piranha Daisy!From the world of Suepr Mario: Princess Rosalina, a Piranha Plant, and Princess Daisy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/umbrella-corporation-soldier-1.jpgUmbrella Corporation soldier!An Umbrella Corporation soldier from the world of Resident Evil. We just saw a whole army of them recently.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cthulhu.jpgCthulhu!Cthulhu, enjoying the fruits of our dimension for once instead of just devouring it on sight.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mr.-stay-puft.jpgMr. Stay Puft!Mr. Stay Puft, kindasorta doing jazz hands!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/riker-and-seven.jpgRiker and Seven!Captain Riker and Commander Seven from Picard season 3.2023-09-26T03:15:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/20/dragon-con-2023-photos-12-of-12-three-days-of-the-con-doers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dragon-con-loot-anne.jpgDragon Con loot Anne!...and a little more loot on the side, apropos of her and D*C respectively.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/anne-buttons.jpgAnne buttons!Anne's Dragon Con lanyard and the buttons and pins she acquired from the show floor...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dragon-con-loot.jpgDragon Con loot!My Dragon Con loot collection to take home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/legends-of-tomorrow-poster.jpgLegends of Tomorrow poster!A distracting yet cool Legends of Tomorrow seaon-1 poster. I've met three of the pictured stars!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/schmigadoon-panel.jpgSchmigadoon panel!Officially the panel was part of the "American Sci-fi and Fantasy Media" track, which is why it was held in a room covered in Hollywood superhero posters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/guss-world-famous-chicken.jpgGus's World Famous Chicken!It may not photograph fancy, but it was the best meal we had all day. And the only one, really.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/guss-front.jpgGus's front!Gus's entrance on the bottom floor of Peachtree Center.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/free-ice-cream.jpgfree ice cream!Remember when conventions used to overflow with freebies? Those were the days.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/one-piece-truck.jpgOne Piece truck!But I am very decided when it comes to free ice cream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/anne-on-sidewalk.jpgAnne on sidewalk!Anne waiting on the sidewalk, all comfy and enjoying some 70-degree mildness.2023-09-22T01:07:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/14/dragon-con-2023-photos-11-of-12-last-call-for-the-cosplay-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/back-row.jpgback row!The back row of the parade before the audience mobbed the streets: Saber from Fate/stay night, some security dude, the Tenth Doctor, Toad and Mario.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nuns.jpgNuns!Nuns. One of them is now in theaters!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/honeydukes-saleslady.jpgHoneydukes saleslady!A Honeydukes saleslady with one of her familiar customers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inflatable-t-rex-skeleton.jpginflatable T-Rex skeleton!One last inflatable T-Rex for the road, this one fossilized.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sheriff-hopper-and-murray.jpgSheriff Hopper and Murray!Also from Stranger Things, Sheriff Hopper and Murray.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/horror-misc.jpghorror misc!Various forms of horror tagging along after Eddie Munson from Stranger Things.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/black-mask-and-spider-variant.jpgBlack Mask and Spider variant!Black Mask from Birds of Prey and a Spider-Verse variant.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nightwing-eradicator-superman.jpgNightwing Eradicator Superman!DC Comics presents Nightwing, the Eradicator, and two Supermen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/prince-akeem.jpgPrince Akeem!Prince Akeem in his McDowell's uniform from Coming to America.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/harley-quinn-and-ghostbusters.jpgHarley Quinn and Ghostbusters!Harley Quinn meets the Ghostbusters, and woe betide any deathly pale forms of evil and/or exes in their way.2023-09-21T02:33:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/12/dragon-con-2023-photos-10-cosplay-parade-teams-sampler-platter/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/roy-batty.jpgRoy Batty!It's not a great shot, but there's something about Roy Batty from Blade Runner spending his final moments alone with a stray dove.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/harley-krueger-poison-pennywise.jpgHarley Krueger & Poison Pennywise!DC/horror mash-up time with Harley Krueger & Poison Pennywise. A Victorian Beetlejuice rounds out the line.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/horror-group-sampler.jpgHorror Group Sampler!The Horror Group was another large gathering. Among the visible: Ghostface, the Creepshow cockroach guy, The Shining twins, Ricky Park from Nope, Lizzie Borden, and Sam from Trick or Treat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/lakeside-high-school-viking-band.jpgLakeside High School Viking Band!Our third time seeing the Lakeside High School Viking Band.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mary-jackson.jpgMary Jackson!For the science-minded Skeptics squad, NASA engineer Mary Jackson, who was played by Janelle Monae in the Best Picture nominee Hidden Figures.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/prydon-academy-team.jpgPrydon Academy team!More Prydon Academy Whovians include the Thirteenth Doctor, Osgood, the Fugitive Doctor, and a Time Lord.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/netherworld-cthulhu-face.jpgNetherworld Cthulhu Face!An army of monsters promoted the annual Netherworld haunted house in nearby Stone Mountain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/8th-fleet.jpg8th Fleet!Galactica fans press on for the 8th Fleet. So say we all!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cosplay-of-gilead.jpgCosplay of Gilead!Not every group has to sprawl. Behold the Cosplay of Gilead, a.k.a. "Three Handmaids and a Baby".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/seed-and-feed-cult-of-jon.jpgSeed and Feed Cult of Jon!Not our first shot of the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable, at least one of whom holds dual membership here and in the Cult of Jon.2023-09-21T02:33:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/10/dragon-con-2023-photos-9-cosplay-parade-animation-and-gaming/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/korra-trio.jpgKorra trio!Cartoon/gaming team-up: Booker DeWitt from Bioshock Infinite flanked by folks from the Avatar/Korra-‘verse: Azula, Toph, Bolin, and Korra herself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mr.-ms.-pac-man.jpgMr. & Ms. Pac-Man!Going back-to-basics with Ms. & Mr. Pac-Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/big-brother-and-little-sister.jpgBig Brother and Little Sister!Big Brother and Little Sister from same.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bioshock-splicer.jpgBioshock Splicer!A Splicer from the Bioshock trilogy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/resident-evil-zombie.jpgResident Evil zombie!Shambling and spasming and snarling alongside the Resident Evil group, hers was the best-acted zombie in the parade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/umbrella-corporation-doctor.jpgUmbrella Corporation doctor!An Umbrella Corporation doctor denying culpability.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/umbrella-corporation-soldier.jpgUmbrella Corporation soldier!An Umbrella Corporation soldier listens for Resident Evil zombies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/seed-and-feed-wario.jpgSeed and Feed Wario!Wario clearly trying to sabotage the parade by infiltrating the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fallout-76-milkman-outfit.jpgFallout 76 milkman outfit!The milkman outfit from Fallout 76.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fallout-new-vegas-license-plate-armor.jpgFallout New Vegas license plate armor!The license plate armor from Fallout New Vegas.2025-05-01T23:49:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/09/dragon-con-2023-photos-8-cosplay-parade-presents-the-walt-disney-family-of-companies/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/kida.jpgKida!Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nandor.jpgNandor!The lone representation for FX, pretty much my favorite Hulu section: Nandor from What We Do in the Shadows.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/zapp-brannigan-and-professor-farnsworth.jpgZapp Brannigan and Professor Farnsworth!One last Zapp and Professor Farnsworth sneaking in a Cult of Marriott Carpet shirt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/futurama-cast.jpgFuturama castFuturama-rame with three Frys, Leela, another Zapp, and a hidden pink Bender.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/two-zapp-brannigans.jpgtwo Zapp Brannigans!The Futurama fun continues with two Zapp Brannigans and Scruffy the janitor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bender-and-grogu.jpgBender and Grogu!Bender sneaking his way into the Star Wars section by stealing IG-11's shtick.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/jawa-sign.jpgJawa with signJawas who swear their merch totally ain't hot, not even that counterfeit Mjolnir.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/jawas-shoplifting.jpgJawas shoplifting!Jawas who just got back from a five-finger-discount spree in San Francisco.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/jawas-thieving.jpgJawas thieving!Jawas thieving, as always.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mandalorians-3.jpgMandalorians 3!Still more Mandalorians. They just kept coming and coming.2023-09-21T02:33:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/09/dragon-con-2023-photos-7-cosplay-parade-vehicles-and-riders/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/robot-santa.jpgRobot Santa!Futurama's Planet Express brings you evil Robot Santa and the Hypnotoad.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sandcrawler.jpgSandcrawler!Per convention tradition, the Jawa Sandcrawler, is usually one of the last cars in the parade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/endor-jeep.jpgEndor jeep!An Endor ride-or-die crew.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/kylo-ren-and-first-order-mobile.jpgKylo Ren and First Order-MobileThe First Order guys won't let Kylo Ren in the car because he always wants to smash the dashboard with his helmet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/emperor-and-tie-fighter.jpgEmperor and TIE Fighter!Remember that Simpsons episode where Mr. Burns builds a tiny Spruce Goose model and then threatens Smithers with a gun to get in? Emperor Palpatine reminds me of that here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/kitt.jpgKITT!When we were kids, TV's K.I.T.T. used to appear at all the local car shows.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/olivander-wand-cart.jpgOlivander wand cart!A simple magic wand salesman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cobra-stinger-jeep.jpgCobra Stinger jeep!From the world of G.I. Joe, this Cobra Stinger jeep bears the name of the Rattler, which was a Cobra plane. I'm sure there's an anecdote there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/men-in-black-monocycle.jpgMen in Black Monocycle!The Men in Black Monocycle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bioshock-infinite.jpgBioshock Infinite truck!Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth Comstock from Bioshock Infinite.2023-09-21T02:32:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/09/dragon-con-2023-photos-6-cosplay-parade-presents-barbie-and-deadpool/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pitmasterpool.jpgPitmasterpool!From the "Fans for Christ" cosplay group, Pitmasterpool accompanies Link, Aquaman, and others.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/deadpooh-and-blind-al.jpgDeadpooh and Blind Al!Deadpooh and Deadpool's unwilling roommate Blind Al.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/stuntpool-zooms-past-scotpool.jpgStuntpool zooms past Scotpool!Stuntpool zoomed past Scotpool as he did laps around his teammates.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/princesspool.jpgPrincesspool!Princesspool!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/scotpool.jpgScotpool!Scotpool!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/minipool-fedexpool-magicianpool.jpgMinipool FedExpool MagicianpoolMinipool, FedExpool, and Magicianpool again.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/magicianpool-santapool-easterpool.jpgMagicianpool Santapool Easterpool!Magicianpool, Santapool and Easterpool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/eddie-munson-marriott-carpet-t-rexpool-and-ashpool.jpgEddie Munson Marriott Carpet T-Rexpool and AshpoolAshpool introduces us to Eddie Munson Marriott Carpet T-Rexpool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/chimichangapool-and-stuntpool.jpgChimichangapool and Stuntpool!Chimichangapool watched Stuntpool cycling around.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/scoutmasterpool.jpgScoutmasterpool!Scoutmasterpool offered merit badges and accepted bribes.2023-09-21T02:32:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/08/dragon-con-2023-photos-5-our-favorite-cosplay-parade-moments/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/jawas-and-stolen-tardis.jpgJawas and stolen TARDIS!The Jawas had a TARDIS for sale at a very fair price and swore it totally wasn't stolen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mandalorian-merc-waving.jpgMandalorian Merc waving!One of the more brightly colored, cheerier Mandalorians in the area.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/chewbacca.jpgChewbacca!Chewbacca loomed large over cute tiny Anne as she took this.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ronald-mcdonald-who-laughs.jpgRonald McDonald Who Laughs!DC's Dark Nights: Metal plus fast food equals The Ronald McDonald Who Laughs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nocturnal-pirates-of-atlanta.jpgNocturnal Pirates of Atlanta!Shipmates from the Nocturnal Pirates of Atlanta.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/river-song-and-master-.jpgRiver Song and Master!Doctor Who reps included River Song and Sacha Dhawan's recent version of The Master.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bioshock-little-sister-and-splicer.jpgBioshock Little Sister and Splicer!A Little Sister and a Splicer from the Bioshock series.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/furter-hedwig-jefferson.jpgFurter Hedwig Jefferson!Reps from the Dragon Con Theater & Performing Arts Lovers group included Frank N. Furter, Hedwig, and Hamilton's Thomas Jefferson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/umbrella-corporation-wee-guard.jpgUmbrella Corporation wee guard!A li'l Umbrella Corporation guard about to get jumped by a Resident Evil zombie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/endgame-captain-america.jpgEndgame Captain America!Captain America in battle-damaged troop-rallying mode from Avengers: Endgame.2023-09-21T02:32:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/05/dragon-con-2023-photos-4-saturday-cosplay-non-parade-edition/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/subject-delta-and-little-sister.jpgSubject Delta and Little Sister!The very last cosplay photo we took this entire weekend before we returned to the hotel and collapsed: Subject Delta and Little Sister from Bioshock 2.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pink-ladies.jpgPink Ladies!Pink Ladies from Grease.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/endora-from-bewitched.jpgEndora from Bewitched!Samantha's mother Endora from Bewitched.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/glinda-and-dorothy.jpgGlinda and Dorothy!Glinda and Dorothy searching for the Marriott Carpet Road.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/miracle-max-and-valerie.jpgMiracle Max and Valerie!Miracle Max and Valerie from The Princess Bride.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/giant-rubber-chicken.jpggiant rubber chicken!A giant rubber chicken, possibly in search of a Svengoolie to clobber.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/chef-boyardee.jpgChef Boyardee!Chef Boyardee, beloved by millions of American children for his extremely basic Italian cuisine, being judged by fellow Italian Super Mario.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/voldemort.jpgVoldemort!Voldemort.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/puck-and-the-master.jpgPuck and the Master!Puck and the Master from John Byrne's Alpha Flight.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/evil-knievel.jpgEvil Knievel!Daredevil stuntman extraordinaire Evil Knievel!2023-10-13T06:53:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/05/dragon-con-2023-photos-3-friday-cosplay-the-other-half/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/t-rexpool-and-inflatable-dinosaurs.jpgT-Rexpool and inflatable dinosaurs!The inflatable T-Rex army from our previous gallery part to reveal T-Rexpool mourning his dead pet unicorn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cards-against-humanity.jpgCards Against Humanity costume!Cards Against Humanity: the Costume!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cult-of-jon-priest.jpgCult of Jon priest!A priest from the Cult of Jon, which was a 2019 phenomenon we witnessed but failed to photograph or convert to.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/expired-potato.jpgexpired potato!An expired potato, possibly the deadliest thing in your pantry.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/flying-spaghetti-monster.jpgFlying Spaghetti Monster!The Flying Spaghetti Monster!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/indiana-jones-cast.jpgIndiana Jones cast!From the Indiana Jones series: Sallah; Dr. Henry Jones, Sr.; the Grail Knight; and Dr. Henry Jones, Jr.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/professors-snape-and-dumbledore.jpgProfessors Snape and DumbledoreProfessors Snape and Dumbledore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bellatrix-lestrange-and-death-eater.jpgBellatrix Lestrange and Death-Eater!Bellatrix Lestrange and a Death-Eater.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/spartans-also.jpgSpartans also!...and marching and marching and marching.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/spartans.jpgSpartans!Spartans marching with purpose through the Hilton...2023-09-21T02:31:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/04/dragon-con-2023-photos-2-friday-cosplay-the-first-half/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/reptar-and-inflatable-t-rex-army.jpgReptar and inflatable T-Rex army!Reptar from Rugrats leads an army of those inflatable T-Rexes we always see around. Two of them sport skins styled after the Marriott Marquis' former carpet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hunter-s.-thompson.jpgHunter S. Thompson!Hunter S. Thompson, ACTION JOURNALIST.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/spider-gwen-en-pointe.jpgSpider-Gwen en pointe!Spider-Gwen, en pointe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/man-with-no-name.jpgMan With No Name!The Man With No Name from the classic The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and its two pretty-okay prequels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/steve-harvey.jpgSteve Harvey!Family Feud's Steve Harvey!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cid-highwind.jpgCid Highwind!...and poor Cid Highwind, scooted out of frame by all those wings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/final-fantasy-vii-trio.jpgFinal Fantasy VII trio!A salute to Final Fantasy VII with Sephiroth, Cloud (Advent children variant), Vincent Valentine (Dirge of Cerberus variant)...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/big-brother.jpgBig Brother!Full disclosure: this was our only Thursday cosplay photo. We arrived that evening and walked from our hotel to go fetch our badges and dinner. We were exhausted after driving in from Pigeon Forge, but I had to brake for Bioshock's Big Brother.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pawnee-goddesses.jpgPawnee Goddesses!Two troop members from the Pawnee Goddesses of Parks and Rec, one of whom may also be Loki.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/oregon-trail-wagon.jpgOregon Trail wagon!The Oregon Trail wagon, which taught all of Generation X some harsh lessons about road trips.2023-09-21T02:31:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/09/04/dragon-con-2023-photos-part-1-the-stars-in-our-galaxy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/garrett-wang-redacted-track-panel-1.jpgGarrett Wang Redacted Track Panel!After Wang arrived, his crew jokingly covered the "TREK" in the Trek Track banner for strike's sake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/garrett-wang-redacted-track-panel.jpgGarrett Wang Redacted Track Panelhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/claudia-christian.jpgClaudia Christian!insert caption herehttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bionic-duo.jpgBionic Duo!Majors made Anne laugh right before the camera click.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mandip-gill.jpgMandip Gill!Yaz hands!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/paul-bettany.jpgPaul Bettany!Facebook friends tell me I'm negligent for not mentioning A Knight's Tale, which we haven't seen. As Steve Rogers used to say, "I'll add it to the list."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/strange-new-worlds-cast.jpgStrange New Worlds cast!To explore Strange New Worlds and seek out new jazz hands. Fun times with Christina Chong, Ethan Peck, Anson Mount, and Celia Rose Gooding.2023-09-21T02:31:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2013/07/20/2013-road-trip-photos-1-the-first-of-two-springfields/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/state-theatre-marquee.jpgState Theater marquee!After years of closure and disuse, local investors acquired the State at the end of 2021 and hope to have it refurbished and back in business sometime in 2023.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/limestone-and-main-cornerstone.jpgLimestone and Main cornerstone!A cornerstone at the intersection of Limestone and Main Streets.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/toulmin-statue.jpgToulmin statue!H.A. "Harry" Toulmin, Sr., the Wright brothers' patent attorney who helped assure their places in American history books.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/springfield-fountains.jpgSpringfield Fountains!Downtown Springfield fountains.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/george-rogers-clark-statue-springfield-ohio.jpgGeorge Rogers Clark statue Springfield Ohio!The George Rogers Clark statue in Springfield, Ohio.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/madonna-of-the-trail-springfield-ohio.jpgMadonna of the Trail Springfield Ohio!Madonna of the Trail in Springfield, Ohio.2023-09-04T20:06:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/28/i-for-one-welcome-our-new-barbie-overlords/2023-08-28T21:50:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/14/fan-expo-chicago-2023-photos-part-1-of-4-cosplay/2023-08-25T03:25:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/14/fan-expo-chicago-2023-photos-part-2-of-4-more-cosplay/2023-08-25T03:25:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/19/fan-expo-chicago-2023-photos-part-3-of-4-stars-and-strikes/2023-08-25T03:25:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/20/fan-expo-chicago-2023-photos-part-4-of-4-comics-shopping-and-other-hobbies/2023-08-25T03:25:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/08/24/the-food-after-the-fan-expo-chicago-2023-end-credits/2023-08-25T03:23:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/07/30/oppenheimer-in-the-shadow-of-manhattan/2023-07-30T20:39:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/07/29/doughnuts-dragons-sails-into-the-west/2023-07-29T19:58:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/08/2020-road-trip-photos-29-the-week-in-breakfast/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/donuts-for-dragons.jpgDonuts for Dragons!Decisions made: Anne went with one maple pecan and one lemon basil glazed, while I tried one fluffernutter and a simple yet quality coffee braid. Winners, all.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/imaginary-friends.jpgimaginary friends!Bonus points for creativity in their distancing methods.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/board-games-netted.jpgboard games, netted.Sorry, games called on account of virus. Boo, hiss.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/dragon-donuts.jpgDragon Donuts!Yes, we have a donut display! Duh!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/doughnuts-dragons-.jpgDoughnuts & Dragons!Formerly the home of a BD's Mongolian Grill.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/anna-frittata.jpgAnna Frittata!Each of their Frittatas all'Uovo (a phrase which here means "made of eggs") have a woman's name. My choice, the Anna (see what I did there?), contained smoked salmon, caramelized onions, leeks and mascarpone. Served with roasted potatoes and a croissant. I can never have enough croissants. We're not allowed to have croissants on the west side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wall-art-and-tile.jpgWall Art and Tile!Big Italian scooter art and greeting tiles in the men's room.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/caffe-buondi-mural.jpgCaffe Buondi mural!Decor and ambiance: wall plants and mural and so forth.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/lemon-mascarpone-waffles.jpgLemon Mascarpone Waffles!No mere waffles, those. Anne is enjoying their lemon mascarpone waffles. Adjectival ingredients make all the difference.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/caffe-buondi.jpgCaffe Buondi!I realize strip malls don't make for the most inspiring establishing shots, but's that where we were.2023-07-29T14:46:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/07/23/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-one-imf-mvp-bffs-v-awol-ai/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-one.jpgMission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One!Do you know how hard it is to find a decent pic of Ethan Hunt holding still?2023-07-23T21:34:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/07/17/not-put-asunder-19-years-and-counting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/chocolate-anniversary-truffles.jpgChocolate Anniversary TrufflesAnd for our anniversary, a pair of chocolate truffles, one white and one dark, plus a berry arc and a dollop of whipped cream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/smore-budino.jpgS'More Budino!The S'More Budino! Caramel custard on the bottom, then a layer of crushed and toasted graham cracker crumbs, topped with a ton of marshmallow and cocoa powder.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/smoky-couple-wide.jpgSmoky Couple WideTeaser image from our 2023 road trip miniseries.2023-07-18T22:26:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/07/08/indiana-jones-and-the-dial-of-destiny-one-last-whip-crack-for-us-gen-x-whippersnappers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/indiana-jones-5.jpgIndiana Jones 5Funny how Disney's official movie site gallery has more pics of Young Indy than of Real Indy.2023-07-08T18:55:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/07/02/all-five-black-mirror-season-6-episodes-ranked/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/black-mirror-loch-henry.jpgBlack Mirror Loch Henry!Down on "Loch Henry" the family gathers 'round the ol' viewing device for another round of tales of terror.2023-07-03T03:49:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/06/18/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-flash-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ezra-miller-times-two.jpgEzra Miller times two!Flash-forward to a 2035 Off-Off-Off-Off-Off Broadway performance of Chaucer's The MIllers' Tale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/michael-keaton-is-batman.jpgMichael Keaton IS Batman!a.k.a. Batman III, as far as Warner Bros. is concerned.2023-06-19T01:31:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/06/18/my-ten-favorite-spider-people-in-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/across-the-spider-verse.jpgAcross the Spider-Verse!Two Spider-friends chatting about their tangled webs.2023-06-18T18:26:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/06/11/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-transformers-rise-of-the-beasts-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/transformers-rise-of-the-beasts-standee.jpgTransformers Rise of the Beasts standee!insert caption2023-09-27T18:37:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/06/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-in-the-heights-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/in-the-heights.jpgIn the Heights!How you doin'?2023-06-11T01:31:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/06/03/our-2022-road-trip-32-the-final-four-photos-and-the-outtakes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/welcome-to-indiana.jpgWelcome to Indiana!The obligatory "Welcome to Indiana" sign may be the last time this design ever greets us. Plans are underway for a new, inferior replacement.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/budweiser-factory.jpgBudweiser factory!Random sights along our path included the Anheuser-Busch factory in Columbus. Fun trivia: the day I turned 21, the first alcohol I ever tasted was a can of Bud Light.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/nashville-chicken-sandwich.jpgNashville Chicken sandwich!Anne's fried-fish lunch is easily pictured in your head, as is probably my hot Nashville chicken sandwich topped with pickles and cole slaw.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/booth-quotes.jpgbooth quotes!Each pair of booths was topped with a quote in varying levels of inspirational motivation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/coolidge-graves.jpgCoolidge graves!Additional members of the extended Coolidge lineage at his family's considerably inclusive plot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/chairs-for-sale.jpgpatio chairs for sale!Patio chairs for sale at a gas station we stopped at on the way to Coolidge's place.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/coolidge-visitors-center.jpgCoolidge Visitors Center!DAY SIX: The Museum and Education Center at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. You can't really make out the gnats on the porch that ate our faces off.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ethan-almond.jpgEthan Almond!DAY FIVE: We left a lot of the dead flavors from the Ben & Jerry's mock graveyard on the cutting room floor. Their long-gone Ethan Almond variety bolsters this miniseries' use of Ethan Allen as a recurring motif.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/teddy-bear-pile.jpgteddy bear pile!An overlooked pile of stuffed friends greeting us at the Vermont Teddy Bear Museum.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/grand-union-flag.jpgGrand Union Flag!DAY FOUR: A Grand Union Flag, the first flag flown by our 13 rebelling colonies when they were merely asserting their rights rather than demanding independence. One of the more colorful, non-wood, non-nautical items at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vermont.2023-06-04T02:13:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/06/01/our-2022-road-trip-31-cuyahoga-gone/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anne-and-lake.jpgAnne and Kendall Lake!That same moment in time from the stranger's viewpoint, giving us one last shot of adorable Anne.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anne-and-tourists.jpgAnne and tourists!I stayed at the car while Anne traipsed around for one last round of offering to take photos of other tourists with their own devices.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/reflective-lake.jpgreflective lake!Kendall Lake at its most reflective.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/lilypads-or-algae.jpglilypads on Kendall Lake!Kendall Lake was blessedly free of any obnoxious rich guys screaming for "all bangers, all the time".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/this-writer.jpgthis writer!The last photo taken of the rather fatigued writer on this trip.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/view-going-down.jpgview going down!From the other side of the ledge, you could better sense the long way down.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/edge-of-boulders.jpgedge of boulders!The trailhead and some of the large overlook rocks off to one side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/obscured-horizon.jpgobscured horizon!In person it was quite a sight, looking at miles of deciduous Ohio all around. That metropolitan grandeur didn't quite translate into our pics.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/slightly-more-waterfalls.jpgslightly more waterfalls!If R.E.M.'s "Cuyahoga" had ever been released as a single, this could've been the perfect 45 sleeve art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/more-creek.jpgmore creek!Not the Ohio & Erie Canal, which ran around the northern end of the area in the 1800s and made large cities like Cleveland and Akron possible.2023-06-02T02:56:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/06/the-oscar-quest-23-grand-finale-all-the-other-nominees-i-could-catch/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/house-made-of-splinters.jpgA House Made of Splinters.On the bright side, at least he isn't a raging alcoholic yet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-sea-beast.jpgThe Sea Beast!All these years we've wasted time on pirate movies when they could've been making sea-monster-hunter movies instead.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tobey-maguire-babylon.jpgTobey Maguire in Babylon!Peter Parker #1 declares, "THIS IS CINEMA!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/steve-binder-elvis.jpgSteve Binder Elvis!The Elvis '68 Comeback Special: Behind the Music.2023-05-29T18:24:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/05/21/milestones-behind-and-millstones-ahead/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/birthday-card-2023-inside.jpgBirthday Card 2023 inside!...complete with Dunder Mifflin pop-up party, Schrute style. Designed by xxx.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/birthday-card-2023-front.jpgBirthday Card 2023 front!Anne now loves Etsy and bought me this gloriously apropos card.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wordpress-11th-anniversary.jpgWordPress 11th AnniversaryA copy of that notification. If only every bot interaction were so gracious.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pizza-brunch.jpgPizza Brunch!Portrait of the author having brunch with his wife/photographer Anne at Pizza di Tito, an outtake from our Friday experience at this year's Indiana Comic Con.2023-05-29T18:21:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/05/28/our-2022-road-trip-30-the-cleveland-wahlbergs/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/our-donuts.jpgour donuts!Our results, from top left: Maple Bacon, Raised Maple, Cookies and Cream, sprinkles, salted caramel, and Cookie Monster.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/sample-donuts.jpgsample donuts!Cake donuts aren't my thing, but it's their thing. I relented with no regrets.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/jack-frost-donuts.jpgJack Frost Donuts!Their last website update was over two years ago, but the internet swears they're still around.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/polish-boy.jpgPolish boy!At the park, for pre-breakfast I bought myself a "Polish boy" from a genial hot dog vendor wearing a Steak 'n Shake apron.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/terminal-tower-residences.jpgTerminal Tower Residences!Back near the hotel stood Terminal Tower Residences, the second-tallest building in Ohio.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/lake-erie-afterthought.jpgLake Erie afterthought!This otherwise cluttered and pointless pic was our least worst view of Lake Erie. which we'd thankfully already seen before.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/firstenergy-stadium.jpgFirstEnergy Stadium!Not far away was FirstEnergy Stadium, two doors down from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum. As of April 2023 that's no longer its name due to a very, very long story that sent me down a rabbit hole for hours the other night.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/greater-cleveland-police-officers-memorial.jpgGreater Cleveland Police Officers Memorial!The Greater Cleveland Police Officers Memorial.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/john-t.-corrigan-statue.jpgJohn T. Corrigan statue!Less germane to us non-residents of Ohio was John T. Corrigan, a local prosecutor who served "35 years as the chief law enforcement officer for Cuyahoga County," per their description.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/oliver-hazard-perry-statue.jpgOliver Hazard Perry statue!Much taller is their tribute to Oliver Hazard Perry, the "Dont Give Up the Ship" guy who was a hero at the Battle of Lake Erie. We've seen his grave back home in Indy.2023-05-29T03:03:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/05/01/our-2022-road-trip-29-room-for-jell-o/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/brisket-sandwich-and-4-sides.jpgBrisket sandwich and 4 sides!While Anne had a mushroom-'n'-Swiss burger with kettle chips, I went overboard with a brisket sandwich dinner and too many sides. My fault, not theirs..https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/smokin-eagle-bbq-brew.jpgSmokin Eagle BBQ & Brew!Not that there was anything wrong with the restaurant, mind you. This was Day Seven, we were fatigued, and our discussion went awkwardly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/watch-it-wiggle-see-it-jiggle.jpgWatch It Wiggle See It Jiggle!Anne does not fancy buying this T-shift from their gift shop. One wonders if these come in Barbie sizes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/anne-the-jell-o-girl.jpgAnne the Jell-O girl!Anne fancies herself a Jell-O girl who might've played marbles with Shirley Temple.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/jell-o-mail-in-snow-white-story-tape.jpgJell-O mail-in Snow White story tape!In the mid-'80s, kids had an offer to mail in six Jell-O UPCs and get a free Snow White public-domain retelling on cassette, with Rumpelstiltskin as the B-side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/jell-o-fruit-flavored-coffee.jpgJell-O fruit-flavored coffee!Jell-O fruit-flavored coffee was arguably ahead of its time. If only Starbucks had been around to push it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/mr.-wiggle-and-sweet-toothed-sam.jpgMr. Wiggle and Sweet-Toothed Sam!Puppets of 1960s Jell-O mascot Mr. Wiggle and his arch-nemesis Sweet-Toothed Sam, the love child of Snidely Whiplash and the Wicked Witch of the West.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/jell-o-cartoon-tie-in-molds.jpgJell-O cartoon tie-in molds!Phineas, Ferb, and the Madagascar zoo crew love the taste of Jell-O!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/nhl-jell-o-spoons.jpgNHL Jell-O spoons!Hockey players love the taste of Jell-O, like onetime SNL host Wayne Gretzky!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/i-heart-jell-o-stuffed-animals.jpgI Heart Jell-O stuffed animals!Stuffed animals love the taste of Jell-O!2023-05-28T23:52:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/05/27/my-free-comic-book-day-2023-results-ranked/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/free-comic-book-day-2023.jpgFree Comic Book Day 2023!The reading pile, alphabetized by publisher.2023-05-27T16:59:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/05/14/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol.-3.jpgGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3!If you made it through this many words, please enjoy this reward of a second screen shot as a break from all this original, non-AI-churned verbiage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rocket-not-raccoon.jpgRocket Not-Raccoon!<em>Guardians Origins: Rocket</em>. This time, it's <em>fur</em>sonal.2023-05-15T12:48:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/05/06/indiana-comic-convention-2023-photos-part-1-of-2-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/whoopee-cushion.jpgwhoopee cushion!A whoopee cushion. We did not ask for a demonstration.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bob-and-linda-belcher.jpgBob and Linda Belcher!Bob and Linda Belcher bring you today's specials.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/barbie.jpgBarbie!Barbie! Soon to be a major motion picture! You may have heard about it!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/weird-al-yankovic.jpgWeird Al Yankovic!Weird Al Yankovic, complete with trademark accordion.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/toadette.jpgToadette!Toadette, one of many Super Mario fans on the premises this weekend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kool-aid-man.jpgKool-Aid Man!Kool-Aid Man, for once respecting a wall instead of busting through it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/lego-jedi.jpgLego Jedi!Lego Jedi Knight.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/sally-and-oogie-boogie.jpgSally and Oogie Boogie!Sally and Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/sauron.jpgSauron!Sauron also competed for the Tallest Costume Award.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/spider-man-and-ned-leeds.jpgSpider-Man and Ned Leeds!Spider-Man and his BFF Ned Leeds.2023-05-09T21:07:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/01/07/my-2017-at-the-movies-part-2-of-2-the-years-least-worst/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cate-blanchett-is-hela.jpgCate Blanchett IS Hela!Good luck to Thanos to try coming anywhere near the super-villain bar that Hela just raised to the highest heavens.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/coco.jpgCoco!"Hey, Mama Coco! Watch me rehearse my Best Animated Feature Oscar dance!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/last-jedi.jpgLast Jedi!The indefatigable Rey, future head of the New Jedi Order alongside her new best pal Mara Jade. Look, we can dream, okay?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/lady-bird-mural.jpgLady Bird Mural!Lady Bird just chilling in Sacramento. As you do.2023-05-08T01:30:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/05/07/indiana-comic-convention-2023-photos-part-2-of-2-actors-and-activities/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/john-glover.jpgJohn Glover!Glover is noticeably not the same height as either Anne or Paul Williams, but graciously crouched down to approximate hers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/paul-williams.jpgPaul Williams!The congenial Williams is a convention rarity: a celeb the same height as Anne.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/black-astromech.jpgblack astromech!...and more astromechs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/astromechs.jpgastromechs!Non-cosplay sightings around the place included, of course, RC astromechs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/covid-19-disclaimer.jpgCOVID-19 disclaimer!We took exactly four photos Friday: four of cosplayers and this sign telling us COVID-19 is still real and basically Proceed At Your Own Risk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cerebus-300-medal.jpgCerebus 300 medal!It's...a major award?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gerhard-prints.jpgGerhard prints!At left: Gerhard's handiwork enlivens Jack Knight, a.k.a. my favorite Starman by his co-creator Tony Harris. At right, an all-Gerhard take on WIndsor McCay's Little Nemo in Slumberland, which I once did a paper on in college.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gerhard.jpgGerhard!The artist and his lovely wife.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/carlos-valdes.jpgCarlos Valdes!Valdes recently starred in a new musical Hulu series called Up Here, which I'd never heard of till I saw a commercial for it three days before ICC.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/grant-gustin.jpgGrant Gustin!It's Grant Gustin! With <em>The Flash</em> soon coming to a close on The CW, TV's Barry Allen is finally hitting the Midwest convention circuit.2023-05-07T20:52:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/30/our-2022-road-trip-28-uticas-golden/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sunshine-mural.jpgUtica Sunburst mural!The Utica Sunburst Mural had been around since 1998, but due to structural issues its takedown commenced on April 21, 2023 (the weekend before I'm writing this), for repair and replacement by a new mural TBD.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/civil-war-memorial.jpgCivil War memorial!Heading back the way we came, inside a roundabout was an 1891 Civil War memorial.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/thomas-redfield-proctor-statue.jpgThomas Redfield Proctor statue.From the hands of George Thomas Brewster, a 1921 salute to Thomas Redfield Proctor -- a banker, hotelier, and philanthropist whose land acquisitions and donations made Utica's pretty parks possible.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/goat-fountain.jpggoat fountain.The Swan Memorial Fountain, sculpted in 1910 by Frederick William MacMonnies at the behest of a local lawyer's widow.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/soldier-statue.jpgsoldier statue.A 1915 Spanish American War/USS Maine memorial by Allen George Newman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/boy-scouts-tiny-statue-of-liberty.jpgBoy Scouts tiny Statue of Liberty!From 1950, a Boy Scouts-funded 7-foot Statue of Liberty on an 8-foot pedestal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/we-speak-for-those-who-cant-statue.jpgWe Speak for Those Who Can't statue.A separate statue for POW/MIA soldiers was dedicated eight years earlier by the same organization.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utica-war-memorial.jpgUtica war memorial.Put up in 2000, the Central New York War Memorial honors veterans of the two World Wars and the Korean War.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sledding-and-skiing-at-your-own-risk.jpgSledding and Skiing at Your Own Risk!Caution: no grassy knoll lifeguard on duty.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/unused-ski-lift.jpgunused ski lift!Amenities on site include the Val Bialas Ski Center, which was closed on this fine June morning.2023-05-01T01:15:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/28/our-2022-road-trip-27-rutland-on-the-way-out/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/yellow-deli-menu.jpgYellow Deli menu!Points for creative menu design.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rutland-downtown-corner.jpgRutland downtown corner!The view from our parking space.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/west-rutland-art-park-figure-8.jpgWest Rutland Art Park figure 8!Nobody online seems to know a thing about this marble figure-8.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dance-liliya-pobornoikova.jpgDance by Liliya Pobornoikova!<em>Dance</em> by Liliya Pobornoikova, from Bulgaria.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bridge-of-winds.jpgBridge of Winds!<em>Bridge of Winds</em> by Nando Alvarez, from Spain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/west-rutland-art-park-sign.jpgWest Rutland Art Park sign!Another warm welcome, albeit by inanimate sign. No other humans were around.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/across-time-and-space.jpgAcross Time and Space!Across Time and Space by Guohua Xu,from China.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/leash-sculpture.jpgLeash sculpture!<em>The Leash</em>, Patrick Villiers Farrow, 1984. Ignore the buffoon in the background who didn't know his wife got him in the shot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rutland-city-buildings.jpgRutland City Buildings!<em>Rutland City Buildings</em> by Persi Narvaez.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/giraffes-mural.jpgGiraffes mural!<em>Giraffes</em> by Kathryn Wiegers2023-04-28T04:23:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/23/our-2022-road-trip-26-country-time-with-coolidge/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lemonade.jpglemonade!A toast to a Vermont experience nearly completed!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lemonade-stand.jpglemonade stand!The free market works!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/grandpa-coolidges-tombstone.jpgGrandpa Coolidge's tombstone!Though Calvin was President, a much taller marker was provided for his grandfather, Vermont Congressman Calvin Galusha Coolidge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/coolidge-family-plot.jpgCoolidge family plot!Calvin's and Grace's graves, as well as their two sons' on either side of them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/stairway-to-coolidges.jpgstairway to Coolidges!A stone staircase leads visitors up the hillside to the family, should one want to be that close.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1928-bennington-address-plaque.jpg1928 Bennington address plaque!An engraved transcription of a 1928 address Coolidge gave to Bennington College - basically a love letter to Vermont.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chicken-coop.jpgchicken coop!They also had a garden and a farm, which explains these live chickens.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/coolidge-superfan-car.jpgCoolidge superfan car!...and this more modern SUV clearly owned by Coolidge's current #1 fan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sleigh.jpgsleigh!A few vehicles are stored onsite, including this ancient sleigh...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/plymouth-cheese-factory.jpgPlymouth Cheese Factory!The Plymouth Cheese Factory opened in 1890 and was in and out of Coolidge family possession throughout the years. It's still in business today, though its proprietor was pretty snarky to anyone who offered incorrectly worded compliments.2023-04-24T01:09:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/17/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-9-of-10-indiana-caverns-on-0-00-a-day/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/autumn-on-the-way-home.jpgautumn on the way home!Remember how it was October when this miniseries began?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/anne-and-smashed-penny-machine.jpgAnne and smashed penny machine!The real reason we were here: they had a smashed penny machine! Longtime MCC readers are well aware these are Anne's thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/wolf-painting.jpgwolf painting!Painting of mammoths, wildcats, wolves, and other animals we don't see around southern Indiana much lately. (I hear wildcats are plentiful, but we don't go searching for them.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/giant-stuffed-yak.jpggiant stuffed yak!Security on duty is this giant stuffed yak.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/glass-turtle.jpgglass turtle!If you prefer fake animals to real gems, they also offer inanimate rock turtles, guarded by a larger apex fake turtle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gemstone-trees.jpggemstone trees!If you'd prefer smaller and cheaper rocks, they've used some of those to make li'l gemstone trees. Don't expect any diamonds in there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/geodes.jpggeodes!Hey, kids! Geodes!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bat-chaser.jpgBat-Chaser!They have an entire roller coaster on the premises. Alas, the Bat-Chaser was not running that day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cavern-garden.jpgcavern garden!Some of their flowers lived well into autumn, next to a rock that paraphrased Acts 2:19.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/baby-watertower.jpgbaby watertower!Outdoor kiddie activities include panning for gems and tiny fossils in a setup facilitated by this tiny water tower.2023-04-22T03:39:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/25/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-8-of-10-the-battle-cabin-in-the-woods/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/morgan-standee.jpgMorgan standee!A cardboard standee of that darn Morgan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/spinning-wheel.jpgspinning wheel!A spinning wheel stored high above our heads, to prevent visitors from abusing it or inadvertently summoning Rumpelstiltskin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ceiling-details.jpgceiling details!Some rafter woodwork details for you craftspeople out there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ye-olde-fireplace.jpgye olde fireplace!Ye olde fireplace inside the cabin, plus period accessories.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/autumn-trail.jpgautumn trail!A trail leads off one side of the Site, around the back of the cabin, and to the other side of said Site.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/some-autumn.jpgsome autumn!A sample of the autumn colors surrounding us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/roman-numerals-out-of-order.jpgRoman numerals out of order!The cabin's original logs had Roman numerals etched into them before disassembly, only to be reassembled out of order.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mooring-post-and-anchor-chain.jpgmooring post and anchor chain!A mooring post and anchor chain from the Alice Dean, a passenger steamer that Morgan's men commandeered and used to cross the Ohio River. Once done with it, they set it afire and watched it burn and sink.. Some of it was later salvaged, and the wood used to reinforce the cabin and make other items.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/morgans-casualties.jpgMorgan's casualties.Also listed in the "both sides" are three Confederate privates killed, plus eight more anonymous.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/home-guard-casualty-monument.jpgHome Guard casualty monument!Anne next to a marker naming eight of the Home Guard brothers who died fighting for Indiana.2023-04-22T03:39:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/21/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-7-of-10-william-henry-harrison-slept-here/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/constitutional-elm-products.jpgConstitutional Elm products!Household items made of wood taken from the town's venerated Constitution Elm, whose remains have since petrified.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/toothpick-buildings.jpgtoothpick buildings!Toothpick models of Corydon's more well-known structures, including the nine surviving pre-1825 houses.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rosco-p.-coltrane-shrine.jpgRosco P. Coltrane shrine!A tribute space for James Best, who grew up in Corydon and is best known as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane from The Dukes of Hazzard.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/frank-obannon-tributes.jpgFrank O'Bannon tributes!A tribute space to Corydon hero and Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon, who died in office in .https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bicentennial-trophy.jpgBicentennial trophy!A souvenir trophy from Indiana's Bicentennial, about which we posted quite a bit at the time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/haunting-flag-and-baby.jpghaunting flag and baby!Looming overhead is a weirdly lit U.S. flag and a baby fraught with spooky foreshadowing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/state-quilt.jpgstate quilt!Their quilt collection includes this one with patches for each of the fifty states.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/squire-boone-cabinet.jpgSquire Boone cabinet!Inside this well-kept cabinet is etched the autograph of frontiersman Squire Boone (brother of Daniel).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/old-piano.jpgold piano!An old-timey upright piano. No jamming allowed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blue-victrola.jpgblue victrola!Antiques on hand included a blue victrola.2023-04-22T03:39:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/10/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-6-of-10-cozy-corydon-cuisine/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/lazy-possum-cannabis-co.jpgLazy Possum Cannabis Co!Tangential bonus pic: we didn't stop at this place (their wares are not our thing); I was just really curious about a Main Street housing two different businesses named for lazy cartoon animals. Coincidence?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/peach-black-raspberry.jpgpeach & black raspberry!The birthday gal with two scoops the size of her head -- one black raspberry and one peach with actual peach chunks in it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/inflatable-halloween-lazy-cow.jpginflatable Halloween Lazy CowInside, their inflatable mascot was all decked out for Halloween.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/lazy-cow-creamery-sweets.jpgLazy Cow Creamery & Sweets!To any continuity nitpickers looking too closely at the details: yes, we did take this earlier in the morning. Thanks for asking!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/happy-sunshine-burns.jpghappy sunshine burns.Anne returned the favor photo-wise and captures what it's like to have the noonday sun turned on you like a magnifying glass so all you can feel is FLAMES! FLAMES ON THE SIDE OF MY FACE!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pork-tenderloin-sammy.jpgPork Tenderloin Sammy!Anne the dedicated Hoosier went for their panko-breaded Pork Tenderloin Sammy, which normally comes with greens, "CherryChurri", and garlic aioli.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/corn-fritters.jpgcorn fritters!Our appetizer: corn fritters served with a maple Thai chili glaze and garnished with arugula, green onions and crushed corn nuts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1816-modern-kitchen.jpg1816 Modern Kitchen!Downtown lunchtime at a building that dates back to the 1890s. It isn't even the oldest one at that intersection.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/openface-meatloaf-sammy.jpgOpenface Meatloaf Sammy!Lunchtime for me: an open-faced meat loaf sandwich made from ground beef and duck, wrapped in bacon, served on sourdough, doused in bourbon brown gravy, and topped with white American cheese, greens, and fried leeks a la Skyrim.2023-04-22T03:38:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/27/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-5-of-10-hooked-on-butt-drugs/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/nut-sack.jpgNut Sack!What can I say? I had the munchies, so I grabbed one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/butt-balm.jpgCBD Butt Balm!Their meds and accessories aren't merely Spencer's Gifts novelties, but practical and functional. Their CBD Butt Balm is useful when your lips are chapped from repeated exposure to rough surfaces.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/todays-flavors.jpgtoday's flavors!I scream, you scream, we all scream for Butt creams.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/soda-counter.jpgsoda counter!Like many drugstores of yore, they have their own ice cream and soda fountain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cabinet-of-dr.-butt.jpgCabinet of Dr. Butt!Unique artifacts include Thomas Butt's 1967 Apprentice Pharmacist certificate. In front of that, a personalized mortar and pestle cane in handy for Butt's grinding.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/corydon-relics.jpgCorydon relics!A large cabinet holds assorted relics relevant to Butt Drugs and/or Corydon in general.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/coin-op-machines.jpgcoin-op machines!Several old-fashioned coin-op amusements from yesteryear. Call it their collection of Butt Toys.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/actual-pharmacy.jpgactual pharmacy!Seriously, though, there's a real, working pharmacy on the premises. Note the Easter-egg ad for their specialty drinks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/butt-drugs-products.jpgButt Drugs products!Butt Drugs souvenirs sidle up next to non-Butt products you'd find at any given drugstore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/butt-drugs-skeleton.jpgButt Drugs skeleton!A Halloween skeleton greeted us on this October morning. Call him...Benjamin Button? Asa Butterfield? Pat Buttram? The notorious Seymour Butts?2023-04-22T03:38:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/19/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-4-of-10-a-capital-pack-of-markers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/eagle.jpgeagle!To end this government history salute a bit too on-the-nose, here's an eagle we saw flying overheard as we walked past the Capitol.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sugar-maple.jpgsugar maple tree!A sugar maple tree planted decades ago in honor of a beloved school band director.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/early-1800s-church-bell.jpgearly 1800s church bell!A church bell from the early 1800s.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/obannon-family-history.jpgO'Bannon family history!Next to his statue, additional plaques detail the long history of the O'Bannon family, which included ownership of the local newspaper The Corydon Democrat from 1963 until this past June, when they sold it to Paxton Media Group, who are notorious for buying and ruining newspapers in southern Indiana.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/frank-obannon-statue.jpgFrank O'Bannon statueCorydon hometown legends include Frank O'Bannon, who was our governor from 1997 until his unexpected death in 2003. My son met him in 2001 thanks to a school function.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/missing-howitzer.jpgmissing howitzer!A companion piece on another courthouse corner, a German howitzer captured by Americans in 1918, was curiously missing from its parking spot upon our visit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wwi-german-77mm-trench-mortar.jpgWWI German 77mm trench mortar!This WWI German 77mm trench mortar was a 550-pound gift from the French forces that captured it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/peaceful-resolution-of-conflict-monument.jpgPeaceful Resolution of Conflict monument!A counterpoint to the above is the Peaceful Resolution of Conflict monument, which contains an Eisenhower quote about what our wars waste.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/battle-of-tippecanoe-monument.jpgBattle of Tippecanoe monument!Corydon has a bonus monument for the Battle of Tippecanoe, a rare nod to the War of 1812.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/war-monument-collection.jpgwar monument collection!Every Indiana town above a certain size has its war monuments, honoring locals who fought for freedom in their name.2023-04-22T03:38:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/29/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-3-of-10-halloween-and-the-hallowed-tree/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/westfall-house.jpgWestfall House!With a little work and TLC, I bet this place could make an awesome Halloween haunted house.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/dead-railroad-tracks.jpgdead railroad tracks!Parallel to the creek, dead railroad tracks remain an unpreserved vestige.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/indian-creek-1.jpgIndian Creek!At the end of the street, another branch of Indian Creek runs past trees that seem to be resisting the call of autumn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/constitutional-elm-back.jpgConstitutional Elm back!The rear view of the Elm. Its most recent renovation project was in 2012, in time for Indiana's Bicentennial, so it's fairly refreshed for the time being.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/anne-and-constitutional-elm-side.jpgAnne and Constitutional Elm side!Here's all five feet of Anne standing at its side for size comparison. I have no idea why the camera aperture spontaneously widened to give the appearance of a solar flare.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/constitutional-elm-front.jpgConstitutional Elm front!Lo, that mighty elm and the solid rock within which it stands.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/indiana-territorial-marker.jpgIndiana Territorial Marker!The marker, which summarizes that entire previous paragraph, was low to the ground and hard to spot until we realized we were standing next to it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/library-halloween-bin.jpglibrary Halloween bin!Looking for spooky reads? The Harrison County Public Library has suggestions for kids.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/witchs-feet.jpgwitch's feet!Someone crash-landed on their broom.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/trash-bag-witches.jpgtrash bag witches!Trash bag witches a couple doors down from the Beetlejuice tribute.2023-04-22T03:38:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/28/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-2-of-10-welcome-to-corydon/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/big-blue-food-bus.jpgbig blue food bus!Tired: food trucks. Wired: an entire food bus.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/zimmerman-art-glass-mural.jpgZimmerman Art Glass mural!Later in the 'fest, a brand new mural on the studio's east side would be officially dedicated.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/glass-globes-inside.jpgglass globes inside!More fall-themed globes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/globes-and-me.jpgglass globes and me!Pumpkins all in a row.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/scrap-metal-darryl.jpgScrap Metal Darryl!A shop next door to the park has their own mascot, called Scrap Metal Darryl. For some reason he was hanging out in back this day instead of inside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/little-free-library.jpgLittle Free Library!A Little Free Library stands well-stocked and at the ready.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/painted-lightbox-and-mosaic.jpgpainted lightbox and mosaic!Another mosaic paired with a lightbox painted with cardinals, our state bird.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rock-fountains-and-mosaic.jpgrock fountains and mosaic!Modest rock fountains gurgle in front of a mosaic wall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bicentennial-park-pumpkins.jpgBicentennial Park pumpkins!Halloween harvest pumpkin autumn fun time in full effect.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bicentennial-park-ground.jpgBicentennial Park ground!The park's centerpiece is the state flag, trimmed to fit Indiana borders.2023-04-22T03:37:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/24/the-ex-capital-birthday-weekend-part-1-of-10-unrelated-pastry-prologue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/maple-bacon-iced-donut-stick.jpgMaple bacon iced donut stick!Maple bacon iced donut stick!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strawberry-cheese-danish.jpgstrawberry cheese danish!Strawberry cheese danish!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/boydens-bakery-halloween-treats.jpgBoyden's Bakery Halloween treats!Naturally they had Halloween options.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/boydens-bakery.jpgBoyden's Bakery!Boyden's Bakery on South Meridian, ten minutes from downtown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/anne-and-pastry.jpgAnne and pecan twirl!The woman I love with a pecan swirl she adored.2023-04-22T03:37:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/16/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-dungeons-dragons-honor-among-thieves-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/d-and-d-arena.jpgD-and-D Arena!The film begs a variation on Gene Siskel's old rule of thumb: is this film more entertaining than, say, watching the same four actors at a table playing a D&D session?2023-04-16T21:07:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/14/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-john-wick-chapter-4-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/john-wick-4-paris.jpgJohn Wick 4 Paris!These men are so rich, they've clearly been able to afford seeing the Eiffel Tower too many times.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/john-wick-chapter-4.jpgJohn Wick Chapter 4!Our Hero prepares for an expensive game of Concentration.2023-04-15T14:50:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/02/c2e2-2023-photos-part-1-of-4-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hamburglar.jpgHamburglar!Hamburglar! Anne and I had flashbacks to our past jobs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/master-roshi.jpgMaster Roshi!Master Roshi from <em>Dragon Ball Z</em>. (We'll revisit this character in Part 3...)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/spawn.jpgSpawn!Spawn!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/veiled-fighters.jpgveiled fighters?From the Department of Cosplay stumpers: we rarely photograph characters we don't know (which means we miss out on a lot), but Anne insisted on catching this foursome, whoever they might be.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/beetlejuice.jpgBeetlejuice!Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! (I'll stop there.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/michaelangelo.jpgMichaelangelo!Michaelangelo striking out on his own without the other three Turtles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/seven-and-janeway.jpgSeven and Janeway!Fellow Trek fans Seven of Nine and Captain Janeway.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/spike.jpgSpike!Buffy's ex-foe and ex-boyfriend Spike.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/finn.jpgFinn!More Star Wars goodness with Finn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/jean-grey-and-cyclops.jpgJean Grey and Cyclops!Jean Grey and Cyclops, among other mutants.2023-04-10T02:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/02/c2e2-2023-photos-part-2-of-4-actors/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bonnie-bartlett-and-william-daniels.jpgBonnie Bartlett and William Daniels!Daniels turned 96 on Friday. Most of us would feel blessed to live 70 years, let alone be married that long.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/david-boreanaz-jazz-hands.jpgDavid Boreanaz jazz hands!I passed on a chance to meet him at Wizard World Chicago 2015, but that show was major guest-list overkill. There was just no way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marc-blucas.jpgMarc Blucas!Instead of chatting about Buffy, we segued into a discussion of Disney vacations. I'll explain my end of things in a forthcoming entry.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/erica-durance.jpgErica Durance!We were worried she'd cancel, but her appearance earlier in the day on a Chicago morning show confirmed she'd made it to town.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zachary-levi.jpgZachary Levi jazz hands!He opted for Serious Artiste Jazz Hands mode, which is a perfectly valid way to go. And he did so without a moment's hesitation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chris-evans-jazz-hands.jpgChris Evans jazz hands!Fun memory from C2E2 2023: jazz hands with Chris Evans, the old Captain America.2023-04-10T02:41:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/04/c2e2-2023-photos-part-3-of-4-comics/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/charles-soule-and-ryan-browne.jpgCharles Soule and Ryan Browne!Our least worst photo of the panel. Their table was at audience level, not on a platform, and we were a few rows back. But I promise it's really them!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/john-jackson-miller.jpgJohn Jackson Miller!I also highly recommend his old Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series, which Marvel reprinted in trades not too long ago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ryan-dunlavey-and-fred-van-lente.jpgRyan Dunlavey and Fred van Lente!Ryan Dunlavey and Fred van Lente! I previously met the Action Philosophers! masterminds at C2E2 over a decade ago and really, really wanted a copy of their Comic Book History of Comics.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/meredith-mcclaren.jpgMeredith McClaren!Meredith McClaren! Past works have included Hopeless Savages and Jem and the Holograms. More recently she co-created the Image fantasy-noir series Black Cloak with Kelly Thompson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/steenz.jpgSteenz!Steenz! At various times a comics editor at Lion Forge, a tabletop RPG magazine illustrator, and currently writer/artist of the comic strip Heart of the City, which our local paper fails to include but is available online.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dave-acosta.jpgDave Acosta!Dave Acosta! he and Ahmed collaborated on a Kickstarter'd book called Dragon and have a new Image series coming soon called Terrorwar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/saladin-ahmed.jpgSaladin Ahmed!Saladin Ahmed! Of the frequently award-nominated SF author's works I recommend his Ms. Marvel run and what might've been The Best Black Bolt Story Ever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ryan-browne.jpgRyan Browne!Ryan Browne! A Chicago regular and co-creator of the Image Comics projects Curse Words and Eight Billion Genies with writer Charles Soule (whom we've met at past shows).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/c2e2-books-2023.jpgC2E2 books 2023!This year's modest graphic novel loot pile.2023-04-10T02:41:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/07/c2e2-2023-photos-part-4-of-4-convention/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/c2e2-sign.jpgC2E2 sign!The other reliable C2E2 sign we see every year. Far fewer crowds block your shot at 8 a.m.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4th-floor-charger-table.jpg4th-floor charger table!We relaxed in style with a quasi-scenic view of Lake Shore Drive.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chris-evans-table-sign.jpgChris Evans table sign!We were done by 4:30. Other fans moved on next to his autograph line, which had sold out well before we bought our passes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/photo-op-mob.jpgphoto op mob!Frankly, we've seen far denser and less managed photo-op areas before. It wasn't as bad as it looks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/me-and-boreanaz.jpgDavid Boreanaz!Her camera's nifty zooming power let her catch me in the moment with Mr. Boreanaz.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/james-marsters-mask-sign.jpgJames Marsters mask sign.Fellow star James Marsters, whom we previously met, was the only actor we're aware of who required everyone to wear masks when they reached his autograph table.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rosenbaum-line.jpgMichael Rosenbaum line!The endless line to meet Michael Rosenbaum, which we strongly recommend you do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/show-floor-from-above-angel-time.jpgshow floor from above Angel time!More show floor from above, adjacent to the area in the previous pic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/show-floor-from-above-lunchtime.jpgshow floor from above lunchtime!Our view during lunchtime, as we nibbled at barbecued proteins from the Robinson's cart.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/saturday-line-before-us.jpgSaturday line before us!An hour before showtime, we succumbed to our geek reflexes and joined the line anyway.2023-04-10T02:41:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/04/09/our-c2e2-2023-epilogue-chicago/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/corner-booth-selfie.jpgcorner booth selfie!Anne insisted we take our own free photo at Su Casa. We're the Goldens. It's who we are and what we do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/goddess-and-the-baker-breakfast.jpgGoddess and the Baker breakfast!Our takeaways, clockwise from top left: white chocolate pistachio croissant; biscuit stuffed with dark cherry jam and cultured butter; fresh fruit tart; and chocolate peanut butter crunch tart.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/goddess-and-the-baker-desserts.jpgGoddess and the Baker desserts!We may have gawked a bit too slack-jawed, like the bumpkins we are.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/medinah-temple.jpgMedinah Temple!Wanna buy a Shriners' temple? After they gave it up, Medinah Temple was turned into a Bloomingdale's until they likewise walked away during the pandemic. Despite a proposal to turn it into a casino, as of today it's still for sale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/su-casa-freebie-1.jpgSu Casa freebie!Our copy had two QR codes in either corner, which I've deleted using a combination of my primitive MS Paint skillz and some classic 1980s direct-market comic-book UPC-box fillers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/snapper-dinner.jpgsnapper dinner!Anne's snapper dinner. I also photographed my fajitas, but who cares.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/barbacoa-sopes.jpgbarbacoa sopes!My best bite there was the appetizer: beef barbacoa sopes with beans, roasted tomatilla salsa, lettuce, red onions and queso fresco.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/su-casa.jpgSu Casa!The only decent Chicago nighttime shot we took on this trip.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hotel-selfie.jpghotel selfie!Half-awake selfie taken while waiting on one of three creaky hotel elevators to come whisk us away.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/shake-shack-table-label.jpgShake Shack table label!Dinner was served on tables made of recycled bowling alleys.2023-04-10T02:40:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/01/06/comics-update-my-current-lineup-and-2016-pros-cons/2023-04-05T01:44:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/01/10/my-2017-in-books-and-graphic-novels-part-1-of-2/2023-04-05T01:44:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/01/16/my-2018-in-books-and-graphic-novels-part-3-of-3/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/books-2018-best.jpgBest Books of 2018!I didn't rank all 63 books in order, but here's my Top 6 of the year.2023-04-05T01:43:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/27/our-2022-road-trip-25-10-ben-jerrys-flavors-that-deserved-to-die-and-5-that-didnt/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/peanut-butter-me-up.jpgPeanut Butter Me Up!Peanut Butter Me Up: "A peanut butter caramel core surrounded by chocolate & peanut butter ice creams with fudge chips".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bovinity-divinity.jpgBovinity Divinity!Bovinity Divinity: "Milk Chocolate Ice Cream & White Fudge Cows swirled with White Chocolate Ice Cream & Dark Chocolate Cows".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/creme-brulee.jpgCreme Brulee!Creme Brulee: "Sweet Custard Ice Cream with a Caramelized Sugar Swirl".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chocolate-comfort.jpgChocolate Comfort!Chocolate Comfort: "Chocolate Truffle Low Fat Ice Cream swirled with White Chocolate Low Fat Ice Cream".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/honey-im-home.jpgHoney I'm Home!Honey I'm Home: "honey vanilla ice cream & fudge-covered honeycomb candy nuggets".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/urban-jumble.jpgUrban Jumble!Remember that time they let Homer SImpson design a luxury car and he basically demanded they install one of everything and it was a hideous monstrosity? This is MUCH too much.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/what-a-cluster.jpgWhat a Cluster!Diluting ice cream with too many swirls is like chugging syrup toppings straight from the bottles. There's a proportionate hierarchy to these things for a reason.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-frozen-yogurt.jpgChocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt!Diet varieties are necessary, because Lord knows I'll need them one day (maybe now, even), but tiptoeing into TCBY's turf feels declassé.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sweet-potato-pie.jpgSweet Potato Pie!Sweet potato fries, chips, or baked are great by me. In pie form, not so much. Pie form in a blender, even less.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sugar-plum.jpgSugar Plum!I've had maybe one or two tastes of plum in my entire post-infancy life. Could be worse: they've could've dabbled in rhubarb.2023-05-30T03:26:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/26/our-2022-road-trip-24-ben-jerrys-very-merry-dairy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/me-and-road-trip.jpgme and fake Road Trip photos!I like to think Ben and Jerry had this photogenic backdrop painted personally for me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/broccoli-cheddar-chunk.jpgBroccoli Cheddar Chunk!...Broccoli Cheddar Chunk! "Broccoli ice cream with kidney bean chunks and a cheddar cheese swirl."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tour-guide-and-sample-station.jpgtour guide and sample station!Our hosts built up suspense as they prepared to announce the flavor we'd all be invited to taste for free...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fake-spilled-milk.jpgfake spilled milk!There's no point in crying fake tears over fake spilled milk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/funky-flavor-lab.jpgFunky Flavor Lab!The Funky Flavor Lab was one of many factory areas dedicated to ice cream science.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ben-jerry-pints.jpgBen & Jerry pints!These sample pints were display items only.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/euphoria-aheadia.jpgEuphoria Aheadia!The waiting room has a slideshow I failed to notice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/snail-mailbox.jpgsnail mailbox!Their indoor snail-mailbox. See what they did there?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/height-in-pints.jpgheight in pints!Anne is 14½ Ben & Jerry pints tall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bj-pillars.jpgB&J pillars!The company's nine groovy corporate pillars.2023-03-27T03:00:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/24/our-2022-road-trip-23-moseying-around-montpelier/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/winooski-river.jpgWinooski River!The Winooski River flows through the heart of downtown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/lightyear-elvis-marquee.jpgLightyear Elvis marquee!On the other side, the underlooked gem Lightyear Elvis, Baz Luhrmann's sparkling musical about a singing spaceman who's manipulated by the sinister Colonel Tom Zurg.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jurassic-maverick-marquee.jpgJurassic Maverick marquee!Another theater marquee for my collection. On one side, the same two blockbusters that had been showing at the Finger Lakes Drive-In back in upstate New York.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/court-house.jpgCourt House!Architectural standouts includes the Washington County Court House.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buch-spieler-records.jpgBuch Spieler Records!A stop for tunes at Buch Spieler Records, where my CD purchases included David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and Concrete Blonde's Free.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chill-vermont-gelato.jpgChill Vermont Gelato!Mandatory snack stop at Chill Vermont Gelato. Anne enjoys a waffle cone of lemon cheesecake gelato,, while off-camera I have a dish of tiramasu gelato.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/book-garden.jpgBook Garden!Mandatory stop for reading matter at the Book Garden, where I picked up the fifth volume of Deadly Class.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-wealth-of-fools.jpgThe Wealth of Fools!Standing outside is Gregory Smith's 2009 stainless steel sculpture The Wealth of Fools.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/visitor-center.jpgVisitor Center!Note the directional signs listing mileage to other cities, albeit not necessarily pointing their respective ways.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sewing-circle.jpgsewing circle!In the adjacent hotel lobby, a literal sewing circle (I'd never seen one before! I thought they were the stuff of legend!) gathered around a wall-mounted TV. They worked on their latest projects while watching the January 6th hearings.2023-03-25T00:58:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/28/our-2022-road-trip-22-little-state-big-state-house/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/coolidge-quote-banner.jpgCoolidge quote banner!Coolidge's 14-star Yelp review of Vermont.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/first-vermont-brigade-at-the-battle-of-cedar-creek.jpgFirst Vermont Brigade at the Battle of Cedar Creek!Julian Scott's 1874 10'-x-20' Civil War tribute "The First Vermont Brigade at the Battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19th, 1864". This reenactment of that day in the Shenandoah Valley jam-packed with personalities and Easter eggs recognizable to local historians.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/calvin-coolidge-painting.jpgCalvin Coolidge painting!President Calvin Coolidge. We'll come back to him in a later chapter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/chester-a.-arthur-painting.jpgChester A. Arthur painting!President Chester A. Arthur, born in Fairfield, VT. In 2018 we visited his grave in Albany, NY.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/edna-beard-painting.jpgEdna Beard painting!In 1920 Edna Beard ran for the House and became the first Vermont woman to win an election after the 19th amendment was passed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/madeleine-kunin-painting.jpgMadeleine Kunin painting!Madeleine Kunin, their Swiss-born governor through much of the '80s.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/howard-dean-painting.jpgHoward Dean painting!Doctor and '90s Governor Howard Dean, who ran for President in 2004, but lost the nomination because Democrats thought John Kerry was cooler. Their game plan did not prevail.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dewey-at-manila.jpgDewey at Manila!Commodore George Dewey (born in Montpelier) and his men at 1898's Battle of Manila Bay, during the Spanish-American War.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/alexander-twilight-painting.jpgAlexander Twilight painting!In 1823 Alexander Twilight became the first known African-American to earn a bachelor's degree. He'd go on to become at various points a teacher, principal, pastor, and legislator.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/lincoln-bust.jpgLincoln bust!Mandatory Lincoln tribute.2023-03-24T23:03:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/27/lafayette-vignettes-part-4-the-legacy-of-tippecanoe/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/musket-cartridge-candy.jpgmusket cartridge candy!We didn't buy anything from the gift shop, but kids tired from the long drive can buy snacks such as this candy shaped like musket cartridges.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/masons-tribute-sign.jpgMasons tribute sign.A somewhat more recent marker for one of the fallen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/sample-headstone.jpgsample headstone.A select number of headstones note the higher-ranking officers who fell in battle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/harrison-statue.jpgHarrison statue!Yes, the monument does indeed include a William Henry Harrison statue, a true rarity in the historical sightseeing world.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tippecanoe-monument.jpgTippecanoe monument!The most prominent battlefield feature is an 80-foot obelisk commissioned by the Indiana General Assembly in 1908. Engraved on the sides are the names of all the white guys who died that day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tippecanoe-battlefield-entry.jpgTippecanoe Battlefield entry!On the other side of the parking lot is the actual Tippecanoe Battlefield itself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/should-good-old-cider-be-despised.jpgShould Good Old Cider Be Despised?Other antiquities of the day include the hit single "Should Good Old Cider Be Despised?" and an ad for log cabins at fifty cents apiece.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tippecanoe-and-tyler-too.jpgTippecanoe and Tyler Too!Music and lyrics for Harrison's 1840 campaign theme "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too", costarring his running mate John Tyler of Virginia.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cannon.jpgthe cannon! the cannon!Mandatory cannon. Every war museum has one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/battle-diorama.jpgbattle diorama!Another visual representation of the battlefield layout.2023-03-21T02:32:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/19/under-the-colonoscope/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/stuffed-french-toast.jpgStuffed French toast!Strawberries! Bananas! Whipped cream! Mascarpone between the slices! Possibly more ingredients I'm forgetting!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/colono-after.jpgColonoscopy afterThen, once again: darkness.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/colono-waiting.jpgColonoscopy waiting!Portrait of a patient happy to realize the worst part of the day was mostly behind him. Mostly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/colono-before.jpgColonoscopy jazz hands!Jazz hands made the IV hole in my arm hurt, but they had to be done.2023-03-21T14:37:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/19/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-scream-vi-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/scream-6.jpgScream 6I will not drop spoiler hints in the caption, I will not drop spoiler hints in the caption, I will not drop spoiler hints in the caption...2023-03-19T17:22:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/18/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-shazam-fury-of-the-gods-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/shazam-fury-of-the-gods.jpgShazam Fury of the Gods!"Wait, what do you mean THEY FIRED HENRY CAVILL?"2023-03-19T03:21:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/13/the-oscars-2023-season-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/andrew-garfield-oscars-2023.jpgAndrew Garfield at the Oscars 2023!When you're humoring Jimmy Kimmel under protest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/academy-awards-2023-best-picture-nominees.jpgAcademy Awards 2023 Best Picture Nominees!Excerpted from host Jimmy Kimmel's ABC ad for the occasion, which also featured Jon Hamm and a very special guest.2023-03-13T17:25:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/12/yes-theres-the-quiet-girl-after-the-oscar-quest-23-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-quiet-girl-poster.jpgThe Quiet Girl poster!Even the film's poster is so shy that it's trying to hide from us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-quiet-girl.jpgThe Quiet Girl!If you're not keeping watch the quiet ones, you can bet they're always watching you.2023-03-12T17:17:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/03/02/close-can-two-bffs-hug-a-lot-and-still-be-just-friends/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/close.jpgClose!"Please don't laugh. We spent our entire effects budget on just the one drawing."2023-03-12T17:09:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/02/26/the-mcc-2023-oscar-nominated-short-film-revue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/martha-mitchell.jpgMartha Mitchell!Wife. Socialite. Rabble-rouser. Icon?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/haulout-walruses.jpgHaulout Walruses!Goo. Goo. Ga. JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOB.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/elephant-whisperers.jpgElephant Whisperers!Yes, there does happen to be a tribute to Ganesha on the schedule.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/stranger-at-the-gate.jpgStranger at the Gate!Years ago my brother-in-law tried to attend our church's Christmas service but was spurned at the door because the greeter thought he looked scary. I thought about that a lot while watching this.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pupils-angel.jpgPupils angel!God save us, everyone!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/nattrikken.jpgNattrikken!"...I think it was called 'The Tram That Couldn't Slow Down'."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/an-irish-goodbye.jpgAn Irish Goodbye!Lorcan (James Martin) follows instructions that said in so many words, "Do like Jack from Titanic."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ivalu.jpgIvalu!Looking for a film set in Greeland that contains far more Greenland panoramas than Gerard Butler's <em>Greenland</em>?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/the-red-suitcase.jpgThe Red Suitcase!First day in a strange land, Ariane must decide between fearful freedom or a life of captivity.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/flying-sailor.jpgThe Flying Sailor!"I'm Troy McClure, and I'll leave you with what we all came here to see: hardcore nudity!"2023-02-26T22:17:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/02/23/the-power-and-powerlessness-of-memory-curation-the-fabelmans-vs-aftersun/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/aftersun.jpgAftersun!Yep, just lying down in an expensive Turkish rug shop. As one does.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fabelmans-poster.jpgFabelmans poster!See, the horizon is on the bottom.2023-02-24T04:59:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/02/21/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/quantumania.jpgQuantumania!Wacky Scott Lang vs. Serious Scott Lang: who wins?2023-02-22T04:07:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/02/17/twelve-angry-women-talking/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/women-talking-poster.jpgWomen Talking Poster!Not a lot of helpless damsels in distress out there at the theaters lately.2023-02-18T04:59:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/07/19/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-ant-man-and-the-wasp-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ant-man.jpgAnt-Man!"PARDON ME. DO YOU HAVE ANY GREY POUPON?"2023-02-18T02:27:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/02/13/local-doughy-guy-confesses-to-loving-the-whale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/the-whale.jpgThe Whale!Why is this man smiling?2023-02-14T04:16:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/02/09/death-and-the-high-cost-of-living/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/living-poster.jpgLiving Poster!John Steed like you've never seen him before!2023-02-10T03:49:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/02/04/all-the-beauty-and-the-bloodshed-the-war-on-sacklers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/all-the-beauty-and-the-bloodshed.jpgAll the Beauty and the Bloodshed!Worthless Oxycontin-Bucks festoon a possum-playing Nan Goldin at an anti-Sackler protest.2023-02-05T04:29:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/24/my-oscars-quest-2023-quick-start-scorecard/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/everything-everywhere-all-at-once.jpgEverything Everywhere All at Once!My secret plan to find an excuse to screen short every single frame of the Everything Everywhere All at Once trailer is moving along nicely. Thanks, AMPAS!2023-01-25T02:54:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/20/my-2022-at-the-movies-part-2-of-2-the-years-best/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/michelle-yeoh-pizza-queen.jpgMichelle Yeoh Pizza Queen!Every split-second screen shot raises more questions than it answers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/anya-taylor-joy.jpgAnya Taylor-Joy!Five seconds away from grabbing a meat mallet and screaming, "SAY 'MOUTHFEEL' ONE MORE TIME!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wakanda-forever.jpgWakanda Forever!I'll see <em>The Crown</em> and raise you a Queen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/batmobile-explosions.jpgExplosions!Brought to you by EXPLOSIONS! They're good for what bores ya!2023-01-24T01:57:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/15/my-2022-at-the-movies-part-1-of-2-the-years-worst/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dowager-countess.jpgDowager Countess!Morbius vs. Gorr vs. the Dowager Countess: who wins?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gorr-the-god-butcher.jpgGorr the God-Butcher!Gorr is just angry that Morbius memes outnumbered his.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/morbius.jpgMorbius!Talk to the Morb.2023-01-21T02:33:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/08/our-star-trek-renaissance-year/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/lower-decks-comics.jpgLower Decks comics!Also, I bought Trek comics! IDW released a funny three-issue Lower Decks miniseries written by Unbeatable Squirrel Girl's Ryan North and just began a Strange New Worlds mini, with a first-issue Variant cover by Lower Decks artist Chris Fenoglio.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/mirror-universe-kirk-ornament.jpgMirror Universe Kirk ornament!New from Hallmark for 2022: a Mirror Universe Captain Kirk ornament, which I got Anne for Christmas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/kate-mulgrew.jpgKate Mulgrew!Unused shot of Kate Mulgrew at her October Q&A in Bloomington.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fansets-pins.jpgFansets pins!A few Fansets pins Anne picked up at Fan Expo Chicago from a dealer called Heroes in Action. There're a lot more where these came from.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/space-checkers.jpgspace checkers!The space checkers set from "Charlie X".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/kollos-the-medusan.jpgKollos the Medusan!Same tour, different room: Kollos the Medusan from "Is There in Truth No Beauty?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ticonderoga-bridge.jpgTiconderoga bridge!The Enterprise bridge is every visitor's favorite part of the Ticonderoga tour.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/trek-knickknacks.jpgTrek knickknacks!Ticonderoga accessories included these replicas of living quarters knickknacks. Musicians may recognize a few of them are just repainted trombone mutes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/tpring-costume.jpgTPring costume!ST:MC's collection of Strange New Worlds set artifacts included a costume worn by Gia Sandhu as Spock's fiancee T'Pring.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pike-poster.jpgPike poster!At Mission Chicago, a series of Strange New Worlds promotional posters spotlighted cast members such as Anson Mount, a.k.a. the hypnotically pompadoured Captain Christopher Pike.2023-01-09T04:11:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/08/my-2022-reading-stacks-4-the-big-finish/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/reading-stack-2022.jpgReading Stack 2022!The complete 2022 reading stack in order by size till the shelf ran out, not including books borrowed from Anne or the library.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/immortal-hulk-volume-4.jpgImmortal Hulk hardcover volume 4.I was not here. You did not see this.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cruel-luther.jpgCruel Summer and Luther!From the Department of Hard-Boiled Noir in Which Not Everyone Gets Out Alive and There's Never Reason to Smile.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/norse-discipline.jpgNorse Discipline!From the Department of Faiths That Differ in Key Ways From Those Previously Mentioned.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/chase-infidel.jpgChase Infidel!From the Department of Female Protagonists Written and Drawn Entirely by Men.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wimmens-comix.jpgWimmens Comix!And now, back to great graphic novels by women, already in progress.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/christian-books.jpgChristian books.Longtime MCC readers may recall when the word "Christian" popped here far more often than it has over the past few years. I'm working on it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/naso-and-muhr-books.jpgNaso and Muhr books!Back-to-back graphic novels from a pair we've covered before and will cover again.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wild-cards-25-26.jpgWild Cards 25 + 26!I;m still running a few books behind on these, but eventually I'll catch up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/tillie-walden-books.jpgTillie Walden books!Two of my favorite reads this year, both by the same writer/artist.2023-01-08T05:03:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/02/my-2022-reading-stacks-3/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/extremity-head-lopper.jpgExtremity Head Lopper!From the Department of Violent Faraway Worlds That I Bought from Their Creators in Person at Comic-Cons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hornby-huxley.jpgHornby Huxley!From the Department of British Writers with Similar Names. Imagine a flop-sweaty Letterman on a stage repeating "Huxley...Hornby! Hornby...Huxley!" until either someone laughs or he's yanked away with a giant shepherd's crook.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/borderlands-books.jpgBorderlands Books!Remember when I used to mention Borderlands a lot in my annual video game write-ups? (You do? Really? Wow, you're good.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/lutes-telgemeier.jpgLutes and Telgemeier!From the Department of Creators That Comics Fans Will Never Discover If They Limit Themselves to Monthly SIngles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/star-trek-books.jpgStar Trek Books!Our Star Trek renaissance year, felt most deeply at conventions and our Paramount+ subscription, extended into my reading matter, as we showed in Part 2 of this series.2023-01-07T13:43:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2023/01/01/midlife-crisis-crossover-2022-in-review-a-report-card-from-the-pandemics-junior-year/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/mystery-machine-070322.jpgMystery Machine!July 3rd: someone drove a Mystery Machine to our Sunday church service. To this day none of my questions about this moment have been answered.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/birdseye-lake-100822.jpgBirdseye Pond!October 8th: on one of our semiannual visits to my aunts down in southern Indiana, Anne and I walked around an abandoned pond in the middle of the forest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/marvel-mirrors.jpgMarvel mirrors!May 13th: fun with mirrors at a Doctor Stramge-themed room in the Marvel exhibit at Columbus' Center of Science and Industry.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/anne-and-501st-backdrop.jpgAnne and 501st backdrop!July 8th: One last photo of Anne, at Fan Expo Chicago in front of a 501st Legion backdrop. Have I mentioned I love this woman? That's what 2022 was really all about, Charlie Brown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/james-arnold-taylor-group.jpgJames Arnold Taylor Group!December 2nd: at the end of every Q&A, GalaxyCon Columbus volunteers took photos of the guest with the entire crowd. At upper right you can see my face and Anne's glasses.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/tamale-place-092022.jpgThe Tamale Place!September 20th: my first time eating at The Tamale Place, a great Mexican restaurant as seen on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/drug-bust-072122.jpgDrug Bust!July 21st: At the crack of dawn Indiana law enforcement staged simultaneous drug-ring busts at multiple residences around Indianapolis. They woke us up at the crack of dawn as they took down one of our neighbors.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/indiana-historical-society-082622.jpgIndiana Historical Society!August 26th: My first visit to the Indiana Historical Society was for lunch, not perusing. That came three months later at Christmastime.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/anne-and-mini-me.jpgAnne and mini-me!October 23rd: Anne takes a selfie while we hundreds of Trek fans wait for Kate Mulgrew to arrive.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/covid-negative-121422.jpgNegative COVID test.December 14th: And the crowd goes wild! *yeeeeey*2023-01-03T00:56:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/30/our-2022-road-trip-21-the-bridge-over-the-quechee-gorge/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/quechee-gorge-star-wars-shirt.jpgQuechee Gorge Star Wars shirt!Now they're really trying to reach out to us. A shame they didn't have my size.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/two-moose.jpgtwo moose!Vermont moose welcome you to the wide world of souvenirs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/stuffed-black-bear.jpgstuffed black bear!Once again as with Yellowstone last year, we're reminded we'll never, ever spot a real bear in the wild...which is for the best, really.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kiosks.jpgkiosks!To learn more about Quechee Gorge or Vermont, be sure to visit these handy info kiosks right off the trail.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/solar-powered-assistance.jpgsolar powered assistance.Emergency solar-powered assistance is right there on site, doubtlessly with good reason.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/crisis-counseling-sign.jpgcrisis counseling sign!They aren't kidding with the safety fencing. Hartford Insurance chipped in for signage to help discourage folks from any depression-driven bad ideas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/motorcycle.jpgmotorcycle!The scene on the bridge itself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/gorge-closeup.jpggorge closeup!COMPUTER, ENHANCE GORGE.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/quechee-gorge-other-way.jpgQuechee Gorge the other way!Quechee Gorge south of the Bridge. More of the same, fewer curves.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/quechee-gorge.jpgQuechee Gorge!Quechee Gorge north of the bridge. Annoyingly, it curves to the northeast so you can't see the waterfall.2022-12-31T04:10:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/26/the-menu-tonights-special-is-a-10-course-massacre/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/the-menu.jpgThe Menu!"No, miss, I will not recite today's specials in Voldemort's voice."2022-12-27T04:00:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/24/merry-christmas-from-mcc-5/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/captain-janeway-hallmark-ornament.jpgCaptain Janeway Hallmark Ornament!Apropos of our year. Anne decorated our Christmas tree with a Star Trek theme. Longtime MCC readers could no doubt guess she naturally has Captain Janeway in her collection. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/lowes-santas.jpgLowes Santas!Lowe's Home Improvement always has the most fun holiday displays 'round these parts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/silver-ornament-selfie.jpgsilver ornament selfie!Another Christmas ornament selfie, an outtake from our Festival of Trees two-part gallery.2022-12-25T00:29:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/23/avatar-the-way-of-water-the-weight-of-a-waterworld-and-the-wonder-of-warrior-whales/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/avatar-the-way-of-water.jpgAvatar The Way of Water!Jake Sully, a fish out of water, finds himself a little fish in a bigger pond who realizes there're other fish in the sea.2022-12-24T04:15:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/15/walking-in-a-christmas-tree-forest-indys-festival-of-trees-2022/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/anonymous-nativity-set.jpganonymous nativity set!The only anonymously provided tree had a nativity set embedded inside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/random-acts-of-flowers.jpgRandom Acts of Flowers!Random Acts of Flowers, a charity that brings flowers and other kindnesses to healthcare inpatients.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/museum-of-miniature-houses-tree.jpgMuseum of Miniature Houses tree!The Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/polish-cultural-society-of-indiana-tree.jpgPolish Cultural Society of Indiana tree!The Polish Cultural Society of Indiana, partnered with a design firm called MW Concepts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/caroline-symmes-endowment.jpgCaroline Symmes Endowment!The Caroline Symmes Children's Cancer Endowment at Riley Children's Hospital.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/artmix-tree.jpgArtMix tree!ArtMix, an arts-education nonprofit, goes old-school with paper dolls.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/new-wave-chiropractic-tree.jpgNew Wave Chiropractic tree!New Wave Chiropractic brings a multi-holiday skeleton tree.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/butler-esports-tree.jpgButler eSports tree!Butler University's esports department reminds me of a recent episode of Leverage: Redemption.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ball-state-tree.jpgBall State tree!Shout-out to Anne's sister April, who's now a professor at Ball State.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/student-organization-of-latinos.jpgStudent Organization of Latinos tree!Marian University's Student Organization of Latinos. Exactly one (1) of my coworkers could name every flag she saw unfurled here.2022-12-19T01:32:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/18/a-stack-of-cross-cuts-from-indys-festival-of-trees-2022/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/red-ornament-selfie.jpgred ornament selfie!Christmas ornament selfie!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/leg-lamp-and-faux-props.jpgleg lamp and faux props!The replica leg lamp in our lead photo is part of a salute to A Christmas Story put together by the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/lobby-santa.jpglobby Santa!Mandatory Santa in the lobby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/apollo-1-trio.jpgApollo 1 trio!One dark hallway ends with the current Wikipedia photo of the Apollo 1 crew. Apropos of that time we visited the Gus Grissom Museum in Mitchell.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/eva-kor-wall-art.jpgEva Kor wall art!One of the more recent additions is an exhibit celebrating Eva Mozes Kor, the Holocaust survivor we met in 2016 before her passing in 2021.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/eli-lilly-portrait.jpgEli Lilly portrait!One hall is named after Colonel Eli Lilly, a Civil War veteran whose pharmaceutical empire is a longtime Society trustee.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2nd-floor.jpgfourth floor!The Christmas tree collection reached as high as the top (fourth) floor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/stopwatches-from-above.jpgwatches from above!Alternate shot of those watches from the fourth floor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/stopwatches-other-side.jpgstopwatches other side!Giant watches hang above the main tree, just as time keeps marching over our heads.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/30-foot-christmas-tree-from-above.jpg30-foot Christmas tree from above!A wider shot of the 30-foot tree from our previous gallery's main photo reveals more of their rotunda.2022-12-19T01:31:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/contact-mcc/2023-06-26T15:17:50+00:00weekly0.6https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/12/01/how-i-spent-my-thanksgiving-holiday/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/radiation-warning.jpgRadiation Warning!The fence around Fallout 3's crater where the White House used to be. Lately this image could also double as Twitter's home page.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/terraforming-mars.jpgTerraforming Mars!Anne and I hope to start on season 3 of Apple+'s For All Mankind in the next few weeks or so. This game feels like an apropos prologue.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/doggie-in-solitude.jpgdoggie in solitude!Their doggie kept me company through some of that. I didn't get her name.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-2022.jpgThanksgiving 2022!Not pictured: the second of two boneless Butterball turkeys Anne made, our household's event-dinner poultry of choice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-pies-2022.jpgThanksgiving Pies 2022!Pies nearly outnumbered people at Anne's Thanksgiving this year.2022-12-01T05:02:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/27/the-crown-season-5-all-ten-episodes-ranked-according-to-a-guy-who-was-never-all-that-attached-to-princess-diana/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/imelda-staunton.jpgImelda Staunton!I believe we as a nation can and should agree to cease our stale Dolores Umbridge jokes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/debicki-and-daw.jpgDebicki and Daw!Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and Mohamed Al-Fayed (Salim Daw) spend quality chitchat time in the Royal Penalty Box.2022-12-01T06:29:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/20/our-2022-road-trip-20-green-mountain-medley/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/vermont-burger.jpgVermont Burger!In an extremely rare move, we each ordered the same thing. Their "Vermont Burger" came topped with bacon, sliced apples, maple barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese from Vermont's own Cabot Creamery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/mcgillicuddys-tvs.jpgMcGillicuddy's TVs!TVs were all around, each of them tuned to a different sports channel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/waterbury-hotel-window-view.jpgWaterbury hotel window view!Obligatory shot of the view from our hotel window, plenty of Green Mountains in sight.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/mcgillicuddys.jpgMcGillicuddy's Pub!We had to wait a few minutes for indoor seating. We didn't bother asking about the packed outdoor tables.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/greener-mountains.jpggreener mountains!Once more, with feeling: Green Mountains!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/mountaintop-forest.jpgmountaintop forest!Rockiness and forest live amicably side-by-side in compromise.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/more-forest.jpgmore forest!I'm reminded of the first time we drove through the Appalachians and my son insisted real mountains had pointy, snowy peaks. (#notallmountains)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/i-89-mountainside.jpgI-89 mountainside!Our best sighting of a rocky mountainside meeting the roadside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/forests.jpgforests!I love how this shadow looks like we're driving beneath an Independence Day warship.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cloud-shadows.jpgcloud shadows!The closer the mountains were to the road, the better we could see the cloud shadows.2022-11-20T21:05:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/18/tar-classical-gaslighting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/linda-tarr.jpgLydia Tar!"But enough about me, let's talk a little more about ME..."2022-11-19T04:27:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/10/decision-to-leave-the-mountain-between-us/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/decision-to-leave-poster.jpgDecision to Leave poster!The detective. The widow. The mountaintop. The victim that haunts them.2022-11-10T20:59:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/08/the-banshees-of-inisherin-why-cant-we-be-friends/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/banshees-of-inisherin.jpgBanshees of Inisherin!"So who do you think would win in a fight, Grindelwald or Mad-Eye Moody?"2022-11-08T21:45:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/08/democracy-democracy-an-election-day-carol/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/election-day-voting-sticker-2022.jpgElection Day Voting Sticker 2022!Any resemblance between my Daredevil T-shirt and the Doomsday Clock, or any significance of placing my free "I Voted!" sticker at five minutes till, are largely incidental.2022-11-08T19:38:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/11/07/our-2022-road-trip-19-buy-buy-burlington/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sunshine-lightbox.jpgsunshine lightbox!Open up your heart and let the sun shine in!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/fishtank-lightbox.jpgfishtank lightbox!A fish-tank lightbox in front of a Best Western.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/waterfront-diving-center-mannequin.jpgWaterfront Diving Center mannequin!A boating supply shop mannequin reminds passing boaters of their safety needs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ice-cream-cone-1.jpgice cream cone!Anne prizes her maple butter pecan in a waffle cone.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/champwich-sign.jpgChampwich sign!Our old pal Champy told us we'd come to the right place.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/lake-champlain-chocolates.jpgLake Champlain Chocolates!Also to their advantage: the line was shorter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/earth-prime-comics.jpgEarth Prime Comics!I knew in advance Earth Prime Comics was closed Mondays, which softened my heartbreak.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/burlington-records.jpgBurlington Records!The selection at Burlington Records was 90% vinyl, but I found a few CDs to take home, including Social Distortion's first album (the only one I was missing) and Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong's solo reggae album.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/crow-bookshop.jpgCrow Bookshop!At Crow Bookshop I picked up a recent edition of Catch-22 and Ryan North's "chooseable-path adventure" To Be or Not to Be.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1816-unitarian-church.jpg1816 Unitarian church!The Marketplace has two poles taller than all their surroundings -- on the south end, City Hall; on the north, the Brick Meeting House of the Unitarian Universalist Church, built in 1816.2022-11-07T18:19:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/31/halloween-stats-2022-free-candy-in-this-economy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lawn-cemetery.jpglawn cemetery!We added a few new items to our modest annual lawn cemetery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/halloween-candy-bags.jpgHalloween candy bags!Once again we gave the candy out in baggies...probably more than our share, to make up for the Halloween Scrooges on our block.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/halloween-2022-selfie.jpgHalloween 2022 selfie!For our third year running, instead of hiding indoors and enduring dozens of interrupting knocks, we tabled outside and gave away freebies. Basically a mini-comic-con!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lowes-halloween-decor.jpgLowe's Halloween decor!Lowe's was all about pushing the spooky Halloween accessories this year.2022-11-01T01:29:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/30/yes-you-know-theres-a-scene-during-the-black-adam-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/black-adam.jpgBlack Adam!The People's Furrowed Brow.2022-10-30T23:27:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/24/captain-janeways-homecoming-star-trek-fans-welcome-kate-mulgrew-to-bloomington/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mulgrew-addresses-writer.jpgMulgrew addresses writer!Mulgrew addresses the future writer sitting behind us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mulgrew-answers-questions.jpgMulgrew answers questions!Mulgrew responds in kind.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mulgrew-listens.jpgMulgrew listens!Mulgrew listens with utmost patience.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mulgrew-with-mic-issues.jpgMulgrew with mic issues.Mulgrew with mic-pack issues before switching to old-school.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/nerdy-flutist-ii.jpgNerdy Flutist II!Once again...the Nerdy Flutist!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/masked-selfie.jpgmasked selfie!A masked selfie while we waited. We regret we had no Trek masks for the occasion.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/trek-license-plates.jpgTrek license plates!Once again Trek plates confirm we're in the right place.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/woolery-mill-expansion.jpgWoolery Mill expansion!The other half was either an expansion project in progress or the world's largest industrial-chic ambiance sculpture.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/woolery-mill.jpgWoolery Mill!The functional half of the Woolery Mill.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/b-line-trail-crowd.jpgB-Line trail crowd!Many onlookers left before we did, but a considerable contingent kept on snapping and posting as we retreated down the B-Line trail back to our car.2022-10-24T16:49:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/21/our-2022-road-trip-18-champlain-happy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/burlington.jpgBurlington!Next stop: the big city.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/anne-at-lunch.jpgAnne at lunch!M'lady having the grandest of times in her sun hat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/peahi.jpgPeahi!For Anne, the "Peahi" - two fish tacos with pico de gallo, cured cabbage and chipotle aioli on shredded Napa and romaine lettuce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cajun-ahi-tuna-tacos.jpgCajun Ahi Tuna Tacos!For me, Cajun ahi tacos with Vermont Tortilla Company chips 'n' salsa.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/spot-on-the-dock.jpgSpot on the Dock!That moment we spotted the Spot on the Dock on the dock.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/more-graffiti.jpgmore graffiti!Mural? Graffiti? Muriti? Graffural?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/graffiti-stretch.jpggraffiti stretch!With a stretch of art this long, I have a hard time believing all or any of this was uninvited.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/anime-girl-mural.jpganime girl mural!Neo-anime girl and Baby Champy pose next to super-sized tags.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/starry-night-shed.jpgStarry Night shed!Lake Champlain by way of Starry Night shows up a Graffiti 101 starter shed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/champy.jpgChampy statue!As of June 2022 Champy roosted in front of the administrative offices of the apropos Vermont Lake Monsters, a college baseball team.2022-10-22T02:51:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/20/our-2022-road-trip-17-bernie-and-the-bears/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rainbow-bears.jpgrainbow bears!Naturally there's a gift shop with a wide assortment that includes rainbow bears.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/teddy-bear-bully.jpgteddy bear bully!A photo collection shames some of the parties responsible for all that wanton bear damage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bear-patient-on-honey-iv-drip.jpgbear patient on honey IV drip!A bear patient on a honey IV drip, which seems like the most inefficient way to get honey into a bear.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/teddy-bear-hospital.jpgteddy bear hospital!Damaged bears can actually be mailed back to the factory for repairs. Hence the teddy bear hospital, the last stop on the tour.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/polar-bear.jpgpolar bear!Coca-Cola doesn't own the trademark on polar bears.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/wedding-dress-bear.jpgwedding dress bear!A bridal bear with garment sewn from pieces of an actual wedding dress on the occasion of the owner's 50th wedding anniversary.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sasquatch-bear.jpgSasquatch bear!Sasquatch bear, not at all blurry in its photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bacon-bear.jpgbacon bear!Standouts along the walk include this bacon bear.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bears-and-not-bears.jpgbears and not-bears!A selection of bears and not-bears made here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/dave-and-make-a-wish.jpgDave and Make-a-Wish!Dave extols the virtues of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, frequent patrons who rent an office on-site for, like, a dollar a year because charity.2022-10-21T03:45:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/09/our-2022-road-trip-14-a-night-at-the-old-newhart-place/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/breakfast-view.jpgbreakfast view!The outskirts of Green Mountain National Forest, damper now.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/dining-room-and-me.jpgdining room and me!Me and our morning in the sun room.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/english-breakfast-sandwich.jpgEnglish Breakfast Sandwich!An English Breakfast Sandwich. What you'd imagine. Plus potatoes and more fruit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/orange-cranberry-scones.jpgOrange cranberry scones!An appetizer of orange cranberry scones and fresh fruit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/chardonnay-cake.jpgChardonnay Cake!For dessert we split a slice of chardonnay cake a la mode, with lemon curd filling and Italian buttercream icing. We're not drinkers and Chardonnay tasted odd to us, but it was better than vanilla.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/salad-special.jpgsalad special!For Anne, the salad special with strawberries, blueberries, maple-glazed walnuts, and poppy seed dressing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/woodland-chicken.jpgWoodland Chicken!For me, the Woodland Chicken -- sauteed with Brie in the center; coated with panko crumbs; topped with shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and woodland mushrooms; and served with a light cream sauce and veggies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/anne-at-dinner.jpgAnne at dinner!The lovely lady at ease, now that we had seats and weren't wandering the grounds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/flowers.jpgflowers!On the bright side, flowers are pretty.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/moose-head.jpgmoose head!Our greeter was a mounted moose head. For those keeping track at home, that's total moose sightings 2, bear sightings 0.2024-12-16T05:13:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/16/my-2022-reading-stacks-2/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/big-black-arrowsmith.jpgBig Black vs. Arrowsmith!Two more deep dives into American history. One is magically imaginary; the other, all too horrifyingly real.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kate-mulgrew-memoirs.jpgKate Mulgrew Memoirs!Our year-long personal Trek-fandom revival keeps on rollin'.2022-10-16T20:30:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/14/our-2022-road-trip-16-obligatory-vermont-maple-syrup-intermission/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/dakin-farm-loot.jpgDakin Farm loot!Our Dakin Farm haul, all told.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/larry-the-cable-guy-show.jpgLarry the Cable Guy show!In a far back corner, a TV plays Dakin FarmS FINISH THIShttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/syrups.jpgsyrups!A tiny cross-section of the veritable maple syrup rainbow available.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/giant-syrup.jpggiant syrup!If this isn't the World's Largest Bottle of Maple Syrup, let's just say it is until a contender proves otherwise so we can plan our next vacation around them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/dakin-farm.jpgDakin Farm!As with many local businesses, they keep the Vermont greenery in the forefront, even though we weren't there to eat greenery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/anne-and-maple-syrup.jpgAnne and maple syrup!Hurray for sugar and sugary products!2022-10-15T01:04:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/13/our-2022-road-trip-15-behind-the-boathouse/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lake-champlain-1.jpgLake Champlain!Jackpot. Lake Champlain after the rains.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lois-mcclure.jpgLois McClure!The flagship of the museum's replica fleet is the Lois McClure. a full-scale replica of an 1862 canal schooner that's welcomed field trips for years but will be retired in Oct 2023. Gawkers would be allowed to board later in the day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/forested-shoreline.jpgforested shoreline!Neighbors across the way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/boats-on-water.jpgboats on water!Some boats were right within reach, but we're no trespassers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/walkway.jpgwalkway!A walkway led outward toward boats in active use.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lake-shadowed.jpglake shadowed!The trickle led to the water body we'd been looking for.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/tiny-waterfall.jpgtiny waterfall!A tiny forest waterfall implies a nearby water source.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/philadelphia-iii-model.jpgPhiladelphia III model!A 1:6 scale model of a 1776 gunboat called the Philadelphia III.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/townsend-document.jpgTownsend Document!Though hard to read today (especially for the cursive-averse), the Townsend Document tracked America's fleet vessel statuses as of October 1776.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/new-york-stern.jpgNew York stern!What's left of the stern of the New York, the only only American gunboat to survive the Battle of Valfour Island. It was later burned in 1777 and unearthed in 1910 in the Champlain Barge Canal.2022-10-14T02:36:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/17/our-2022-road-trip-8-stylin-syracuse-sustenance/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/grilled-shrimp-po-boy-benny.jpgGrilled Shrimp Po-Boy Benny!Yes, this would do nicely.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rise-n-shine-inside.jpgRise N Shine inside!Rise N Shine inside has much less neon than Loded.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/bicycle-bicycle-racks.jpgbicycle bicycle racks!Bicycle bicycle racks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/boom-babies-mural.jpgBoom Babies mural!Other eye-catching sights in their neighborhood includes this mural on the side of Boom Babies, a longtime clothing shop whose owner unexpectedly passed away this very week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rise-n-shine.jpgRise N Shine!It took us two passes to find them conjoined to a giant realtor barn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cannoli-shake.jpgcannoli shake!Anne had had a Frosty on the road, so it was my turn to overdo it with this cannoli shake, topped with an entire cannoli.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/loded-celeb-mural.jpgLoded celeb mural!A random celeb mural targets the younger end of the key Gen-X demo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/loded-neon.jpgLoded neon!Neon was everywhere. A smattering of Loded merch was for sale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/loded.jpgLoded!One of our few selfies of the week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/loded-burgers.jpgLoded burgers!They came with fries. They looked like fries. They met the basics.2022-10-09T19:48:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/03/our-2022-road-trip-13-the-peak-of-defiance/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/vermont.jpgVermont!Across the water to the east, Vermont and the Green Mountains beckoned.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/boat.jpgboat!The largest boat we could capture from on high.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/champlain-zoom.jpgChamplain zoom!Faraway boats make for more zooming fun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lake-champlain-to-lake-george.jpgLake Champlain to Lake George!To the south, Lake Champlain flows toward Lake George.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bird-of-prey.jpgbird of prey!An unidentified bird of prey also enjoys the view.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/fort-ticonderoga-closeup.jpgFort Ticonderoga closeup!Our best Ticonderoga zooming.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/fort-ticonderoga-medium.jpgFort Ticonderoga medium!The view of Fort Ticonderoga. Good luck getting any musket shot to reach.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/defiance-array.jpgDefiance array!Less inspiring: the antenna array.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/defiance-flag.jpgDefiance flag!The flag atop Defiance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mount-defiance.jpgMount Defiance!The view of Mount Defiance from the fort.2022-10-04T03:05:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/10/02/our-2022-road-trip-12-the-armies-sacked-at-fort-ticonderoga/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/connecticut-light-infantry-cap.jpgConnecticut light infantry cap!An 1815 Connecticut light infantry cap. The Latin motto above the bill means "He who is transplanted still sustains."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/continental-army-final-uniform-coat.jpgContinental Army final uniform coat!One of the final uniform coats worn by our Continental Army, 1786-1790. Ticonderoga, New Yorkhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/boston-company-of-cadets-uniform-coat.jpgBoston Company of Cadets uniform coat!Fashions include this 1772 uniform coat worn by the Boston Cadets, a militia unit who were disbanded in 1774 after British-installed Governor Thomas Gage fired their commanding officer, Colonel John Hancock. (Yes, that Hancock.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lafayette-portrait.jpgLafayette portrait!Art on display includes this 1857 portrait of Lafayette by Alonzo Chappel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/burlington-light-infantry-snare-drum.jpgBurlington light infantry snare drum!A Burlington light infantry snare drum, circa 1839-1845.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/flintlock-pistol.jpgflintlock pistol!Wrapping up the weaponry collection with a later specimen, an 1831 flintlock pistol used by the Surrey Yeomanry (rich British mounted volunteers).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/belford-pattern-bronze-light-6-pound-artillery-gun.jpgBelford pattern bronze light 6-pound artillery gun!A Belford pattern bronze light 6-pound artillery gun made circa 1794, popularly used against French in 1797 and 1814, and against the United Irishmen in 1798.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ethan-allen-statue.jpgEthan Allen statue!Ethan Allen in statue form. We'll come back to him later in the trip.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/light-3-pounder-field-cannon.jpgLight 3-Pounder field cannon!Still can't get enough cannons? Here's a Light 3-Pounder field cannon built by the Dutch for Redcoat use.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lake-champlain-from-fort-ticonderoga.jpgLake Champlain from Fort Ticonderoga!The southern-facing view of Lake Champlain as it flows into Lake George.2022-10-07T01:11:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/03/17/our-2004-road-trip-part-4-of-10-the-cannons-of-niagara/2022-10-03T00:39:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/09/12/our-2017-road-trip-part-12-broad-stripes-and-bright-stars/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/armistead-inside.jpgMajor George Armistead!The master planner at work, grateful that he's a statue and therefore wasn't sweating half as much as we were.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/armistead-ours-closeup.jpgArmistead!Closeup of the Armistead statue we saw. Not the same stones.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/armistead-wire-closeup.jpgArmistead Wire closeup!Closeup of McNulty's silent debate opponent.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mcnulty-armistead.jpgMcNulty + Armistead!Screen shot from the scene through the magic of not-remastered DVD.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/armistead-outside.jpgArmistead outside!The Armistead statue out by the parking lot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/shelter-vent.jpgShelter vent!Bomb shelter air vent leading up to the courtyard lawn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/bomb-shelter.jpgBomb Shelter!A safe place to wait out the rockets and bombs, and all that bursting and glaring.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/bomb-shelter-entrance.jpgBomb Shelter entrance!One of the more unusual areas, the entrance to a troop bomb shelter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/gunpowder-magazine.jpgGunpowder magazine!Gunpowder barrels in the magazine, a word which once meant "room full of explosives", much like you'd see in the occasional Looney Tunes cartoon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/artifacts.jpgArtifacts!Selection of artifacts discovered over the course of various archaeological digs around the grounds.2022-10-03T00:33:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/27/our-2022-road-trip-11-a-trek-tech-trove/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/smashed-penny-machine.jpgsmashed penny machine!And yes, to Captain Anne's delight they had a present-day, fully functional smashed penny machine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/dixon-hill-pipe.jpgDixon Hill pipe!Nods to the other series were few, but here's Dixon Hill pipe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/way-to-eden-costumes.jpgWay to Eden costumes!Costumes from the traumatizing "The Way to Eden" -- Tongo Rad and Hippie Girl #2.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/amok-time-vulcan-accessories.jpgAmok Time Vulcan accessories!Vulcan accessories from "Amok Time".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mego-figures.jpgMego figures!Mego figures and other collectibles now worth a fortune.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mirror-universe-kirk-uniform.jpgMirror Universe Kirk uniform!Someone had to have defeated Mirror Universe Kirk in mortal combat to bring back this trophy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/gorn-mask.jpgGorn mask!An adult Gorn mask, as opposed to the newborns we've seen in Strange New Worlds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/balok-avatar.jpgBalok avatar!Balok's fake avatar from "The Corbomite Maneuver" and a frequent cameo during the Star Trek end credits.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/nomad.jpgNomad!Nomad from "The Changeling", which spooked me as a kid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/trek-props.jpgTrek props!Some of the smaller items not up for bid.2022-09-28T17:48:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/25/our-2022-road-trip-10-the-enterprise-docked-at-starbase-ticonderoga/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/enterprise-bridge.jpgEnterprise bridge!Last stop on the tour, and the hardest room for our tour guide to drag people out of, is of course the Bridge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/warp-core.jpgwarp core!The warp core is a marvel of forced perspective.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/engineering-desk.jpgengineering desk!Engineering gets a desk, but who has time for sitting when there's a nonstop need for either repairs or more power?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/engineering.jpgengineering!Welcome to Engineering!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/inside-turbolift.jpgturbolift controls!Sadly, neither the turbolift nor its controls work.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/jeffries-tube.jpgJeffries tube!A peek inside the Jeffries tube, which, same as it did during filming, leads nowhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/gold-box.jpggold box!This gold box in Kirk's room is the only actual TV prop on the tour itself. Its provenance is a long and fun story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/replicator.jpgreplicator!Naturally the captain gets his own replicator.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/sandburg-lincoln-biography.jpgSandburg Lincoln biography!His hard-copy reading matter on hand includes Moby Dick and Carl Sandburg's multi-volume Lincoln biography, which we were just talking about last year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/enterprise-desk.jpgEnterprise Captain Kirk desk!Captain Kirk's room is filled with details, starting with his desk.2022-09-26T01:33:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/24/our-2022-road-trip-9-von-steuben-in-the-woods/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mcdonalds-ticonderoga-view.jpgMcDonald's Ticonderoga view!And for a McDonald's, it had one heck of a view.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/liberty-monument.jpgLiberty Monument!Our path led through a roundabout whose centerpiece was their bronze Liberty Monument, dedicated in 924.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/hot-biscuit-diner-sign.jpgHot Biscuit Diner sign!Their parking lot even had a historical marker, a salute to an accomplished female mountain climber.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/candy-bar-wrapper.jpgcandy bar wrapper!Such a small space and some jerk still couldn't help littering.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/von-steuben-mini-rock-plaque.jpgvon Steuben mini rock plaque!A smaller 1952 tribute plaque proves we weren't the only visitors within the past century.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/von-steuben-rock-plaque.jpgvon Steuben rock plaque!Beyond the detailed educational boards standing in Sacred Grove, a plaque on a rock in the monument cleaning provides a "Previously on von Steuben" Wiki-recap.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/more-steuben-markers.jpgmore Steuben markers!Signs, signs, everywhere signs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1936-replica-log-cabin.jpg1936 replica log cabin!The replica log cabin didn't exactly entice us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/this-monument-marker.jpgThis Monument marker!About This Monument.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/sacred-grove-marker.jpgSacred Grove marker!`About this Sacred Grove.2022-09-24T18:57:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/21/doorway-into-adulting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/garage-door-2022.jpgGarage Door!The latest addition to our family.2022-09-21T14:07:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/05/12/the-class-upgrade-our-2007-road-trip-prelude/2022-09-18T23:58:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/15/our-2022-road-trip-7-harriet-tubman-vs-the-empire/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/finger-lakes-drive-in-toys-1.jpgFinger Lakes Drive-In toys!The head-on view for full context.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mask-standee.jpgMask standee!For some reason The Mask leered at us from the third floor of a tavern.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/auburn-vegetation-mural.jpgAuburn vegetation mural!A fleeting glance at a mural we caught upon our departure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/9-11-memorial-auburn.jpg9-11 memorial Auburn!The requisite 9/11 memorial, posted a bit late for this year's commemoration.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/civil-war-memorial-auburn.jpgCivil War memorial Auburn!The requisite Civil War memorial.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/auburn-courthouse.jpgAuburn courthouse!The Auburn courthouse across the street.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/equal-rights-heritage-center.jpgEqual Rights Heritage Center!The Equal Rights Heritage Center was setting up for a large gathering, which at first we thought might be a post-Dobbs protest, but the numerous food-vendor booths implied this was a different event that'd been on the books a bit longer than 24 hours.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/tocqueville-was-here-sign.jpgTocqueville Was Here sign!For collectors of historical makers out there, this one time the philosopher de Tocqueville came to town, but he didn't stick around. They just thought you should know.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/thomas-mott-osborne-statue.jpgThomas Mott Osborne statue!He was also a foe of Tammany Hall and William Randolph Hearst, in case he needed to score even more principle points.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/seward-statue.jpgSeward statue!Seward likewise gets a statue.2022-09-16T02:48:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/11/our-2022-road-trip-6-womens-rights-the-day-after-dobbs/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/seneca-falls-bridge-driving-.jpgSeneca Falls bridge driving!But first, I couldn't resist confirming that yes, we could drive across the bridge and back, without crashing and without the assistance of dumpy angel trainees.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/seneca-river.jpgSeneca River!The Seneca River to the east, where we'd be heading toward our next set of stops.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/national-womens-hall-of-fame.jpgNational Women's Hall of Fame!On the other side was the National Women's Hall of Fame, which was on our shortlist but cut due to time. In 2020 they bought the former mill next door and expanded into its first floor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/seneca-falls-bridge.jpgSeneca Falls bridge!The view to the west.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/declaration-of-sentiments-mural.jpgDeclaration of Sentiments mural!On the side of the visitor center is a tribute to the Declaration of Sentiments.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/first-convention-for-womans-rights-sign.jpgFirst Convention for Woman's Rights sign!The official historic site marker.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mott-douglass-quilt.jpgMott Douglass Quilt!Their quilt collection includes this rendition of Mr. Douglass alongside Lucretia Mott.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/giant-wrc-sidebar.jpggiant WRC sidebar!The tiny newspaper sidebar announcing the event, now writ large.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/visitor-center-collage.jpgvisitor center collage!A selection from their women's history collage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/kids-statues.jpgkids statues!Another angle on the visitor center statues in our lead photo. Some represent famous faces, such as easily distinguishable ally Frederick Douglass. Some are anonymous, signifying every Jane Average affected by their work.2022-09-12T01:43:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/06/our-2022-road-trip-5-a-george-bailey-family-christmas-in-june/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/lassoed-moon.jpglassoed moon!Someone magnified George's drawing of the moon he promised to lasso for Mary.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/new-york-emmy-award.jpgNew York Emmy Award!The New York Emmy Award (slightly different from a normal Emmy) that was given to the makers of the 2019 documentary The Real Bedford Falls: It's a Wonderful Life.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/truman-1949-inauguration-program.jpgTruman 1949 inauguration program!Jeanine Roose (young Violet) brought back this program from attending Harry Truman's 1949 inauguration.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/harry-holman-headshot.jpgHarry Holman headshot!A head shot of Harry Holman, who at 84 played schoolteacher Mr. Partridge and was the film's oldest actor. He died the year after its release.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/lillian-randolph-plaque.jpgLillian Randolph plaque!The plaque award to Randolph from the nearby National Women's Hall of Fame.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/lillian-randolph-single.jpgLillian Randolph single!A single from Lillian Randolph, who played the Baileys' maid Annie, Cliff Huxtable's mom, and Mammy from nineteen Tom and Jerry shorts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/coronet-magazine.jpgCoronet Magazine!Coronet Magazine teaches manhunter tips to women only and welcomes guest cover model Virginia Patton, who played George's sister-in-law Ruth.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/donald-collins-child-actor-id.jpgDonald Collins child actor ID!Lest we forget the fourth and oldest Bailey kid, here's mandatory child actor papers for Donald Collins, one of the toddler twins who played Pete in a post-marriage scene.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/iawl-call-sheet.jpgIaWL call sheet!The ultimate Bailey Kids crossover artifact: an original Wonderful Life call sheet autographed by Grimes, Coombs and Hawkins.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/hawkins-1968-vietnam-tour-jacket.jpgHawkins' 1968 Vietnam tour jacket!The jacket Hawkins wore when he entertained troops in Vietnam back in '68.2022-09-07T02:31:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/28/our-2022-road-trip-2-a-night-off-for-steel-city-sports/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/andy-warhol-bridge.jpgAndy Warhol Bridge!Farther upstream was the Andy Warhol Bridge, which carried cars and a bit of foreshadowing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/allegheny-landing-bunny.jpgAllegheny Landing bunny!Speaking of animals: live bunny!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/piazza-lavoro.jpgPiazza Lavoro!Two installations combined into one: the upright Piazza Lavoro combined with the ground mosaic Mythic Source. Also, bonus doggie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/builders.jpgThe BuildersThe Builders, George Danhires, 1984.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/forks.jpgThe Forks!The Forks, Isaac Witkin, 1984.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pittsburgh-variations.jpgPittsburgh Variations!A portion of Pittsburgh Variations by George Sugarman, 1984.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/three-rivers-queen.jpgThree Rivers Queen!Moments later, along came the Three Rivers Queen, part of the Gateway Clipper Fleet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/allegheny-river.jpgAllegheny River!Our view of downtown directly across the Allegheny.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/honus-wagner-autographed-baseball.jpgHonus Wagner autographed baseball!Features along the PNC Park shoreline included giant baseballs bearing autographs of their most famous players, such as this salute to Honus Wagner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pirates-number-graveyard.jpgPirates number graveyard!retired numbers blah blah2022-09-05T12:42:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/09/04/our-2022-road-trip-4-warhol-friends/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/andy-warhols-sofa.jpgAndy Warhol's sofa!untitled (Andy Warhol's sofa), 2022. Tiny reproductions of famous people's couches are among Pivi's recurring motifs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/we-are-the-baby-gang.jpgWe are the baby gang!A portion of the 2019 multi-piece We are the baby gang, comprising 26 different bears, each with their own name. Some naming assistance was provided by her partner, whose name is Karma Culture Brothers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/yee-haw.jpgYee-haw!Yee-haw (si imbizzarriscono), 2015 -- digital art centered around a photo by Hugo Glendinning, whose creation involved releasing stunt horses on the Eiffel Tower (not the first time animals have strode upon it for a cause).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/bigger-than-my-eyes.jpgBigger than my eyes!Bigger than my eyes, 2016.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shoes-excerpt.jpgshoes excerpt!An Untitled (shoes) excerpt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shoes-without-me.jpgshoes!Pivi's Untitled (shoes), 2022. Warhol's shoe fandom has its own entire room on another floor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/julian-schnabel.jpgJulian Schnabel!Julian Schnabel, 1982. A fellow painter and rival of sorts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/john-richardson.jpgJohn Richardson!John Richardson, 1974. An art historian and Picasso biographer who gave Warhol's eulogy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/bobby-short.jpgBobby Short!Four of his nine 1963 paintings of singer Bobby Short, who remembered sitting for them but never saw them till after Warhol's death.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/truman-capote.jpgTruman Capote!Several works star his friends and associates, such as this eponymous 1979 nod to Truman Capote.2022-09-05T01:18:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/29/our-2022-road-trip-3-we-shot-andy-warhol/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/madonna-im-not-ashamed.jpgMadonna I'm Not Ashamed!New York Post (Madonna: I'm Not Ashamed), 1985.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/heads-after-picasso.jpgHeads After Picasso!Heads (After Picasso), 1985.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dolly-parton.jpgDolly Parton!Dolly Parton, 1985. Another case of rejection for the artist, whose subject disliked the results.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/seismograph.jpgSeismograph!Seismograph, 1982.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/trump-tower.jpgTrump Tower!Trump Tower, 1981. Two of eight paintings done without a contract, only to suffer rejection because, as he was more or less told, they would clash with the lobby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/diamond-dust-shoes.jpgDiamond Dust Shoes!Diamond Dust Shoes, 1980. One of many, many shoe-themed exhibits on the premises.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/oxidation.jpgOxidation!Oxidation, 1978.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/skull-and-skull.jpgSkull and Skull!Skull (1976) and Skull ["Bright Yellow" Skull] (also 1976).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/listerine-bottle.jpgListerine Bottle!Listerine Bottle, 1975.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/silver-clouds.jpgSilver Clouds!Silver Clouds was/were Warhol's contribution to a 1966 multimedia dance hall event called the Exploding Plastic Inevitable. More simply put: a room where we could whack semi-inflated floating balloons around in midair.2022-08-30T01:52:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/26/our-2022-road-trip-1-the-accidental-convention/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/schwarzenegger-and-me.jpgSchwarzenegger and me!Look, this is as close as I'll ever get to the real deal, so I have to take my jazz hands wherever I can get them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/sideways-mona-lisa.jpgMona Lisa Mural!As we exited the garage,we were spooked by the creepy sideways gaze of Brian Clemons' "Mona Lisa Mural".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/mlk-quote-on-parking-garage.jpgMLK quote on parking garage!An MLK quote on the side of our parking garage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/howl.jpgHowl!"Howl" by Erika Sanada, no direct link to Ginsberg.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/reverence.jpgReverence!"Reverence" by Melissa Ayotte.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/invasive-species.jpgInvasive Species!"Invasive Species" by Bernard Palchick.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/teenuh-stays-the-same.jpgTeenuh Stays the Same!"Teenuh Stays the Same" by Bill Miller.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/not-american-gothic.jpgShort North Gothic!"Short North Gothic" by Steve Galgas and Mike Altman, apropos of last year's Grant Wood exhibit and that time we saw the real thing in Chicago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/deeper-connection.jpgDeeper Connection!"Deeper Connection" by Edmund Boateng.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/angel-on-pedestal.jpgangel on pedestal!Let the mural montage begin with an uncredited angel on a pedestal.2022-08-27T03:02:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/10/a-dream-journal-as-it-were-too-many-thoughts-on-the-sandman-season-1/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/jh-williams-iii-sandman.jpgJH Williams III Sandman!Art by Sandman: Overture illustrator J.H. Williams III, recently used as the back cover of a Den of Geek magazine special.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/season-of-mists-hardcover.jpgSeason of Mists Hardcover!My 1992 Sandman: Season of Mists hardcover. This was much easier to reach than the longbox with the 75 issues in it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/sandman.jpgSandman!Remember, kids: don't dream angry!2022-08-23T19:29:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/21/indiana-state-fair-2022-photos-part-5-of-6-the-expo-hall-baby-farm-animal-takeover/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/aghort-building.jpgAgHort Building!I can't decide whether or not I'm complaining.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/expo-hall.jpgExpo Hall 2022!*chirpy echoes*https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/agrotourism-can-kill.jpgAgrotourism Disclaimer!WARNING: Agrotourism May Be Hazardous to Your Health. Participant Discretion Advised. Walking in Her Constitutes Waiver of All Our Liabilities.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/chicks-closeup.jpgchicks closeup!Where all the chicks are at.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/chicken-stink-eye.jpgrooster stink-eye!Q: What do they call it when a chicken's mental gears have an emotional meltdown? A: Rooster Cog Burn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/finicky-chicken.jpgchicken!This chicken once shanked a dude just to watch him die.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/jail-bunny.jpgjail bunny!Possibly the king of the cell block.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/t-1000-bunny.jpgT-1000 bunny!Bunny's escape plan is to flow through the bars like a T-1000.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/caged-rabbits.jpgcaged rabbits!Caged rabbits remind me how the Indianapolis Zoo used to feel back in the '70s before they upgraded to the more humane free-range habitats.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/llamas.jpgllamas!The momma pig might've been the heaviest in the building, but the llamas were the tallest.2022-08-23T01:42:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/21/indiana-state-fair-2022-photos-part-4-of-6-the-year-in-lego-and-other-arts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/macgyver-art.jpgMacGyver art!TV's MacGyver, pointillist style.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/screwdriver-sculpture.jpgscrewdriver sculpture!Screwdriver windmill and a modest salute to Purdue.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/giant-penny-table.jpggiant penny table!A giant tabletop penny made from actual pennies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salvador-dali-had-a-farm.jpgSalvador Dali Had a Farm!Salvador Dali's robot farm.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/paper-hogwarts.jpgPaper Hogwarts!Giant paper Hogwarts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/star-wars-clone-helmet.jpgStar Wars clone helmet!If the armorer who made this clone helmet isn't already in the 501st Legion, a recruiter might consider reaching out to him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/sewn-yoda.jpgsewn Yoda!Tiny needlework Yoda.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/steam-punkin-rug.jpgSteam Punkin rug!Steampunk harvest rug.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/star-wars-galaxies-gallery.jpgStar Wars Galaxies gallery!Triple bonus points to the student who brought back photos from their trip to Star Wars Galaxies in Florida. We enjoyed the sneak preview but have yet to experience the real deal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/indiana-limestone-contributions.jpgIndiana Limestone contributions!This isn't the first poster I've seen listing famous buildings that contain Indiana limestone, but it's among my favorite recurring topics.2022-08-23T01:42:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/20/indiana-state-fair-2022-photos-part-3-of-6-the-year-in-canned-food-art/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/canned-delorean.jpgcanned DeLorean!Also facing the other way, a canned DeLorean taking off for 1955, complete with fire trails in its wake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/canned-mario-and-luigi.jpgcanned Mario and Luigi!Mario and Mario and Luigi in their canned Mario Karts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/canned-forklift-rear.jpgcanned forklift!A canned forklift, for some reason parked with the lift facing away from the viewer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/canned-1928-stutz-blackhawk-special.jpgcanned 1928 Stutz Blackhawk Special!The most oddly specific entry, the canned 1928 Stutz Blackhawk Special race car.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/canned-mystery-machine.jpgcanned Mystery Machine!Apropos of chapter 2, canned Mystery Machine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/canned-gas-pump.jpgcanned gas pump!Canned gas pump and starting line to welcome the winners of this contest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/canned-taco-truck.jpgcanned taco truck!Canned taco truck, sculpted from refried beans and green chilies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/canned-baby-yoda.jpgcanned Baby Yoda!Canned Grogu for the win!2022-08-23T01:42:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/19/indiana-state-fair-2022-photos-part-2-of-6-the-year-of-speed/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hawaiian-car-shirt.jpgHawaiian car shirt!A Hawaiian car shirt? Now you have my attention.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/stutz-packard-cake.jpgStutz Packard cake!An "at least you tried" cake for the good folks at Stutz and Packard to split among themselves.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/racing-quilt.jpgracing quilt!A handmade racing quilt submitted from the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility racing quilt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/oil-man.jpgOil Man!Oil man! Oil man!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/studebaker-drawing.jpgStudebaker drawing!Studebaker, a proud tradition for someone's family, I'd wager.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/studebaker-1487.50.jpgStudebaker 1487.50!By 1950 cars weren't priced just for the world's six millionaires anymore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/antique-racing-jumpsuit.jpgantique racing jumpsuit!Apparently an antique racing jumpsuit, though I resent the implication because this remnant looks younger than me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/tire-weightlifting.jpgtire weightlifting!Or work out with tire barbells! Start with racecar tires and work your way up to monster truck tires and tank treads.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pit-crew-tire-changing-training.jpgpit crew tire changing training!Hey, kids! Feel what it's like to work in an Indy 500 pit crew and change tires at lightning speed or else risk being run over and yelled at in that order!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1923-ford-model-t-touring.jpg1923 Ford Model T Touring!The 1923 Ford Model T Touring could reach speeds up to 42 MPH and get as much as 21 MPG running on gas, kerosene or ethanol.2022-08-23T01:42:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/18/indiana-state-fair-2022-photos-part-1-of-6-our-year-in-food/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cheese-sculpture.jpgcheese sculpture!Carved left to right: frequent Indy 500 racer Josef Newgarden; the farmer who'll be the official "milk presenter" at the end of next year's Indy 500; and a board member who held that same role at the 2016 Indy 500.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shopping-loot.jpgshopping loot!Our haul -- jerky, sugared pecans, and Master's Hand barbecue sauces.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/giant-pumpkin-1st-place.jpggiant pumpkin 1st place!The giant pumpkin champion, staggering all comers at 1,285 pounds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/giant-pumpkin-2nd-place.jpggiant pumpkin 2nd place!2nd place, weighing in at 1,027 pounds. How does someone walk in with a half-ton pumpkin only to be told, "Eh, we've seen better"?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/giant-pumpkin-3rd-place.jpggiant pumpkin 3rd place!3rd place, weighing in at 313 lbs, heavier than me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shish-kabobs-stand.jpgshish-kabobs stand!God bless the perennial fair-food favorites that keep surviving, long after the other flash-in-the-pan foodie bait has disappeared from menus.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/deep-fried-brownies.jpgdeep-fried brownies!Back when my company used to have pitch-ins, brownies were my main dish to make and bring. So technically I had a vested interest in examining these for myself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cheese-inside.jpgcheese inside!...but inside, the hot dog has been transmuted by top alchemists into pure mozzarella. Behold the magic of food!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/deep-fried-cheese-stick.jpgdeep fried cheese stick!On the outside, it's an ordinary, non-boundary-pushing corn dog...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/peach-shake-up.jpgPeach Shake-Up!Don't ask me why they chucked in two lemon wedges. Force of habit, maybe.2022-08-23T01:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/22/indiana-state-fair-2022-photos-part-6-of-6-random-acts-of-fairness/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/fairo.jpgFAIRO?One last nod to their "Fun at the Speed of Summer" theme, a giant steering wheel turns the usual FAIR body-signage into a salute to faro.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/carousel-sea-horse.jpgcarousel sea horse!...and this sea horse, for you Aquaman fans out there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/carousel-hummingbird.jpgcarousel hummingbird!Near our exit stood the fair's double-decker carousel, whose noble steeds includes this hummingbird...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/tractor-parade-king.jpgtractor parade king!As we finished our last round of snacks, a surprise parade drove around the bend, including this kingly personage who would have words with the State Fair Queen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rip-fish-memorial.jpgRIP Fish memorial!does not include the following list of the dearly departed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/butterflies.jpgbutterflies!Live fauna housed around the DNR Building includes a small selection of butterflies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dnr-building.jpgDNR Building!The Department of Natural Resources Building, which happened to be near several Taste of the Fair participants, is quite the hot spot for fans of non-farm animals.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shrubbery-clown.jpgshrubbery clown!...and a clown waiting to choose its next victim to ambush.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/bumper-car-flowers.jpgbumper car flowers!Decor around the Midway entrance arch included this bumper car used as a flowerpot...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/midway.jpgMidway!We nearly never ride rides, but for those who enjoy such devices, here's the Midway, which I loved as a kid.2022-08-23T01:40:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/16/the-road-to-dragon-con-2021-part-8-of-8-the-welcomes-back/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/welcome-to-indiana.jpgWelcome to Indiana!The alternative Indiana greeting if you take the smaller bridge from Louisville to Clarksville and avoid the I-65 toll bridge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/welcome-to-kentucky.jpgWelcome to Kentucky!Onward to Kentucky, another state that really likes introducing its governor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dont-come-sign.jpgDON'T COME sign!Roadside displays again remind passersby Bonnaroo 2021 was canceled.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dolly-parton-stand.jpgDolly Parton stand!A Dolly Parton standee offers free travel brochures. For anyone who gets too excited at the sight of her, lifesaving equipment is right nearby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/welcome-to-tennessee.jpgWelcome to Tennessee!A Tennessee rest stop welcomes us for certain, no more take-backs from Georgia.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/roadside-lake.jpgroadside lake!Another roadside lake adds a touch of visual pep to the drive through the mountains.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/welcome-to-georgia.jpgWelcome to Georgia!A stretch of I-75 connecting Atlanta to Chattanooga winds back and forth between their two states, so there's a confusing moment when this sign makes you think you're going the wrong way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/doughnut-dollies.jpgDoughnut Dollies!They're tucked in between a few other businesses, which made for awkward parking lot navigation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/mystery-turtle.jpgmystery turtle!Cannot recall whether this was a tiny chocolate turtle we picked up at the con or a wall hanging in our hotel. I'm sure there was a story to go with it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/doughnut-dollies-donuts.jpgDoughnut Dollies donuts!Donuts: our consolation prize as we left Dragon Con behind once more.2022-08-17T11:55:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/11/the-road-to-dragon-con-2021-part-5-of-8-the-stones-river-runs-through-it/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/anne-and-stones-river-memorial.jpgAnne and Stones River memorial.The solemn Facebook-d version, with Anne and the souvenir Union hat she bought at Chickamauga.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/stones-river-cemetery.jpgStones River cemetery.A tiny cemetery within that enclosure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/stones-river-memorial.jpgStones River memorial!A closer look at the Hazen Brigade Monument inside its fenced enclosure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/some-cowbell.jpgsome cowbell!This exhibit has some cowbell, but y'know what it could use...?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/nathan-bedford-forrest.jpgNathan Bedford Forrest.One wall spotlighting later battles in the vicinity mentions the Battle of the Cedars (12/7/1864), in which those curb-stomped included forces led by future KKK leader General Nathan Bedford Forrest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/medical-equipment.jpgmedical equipment!Medical equipment for saving the less unlucky casualties.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/war-drum.jpgwar drum!A war drum for military theme music.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hotchkiss-shell.jpgHotchkiss shell!A rather large Hotchkiss shell.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/parrott-shell-and-shot.jpgParrott shell and shot!Ammunition samples include a Parrott shell and 12-pound solid shot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hooked-bayonet.jpghooked bayonet!The veritable arsenal on display includes this nasty-looking hooked bayonet.2022-08-17T02:14:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/02/the-road-to-dragon-con-2021-part-4-of-8-louisville-sluggish/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dinosaur-world-t-rex.jpgDinosaur World T-Rex!reliable sights!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/guy-merch.jpgGuy merch!The many faces of Guy and his merch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/guy-fieri-smokehouse.jpgGuy Fieri's Smokehouse!While Anne had barbecued meats with whatever sides, I had their special, which was same but on a bun topped with mac-'n'-cheese.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/4th-street-live.jpg4th Street Live!4th Street Live! looked amazing when we saw it draped in Christmas lights back in 2018, but I can't find that photo just now.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/omni-bathroom.jpgOmni bathroom!The disturbing 24-hour view in the bathroom. WHO HANGS A PORTRAIT OF MISTER PEEPERS ABOVE THEIR TOILET?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/louisville-hotel-window-view.jpgLouisville hotel window view!The daytime view from our room.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/omni-gear-hallway.jpgOmni gear hallway!In the opposite direction, the hallway toward their other, less fine restaurants.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/omni-hallway.jpgOmni hallway!The hallway toward their fine-dining restaurant, which we didn't try.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/omni-hotel-sculptures.jpgOmni Hotel sculptures!Sample lobby sculptures.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/non-toll-bridge.jpgnon-toll bridge!Free bridge! SUCK IT, I-65.2022-08-17T02:14:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/01/the-road-to-dragon-con-2021-part-3-of-8-the-ohio-river-runs-through-it/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/colgate-clock-indiana.jpgColgate clock Indiana!You may also have glimpsed its cameo in Michael Mann's The Insider.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lego-smokey-the-bear.jpgLego Smokey the Bear!Lego cardinal is the state bird of Lego Indiana. His friend Lego Smokey the Bear reminds us only YOU can prevent Lego forest fires.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/stuffed-bald-eagle.jpgstuffed bald eagle!Stuffed eagle and fellow bird of prey, doing action shots for the camera.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/stuffed-beaver.jpgstuffed beaver!Stuffed beaver, like the one that cameoed in The Naked Gun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/stuffed-raccoon.jpgstuffed raccoon!Stuffed raccoon and squirrel pose for the cover of their next acoustic album.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/stuffed-woodpecker.jpgstuffed woodpecker!Stuffed woodpecker.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/bison-head.jpgbison head!We haven't visited any roadside attractions with taxidermy in years. Let's start with a bison head.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/plastic-squid.jpgplastic squid!Plastic underwater life, minus water.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shawnee-in-the-corner.jpgShawnee in the corner.Someone put Shawnee in the corner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/young-george-rogers-clark.jpgyoung George Rogers Clark!George Rogers Clark, age 19.2022-08-17T02:14:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/29/the-road-to-dragon-con-2021-part-2-of-8-sweets-for-your-sweet/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/scooters-and-art.jpgscooters and art!More art flourishes here and there. As society tries to leave the pandemic behind, scooters start popping up everywhere again. Science is healing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/lightbox-art.jpglightbox art!A spot of lightbox art on our walk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/soup-and-salad.jpgsoup and salad!Anne went with the soup-and-salad special -- tomato bisque and some walnut-topped greens with, as I recall, a pear vinaigrette. (I'll just edit this later if she remembers I'm wrong.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shrimp-and-grits.jpgshrimp and grits!The shrimp and grits were either a daily special or later removed from the menu after some seasonal change.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/red-yeti-yeti.jpgRed Yeti yeti!With such a mascot bringing the truth in advertising, how could we not?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/lemon-drop.jpglemon drop!Behold: one (1) lemon drop at the end of its life cycle before consumption.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/lemon-drops-presto.jpglemon drops presto!After pressing, the sheets will be segmented and can be smashed into their individual candy units.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/running-sheets-through.jpglemon drop sheets!The placated glob is malleable enough to be formed into sheets that are then run through a set of rollers fitted with one among dozens of different attachments they have for shaping and molding their various candies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sugar-in-glob.jpgsugar in glob!To prevent the glob from becoming a Blob and consuming all humanity, appease it by dumping a bunch of sugar on it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/hardening-mix-folded.jpghardening mix folded!Keep folding around the corners and edges till you're facing down a large lemon glob.2022-08-17T02:14:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/28/the-road-to-dragon-con-2021-part-1-of-8-firefight-club/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tom-cruise-fireman-suit.jpgTom Cruise fireman suit!High commendation for an authentic movie prop in their collection: a firefighter's suit worn by Tom Cruise in the first Mission: Impossible.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fire-pinball.jpgFire pinball!Also from the Department of Inventions I Grew Up With: a themed pinball machine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/statues-or-liquor-bottles.jpgstatues or liquor bottles!Firefighter statues or liquor bottles? Learn which is which on the upcoming NetFlix game show Is It Booze?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fire-chief-hotline.jpgfire chief hotline!The aforementioned late Mr. Conway and a fire chief hotline, rotary-style like you probably just saw in Stranger Things.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/firefighter-trampoline-and-extinguishers.jpgfirefighter trampoline and extinguishers!A trampoline that's seen action and doubtlessly saved lives.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/water-main.jpgwater main!An old, old, old-school water main made from a tree trunk, ages before someone decided these should be replaced with lead pipes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/knots.jpgknots!Whosoever masters these rope maneuvers shall earn the title Don of Knots.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fire-hose-nozzles.jpgfire hose nozzles!A history of fire hose nozzles. I'm currently playing Fallout 3, where these can be a specifically useful item.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/badges-and-accessories.jpgbadges and accessories!Firefighting badges and pins.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fire-bells.jpgfire bells!Even older examples of fire bells.2022-08-17T02:14:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/14/the-road-to-dragon-con-2021-part-7-of-8-the-atlanta-outtakes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/yami-yami.jpgYami Yami!Lunch was at Yami Yami, the popular all-you-can-eat Asian place inside The Mall at Peachtree Center, same place as Aviva.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hyatt-elevator-shaft.jpgHyatt elevator shaft!As a companion shot, here's the elevator shaft in the Marriott's next-door neighbor, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Downtown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/marriott-atlanta-elevator-shaft.jpgMarriott Atlanta elevator shaft!At the Marriott Marquis Atlanta, one of D*C's major hotels, most attendees can't help staring at their unique carpeting. Or they can look up the elevator shaft and feel a different kind of nausea.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/aviva-awards.jpgAviva awards!please enjoy their collection of awards and kudos.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/mounted-police.jpgmounted police!Atlanta mounties number among the pervasive police presence up and down the streets all weekend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/bookshelf-bellhop-bottlenose-dolphin.jpgbookshelf bellhop bottlenose dolphin!Dolphin statues dot the area, but somehow last time we missed this bookshelf bellhop bottlenose dolphin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/westin-atlanta.jpgWestin Atlanta!We out-of-towners can't help staring at the Westin Atlanta every time we walk around it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rustic-italian.jpgRustic Italian!For Anne, the Rustic Italian: two eggs on rosemary garlic bread with spinach, mushrooms, mozzarella, white cheddar, and so on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cowboy-benedict.jpgCowboy Benedict!For me, the Cowboy Benedict: two quesadillas with white cheddar, poached eggs, hollandaise and corn relish.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/roll-up-your-sleeve.jpgRoll Up Your Sleeve!Rosie the Riveter reminds you the pandemic isn't over yet.2022-08-17T02:14:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/08/12/the-road-to-dragon-con-2021-part-6-of-8-a-taste-of-tennessee/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rush-hour-traffic.jpgrush hour traffic!Counter-counterpoint: once again the interstate through the mountains of Chattanooga is like a nonstop rush hour. Sigh.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/tennessee-lake.jpgTennessee lake!Counterpoint: pretty Tennessee roadside lake!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ruby-falls-sign-2.jpgRuby Falls sign!This drive is visually the exact opposite of Our 2022 Road Trip, which will be coming soon to MCC after the conclusion of this miniseries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ruby-falls-sign.jpgRuby Falls sign!Hey, remember that time we visited Ruby Falls and it was the same deal with the signs?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rock-city-sign-2.jpgRock City sign 2!Yep, they're still around. I trust the farmers are well paid for marring their own panoramas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rock-city-sign.jpgRock City sign!Remember that time we visited Rock City and a million signs pointed the way? Those are still around.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/bonnaroo-canceled.jpgBonnaroo canceled!I love how this looks like we Photoshopped a sign over someone's Monet pastiche.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/italian-chop-salad.jpgItalian Chop salad!According to our receipt, Anne got the Italian Chop Salad, which no longer appears on their menu as of tonight. I mean, it's a salad. The photo is the ingredients list.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/anne-and-sports-tv.jpgAnne and sports TV!My recurring restaurant photo motif, the Wide Background Shot With Anne Framed at the Very Bottom Like I'm Shooting a 2010s British TV Drama.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/goat-murfreesboro.jpgGoat Murfreesboro!Their rather suburban digs.2022-08-17T02:13:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/31/nichelle-nichols-1932-2022/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nichelle-nichols-2012.jpgNichelle Nichols 2012!Yep, she still got it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nichols-autograph-2003.jpgNichols autograph 2003!The last freebie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nichelle-nichols-2003.jpgNichelle Nichols 2003!In hindsight, I wish I'd taken five minutes to change out of my work clothes before hurrying on down.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nichols-autograph-1998.jpgNichols autograph 1998!The photo in that photo, post-signing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nichols-earrings-1991.jpgNichols earrings 1991!Back in those days, stars at cons would sign for free, so turnout could be huge. Nichols and the other guests kept on signing long after their scheduled time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nichols-autograph-1991.jpgNichelle Nichols 1991!Her autographed program from the occasion.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nichelle-nichols-1991.jpgNichelle Nichols 1991!She ended the panel with a song. She sang for them! The more I think about this, the more jealous I am of Anne for having had that beautiful opportunity.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nichelle-nichols-1991-2.jpgNichelle Nichols 1991!Nichols was among the guest at Starbase Indy 1991, the very first convention Anne ever attended, with 110 camera in hand and terrible ballroom lighting working against her.2022-08-02T00:53:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/24/yes-theres-an-ad-after-the-nope-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nope-watch.jpgNope Watching!Emerald gets ready to get paid or die watching.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nope-alien.jpgNope Alien!Cowboys vs. Aliens, but way better.2022-07-24T21:21:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/23/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-thor-love-and-thunder-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/thor-love-and-thunder.jpgThor Love and Thunder!"Y'know, if we let Gorr have him, we could have the movie all to ourselves..."2022-07-23T14:19:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/18/not-put-asunder-18-years-and-counting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/buttermilk-bread-pudding.jpgbuttermilk bread pudding!We conclude our anniversary party apropos of classic Chopped with buttermilk bread pudding with white chocolate, cocoa nibs and whipped cream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/casarecce.jpgcasarecce!For Anne the pasta fan, casarecce in a "butcher shop bolognese" with basil, gremolata and parmesan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/brussels-sprouts.jpgBrussels sprouts!Brussels sprouts in agrodolce with pickled red onions. Not the best Brussels sprouts we've had this year, but they hold their own.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/octopus.jpgoctopus!The octopus is hard to see, but I promise it's generous amounts proportionate to the size, intertwined with capers, dill, everything seasoning, pickled red onions, marinated cucumbers, arugula and potato chips.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pickled-herring.jpgpickled herring!Pickled herring with white kimchi, pears, creme fraiche and onion. Anne was relieved herrings aren't remotely the same thing as anchovies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/beet-salad.jpgbeet salad!First up: beet salad with shaved fennel, apples, crispy shallots, feta and a truffle vinaigrette.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bluebeard-patio.jpgBluebeard patio!I think it's around here somewhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/thanos-and-us.jpgThanos and Us!Anne and me and an intergalactic madman makes three.2022-07-19T01:39:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/17/fan-expo-chicago-2022-photos-part-4-of-4-stargirl-and-the-hobbits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/autographed-dvds.jpgautographed DVDs!Those autograph line results.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bub-city.jpgBub City!Anne and the ambiance at a barbecue joint called Bub City. In case you're looking closely, yes, she was well aware she wasn't my only reason for taking this pic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/anne-and-50th-backdrop.jpgAnne and 50th backdrop!This big con in Chicago wasn't the only one with an anniversary to celebrate in July...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/joel-mchale-op.jpgJoel McHale!Your move, rest of the Community cast.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mchale-meets-frakes.jpgMcHale meets Frakes!We barely caught this candid moment in con history: McHale (behind the fan at left) meeting his next-booth neighbor Jonathan Frakes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/nothing-bundt-cake.jpgNothing Bundt Cake!I got white chocolate raspberry, which contains a fruit in the name and therefore by my rules counts as an honorary salad.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/brec-bassinger-op.jpgBrec Bassinger!Our request reminded her happily of Bring It On, which I have indeed seen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/photo-op-madness.jpgphoto op madness!The worst was yet to come.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/stargirl-poster.jpgStargirl poster!Me? I get joint ownership in her autographed poster.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/anjelika-washington.jpgAnjelika Washington!Fun trivia: her character was co-created by a youngster named Todd McFarlane, who'd go on to become a millions-selling comics superstar.2022-07-18T22:47:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/14/fan-expo-chicago-2022-photos-part-3-of-4-apollo-and-the-clone-wars/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/hotel-window-view.jpghotel window view!Our expansive view of the boring side of Three Rivers Casino. You get what you pay for.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/exhibitor-vans.jpgexhibitor vans!We also stumbled across the level where exhibitors parked their custom vans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rosemont-garage-mural-2.jpgRosemont garage mural!More of a street-art vibe in this one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rosemont-garage-mural-1.jpgRosemont garage mural!Happy Egyptian mural.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fan-expo-chicago-2022-loot.jpgFan Expo Chicago 2022 Loot!Total reading matter takeaway.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aaron-campbell.jpgAaron Campbell!Aaron Campbell, whose work I first saw on Green Hornet, and who's done recent runs on DC's Hellblazer and Suicide Squad.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/daniel-warren-johnson.jpgDaniel Warren Johnson!Daniel Warren Johnson, creator of the Image series Extremity and DC's Jurassic League. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/veronica-fish.jpgVeronica Fish!Veronica Fish, whose art I've enjoyed (along with her husband/collaborator Andy) on Mark Waid's Archie run and Dark Horse's spooky Blackwood (written by Evan Dorkin).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ashley-eckstein-and-matt-lanter.jpgAshley Eckstein and Matt Lanter!"Snips and Skyguy", as the delightful Star Wars panel was billed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/weathers-dandridge.jpgWeathers & Dandridge!Weathers with our host, comics creator/publisher Victor Dandridge, Jr., whom Weathers pointed out is a descendant of the Dorothy Dandridge.2022-07-17T15:37:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/10/fan-expo-chicago-2022-photos-part-1-of-4-a-dash-of-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shade-and-stargirl.jpgShade and Stargirl!Speaking of which: Stargirl and the Shade. More about that show in a future chapter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/hourman.jpgHourman!Hourman from the Justice Society of America and TV's Stargirl.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/john-mcclane-and-tony.jpgJohn McClane and Tony!John McClane and Karl's brother Tony, the one with feet smaller than John's sister's.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/wong.jpgWong!Wong, Sorcerer Supreme, getting his own moment of "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fry-and-debbie-downer.jpgFry and Debbie Downer!Fry from Futurama with what's left of Seymour (R.I.P.) and Debbie Downer with a brain slug.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ahsoka-and-kanan.jpgAhsoka and Kanan!Ex-Jedi duo: Ahsoka Tano from Clone Wars and her own upcoming series, and Kanan from Star Wars Rebels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/captain-pike.jpgCaptain Pike!Captain Pike from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rutherford.jpgEnsign Rutherford!Ensign Rutherford from Star Trek: Lower Decks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bobby-hill.jpgBobby Hill!An astonishingly accurate Bobby Hill from King of the Hill.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/princess-boo-peach.jpgPrincess Boo-Peach!What if the Boos from Super Mario had their own princess? (Full disclosure: she's also a longtime friend of Anne's!)2022-07-17T15:36:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/11/fan-expo-chicago-2022-photos-part-2-of-4-fandom-artifacts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/anne-and-50th-column-banner.jpgAnne and 50th column banner!The convention that has comics and is in Chicago should start receiving its AARP membership offer any day now. Trust me, we know.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bingo-unicorn.jpgbingo unicorn!Inflatable bingo unicorn welcomes you to actual bingo! With prizes!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mandalorian-chalk-drawing.jpgMandalorian chalk drawing!Chalk Twins were in the house drawing Grogu and the Mandalorian live. We're embarrassed to admit we forgot to follow up on their progress.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/loki-bb-8.jpgLoki BB-8!Remote-control Loki-themed BB-8 puttering around.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/senpai-squad-car.jpgSenpai Squad car!If Senpai Squad or Gamers' Heaven are things you recognize, then this car is also your thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/jurassic-park-accessories.jpgJurassic Park accessories!We've seen the Jurassic Park jeep at other shows but never noticed the accessories on the inside, such as dino DNA and Newman's shaving cream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cobra-viper-helmet.jpgCobra Viper helmet!A Cobra Viper helmet, which resembles Cobra Commander's own, but isn't the same thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/s.n.a.k.e.-battle-armor.jpgS.N.A.K.E. Battle Armor!The S.N.A.K.E. Battle Armor, which I'd completely forgotten I owned till I looked this up. Ah, the weird elation of resurfaced memories.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cobra-ferret.jpgCobra Ferret!The Cobra Ferret, which I believe was after my time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cobra-a.s.p..jpgCobra A.S.P.!Life-size recreations of classic Joe toys included the Cobra A.S.P.2022-07-29T14:38:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/03/my-2022-reading-stacks-1/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/miles-morales-trades.jpgMiles Morales trades!Only 11 months till Across the Spider-Verse! Time to get caught up again!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dirk-gently-series.jpgDirk Gently series!35 years later I have closure at last with these first editions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/star-trek-books.jpgStar Trek books!Our year of getting back into Star Trek continues!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/barry-windsor-smith-monsters.jpgBarry Windsor-Smith Monsters!Maybe not the best place to start while writing on July 4th weekend...or is it?2022-07-04T00:05:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/07/03/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-lightyear-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/lightyear.jpgLightyear!To finity and no farther!2022-07-03T19:27:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/22/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-10-sir-this-is-a-wendys/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wendys-sign-today.jpgWendy's sign today!The young lady today. Well, young to us, I mean. 52 isn't old to us anymore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/glass-burger.jpgglass burger!Also, a burger made from Waterford crystal that was once auctioned off for $105,000.00.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1996-olympic-torch.jpg1996 Olympic torch!Unique relics include the torch that Thomas himself once carried for the opening of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wheres-the-beef-merch.jpgWhere's the Beef merch!To this day our fellow Gen-Xers are still haunted by the voice of Clara Peller and the famous "Where's the Beef?" ad campaign.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/groundbreaking-shovel.jpggroundbreaking shovel!Their total store count lags a bit behind Subway, McDonald's, and a couple other giants, but the groundbreaking continues apace.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dave-thomas-merch.jpgDave Thomas merch!A selection of merchandise, celebrating an entrepreneur and philanthropist who who never spent 40 billion to turn a website into his own megaphone.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/old-menu.jpgold Wendy's menu!A very basic menu from before our time. Remember when fast-food joints could fit all their dishes in a single panel?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/uniform.jpguniform!I like to imagine their Twitter team wearing these while verbally sparring with trolls.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ceiling-light.jpgWendy's ceiling light!A vintage ceiling light to accentuate the throwbackstory.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wendys-old-table.jpgWendy's old table!The tables every Wendy's had when we were kids, covered in old-timey ads. A pizza joint at one of our local malls did the same.2022-06-24T02:18:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/20/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-9-arts-in-columbus/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/columbus-loot.jpgColumbus loot!Total acquisitions from the bookshop and the music shop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/sidewalk-circle.jpgsidewalk circle!A happy sidewalk circle on the corner where we parked.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/chamber-of-commerce-mural.jpgChamber of Commerce mural!This one's on the side of the Chamber of Commerce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/whale-fight-mural.jpgwhale fight mural!Yet another mural shows the anarchy that befalls fish and whales when Aquaman isn't around to police them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/homes-off-goodale-park.jpgHomes off Goodale Park!Not far away, labeled street art: Homes off Goodale Park by Michael Secrest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/magnolia-thunderpussy-mural.jpgMagnolia Thunderpussy mural!The mural on the side of their building.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/magnolia-thunderpussy.jpgMagnolia Thunderpussy!Destination: record shop! Yet another thing I find myself looking for in our travels of late. I prefer CDs to vinyl for a few peculiar reasons, but I managed to overspend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/goody-boy-diner-sign.jpgGoody Boy Diner sign!We parked next to this diner, which has nothing to do with anything except I dug their sign.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dublin-hotel-window-view.jpgDublin hotel window view!We continue my preoccupation with unremarkable hotel window views. Behold yonder car dealership.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hotel-sign.jpghotel sign!I've done 34 years in customer service. I get the sentiment.2022-06-24T02:18:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/19/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-8-the-columbus-cuisine-collection/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/blueberry-bbq-duck-wings.jpgblueberry BBQ duck wings!For me the winning bite was our appetizer, a plate of blueberry BBQ duck wings. 'Sup, Ollie?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/lamb-chops-with-apple-jam.jpglamb chops with apple jam!Anne scored higher with her lamb chops served with apple jam, roasted potatoes and baby arugula.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/steak-quiche.jpgsteak quiche!Admittedly my steak quiche was less than wowing. The coleslaw was fine, a nice acidic kick to offset all that egginess.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/duck-donuts-donuts.jpgDuck Donuts donuts!Our donuts, clockwise from top left: Maple Bacon; Coffee Cake; Sunrise (lemon with raspberry drizzle); cinnamon sugar and vanilla drizzle; Peach Pie; and S'mores.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/depp-heard-tip-jars.jpgJohnny Depp Amber Heard tip jars!For readers who wish I'd feature more stories ripped from today's headlines, here's a look at the competitive and prescient Duck Donuts tip jars.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/duck-art.jpgduck art!More duck trimmings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ollie-the-duck.jpgOllie the Duck!Their mascot Ollie, who loves donuts and speaks "Ducklish".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/duck-donuts.jpgDuck Donuts!Trapped inside a business-park labyrinth that took two full laps to penetrate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gelato.jpggelato!We were stuffed, but skipping dessert felt gauche. Hence a light epilogue of raspberry and lemon gelato.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/costillas.jpgCostillas!Her main small plate: Costillas - braised beef short ribs with mushrooms, chimichurri, and cilantro.2022-06-24T02:18:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/18/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-6-all-around-the-cma/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/final-girls.jpgFinal Girls!Robin F. Williams, Final Girls, 2021.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/carrying-caskets-3.jpgCarrying Caskets #3!Jammie Holmes, Carrying Caskets #3, 2021.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/stacked-skies.jpgStacked Skies!Mira Dancy, Stacked Skies, 2020.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/page-of-wands.jpgPage of Wands!Devan Shimoyama, Page of Wands, 2020.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ron-wimberly-hallway.jpgRon Wimberly hallway!Each year the museum awards a Columbus Comics Residency with numerous perks. The current recipient is LAAB magazine, organized by Columbus' own Ron Wimberly (Prince of Cats, She-Hulk).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/soundsuit.jpgSoundsuit!Nick Cave (not the singer), Soundsuit, 2010.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/isola-di-san-giacomo-in-palude.jpgIsola di San Giacomo in Palude!Dale Chihuly, Isola di San Giacomo in Palude, 2000.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/la-vecchia-dellorto.jpgLa vecchia dell'orto!Frank Stella, La vecchia dell'orto, 1986.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dual-red.jpgDual Red!Richard Anuskiewicz, Dual Red, 1979.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/watchers.jpgThe Watchers!Benny Andrews, The Watchers, 1969.2022-06-24T02:18:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/16/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-6-lichtenstein-pre-pop/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/art-critic.jpgArt Critic!Art Critic, 1996, the year before his death.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bugs-bunny.jpgBugs Bunny!Bugs Bunny, also 1958. Put these last two together for a Who Framed Roger Rabbit? prequel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/mickey-mouse-iii.jpgMickey Mouse III!Mickey Mouse III, 1958.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gallant-scene-ii.jpgGallant Scene II!Gallant Scene II, 1957.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/charge-of-the-light-brigade.jpgCharge of the Light Brigade!Charge of the Light Brigade, the same year that the novel's 1936 film adaptation came to TV.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ten-dollar-bill-ten-dollars.jpgTen Dollar Bill (Ten Dollars)!Ten Dollar Bill (Ten Dollars), 1956.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/shaper-feed-mechanism.jpgShaper Feed Mechanism!Shaper Feed Mechanism, 1954.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/motion-picture-projector.jpgMotion Picture Projector!Motion Picture Projector, 1954.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/captain-stephen-decatur.jpgCaptain Stephen Decatur!Captain Stephen Decatur, 1954.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/two-indians.jpgTwo Indians!Two Indians,1953, condemned by its own contextual label. ("This Eurocentric perspective promoted an association of Native Americans with the past, rather than with a contemporary living reality.")2022-06-24T02:17:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/13/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-5-schiller-park-intermezzo/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/witch-and-wizard-statues.jpgwitch and wizard statues!An island in the pond contains a tree and a pair of witch and wizard statues, or bell druids, or eclectic European raincoat models, or something.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rowing-statue.jpgKedziora Rower!Also in the pond is another Kedziora figure,"The Rower".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fountain.jpgfountain!In the southwest corner is a pond with a basic fountain, which is nice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wire-flamingo.jpgwire flamingo!A wire flamingo lurks underneath the metal acrobats.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wallenstein-quote.jpgWallenstein quote!"Prosperity weaves no garlands for imitators." From his 1798-1799 Wallenstein trilogy, set during the Thirty Years' War.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/mary-stuart-quote.jpgMary Stuart quote!"In the sanctuary of your heart with God, the words are not as important as faith." From 1800's Mary Stuart, about Mary, Queen of Scots.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bride-of-messina.jpgBride of Messina!Quotes from Schiller's plays line the sidewalks. From 1803's The Bride of Messina: "Everything new, even happiness, strikes terror."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/schiller-statue.jpgSchiller statue!The park's centerpiece is a statue of Schiller himself on a pedestal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/schiller-park-west-entrance.jpgSchiller Park west entrance!The park's west entrance, across the street from where we parked.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/schiller-park-northeast.jpgSchiller Park northeast!Schiller Park's northeast entrance, which we saw at the end of our walk.2022-06-24T02:17:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/07/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-4-cosi-all-around/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jazz-hands-superhero.jpgJazz Hands superhero!One hallway features artwork by local talents creating their own superheroes. Longtime MCC readers get why Jazz Hands spoke to us. Art by Tanya Fullerton.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/giant-mesh-skeleton.jpggiant mesh skeleton!Dangling above it all in the museum's heart is a giant mesh skeleton. Also, more Marvel cameos.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/giant-neptune.jpggiant Neptune!What better way to learn about water than in a watery science-lab playground with a giant Neptune in the center. (Or Poseidon, whichever.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/oceans-entrance.jpgOceans entrance!The theme-park-styled entrance to the Oceans exhibit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/honda-nsx.jpgHonda NSX!Over in the "Great Advancements in Automotive Engineering, Sponsored by Local Automotive Concerns" section, advancements include this sweet Honda NSX designed with special hands-only controls, for any drivers who can't do pedals.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/black-vw-beetle.jpgblack VW Beetle!Nostalgia prompts along that Main Street simulation include a black VW Beetle, which should come in handy for anyone playing "Slug Bug" while scrolling through this.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/old-timey-town-at-night.jpgold-timey town at night!Like Indy's Children's Museum, the COSI has a "everyday life in old-time towns" exhibit. Theirs has cooler nighttime lighting.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nocturnal-indigo-gum-snout.jpgNocturnal Indigo Gum Snout!...and Nocturnal Indigo Gum Snout. I just really wanted to type that.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/clavichordium-blatta.jpgClavichordium Blatta!Several walls were decorated with large butterflies made from recycled materials and objects. such as Clavichordium Blatta here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pendulum.jpgpendulum!Once inside the doors, your first sight is a pendulum, keeping time with precision. We have one like it at the Indiana State Museum, and we saw one at another Ohio museum four years ago.2022-06-24T02:17:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/07/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-3-how-to-draw-comics-the-marvel-way/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/spider-verse-octopus-concept-art.jpgSpider-Verse Octopus concept art!Fans of non-comic art could also enjoy a collection of concept sketches for Into the Spider-Verse, such as this glimpse of the new Doctor Octopus, voiced by Kathryn Hahn. We have more Spider-Verse pics if anyone out there wants to see more.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/silver-surfer-2014-1-cover.jpgSilver Surfer (2014) #1 cover!One of Marvel's last great solo books, and a fantastic Doctor Who tribute to boot: Silver Surfer (2014) #1 with art by Michael Allred.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/avenging-spider-man-9-cover.jpgAvenging Spider-Man #9 cover!In recent times Marvel has decreed all comics shall be team books, crossovers, or chock full of guest stars, because readers today hate solo heroes, which is why Captain Marvel shares the cover of Avenging Spider-Man #9 by Terry and Rachel Dodson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/amy-reeder-covers-1.jpgAmy Reeder covers!As with the medium in general, gender parity wasn't exactly a primary objective. Among the few contrasting examples, a pair of Amy Reeder covers from <em>Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur</em> #18 and <em>Ironheart</em> #2.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/daredevil-2008-113-page-8.jpgDaredevil (2008) #113 page 8!Art methods keep a-changin': pencils from Daredevil (2008) #113 by Michael Lark, paired with the same page's inks by Stefano Gaudiano, who worked over a blue-line scan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jessica-jones-pieces.jpgJessica Jones pieces!A pair of Jessica Jones studies: the cover to Alias #8 by David Mack, and a standalone piece by Michael Gaydos.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ultimate-spider-man-7-page-2.jpgUltimate Spider-Man #7 page 2!The 21st century brought the advent of digital lettering (hence no more writing on the artwork itself) and a rebooted Spidey and Goblin in Ultimate Spider-Man. Art from #7 by Mark Bagley and Art Thibert.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/darkhold-6-page-4.jpgDarkhold #6 page 4!Before WandaVision de-aged her, Agatha Harkness was basically Witchy Aunt May, as seen here in Darkhold #6 Art by Richard Case and Stan Woch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/spider-man-6-cover.jpgSpider-Man #6 cover!Speaking of the '90s: superstar Todd Mcfarlane plays to his strengths in Adjectiveless Spider-Man #6.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/new-warriors-12-page-29.jpgNew Warriors #12 page 29!Marvel brought back teen heroes (such as Nova here) in New Waarriors. Art for #12 by Mark Bagley and Larry Mahlstedt.2022-06-24T02:16:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/05/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-2-mighty-marvel-cinemania/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ancient-one-costume.jpgAncient One costume!The Ancient One's robes, in a setting 100% apropos.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/eye-of-agamotto.jpgEye of Agamotto!The Eye of Agamotto. Its closet in the Sanctum Sanctorum probably looks exactly like this.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dr.-strange-costume.jpgDr. Strange costume!Dr. Strange (now in theaters!), whose mementos were all displayed in a trippy hall of mirrors.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wandavision-old-time-radio.jpgWandaVision old-time radio!A WandaVision old-time radio, like your great-grandparents used to have.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/vision-and-scarlet-witch-costumes.jpgVision and Scarlet Witch costumes!The Vision and Scarlet Witch. Um, mild spoilers for WandaVision.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/draxs-knives.jpgDrax's knives!Remember that time Drax got stabby on a space monster? That was awesome.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gamora-costume.jpgGamora costume!Much happier to welcome Gamora back to the land of the living for the sake of that Guardians of the Galaxy reunion finale.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/star-lord-costume.jpgStar-Lord costume!Even more infuriating: Star-Lord, the hotheaded moron who got billions killed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/luke-cage-hoodie.jpgLuke Cage hoodie!Much respect to Luke Cage, but after his infuriating cliffhanger, I'd be okay with a full do-over.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nelson-murdock-sign.jpgNelson & Murdock sign!Ditto the law firm of Nelson & Murdock. Only time will tell.2022-06-24T02:16:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/04/the-fantabulous-50s-weekend-part-1-the-merry-marvel-museum-menagerie/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/black-panther-and-jazz-hands.jpgBlack Panther and jazz hands!Look, let the birthday boy have one more goofy moment and then we'll move on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/anne-and-the-thing.jpgAnne and the Thing!Anne has a moment with a snoozing Benjamin J. Grimm.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/anne-and-spidey.jpgAnne and Spidey!Anne takes her own moment with the Spidey statue in our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/groot-head.jpgGroot head!I am Groot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ms.-marvel-statue.jpgMs. Marvel statue!Related note: Marvel's Ms. Marvel is coming June 8th to Disney+!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/young-hero-repros.jpgyoung hero repros!A trio of covers celebrate young heroes such as Squirrel Girl, the most recent version of the Champions, and my childhood favorites, Power Pack.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/marvels-eternity.jpgMarvel's Eternity!A sort-of slide show in a weird mirror room salutes Marvel's trippy magical and/or cosmic characters, such as the all-encompassing Eternity.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jack-kirby-tribute-desk.jpgJack Kirby tribute desk!A desk of souvenirs and a classic poster print point to the contributions of the legendary Jack Kirby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/stan-lee-cameos.jpgStan Lee cameos!Let's pivot back to classier matters with the many faces of Stan Lee.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/stan-lee-carnegie-hall-poster.jpgStan Lee Carnegie Hall poster!A poster ad for Stan's 1972 Carnegie Hall show, which I learned about from Abraham Riesman's True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee. Said show was, uh, not a...2022-06-24T02:16:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/23/happy-birthday-captain-janeway-a-fantabulous-50s-coda/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/janeway-birthday-hat.jpgJaneway birthday hat!Much better.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/janeway-birthday-card.jpgJaneway birthday card!Someone left her a birthday card.I'm not sure who the intended reader was.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/vulcan-salute-handprint.jpgVulcan salute handprint!A Vulcan salute handprint in the back of the base.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/federation-symbol.jpgFederation symbol!A Federation symbol engraved in the back of the pedestal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/janeway-statue.jpgCaptain Janeway statue!Hopefully Q didn't take her back into time, turn her into a statue and leave her stranded here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/no-more-presidents.jpgNo More Presidents!Did I mention it's a college town?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dalmatian-statue.jpgdalmatian statue!A dalmatian statue tucked into an alcove outside a radio station.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bloomington-marquee.jpgBloomington marquee!Another addition to my collection of marquee photos, this one clearly inspired by a Kurt Vonnegut fan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/vegan-chocolate-pave.jpgvegan chocolate pave!The dessert: a vegan chocolate pavé in a pomegranate reduction. (The menu had also promised a coconut whipped cream, but it never showed up.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/iberian-roasted-pork-loin.jpgIberian roasted pork loin!The main dish: Iberian roasted pork loinwith caramelized fennel, jasmine rice, cilantro, and a pork mojo sauce.2022-06-24T02:14:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/12/jurassic-world-dominion-the-locust-job/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jurassic-world-dominion.jpgJurassic World Dominion cast!In which the old crews get together for one last heist.2023-01-15T13:05:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/06/10/best-cds-of-2021-according-to-an-old-guy-who-bought-five/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021-cd-releases.jpg2021 CD Releases!Hi, I'm Fat Casey Kasem and welcome to half a Top Ten list!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021-cd-re-releases.jpg2021 CD re-releases!But wait! There's more!2022-06-10T22:50:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/19/our-2019-road-trip-part-14-hollywood-georgia/2022-06-05T16:08:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/29/the-2021-birthday-at-newfields-part-2-of-2-arts-of-a-whole/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/gift-shop-umbrellas.jpggift shop umbrellas!And now we exit through the gift shop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cast-glass-pyramid.jpgcast-glass pyramid!František Vízner, an untitled cast-glass pyramid, circa 1993.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/war-machine.jpgWar Machine!Errol Ortiz, War Machine, 1966.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/chambers-of-the-shell.jpgChambers of the Shell!Philip Hanson, Chambers of the Shell, 1977.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/chicago-hit-by-the-bomb.jpgChicago Hit by the Bomb!Also by Brown: Chicago Hit by the Bomb, 1985.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/vibrex.jpgVibrex!Ed Paschka, Vibrex, 1982.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/full-circle.jpgFull Circle!Roger Brown, Winter Storm, 1993.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/winter-storm.jpgWinter Storm!Roger Brown, Winter Storm, 1993.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/bathrobe-series.jpgBathrobe Series!Ray Yoshida, an untitled 1971 entry from his Bathrobe Series.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/drawers.jpgdrawers!These drawers seem impractical, but at least your guests can never ruin them by setting a drink on them.2022-05-31T12:57:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/30/downton-abbey-a-new-era-travels-talkies-and-other-traumas/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/downton-abbey-a-new-era.jpgDownton Abbey A New Era!One of our local theaters showed this in Dolby CInema. The Dowager Countess would be most displeased.2022-05-31T01:43:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/23/the-2021-birthday-at-newfields-part-1-of-2-light-show-van-gogh-gogh/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/starry-night-sleeping-mask.jpgStarry Night sleeping mask!Naturally there was a gift shop at the end of the trail, where I could buy a "Starry Night" sleeping mask to go with my "Starry Night" COVID mask.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/van-gogh-quote-and-line-art.jpgVan Gogh quote and line art!One more Van Gogh quote and some line art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/bedroom-in-arles-3-d.jpgBedroom in Arles 3-D!A life-size diorama of Van Gogh's three paintings Bedroom in Arles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/van-gogh-quote-2.jpgVan Gogh quote!Van Gogh helps me meet this blog's annual inspirational quote quota.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/house-in-provence.jpgHouse in Provence!Cezanne, "House in Provence", 1885.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/sheaves-of-wheat.jpgSheaves of Wheat!Also at the end of the line: actual paintings! Van Gogh's 1890 Sheaves of Wheat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/van-gogh-jazz-hands.jpgVan Gogh jazz hands!Sure, our phones and camera software have filters for DIY mementos, but sometimes it's fun to enjoy freebies, despite the selfie light giving our glasses a reflective glare.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/everyones-a-van-gogh.jpgEveryone's a Van Gogh!But wait! There's more! Near the end, special cameras let patrons turn themselves into paintings, each momentarily displayed in a collage among others.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/rainy-night.jpgrainy night!Something something something like tears in rain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/twin-fields.jpgtwin fields!I'm unclear what comes next after this ends May 30th, whether they swap in a new set of paintings or trash the whole of it and go back to the old content.2022-05-30T00:16:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/19/50-years-in-the-making/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/certificate-of-50th-authenticity-1.jpgCertificate of 50th Authenticity!This is arguably more meaningful to me than my entire collection of Honor Roll certificates.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/happy-birthday-card-1.jpgHappy Birthday Card!The USPS didn't exactly handle this with care, but at least they beat the deadline.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/easter-2022.jpgEaster 2022!I'm not thrilled with my early-stage Santa beard, but I look wrong without it.2022-05-21T03:10:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/17/a-night-with-neil-gaiman-in-indianapolis/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/neil-gaiman-at-clowes-hall-indianapolis.jpgNeil Gaiman at Clowes Hall Indianapolis!Artist's rendition of the evening. (DISCLAIMER: Artist never learned how to Photoshop.)2022-05-17T05:06:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/16/my-free-comic-book-day-2022-results-ranked/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/sea-serpents-heir.jpgSea Serpent's Heir!The Kraken can only dream of being this lovingly rendered. Art by Pablo Tunica.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/clementine.jpgClementine!Stubborn loner or not, we need to leave some things to the professionals. Art by Tillie Walden and Cliff Rathburn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/guardian-of-fukushima.jpgGuardian of Fukushima!It's gonna be a terrible, horrible day when an earthquake is just the opening act. Art by Ewen Blain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/axe-judgment-day.jpgAXE Judgment Day!The Eternals may be the only characters Marvel editors didn't twist around to make them more like their film counterparts. Art by Dustin Weaver and Marte Gracia.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/hollow.jpgHollow!Maybe someday Anne and I can visit the real Sleepy Hollow and judge its fictional versions accordingly. Art by Berenice Nelle and Kaitlyn Musto.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/sakamoto-days.jpgSakamoto Days!ACTION SHOPPING! Art by Yuto Suzuki.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dark-crisis-0.jpgDark Crisis 0!Nothing but respect for my Flash, who's not Hawaii's Public Enemy #1. Art by Jim Cheung and Jay David Ramos.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/resident-alien.jpgResident Alien!Oh, Harry, in all your years on Earth, how many of our tropes did you never learn?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/moon-girl-devil-dinosaur.jpgMoon Girl & Devil Dinosaur!Moon Girl can't keep up with Marvel continuity, same as me. Art by Luciano Vecchio.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/trese.jpgTrese!Standard detective work: canvassing the neighborhood, inside and outside. Art by Kajo Baldisimo.2022-05-16T13:08:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/12/10-picard-season-2-follow-up-thoughts-from-a-grieving-q-fan/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/picard-q-finale.jpgPicard Q Finale!"See you out there."2022-05-17T23:12:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/08/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-doctor-strange-in-the-multiverse-of-madness-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dr.-strange-ii-entrance.jpgDr. Strange II!At last our hero enters and the actual "review" begins!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dr-strange-2-imax-poster.jpgDr, Strange 2 IMAX Poster!We don't always pay extra for Marvel movie upgrades, but this time...eh, why not.2022-05-12T22:24:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/07/the-northman-who-went-up-a-hill-but-came-down-a-monster/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/the-northman.jpgThe Northman!"My name is Amleth War-Raven. You killed my father. Prepare to die."2022-05-07T04:02:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/05/02/the-bearable-lightness-of-the-unbearable-weight-of-massive-talent/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/massive-talent.jpgMassive Talent!...and yet, not a single shout-out to 8MM.2022-05-03T03:49:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/29/happy-10th-anniversary-to-a-website-worth-slightly-under-44-billion/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/sanders.jpgBernie Sanders jazz hands!I kept this in my files for over a year, letting it simmer until it reached just the right level of irrelevance.2022-05-03T03:50:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/28/everything-everywhere-all-at-once-into-the-yeoh-verse/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/everything-everywhere-anime.jpgEverything Everywhere Anime!This one's only in the film for a literal split-second, but it's tempting to imagine the possibilities.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/everything-everywhere-all-at-once.jpgEverything Everywhere All at Once!Trust me, it makes way more sense in context.2022-04-29T03:08:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/23/our-2021-road-trip-46-the-final-five-photos/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/broaster-chicken-mascot.jpgbroaster chicken mascot!One last oversized animal mascot at our final short stop for bathrooms and snacks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/welcome-to-indiana.jpgWelcome to Indiana!Hello again, deciduous forests and unremarkable farmlands. We're definitely nowhere near Yellowstone anymore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/who-is-jenna-wirth.jpgWho Is Jenna Wirth?We thought maybe Jenna Wirth killed Frances McDormand's daughter, but nope, she just sells insurance for one of my employer's competitors, who used to have obnoxiously staffed booths at Chicago comic cons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/crane-flag.jpgCrane Flag!A solitary nod to the occasion: a US flag hung from a crane outside the McDonald's where we ate lunch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/bug-killer-car.jpgBug-killer car!A parting shot of the Nissan Altima, our replacement rental courtesy of Cedar Rapids, and how it looked with a new coat of 3000 miles worth of bugs.2022-04-24T03:26:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/21/our-2021-road-trip-45-overdue-outtakes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/anne-and-soxanne.jpgAnne and Soxanne!DAY NINE: Anne meets Soxanne, the mascot for the sock monkey exhibit at the Midway Village Museum in Rockford, IL. It's fun making new friends on the road.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/runestone-museum-stuffed-bears.jpgRunestone museum stuffed bears!DAY EIGHT: Crowded taxidermy at the Runestone Museum in Alexandria, MN, obscured by the dead trees that someone insisted were integral to the ambiance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/trump-shack.jpgTrump shack?Meanwhile in eastern North Dakota past Jamestown, we spotted a metaphor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/bighorn-deer.jpgbighorn deer!Same park, alternate shot of the bighorn deer we saw wandering the plain alone.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/roosevelt-park-badlands.jpgRoosevelt Park Badlands!DAY SEVEN: The Badlands continue at least as far north as Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/montana-grassy-mountains.jpgMontana grassy mountains!DAY SIX: More random mountains, past Yellowstone and up in Montana.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pale-mountain.jpgpale Yellowstone mountain!A pale Yellowstone mountain not far past Sheepeater Cliff.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/grand-prismatic-spring-orange-and-steam.jpgGrand Prismatic Spring orange and steam!Closer to Grand Prismatic Spring to the point of abstraction.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/grand-prismatic-spring-steam.jpgGrand Prismatic Spring steam!We couldn't stop snapping away at that steaming Grand Prismatic Spring.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/anne-and-biscuit-basin.jpgAnne and Biscuit Basin!DAY FIVE: Yellowstone outtakes begin with Anne hanging out at Biscuit Basin.2022-04-22T03:23:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/12/16/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-end-credits/2022-04-20T03:04:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/16/indiana-comic-con-2022-photos-part-1-of-2-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/midsommar-may-queen.jpgMidsommar May Queen!Our last cosplay pic before exhausting overtook us: the Midsommar May Queen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/flamin-hot-cheetos.jpgFlamin' Hot Cheetos!Flamin' Hot Cheetos! Which sounded really tasty right then, in a day when constant events barely allowed us any time to eat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/munsters.jpgMunsters!Herman and Lily Munster enjoying an outing without the kids.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pink-ladies.jpgPink Ladies!For the other fans out there like Anne, the Pink Ladies from Grease.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/arthur-dent.jpgArthur Dent!Arthur Dent and his towel trying to hitch a ride and escape the Vogon construction crews who've been destroying our downtown roads for weeks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/mr.-clean.jpgMr. Clean!Mr. Clean, still keepin' it real and clean.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/captain-carter-and-captain-britain.jpgCaptain Carter and Captain Britain!The What If...? darling Captain Carter and her '70s-comics predecessor Captain Britain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/squirrel-girl.jpgSquirrel Girl!I'm still miffed at Marvel for canceling her super awesome series, and I still brake for Squirrel Girl.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/doctor-octopus-ii.jpgDoctor Octopus!Doctor Octopus, new-school version.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/doctor-octopus-i.jpgDoctor Octopus!Doctor Octopus, old-school version.2022-04-18T11:32:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/17/indiana-comic-con-2022-photos-part-2-of-2-stars-and-stuff/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/indiana-comic-con-loot.jpgIndiana Comic Con loot!My own new loot, which why both our backs hurt. This is what two years away from in-person comic-con shopping does to a guy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lanyard-and-new-pins.jpglanyard and new pins!Anne's new Pinky and the Brain lanyard and pins to go with it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/star-wars-backdrop.jpgStar Wars backdrop!A glimpse of obligatory Star Warring to share with the Facebook commoners.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/agatha-all-along-shirt.jpgAgatha All Along shirt!WadaVision gear that definitely didn't come in my size.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/bat-legos.jpgBat Legos!It's a Block Party has its own Bat-shrine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/its-a-brick-party-arts-and-crafts.jpgIt's a Brick Party arts and crafts!Arts and crafts courtesy of It's a Brick Party, a local hobby shop that cannot call itself an official Lego store.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/copper-stone-chocolate.jpgCopper Stone Chocolate!Copper Stone Chocolate took over the sugary-snack field that once belonged to the South Bend Chocolate Company at Indiana events.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/john-jackson-miller.jpgJohn Jackson Miller!Author John Jackson Miller, who'd also been at Chicago last weekend, restocked on copies of his Picard novel starring Captain Rios.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/artoo-deco.jpgArtoo Deco!Non-cosplay highlights wandering around included this nifty droid named Artoo Deco.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/indiana-comic-con-crowd.jpgIndiana Comic Con crowd!A year ago, just looking at this photo would've had me breaking out in a sweat.2022-04-18T02:38:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/11/star-trek-mission-chicago-2022-photos-part-3-of-4-props-and-merch/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/horgahns.jpgHorgahns!For those seeking a different kind of "pet", go watch the Next Generation episode "Captain's Holiday" and come shamelessly fetch yourself a Horgahn from The Away Mission.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/tribble-adoption-center.jpgTribble adoption center!Kids could visit the Tribble Adoption Center and take home a pet that soon turns into a thousand pets.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/geordi-bear.jpgGeordi bear!Convention exclusives at the official merchandise store included Geordi Bear! As seen on Lower Decks!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/trek-books.jpgTrek books!Forgot your PADD back on your home planet and in need of reading matter? Have some old-fashioned paper texts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/exo-6-quark-and-captain-archer.jpgEXO-6 Quark and Captain Archer!EXO-6 is a fan-founded maker of 1:6-scale home-museum figurines like this Quark and Captain Archer (who comes with Porthos!).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/chateau-picard-wines.jpgChateau Picard wines!Fun trivia: there really is a Chateau Picard out there in the world, and now there are Star Trek Wines.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/strange-new-worlds-props.jpgStrange New Worlds props!These mystery artifacts will presumably mean something after the show airs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/uss-excalibur-pin.jpgUSS Excalibur pin!A vitrine filled with starship pins included this shout-out to fellow fans of Peter David's Star Trek: New Frontier novels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/strange-new-worlds-dress.jpgStrange New Worlds dress!I have absolutely no context from this except that it's from the show and it might not be Pike's.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/snw-uhura-costume.jpgSNW Uhura costume!Uhura returns! The mantle is passed from Nichelle Nichols to Broadway star and Tony nominee Celia Rose Gooding, who surprised attendees as a last-minute surprise autographing guest.2022-04-21T01:27:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/10/star-trek-mission-chicago-2022-photos-part-2-of-4-a-piece-of-the-cosplay-action/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/spock-and-humpback-whale.jpgSpock and humpback whale!Spock insisting for the last time they are not the hell your whales.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/khan-with-ceti-eel.jpgKhan with Ceti eel!Khan and tonight's appetizer special, a Ceti eel served with ear wax and rage sauce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/amok-time-vulcans.jpgAmok Time Vulcans!Another ordinary day for Vulcans, their work uniforms and their creepy musical instruments, from "Amok Time".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/talosian.jpgTalosian!A Talosian from "The Cage"/"The Menagerie".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/salt-vampire.jpgSalt Vampire!The M-113 Salt Vampire from "The Man Trap".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/romulan-commander.jpgRomulan commander!The Romulan commander from "The Enterprise Incident".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/enterprise.jpgEnterprise!The Enterprise! In the same spirit of those Doctor Who fans who cosplay as the TARDIS.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/sybok.jpgSybok!Sybok from Star Trek V looking to hitch a ride to Sha Ka Ree, which has cheaper parking than Chicago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jennifer-shreyan.jpgJennifer Sh'reyan!Jen Sh'reyan, also from <em>Lower Decks</em>. Anne and I haven't gotten to her big episode(s ?) yet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/rutherford-tendi-and-the-dog.jpgRutherford Tendi and The Dog!Rutherford, Tendi, and The Dog from Lower Decks.2022-04-15T18:38:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/10/star-trek-mission-chicago-2022-photos-part-1-of-3-the-stars-in-our-galaxy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wil-wheaton.jpgWil Wheaton!By sheer luck Anne and I had each packed our matching custom astronaut Snoopy masks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/george-takei.jpgGeorge Takei!That's us looking like pen pals exchanging hand-signal communiques from across continents. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/walter-koenig.jpgWalter Koenig!I still have my autographed copy of his novel Buck Alice and the Actor Robot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/robin-curtis.jpgRobin Curtis!"Live long and prosper!" sayeth the sign. Once a Vulcan, always a Vulcan, but quite a gracious one at that.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/kate-mulgrew.jpgKate Mulgrew!I stepped away for my own Lower Decks shoot, and wanted Anne to have a moment of her own.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/alexander-siddig.jpgAlexander Siddig!Siddig maintains a healthy fan community at Sid City, who turned out in force for this show.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lower-decks-cast.jpgLower Decks cast!Future comedy legends Tawny Newsome, Noel Wells (a onetime SNL featured player) and Jack Quaid (The Boys, Scream 5).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/picard-cast.jpgPicard Cast!That time we met the Picard team of Michelle Hurd, Annie Wersching, Isa Briones and Evan Evagora at Star Trek: Mission Chicago.2022-04-15T18:38:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/15/star-trek-mission-chicago-2022-photos-part-4-of-4-a-two-day-mission/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/mulgrew-panel.jpgKate Mulgrew panel!Our least worst pic of Mulgrew here. Obviously the photo op was better.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ming-chen.jpgMing Chen!From Star Trek: Mission Chicago 2022, moderator for Mulgrew's Q&A, Ming Chen from AMC;s Comic Book Men.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/stmc-loot.jpgSTMC loot!My own acquisitions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/annes-lanyard-and-pins.jpgAnne's lanyard and pins!Anne's souvenir lanyard and pins, wit an emphasis on Fansets, from which I'd had to cut her off so she could afford to pay bills.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/five-year-mission-banner.jpgFive Year Mission banner!They also had a booth! And have a website! Please transmit your credits to them in exchange for sonic Treksy goodness.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/five-year-mission.jpgFive Year Mission!Our least worst shot of our hometown heroes' hoedown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jerry-oconnell.jpgJerry O'Connell!A panel exclusive: Lower Decks costar , Star Trek Mission Chicago, who wasn't signing or ops but was later spotted around the floor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lower-decks-panel-view.jpgLower Decks panel view!Our view from the back before security jumped on us late arrivals and cautioned this panel was a strict no-cameras affair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/chicago-nighttime-view.jpgChicago nighttime view!The extra $10 I shelled out for a "Chicago view" let us gaze upon a deserted park, two other skyscrapers with no signs of life in them, and this narrow view of the north end of Millennium Park from behind the amphitheater.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/radisson-hallway.jpgRadisson hallway!I rarely photograph our hotel rooms, but I can say their lobby was much fancier than their sardine-spaced serial-killer garage.2022-04-15T18:37:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/06/five-picard-season-2-halfway-point-spoiler-theories/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/picard-vs-q.jpgPicard vs Q!If they were a couple we could call them "Q-Card".2022-04-21T01:24:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/04/03/yes-there-are-scenes-during-the-morbius-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/morbius-spidey-mural.jpgMorbius Spidey mural!One of several scenes in the trailers that appear nowhere in this film, which is just as well in this world without Spider-Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/vampire-murder-paper.jpgVampire Murder paper!In a world without Spider-Man, J. Jonah Jameson spends his front page yelling at other animal-based characters and putting ironic quotes around police crime-scene assessments.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/marvels-simon-stroud.jpgMarvel's Simon Stroud!The only Simon Stroud appearance in my entire comics collection., from Marvel Team-Up #98 (October 1980). Art by Will Meugniot, Bruce Patterson and Bob Sharen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/morbius.jpgMorbius!The Matrix Resurrections skewered the whole "bullet-time" fad, yet here we go again.2022-04-03T23:24:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/31/our-2021-road-trip-44-restaurants-rundown-redux/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/bacon-wrapped-tenderloin.jpgbacon wrapped tenderloin!The last supper worth savoring in memory: bacon-wrapped tenderloin. A+++.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/machine-shed-shed.jpgMachine Shed shed!The literal machine shed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pig-statue.jpgpig statue!...and a petite pig.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/machine-shed.jpgMachine Shed!Our 2009 meal was under cover of darkness. In daylight you can better spot the farming implements.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/carnitas-mac.jpgCarnitas Mac!My hearty bowl of Carnitas MAC with pulled pork, pepper jack, corn-'n'-black bean salsa, chipotle sauce and lime buried under tortilla strips that removed all traces of photogenic detail.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/macs-sun-prairie.jpgMACS Sun Prairie!Yay strip mall food.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/where-obama-sat.jpgWhere Obama Sat!The Bench Where Obama Sat. Hanging above is a print of Eric Enstrom's "Grace", taken circa 1918 and hand-colorized in the 1940s, now designated the Minnesota State Photograph.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/anne-and-pumpkin-pie.jpgAnne and pumpkin pie!Anne flagrantly brandishing a pumpkin pie out of season.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pecan-pie.jpgpecan pie!Classic pecan pie for me. No artisan options offered.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/coffee-mill-cafe.jpgCoffee Mill Cafe!Coffee Mill Cafe!: now with more America ribbons than Obama souvenirs.2022-04-01T03:51:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/28/96-tears-and-one-punch-the-oscars-2022-season-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/punch-or-slap.jpgPunch or Slap?More people have seen this moment worldwide than saw Rock's last film in theaters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/garfield-laughs.jpgGarfield Laughs!Us as a nation for the first few seconds, until we realized this might not be a stunt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/spider-amy.jpgSpider-Amy!Maybe this will go over better at the Tonys when <em>Turn Off the Dark</em> turns 20.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/oscars-2022.jpgOscars 2022!Purple! Purple's a movie.2022-03-28T13:05:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/22/the-mcc-2022-oscar-nominated-short-film-revue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/three-songs-for-benazir.jpgThree Songs for Benazir!Another film with flagrant smoking. Guess I should've put a parental warning label on this entry.2022-03-23T03:26:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/19/parallel-mothers-and-fraught-intersections/2022-03-19T20:11:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/18/our-2021-road-trip-43-black-hawk-up/2022-03-18T23:57:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/17/five-miles-out-from-the-walmart-volcano/2022-03-18T03:34:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/12/once-upon-a-time-in-belfast/2022-03-13T04:19:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/08/our-2021-road-trip-42-ten-days-nine-hotel-windows/2022-03-09T03:27:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/06/yes-theres-a-bonus-after-the-batman-end-credits/2022-03-07T04:31:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/06/cyrano-the-unrequited-renaissance-man-returns/2022-03-06T18:18:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/03/03/our-2021-road-trip-41-sock-monkeyshines/2022-03-04T04:35:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/27/crossing-paths-with-drive-my-car/2022-02-28T01:44:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/27/our-2021-road-trip-40-its-not-you-wisconsin-its-us/2022-02-27T18:50:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/21/my-2021-reading-stacks-6-up-the-super-sized-finale/2022-02-22T03:26:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/20/our-2021-road-trip-39-chasing-royalty-across-state-lines/2022-02-20T23:54:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/17/the-secret-life-of-flee/2022-02-18T04:00:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/15/our-2021-road-trip-38-the-viking-diaries/2022-02-16T04:05:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/14/our-2022-super-bowl-deserted-restaurant-getaway/2022-02-15T04:28:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/11/our-2021-road-trip-37-the-oversize-otter-and-his-feathered-friends/2022-02-13T17:23:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/24/our-2021-road-trip-34-the-rough-riders-roofless-rumpus-room/2022-02-12T02:34:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/02/our-2021-road-trip-31-the-montana-montage/2022-02-12T02:34:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/16/our-2021-road-trip-22-prelude-to-yellowstone/2022-02-12T02:33:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/10/indianapolis-super-bowl-xlvi-memories-part-3-the-village-and-the-city/2022-02-11T02:49:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/05/super-bowl-xlvi-indianapolis-memories-part-1-of-3-the-nfl-experience/2022-02-07T02:28:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/06/super-bowl-xlvi-indianapolis-memories-part-2-of-3-some-of-the-46-for-xlvi-murals/2022-02-07T02:27:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/02/01/our-2021-road-trip-36-kaiju-americana-trilogy/2022-02-02T04:19:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/30/old-guy-with-a-ps3-year-7-you-are-now-leaving-skyrim/2022-01-31T04:23:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/28/our-2021-road-trip-34-north-dakota-statue-stopover-trilogy/2022-01-29T04:28:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/27/licorice-pizza-west-coast-comfort-food/2022-01-28T04:06:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/22/2021-at-the-movies-at-my-house/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/mitchells-vs.-the-machines.jpgMitchells vs. the Machines!How Long Can We Last Without Our Phones: the fun party game that can give any family a collective nervous breakdown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/boss-level.jpgBoss Level!Even a guy like Marvel's Crossbones could use a day off.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/dont-look-up.jpgDon't Look Up!Me as I sat through the film I didn't like a second time. Yes, really. Long story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/power-of-the-dog.jpgPower of the Dog!Benedict Cumberbatch IS Marvel's Rawhide Kid!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/halloween-kills.jpgHalloween Kills!Who among us hasn't felt as stressed out as Laurie Strode lately?2022-01-22T05:58:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/09/my-2021-at-the-movies-part-1-of-2-the-years-least-best/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/quiet-place-ii.jpgQuiet Place II!Me in a theater every time someone coughs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/being-the-ricardos.jpgBeing the Ricardos!"Say, you're right: it's pretty cool being a dazzling image on a huge silver screen!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/no-way-home.jpgNo Way Home!"Peter, look! Our billion-dollar movie made six whole people sad! Let's ask Doctor Strange to overwrite their brains!"2022-01-19T02:12:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/16/our-2021-road-trip-33-valley-of-gold-valley-of-shadow/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/anne-on-alien-planet.jpgAnne on Alien Planet!An exhausted Anne on the way back, like a strange visitor to another planet and no longer worried about impressing Facebook friends.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shadowed-canyon.jpgshadowed canyon.A canyon we passed a few times.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/darker-golden.jpgdarker golden!One last shot of sun-bathed rock, ominously darker.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/death-climb.jpgdeath climb!It's just like Skyrim's Seven Thousand Steps, except there's dirt instead of snow, and old bones instead of the voice of Christopher Lee granting you new superpowers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/hadrosaur-.2-mi.jpghadrosaur .2 mi!Yet another "Hadrosaur Next Exit" sign erected in the spirit of Wall Drug or Valdosta, GA.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/small-cave.jpgsmall cave!A small cave with cool underground air blowing out.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/gold-with-sign.jpggold with sign!There weren't many signs, but they did reassure us we were indeed still in the park and not into uncharted wilderness.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cliff-face-bisected.jpgcliff face bisected!That moving sun/shadow border up close.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/gold-beyond-shadows.jpggold beyond shadows!Gold and shadows, shadows and gold.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cains-coulee-junction.jpgCains Coulee Junction!Only half a mile the hadrosaur bones that we thought were only half a mile from our car!2022-01-17T04:39:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/14/my-2021-at-the-movies-part-2-of-2-the-years-best/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/judas-and-the-black-messiah.jpgJudas and the Black Messiah!It's not the movie's fault that it would end up preceding the Worst Oscars Ever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/eternals.jpgEternals!Meanwhile bros in the back row are all, "BOOOOOO! GIVE US FAKE MARTIAL ARTS!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/west-side-story.jpgWest Side Story!Proposed: a sequel called Upper West Side Story but it's just two hours of Anita.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/black-widow.jpgBlack Widow!Yeah, I know, superhero films with only one timeline in them are so 2018.2022-01-14T05:37:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/17/yes-theres-an-inevitable-message-after-the-no-time-to-die-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/no-time-to-die.jpgNo Time to Die!The Weekend Guy! Now in theaters!2022-01-13T02:29:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/07/our-2021-road-trip-32-a-celebrity-signing-in-sandstone/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/down-staircase.jpgdown staircase!One last vista before we descended away from the ground where Clark's crew walked. One last view of the Yellowstone River and one more security camera. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/anne-not-dead.jpgAnne not dead!Anne proud to have made it to the top of Pompeys Pillar, though on that day we used up a lot of the water supply we'd brought along.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/panorama-elsewhere.jpgPompeys Pillar panorama!Pompeys Pillar precipitously presides over a pleasant plethora of picturesque panoramas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/panorama-center-farm.jpgpanorama center farm!A farm on the other side of the road.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/faraway-waters-west.jpgYellowstone River!The Yellowstone River to the west of us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pompeys-peak.jpgPompey's peak!The final steps to the observation deck atop Pompeys Pillar, where you can see what Clark and his crew gazed upon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/autograph-from-above.jpgautograph from above!The view of the same face from farther up the stairs. Note the security camera on a pole, because seriously, no new taggers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/etchings.jpgetchings!Throughout the years other folks -- some local, some not -- etched all over the same face. New contributions are no longer welcome.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/stay-on-boardwalk.jpgStay on Boardwalk!Roughly halfway up is the deck nearest Clark's John Hancock, behind the glass that looks greenish from this angle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/up-staircase.jpgup staircase!The upward climb begins. At least there were courtesy steps, no hiking equipment needed.2022-01-08T04:25:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/06/nightmare-alley-how-grifty-mcgrift-became-grifton-griftershire-esq/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/nightmare-alley.jpgNightmare Alley!"Okay, once more for the polygraph: was it really that awesome to work with Lady gaga?"2022-01-07T01:38:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2022/01/01/midlife-crisis-crossover-2021-in-review-the-not-great-not-terrible-sequel-to-2020/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/new-yorker-burger.jpgNew Yorker Burger!December 8th: To make up for our lack of local restaurant pics in 2021: the New Yorker Burger at Bru Burger Bar in Plainfield, IN -- a burger topped with pastrami, slaw, caramelized onions and Swiss cheese. Here's to 2022!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/close-to-the-edge.jpgClose to the Edge!The elevator lobby ceiling at the Skyline Club, a 36th-floor restaurant in Indianapolis where I attended a party for about five minutes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/churchs-chicken-chairs.jpgChurch's Chicken Chairs!March 12th: Church's Chicken down the road from our house was open for takeout, but sitting down and loitering were forbidden.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cancel-trending-on-twitter.jpgCancel Trending on Twitter!August 27th: A screen shot of a typical day on Twitter. This is why I heavily curate my own experience there and rarely interact anymore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/stan-meets-whoopi.jpgStan Meets Whoopi!April 13th: An excerpt from Abraham Riesman's True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee, in which he describes the time Peter Paul introduced him to Whoopi Goldberg, which has to be read to be believed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/double-rainbow.jpgDouble Rainbow!October 3rd: A double rainbow behind our house on a sunny/rainy day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/arnold-and-mr.-drummond-2021.jpgArnold and Mr. Drummond 2021!December 7th: John Lithgow and Kevin Hart as Mr. Dummond and Arnold Jackson in ABC's <em>Live in Front of a Studio Audience</em> one-night revival of Diff'rent Strokes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/vulture-vs.-squirrel.jpgVulture vs. Squirrel!October 16th: While on a breezy neighborhood walk, Anne and I came across a vulture tearing into a squirrel carcass on the sidewalk. There's an internet metaphor in there somewhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/big-lone-mushroom.jpgBig Lone Mushroom!September 12th: While attending a family reunion out at Turkey Run State Park, I left most of the unvaccinated attendees to confab in a picnic shelter while I walked around the woods and found the largest wild mushroom I've ever seen. I just couldn't ignore an apt metaphor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/august-wilson-stamps.jpgAugust Wilson stamps!February 13th: A sheet of stamps Anne ordered for me featuring August Wilson, renowned playwright adapted into such grade-A films as Fences and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.2022-01-02T02:24:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/31/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-matrix-resurrections-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/matrix-resurrections-poster.jpgMatrix Resurrections Poster!The grand return of the world's favorite equivocal metaphor for every us-vs.-them feud ever, in which the beholder is somehow always the "us" and never the "them".2022-01-01T16:28:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/28/our-2021-road-trip-30-restaurants-rundown/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/best-pizza-in-the-west.jpgBest Pizza in the West!Pasta! Salad! Possibly other non-pizza comestibles!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/canoe-mobile.jpgcanoe mobile!Hanging from the Geyser Grill ceiling was a canoe mobile with a clique of animal friends, including (at far right) our very first sighting of anything remotely resembling a bear on this trip.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pig-table-art.jpgpig table art!Their roasting pig mascot was also our table's centerpiece, surrounded by local business ads, old school style.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pokeys-pig-statue.jpgPokey's pig statue!ROASTING DEMON PIG WELCOMES YOU.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pokeys-bbq-sign.jpgPokey's BBQ!Another family-owned business, but this time with their own free-standing building.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/huhot-1.jpgHuHot!CAUTION: Restaurant may not be owned or operated by actual Mongolians. Viewer discretion is advised.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/als-oasis-restaurant.jpgAl's Oasis restaurant!Some restaurants, you can tell the menu just by the facade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/als-oasis-sign.jpgAl's Oasis sign!Wall Drug famously boasts free cups of water. Al's Oasis has ice. Totally different markets.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/flyboy-donuts-donuts.jpgFlyboy Donuts donuts!We didn't document the flavors that we'd chosen at random, but they definitely include Butterfinger, S'Mores, coffee-tinged, one cheese danish, and so on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/flyboy-donuts-van.jpgFlyboy Donuts van!The Flyboy Donuts van, in case of donut emergencies.2021-12-28T05:29:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/26/being-the-ricardos-crisis-on-infinite-balls/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/being-the-ricardos.jpgBeing the Ricardos!Our stars looking about as much like Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as they do Julianne Moore and Jeff Goldblum in The Lost World.2021-12-27T02:21:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/24/merry-christmas-from-mcc-4/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/christmas-in-metropolis.jpgChristmas in Metropolis!Looking for places to celebrate Christmas spirit while distancing from others amidst a pandemic? Try an outdoor mall at 7 p.m. on a Tuesday night when it's below freezing!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/buddy-buddies.jpgBuddy Buddies!A coworker and I showed up at the office at the same time in near-matching ugly sweaters. So we're Buddy buddies!2021-12-25T03:11:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/24/introducing-our-new-kindness-subscription-service/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/kindness.jpgKindness+!Act now! Operators are standing by! But don't expect them to actually pick up the phone.2021-12-24T16:08:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/03/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-venom-let-there-be-carnage-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cletus-kasady.jpgCletus Kasady!I'm old enough that I can hear Woody whispering from his cell, "Hiii, Saaam. Hiii, Rebeccaaa..."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/venom-let-there-be-carnage.jpgVenom Let There Be Carnage!Rated PG-13 for high body count, one shrewdly placed F-bomb, and splattering more food than blood.2021-12-21T05:28:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/21/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-spider-man-no-way-home-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/spider-man-no-way-home.jpgSpider-Man No Way Home!It wouldn't be a true Spidey film if Peter didn't unmask for the final battle. 2021-12-21T05:25:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/18/west-side-story-the-most-excellent-and-lamentable-tragedy-of-anita-and-bernardo/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/west-side-story-anita-2.jpgWest Side Story Anita!Ariana DeBose steps into Rita Moreno's shoes as the new Anita.2021-12-18T12:29:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/15/yes-theres-a-capybara-after-the-encanto-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/encanto.jpgEncanto!Not many family photos could double as a cover for their own superhero comic.2021-12-18T03:12:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/12/our-2021-road-trip-29-goodbye-yellowstone-road/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/roosevelt-arch-entrance.jpgRoosevelt Arch entrance!Visitors who enter the park from the north are treated to the arch's more photogenic side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/roosevelt-arch-upward.jpgRoosevelt Arch underneath!As you pass under the arch, look up and you'll see this curious vent.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/roosevelt-arch.jpgRoosevelt Arch!The Arch's southeast face as you're exiting Yellowstone.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/gardner-river.jpgGardner River!The Gardner River burbles along, parallel to the highway.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/buck-in-repose.jpgbuck in repose!The biggest buck we saw on our entire vacation, just chillin' in the shade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/deer-lounging.jpgdeer lounging!Buildings, schmildings: wildlife are gonna lounge wherever they want.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pillar.jpgMammoth pillar!Traffic slowed to a crawl as we approached Mammoth and natural formations gave way to parking lots, buildings, and this random pillar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/mountain-greens-clouds.jpgmountain greens clouds!Away from the terraces and back on the road, this was our final glorious panorama taken while inside park boundaries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/stray-deer.jpgstray deer!A stray deer hanging out between terraces.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/lower-terrace-textures.jpgLower Terrace textures!Cozying up to stone textures by the roadside.2021-12-13T02:00:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/11/our-2021-road-trip-28-from-sheepeater-cliff-to-mount-everts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/more-mountains.jpgMount Everts!Not so random or small: Mount Everts, clearing a good 7800 feet. It flaunted its magnificence at us as we approached not only the end of Yellowstone, but of Wyoming itself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/rock-formations.jpgrock formations!Random cluster of rock formations.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/blackbird.jpgblackbird!A creepy blackbird hung out at this lot, watched our every move, and helped snarl traffic a little more when four different carloads tried departing at the same time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/rustic-falls.jpgRustic Falls!Apart from all the rock towers, Glen Creek's best feature was 47-foot Rustic Falls. At last, a name that needs no explanation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/glen-creek.jpgGlen Creek!Hundreds of feet below that scene was Glen Creek.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/above-glen-creek-upper-right.jpgabove Glen Creek upper right!Same view but to the upper right.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cliff-over-river.jpgcliff over river!We parked on the other side of the road from the Tuff. This was the view on that side of the road.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/huckleberry-ridge-tuff.jpgHuckleberry Ridge Tuff!At left in our lead photo is one edge of Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, a miles-long formation created by a long-ago massive eruption.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/swan-lake-jazz-hands.jpgSwan Lake jazz hands!Anne shows the wildlife cameras are harmless. Photo taken by some stranger in yet another quid pro quo tourist exchange.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/prairie-dog-hidden.jpgprairie dog!A nearby prairie dog tries and fails to evade Anne's lens.2021-12-11T17:08:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/10/our-2021-road-trip-27-from-gibbon-falls-to-willow-park/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/deer-zoomed.jpgdeer zoomed!The deer weren't the last animals we'd see in Yellowstone. Still no sign of bears, though.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/deer-distant.jpgWillow Park deer!We braked in the vicinity of Willow Park only long enough to spot a few deer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/hill-past-beaver-lake.jpghill past Beaver Lake!The shades of green varied as the miles wore on and the lighting conditions kept shifting with the cloud movements.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/level-green-hill.jpglevel green hill!Other nearby terrains don't remotely resemble Obsidian Cliff. Land of contrasts, and all that.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/obsidian-cliff-zoomed.jpgObsidian Cliff zoomed!COMPUTER, ENHANCE OBSIDIAN.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/rock-thieves.jpgObsidian Cliff Rock Thieves!PLEASE DO NOT CHIP AWAY FREE SOUVENIRS FROM OBSIDIAN CLIFF, YOU GREEDY MONSTERS.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/obsidian-cliff.jpgObsidian Cliff!A view of Obsidian Cliff from Beaver Lake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/stone-bridge.jpgstone bridge!A nearby stone bridge over the waters adds ambiance and driveability.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/taller-living-trees.jpgObsidian Cliff!3½ miles north of Roaring Mountain is Obsidian Cliff, slightly shorter but no less imposing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/green-creek.jpgBeaver Lake!Parts of Beaver Lake look more like a creek, but whatever, still keen.2021-12-11T04:40:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/08/my-2021-reading-stacks-5/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/comics-fans-and-pros.jpgComics Fans and Pros!Two books about comics, but with more words than pictures. In one, essays by old-school comics fans; in the other, interviews with longtime comics pros. Yay comics!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/takei-and-yang.jpgTakei and Yang!Once again, patterns emerge from this year's pile: in thgis case, Asian-American graphic memoirs.2021-12-10T02:01:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/19/our-2021-road-trip-23-follow-the-yellowstone-road/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/continental-divide-sign.jpgContinental Divide sign!We began with a sign, we end with a sign. Anne was really excited to reach the Continental Divide. Mostly it just sat there, but conceptually it was a cool goalpost to reach.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dutch-angle-lake.jpgDutch angle lake!Yellowstone Lake: also cool if you add ACTION ANGLES!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/grass-swallowing-dead-tree.jpggrass swallowing dead tree!Like a swamp and a golf course had a big, awesome baby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bison-in-repose.jpgbison in repose!Another bison chilling and taking the scenery for granted.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pond-puffs.jpgpond puffs!Even the smaller water bodies are prone to cloudy spewing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/trees-and-steam.jpgtrees and steam!Steam vents abound.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/water-ripples.jpgwater ripples!Ripples across supernaturally blue Yellowstone Lake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/lake-steam.jpglake steam!Stem is not an uncommon sight in Yellowstone. Expect far more in upcoming chapters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/yellowstone-bison.jpgYellowstone bison!Our first sighting of a Yellowstone animal larger than us. I promise we didn't approach any of them closely enough to win ourselves a Darwin Award.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/yellowstone-lake-picnic-table.jpgYellowstone Lake picnic table!Yellowstone Lake has limited picnic seating available if you arrive early and go where the other tourists aren't.2021-12-10T02:01:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/12/05/our-2021-road-trip-26-grand-prismatic-spring-fever/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/steam-and-cloud-reflections.jpgsteam and cloud reflections!One last wide shot, the best among our phone photos.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/filtered-white-sands.jpgfiltered white sands!On a related note, here's what the surrounding, non-steamy, non-thermophilic, solid-ground terrain would look like if we teleported to New Mexico.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/filtered-steam.jpgfiltered steam!At some point Anne accidentally toggled a switch that made her camera take multiple filtered photos at a time, such as this weird moment of steam.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/steam-reflections-orange.jpgsteam reflections orange!Most of these are in the order taken, but these last few aren't. Fortunately no one's out there trying to piece together Family Circus dotted line of the precise walkway path.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/steam-and-tree-line.jpgsteam and tree line!Off in the distance the trees are like, "Hey, remember when you first came into the park and thought we looked cool?" And we're like,"SHUT UP, TREES."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/steam-up-close.jpgsteam up close!Baby blue steam meets pumpkin orange through the haze.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/so-much-orange.jpgso much orange!Nearly the same pic, but I'm distracted by the realization that Garfield's seemingly unnatural fur color can indeed occur in nature.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/orange-and-steam-line.jpgorange and steam line!Some sections are like alien worlds, and can be equally as lethal to the careless.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/grand-prismatic-spring-widest.jpgGrand Prismatic Spring widest!Our widest possible shot of the pretty primary prismatic pool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/orange-closeup.jpgorange closeup!Closer up, some orange parts look a little grosser.2021-12-05T05:11:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/28/our-2021-road-trip-25-burning-biscuit-basin/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/do-not-throw-objects-into-pools.jpgdo not throw objects into pools!Last chance for practical advice before the point of no return, followed by your Darwin Award.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/unlawful-and-unsafe.jpgUnlawful and Unsafe!More signs made necessary by past guests who couldn't be bothered to read the brochure or who thought all the steam was actually dry ice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/high-wind-area-sign.jpgHigh Wind Area signHumanity of course had to assert dominion over the land by slapping signs everywhere, including this warning updated for 2020.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wall-pool.jpgWall Pool!Also suffering from naming issues: Wall Pool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/black-diamond-pool-sign.jpgBlack Diamond Pool!Despite its name, Black Diamond Pool was not dangerously sloped, unless you trued sliding on your butt down into the boiling waters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/black-pearl-geyser.jpgBlack Pearl Geyser!One of the named apertures, Black Pearl Geyser, was on coffee break as we passed,https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/steamy-pit.jpgsteamy pit!We were no strangers to Yellowstone's steams by now, but they had not yet ceased to astound.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bubbly-pit.jpgbubbly pit!Some vents and geysers were more active than others, such as this bubbly specimen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/unlabeled-spring.jpgunlabeled spring!In addition to "thermophile", today you can also learn the word "fumarole", which is collegiate terminology for "steam vent".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/yellow-flows-to-blue-amid-white.jpgyellow flows to blue amid white.How does a stream the color of strained peas lead to crystal blue water without ruining it? Thermophiles!2021-11-29T03:17:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/24/my-2021-reading-stacks-4/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/comics-to-tv.jpgComics to TV!caption herehttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/jeff-lemire-graphic-novels.jpgJeff Lemire graphic novels!caption herehttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/neil-gaiman-books.jpgNeil Gaiman books!caption here2021-11-24T05:07:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/21/our-2021-road-trip-24-old-faithful/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/horizontal-steam.jpghorizontal steam!The wind carries the pre-show steam off to one side while we wait on the real water works.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/selfie-by-anne.jpgselfie by Anne!Not a selfie; Anne took this. This'll be an awesome photo to slap on the back cover of some book I'll never write.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/anne-and-old-faithful.jpgAnne and Old Faithful!Obligatory selfie for the friends and family back home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/max-steam-closeup.jpgmax steam closeup!MORE POWER! MORE POWER!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/full-steam-above.jpgfull steam above!The highest plumes we captured.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/steaming-more.jpgsteaming more!The eruption in full swing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/old-faithful-sans-photogs.jpgOld Faithful sans photogs!Much better sans the other looky-loos. Here, you get a better idea of the distance between our walled-off space and the geyser at a remove.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/row-of-heads.jpgrow of heads!"OFF WITH THEIR HEADS," say I with one fell stroke of the mighty Crop button.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/old-faithful-crowd.jpgOld Faithful crowd!We arrived just in time, while the geyser was still warming up, finalizing the set list, doing the soundcheck, and so on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/old-faithful-crowd-right.jpgOld Faithful crowd right!...onlookers to the right.2021-11-22T04:34:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/14/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-eternals-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/eternals.jpgEternals!Whoops, too many words in a row. Here, have some fun science fiction exotica.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/eternals-group.jpgEternals group!If you've made it this far into my logorrhea, congrats and please enjoy this contrived group shot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/arishem.jpgArishem!"Kneel before your new god, the great and powerful d6!"2021-11-14T22:22:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/02/yes-there-are-scenes-after-the-shang-chi-and-the-legend-of-the-ten-rings-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shang-chi.jpgShang-Chi!Best bus scene since Speed.2021-11-14T03:18:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/09/our-2021-road-trip-21-camp-cliffs-notes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cody-wyoming.jpgCody Wyoming!We arrived in Cody too late to visit any of their museums. On the bright side, our return to civilization meant we didn't have to sleep in a tent.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/farm-ditch.jpgfarm ditch!I sure hope nobody's tired of panoramas, because the best are yet to come. Well, IMHO.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cattle-fences.jpgcattle fences!Once again, cattle were the only signs of life by the roadside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/landscape-to-cody.jpglandscape to Cody!More driving means more imposing landscapes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wall-southward.jpgwall southward....and then it was time to return to the car.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/jinks-burgess-and-speed-martin.jpgJinks Burgess and Speed Martin!I like to think Jinks Burgess and Speed Martin were employees of Lewis and Clark who got separated from the pack, blazed their own trail and somehow flew twenty feet above ground level to note their passing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/creek.jpgcreek!Medicine Lodge Creek flows into the forested part that would lead to more paths and closed buildings if we'd had more time to explore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/initials-and-colors.jpginitials and colors!Some artists signed their work. Some contributed only their signatures.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/strata-and-erosion.jpgstrata and erosion!Strata and erosion scars looming high above our heads.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/turtle-sketch.jpgturtle sketch![wizened museum curator voice leavened with years of accumulated wisdom] That one's a turtle!2021-11-10T04:16:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/05/our-2021-road-trip-20-the-wyoming-way/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/big-sky-cattle.jpgbig sky cattle!Cattle implied we were back in civilization, or at least a rustic microcosm thereof.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/stratified-mountains.jpgstratified mountains!Big, bold strata for the geology geeks out there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/mesa-and-big-sky.jpgmesa and big sky!Deep and wide, deep and wide.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/georgia-okeeffe-country.jpgGeorgia O'Keeffe country!Some of the scenes reminded me of this Georgia O'Keeffe print we have hanging in our living room.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/trees-on-cliffs.jpgtrees on cliffs!One challenge to this leg of the trip: the three-hour stretch after Gillette had very, very few bathroom stops. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/southwest-looking-cliffs.jpgsouthwest-looking cliffs!Welcome to cowboy movie country.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cliffs-and-trees.jpgcliffs and trees!A companion to our lead photo, snapped a few seconds after. I couldn't decide which one to cut.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/forest-and-water-drops.jpgforest and water drops!A light rain didn't last long. Storm clouds soon wouldn't be a problem as they'd been the first two days.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/mountains-are-coming.jpgmountains are coming!When my son was a kid, he insisted <em>real</em> mountains had snow on them, unlike those fakers in the Appalachians. Real mountains were definitely coming.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cloud-invasion.jpgcloud invasion!Sometimes you have to squint to catch evidence of human civilization.2021-11-05T16:08:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/04/last-night-in-soho-eloises-adventures-through-the-looking-glass/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/last-night-in-soho.jpgLast Night in Soho!Or Eloise's Adventures Through the Looking-Glass.2021-11-05T16:11:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/03/our-2021-road-trip-19-oh-give-me-a-dump-where-the-buffalo-jump/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dog-wolf-statue.jpgdog-wolf statue!For younger visitors, decor around the dig site includes this good wolf-doggie statue.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vore-deep-end.jpgVore deep end!The deep end of the dig. For now. Pending further funding. Their newsletters provide candid detail on the latter for accountability's sake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bones-identifiable.jpgbones identifiable!Every dig photo can be turned into a fun family game of COMPUTER, ENHANCE IMAGE to see what you recognize.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bones-closeup.jpgbones closeup!The closer you look, the more bones that even us laypeople with rudimentary anatomy knowledge can identify.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vore-dig.jpgVore dig!The official dig site in all its bony verisimilitude.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vore-building.jpgVore building!Farther down the spiraling path, you can see the northern side of the sinkhole and make out a bit of the varves that help with dating the findings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sinkhole-and-building.jpgsinkhole and building!The feature presentation is at the bottom of the sinkhole. The building around the site was another new addition within the past decade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/animal-skin-map.jpganimal skin map!We didn't photograph the arrowheads because we've seen those before at myriad museums, but other special features included this animal-skin map of the local waterways.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/teepee.jpgVore visitors center!That visitors' center. Much like our rental car, it was bigger on the inside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vore-landscape.jpgVore landscape!The nearby landscape, among the hundreds of potential Windows wallpaper shots now in our collection.2021-11-03T15:58:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/07/our-2021-road-trip-11-when-art-show-animals-attack/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/heifer-feeding.jpgheifer feeding!Also big fans of eating: the nearby cattle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/prairie-dog-eating.jpgprairie dog eating!Some prairie dogs were too busy eating to engage in performance art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/jack-in-the-box-prairie-dog.jpgJack-in-the-box prairie dog!Under the pop-up goon: more cuteness!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/jack-in-the-box.jpgJack-in-the-box!A Jack-in-the-box wielding Negan's club? Sure, why not.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/prairie-dog-under-dragon.jpgprairie dog under dragon!Peek-a-boo!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/steel-dragon-head.jpgsteel dragon head!Another metal dragon, this one with a telltale hole under its head.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/dive-bomber.jpgDive Bomber!Action shot of a chickadee in mid-swoop mere seconds after dive-bombing in Anne's direction. I did not ask her to step forward again just so I could get a better shot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/blue-dragon-wide.jpgblue dragon wide!Cool blue dragon, right? IT'S A TRAP.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/invisible-ball-of-twine.jpginvisible ball of twine!Porter claims to have made the World's Largest Invisible Ball of Twine in the World. Unless you've seen bigger.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/butterfly-on-yellow-finger.jpgbutterfly on yellow finger!Butterfly on yellow hand, stigmata imminent.2021-11-02T15:07:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/01/our-2021-road-trip-18-more-american-presidents-cornered/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/anne-and-lbj.jpgAnne and LBJ!Anne decided she wanted a photo with one statue, and chose the one nearest to our parking space. And that's the full, true story behind our Lyndon B. Johnson statue photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/william-howard-taft-statue.jpgWilliam Howard Taft statue!William Howard Taft's statue holds a baseball and winds up for a pitch, as the first President to open a Major League Baseball season thusly. This caption has been MCC's annual sports content.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/martin-van-buren-statue.jpgMartin Van Buren statue!Martin Van Buren, waiting for Godot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/franklin-pierce-statue.jpgFranklin Pierce statue!Franklin Pierce, the fashion plate all Dickens characters would later imitate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/warren-harding-statue.jpgWarren Harding statue!Warren Harding is accompanied by Laddie Boy. his Airedale Terrier, rather than having a large teapot dumped over his head.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/woodrow-wilson-statue.jpgWoodrow Wilson statue!Do you dare gaze into the twin abysses of the eyes of Woodrow Wilson?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/millard-fillmore-statue.jpgMillard Fillmore statue!"Good evening, I'm Millard Fillmore and thanks for watching <em>Buffalo Today</em>."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/james-madison-statue.jpgJames Madison statue!I'm sure the real James Madison was okay, but he was no Okieriete Onaodowan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/andrew-johnson-statue.jpgAndrew Johnson statue!An alt-timeline Andrew Johnson receives a fan letter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dwight-eisenhower-statue.jpgDwight Eisenhower statue!Dwight Eisenhower reminds me it's been years since I've seen any live human in perfectly ironed pants.2021-11-01T19:24:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/11/01/dune-part-one-the-half-gospel-of-saint-paul/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dune-blue-eyes.jpgDune Blue Eyes!Blue eyes holding back the tears, holding back the pain...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dune-trio.jpgDune cast!What if the First Order but nicer?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/dune-ferguson.jpgDune Ferguson!Prophecy chic, the latest trend in fashion <em>and</em> interior decor.2021-11-01T15:08:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/31/halloween-stats-2021-sunday-nights-alright-for-frighting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/halloween-selfie.jpgHalloween selfie!The lovely lady and me, spending the evening on the porch like a pair of olds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/screaming-pause.jpgScreaming Pause!If you make the same mistake I did and watch Halloween Kills on Peacock, then pause to scold yourself, the screen did this and made it worse.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/veggie-chips.jpgVeggie Chips!I was prepared to joke about these Halloween Veggie Chips I saw in a store, but an informal Facebook poll tells me kids these days actually love these things. This is probably Facebook's fault.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ban-anne-a.jpgban-ANNE-a!Anne breaks out the ol' banana costume to entertain the Sunday school kids. It's a fun job and someone's got to do it.2021-11-01T03:42:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/28/our-2021-road-trip-17-a-president-on-every-corner/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/jfk-statue.jpgJFK statue!Lincoln and his son have a statue. John F. Kennedy and his son have a statue. For your homework tonight, write a 200-word essay why this means something spooky.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/andrew-jackson-statue.jpgAndrew Jackson statue!Andrew Jackson, demonstrating diminishing returns on the "manly man" ideal, overshoots the mark in his superhero costume.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/teddy-roosevelt-statue.jpgTeddy Roosevelt statue!The first of the three(!) Teddy Roosevelt statues we saw on this trip Collect the entire trilogy!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/james-buchanan-statue.jpgJames Buchanan statue!Colin Mochrie IS James Buchanan!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/lincoln-statue.jpgLincoln statue!Abraham Lincoln is another famous face we've seen carved into a thousand blocks of stone. His son Robert, not so much.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/john-tyler-statue.jpgJohn Tyler statue!The Fiddler, a classic Justice Society of America villain, portrayed here by John Tyler.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/truman-statue.jpgTruman statue!Harry Truman never leaves home without his favorite bathroom reading material.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/zachary-taylor-statue.jpgZachary Taylor statue!Zachary Taylor trying to look manly even though he only lasted four months longer than Harrison.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/william-henry-harrison-statue.jpgWilliam Henry Harrison statue!William Henry Harrison wishes to be remembered as a war hero and not as a guy more fragile than an average <em>Squid Game</em> contestant.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ford-statue.jpgFord statue!Today I learned Gerald Ford's doggie Liberty has the AKC-registered full name Honor’s Foxfire Liberty Hume. I just wanted to post a good doggie.2021-10-29T11:07:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/22/our-2021-road-trip-15-badlands-backdrop-bonanza/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/anne-scape.jpgAnne-scape!Anne climbs a peak more suited to her stature and altitudinal preference.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/panorama-station.jpgpanorama station!Per the park map, at far right is technically a Point Of Interest. As is arguably every single square mile around us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/tiny-peak-people.jpgtiny peak people!In some parts you can walk out from street level to the tops of peaks, have someone take a pic 200 feet away, crop out the street level and make you look like Edmund Hillary.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/tiny-rock-girl.jpgtiny rock girl!A tiny girl enjoys quality time away from her family, possibly in search of more goats.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/anne-reading.jpgAnne reading!Anne avails herself of the educational plaques in one of the more populated areas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/faraway-people.jpgfaraway people!Occasional amateur adventures would rise above the Badlands "easy" level.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/faraway-people-ii.jpgfaraway people!Parties generally distanced from each other, pretty much as they did pre-pandemic for "stranger danger" reasons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/badlands-crowd.jpgBadlands crowd!As folks sought refuge in their pandemic-era getaways, they guest-starred in many of our panoramas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/excavator.jpgexcavator!Somewhere in the Badlands, heavy digging is allowed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/speed-limit-25.jpgspeed limit 25!Most folks are too astonished by the Badlands to speed through, but someone out there was a traveler so unimpressed that they needed signs to tell them, "SLOW DOWN! YOU'RE MISSING IT! AND DRIVING UNSAFELY!"2021-10-23T02:00:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/19/our-2021-road-trip-14-back-to-the-badlands/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/panorama.jpgpanorama!Oops, last picture. And yet, somehow I feel less tired now than when I started. But I really am tired of being too tired. Call it fatigue fatigue.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/white-red-yellow-green.jpgwhite red yellow green!Y'know what motivates me to write tonight? Venting. Just...the venting for the sake of venting. Straddling that thin line between self-deprecation and whining. Tough to do online without folks misinterpreting the intent.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/yellow-red.jpgyellow red!Hence the days-long gaps between entries. It isn't writer's block. Writer's block is when you actively try writing but the words are stoppered and won't flow. I'm not lacking for words and in nine years of blogging here I've never lacked for potential topics. Never.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/flatter-gray.jpgflatter gray!For me to get into a truly sincere and lighthearted writing mood, it has to feel like the thing I want to do most in a given evening. More than binge-watching, more than doomscrolling, more than hiding in Skyrim, more than early bedtime. Even if Anne is the sole audience. But I can send her long, wordy, nimble, fun-filled emails anytime during the day. And I do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/strata-a-plenty.jpgstrata a-plenty!So these chapters don't get produced until and unless writing feels fun for me regardless of whether or not anyone notices U'm still here. Hence the days-long gaps between entries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/faraway-castle.jpgfaraway castle!But if I think no one's reading? Or the next thing I want to write is potentially a dull waste of time? Then my brain needs another reason to devote hours to an activity that might as well be a paper journal tucked inside a drawer to be read by others only upon discovery after my death. Whee?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/higher-peaks.jpghigher peaks!I've found writing is more enjoyable for me when I think the output might entertain others besides myself. Anne is my #1 fan and a fantastic cheerleader. But if my words might entertain a <em>second</em> human? Or two others? Three, even? Ooh, excitement, says my brain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/brown-and-dirt.jpgbrown and dirt!My brain is willing to forgo some pleasures and even some necessities if it's properly motivated. One proven form of temptation: attention.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/green-and-yellow-hills.jpggreen and yellow hills!I won't be 50 till next year, but I've already had to accept I can't get by on 5-6 hours of sleep every night. I spent MCC's first several years that way. Sleep deprivation leaves more time for writing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sandy-wall.jpgsandy wall!Fatigue is why we're only on Chapter 14 of a series that will probably work out to a few dozen chapters. We're not even halfway through, and definitely nowhere near Yellowstone yet, the primary objective referenced in the recap.2021-11-03T13:43:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/10/our-2021-road-trip-13-dignity-where-the-roadside-meets-the-riverside/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/homemade-donuts-wall-drug.jpgHomemade Donuts Wall Drug!Behind the horizon, another Wall Drug sign hides, waiting to ambush us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/roadside-fire-engine.jpgroadside fire engine!This, curiously, was not the only billboard we saw with a real fire engine parked next to it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/stagecoach.jpgstagecoach!A stagecoach sculpture, because of course we're drawing ever nearer to the Old West.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/t-rex-skeleton.jpgT-Rex skeleton!Two linked statues, a skeleton walking a T-Rex fossil on a leash.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/missouri-river-bridge.jpgMissouri River bridge!Anne won our "best shot of the Missouri" photo duel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/lewis-and-clark-bicentennial-marker.jpgLewis and Clark bicentennial marker!Other special features on the rest stop grounds include a 2004 plaque commemorating the bicentennial of that time the Lewis and Clark expedition passed this way. The plaque was there first, but it feels like a retroactive "both sides" relic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/missouri-river.jpgMissouri River!After a bit, the path diverges. I chose the fork that led up to a large hole where a chunk had eroded and fallen into the woods far below. I stopped and retreated right about here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/beware-of-poisonous-snakes.jpgBeware of Poisonous Snakes!To her left, a sidewalk leads toward the river, but soon gives way to a dirt path.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/i-90-and-missouri-river.jpgI-90 and Missouri River!Dignity faces roughly south; behind her, I-90 heads west over the Missouri River.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/dignity-quilt.jpgDignity quilt!The star quilt draped on her back.2021-10-11T01:00:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/09/our-2021-road-trip-12-corn-again-in-the-kingdom-of-cob/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/corn-smashed-pennies.jpgcorn smashed pennies!smashed penny machineshttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/corn-cob-colonnade.jpgcorn cob colonnade!Inside highlights include a load-bearing corn colonnade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/corn-murals-side.jpgcorn murals!Along the south wall, new murals capture everyday life in South Dakota.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/corn-100-years.jpgcorn palace 100 Years!To the right of the entrance, the Corn Palace sported a mural of the Corn Palace sporting murals. Cornception!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/corn-crazy-horse.jpgcorn Crazy Horse!To the left of the entrance, our old friend Crazy Horse.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/corn-palace-2021.jpgcorn palace 2021!The front entrance, celebrating 100 years at this unforgettable location.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/buffalo-and-cow-statues.jpgBuffalo and cow statues!In 2009 this same cow in front of a hotel was facing another direction and didn't have a buffalo keeping her company.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wall-drug-good-morning-america-sign.jpgWall Drug Good Morning America sign!Some things neber change, such as the same old signposts on the way to Mitchell.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/jazz-hands-corn.jpgjazz hands corn!Photo taken on my phone by some strangers. In exchange, Anne agreed to take pics of the next fifteen or twenty tourists with their respective devices.2021-10-09T17:26:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/09/dragon-con-2021-photos-7-more-cosplay-parade-stumpers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/anime-section.jpganime section!If you've perused all the way down here, thanks for your attention! Enjoy one last cadre of anime/gaming characters. I thought I at least recognized Sailor Moon, then second-guessed myself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mando-custom.jpgMando!One more Mando for the road.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/custom-mandalorians.jpgMandalorians!Two custom Mandalorians among the several.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/kylo-ren-and-saw.jpgKylo Ren and Saw?Kylo Ren and...I debated long and hard with myself whether that's Saw Gerrera.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/discovery-cast.jpgDiscovery cast!The cast of Star Trek Discovery, which we don't watch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pikachu-and-pokestop.jpgPikachu and Pokestop!Pikachu and the Pokestop are easy (remember that time I played Pokemon Go for a while?), but the suited guy in the middle must have debuted after my son stopped watching.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/rufio.jpgRufio!Rufio from Hook and snazzy friend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/steampunk-tricycle.jpgsteampunk tricycle!I have this in my notes as "steampunk tricycle". That'll do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/rubber-duckie-woman.jpgrubber duckie woman!A rubber duckie character, or just a collector?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/giant-bunny-head.jpggiant bunny head!Giant bunny head! Presumably has its own merchandising line.2021-10-03T21:21:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/10/02/our-2021-road-trip-10-the-little-falls-before-sioux-falls-big-sioux-falls/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/tiny-falls-closeup.jpgtiny falls closeup!Without points of reference to dispute me, I could lie and say this is a 300-foot box canyon, But it super isn't. It's just more zooming on tiny trickles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/falls-closeup.jpgfalls closeup!Zooming in on the largest falls in our limited line of sight, deep in the way, way back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/waterfalls.jpgwaterfalls!At far left, a reasonable number of falls to justify all the after-naming.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/falls-from-on-high.jpgSioux Falls waterfalls!This, we thought, encompassed the eponymous Sioux Falls waterfalls in all its modest splendor. It felt good enough at the time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pre-falls-river.jpgpre-falls river!Past the railroad bridge, the rocks-to-water ratio begins tilting toward the wetter, more action-filled side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/trees-and-geese.jpgtrees and geese!That head count includes geese loitering on the slightly duller, non-river side of the path.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ducks-and-rocks.jpgducks and rocks!Also abounding: ducks and other birds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ducks.jpgducks!Going strictly by head count rather than by weight, we saw more animals at Falls Park than we would at many Wyoming and Montana attractions later in our travels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pre-falls-rocks.jpgpre-falls rocks!Quartzite and pipestone deposits abound here and there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sioux-falls-bridge-.jpgSioux Falls bridge!A railroad bridge over the Big Sioux River.2021-10-03T02:11:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/28/our-2021-road-trip-9-remember-the-south-dakota/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/metal-travelog.jpgmetal travelog!A metal map of the South Dakota's various assignments and quests.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mark-4-fire-control-radar-director-antenna.jpgMark 4 Fire Control Radar Director Antenna!One of the ship's four Mark 4 Fire Control Radar Director Antennae.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/anchor-chain.jpganchor chain!The anchor chain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/wild-perennial-lupine.jpgwild perennial lupineSome wild perennial lupine adds a touch of class around the Dual Purpose Gun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dual-purpose-gun.jpgDual Purpose Gun!Slightly smaller hardware: a 5'/38 cal Dual Purpose Gun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/propeller.jpgpropeller!The propeller alone was 17 feet high and weighed 18.2 tons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cannon.jpgcannon!The cannon! The cannon! The cannon!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/main-mast.jpgmain-mast!The main-mast, climbing forbidden.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/uss-south-dakota.jpgUSS South Dakota!...pretend the entire ship is there but buried under millions of years of sediment.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/wall-drug-sign.jpgWall Drug sign!Once again the Wall Drug signs were South Dakota's loudest heralds, popping up near the end of our Iowa leg. We did not return there in 2021, nor did Anne care for my idea of composing a special gallery of Every Wall Drug Sign Ever because it would crash the server.2021-10-01T02:12:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/05/dragon-con-2021-photos-1-return-of-the-jazz-hands/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/scalzi-jazz-hands.jpgScalzi Jazz Hands!He lives in Ohio. I'm from Indiana. Together, we fight crime! With masks and jazz hands!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/buck-rogers-duo.jpgBuck Rogers Duo!IT kind of looks like an Anne action figure hanging on a pegboard next to a Buck Rogers two-pack.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/galactica-jazz-hands-class.jpgGalactica Jazz Hands Class!Remember that time I met the Galactica cast and the mandatory Plexiglas screen made it look like I was a teacher at jazz-hands college? That was awesome.2021-09-26T22:28:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/06/dragon-con-2021-photos-2-a-cosplay-sampler/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/agatha-harkness.jpgAgatha Harkness!Agatha Harkness from Marvel's WandaVision.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/alligator-loki.jpgAlligator Loki!Alligator Loki from .https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/miss-minutes.jpgMiss Minutes!TVA mascot/conspirator Miss Minutes from Marvel's Loki.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tva-staff.jpgTVA staff!TVA staff members from Marvel's Loki.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/thanos-2020.jpgThanos 2020.Thanos 2020.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/eddie-the-head.jpgEddie the Head!Iron Maiden's Eddie the Head from the cover of their single "The Trooper".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/niners.jpgNiners baseball!A deep cut for Trek fans: Our Heroes' baseball team uniforms from the <em>Deep Space Nine</em> season-7 episode "Take Me Out to the Holosuite", complete with players' names on the back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/jurassic-park-crew.jpgJurassic Park crew!The beloved <em>Jurassic Park</em> cast, scoring bonus points for its rarely cosplayed baby Triceratops.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cage-crew-3.jpgCage Crew 3!...but Anne did her best to immortalize some of their immortalizing. Remember when he was an Academy Award Winner ages ago?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cage-crew-2.jpgCage Crew 2!...where it was impossible to ask the "Cage Crew" to stop and pose...2021-09-26T22:27:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/07/dragon-con-2021-photos-3-some-cosplay-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/netherworld-haunted-house-demon.jpgNetherworld Haunted House demon!A sample demon from Atlanta's own Netherworld Haunted House,presumably returning this October pandemic-style.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/vincent-valentine.jpgVincent Valentine!Vincent Valentine, one of the few Final Fantasy characters I recognized this weekend, from FFVII and Dirge of Cerberus.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/furry-cap-beetlejuice-master-chief.jpgfurry Cap Beetlejuice Master Chief!A furry Captain America, Beetlejuice, and Master Chief. The common bond: three characters who've never been in my kitchen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mary-poppins.jpgMary Poppins!<em>Mary Poppins Returns</em> returns!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/what-we-do-in-the-parade.jpgWhat We Do in the Parade!Hiding behind another Tenth Doctor and under the largest umbrella around are Nandor and Nadja from FX's <em>What We Do in the Shadows</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/fourth-doctor-and-k9.jpgFourth Doctor and K9!The Fourth Doctor doesn't need Rose. He has K9!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/sixth-doctor.jpgSixth Doctor!The Sixth Doctor is too fabulous for Rose.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tenth-doctor.jpgTenth Doctor!Straggling behind Rose, the Tenth Doctor reaches to her in vain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/rose-tyler-and-tardis.jpgRose Tyler and TARDIS!More Doctor Who representation from Rose Tyler, the TARDIS, and the War Doctor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bob-ross-1.jpgBob Ross!Dark Bob Ross paints with a palette of blood and kept shouting "THE TREES ARE NOT HAPPY!" Dark Bob Ross has seen some bad, bad stuff.2021-09-26T22:27:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/07/dragon-con-2021-photos-4-more-cosplay-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/wonder-woman-1984.jpgWonder Woman 1984!Wonder Woman's 1984 armor and an Amazon friend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cruella-devil.jpgCruella DeVil!Cruella DeVil, dognapper and live-action prequel survivor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/red-hood.jpgRed Hood!The Red Hood, former sidekick and Joker survivor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/gentleman-ghost.jpgGentleman Ghost!The Gentleman Ghost, a classic Hawkman villain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/diamond-wild-card.jpgDiamond Wild Card!A Diamond Wild Card outfit from Fortnite.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/omniman.jpgOmniman!Omniman from Invincible, both the Image Comics series and the Amazon Prime show.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/barf.jpgSpaceballs Barf!Barf from Spaceballs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/rapunzel.jpgRapunzel!Okay, back to randomizing our photos with Rapunzel from Tangled.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/squirrel-girl.jpgSquirrel Girl!Squirrel Girl! Squirrel Girl! SQUIRREL GIRL!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/odin.jpgOdin!Academy Award Winner Allfather Odin.2021-09-26T22:27:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/08/dragon-con-2021-photos-5-still-more-cosplay-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/zapp-brannigan-and-robot-santa.jpgZapp Brannigan and Robot Santa!Planet Express nemeses get the last word courtesy of Zapp Brannigan and Robot Santa.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/scruffy-and-amy.jpgScruffy and Amy Wong!Scruffy the janitor and a pair of Nibbler keepers, including Amy Wong.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/futurama-misc.jpgFuturama Misc!Futurama was the final pop culture group of the parade, here featuring Leela, Roberto, and an anti-cancer Bender.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/utinni-cleani.jpgUtinni Cleani!Yep, they have hygiene theater on Tatooine, too.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/jawas.jpgJawas!Jawas leading the Sandcrawler we saw last year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/run-swc.jpgRun SWC!We're the troops of rock! There are none fly-er! Sucker Jedi should find ground higher! We got our orders, we open fire! We won't stop shootin' till we get tired!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/old-luke.jpgOld Luke!And in this corner, Old Luke, a Jedi and an X-Wing Pilot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knight-of-ren.jpgKnight of Ren!A Knight of Ren leads the charge with a Biker Scout, at least two TIE Fighter Pilots, an Imperial officer, and a very good doggo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/trooper-variants.jpgTrooper variants!Before Loki, Harley, and Deadpool, 'Troopers were all about the variants.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/stormtroopers.jpgStormtroopers!Our Star Wars selection of course begins with mandatory Stormtroopers.2021-09-26T22:26:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/08/dragon-con-2021-photos-6-cosplay-parade-stumpers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/netherworld-vampire.jpgNetherworld vampire!Another creepy killer from Atlanta's own Netherworld Haunted House, insisting Halloween will go on. But I have no idea if Netherworld's cast have names.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/white-rabbit.jpgWhite Rabbit!As soon as I even think about pegging this as Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit, someone will pop up and "well actually" me with a paragraph about whatever anime spawned it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/black-painter.jpgBlack painter!This Black 1970s painter marched next to a bleak Bob Ross, but as to his own identity, I'm drawing a blank.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dragon-con-over-40.jpgDragon Con Over 40!The "Dragon Con Over 40" squad is totally our age bracket, but all those mystery guests in the front row make me feel 70 for my ignorance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/middle-earth.jpgMiddle-Earth!In the Middle-Earth cohort I recognize Galadriel, distant Legolas, Gandalf, and Tom Bombadil. But at far left...that isn't Strider, is it?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/red-armored-samurai.jpgred armored samurai!Won't someone please bring honor to this red armored samurai and label him?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/borderlands-vault-armor.jpgBorderlands Vault armor?Is this Borderlands Vault armor from the third one? I don't have a PS4 or PS5 yet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cortana-405th.jpgCortana + 405th!Cortana and associates from the 405th Infantry Division costuming club.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/relic-seekers.jpgRelic Seekers!The "Relic Seekers" team, comprising adventurers whose MacGuffins are all ancient objects that don't belong to them. Indiana Jones, young Lara Croft, and Nathan Drake are the easy ones. As for the rest...?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/fallout-tacticians.jpgFallout Tacticians!Add the Fallout games to the list of Things I May Recognize One Day, up there next to the aforementioned Mr. Banzai.2022-08-04T19:09:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/09/dragon-con-2021-photos-8-last-call-for-parade-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marriott-t-rexes-3.jpgMarriott T-Rexes!The Marriott T-Rexes form a kick-line. Somewhere in Heaven, Busby Berkeley weeps.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marriott-carpet-t-rexes.jpgMarriott Carpet T-Rexes!The Marriott Carpet T-Rexes start multiplying like Tribbles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marriott-carpet-t-rexes-and-cheerleader.jpgMarriott Carpet T-Rexes and cheerleader!The Marriott Carpet T-Rexes and their cheerleader.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marriott-carpet-deadpool.jpgMarriott Carpet Deadpool!Marriott Carpet Deadpool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/deadpools-dancing.jpgDeadpools Dancing!Deadpool dance-off.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/deadpools-1.jpgDeadpools!Maximum Deadpool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/netherworld-car-and-red-dude.jpgNetherworld car and red dude!One last Netherworld shot and that's it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/netherworld-haunted-house-denizens.jpgNetherworld Haunted House denizens!More nightmarish hosts from Atlanta's Netherworld Haunted House.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/johnny-bravo.jpgJohnny Bravo!Johnny Bravo triumphant.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/booker-and-elizabeth-1.jpgBooker and Elizabeth!A closer shot of Booker and Elizabeth from Bioshock Infinite.2021-09-26T22:25:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/11/dragon-con-2021-photos-9-winding-down-the-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pit-droid-remote.jpgPit Droid Remote Control!RC Pit Droid for the wrap-up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tie-fighter-car.jpgTIE Fighter car!TIE Fighter and its Star Wars host car, which carried a loving tribute to a cherished leader of the Star Wars at Dragon Con group who passed away earlier this year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mach-5.jpgMach 5!That demon on wheels himself, Speed Racer in his Mach 5.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mib-car.jpgMIB Car!For the auto-show lovers, a Men in Black car with fuzzy alien passenger.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/lakeside-high-school-viking-band-2.jpgLakeside High School Viking Band!Lakeside continued. Marching band is a land of contrasts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/lakeside-high-school-viking-band.jpgLakeside High School Viking Band!The Lakeside Viking Band from Lakeside High School in DeKalb County, Georgia. Unlike me, Anne was in high school marching band and remembers all their pains.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-metro-atlanta.jpgBig Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta!Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. Dragon Con is historically awesome about inviting community participation in the parade and the show itself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/john-scalzi.jpgJohn Scalzi!The parade's other special guest: award-winning SF author John Scalzi. You might remember him from our first chapter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/louis-gossett-jr.jpgLouis Gossett Jr!Special guest Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett, Jr., still gifted with that Hollywood superpower of knowing exactly where every single camera is.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/galactica-fan-car.jpgGalactica fan car!A Battlestar Galactica fan car. The con's official accounts shared a photo of two BSG guests enjoying a ride in this.2021-11-19T19:42:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/15/dragon-con-2021-photos-10-day-zero/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/hyatt-and-marriott.jpgHyatt and Marriott!Let's instead back up a couple hours and end with a view of the Hyatt and the Marriott, two of the official Dragon Con hotels where we'd be spending most of our waking hours over the next two days.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/atlanta-hotel-window-view.jpgAtlanta hotel window view!In 2019 our hotel window looked out on a fabulous downtown panorama. This year, we got video-game streets.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/residence-inn-iphone-doggie.jpgResidence Inn iPhone doggie!Our three-night home away from home and its giant happy doggo photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/anne-and-badge.jpgAnne and badge!The lovely lady, badge bearer and imminent diner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/hsus-drink-menu.jpgHsu's drink menu!Numerous downtown eateries sport geek-themed foods and drinks for Dragon Con weekend. Hsu's is a prime example on the alcohol side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ballroom-line.jpgDragon Con ballroom line!We're snaking, we're snaking, we're snaking.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dragon-con-welcome-back.jpgDragon Con Welcome Back!Our first tangible evidence that Dragon Con 2021 was real and not canceled.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/together-we-can-beat-this.jpgTogether We Can Beat This!Healthcare encouragement beamed down on us as we crawled west in our rental car on Andrew Young International Boulevard.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dragon-con-line-selfie.jpgDragon Con line selfie!Making time for a selfie while waiting in the line to get into the line that would let us into all the other lines.2021-09-26T22:25:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/22/dragon-con-2021-photos-11-day-one/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pit-droid.jpgPit Droid!Remote control Pit Droid rollin', rollin', rollin'.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/inflatable-dragon.jpginflatable dragon!In between every anecdote, assume we also spent time photographing cosplayers and gawking at architecture, including the interior of the Marriott Marquis where they filmed some of the TVA scenes from Marvel's Loki.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/do-not-sit-on-floor.jpgDo Not Sit on Floor!Anne weighs her options on the Walk of Fame, well aware that napping on it wasn't one of them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shawarma-poster.jpgShawarma poster!Truth by Aviva by Kameel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/aviva-by-kameel.jpgAviva by Kameel!I was too tired to write down specifics. Beef something, chicken something soup, quinoa with something, and definitely baklava at the back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/land-of-the-lost-panel.jpgLand of the Lost panel!...and the Sleestak.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/wesley-eure.jpgWesley Eure!Wesley Eure was also on Days of Our Lives for years -- some of them concurrent with his Land gig -- and went on to be a TV producer as well as a co-creator of Dragon Tales.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/kathy-coleman.jpgKathy Coleman!Kathy Coleman hasn't acted in some time, but has written two memoirs about her experiences.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/crown-panelists.jpgCrown panelists!Our distanced speakers. The D*C app lists five panelists; we had three. I don't know which ones to credit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/alternate-history-track-rules.jpgAlternate History track rules!Rule number one of Dragon Con rules is, the rules must be entertaining in their own right.2021-09-26T22:25:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/26/dragon-con-2021-photos-12-of-12-the-all-star-saturday-grand-finale-with-wall-to-wall-paneling/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/jsa-panel.jpgJSA panel!Our four panelists, all longtime comics aficionados and possibly all podcasters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/sam-witwer.jpgSam Witwer!(<em>Smallville</em>! <em>Clone Wars</em>! <em>Star Wars Rebels</em>! <em>Once Upon a Time</em>! <em>Supergirl</em>! Video games I haven't played! More more more!)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/jamie-bamber.jpgJamie Bamber!Jamie Bamber, once the fleet's reigning leader pilot Lee Adama, brought up his season-3 fat suit at least twice. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/michael-trucco.jpgMichael Trucco!Michael Trucco, best known as sportsball superstar turned resistance leader Sam Anders, who looks as if some superfan has just asked him an excessively detailed question about his character's Pyramid stats.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tricia-helfer.jpgTricia Helfer!Tricia Helfer, the notorious Number Six, has a podcast where pretty much all Galactica costars have been guests. She subsequently jumped from SF to fantasy on Lucifer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/rekha-sharma.jpgRekha Sharma!Rekha Sharma, who played President Laura Roslin's assistant Tory. She later transferred to Star Trek: Discovery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/james-callis.jpgJames Callis!James Callis, who played horndog-turned-president-turned-cult leader Dr. Gaius Baltar. Most recently he's had a recurring role on CBS' MacGyver.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/galactica-panel.jpgGalactica panel!Wide shot of the seven guests settling in, with Rekha Sharma momentarily sitting in Michael Trucco's lap.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/panel-room.jpgHyatt panel room!The combined Hyatt Centennial II-III ballroom, with monitors featuring fake ads and D*C advice between events. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/jack-dylan-grazer-side.jpgJack Dylan Grazer!Bonus shot of Grazer and his contagious zeal.2021-09-26T22:23:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/09/19/enjoy-every-sandwich/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/benders-alley.jpgBender's Alley!I'm sure Heaven's cool, but I'm not taking the express bus there, so for now I'll settle for this lovely Zionsville alley, a typical look for their entire downtown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/fresh-pasta.jpgFresh Pasta!Fresh pasta in the window -- not at Rosie's, but at a quaint neighboring shop along our walk back to the car.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pork-tenderloin-benny.jpgPork Tenderloin Benny!A delightfully decadent Pork Tenderloin Benedict. In an informal Facebook poll, friends and family thought Anne's bacon quiche looked more awesome than my heavy repast fit for a discerning lumberjack. Your Mileage May Vary.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/rosies-place.jpgRosie's Place!Rosie's Place, a restaurant beloved enough to have a line at the door before they opened at 8 a.m.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bacon-quiche.jpgBacon Quiche!The most bacon-forward quiche we've ever ordered. The salad and fruit cup bring a lightening balance and make the whole meal seem more responsible.2021-10-01T20:48:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/30/my-2021-reading-stacks-3-stan-lee-presented/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/stan-lee-shirt.jpgStan Lee shirt!A Stan Lee souvenir shirt I bought from that same Cincinnati con, featuring his face and his favorite descriptors. A few of these have taken on new applications.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/stan-lee-autograph.jpgStan Lee autograph!My very own Stan Lee autograph from WWC 2011, requiring an hours-long wait for a ten-second brush with fame.2021-09-03T12:29:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/19/indiana-state-fair-2021-photos-part-1-of-5-our-year-in-food/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/fudge.jpgfudge!A selection of fudge to take home. Flavors include Tiger Butter, cookies 'n' cream, Heath bar, peanut butter cookie, and two chocolate combos I've forgotten.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cheese-side-mom.jpgcheese side mom!Obscured in that photo was this little woman on the far left side, offering cheese sticks made from her family's flesh.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cheese-sculpture-2021.jpgcheese sculpture 2021!Celebrated cheese sculptor Sarah Kaufman returned in full force with this one-tone recreation of...oh. Hey, it's the Dairy Bar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/128-inch-gourd.jpg128-inch gourd!It was next to impossible to contain this 128-inch gourd into the frame all at once without diminishing it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/8-pound-tomato.jpg8-pound tomato!Also breaking records was this 8-pound tomato conglomerate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/giant-gourds.jpggiant gourds!Over at the Agriculture & Horticulture Building, competitive farmers' edible monstrosities included this 1200-pound gourd. In the way back is an 800-pound runner-up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/fruit-twister.jpgFruit Twister!Special bonus: natural fruity vitamins inside!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/tenderloin-sliders.jpgtenderloin sliders!Basically one tenderloin patty cleaved in twain and slapped on separate slider buns. But if it works, it works.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/samanos-elotes.jpgSamanos elotes!They offered to go heavier on the Tajin, but I chickened out. That's on me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bbq-suga-momma.jpgBBQ Suga Momma!Don't pronounce it "sooga" like a dolt. It's "shugah", like you're Dolly Parton or Rogue from the X-Men.2021-08-29T20:44:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/21/indiana-state-fair-2021-photos-part-2-of-5-the-darling-of-the-duck-dash/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/duck-hat.jpgduck hat!The woman I love and her prized purple duck scalp.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/staring-duck.jpgstaring duck.This one stared dead at me while flapping its wings hard, possibly the Sean Penn of racing ducks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/duck-pool.jpgduck pool!As race after race went on, ducks began congregating in the finish-line pool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/racing-duck.jpgracing duck!Our least worst shot of a mid-race duck.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/duck-racetrack.jpgduck racetrack.The full track, start to finish.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/splashing.jpgsplashing at ducks!Anne gamely tries to be the best sports encourager ever, basically what Burgess Meredith would've been doing if Rocky had been a duck.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/anne-meets-duck.jpgAnne meets duck.Prior to this, Anne's birding experience was largely confined to zoo lorikeets perching on her hand. This was a bit more wriggly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/duck-pen.jpgduck pen!The duck lounge between races.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/duck-base.jpgduck base!Where the magic begins.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/anne-and-duck.jpgAnne and duck!Yep, there's the woman I love and other birds of a feather.2021-08-29T20:43:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/27/indiana-state-fair-2021-photos-part-4-of-5-the-year-in-art/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/soaring-possibilities.jpgSoaring Possibilities!Ashley Nora, "Soaring Possibilities".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/un-dia-en-el-parque.jpgUn Dia en el Parque!Greg Potter, "Un Dia en el Parque".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/freeze.jpgFreeze!Deonna Craig, "Freeze".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/canned-garfield-and-odie.jpgcanned Garfield and Odie!Indiana legends Garfield and Odie, accompanied by an exclusive strip from Jim Davis' PAWS Inc.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/canned-astronaut.jpgcanned astronaut!Shout-out to Purdue University and its aeronautics legacy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/canned-covered-bridge.jpgcanned covered bridge!I was surprised to learn this year that not every state has as many covered bridges as we do. A few states only have one. Go figure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/canned-athletic-shoe.jpgcanned athletic shoe!Canned athletic shoe, because Indiana does super-love its sports.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/know-your-fish-jeopardy.jpgKnow Your Fish Jeopardy!Triple bonus points for our fellow <em>Jeopardy!</em> fans here, then docked a few points because we couldn't flip the cards or wait for Trebek to give us the answers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/frozen-semen.jpgFrozen Semen!You could hide away at home and plunge down the relevant Wikipedia rabbit hole, or you can spend a few minutes learning a new trade from a grand prize winner.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/get-the-vaccine.jpgGet the Vaccine!A clever inversion of a common plea; this exhibit is actually about the importance of pet vaccines. FOR YOUR PETS, YOU IDIOTS.2021-08-29T20:43:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/23/indiana-state-fair-2021-photos-part-3-of-5-the-year-in-lego/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-clone-wars.jpgLego Clone Wars!Of course we braked for Lego Clone Wars.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-international-space-station.jpgLego International Space Station!Lego International Space Station.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-hogwarts.jpgLego Hogwarts!Not the first Lego Hogwarts we've seen at the fair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-fast-food.jpgLego fast food!Lego fast food, whose pieces would've cost more to make than the actual food.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-mural-painters.jpgLego mural painters!Lego mural painters outside the same Lego Natural History Museum.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-natural-history-museum.jpgLego Natural History Museum!Lego Natural History Museum with requisite space displays and big fossils.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-battle-of-the-bulge.jpgLego Battle of the Bulge!In Anne's historical estimation, possibly Lego Battle of the Bulge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-county-fair-tractor-race.jpgLego county fair tractor race!Variation on a theme: Lego county fair tractor race.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-tractors.jpgLego tractors!Lego tractors, apropos of our fair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lego-polar-bears.jpgLego polar bears!Lego polar bears imploring kids to just say no to Lego Coca-Cola.2021-08-29T20:43:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/29/indiana-state-fair-2021-photos-part-5-of-5-and-the-rest/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/us-on-shuttle.jpgUs on Shuttle!The happy couple taking a selfie on a free shuttle ride.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/minion-gas-tank.jpgMinion gas tank!I saw someone I knew and was about to introduce Anne to them, but then I turned and saw she was lagging 60 feet behind because she'd stopped to photograph this Minion tank attached to a buffalo wing stand.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/parade-tiny-tractor.jpgparade tiny tractor!The thinnest tractor in the parade. But hey, whatever gets the job done.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/john-deere-umbrella.jpgJohn Deere umbrella!To this day I cannot look at green John Deere equipment without remembering that one <em>Mad Men</em> episode.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/miss-indiana-state-fair-2021.jpgMiss Indiana State Fair 2021!Claudia Duncan, Miss Indiana State Fair 2021, waves to her subjects and looks forward to her future conquests.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/parade-farmers.jpgparade farmers!Also in the parade: special guest farmers!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/parade-tractors.jpgparade tractors!While searching the food booths around the northwest corner of the fairgrounds, the daily Indiana State Fair Parade passed by, featuring tractors.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/tractor-smoke.jpgtractor smoke!Miserable grown-ups who hate bubbles could walk a whole block north of the Bubble Tower and watch a tractor belching smoke instead. It's a lot less fun to swat at smoke with your hands, though.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bubbles.jpgbubbles!Timid parents are welcome to sit in plastic chairs and watch the bubbles at a safe distance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bubble-tower.jpgBubble Tower!Also new: a bubble tower! It spouts bubbles! It's kind of a tower! BUBBLE TOWER!2021-08-29T20:42:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/26/our-2021-road-trip-8-the-art-of-the-city-of-five-seasons/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/carnival.jpgcarnival!Surprise roadside carnival. Viva summertime!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/sergeant-floyd-monument.jpgSergeant Floyd Monument!Scraping the sky in Sioux City, IA, is a monument to Sergeant Charles Floyd, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition who died and was buried there in 1804. This wasn't the last Lewis and Clark attraction of our trip.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/train-stopped.jpgtrain stopped!Trains still have their uses, but I reserve the right to shake my fist at them afar when they make a long drive even longer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/we-are-cr-mural.jpgWE ARE CR mural!Still a work in progress as of June 26th, artist Thomas Clark completed the new "We are CR" anti-racism mural a week or so later.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/veggie-sidewalk-chalk.jpgveggie sidewalk chalk!Veggie sidewalk chalk art, unblemished by the elements.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/parking-garage-column-art.jpgparking garage column art!Who goes to the trouble of decorating a parking garage? Cedar Rapids does.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dancer-sculpture.jpgdancer sculpture!A fleeting sculpture Anne tried to catch as I drove. The morning's intermittent drizzle obfuscated our windows a bit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cedar-rapids-bridge.jpgCedar Rapids bridge!Pedestrian bridge art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/five-seasons-bridge.jpgFive Seasons bridge!A sky-bridge confirms I didn't imagine the "Five Seasons" nickname.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/boy-and-panther-cub.jpgBoy and Panther Cub!Next to the front door, Malvina Hoffman's "Boy and Panther Cub", 1915.2021-08-27T02:16:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/21/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-suicide-squad-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/harley-quinn-crane-game.jpgHarley Quinn Crane Game!See <em>The Suicide Squad</em> in theaters and win yourself some Harley Quinn merch with the help of The Claw!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/suicide-squad-free-amc-comic.jpgSuicide Squad Free AMC Comic!Opening weekend audiences were treated to free reprints of the first issue of DC's <em>Suicide Squad</em> relaunch. So our family has three copies of this. New cover art by Riccardo Federici.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/suicide-squad-poster.jpgSuicide Squad Poster!Unquestionably the bloodiest film I've ever seen on an IMAX screen, or likely ever will see.2021-08-22T02:50:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/21/our-2021-road-trip-7-american-nothic/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/not-all-robots-1.jpgNot All Robots #1!New in comic shops as of August 2021 is Mark Russel's latest political satire Not All Robots, with interior art and cover by Mike Deodato Jr. Great so far, highly recommended.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/canadian-gothic.jpgCanadian Gothic!This Dudley Do-Right complication was part of an 8-volume VHS set released in 1991. I had all eight but passed them on to Goodwill when they came to DVD.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/farm-aid-gothic.jpgFarm Aid Gothic!A fun nod to the inaugural Farm-Aid held in September 1985. Art by Doug MacGregor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/polygamy-gothic.jpgPolygamy Gothic.The mind reels at the scenarios implied by this feature in the BBC's <em>Listener</em>, 8/18/1985.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/mad-gothic.jpgMad Gothic!A partial answer to my question, "Why no original art in this exhibit whatsoever?": the original painting by MAD cover artist Jack Rickard sold several years ago for somewhere over $12,000.00.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/working-woman-gothic.jpgWorking Woman Gothic!What is it like being a woman in jobs? Find out in the May 1979 issue of <em>Working Woman</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hillbilly-gothic.jpgHillbilly Gothic!The Beverly Hillbillies on the cover of the <em>Saturday Evening Post</em>, 2/2/1963.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/masked-gothic.jpgMasked Gothic!The fun began at the front door, where the famous farmers role-modeled the museum's mask mandate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/carter-gothic.jpgCarter Gothic!President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn on the January 1977 cover of <em>Punch</em> shortly before his inauguration. Art by Wally Fawkes, a.k.a. "Trog".2021-08-21T20:32:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/20/our-2021-road-trip-6-from-the-studio-that-brought-you-american-gothic/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/grant-wood-propaganda-poster.jpgGrant Wood propaganda poster.Anne the history buff zeroed in on this WWII fundraiser poster that would've been among Wood's final works.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/spring-in-the-country.jpgSpring in the Country"Spring in the Country", 1941.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/shrine-quartet.jpgShrine Quartet."Shrine Quartet", 1939.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/frances-fiske-marshall.jpgFrances Fiske Marshall.A 1929 portrait of Frances Fiske Marshall. The wife of a local newspaper editor, Wood painted this at his request after she died suddenly, leaving four daughters behind.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/indian-creek.jpgIndian Creek."Indian Creek - Summer", 1929.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/runners-luxembourg-gardens.jpgRunners Luxembourg Gardens."The Runners, Luxembourg Gardens, Paris", 1924, inspired by his European travels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/john-b.-turner.jpgJohn B. Turner."Portrait of John B. Turner, Pioneer", 1928-1930. The father of one of his patrons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/night-scene-national-oats.jpgNight Scene National Oats."Night Scene, National Oats", 1928.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/red-and-yellow-house-in-munich.jpgRed and Yellow House in Munich."Red and Yellow House in Munich", 1928. His Impressionist streak hadn't yet faded.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/terraced-mountain.jpgTerraced Mountain."Terraced Mountain", 1926.2021-08-21T02:02:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/15/my-free-comic-book-day-2021-results-from-best-to-least-best/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/blade-runner-2029.jpgBlade Runner 2029!My favorite splash page from any of these. Art by Andres Guinaldo and Marco Lesko.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/calexit.jpgCalexit!When was the last time two comics characters were allowed to enjoy a beautiful sunset? Art by Amancay Nahuelpan and Tyler Boss.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hulk-by-ryan-ottley.jpgHulk by Ryan Ottley!Hulk tried the diplomatic approach first, so the next round of smashing is not his fault. Art by Ryan Ottley and Frank Martin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/extraterrestrial-girls.jpgExtraterrestrial Girls!A thousand bonus points to writers who embrace expedient exposition. Art by Jamie Noguchi.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dcs-king-sharks-dad.jpgDC's King Shark's Dad!Shout-out to anyone who loved Bruce the Shark in <em>Finding Nemo</em>. Art by Scott Kolins and John Kalisz.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/star-wars-high-republic-dragon.jpgStar Wars High Republic Dragon!Not the first time I've shared a Star Wars dragon double-splash page. Art by Harvey Tolibao and Rebecca Nalty.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/avatar-airbender-grandpa.jpgAvatar Airbender Sensei!CAN'T YOU TWO SEE YOU'RE IN LOVE? Art by Sara Alfageeh and Savanna Ganucheau.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ed-piskor-red-room.jpgEd Piskor's Red Room!Geeking for the worst kind of cosplay. Art by Ed Piskor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/judge-dredd-by-casper-wijngaard.jpgJudge Dredd by Casper Wijngaard!Judge Dredd, confirmed Bat-hater. Art by Casper Wijngaard.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/venom-by-bryan-hitch.jpgVenom by Bryan Hitch!Dylan Brock offers sound practical advice. Art by Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie and Alejandro Sanchez.2021-08-16T00:16:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/07/our-2021-road-trip-4-hangin-with-the-hoovers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/isis-statue.jpgIsis statue!The absolutely coolest part of this stop was a 7½-foot statue of the goddess Isis by sculptor Auguste Puttemans. This awesomely creepy creation was a 1922 gift from Belgium in gratitude for his pre-Presidential good-Samaritan relief efforts over there. See, he did have fans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hoover-birthplace.jpgHoover birthplace!Special features in that same corner include the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage, built for his blacksmith dad and his mom in 1871.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/stream-and-bridge.jpgstream and bridge!The northeast corner of the Hoover grounds hold more features for discerning pedestrians and travelers who need to get out of the car and stretch for a few minutes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cardinal.jpgcardinal!A happy cardinal stopped and posed for Anne. A fairly keen butterfly was less cooperative with me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rolling-hill.jpgrolling hill!A much larger hill separates the Hoover site from the nearby I-80 exit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/walking-path.jpgwalking path!One of several walking paths nearby.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/flagpole-symbols.jpgflagpole symbols?Mysterious symbols on the flagpole, for those who dig that sort of thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hoover-hilltop.jpgHoover hilltop.A wider shot of the hilltop where the Hoovers lie, which was hundreds of feet west of the Museum and took us some minutes to spot from far away.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hoovers.jpgHoovers!#31, Herbert Hoover, d.10/20/1964, age 90. at the farthest end of his National Historic Site in West Branch, IA, on our 2021 road trip.2021-08-10T21:46:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/10/our-2021-road-trip-5-guy-walks-into-an-airport-with-thirty-bottles-of-liquid/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/altima-montana.jpgAltima still in Montana!The Altima later that same day, several hours and a few hundred miles farther into Wyoming. On the same tank of gas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/altima-at-jump.jpgAltima at Jump!The Altima at an archaeological dig just inside the Wyoming border.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/american-gothic-bathroom.jpgAmerican Gothic bathroom!Locals love hometown legend Grant Wood's American Gothic so much, someone recreated it with bathroom tiles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/herky-the-hawk.jpgHerky the Hawk!Herky the Hawk, mascot for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cedar-rapids-airport.jpgCedar Rapids Municipal Airport!An airport large enough for name-brand flights, not just the lethally thrifty ones.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/storm-clouds.jpgstorm clouds!Sneak preview of the storm clouds we faced the next day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/abs-green-light.jpgABS Green Light.While parked, I took off my seat belt to snap a pic of the ABS warning, but I forgot to catch the SERVICE 4WD SYSTEM" advisory. Mea culpa.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bottles-of-liquid.jpgbottles of liquid!(give or take a few)2021-08-10T04:02:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/08/05/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-green-knight-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/green-knight.jpgThe Green Knight!"Give my regards to my great-great-great-great-and-so-on-grandson, Swamp Thing."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gawain.jpgGawain!For standard heroes, yellow is not a good look.2021-08-06T03:23:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/31/our-2021-road-trip-3-4-wheel-gawks-in-an-18-wheel-world/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/indoor-semi.jpgindoor semi!Sample semi inside, squeezed in between the racks of paperbacks and DVDs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/semi-accessories.jpgsemi accessories!Feel like covering your big rig with lots of lights to keep other passing drivers awake at night? Iowa 80 will make you the Clark Griswold of trucking.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pig-seat.jpgpig seat!Ever imagine yourself sitting inside a pig whose guts have been carved out just so you can squat on it and rest your feet for a spell? At Iowa 80 your gross dream can come true!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/jeep.jpgjeep!Wander the gift shop and debate with your family whether jeeps count as trucks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/worlds-largest-pac-man.jpgWorld's Largest Pac-Man!Big drivers on big drives with big cargo need big games.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/iowa-80-fun-facts.jpgIowa 80 Fun Facts!Shout-out to the inspired artists who saved me the trouble of typing out lots of Iowa 80 fun trivia.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/iowa-80-indoor-mural.jpgIOWA 80 indoor mural!The food court ambiance. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/iowa-80-outdoor-mural.jpgIOWA 80 outdoor mural!Officially the Truckstop is in Walcott, IA. As you can imagine, it's one of their biggest businesses.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/i-80-globe.jpgI-80 Globe!Keep on truckin' right this way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/iowa-80-truck-stop.jpgIowa 80 Truck Stop!From a distance you might mistake this for an average travel plaza. Real shame about your myopia there.2021-07-31T16:20:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/29/our-2021-road-trip-2-sandburg-history-theatre/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/bunny-rabbit.jpgbunny rabbit!Also in the backyard: bunny rabbit!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/sandburg-rock.jpgRemembrance Rock.The inscription on Remembrance Rock reads, "...for it could be a place to come and remember."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/poetry-goat.jpgPoetry Goat!A little poetry goat for the kids.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/framus-guitar.jpgFramus guitar!The 1958 Framus spruce and rosewood guitar he once played at a 1960 concert in Princeton, NJ.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/stereoscope.jpgstereoscope!Among his odd jobs, Sandburg was once a stereoscope salesman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/life-magazine-02-21-1938.jpgLife Magazine 02-21-1938!Living large on the cover of <em>Life Magazine</em> in 1938.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/lincoln-biography.jpgLincoln biography!His Lincoln sextology began with the two-volume The Prairie Years; then came The War Years, the four-volume sequel in which Lincoln drops the ring into Mount Doom and makes his way back to The Shire, Illinois.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/sandburg-typewriter.jpgSandburg typewriter!The typewriter he used for years on staff with the <em>Chicago Daily News</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/sandburg-books.jpgSandburg books!Reprint editions of some of his earliest books.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/carl-sandburg-fog.jpgCarl Sandburg Fog!His classic "Fog" is the one poem I already knew before 2021. Here it is in his own handwriting.2021-07-30T03:00:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/26/our-2021-road-trip-1-return-of-the-roadside/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/wrights-steel-man.jpgWright's steel man!Last major sight on our way back to the interstate: this metal man constructed entirely from vents and air ducts. <em>Now</em> it's a true road trip.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mcdonalds-floor-sticker.jpgMcDonald's floor sticker.Another social-distancing floor sticker to add to my collection.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/jerry-van-dyke.jpgJerry Van Dyke!The McDonald's lobby also had ramed photos of those same legends, including this tribute to Jerry Van Dyke, star of TV's <em>My Mother the Car</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/danville-mcdonalds-mural.jpgDanville McDonald's mural!The McDonald's hometown lineup added two more guys we don't recognize and dumped Helen Morgan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/fischer-marquee-danville.jpgFischer Marquee Danville!Gotta love the old-fashioned theater marquees.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/danville-cannon-signs.jpgDanville Cannon signs.Danville has more than one sigh collection around town. This one allows emphasis on local politician Joseph Cannon, who served some forty years in Congress and was a longtime domineering U.S. Speaker of the House whose eventual bipartisan removal followed a 26-hour filibuster.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/hot-rod-lincoln.jpgHot Rod Lincoln!If kids can make murals and business are also people now, then businesses can make murals, too.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/wallpups-mural-continued.jpgWallpups mural continued!Wallpups 2: Even Puppier.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/wallpups-mural.jpgWallpups mural!In 2011 kids were invited to contribute to their own mural, dubbed "Wallpups".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/culture-shock-mural.jpgCulture Shock mural!Mural for a local festival called Culture Shock.2021-07-29T14:16:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/22/whos-up-for-packing-a-years-worth-of-conventions-into-three-months/2021-07-23T03:56:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/18/not-put-asunder-17-years-and-counting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/fried-ice-cream.jpgFried Ice Cream!Two spoons and one big showy, messy pile of sugars with a plethora of textures hidden inside. Such is marriage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/corn-couple.jpgCorn Couple!Another teaser image from our upcoming 2021 road trip series, which will include sequels to previous vacations such as this brief return to the Mitchell Corn Palace in South Dakota.2021-07-18T18:45:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/09/when-words-failed-the-spelling-bee-contender/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/peanuts-02-19-1966.jpgPeanuts 02-19-1966!No one ever even had the decency to bake Charlie Brown an "AT LEAST YOU TRIED" cake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/colossus-uxm-156.jpgColossus UXM 156!It's a short, easy hop from "Colossus" to "colossally" for the discerning reader. From <em>Uncanny X-Men</em> #156 cover-dated April 1982; art by Dave Cockrum, Bob Wiacek, and Don Warfield.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/peanuts-02-09-1966.jpgPeanuts 02-09-1966!IT ME. Fun trivia: the 1969 animated adaptation <em>A Boy Named Charlie Brown</em> changed the offending word to "beagle" for maximum Snoopy disgust.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/peanuts-02-03-1966.jpgPeanuts 02-03-1966!That time Charlie Brown thought he'd win friends and respect through good spelling. Today's internet would eat him alive.2021-07-10T17:06:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/07/02/our-2021-road-trip-six-teaser-images-on-the-go/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/obama-statue.jpgObama Statue in Rapid City.Barack Obama and a friend say hi! He's one of 43 different statues of past American Presidents (along with at least two bonus non-President statues) standing on downtown street corners in Rapid City, South Dakota.2021-07-10T00:32:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/06/14/the-spring-birthday-2021-trip-part-7-of-8-nature-and-other-valuables/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/crown-tea-set.jpgCrown tea set!I bought myself a couple of Bob Ross decorations at their gift shop, and was so tempted by this darling little tea set starring the first two Queen Elizabeths from Netflix's The Crown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/midwest-in-the-media.jpgMidwest in the Media!Other vitrines and displays in the lobby are devoted to history, local affairs, racism, pride, and here's me gratuitously gravitating toward the one with <em>Parks and Rec</em> on it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/catalyst.jpgCatalyst!An alternate view of "Beverly Stucker Precious' sculpture Catalyst", which we caught last time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/coming-through-the-rye.jpgComing Through the Rye!A bronze recast of Frederic Remington's "Coming Through the Rye". Curiously we've run across these four horsemen before.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/revolver.jpgrevolver.A country doctor's revolver.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/usps-pith-helmet.jpgUSPS pith helmet!On the opposite end of the haberdashery spectrum is an old USPS pith helmet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/top-hat.jpgtop hat!For the gentlemen, a silk top hat like in ancient films. This one was the property of one Otto Carmichael, noted early 20th-century journalist and onetime publisher of the <em>Detroit Free Press</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/green-robe.jpggreen robe!For the fashion mavens out there, this robe came from the closet of a longtime Muncie resident.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bank-collection.jpgbank collection!A collection of children's coin banks that belonged to a local bank president. The fat one is modeled after Boss Tweed and stuffs your coin in his pocket.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/jelly-making-kit.jpgjelly making kit!What better way to fill your Ball jars than with a jelly making kit?2021-06-19T03:22:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/06/12/the-spring-birthday-2021-trip-part-6-of-8-tangents-from-the-joy-of-painting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/book-stacks.jpgbook stacks!The Balls had so many books that there are overflow stacks in the corner. I can totally relate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/stove-with-digital-backsplash.jpgstove with digital backsplash!Non-library educational items included this stove with a digital backsplash that taught kids about the world of canning, which was a thing their great-great-grandparents might've done.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/literary-chair.jpgliterary chair!Chair upholstered with literary illustrations. I need one of these but with paintings by J.H. Williams III.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bookbinding-tools.jpgbookbinding tools!Bookbinding tools were used back in the day when bibliophiles wanted to save their favorite tomes from destruction.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/old-timey-magazines.jpgold-timey magazines!A glimpse of obsolete items such as magazines, rotary phones, and beautiful wooden office desks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/oakhurst-home-garden.jpgOakhurst Home & Garden!Stately Oakhurst manor, wherein resides the forbidden joys of painting.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/butterfly-chair.jpgbutterfly chair!Anne tries out a butterfly chair that would look nice in our backyard.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/heron-statue.jpgheron statue!A heron statue bars visitors from crossing into backyard portions under repair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/reading-baby-statue.jpgreading baby statue!Baby statue teaches the pleasure of reading outside. I do this myself at work sometimes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mud-kitchen.jpgMud Kitchen!For lack of children and moisture, the Mud Kitchen posed little threat to us.2021-06-19T03:22:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/06/01/the-spring-birthday-2021-trip-part-4-of-8-donut-turn-your-back-on-family/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ohana-surfboard.jpgOhana surfboard!Quick primer for those who don't speak Hawaiian and didn't see the fabulous gem that is <em>Lilo and Stitch</em>. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cherry-almond-ice-cream.jpgcherry almond ice cream!The special flavor of that week: cherry almond.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/donuts.jpgfresh donuts!Clockwise from lower left: two donuts with chocolate icing and toffee crunch; one with caramel icing and peanuts; and one with vanilla icing and crumbled Butterfinger.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/aloha-donuts.jpgAloha Donuts!A wall of donuts bids you welcome.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ohana-donuts-and-ice-cream.jpgOhana Donuts and Ice Cream!Their corner shop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/donut-breakfast-sandwich.jpgdonut breakfast sandwich!The Good Morning Burger of a new generation: a breakfast sandwich of sausage, egg and cheese on two donuts, topped with real bacon and a maple glaze.2021-06-19T03:21:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/05/31/the-spring-birthday-2021-trip-part-3-of-8-had-myself-a-ball-in-a-small-town/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/13th-floor-mural.jpg13th Floor mural!On their back wall, one more mural for the road.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/capitol-records-display.jpgCapitol Records display!Fun marketing artifact in the foyer: a merchandise rack shaped like the Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/13th-floor-window.jpg13th Floor window.Their front window with signage and decals in equal measure. Masks required, which was okay by us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/13th-floor-music.jpg13th Floor Music!The purveyors in question.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/bratwurst.jpgbratwurst!While Anne grabbed a fried fish sandwich, among her street-fair favorites, I whetted my remaining appetite with a standard carnivla bratwurst topped with hot mustard and sauerkraut. It'd been a long, long time since I last had one of these in the wild.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/chocolate-cotton-candy-whoopie-pie.jpgchocolate cotton candy whoopie pie!Much more to my liking was their chocolate cotton candy whoopie pie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/monte-cristo.jpgMonte Cristo!Among their options was a Frühlingsfest exclusive, a Monte Cristo with shredded turkey and a side of berry sauce. Tasted fine, but the shreds kept falling out every time I went to dip the sandwich.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rolling-pig-pin.jpgRolling Pig Pin!After perusing every single lunchtime option, my first stop was at a food truck called the Rolling Pig Pin out of Crothersville, fourteen miles north of Seymour on I-65.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/fruhlingsfest-vendors.jpgFruhlingsfest vendors!Some of the food vendors on hand.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/seymour-stores.jpgSeymour stores!Of all the small downtowns we've visited over the years, theirs might be the first we've seen with the gun shop on their main street.2021-06-19T03:20:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/05/25/the-spring-birthday-2021-trip-part-2-of-8-muscatatuck-everlasting/2021-06-19T03:20:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/05/24/the-spring-birthday-2021-trip-part-1-of-8-the-animal-refugees/2021-06-19T03:19:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/06/18/the-spring-birthday-2021-trip-part-8-of-8-mondo-muncie-miscellany/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/stay-weird-muncie.jpgStay Weird Muncie!This.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/underwater-electrical-box.jpgPainted underwater electrical box!An electrical box painted with underwater scenery. In reality, water and electricity are mortal enemies. In art, together they typify The Duality of Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mcdonalds-vintage-sign.jpgMcDonalds vintage sign!Also big and old: an old-school McDonald's sign. Immediately after I snapped this, the sports car reversed and sped off, either daunted by the backed-up drive-thru or scared that we might rat them out to their snooty rich friends.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pauls-flower-shop.jpgPaul's Flower Shop!Other large knickknacks include the big rose outside Paul's Flower Shop, probably no relation to Mr. Bunyan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/paul-bunyan.jpgPaul Bunyan statue!Not far from him is a 25-foot Paul Bunyan, one of the classics of roadside Americana.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/sheet-metal-man.jpgSheet Metal Man roadside sculpture.Farther down the road is the Sheet Metal Man, an oversize mascot for a metal fabricating plant.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/were-trying-collective-mural.jpgWe're Trying Collective muralAcross the street from the shop is a mural on the side of the Mark III Tap Room. The work of We're Trying Collective, it was their tribute and response in the wake of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub murders.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/david-bowie-read.jpgDavid Bowie READ!Second-best prop on hand: a David Bowie poster encouraging kids to read and to visit their local library. And maybe also their local comic shop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cyclops-fire-hydrant.jpgCyclops fire hydrant!This is not a Cyclops fire hydrants but is in fact Tye Sheridan recreating his performance note-for-note from the later X-Men films.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/spidey-fire-hydrant.jpgSpidey fire hydrant!Spider-Man: the fire hydrant! But his paint could use a touch-up.2021-06-19T03:17:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/06/06/final-account-minutes-from-the-nazi-occupied-neighborhood-association-meeting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/final-account-poster.jpgFinal Account poster!A relic of the Before Times: a movie poster made of actual paper. I remember those!2021-06-06T19:19:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/05/16/49-birthday-candles-traded-for-one-onion-volcano/2021-05-17T03:10:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/05/08/the-post-vax-celebration-breakfast-and-field-test/2021-05-09T03:55:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/05/04/tiptoeing-back-into-the-house-of-the-lord/2021-05-04T04:24:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/30/happy-9th-anniversary-to-my-tiny-wordy-hideaway/2021-05-09T02:34:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/26/mcc-live-tweeting-the-oscars-2021-pandemic-dinner-theater/2021-04-26T04:37:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/25/oscars-quest-2021-all-the-other-viewing-i-could-fit-in-before-the-big-event/2021-04-25T05:13:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/23/the-mcc-2021-oscar-nominated-documentary-revue/2021-04-23T04:13:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/18/the-mcc-2021-oscar-nominated-live-action-short-film-revue/2021-04-18T04:10:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/15/the-mcc-2021-oscar-nominated-animated-short-film-revue/2021-04-16T02:46:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/12/sound-of-metal-and-the-beat-of-a-different-drum/2021-04-12T17:26:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/04/emerging-from-tombs/2021-04-13T00:36:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/04/02/my-2021-reading-stacks-2/2021-04-02T18:56:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/03/27/judas-and-the-black-messiah-and-the-madding-crowd/2021-03-28T02:37:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/03/21/our-retroactive-nomadland-vacation-memories/2021-03-21T04:37:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/03/14/a-sunday-brunch-between-hope-and-impatience/2021-03-15T03:23:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/03/07/should-we-have-taken-a-one-year-later-time-jump-to-today/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/dc-comics-one-year-later-2006.jpgDC Comics One Year Later 2006!I had four of these six issues. In hindsight I wish I'd gone out of my way for the covers by Adam Hughes and Jock. Alas, that time has passed.2021-03-10T03:09:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/03/01/24-super-awesome-wandavision-clickbait-articles-you-cant-live-without/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/wandavision.jpgWandaVision!America's sweethearts! Live before a transfixed audience with or without lockdown orders.2021-03-02T12:23:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/02/28/our-2003-road-trip-the-lost-photos/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/welcome-to-indiana.jpgWelcome to Indiana!One of our usual, comforting "Welcome to Indiana" signs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/storm-home.jpgStorm Home.The severe thunderstorm that overtook westbound I-70 and followed us the rest of the way home. Not exactly the "happily ever after" note we would've liked.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/us-capitol.jpgU.S. Capitol!Our only photo of the U.S. Capitol, which we either couldn't or simply didn't visit due to construction. In the foreground, crews continue cleanup of the previous week's July 4th festivities.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/viking-ship-waving.jpgViking Ship waving!Anne joined my son on their standard ordinary Viking ship ride. You can barely see Anne through the bars at lower left, waving at me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/viking-ship-sickness.jpgViking ship rocking!Same ride, only now Anne is burying her face in my son's shoulder while waiting for terror and/or nausea to subside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/penguin.jpgPenguin!The Penguin menaces a Bat-ride.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/sylvester-and-wile.jpgSylvester and Wile E. Coyote!Sylvester and Wile E. Coyote were trained professionals handling the summertime heat in their furry suits far better than I did in my stupid cap.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/sheriff-daffy.jpgSheriff Daffy!Sheriff Daffy Duck fails at lasso tricks outside a merchandise shop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/looney-tunes-fountain.jpgLooney Tunes fountain!Abundant Warner Brothers transmedia licensing displays included this Looney Tunes fountain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/looney-tunes-emporium.jpgLooney Tunes Emporium!Faux-stone cartoon busts above the Looney Tunes Emporium.2021-03-02T02:22:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/02/23/my-2021-reading-stacks-1/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/dc-coffee-table-covers-2019.jpgDC Coffee Table Covers 2019!The most recent examples provided, all from 2019.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/kickstarter-projects-2020.jpgKickstarter Projects 2020!My rewards from the only two Kickstarter projects I backed in 2020, which is two more than average for me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/owen-books-2020.jpgOwen Books 2020!Two different 2020 releases, each about a youngster named Owen who acquires great power that makes others jealous, but only one of them can handle it.2021-02-24T03:02:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/02/19/stranded-40-feet-from-home/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/stuck-car.jpgStuck Car.Cold day. Cold irony.2021-02-20T03:06:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/02/14/sunday-morning-with-two-valentines-day-early-birds/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/baby-yoda-toy.jpgBaby Yoda Toy!Red hearts and chocolates are okay, but when you want to melt the heart of the Star Wars fan you love most, you can't go wrong with Grogu.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/prime-rib-eggs-benedict.jpgPrime Rib Eggs Benedict!For me, the other special of the day, Prime Rib Eggs Benedict.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/salmon-asparagus-quiche.jpgSalmon Asparagus Quiche!For Anne, a salmon asparagus quiche with a side of corn casserole with a spicy kick to it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/biscuits.jpgBiscuits!Our brunch appetizer: giant biscuits fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, served with strawberry jam, apple butter, honey butter, and just honey.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cobblestone.jpgCobblestone!Our destination: a restaurant called Cobblestone, a Zionsville establishment since 2000 that revamped itself a few years ago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/yellow-rose.jpgYellow Rose!A yellow rose in full bloom. A dining room with empty tables. Yet another illustration of The Duality of Man™.2021-02-14T18:55:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/02/11/delighting-in-delicacies-not-pounds-of-pasta/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cannoli-cake.jpgCannoli Cake!While Anne ended her meal with gelato, I tried their cannoli cake, which fulfills every implied promise.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/filetto-al-taleggio.jpgFiletto al Taleggio!The dish that bowled me over: Filetto al Taleggio. Inside this delicate puff pastry lay Taleggio cheese and an eight-ounce filet mignon. I had no idea Italian food scientists had basically invented a sort of steak donut, but I am absolutely here for it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/burrata-classic.jpgBurrata Classic!Our appetizer, the Burrata Classic -- mozzarella shell on the outside, creamy mozzarella filling inside. Garnished with balsamic, fresh tomato, prosciutto, and olives. A combined bite of cheese, dressing, and green olive was heavenly. And I hate green olives.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/catellos-italian-art-cuisine.jpgCatello's Italian Art Cuisine!Catello's Italian Art Cuisine on Indy's northeast side, near the Castleton area. A second location is farther out in Pendleton.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/agnello-caprino.jpgAgnello & Caprino!Dinner for Anne at Catellos: the Agnello and Caprino -- rack of lamb atop pappardelle in a red wine sauce with shallots and herbs on a bed of goat cream sauce.2021-02-12T04:39:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/02/07/best-cds-of-2020-according-to-an-old-guy-who-bought-5/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bob-mould-silence-death.jpgBob Mould, Silence = Death.How it started/how it;'s going: 1990 Bob Mould's "It's Too Late" versus 2020 Mould's "American Crisis".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cd-reissues-2020.jpgCD Reissues 2020!Two last CD covers to rund out the set, noting that sometimes history repeating itself doesn't have to be a bad thing. And yet...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cds-2020-1.jpgCDs 2020!Per tradition, my annual personal tiny album chart.2021-02-08T04:35:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/02/04/okay-fine-now-i-get-baby-yoda/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/outer-rim-speeder-bike.jpgOuter Rim Speeder Bike!A previously unseen outtake from our Star Wars Celebration 2019 pics: an Outer Rim Speeder Bike from <em>The Mandalorian</em>, which we didn't care about because we never expected to watch the show anytime soon.2025-08-26T12:49:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/29/yes-theres-a-moment-after-the-soul-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/soul.jpgSoul!If you loved Jamie Foxx as a blue guy in <em>Amazing Spider-Man 2</em>...2021-02-03T01:45:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/29/old-guy-with-a-ps3-year-6-theres-no-pandemic-in-skyrim/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-the-book.jpgSkyrim The Book!The last word.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-solitude.jpgSkyrim Solitude!The capital city of Solitude. This is currently my wallpaper at work.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-eye-of-magnus.jpgSkyrim Eye of Magnus!That time we brought the Eye of Magnus into the College at Winterhold and it wouldn't stop rotating or pulsating.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-aurora.jpgSkyrim Aurora!An aurora shimmering over some of the Dwemer ruins.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-epic-elven-warhammer-at-night.jpgSkyrim Epic Elven Warhammer at Night!Walking east at night toward Whiterun with an Epic Elven Warhammer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-oh-gods-help-me-book.jpgSkyrim OH GODS HELP ME Book.A common nonstop plea from millions throughout the Age of Coronavirus.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-wabbajack-book.jpgSkyrim Wabbajack Book!High literature from crazy town.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-gross-origin-of-music-book.jpgSkyrim Gross Origin of Music Book.Did I mention all the books lying around Skyrim? Such as this one about the myth of Where Music Comes From. About which: yuck.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-dog-meat-for-sale.jpgSkyrim Dog Meat for Sale?WHY WOULD YOU SELL THIS AS FOOD. I didn't protest when the Dark Brotherhood gave me an excuse to take out this monster.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/skyrim-goat-cheese.jpgSkyrim Goat Cheese!The day I found out I could also buy goat cheese in Skyrim was truly a milestone.2021-01-29T05:33:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/18/comics-update-my-current-lineup-and-2020-pros-and-cons/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/superman-smashes-the-klan.jpgSuperman Smashes the Klan!I wound up with the Kyle Baker variant of <em>Superman Smashes the Klan</em> #1, so my set doesn't match, but Baker is cool and I'm fine with it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dc-2020-specials.jpgDC 2020 Specials!With great anniversary anthologies come great variant covers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/new-comic-books-2020.jpgNew Comic Books 2020!The annual photo of a year's worth of singles in alphabetical piles. Curiously, no titles starting with C, N, T, Y or Z this year.2021-01-27T21:08:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/21/precautionary-shoegazing-our-2020-in-pandemic-floor-decals/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/amc-decal.jpgAMC Decal!Our favorite AMC theater adds a bit of pleasantry because they really, <em>really</em> can't afford to upset anyone right now.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/barnes-noble-decal.jpgBarnes & Noble Decal!Barnes & Noble subliminally reminds patrons they can enjoy reading their purchase while they're waiting in a line that stretches half the store's length.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/usps-decal.jpgUSPS decal!"You know you could have done some of this at home, right?" says our post office's floor as they plug their online capabilities in their lousiest year of customer service.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/circle-centre-mall-decal.jpgCircle Centre Mall decal!Some businesses took an extra step (no pun intended) and tried controlling the flow of walking, designating certain aisles and halls as one-way only. As I found at Circle Centre Mall, this was easy if the place was totally deserted.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/bed-bath-beyond-decal.jpgBed Bath & Beyond decal!Bed Bath & Beyond letting adhesive go crusty all over their beautiful hardwood floors. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/rise-n-roll-decal-1.jpgRise n Roll Decal!Rise n Roll with another pun that would make Ralph Wiggum giggle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/rise-n-roll-decal-2.jpgRise n Roll Decal!Rise n Roll Bakery runs a "donut" pun in a different direction.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/not-walmart-decal.jpgNot Walmart decal!Can;t remember if this was Walmart or Kroger or maybe a Lowe's upgrade. Note the attempt at rallying the community spirit and the row of old-fashioned dance steps.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/lowes-decal.jpgLowes Decal!The first one I saw, at Lowe's. No frills, just the blunt basics, exactly what you'd expect from a manly hardware store.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/donut-shop-decal.jpgDonut Shop decal!Can't remember which donut shop in Avon has this decal. We visited three of them in 2020.2021-01-27T21:07:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/25/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-wonder-woman-1984-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ww84-2.jpgWW84 theater standee!More theater decor largely hidden from humankind during this prolonged pandemic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ww84-kingdom-come-armor.jpgWW84 Kingdom Come Armor!Do not call her Steve Trevor's trophy girlfriend.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ww84-poster.jpgWW84 Poster!A rare sighting of a movie poster in its deserted natural habitat.2021-01-26T04:57:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/16/wandering-the-2020-christmas-shopping-wastelands/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/metropolis-christmas-tree.jpgMetropolis Christmas Tree!Theirs is among the largest trees we see out on the west side each year. Meanwhile in the distance, the AMC Theatre where we saw Tenet is...well, they're trying.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/christ-church-nativity.jpgChrist Church Nativity!Across the street, Christ Church Cathedral kept the faith with their Nativity scene.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/santa-batman.jpgSanta Batman!Unlike the entire mall, the candy shop decorated for the holiday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/escalator-repair.jpgEscalator Repair!Escalator repair is easier if you're not in anyone's way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/arcade.jpgVideo Arcade!The lone bright spot on the fourth floor was the arcade, among the mall's few constants since its 1995 grand opening. I saw one player taking on Dance Dance Revolution -- possibly the employee on duty -- and a pair of women carrying bags, walking around, and probably having one of those "Remember when...?" chats.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/fourth-floor.jpgFourth Floor Mall.Their fourth floor has the best architecture, but not much going on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/regal-cinemas-closed.jpgRegal Cinemas Closed.The Regal Cinema on the fourth floor has been closed since at least October. By then they were alternating new films with repertory fare such as <em>Despicable Me</em> and <em>Magic Mike</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/family-fun-closed-3.jpgFamily Fun Super Extra Closed."Why won't anyone play with us? WHYYYYYYYY?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/family-fun-closed-2.jpgFamily Fun Still Closed.Beyond the gate, entertainment is denied and fun goes unhad.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/family-fun-closed.jpgFamily Fun Closed.One of several stores not yet barren but not welcoming anyone at this time.2021-01-22T04:24:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/14/evergreen-wisdom-from-a-feathery-yogurt-head/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/bloom-county-foolish-thing-color.jpgBloom County Foolish Thing (color).The full strip, now 35 years old. Click to enlarge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/bloom-county-foolish-thing-panel.jpgBloom County "Foolish Thing" panel.Old friends Milo, Opus, and Portnoy from back in the day.2021-01-15T04:25:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/11/2020-at-the-movies-at-my-house/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/trial-of-the-chicago-7.jpgTrial of the Chicago 7!Jeremy Strong, John Carroll Lynch, and Sacha Baron Cohen would like to have a few words with The MAN.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/miss-juneteenth.jpgMiss Juneteenth!Abbie Mills lives! And she's got a new partner!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/showbiz-kids.jpgShowbiz Kids!Former child star Mara Wilson, one of the survivors who got out of the game.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/im-thinking-of-ending-things.jpgI'm Thinking of Ending Things.Who can turn the world on with her smile?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/mank.jpgMank!Arliss Howard and Charles Dance as the dastardly duo of Louis B. Mayer and William Randolph Hearst.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/assistant.jpgThe Assistant.Hey, pandemic kids, if you're confused, go ask your mom or dad what an "office" was.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/capone.jpgCapone!Someday I need to see Tom Hardy grab a corncob pipe and reboot Popeye.2021-01-12T23:06:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/08/my-2020-at-the-movies-all-four-of-them/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/tenet.jpgTenet!As the esteemed Mr. Washington demonstrates, PPE can be useful, too. Why not bring gloves to the theater? They're legal!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/onward.jpgOnward!See, Ian and Barley have the right idea: the great outdoors! I couldn't convince my family to give our local drive-in a try, though.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/birds-of-prey.jpgBirds of Prey!Wrong, wrong, wrong. SIX FEET APART, people.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/invisible-man.jpgInvisible Man!Elisabeth Moss demonstrates the proper distance to sit away from other viewers at the theater.2021-01-09T03:58:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/05/my-2020-reading-stacks-13-the-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/slaughterhouse-five-dresden-double-splash.jpgSlaughterhouse-Five Dresden double splash.Bonus pinup: Dresden after the bombing, from Slaughterhouse-Five. Art by Albert Monteys.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/books-to-film.jpgBooks to Film!For the fans of pictureless novels out there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/graphic-novels-4-pack-1.jpgGraphic Novels 4-pack!More graphic novels. Three 2020 releases and one older yet worthy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/seeds-and-slaughterhouse.jpgSeeds and Slaughterhouse!Two of the best graphic novels of 2020.2021-01-06T04:37:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/04/2020-makes-20-years/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/suck-cut.jpgSuck-Cut!Possibly the heaviest handheld electric device I've ever owned. Just in time for autumn.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/chocolate-cupcake.jpgChocolate Cupcake!What better way to celebrate a special occasion in 2020 than a cupcake topped with a 2020 emoji.2021-01-04T05:07:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2021/01/02/midlife-crisis-crossover-2020-in-review-before-we-all-agree-never-to-speak-of-2020-again/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/june-2020-calendar.jpgJune 2020 calendar.June 1st: Excerpt from our marred 2020 wall calendar circa the first two weekends of June.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/clark-murals.jpgClark murals!July 7th: A pair of murals was an outtake from our visit to George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/christmas-2020-anne.jpgChristmas 2020 Anne!December 25th: Anne dressed to the nines as we headed out for a bit of driveway Christmas present swapping and brief caroling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/geese.jpgGeese!June 21st: Geese befouling the retention pond along one of our weekend walks around the neighborhood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apples-to-apples.jpgApples to Apples!August 7th: A game of Apples to Apples turns unintentionally saddening at a small gathering. Weeks later, two of those present would later test positive for COVID-19. We dodged a bullet and I have been freaked out about it ever since because if the timing had differed...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/baby-yoda.jpgBaby Yoda!Not mine, a coworker's. But if he retires before I do and forgets to take it with him...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/fire-house.jpgfire house.July 20th: the remnants of a local house that caught fire. The family survived, but one pet went missing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/new-house.jpgnew house.November 27th: the new house under construction after the fire. may Lord willing, 2021 usher in this sort of new comfort and possibility for one and all.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/zoom-test.jpgZoom Test!October 4th: Anne and me testing Zoom while waiting for her siblings to log on for our weekly chat.2021-01-06T23:39:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/23/merry-christmas-from-mcc-3/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/tree-star.jpgTree Star!Obligatory Christmas lights from atop our tree. Because if any year needs light shined into it, it's this one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/smores-kits.jpgSmores Kits!Our building management also offered all tenants these free S'Mores kits, each containing four graham crackers, two marshmallows, and two mini Hershey bars.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/buddy-elf-sweater.jpgBuddy the Elf Sweater!I still dig my Buddy the Elf "ugly" sweater no matter how awfully it accentuates my increasingly curvaceous pandemic bod.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/christmas-string-quartet.jpgChristmas String Quartet!Even though our workplace is 90% work-from-home, building management hired a string quartet to usher in a morning of Christmas cheer.2020-12-24T21:16:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/21/a-quiet-christmastime-sunday-brunch-masked-getaway/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/christmas-mask-1.jpgChristmas Mask!My lovely brunch companion sporting her custom Whoville mask. Christmas is kind of her thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/baked-camembert.jpgBaked Camembert!This time we went wild and added an appetizer -- baked Camembert cheese crusted with pistachios, topped with cherry-balsamic jam and served with tons of baguette croutons, which was exactly how many we needed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/shrimp-and-grits.jpgShrimp and Grits!Sticking with what worked, Anne once again ordered their New Orleans-style shrimp and grits, which changed appearance since last time but matched it for excellence.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/table-mirror.jpgTable Mirror!An unoccupied booth catty-corner from us. Each empty spot had its own "THIS TABLE HAD BEEN SANITIZED" sign. Look closely and you can spot my selfie in the mirror among the reversed decor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/zionsville-christmas-tree.jpgZionsville Christmas Tree!Giant Christmas tree down the block along Zionsville's Main Street.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/brick-street-inn.jpgBrick Street Inn!Zionsville's own Brick Street Inn, home of Auberge, decked out for the holiday season.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bacon-leek-quiche.jpgBacon Leek Quiche!Bacon and leek quiche served with a mixed greens salad topped with champagne vinaigrette dressing and unintentionally shaped like a Super Mario Bros fireball.2020-12-22T03:29:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/18/how-many-talented-and-or-famous-people-have-you-unfairly-outlived/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/chadwick-boseman.jpgChadwick Boseman.The late Chadwick Boseman in Ma rainey's Black Bottom, posthumously released today on Netflix.2020-12-23T18:42:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/13/christmas-anyway/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/golden-nativity.jpgGolden Nativity!Our annual Nativity diorama, plus the usual special guests.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/variant-santa-ornaments.jpgVariant Santa Ornaments!Santa variants! Get your red cold Santa variants!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/grinch-bailey.jpgGrinch & Bailey!Yuletide TV titans the Grinch and George Bailey.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/riker-and-bells.jpgRiker and Bells!Hallmark's take on Commander WIlliam T. Riker, and a pair of German bells I bought from an "International Festival" in eighth grade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/santa-countdown.jpgSanta Countdown!Santa from The Nightmare Before Christmas does his homework near our Christmas countdown chalkboard on December 12th.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/christmas-stockings.jpgChristmas stockings!Our stockings were hung from the DVD shelves with care on hopes that St. Nicholas isn't eaten by a bear.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/christmas-mask.jpgChristmas Mask!All-new Christmas mask courtesy of my sister-in-law and niece. Christmas tie from my personal collection. Christmas cheer from divine intervention, maybe.2020-12-16T03:26:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/18/are-we-cured-yet-are-we-cured-yet-are-we-cured-yet-are-we-cured-yet/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/covid-19-vaccine-1.jpgCOVID-19 Vaccine!"...but we <em>might</em> have some toilet paper and Clorox wipes left, if you ask nicely."2020-12-14T02:04:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/08/my-2020-reading-stacks-12/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/fred-the-clown.jpgFred the Clown!For anyone who loved those old Charles Atlas ads but never became Hero of the Beach, this clown's for you.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/languages-and-fred-1.jpgLanguages and Fred!One is all about saving words for cultures' sake; the other avoids words to save face.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wilson-then-and-now.jpgWilson Then and Now.G. Willow Wilson: then and now.2020-12-09T04:26:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/06/my-2020-reading-stacks-11/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/invisibles-jimenez.jpgInvisibles by Phil Jimenez!Sample psychedelia on page 969 from Vol. 2 #13. Art by Phil Jimenez, John Stokes, and Danny Vozzo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/invisibles-credits.jpgInvisibles Credits!The complete list of artist credits, an all-star Who's Who of DC/Vertigo artists from back in the day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/invisibles-omnibus.jpgInvisibles Omnibus!If you're wondering why I haven't reported more reading in an activity-free pandemic year, this plus <em>Antkind</em> represent 2,200 reasons why.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/kent-state-may-3.jpgKent State, May 3 1970.The Guard's disproportionate response on May 3rd -- the evening before the tragedy -- included but was not limited to actual bayoneting.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/kent-office.jpgKent & Office!Depending on whether you want to hear echoes of 2020 or simply escape it all...2020-12-07T04:45:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/12/03/the-crown-season-4-all-ten-episodes-ranked-according-to-a-guy-who-barely-knows-royal-family-stuff/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/queen-olivia-colman.jpgQueen Olivia Colman!Queen Olivia Colman looks upon Margaret Thatcher and just doesn't know what to make of her.2020-12-04T15:45:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/30/how-we-spent-our-thanksgiving-2020-pandemic-weekend/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sorry-madagascar.jpgSorry Madagascar!We ended on Sorry Madagascar, which we've shared before. My winning team left to right: Ben Stiller, Bonnie Hunt, Chris Rock, and David Schwimmer, who was last to reach Home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/chicago-window.jpgChicago Fish and Chicken in Indianapolis.Our dinner for every family game night comes from Chicago Fish and Chicken on Indy's west side. Fried, fried, and more fried, all of it awesome.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/karma-records.jpgKarma Records!A few miles west of Saraga is Karma Records, purveyors of music and smoke-related paraphernalia in varying levels of societal acceptability since 1970.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/character-knockoff-drinks.jpgcharacter knockoff drinks!Targets not acquired: character knockoff drinks, like Funko Pops minus the licensing approvals.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/saraga-snacks.jpgSaraga snacks!Targets acquired: stocking stuffers for a certain household member who loves Asian snacks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/saraga.jpgSaraga!Next stop: Saraga International Grocery, a west-side supermarket selling goods across multiple ethnicities and borders in various formats since 1992. Not long ago they expanded to another location up north.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/taste-of-indiana.jpgTaste of Indiana!Three minutes due east, A Taste of Indiana sells Hoosier souvenirs for tourists as well as foods made by local businesses -- sauces jellies, candies, and so on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/caramel-apple-cinnamon-roll.jpgcaramel apple cinnamon roll!Also highly commendable was this caramel apple cinnamon roll. I would've picked out more for later, but more customers stepped in behind us and threatened to become an uncomfortable crowd, so I cut myself short.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cheese-danish-alligator.jpgcheese danish alligator!The shop is too small for dining tables, so we ate from bags in the car. My favorite was this cheese danish alligator.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/taylors-display.jpgTaylor's display!Sample display case.2020-12-03T22:51:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/04/04/us-revenge-of-the-duality-of-man/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lupita-nyongo.jpgLupita Nyong'o!Now I'm imagining a do-over of <em>12 Years a Slave</em> in which this version of Lupita Nyong'o turns Michael Fassbender into so much whittling scrap.2020-11-30T03:00:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2012/07/19/the-2011-2012-emmy-nominations-that-actually-noticed-my-shows-great-or-small/2023-06-16T11:36:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/06/the-invisible-man-the-dudebro-who-wasnt-there/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/invisible-man-2.jpgInvisible Man!She seeks him here, she seeks him there, she seeks that rascal everywhere!2020-11-30T02:59:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/05/the-october-2020-birthday-trip-part-1-nature-under-one-roof/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/bear-up-high.jpgbear up high!Lurking high above all, a stuffed bear gaze upon all visitors and judges them according to secret bear criteria we can never know.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/skunk-and-bobcat.jpgskunk and bobcat!A stuffed skunk and bobcat, locked in a diorama duel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/muskox-head.jpgmuskox head!A petrified muskox head. In its own way, creepier to me than the live snakes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/lucy-pitschler.jpgLucy Pitschler!A mannequin tribute to Lucy Pitschler, a beloved self-made park guide who became a pioneer in Indiana state park interpretive services.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/fossils-in-rock.jpgfossils in rock!Fossilized remains, guaranteed to fascinate precocious kids who can already spell the word "paleontology".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/turtle.jpgturtle!Turtle, turtle! Another recurring motif of our 2020 travels. Ponderous and lumpy, just like us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/copperhead.jpgcopperhead!A live copperhead, among Indiana's best reasons not to go skipping pell-mell through just any old forest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cave-salamander.jpgcave salamander!A cave salamander gets a fair amount of display space.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/midland-banded-water-snake.jpgMidland Banded Water Snake!Come watch a Midland Banded Water Snake ponder its attack upon an unsuspecting fish in its water bowl.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/vulture.jpgvulture!2020 is hereby declared the Year of the Vulture. Choose your own joke-reading into that.2020-11-25T04:43:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/10/the-october-2020-birthday-trip-part-2-ambling-in-autumn/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/us-in-autumn.jpgus in autumn!The two of us, trying not to dwell on the crowds. Photo taken by a stranger from Brownsburg, who thankfully didn't infect us. And hopefully vice versa.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/creek-people.jpgcreek people!A bit farther down, folks began to pop up and cluster and loiter and take up space and present potential viral threats.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/falls-closeup.jpgfalls closeup!Zoomed shot of those falls.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/falls.jpgMcCormicks Creek!The feature presentation, McCormick;s Creek itself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/bridge.jpgbridge!Sample bridge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/rock-bridge.jpgrock bridge!A rock underpass not far away from Wolf Cave. We couldn't investigate more closely because kids were playing up there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/wolf-cave.jpgWolf Cave!Limestone plus years of erosion produced Wolf Cave, featured on their map. The name comes from a rural legend involving a wolf pack and a woman carrying groceries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/skyrim-forest.jpgSkyrim forest!This view reminded me of some northern areas in Skyrim.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/broken-tree.jpgbroken tree!Random broken tree.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/steps-and-leaves.jpgsteps and leaves!Thankfully not as many staircases as the other parks we've visited this year.2020-11-25T04:43:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/12/the-october-2020-birthday-trip-part-3-woodland-signposts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/live-it-bench.jpgLive It bench!Emboldening advice through January 2020. Recertification pending.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1-john-4-16-bench.jpg1 John 4-16 bench!The NIV version: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/masks-sign.jpgMasks Sign!Even the Nature Center was covered in signs. We're used to these and totally fine with this one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/trail-5.jpgtrail 5!See, we appreciate practical trail markers like this. We could've used more in Brown County State Park, where we got lost one time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/stop-sign.jpgSTOP sign!That feeling when you're playing an open-sandbox video game and you reach the part where the artists kept drawing to the horizon but were into quadruple overtime and had to cap it off somewhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sensitive-biological-site.jpgSensitive Biological Site!"Please be kind and do not hurt this delicate copse's feelings during this trying time."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/forest-restoration.jpgForest Restoration!"Sorry, folks! We're closed for two weeks to clean and repair America's favorite family fun forest!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/twin-bridges.jpgTwin Bridges!An identical "Save Wolf Cave" sign stands near Twin Bridges, a self-explanatory feature in search of a cooler name. Or at least separate names. Call them Jeff and Beau.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/save-wolf-cave.jpgSave Wolf Cave!"Please note some portions of this area are off limits, but we couldn't very well put up guard rails because then you'd complain when they ruin your selfies, and your reasonable admission fee wasn't enough to pay us to waste hours arguing with you."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/all-plants-are-protected.jpgAll Plants Are Protected!Yes, you're surrounded by plants. Touch any of them and we will END YOU.2020-11-25T04:42:51+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/19/the-october-2020-birthday-trip-part-4-obligatory-food-photos/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/rise-n-roll-donuts.jpgRise n Roll donuts!They also threw in a free slice of peanut butter pie. They didn't say why. We didn't say no.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/lugar-burger.jpgLugar Burger!Anne's lunch of choice: a bison burger called The Lugar, named after one of Indiana's most respectable politicians ever to serve in any office in my lifetime. It once received a glowing review in <em>Food Network</em> Magazine. Anne opted to add cheese, but we can't recall which kind -- feta, Brie, or goat cheese.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/humpty-dumpty.jpgHumpty Dumpty!Anne went in search of restrooms and ran into Humpty Dumpty.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/farm-decor.jpgFARM decor!More FARM decor comprising a number of themes and temperaments, two weeks before Halloween.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/industrial-velvet-elvis.jpgIndustrial Velvet Elvis!A view of their self-explanatory FARMbar (actual name), whose decor includes a velvet Elvis.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/farm-street-seating.jpgFARM street seating!The block was closed to allow for outdoor seating. We waited an extra five minutes for indoor seating, which was reasonably distanced from the other tables.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/greek-souvlaki-burger.jpgGreek Souvlaki burger!A Greek Souvlaki burger (lamb and beef) topped with feta, tapenade, sundried tomatoes, garlic, herbs 'n' spices, arugula, tzatziki, and tomato. On the side are Asian Bonito fries with sesame oil, fish flakes, black pepper, scallions, and mushroom mayo. (*whew*)2020-11-25T04:42:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/22/the-october-2020-birthday-trip-part-5-the-art-of-b-town/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/spirit-of-the-fighting-yank.jpgSpirit of the Fighting Yank!"Spirit of the Fighting Yank", honoring the Nazi-punchers and other heroes who served in WWII.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/women-in-government-plaza.jpgWomen in Government Plaza!Women in Government Plaza, a specific tribute to local councilwoman Sophia Travis who passed away unexpectedly in 2012, and a general salute to What Is It Like Being a Woman in Governments.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/monroe-war-memorial.jpgMonroe war memorial!Obligatory county war memorial.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/courthouse-ladies.jpgcourthouse ladies!Standing above its south entrance is "The Light of the World" by Hungarian sculptor Albert Molnar. Posing left to right: law, enlightenment, power.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/monroe-county-courthouse.jpgMonroe County Courthouse!As with our walking tours of other Indiana cities, of course there was an old county courthouse in the middle -- Monroe County's own, in this case.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/monon-line-marker.jpgMonon Line marker!Also near the Hyatt is a marker where the Monon Railroad once ran through Indiana. The portion of that railway that went through Indianapolis and much of Hamilton County is now a spruced-up walking trail.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hyatt-arrow-art.jpgHyatt arrow art!Each of Laramore's five murals incorporate an arrow motif. This one was the most arrow-forward.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hyatt-place.jpgHyatt Place!One of several works affixed outside the Hyatt Place Bloomington.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/pool-mural.jpgPool mural!A mural celebrating swimming pools, a crowded public artifact from the Before Times.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/roller-derby-control-box-art.jpgroller derby control box art!Roller derby art on a traffic control box. Note the passersby sporting IU colors.2020-11-25T04:42:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/24/the-october-2020-birthday-trip-part-6-flora-and-media/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/autumn-tree.jpgautumn tree!If you're in Indiana in autumn, it's what you do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/10-17-loot.jpg10-17 loot!Winning artists, clockwise from top left: L7, John Wesley Harding (now Wesley Stace), Shriekback, Jim Rugg, Derf Backderf, Blur, and L7 with a 2020 reissue of a 30-year-old album. The baby beets in the center came from Rise 'N Roll.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/march-display.jpgMarch display!Items on display out front include samplers of John Lewis' <em>March</em> bio-trilogy, Free Comic Book Day offerings from another, far better year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/vintage-phoenix-comic-books.jpgVintage Phoenix Comic Books!Bonus points for the "Heroes Wear Masks!" sign on the front door.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/landlocked-music.jpgLandlocked Music!Tune purveyors since 2006, they moved to their current location in January 2019. It's better on the inside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/scooters.jpgscooters!In 2019 scooters were everywhere we went, both in downtown Indy and in other cities. This year, not nearly so much.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/indiana-theater.jpgIndiana Theater!Another marquee to add to my collection, and one answer to the question of what to do with theaters in a world without worthy movies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-bushes.jpgred bushes!Two blocks away we nearly tripped over the prettiest, strongest flowers spotted this day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/atoms-on-ac-unit.jpgatoms on AC unit?A molecule atop a fake A/C unit. A building block atop a cooling block, clearly symbolic of the Duality of Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/control-panel.jpgcontrol panel?A contraption with a sealed control panel and no placards of explanation.2020-11-25T04:41:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/16/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-bill-ted-face-the-music-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/billie-thea.jpgBillie & Thea!Number one fans Wilhelmina "Billie" Logan and Theadora "Thea" Preston.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/bill-ted-3.jpgBill & Ted 3!"Ladies and gentlemen, we beg you, please do not make us play 'YMCA'."2020-11-16T20:46:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/09/alex-trebek-1940-2000/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/trebek-1940-2020.jpgTrebek 1940-2020.Found floating around Twitter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/jeopardy-graph.jpgJeopardy graph!Souvenir from that time Anne wrote him a fan letter in 2013.2020-11-12T14:53:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/07/christmas-in-november/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/november-joy.jpgNovember joy!Yes, it's early, but exuberant Christmas decorations are free speech.2020-11-07T22:05:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/11/02/last-minute-cramming-before-election-day/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/bobby-newport-against-crime.jpgBobby Newport against crime!Bobby Newport: the kind of simpleton America needs now more than ever. Or at least thinks it needs.2020-11-03T03:36:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/31/halloween-stats-2020-how-new-candy-protocol-saved-the-night/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/halloween-anne.jpgHalloween Anne!Anne's sister and our niece provided her with this awesome Halloween mask. The Halloween pin is from her own collection.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/halloween-table.jpgHalloween table!Now that I think of it, a conveyor belt would've been even cooler, but that'd ebe light years beyond my skill set. Also, the decorations would've kept sliding off.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/halloween-decorations.jpgHalloween decorations!Longtime MCC readers have seen a few of these decorations before. Call it tradition.2020-11-01T02:05:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/29/my-2020-reading-stacks-10/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wild-cards-seth.jpgWild Cards + Seth!The common bond here: uh, they're nearly the same height and width.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/hulk-v.-alien.jpgHulk v. Alien!Monster vs. alien: two occasionally spooky green humanoids, just in time for Halloween.2020-10-30T02:55:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/27/2020-road-trip-photos-35-the-season-finale-outtakes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/soldiers-and-sailors-monument.jpgSoldiers and Sailors Monument!DAY SIX: the centerpiece of our very own downtown Indianapolis, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. We've posted pics of it before, but it's a reminder that even when straying far from home could get us killed, Indiana still has sights to see in our own backyard.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/chickens.jpgChickens!DAY FIVE: Surplus chickens from Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/marvin-gaye-maybe.jpgMarvin Gaye maybe?Two more profiles stumping me. That isn't Marvin Gaye, perchance?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/muck-rock-alley-singer.jpgMuck Rock alley singer!Kokomo's alley full of art-about-artists by Muckrock included a few faces I'm ashamed not to recognize. Is this...it's not Erykah Badu, right? Please help an unhip old guy out?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/when-the-earth-moves-side-2.jpgWhen the Earth Moves (side 2)!Side two of "When the Earth Moves", the sculpture in front of Kokomo City Hall. No idea what;s being built across the street.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kokomantis.jpgKokoMantis!Meanwhile in Kokomo: the last remaining angle on thhe amazing colossal KokoMantis.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/grissom-bird.jpgGrissom bird!Also flying at the Grissom Air Museum: this happy bird.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cessna-t-37b.jpgCessna T-37B!DAY FOUR: A Cessna T-37B on display at the Grissom Air Museum in Peru.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pace-uniform.jpgPace uniform!Uniform of USMC General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs for two years under George W. Bush.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/alexander-haig-bust.jpgAlexander Haig bust!A bust of U.S. Armey General Alexander Haig. He served in Korea and Vietnam before serving in two different White House Cabinet positions under three different Presidents.2020-10-28T02:23:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/25/2020-road-trip-photos-34-threnody-in-plywood/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/t-mobile-boarded-windows.jpgT-Mobile boarded windows!No one volunteered to head over to T-Mobile and paint pictures of phones.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/penn-street-tower.jpgPenn Street Tower!One apartment building still boarded up, but the U.S. Senator's office next door looked spic-'n'-span.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/monument-circle-just-after.jpgMonument Circle just after.The last picketer in line exited stage right just as I snapped this. But hey, there's Indy's own Soldiers and Sailors Monument.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/music-store.jpgMusic Store!Not even the music store with the cool jazz-musician mural was spared.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/restaurants-and-capital.jpgrestaurants and Capital.At right, the north end of the Capital Center. At left, an entire row of mostly restaurants.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/capital-center.jpgCapital Center!The Capital Center, Fifth Third Bank's downtown Indy home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cvs-and-old-national.jpgCVS and Old National!The CVS that rioters set on fire, and the Old National Building or whatever it's called today.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/downtown-comics.jpgDowntown Comics!That time Downtown Comics replaced all their smashed windows with white boards and invited artists to come redecorate.2020-10-26T03:13:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/22/2020-road-trip-photos-33-the-market-underground/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/city-market-customer.jpgCity Market customer!And lo, a man emerged from the shadows to become...the one customer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/jazz-hands-anne.jpgjazz hands Anne!Anne's cute jazz hands defy any attempts at spooky captioning.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/jazz-hands-me.jpgjazz hands me!THEN OUT JUMPED A MONSTER. Wait, no, that's me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/threshold-choir-chairs.jpgThreshold Choir chairs!Sincerely coolest spot: these chairs mark where a group called the Threshold Choir once performed in 2012 -- not as a public concert but more as a ritual healing act for Mother Earth, or words to that effect.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ceiling-lights.jpgceiling lights!Ceiling lights point the way toward a discovery at the back of this hallway: a table with a bottle of hand sanitizer. But, like, possibly HAUNTED hand sanitizer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/surviving-floor.jpgsurviving floor!The ground is mostly dirt except for a few square feet of the original flooring. Maybe those who tried to peel it mysteriously DIED.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wall-of-pallets.jpgwall of pallets!Was a dead Indiana military officer responsible for making this pallet fort?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/spooky-cart.jpgspooky cart!Goosebumps Presents "Death A La CART".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/tour-guide.jpgTour Guide!Our tour guide struggled to keep his nose covered while talking. He really did try.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rats-welcome.jpgRats Welcome!I also like to imagine whoever wrote "RAYS WELCOME" on this pipe cackled wildly while painting.2020-10-23T02:38:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/19/2020-road-trip-photos-32-farm-fresh-feast/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ice-cream.jpgice cream!We'd had more than enough sugar with our earlier donuts, so lunchtime dessert was limited to a modest sampling of their A-plus ice cream. Not every dish has to be loaded with artisan modifiers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/croque-madam.jpgCroque Madam!Meanwhile in my half of Flavor Town, the Croque Madam -- ham and cheddar on sourdough, topped with an indulgent bechamel sauce and a fried egg. Plus a tiny salad so I can say I ate something healthy to go with all that exercise.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/tomato-cassarecce.jpgTomato Cassarecce!For Anne, the Tomato Cassarecce pasta with basil, arugula, garlic and olive oil.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wood-architecture.jpgwood architecture!Their rustic dining room, sparse at 11 a.m. Friday during a pandemic. All according to our plan. Well, not the pandemic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/loft-sign.jpgThe Loft!Walk around the back and upstairs to dine at The Loft. Hence the name.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/traders-point-creamery.jpgTraders Point Creamery!Where the magic begins. Buy your trail tickets here, along with a selection of Traders Point groceries. Sadly the Dairy Bar was closed upon our visit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/creamery-sign.jpgCreamery sign!A more dignified Maître D' compared to its bumpkin cousins over at Chick-fIl-A.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cheese-board.jpgCheese Board!A fancy cheese board straight from the cows' udders. Plus or minus some intermediaries.2020-10-22T21:11:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/18/2020-road-trip-photos-31-farm-fresh-air/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/no-trespassing.jpgNo Trespassing!A more forceful sign guards one ambiguous junction and dilutes the mood of an otherwise idyllic walk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/private-property.jpgprivate property!Oh the other side of the creek are upper-class backyards reminding visitors that just because it's an organic farm doesn't mean it's in the middle of nowhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/eagle-creek-downstream.jpgEagle Creek downstream!From here Eagle Creek heads south toward the reservoir as well as to the state park closest to our house.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/stream-rocks.jpgstream rocks!Bordering Traders Point's property to the east is Eagle Creek.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/roped-off-paths.jpgroped-off paths!Several sections were roped off that day, including their wastewater treatment pond and this off-road that wasn't on the official map..https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/electric-fence.jpgelectric fence!A dangling giant spool of spare fence wire brings some "actual working farm" verisimilitude.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/red-winged-blackbird.jpgred-winged blackbird!As we emerge from the forest and return to the field, a red-winged blackbird greets us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/energy-litter.jpgenergy litter.The remnants of yesterday's uncouth, pedestrian pedestrians.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/better-bench.jpgbetter bench!Better bench for those who make it to the next level.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wood-bench.jpgwood bench!Wood bench for weary hikers.2020-11-10T01:42:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/15/2020-road-trip-photos-30-farm-fresh-fowl/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cow-and-chicken.jpgcow and chicken!Auditions going poorly for our reboot of Cartoon Network's <em>Cow and Chicken</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cow-spotting-me.jpgcow spotting me!Anne tried and failed to persuade any cows to look her way. Guess I had more of that animal magnetism.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cow-grazing.jpgcow grazing!While some humans prize "farm-to-table" dining, cows expedite matters by eliminating the table as middleman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/moo-cows.jpgmoo cows!Meanwhile out in the pasture stood some of their 40-45 cows.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/hen-in-pen.jpghen in pen.Hen in pen. Play in hay. Feet on peat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rooster.jpgrooster!Yeah, here come the rooster, YEEAAAHH!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/chicken-by-fence.jpgchicken by fence!This chicken was a loner, Dottie. A REBEL.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/agritourism-disclaimer-sign.jpgagritourism disclaimer sign!Perhaps we should've had you read the agritourism disclaimer before showing your the photos. NOTE: site cannot be held liable for injuries incurred while scrolling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/chickens-in-hiding.jpgchickens in hiding!According to the chickens, under the henhouse was <em>the</em> place to be.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/chicken-side-view.jpgchicken side view!One of several residents loitering. They respected distancing protocols and didn't approach us.2020-10-17T12:10:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/13/first-one-to-50-wins/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/birthday-cookies.jpgbirthday cookies!Sure, steak and lobster are cool, but then you haven't tried these cookies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/birthday-brulee.jpgbirthday brulee!Creme brulee for the birthday gal, made in the classic French tradition with Madagascar vanilla beans and a delectable glass sheet across the top.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/filet-mignon.jpgfilet mignon!Filet mignon, cooked medium. All other steaks we've had this year are ruined in comparison.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/lobster-bisque.jpglobster bisque!Lobster bisque made with actual lobster, not just packets of Aldi "Mayne Lobstyr" processed lobster-flavored protein product.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/shrimp-cocktail.jpgshrimp cocktail!Their fabled shrimp cocktail, four jumbo shrimp nestled in a spicy signature sauce that includes enough horseradish to disinfect your nasal passages. And yet the tongue is unscathed. Magical.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/st.-elmo.jpgSt. Elmo!Our celebration venue of choice, a onetime special guest star in an episode of Parks and Recreation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/anne-at-50.jpgAnne at 50!Milady at her birthday dinner, with hints of the pandemic around the edges but in the moment not standing between our hearts.2020-10-14T03:15:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/11/my-2020-reading-stacks-9-giant-leaps-for-antkind/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/antkind.jpgAntkind!A book by a filmmaker about film-making and film criticism. What could go wrong?2020-10-14T22:25:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2016/11/18/former-kickstarter-junkie-vii-an-oscar-wouldve-been-nice/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/anomalisa.jpgAnomalisa!2020-10-12T00:46:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/06/2020-road-trip-photos-28-kokomo-a-go-go/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cone-palace-cone.jpgCone Palace cone!While I inhaled an entire extra-chocolate shake, Anne enjoyed some strawberry watermelon soft-serve. It was time to treat ourselves.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/american-dream-hifi.jpgAmerican Dream Hifi!Like the store in High Fidelity except it's one guy and no argumentative pontificating.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pass-and-stow-bell.jpgPass and Stow bell!On a more explicable note, Kokomo has themselves a tiny Liberty Bell.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/chapter-2-mirror.jpgChapter 2 mirror!Chapter 2 also displays this phenomenal wood sculpture with a mirror in the middle. Easily one of my Top 5 favorite selfies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/chapter-2-books.jpgChapter 2 Books!Yes, once again my nostalgia sense kicked in.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kokomo-toys-collectibles.jpgKokomo Toys & Collectibles!Maybe I'm wrong and the greatest knickknack was lying in wait inside. Maybe next time we're in town we';; rectify that.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/freddie-mercury-mister-rogers.jpgFreddie Mercury & Mister Rogers!Champions turned neighbors: Freddie Mercury and Mister Rogers, https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/alley-art-rosa-parks.jpgalley art Rosa Parks!Civil rights icon Rosa Parks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/brick-bruce-lee.jpgBrick Bruce Lee!Bruce Lee, star of such films as Enter the Dragon and every positivist meme quoting his "be like water" soliloquy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/comics-cubed.jpgComics Cubed!This caption would be a great place to quote lyrics from a song about New Comics Day, but first someone needs to record one.2020-10-07T03:22:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/04/2020-road-trip-photos-27-mega-mantis-and-the-magic-mart/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/storybook-express-front.jpgStorybook Express!The front door facing the street, which probably messes with the head of anyone who stops by for cigarettes after a night of clubbing. In years other than 2020, I mean.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/coneflowers.jpgconeflowers!Surrounding the maiden is a pretty floral arrangement starring our old friends, the coneflowers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/bronze-maiden.jpgBronze maiden!Rather than an incredible insect, their corner sentinel is a bronze maiden sculpted in 2009 by a Miami Nation artist named Manetoowa.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/storybook-express-far-end.jpgStorybook Express far end!Slightly better view of the far end and some odd details including but not limited to the largest electrical outlet this side of the Beanstalk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/storybook-express.jpgStorybook Express!No, you're not drunk and your screen isn't wavering. All curves and waves are part of the architecture,https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kokomantis-billboard.jpgKokoMantis billboard!How big IS KokoMantis? Sometimes he'll do spokesmantis gigs if the synergy is there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kokomantis-back.jpgKokoMantis!Just don't call him The Deadly Mantis. That's some other giant mantis in some other, far unluckier town.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kokomantis-side.jpgKokoMantis again!It's been a while since I've dissed Subway here, but trust me when I say this is neither product placement nor a sponsored post.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kokomantis-goes-to-subway.jpgKokoMantis Kokomo!2020-10-05T02:02:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/10/01/2020-road-trip-photos-26-little-park-of-horrors/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/willie-away.jpgWillie away!The view of Willie from the bridge over the creek.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/willie-inside.jpgWillie inside!A few photos from the old days are hung inside Willie's mouth along with faded exposition.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kokomo-seniors-statue.jpgKokomo Seniors statue!Ending on a more hopeful note: near the Kokomo's Senior Citizen's Center, a 2011 "Kokomo Seniors" statue pays tribute to "Knowledge passed from generation to generation to ensure the future."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/jackrabbit-tank.jpgJackrabbit tank!Over on the park's east border, this M-1 Abrams tank nicknamed Jackrabbit has been parked in Kokomo since 1958.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/covid-19-testing-site.jpgCOVID-19 testing site!Problems at the water park within the next 14 days? No problem! Foster Park has its own COVID-19 testing site.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kokokmo-beach-family-aquatic-center.jpgKokokmo Beach Family Aquatic Center!Across the creek and not far away, Kokokmo Beach Family Aquatic Center was open for summertime business and welcoming a handful of families despite The Virus.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/turtle-party.jpgturtle party!Upriver, a gang of turtles just stared at us. If they knew what happened to the possum, they weren't talking.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/dead-possum.jpgdead possum!Less nice: a dead possum floating under the bridge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wildcat-creek-fountain.jpgWildcat Creek fountain!Closeup of that fountain in the middle of the creek,a nice feature for a nice day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wildcat-creek.jpgWildcat Creek!Bordering the park to the south is Wildcat Creek, which runs dozens of miles west to Lafayette.2020-10-02T03:12:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/29/tenet-abed-tides-reversed-it-debate-net/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/tenet-2.jpgTenet!A scene from the good ol' days. When was the last time anyone on Earth left the house wearing an ascot?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/tenet-1.jpgTenet!walking into a 2020 theater like2020-10-02T03:19:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/27/lets-not-all-go-to-the-movies-a-handy-4-step-safety-guide-safety-not-guaranteed/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/tenet-poster.jpgTenet Poster!One poster hung in the way, way back of the building. Also, spoiler for our next entry.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dolby-cinema.jpgDolby Cinema!The view behind us from row 4, ten minutes before showtime. I love it when a plan comes together.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/no-movie-posters.jpgNo Movie Posters!Where posters for all the current releases would be, instead the sanitation tactics are repeated several feet above eye level. Until science saves America, you get NO MOVIE POSTERS.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/amc-covid-poster.jpgAMC COVID poster!Where a movie poster should be, instead AMC shares the lifesaving techniques they've implemented, like they're flight attendants telling you what to do in case your plane crashes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/amc-at-night.jpgAMC at Night!What's missing from this picture? The answers may not surprise you!2020-09-28T11:24:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/26/2020-road-trip-photos-25-fight-and-flight-responses/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/plane-landing.jpgplane landing!Props to Anne for nailing this shot, landing gear and all.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/landing.jpglanding!In a moment of beauteous serendipity, as we left the museum a real, working Air Force plane came in from the northeast, over the grounds for a landing at the Air Reserve Base across the street.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/smashed-penny-machine.jpgsmashed penny machine!The Grissom Memorial in Mitchell also had a smashed penny machine, but to Anne's delight the one in Peru actually worked.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/patches.jpgpatches!A bulletin board covered with all manner of military patches.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/model-planes.jpgmodel planes!Model plane collection for fans of handheld versions of the aircraft outside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/buy-war-bonds.jpgBuy War Bonds!Rosie the Riveter and other patriots in WWII war bond ads, posted in a time when a nation agreed to come together as one for the sake of saving human lives.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pow-mia-honor-chair.jpgPOW-MIA honor chair.POW/MIA honor chair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/nasa-control-board.jpgNASA control board!A NASA control board out of Houston.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/greased-lightning-nose.jpgGreased Lightning nose!No one was allowed to climb this one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/f-4-jazz-hands.jpgf-4 jazz hands!Anne atop the Phantom cockpit, doing her part to keep our jazz hands tradition alive.2020-09-26T16:08:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/24/2020-road-trip-photos-24-plentiful-planes-parked-in-peru/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/thanks-for-the-ride.jpgThanks for the Ride!Same plane, different animal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/world-famous-red-rippers.jpgWorld Famous Red Rippers!I presume the Red Rippers were those caretakers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/boar-tail.jpgboar tail!The previous caretakers of the F-14B clearly enjoyed adding flourishes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/grumman-f-14b.jpgGrumman F-14B!On loan from Pensacola, the Grumman F-14B is an upgraded version of the Tomcat, made famous by none other than Top Gun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/buxom-babe.jpgbuxom babe!I lost track of which plane sported this buxom babe. In my defense, I didn't take this photo. Okay, yes, I should take responsibility for posting it at all, but I mean NO MORE QUESTIONS.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/excalibur-tally.jpgExcalibur tally!Excalibur's tally. And yes, I <em>would</em> like to speak to the manager about the spelling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/boeing-ec-135l.jpgBoeing EC-135L!A Boeing EC-135L called the Excalibur, which flew in all the big early-'90s Middle East operations.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fairchild-republic-a-10a.jpgFairchild Republic A-10A!This Fairchild Republic A-10A flew with the "Hoosier Hogs" 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and is the owner of that Gatling gun in our lead photo. Sometimes it was interesting to zoom in on detailed parts like that.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mcdonnell-f-4c.jpgMcDonnell F-4C!This McDonnell F-4C performed duties in Vietnam and Thailand back in the day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cessna-o-2a.jpgCessna O-2A!This Cessna O-2A spent a decade as a firefighting plane.2020-09-25T02:38:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/21/just-watched-all-103-episodes-of-person-of-interest-in-30-days-ama/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/person-of-interest-masks.jpgPerson of Interest masks!That time the show was ahead of the curve on anti-virus masks, from the season-5 episode "Reassortment".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/person-of-interest.jpgPerson of Interest!One last pic from the Netflix menu, because why not.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/poi-2.jpgPerson of Interest!"You are being watched," said I to Our Heroes.2020-09-25T02:52:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/17/2020-road-trip-photos-23-boot-city-outskirts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/yellow-limo.jpgyellow limo!There's no trucks up on blocks like I've seen around some of my own relatives' neighborhoods down in southern Indiana, but they do have a tricked-out yellow limo with flat tires.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/horses.jpghorses!Horses bearing dedications to dearly departed loved ones who meant something to folks 'round these parts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/yak.jpgyak!A yak or ox or wildebeest or water buffalo or whatever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cowboy-vs.-critters.jpgcowboy vs. critters!Naturally there's a cowboy out front, and every cowboy needs animals to herd.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/basketballs-best.jpgBasketball's Best!That faux-Indian-carving statue honors the basketball team at nearby Indiana State University.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/boot-city.jpgBoot City!One day we'll have to jingle-jangle our spurs right through those doors and rustle us up one righteous cowbell.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/4-h-jeans.jpg4-H JEANS!Welcome to Boot City, home of an LED road sign that's fun to catch mid-scroll.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/big-boot.jpgbig boot!Welcome to Boot City, where these boots were made for hawkin'.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cattle-and-cowboy.jpgcattle and cowboy!Cut 'em out! Ride 'em in! RAWHIDE!2020-09-18T02:50:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/15/2020-road-trip-photos-22-the-skelton-keys-to-comedy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/red-museum.jpgRed Museum!Best-case scenario: someone builds a museum just to tell paying customers how and why you were awesome and your works deserve to be remembered. Worst-case scenario: you say something stupid on the internet exactly once and people choose to preserve that instead. Aim for a museum.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/governors-award.jpgGovernors Award!Stick with comedy long enough and maybe, just maybe, one day you'll be commended for outstanding achievement in the field of excellence, as when Skelton received this Governors Award during the 1986 Emmys telecast from presenter Lucille Ball.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/episodes-on-film.jpgepisodes on film!Amass enough of a viewing catalog throughout the course of your career, and future generations will spend enormous time and resources trying to retrieve your oldest gigs from decaying storage media such as tapes and films before they turn to dust and evidence of your talents disintegrates with them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fake-marquee.jpgfake marquee!Exaggerated expressions and goofy gaits and smiling self-harm were useful tools in Skelton's toolkit whenever he performed on the vaudeville circuit, in burlesque clubs, and across visual media. It's a proud moment when your name is plastered in giant letters across a marquee, even one that's confused "premier" with "premiere".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/olde-tyme-radio.jpgolde-tyme radio!Wherever you perform, know your audience <em>and your medium. Puns and wacky noises went over like gangbusters when millions of Americans tuned in to their old-time radios back when everyday America looked exactly like A Christmas Story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/red-chair.jpgRed chair!Once you've done good comedy hundreds of times in a row, producers may stop treating you like chattel and begin doling out perks, such as your own furniture on set.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/comedy-noisemakers.jpgcomedy noisemakers!Before audiences could see performers, wacky comedy noisemakers were a critical communication tool to convey YOU ARE LISTENING TO WACKINESS. Alas, some would argue the comedy noise industry peaked with the Police Academy guy and has fallen on hard times ever since.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/funny-face-mirrors-2.jpgfunny face mirrors!Jim Carrey once taught us distorted, unnatural expressions are an awesome way to amuse and baffle others. The museum has mirrors to encourage funny-face practice. It's hard to tell in 2020, but trust me: I am killing it here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/silly-walk-steps.jpgsilly walk steps!Skelton was more than just the forefather of Dad Jokes. He was also gifted in physical comedy. He was performing silly walks long before Monty Python decided the British government ought to regulate them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/joke-types.jpgjoke types!Modern audiences often misuse "pun" to mean "any joke that sounds annoyingly old-fashioned". Not every joke cast in a time-honored mold is a pun. Other kinds of jokes float freely all around us like stinging insects.2020-09-17T11:16:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/13/2020-road-trip-photos-21-legends-of-the-i-dood-it-guy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/skelton-clown-paintings.jpgSkelton clown paintings!Later on, in response to increasing demand from patrons, he turned his longtime side hobby of painting clowns into a full-time income, often netting millions per year. Yes, millions. Yes, for clown paintings. Such was the power of this consummate TV clown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sinatra-thank-you-note.jpgSinatra thank-you note!His post-TV career returning to live stages did just fine. Evidence includes this 1980 thank-you note from Frank Sinatra.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/shriners-hats.jpgShriners hats!As a Freemason, an Odd Fellow, and a Shriner, Skelton was big on philanthropy and charitable works -- probably a result of his poor upbringing, doubtlessly also spurred by the death of his son Richard from leukemia at age 9.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/skelton-prejudice-letter.jpgSkelton prejudice letter!Like many famous folks in the ''50s and '60s, Skelton had comic books bearing his name, one of which featured this very special anti-prejudice, anti-tribalist essay.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pledge-of-allegiance-45.jpgPledge of Allegiance 45!Fans of our Pledge of Allegiance generally appreciate his 1969 non-comedic speech explicating it, popular enough to merit release as a 45 single.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/emmys.jpgEmmys!Skelton's works picked up three Emmy Awards in 1952, 1957, and 1961.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/texas-carnival-poster.jpgTexas Carnival poster!Postwar works besides TV included the 1951 comedy Texas Carnival, a mistaken-identity farce directed by Vincente Minelli.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wwii-army-uniform.jpgWWII Army uniform!<em>Not</em> a TV comedy costume: after divorcing his second wife in 1944, Skelton was drafted into World War II and ended up entertaining fellow troops in West Point, Virginia, and Italy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/clem-kadiddlehopper.jpgClem Kadiddlehopper!...and Clem Kadiddlehopper, whose easily confused demeanor and bumpkin voice may or may not have been the inspiration for Bullwinkle J. Moose.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sheriff-deadeye.jpgSheriff Deadeye!...Sheriff Deadeye, a wacky sheriff...2020-09-13T19:21:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/10/2020-road-trip-photos-20-on-the-banks-of-the-wabash/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cashew-raisin-chicken-salad.jpgCashew Raisin Chicken Salad!As for me: the Cashew Raisin Chicken Salad sandwich on croissant with Dijon mustard and a bowl of crab chowder. Looks standard, tastes magnifico.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pear-and-pecan-salad.jpgPear and Pecan Salad!Anne's choice was the Pear and Pecan Salad topped with cranberries, candied pecans, and feta cheese. It'd look more distinctive if she hadn't paid extra to have it smothered in grilled chicken, but at least you can see the pear vinaigrette dressing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/coffee-nook.jpgcoffee nook!Their coffee nook looked intriguing but wasn't in service as of 1:30 p.m.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pea-fections.jpgPea-Fections!After navigating their downtown's narrow, sometimes one-way streets, we stopped for late lunch at Pea-Fections, a local source of fine dining since 1996.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/city-with-a-smile.jpgCity with a Smile!"Vincennes: The City with a Smile!" proclaims a poster featuring hometown hero Red Skelton.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/old-chicago-theater-marquee.jpgOld Chicago Theater!After our tour of the Indiana Military Museum we headed downtown. At some point I need to update the collection of old marquees I started years ago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wwi-memorial.jpgWWI memorial!Among the topic-adjacent features in George Rogers Clark National Historical Park was this monument to Knox County veterans who died in World War I.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/vincennes-ships-monument.jpgVincennes ships monument!This 1989 monument notes four different ships named <em>Vincennes</em>, each commissioned between 1826 and 1985.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/francois-marie-bissot.jpgFrancois Marie Bissot!François-Marie Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes was the French explorer who built Fort Vincennes in 1832. Four years later a tribe of Chickasaw burned Bissot at the stake, but the fort gave way to the city of today.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wabash-cannonball-bridge.jpgWabash Cannonball Bridge!Northeast up the river is the Wabash Cannonball Bridge, originally train tracks built in 1897. Today it's a one-lane, one-way bridge for Illinoisans to cross for the princely toll of $1.00.2020-09-11T02:14:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/08/10-timely-tips-for-pandemic-fine-dining-in-peace-or-panic/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dans-chocolate-bar.jpgDan's Chocolate Bar!Dan's Chocolate "Bar" -- quote marks theirs -- is a delightful chunk of chocolate on an almond brown-sugar crust, garnished with semi-sweet ganache, a dusting of dehydrated chocolate mousse, cherries jubilee, a dollop of coconut ice cream, and a sugar cone shard jammed in the top. It was a lovely dessert by me, but it was by no means my last supper.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ice-cream-tasting.jpgice cream tasting!For Anne's dessert, an ice cream tasting of Cookie Monster, white chocolate, and cherry sorbet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/duck-pita-pizza.jpgDuck Pita Pizza!Duck Pita Pizza prepared "el pastor" style (i.e., marinated in spices) with pineapple creme fraiche.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/gnocchi.jpgGnocchi!We interrupt this pondering of fragile mortality to bring you an order of gnocchi with smoked portobello mushrooms, tomato confit, ricotta and hazelnuts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/goat-cheese-stuffed-dates.jpgGoat Cheese Stuffed Dates!Goat cheese stuffed dates, wrapped in bacon and drizzled with honey. We'd nearly swallowed them all whole before taking a moment of self-control to snap a pic of the last two.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/oakleys-bistro.jpgOakleys Bistro!All photos accompanying this article are from our visit to Oakleys Bistro on the northwest side of Indianapolis, where we visited six days ago. (And counting. So far, so good.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/duck-duck.jpgDuck & DuckOakleys Bistro in Indianapolis presents their "Duck & Duck", two modest portions of sliced duck served with a rosemary duck confit arancini, charred broccoli spinach puree, pickled cherry relish, coriander crema, and leek puree.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/masked-diner.jpgmasked diner!My sweet Number One demonstrates tip number one.2020-09-19T20:26:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/05/2020-road-trip-photos-19-war-mementos-miscellaneous-wars-edition/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/social-distancing-sign.jpgsocial distancing sign!Speaking of recent conflicts: despite the COVID-19 signage on their front door and in the main gallery itself, this museum is the only place we visited in this entire vacation where not a single employee wore a mask.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/iraq-war-armaments.jpgIraq War armaments!Weaponry used in the Iraw War included the Russian-made RPG and the Chinese AK-47.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/colin-powells-uniform.jpgColin Powell's uniform!Uniform of General Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Iraq War, then US Secretary of State, 2001-2005.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/noriegas-uniform.jpgNoriega's uniform!Uniform worn by president Manuel Noriega of Panama, 1983-1989.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/culbertson-suit.jpgCulbertson suit!Not really war, but cool to see: astronaut suit worn by Frank Culbertson, who flew once on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and twice on Discovery. He spent four months of 2001 on the International Space Station and was the only American off Earth on 9/11.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/viet-cong-cup.jpgViet Cong cup!A Viet Cong drinking cup. I have many questions about this.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/nixons-marine-corps-one-jacket.jpgNixon's Marine Corps One jacket!President Richard Nixon's Marine Corps One jacket.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/westmorelands-uniform.jpgWestmoreland's uniform!The uniform of General William Westmoreland, commander of US forces in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968, then Army Chief of Staff until 1972.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cj-5-jeep.jpgCJ-5 jeep!CJ-5 Jeeps were used throughout the '60s and '70s.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/38th-parallel-sign.jpg38th Parallel sign!One of the many 38th Parallel signs that went up in 1945 after Japan's surrender.2020-09-05T19:51:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/04/2020-road-trip-photos-18-war-mementos-wwii-edition/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/spam-spam.jpgSpam! Spam!Spam! Spam! Let's never find out how those preservatives have held up after 75 years unopened.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/columbus-bomb-paper.jpgColumbus Bomb Paper!1945 headlines out of Columbus, Indiana, suggest suggest the atomic bombs accomplished President Harry Truman's objectives.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/thirty-seconds-over-tokyo.jpgThirty Seconds Over Tokyo!The 1944 film <em>Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo</em> was based on this memoir by a soldier who fought for us at Doolittle's Raid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wwii-posters.jpgWWII posters!Reserved examples from the world of WWII propaganda posters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/civil-defense-helmet.jpgCivil Defense helmet!A Civil Defense helmet, government-issue for those serving in a different way back on the home front.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/womens-uniforms.jpgwomen's uniforms!The exhibit devoted to What Is It Like Being a Woman in Wartime.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/iwo-jima-sand.jpgIwo Jima sand!Sand from Iwo Jima itself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/normandy-artifacts.jpgNormandy artifacts!Artifacts found at Normandy Beach, presumably from the aftermath of D-Day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/uss-hornet-model.jpgUSS Hornet model!A model of the USS Hornet, the aircraft carrier that launched General Jimmy Doolittle's raid as seen in such films as Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor and Roland Emmerich's Midway.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/japanese-plane-piece.jpgJapanese plane piece!An actual fragment from one of the Japanese planes that didn't survive Pearl Harbor.2020-09-04T23:43:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/09/03/2020-road-trip-photos-17-war-machines/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wwi-trench.jpgWWI Trench!In their backyard is a simulated WWI trench. You may remember these from such films as All Quiet on the Western Front, Paths of Glory, War Horse, and last year's 1917.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/bunker.jpgBunker!This recreated war bunker in the parking lot is used for special occasions. An ordinary Tuesday morning did not qualify.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/rosie-the-riveter-memorial-rose-garden-2.jpgRosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden #2!One sign nods to the glass company that used to own this building. The Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden sign is a sequel to the one we saw in Mitchell, and stands above one less rose than theirs did.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pow-mia-empty-chair.jpgPOW-MIA empty chair!Near the front door is a chair honoring America's POW/MIA soldiers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sperry-carbon-arc-searchlight.jpgSperry Carbon Arc Searchlight!Nonlethal devices outside include a Sperry Carbon Arc Searchlight. After WWII civilian companies acquired many of these for nighttime advertising use.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/90mm-sign.jpg90mm sign!As of tonight the museum's sign for the gun shares dozens of words in common with its Wikipedia page.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/90mm-gun.jpg90mm M1 M2 M3!The 90mm M1, M2, and M3 anti-aircraft guns were in heavy use during WWII.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/land-vehicles.jpgland vehicles!Assorted land vehicles lined up to one side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/uss-indianapolis.jpgUSS Indianapolis!The museum isn't just about aircraft. This submarine, once stationed at Pearl Harbor from 1981 to 1997, was one of several vehicles to share the name USS Indianapolis.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mcdonnell-douglas-f-4d-phantom.jpgMcDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom!The McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom has cousins who were members of the Transformers and the GoBots. In Iron Eagle II, Phantoms played the role of Soviet MiGs for some reason.2020-09-04T01:06:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/30/the-mcc-mighty-mask-try-on-haul/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/black-panther-mask.jpgBlack Panther Mask!Black Panther mask. Wakanda forever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/marvel-mask.jpgMarvel Mask!The Marvel logo mask I wore to pick up this week's new comics from my local shop. Only one was actually a Marvel comic, but still.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hulk-mask.jpgHulk Mask!The Hulk mask is not my favorite. It resembles no Hulk art I've ever seen. It would've been awesome to have a Herb Trimpe Hulk-face, or Sal Buscema, or Dale Keown, or Joe Bennett, and so on, but alas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/indy-blue-mask.jpgIndy Blue Mask!Each Indy mask came with a non-personalized note of appreciation from the mayor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/dark-blue-mask.jpgDark Blue Mask!A simple, dark blue mask, because sometimes it's okay to leave the house without clinging to pop-culture gear like a security blanket.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/shark-mask.jpgShark Mask!Shark Mask! Definitely the most popular of this trio. And yes, these three pics were taken before my recent haircut.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/astronaut-snoopy-mask.jpgAstronaut Snoopy Mask!Astronaut Snoopy mask. Anne has a few holiday-themed Snoopy masks because her family knows her well.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/marvel-heads-mask.jpgMarvel Heads Mask!Me sporting a brand new Marvel Super-Heroes mask in a pandemic-era downtown parking garage as gray and uncaring as the year 2020 itself.2020-08-31T03:13:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/27/2020-road-trip-photos-16-xaviers-church-for-gifted-soldiers/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mary-shelter.jpgMary Shelter.Mary gets her own shelter off to the side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jesus-gravestone-closeup.jpgJesus gravestone closeup.The lead photo's centerpiece is the tombstone of Reverend Jean Francois Rivet, a missionary from Martinique who, according to said tombstone, would become "Indiana's first public school teacher."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cathedral-grave.jpgCathedral Grave!The few marked graves include the arrangement in our lead photo, and this one for Joseph Bowman, Colonel Clark's second-in-command.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/historical-marker.jpgOld Cathedral French & Indian Cemetery!On the same grounds is the Old Cathedral French & Indian Cemetery, comprising 4000 mostly unmarked graves for those locals who fought for the new America.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pierre-gibault.jpgPierre Gibault!Out front is a statue of Pierre Gibault, Vicar-General of the Illinois Country (per its inscription) who helped convinced the locals to take Clark's side in the fight against the British for Fort Sackville.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/church-window-statues.jpgchurch window statues.Three statues in the facade depict St. Joan of Arc, their namesake St. Francis Xavier, and St. Patrick.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/old-cathedral-catholic-church.jpgOld Cathedral Catholic Church!Nearly 200 years old and still holding Mass. Their official website confirms pandemic procedures are in effect, similar to our own church's, including a live-streaming option.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/basilica-of-st.-francis-xavier.jpgBasilica of St. Francis Xavier!Our first visual hint that we were somewhere uncommon. Basilicas tend to be frowned upon by the average HOA covenant.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/christ-cross-runway.jpgChrist cross runway.This statue of Christ on a cross with its own runway is actually part of a cemetery.2020-08-28T02:39:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/25/2020-road-trip-photos-15-the-savior-at-sackville/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/clark-memorial-from-wabash.jpgClark Memorial from Wabash!The memorial's north face toward the Wabash.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/francis-vigo.jpgFrancis Vigo!Between the memorial and the Wabash stands a statue of Francis Vigo, a Sardinian soldier/frontiersman/trader who helped Rogers take back Sackville by providing him "wise counsel and material aid", per the inscription.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/murals-15-star-flag.jpgmurals 15-star flag!The final murals. Note the use of the 15-star American flag.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/murals-2-plus-daniel-boone.jpgmurals 2 plus Daniel Boone!Two of the seven murals. One reputedly contains Daniel Boone, but no one's sure which is him. One of the informational placards also mentions the anachronistic portrayal of Plains Indians when in fact they should have been Woodland Indians.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/founding-fathers-frieze.jpgFounding Fathers frieze!What appears to be a Founding Fathers frieze above the door.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/skylight.jpgskylight!The skylight above.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/not-worth-claiming.jpgnot worth claiming.The quote encircling his statue: "If a country is not worth protecting, it is not worth claiming."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/clark-closeup.jpgClark closeup!Clark in closeup.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/rogers-memorial-conquest-of-the-west.jpgRogers Memorial!The memorial entrance is on its east face, the one with THE CONQUEST OF THE WEST emblazoned overhead.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fort-sackville-diorama.jpgFort Sackville diorama!A small-scale recreation of Fort Sackville, which Rogers proudly overtook but which fell into disuse after the war ended.2020-08-28T21:42:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/23/2020-road-trip-photos-14-peachy-keen/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/peach-leaf.jpgpeach leaf!Until then...dig that amazing colossal handicraft.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/peach-and-obelisk.jpgPeach and Obelisk!The postcard shot: Anne and the giant peach and the lemon Washington Monument and the American flag to which they pledge their allegiance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cartoon-corn-cob.jpgcartoon corn cob!A cartoon corn cob stands nearby, wishing he were as cool as the peach and hoping one day he'll get to hang out with Larry the Cucumber.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/big-peach-market.jpgBig Peach Market!The Big Peach Market, doubling down on their massive mascot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/peach-area.jpgpeach area!The view from the highway. You can see our car pulled over on the left.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/anne-and-peach.jpgAnne and the giant peach!Nothing but respect for my Princess Peach.2020-08-24T01:45:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/21/the-least-august-of-all-augusts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/state-fair-2010-carved-pumpkin.jpgState Fair 2010 carved pumpkin!A carved pumpkin from our experience at the 2010 Indiana State Fair, That predated MCC, which didn't begin 2012, but someday I'll have to add that gallery here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/academic-letter.jpgAcademic Letter!A souvenir from my high school scrapbooks. My school awarded felt letters even to non-athletes, though without a school jacket it didn't mean quite so much to me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/wizard-world-chicago-2020.jpgWizard World Chicago 2020!I'm on a three-day vacation at home, but I'm not even supposed to be here today...2020-08-21T15:29:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2014/07/30/your-august-2014-anniversary-party-a-day-guide/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pd2.jpgPrincess Diaries 2!<em>The Princess Diaries 2</em> turns 10 this August! But you already knew that, right? The stars, left to right: Callum Blue, a.k.a. Zod from <em>Smallville</em>; Academy Award Winner Anne Hathaway; and Starfleet Captain Chris Pine.2020-08-21T13:40:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/18/2020-road-trip-photos-13-dark-summer-at-bluespring/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/footprint.jpgfootprint!Not sure if the footprint on one rocky shore was left as an intentional mystery for careful observers or an employee gaffe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ceiling-above-dock.jpgceiling above dock!More ceiling textures, barely qualifying as stalactites.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/flatter-part-with-rocks.jpgflatter part with rocks.One of the flatter portions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/boat-approaching.jpgboat approaching!At two points we passed other tour boats and waved gamely at other masked strangers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/crevice.jpgcrevice!The boat stopped a few times so we could concentrate on particular sights including but not limited to this crevice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/deep-cave-ahead.jpgdeep cave ahead!Our best attempt at peering down the deep, dark tunnel ahead.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/blocky-sediment-layers.jpgblocky sediment layers!Sediment and strata for the geology superfans out there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/touching-the-ceiling.jpgtouching the ceiling!The only point in the tour when our guide (Kiiwii? Kipper? Korvac?) gave us permission to touch the ceiling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/green-water-reflection.jpggreen water reflection!The cave water at its most reflective.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ceiling-formation.jpgceiling formation!The same formation blasted with half a dozen camera lights. (Anne and I never use flash. Ever.)2020-08-21T21:51:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/16/2020-road-trip-photos-12-the-neighborhood-corner-rocket/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/grissom-quote-1.jpgGrissom quote.The parting thought at the end of Part 8.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/grissom-part-7.jpgGrissom part 7.Part 7: The final hours during his lifetime, followed by the tragedy as horrifyingly portrayed in Damien Chazelle's First Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/part-6.jpgGrissom Part 6!Part 6! Grissom becomes the first American astronaut to venture into space twice.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/grissom-parts-3-4.jpgGrissom parts 3-4!Parts 3 and 4 cover his years as a test pilot and as an early NASA recruit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/grissom-part-1.jpgGrissom part 1!Eight panels attached to the monument tell Grissom's life story, which begins here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/grissom-home-sign.jpgGrissom Home sign!Signs advertising the nearby Grissom Boyhood Home were also laid down behind the wall. We don't visit a lot of historical homes, and I don't believe they've been open this season anyway, as you can imagine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/one-of-ours.jpgOne Of Ours!A nod from the local Masons in the shape of a typical Indiana historical marker, but it isn't quite the same thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/last-rose.jpglast rose!Nearly all the rose bushes had been picked bare. This was the only one we found waiting for us. We showed it mercy and let it be.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/rosie-the-riveter-garden.jpgRosie the Riveter garden!Also inside those walls was a National Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden. It wouldn't be the last such sign we saw this week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/riley-school-bricks.jpgRiley School bricks!Surrounding the monument's plot of land is a brick wall made from the remains of his old elementary school.2020-08-17T01:37:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/13/2020-road-trip-photos-11-my-my-mitchell-mealtime/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/donut-burger.jpgDonut Burger!With a side of onion rings fulfilling the "fill half the plate with veggies!" rule that some nutritionists recommend, thus qualifying this as diet food.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/railroad-decor.jpgRailroad decor!Do driving schools still teach the meanings of these classic symbols?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/railroad-inside.jpgRailroad inside!Train-themed decor around their largest table up front by the window.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/railroad-cafe.jpgRailroad Cafe!I'm not sure there're any railroads in their neck of the woods anymore. Indianapolis has far fewer than it used to, too.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/anne-and-tenderloin.jpgAnne and tenderloin!Of all the vacation pics we shared with friends and family at the time, this was the favorite.2020-08-14T01:44:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/10/2020-road-trip-photos-10-untitled-goose-gallery/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/goose-look-back.jpggoose look back!It turned and took one look back at us. In that moment we three shared one thought: "What was THAT all about?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/goose-takeoff.jpggoose takeoff!Our observer waddled into the lake and pushed off in the direction of its clan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/geese-to-bridge.jpggeese to bridge!By this time its associates were floating in formation toward the bridge, beneath the street we'd just crossed. Yeah, y'all BETTER run.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/goose-back.jpggoose back!Frustrated with the communication barriers, the goose turned its back on us and retreated to the water.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/goose-eye.jpggoose eye!Not sure if the goose was scrutinizing Anne for zoological research purposes or trying to hypnotize her.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/goose-staring.jpggoose staring!"Okay, ready. So let;s -- wait, hold up. Who are you? Are you people even influencers?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/goose-cleaning.jpggoose cleaning."WAIT. Not yet. Gimme a minute to freshen up first if you're gonna Instagram me,"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/geese-flock.jpggeese flock.Not our favorite bird. At all.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/untitled-goose-game.jpgUntitled Goose Photo!"Okay, fine, I'll say the stupid line: HONK. HONK HONK HONK. There, ya happy? Can I go now?"2020-08-11T01:29:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/09/2020-road-trip-photos-9-spring-mill-summer-stroll/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/coneflowers.jpgconeflowers!Coneflowers by the inn, much like what we'd seen at the Lew Wallace Study,https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/alexander-wilson-monument.jpgAlexander Wilson monument!Hence this salute to Wilson's outstanding achievement in the field of 19th-century birding. It was not, as I'd wildly guessed, Woodrow Wilson's Presidential gravesite.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/spring-mill-inn.jpgSpring Mill Inn!For our last leg we parked at Spring Mill Inn, which apparently does enough business to merit a two-story parking garage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/reflection.jpgreflection!A reflection viewed from the lake's eastern shore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/wetter-trail.jpgwetter trail.Still easier than Shades, and still not as damp.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/trail-steps-upward.jpgtrail steps upward.This is about as "rugged" as things got. No worries about heatstroke or dehydration this morning.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/rocks-in-creek.jpgrocks in creek!A view of the creek from an overhead bridge, from which we could stare into its vanishing point beyond the treeline.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/boulder.jpgboulder?Inexplicable boulder on the trail from nowhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/shade-view.jpgshade view!A view from the shade, a cooler place to be.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/waterfall-and-buoys.jpgwaterfall and buoys!An overflow dam in the northeast corner makes a nice waterfall leading into a creek that diverges from the trail mapping.2020-08-11T00:17:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/06/calculated-and-recalculated-risks/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/before-after-2.jpgBefore and After!Even with clippers, it took a good thirty minutes to deescalate my hair from Tom Waits to Bob Mould.2020-08-09T01:31:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/08/02/2020-road-trip-photos-8-the-hometown-astronaut/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/congressional-space-medal-of-honor.jpgCongressional Space Medal of Honor!The Congressional Space Medal of Honor, bestowed posthumously in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/funeral-flag.jpgfuneral flag.The flag given to the family at his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/photo-collage.jpgphoto collage!A photo collage runs from floor to ceiling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/corned-beef-sandwich.jpgcorned beef sandwich!A corned beef sandwich encased in resin. A nod to how fellow astronaut John Young snuck one aboard the Gemini III and offered Grissom a bite.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/stetson-hat.jpgStetson hat!This Stetson hat was a gift from President Lyndon B. Johnsonhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/survival-knife.jpgsurvival knife.His handy survival knife.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/korean-war-dog-tags.jpgKorean War dog tags!His Korean War dog tags.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saturn-rocket-model.jpgSaturn rocket model!A Saturn rocket model taller than me, part of the aeronautics educational items on hand.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gemini-iii-helmet.jpgGemini III helmet!Grissom's helmet that complemented his Gemini III suit in our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gemini-iii-capsule.jpgGemini III capsule!The museum's centerpiece: the actual Gemini III capsule, which Grissom nicknamed the "Molly Brown" after their ocean landing.2020-08-03T02:05:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/31/2020-road-trip-photos-7-palookaville/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/joe-fist.jpgJoe Palooka fist!Joe Palooka's bandaged fist, reminding me of the Arthur Fist Meme.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/oolitic-antique-mall-park.jpgOolitic Antique Mall Park!A park across the street from Town Hall wasn't quite large enough for our exercise needs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/oolitic-history.jpgOolitic history!A historic marker proclaims Oolitic's 180-plus years of history as a major source of limestone for architectural greatness nationwide.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/joe-plaques.jpgJoe Plaques!The plaque on the right is a specific nod to Joe's exemplary work as a role model to budding Nazi punchers throughout the war.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/oolitic-town-hall.jpgOolitic Town Hall!Joe to the left of Town Hall, the sheriff's car to the right of it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/joe-palooka.jpgJoe Palooka!TIRED: The Rocky statue in Philadelphia. WIRED: The Joe Palooka statue in Oolitic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/joe-chin.jpgJoe Palooka!The other day I tried explaining Joe Palooka to someone, then realized I was actually describing Bazooka Joe. It's just as well because they probably didn't know him, either.2020-08-01T01:26:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/28/2020-road-trip-photos-6-shades-of-death/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/return-stairs.jpgreturn stairs.So. Many. STAIRS.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/creek-uphill-4.jpgcreek uphill...Then you realize it isn't stopping and you're nowhere near the end and its getting harder, not easier, and heavens to Murgatroid HOW MUCH FARTHER.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/me-agape.jpgMe Agape.Every so often you stop to catch your breath, and to take photos of big dummies who talk when you tap the button.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/creek-uphill-3.jpgcreek uphill!Then you start losing track of minutes and stop noticing new things, and you realize you've subtly shifted from natural tourism to just getting to the end of this endless obstacle course.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/creek-uphill-2.jpgcreek uphill!No two lengths of it are the same. You want to keep going because you want to see what else there is to see.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/creek-uphill.jpgcreek uphill!I mean, the scenery is pretty at first.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/creek-begins.jpgcreek begins!The exact point where our day turned a corner and became an uphill battle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/toppled-tree-and-stairs.jpgtoppled tree and stairs!More dead trees! More stairs! More people who need exercise!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/dead-tree-throne.jpgdead tree throne!A dead tree shaped like the Iron Throne!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/tree-carvings.jpgtree carvings!Tree graffiti!2020-07-29T03:58:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/26/2020-road-trip-photos-5-a-moment-of-truth-in-little-mexico/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/burrito-chile-colorado.jpgBurrito Chile Colorado!My lunch: the Burrito Chile Colorado -- pork in a red mole sauce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/little-mexico-seats.jpgLittle Mexico seats!The furniture and decor next to us. Note the masked waitstaff, probably flipping a coin to see who had to approach us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/embossed-fresco.jpgembossed fresco!The embossed fresco at our table.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/safety-and-inclusion.jpgsafety and inclusion!Calls for safety and inclusion beyond these doors for all who agreeably abide.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/little-mexico.jpgLittle Mexico!Little Mexico on the outside, seemingly unremarkable for a small-town establishment.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/montgomery-county-heroic-dead.jpgMontgomery County Heroic Dead!Montgomery County's Tribute to Her Heroic Dead (read: war memorial).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/montgomery-county-courthouse.jpgMontgomery County Courthouse!The Montgomery County Courthouse, for the architecture fans out there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/mural.jpgmural!Happy town mural.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/los-mariscos-tropicales.jpgLos Mariscos Tropicales!Los Mariscos Tropicales: shrimp, scallops, and crab served in a hollowed pineapple and topped with cheese, salsa, and rice. Anne ate well that day and has so far lived to tell the tale.2020-07-26T18:22:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/23/2020-road-trip-photos-4-flowers-for-hur/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/orange-center-flower.jpgEchinacea coneflower!Whichever the name, their centers were hypnotic. I get why the bees were so entranced. Besides the pollen, I guess.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/purple-red-flowers.jpgpurple + red flowers!I threatened Google with a hammer and a menacing glare, and it finally confessed the purplish flowers in the mix were echinacea, or coneflowers. So I officially learned something today.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/red-flower-closeup.jpgred flower closeup!What am I? WHAT AM I?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/red-flower.jpgRed flower!Longtime MCC readers may recall when we used to take Anne's Mamaw to the Indiana Flower and Patio Show every year and bring back photo galleries like this one. We miss those times. And her. And having someone with us who could identify flowers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/red-flowers.jpgred flowers!No, probably not daisies. Not peonies. Definitely not tulips.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/red-flowers-2.jpgRed Flowers 2!The red ones are probably daisies as well. You might know better than we would.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/daisies.jpgdaisies!We're not flower experts. At all. I do recognize daisies on sight.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/potted-flowers.jpgpotted flowers!A few flowers were trapped in humanity's containers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/yellow-white-daisies.jpgyellow + white daisies!View from behind the flowerbed in front of the Study. An ordinary residential area lay beyond the far fence.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/study-flowers.jpgStudy flowers!Flower beds surrounded the Study on most sides. Note the round basement windows mentioned briefly in Part 3.2020-07-24T23:43:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/16/2020-road-trip-photos-2-and-man-created-ben-hur/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/lew-wallace-study.jpgLew Wallace Study!Our journey ended at the Lew Wallace Study, where all the best stuff waited for us inside...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/tulip-poplar-stump.jpgTulip poplar stump!This tulip poplar stump was not explained to us. We;re guessing it was prominent for reasons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ex-reflecting-pool.jpgex-reflecting pool!The stones mark where Wallace once kept a reflecting pool until he had it filled in around 1902 to protect kids from falling in.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/wall-and-gate.jpgwall and gate!A wall and gate that appear to be remnants of a previous structure that's otherwise no longer in existence.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/governor-david-wallace.jpgGovernor David Wallace!A painting of his father David Wallace, an Indiana Governor (1837-1840) whose term lowlights included the Panic of 1837 and supporting efforts in forcible Indian removal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/scottish-chiefs.jpgScottish Chiefs!A vintage copy of The Scottish Chiefs by Jane Porter, one of Wallace's major historical-fiction influences https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rail-coupler.jpgrail coupler?One of Wallace's patented inventions, a rail coupler modification that...hey, not every inventor can be Tesla.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1888-methodist-bible.jpg1888 Methodist Bible!Wallace was an avowed agnostic till sometimes after finishing Ben-Hur. He owned this 1888 Bible, which includes a Methodist bonus feature in the form of a temperance pledge page.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/covid-2020.jpgCOVID 2020!2020 vacation mementos. Collect them all.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/carriage-house.jpgcarriage house!The experience begins at Wallace's carriage house, which now holds the ticket booth, gift shop, and small, rotating museum space.2020-07-24T01:02:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/21/2020-road-trip-photos-3-hur-story-of-the-world-part-ii/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ben-hur-the-spices.jpgBen-Hur the Spices!Ben-Hur: the official spices! Even in 1959, movie tie-in merchandise was very much a thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ben-hur-the-album.jpgBen-Hur the Album!Ben-Hur the Album!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hestons-sword.jpgHeston's sword!Fans of Ben-Hur will appreciate related mementos, such as this sword and scabbard from the set.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/lew-wallace-bust-1.jpgLew Wallace bust!A bust of Wallace himself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/basement-carriage.jpgbasement carriage!The basement is off-limits to visitors, but they're allowed to peer through the windows and see what's stored down there, such as the Wallace family carriage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/turkish-princess.jpgThe Turkish Princess!The Turkish Princess came not from Wallace's own hand, but as a gift from the Sultan of Turkey.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/conspirators.jpgThe Conspirators!Wallace also painted. The Conspirators captures the likenesses and souls of the Lincoln assassination collaborators, whom Wallace helped prosecute.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sculpture.jpgsculpture!This wasn't an acquisition: Wallace was a sculptor in his own right.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/wallace-art.jpgWallace art!Art also lines the tops of all his bookshelves, which remains the standard today for proud bookshelf ownership.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/mantelpiece-keepsakes.jpgmantelpiece keepsakes!Some of his mantelpiece keepsakes.2020-07-24T01:02:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/19/not-put-asunder-16-years-and-counting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/anne-16th.jpgAnne!My lovely dinner companion and superior half, a woman who's accompanied, encouraged, coaxed, or dragged me across more finish lines than I can count..https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/tiramisu.jpgTiramisu!As for me, I retreated to the comfort of a safe tiramisu. Old-fashioned yet from an uncommon angle, which describes any number of our self-deprecating anecdotes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bomba.jpgBomba!Anne's dessert: a sweet, three-flavor bomba. Because ice cream, like life, something something something flavors!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rosticciana.jpgRosticciana!For me, the Rosticciana -- sauteed pork loin stuffed with mortadella, Italian sausage, and fresh rosemary, topped with an amazing Gorgonzola cream sauce. Because sometimes we savor our moments of cheesiness.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cappellini-pomodoro-with-meatball.jpgCappellini pomodoro with meatball!Anne's dinner: Cappellini Pomodoro and Basilico, topped with a value-added spicy meatball. She was not expecting its enormous red pepper payload. Marriage, by the same token, can also be loaded with surprises that leave you wide-eyed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/gamberi-alla-griglia.jpgGamberi alla Griglia!Appetizer: Gamberi Alla Griglia -- Gulf shrimp wrapped in prosciutto, resting on field greens with herb-infused olive oil, garlic and tomatoes. I could taste both the shrimp and the fancy ham.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/chicago-2012.jpgChicago 2012!I already used up the one photo we've taken together so far in 2020, so please enjoy this previously unshared file photo from our April 2012 trip to Chicago and C2E2.2020-07-20T01:41:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/14/2020-road-trip-photos-part-1-stay-out-of-jail-free/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/closed-july-4th.jpgClosed July 4th!Remember the time an animatronic moose had to break it to the GRiswolds that Wally World was closed? Mister Firecracker behind his dirty glass was an unwelcome substitute.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/national-register-of-historic-places.jpgNational Register of Historic Places!The official National Register of Historic Places plaque, every old museum's certificate of authenticity.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/historical-marker-2.jpghistorical marker 2!Obligatory historical marker out front, side 2. Also, inadequately boarded windows.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/historical-marker-1.jpghistorical marker 1!Obligatory historical marker out front.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rotary-jail-sign.jpgRotary Jail sign!Supposedly the official title is the Montgomery County Jail and Sheriff's Residence. I'd be shocked if anyone actually called it that.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rotary-jail.jpgRotary Jail!Square on the outside, rounded up on the inside.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hanging-skeleton.jpghanging skeleton!Not sure if leftover Halloween decoration or an inmate's remains left to rot as a warning to others fancying escape.2020-07-15T03:28:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/09/masked-riders-a-prologue-to-our-2020-road-trips/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/muppet-seat-jazz.jpgMuppet Seat Jazz Hands!This is no ordinary theater. Those are no ordinary seats.2020-07-15T01:20:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/12/my-2020-reading-stacks-8/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/midas-flesh.jpgMidas Flesh!The gold fingerprints are part of the clever book design, not my personal potato chip dust.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/star-trek-wild-cards.jpgStar Trek + Wild Cards!Two series I've been following since high school, but then I fell behind in adulthood. This wouldn't happen if I quit some hobbies, such as the internet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/wonder-woman-stargirl.jpgWonder Woman Stargirl!Women ruling the superhero world, and the strongmen who try not to get in their way.2020-07-13T00:54:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/07/04/it-is-july-4th/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/american-scarecrow.jpgAmerican Scarecrow!Please feel free either to celebrate with this cheerfully American scarecrow or imagine yourself pummeling him if you're actively looking for a straw man to attack.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/statue-of-liberty.jpgStatue of Liberty!An outtake from our 2010 trip to visit the Statue of Liberty from the New Jersey side.2020-07-07T02:00:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/30/downtown-distanced/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/dead-auntie-anne.jpgDead Auntie Anne.The empty chassis of an Auntie Anne's pretzel stand that had been there since the mall's opening in 1995. Meanwhile in the background, Cinnabon perseveres.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/no-sanitizer.jpgNo Sanitizer.Hand sanitizer stations are great until someone decides "free sanitizer" means they can take the entire pouch home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mall-scooters.jpgMall Scooters!Destination: mall. Scooters everywhere. Riders elsewhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cvs-burned.jpgCVS Burned.The CVS that was set afire, along with the next-door Jimmy John's barely a year old. Some kind of work was afoot behind those industrial fans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/arrest-the-cops-who-killed-breonna-taylor.jpgArrest the Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor.A boarded-up bank advertises the complete lack of anyone arresting the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/boardroom-plaza.jpgBoardroom Plaza...Some businesses have already had all their shattered glass replaced. Some are on a three-month waiting list.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/social-distancing-please.jpgSocial Distancing, Please!Because we're months into this catastrophe and some people still need practical advice.2020-07-02T18:31:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/28/5-months-growth-3-months-retreat/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/me-062620.jpgJune 2020.Adrift in an off-white limbo.2020-06-30T22:05:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/24/11-random-pieces-of-joel-schumacher/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/joel-schumacher.jpgJoel Schumacher!Excerpt from the <em>Tigerland</em> extras.2020-06-25T02:30:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/20/yes-theres-a-moment-after-da-5-bloods-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/da-5-bloods.jpgDa 5 Bloods!Five men in search of the late T'Challa.2020-06-21T00:47:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/14/our-superman-celebration-2008-experience-the-mostly-remastered-edition/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/superman-lei.jpgSuperman Lei!This was either at the Super Museum gift shop or one of the indoor used-stuff dealers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/big-robot.jpgBig Robot!To this day I have no idea who this robot is.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/klingon-warrior.jpgKlingon Warrior!A Klingon warrior in search of deep-fried gakh.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/riddler-red-skull.jpgRiddler & Red Skull!Super-Villain Team-Up presents the Riddler and the Red Skull.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/batman-waves.jpgBatman Waves!Batman shoos away all remaining sidekicks and decides to go solo the rest of the day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/batman-superboy.jpgBatman & Superboy!Batman and his new sidekick Superboy (the classic Kon-El version).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/batman-robin.jpgBatman & Robin!Batman and Robin (Tim Drake version) and a kid who'd be 12 years older today.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/green-arrow.jpgGreen Arrow!Green Arrow take two, several years before anyone knew who Stephen Amell was.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/green-arrow-poison-ivy.jpgGreen Arrow & Poison Ivy!Green Arrow & Poison Ivy pass the olde-tyme photo booth.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/harrahsmobile.jpgHarrahsmobile!Quickly, Robin, to the Harrahsmobile!2020-06-15T03:17:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/11/our-superman-celebration-2006-experience-the-partially-remastered-edition/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/justice-league-season-1-autographed.jpgJustice League season 1 autographed!I got it autographed at later conventions by costars Kevin Conroy, Susan Eisenberg, and Phil Lamarr, but the very first marks were made by Michael Rosenbaum, right there on Superman's shoulder like a gnarly tattoo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/jla-bender.jpgJLA!The Justice League card that Stephan Bender signed for Anne. Art by Gary Frank and Cam Smith.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/marv-wolfman.jpgMarv Wolfman!For movie fans out there, Marv Wolfman's creations also include Blade and Daredevil's arch-nemesis Bullseye.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/general-lee.jpgGeneral Lee!WHY? WHY YOU? JUST WHY omg omg please don't cancel me please don't cancel me please don't cancel me https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/stephan-bender.jpgStephan Bender!Stephan Bender signing a card for Anne that she'd picked up at a booth.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/michael-rosenbaum.jpgMichael Rosenbaum!Michael Rosenbaum doling out hundreds of squiggles for starstruck TV watchers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/rosenbaum-superman.jpgRosenbaum + Superman!Posing in front of the world-famous Superman statue are an unrecognizable Michael Rosenbaum and some lucky kid who's 14 years older today.2020-06-12T03:31:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/04/indiana-state-fair-2011-photos-part-1-of-4-the-year-in-food/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pumpkin-carving.jpgPumpkin Carving!Adding color seems like cheating, but seeing as how it celebrates the Indiana State Fair, which we're missing right now, I'll allow it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pumpkin-art-2.jpgPumpkin Art!More art-food carvings. Pumpkins, squash and other gourds are a satisfying medium to the right artists.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1160-pound-pumpkin.jpg1160-pound pumpkin!An award-winning pumpkin weighing 1,160 pounds (526.2 kg). Somewhere out there is a maverick dying to fit this onto a burger.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cheese-sculpture-80th.jpgCheese Sculpture 80th!Another grand tradition: the annual cheese sculpture. This one celebrated "80 Years of Nutrition". The context of that bizarre claim is lost in the mists of time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/turkey-hill-cow.jpgTurkey Hill Cow!This isn't edible, but the giant cow mascot represents for Turkey Hill Ice Cream, a local company that loves to hand out free samples.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/beignets.jpgBeignets!Before 2011 I had never heard of beignets. Four years later we had the pleasure of trying the real thing down in New Orleans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/buffalo-brat.jpgBuffalo Brat!A buffalo brat used to be a novel concept. The bison stand on the northeast corner of the fairgrounds is now one of my favorite stops every year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/deep-fried-klondike-bar.jpgDeep-Fried Klondike Bar!What would you do for a deep-fried Klondike Bar?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/burger-stand.jpgBurger Stand!The purveyors of that ice cream burger and other thousand-calorie beef indulgences.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ice-cream-burger.jpgIce Cream Burger!Join us in a bit of nostalgia for the good ol' days of eating out and mingling in crowds with impunity, won't you?2020-06-08T20:54:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/06/indiana-state-fair-2011-photos-part-2-of-4-the-year-in-lego-and-canned-food-art/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lego-mountains.jpgLego Mountains!And if Lego Hooterville is struck down by Lego COVID-19, everyone can retreat to the Lego Mountains next door. But maybe avoid that observation deck in the middle where no one's social distancing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lego-petticoat-junction.jpgLego Petticoat Junction!Forget your cares! It's time to relax at the junction! Lego Petticoat Junction!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lego-city.jpgLego City!A bustling Lego City, where things are peaceful and unblemished by the specters of racism and brutality.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lego-indy-racecars.jpgLego Indy Racecars!While the State Fair was canceled altogether, the Indy 500 was postponed from Memorial Day weekend to August 23rd, which would've been the last weekend of the fair. Lego Speedway officials remain hopeful.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lego-500.jpgLego Indy 500!Also from the world of Lego Hoosier sports: the Lego Indy 500.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lego-lucas-oil-stadium-rear.jpgLego Lucas Oil Stadium rear!Lego Lucas Oil Stadium from the rear. The Colts weren't in the Super Bowl that year, but at least we could be proud of the building.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lego-lucas-oil-stadium.jpgLego Lucas Oil Stadium!Lego Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Lego Indianapolis Colts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cans-super-bowl-46.jpgCanned Super Bowl 46!In honor of Super Bowl 46, which would be held February 5, 2012, at Indianapolis' own Lucas Oil Stadium.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cans-space-shuttle.jpgCans Space Shuttle!Canned Space Shuttle, not necessarily the Challenger.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cans-9-11.jpgCans 9-11!Canned 9-11, in honor of the then-nigh tenth anniversary of the tragedy.2020-06-08T20:54:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/07/indiana-state-fair-2011-photos-part-3-of-4-the-year-in-tragedy/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/9-11-semi.jpg9-11 Semi!The delivery semi. Ten years later, emotional responses to that day still varied.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/project-9-11.jpgProject 9-11.We saw the pillars in their new home five months later, but that's part of a special-event photo gallery for another time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wreckage-closer.jpgWreckage Closer.The best intrusive shot we could get. Fair volunteers didn't care how close we got to the fence. Looky-loos were few when we arrived at 8 in the morning.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wreckage.jpgWreckage.The view from the southeast corner of the horse track. It was hard to get any closer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sugarland-trucks.jpgSugarland Trucks.veral Sugarland trailers were still there days after the fact -- mostly for the impending investigation, acting as a partition in front of the wreckage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sugarland-trailer.jpgSugarland trailer!Our view of the Grandstand from the parking lot. Note the flag at half-mast.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/memorial.jpgMemorial.The makeshift memorial for the State Fair events of August 13, 2011. I'm not sure anything permanent was ever erected.2020-06-08T20:54:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/08/indiana-state-fair-2011-photos-part-4-of-4-the-year-in-soybeans-and-so-on/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/flo-from-progressive.jpgFlo from Progressive!Anne with fake special guest Flo from Progressive, on hand to offer fair-goers tractor insurance or whatever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/corn-maze-god.jpgCorn Maze God!A corn maze god appears on behalf of an Indiana State Museum exhibit. Pay no attention to troublesome documentaries such as King Corn or Food, Inc. that malign his reputation and evil works of his followers and their offerings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/4-h-giant-couple.jpgDance in the Country!A 20-foot-tall, 7-ton recreation of Renoir's Dance in the Country by sculptor Seward Johnson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/monarch-butterfly.jpgMonarch Butterfly!I know why the caged butterfly sings. He sings the blues because bars and mesh make for lousy animal photos. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/racing-doggies.jpgRacing Doggies!Racing wiener dogs, awaiting their adoring fans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sankt-niklaus-costume.jpgSankt Niklaus costume!A Sankt Niklaus costume, for anyone happy to celebrate Christmas in August.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/garman-flags.jpgGarman Flags!Garman Flags, a bit subtler than some of the other mementos listed above.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/berlin-wall.jpgBerlin Wall!A recreation of the erstwhile Berlin Wall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pork-and-bean.jpgPork and Bean!Pork and Bean.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/buttercup-and-bean.jpgButtercup and Bean!EAT MORE SOY! says the Dairy Barn's mascot, stealing the Chik-Fil-A cows' shtick.2020-06-08T20:53:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/06/01/the-horrors-we-can-contain/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/arkham-horror.jpgArkham Horror!Sometimes systems that look like unmitigated chaos from the outside are easier to navigate once you're fully on the inside.2020-06-03T20:51:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/11/disease-control-the-home-game/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cdc-coronavirus-warning.jpgCDC Coronavirus warning...When I took the pic last week, the juxtaposition of the handwashing tutorial and the Big Basketball advertisement wasn't ironic yet. More surprise foreshadowing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pandemic.jpgPandemic!Whoever chose the cities represented in this board game totally whiffed on leaving out Seattle.2020-06-02T01:57:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2016/07/08/board-games-and-breaking-away/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sorry-madagascar.jpgSorry Madagascar!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/star-wars-monopoly.jpgStar Wars Monopoly!On a board far, far away...2020-06-02T01:29:52+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/29/pictionary-mysteries/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/mystery-limbo.jpgMystery Limbo?A lone stick figure reclines up high in a tree. Poorly darkened for clarification.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/dog-sword.jpgDog Sword!A mix of old games and new. The barking dog and the sword were from years past, but that's Anne's new handiwork on such terms as "tire", "Royal Family", "downstairs", "underwear", and whatever that thing next to the grass was supposed to be.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/beers.jpgBeers...Beers. Bees. Babble-bar Balactica?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/rolling-pin.jpgRolling Pin!Using letters and numbers was against the rules. Clearly this sheet captures a few rounds in which a small child was forgiven his transgressions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/basketball-pirate.jpgBasketball Pirate!Most likely guesses: basketball court, one of the Dippers, first aid kit, and...uhh, Rooster Cogburn?2025-08-27T23:39:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/28/my-2020-reading-stacks-7/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dark-graphic-novels.jpgDark Graphic Novels!Dark, darker, darkest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/monster-graphic-novels.jpgMonster Graphic Novels!Monsters! Everyone loves monsters, right?2020-05-29T02:58:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/24/the-10-best-episodes-of-the-crown-so-far-according-to-a-guy-who-barely-knows-royal-family-stuff/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/the-crown-1-2.jpgClaire Foy and The Crown!Claire Foy looking far more at home here than as the Concerned Wife in First Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/the-crown-3.jpgThe Crown 3From Hot Fuzz to Broadchurch to The Night Manager to The Favourite and more, Olivia Colman has already been ruling for years.2020-05-24T16:45:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/22/the-dawn-of-an-all-new-new-comic-book-day/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/new-comic-day-05-20-2020.jpgNew Comic Day 05-20-2020This week's fix.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/green-lantern-season-2-3.jpgGreen Lantern Season 2 #3Obtained legally but not locally. Shhh, don't tell!2020-05-22T04:17:41+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/17/our-ten-terrific-tricks-for-a-stay-at-home-comic-con/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/mst3k-birthday.jpgMST3K Birthday!Anne went all-out this year with an MST3K theme. As it happens, the set in the middle fills a gap in my DVD collection. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/skyrim-apple-pie.jpgSkyrim Apple Pie!That time I sat down for dinner with the Companions and side-eyed a warrior who refused to share her apple pie with me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sunday-afternoon-monsters.jpgSunday Afternoon MonstersAt the risk of crossing the meta-streams, I had to share a bit of the scene where main character Karen and her big brother Deeze visit the Art Institute themselves. Gotta love that Seurat and that Sunday afternoon of his.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/fast-and-furious.jpgFast and Furious!A shame I couldn't pay to pose with them. The cars, I mean, not the babes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/texas-line.jpgTexas Line!A parade of would-be Texas Roadhouse customers awaiting their turn at distanced dining.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/texas-bread.jpgTexas Bread!Texas Roadhouse also threw in a dozen free rolls we didn't ask for, representing the freebies they hand out at cons that clutter our countertops for days afterward till we either eat them or toss them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/texas-ribeye.jpgTexas Ribeye!Dinner: a ribeye and baked potato from Texas Roadhouse, representing how we sometimes end up spending our budgeted fun-money instead if the booths and merchandise were a saddening letdown.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/culvers-butterburger.jpgCulvers Butterburger!Lunch from Culver's, representing the affordable comfort food we'll seek out when time permits between panels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dunkin-chocolate.jpgDunkin Chocolate!Breakfast from Dunkin Donuts, representing the junk food that often gets us through many a grueling convention day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/quarantine-jazz-hands.jpgQuarantine Jazz Hands!With your host, Dr. Bane-ton Forrester!2020-05-17T16:54:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/13/forfending-a-fearful-phase-with-a-fleeting-flashback-to-a-forgotten-fair-photo/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/indiana-state-fair-2017-jazz-hands.jpgIndiana State Fair 2017 Jazz Hands!Photo by one of Anne's old schoolmates.2020-05-14T03:04:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/09/my-2020-reading-stacks-6/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/marvel-vs.-dc.jpgMarvel vs. DC!Meanwhile from the Marvel and DC piles...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/raina-telgemeier-guts-96-97.jpgRaina Telgemeier Guts 96-97!A gentle reminder that fear of illness was a thing long before 2020. (Art by Raina Telgemeier and Braden Lamb.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/siler-raina-bob.jpgSiler Raina Bob!Siler. Telgemeier, Defendi. Keepin' it random. Keepin' it real.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sethface.jpgSethface!...2020-05-10T03:35:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/08/comics-in-my-future-ever-so-slightly/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hawkeye-freefall-set.jpgHawkeye Freefall set!Those of us who've been patiently waiting to complete our sets of Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt's <em>Hawkeye: Freefall</em> have a conundrum on our hands. (All cover art by Kim Jacinto and Tamra Bonvillain.)2020-05-08T04:07:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/06/updates-from-the-interim-normal-masks-and-other-tasks/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ace-bandage.jpgAce Bandage!The Ace bandage I use to support injured joints as needed. Also very comfy, and it has a reliably secure Velcro fastener.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/blue-scarf.jpgBlue Scarf!Anne's winter scarf. Very comfy, and plenty of slack left over to cover my unsightly, naturally curly hair. But is it protective? And do I have any outfits that won't clash with it?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/red-bandanna.jpgRed Bandanna!An old red bandanna my company gave out at a cowboy-themed shindig once, which wasn't my thing but I kept it anyway. It's large enough to tie securely behind my head, but the material is quite thin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/closure-sign.jpgClosure sign.The sorrow of a closed restaurant that kept pushing its return date back.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/clorox-wipes.jpgClorox Wipes!Ancient civilizations had their golden idols. We have our plastic canisters of wet-naps.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/stay-healthy.jpgStay Healthy!A sign of compassion a few blocks away.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/mask-black.jpgMask Black!Our niece made us masks! Very sweet of her.2020-05-06T04:20:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/05/02/a-peek-inside-peacock/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/peacock.jpgPeacock!We named it after the old NBC mascot, but instead of a bird we thought a cooler image would be...this glow stick?2020-08-17T01:51:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/30/my-2020-reading-stacks-5/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/emitown-101.jpgEmitown 101!Whereas the first <em>Bacchus</em> tome is strictly black-and-white, <em>Emitown</em> is (mostly) black, white and blue. Sometimes you really don't need thousands of color options to do arts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bacchus-335.jpgBacchus 335!Naturally Bacchus knows his alcohol history well beyond Greece.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bacchus-v-emitown.jpgBacchus v Emitown!A short list today: two gigantic, creator-owned collections that add up to 963 pages of comic book goodness.2020-05-01T03:45:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/29/eight-stubborn-years-down-the-blogging-road/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/march-2020-sunrise.jpgMarch 2020 sunrise!The morning of Monday, March 9, 2020, in the early days of folks retreating from physical civilization.2020-04-29T04:09:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/28/reaching-out-through-the-zoom-lens/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1587949392882.jpgZoom Jazz Hands!As you'd expect, our most requested pose.2020-04-28T04:22:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/24/mcmillions-and-mcmemories/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mcdonalds-pins.jpgMcDonald's pins!Just a few of the souvenirs we still have from our years with the Golden Arches. All of these are from Anne's old pin collection.2020-04-25T03:15:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/20/restaurants-in-memoriam-a-pre-virus-retrospective/2020-04-20T23:15:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/18/twitter-minus-twitter/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/taste-pennies.jpgTaste Pennies!My all-time favorite.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/this.jpgThis!Hey, me too!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/baba-booey.jpgBaba Booey.I hear this in the voice of drunken Ben Wyatt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/up-is-down.jpgUp is Down!Five syllables away from haiku.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/skeletors-voice.jpgSkeletor's Voice!We all need our coping mechanisms. Hers is among the better ones.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/shredding-jared.jpgShredding Jared!I like to pretend this was a dig at Subway.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/millard-fillmore.jpgMillard Fillmore!Sometimes even the Mediocre Presidents need to vent.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/dont-care-1.jpgDon't Care Also.See what I mean. All-caps variant. Less famous utterer. Same net effect.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/dont-care-2.jpgDon't Care 2.You may remember this catchphrase from a certain occasion. The internet would NOT let it go for days.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/whiteish.jpgWhiteish!How it would've felt if Carnac the Magnificent made his prediction but never opened the envelope.2020-04-18T04:09:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/15/my-2020-reading-stacks-4/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/american-way.jpgAmerican Way!The best thing about the sequel is the white heroes couldn't crowd the black hero off the cover anymore.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/spooky-books.jpgSpooky Books!Somehow while reading, I failed to notice the "spookiness" theme I had going.2020-04-15T20:34:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/12/the-costs-of-record-breaking-journalism/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/indianapolis-monthly.jpgIndianapolis Monthly!Indianapolis Monthly's latest issue came with a free Indiana travel guide. Last week they conceded the timing was...not great.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/increase-letter.jpgIncrease Letter.Guess where the spit-take happened.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cvs-stuff.jpgCVS stuff!When you're legally an "essential" business and no one's bullying you into refusing to sell nonessentials.2020-04-13T03:51:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/10/leaping-off-the-tiger-king-circus-wagon/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/tiger-king-support-groups.jpgTiger King support groups!Closer to what I need: support groups for Tiger King viewers. Unless the names are ironic.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/tiger-king-memes.jpgTiger King Memes!Looking to keep track of the latest Tiger King jokes and memes? Check.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/joe-exotic-pages.jpgJoe Exotic pages!Groups for mesmerized mullet-heads? Yep, Facebook's got 'em!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/tiger-king-poster.jpgTiger King poster!Viewed on a device larger than my phone, now I see all the tigers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/i-saw-a-tiger.jpgI Saw a Tiger!Out-of-context snippet from Netflix's sing-a-long re-release of the Joe Exotic music video "I Saw a Tiger". Follow the bouncing tiger cub head. Yes, really.2020-04-11T02:02:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/06/mcc-housekeeping-notes-the-mentions-and-about-pages/2020-04-06T04:09:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/about/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/zimg_0040-sbi-2011-e1367725220119.jpgRandall A. Golden, Midlife Crisis CrossoverThe previous photo from my "About" page, taken at Starbase Indy 2011.2025-06-29T11:21:38+00:00weekly0.6https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/11/08/my-entry-in-the-internet-peanut-gallery-database/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/charles-linn-page1.jpgCharles Linn page!It's cool to see your name in print even when you don't understand all the words around it.2020-04-06T01:52:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/01/lafayette-vignettes-part-5-prophets-and-poultry/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/duck-and-chicken.jpgduck and chicken!Duck and chicken conspiring against their foes, much like the fourteen tribes once did.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bunny.jpgbunny!Bunny!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/horse.jpghorse!The only horse we saw, too fenced in to approach any more closely.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/hayloft.jpghayloft!Authentic hayloft where presumably volunteers can hide from the animals when they just need a break.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ducks-and-sheep.jpgducks and sheep!Ducks and sheep living in harmony.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ducks.jpgDucks!Ducks not quite in a row.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/chicken-also.jpgchicken also!...everywhere a chick-chick.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/chicken.jpgchicken!...there a chick...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/chickens.jpgchickens!So. Many. CHICKENS.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/auto-knitter-hosiery-co.jpgAuto-Knitter Hosiery Co!Work From Home: the 1920s Get Rich Quick edition.2020-04-04T03:45:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/18/lafayette-vignettes-part-3-drifting-around-downtown/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/statues-peering.jpgStatues Peering!On the opposite side of the Courthouse from the Washington pediment, peering down upon us from a second pediment are Justice,, Industry/Education, and Agriculture. The architects did love their goddesses.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/liberty-or-justice.jpgLiberty or Justice!This statue atop the Courthouse was once Liberty armed with a sword and shield, but the shield was replaced with scales. So now she's Liberty and Justice for All, I suppose.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/john-purdue-fountain.jpgJohn Purdue fountain!A fountain honoring John Purdue (of <em>that</em> Purdue), which probably looks cooler when it isn't October and they're allowed to turn on the water.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/constitution-oak.jpgConstitution Oak!The Constitution Oak, planted 9/17/1987 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tippecanoe-bicentennial-bison.jpgTippecanoe Bicentennial Bison!One of the Tippecanoe County Bicentennial Bison stands guard.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/seasonal-goddess-ii.jpgseasonal goddess II!No, I don't know which goddess is which. This one probably isn't Rabbit Season.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/seasonal-goddess.jpgseasonal goddess!Each clock has a different goddess statue below it, representing one of the four seasons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tippecanoe-clock.jpgTippecanoe clock!It has four clocks up high, this one on the opposite side from our initial approach.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tippecanoe-county-courthouse.jpgTippecanoe County Courthouse!The Tippecanoe County Courthouse is covered in 100 columns. It might be a fun puzzle to try and spot them all, but we didn't photograph every side.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/steampunk-family.jpgsteampunk family!They're intricate and brassy / Harsh metalwork but sassy / They're altogether classy / The steampunk family!2020-04-04T03:44:34+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/16/lafayette-vignettes-part-2-the-works-on-the-walls/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/statler-and-waldorf-windows.jpgStatler and Waldorf windows!From a pair of third-story windows, Statler and Waldorf judge all passing pedestrians.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cartoon-dudes.jpgcartoon dudes!Cartoon dudes! Many young male artists have some in their system.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/hat-skull-and-stick-figures.jpghat-skull and stick figures!Hat-skull and stick figures. Not everything has to have pop-culture captions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/renaissance-and-king-dog.jpgRenaissance and king dog!Art movements duel across the centuries: the Renaissance versus animal memes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/your-face-here-trio.jpgYOUR FACE HERE trio!The YOUR FACE HERE Trio demonstrates the art of the selfie, in case you're unsure what to do when you find art in the Instagram era.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/mixed-media-music.jpgmixed media music!This mixed media music box hangs in an alley so narrow that a non-diagonal, head-on shot was impossible.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/your-face-here.jpgYOUR FACE HERE!More homages presented by YOUR FACE and a kitty.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/lafayette-nighthawks.jpgLafayette Nighthawks!The largest painting we saw was an homage to Edward Hopper's Nighthawks with touches of local color and value-added non-local celebrities.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/flying-birdies.jpgflying birdies!Among the few credited murals, these birdies were signed in 2017 with the usernames of students from a Tippecanoe Arts Federation After School Arts Program.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/yellow-parabolas.jpgyellow parabolas!A happy field of yellow parabolas.2020-04-04T03:44:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/14/lafayette-vignettes-part-1-the-astronaut-alumnus/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/space-capsule-model.jpgspace capsule model!Model of a space capsule, how every astronaut ended their trips in those halcyon days.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/air-force-model-plane.jpgAir Force model plane!Air Force model plane.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/astronaut-art.jpgastronaut art!Astronaut art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/takegiantleaps.jpgTakeGiantLeaps!Banner advertising Purdue Homecoming and their website.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/armstrong-smashed-penny-machine.jpgArmstrong smashed-penny machine!Leave it to a premier engineering school to refuse to settle for a simple gear-and-lever mechanism.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/one-giant-leap-for-mankind.jpgOne Giant Leap for Mankind!The path leading to Armstrong and the entrance naturally incorporates the quote.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/neil-armstrong-statue.jpgNeil Armstrong statue!If we're ranking de-mythologized portraits of a casual Armstrong outside his space suit, this statue is more inspiring than <em>First Man</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/neil-armstrong-hall-of-engineering.jpgNeil Armstrong Hall of Engineering!Real talk: Indiana doesn't have many buildings named after extremely awesome people.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/purdue-clock-tower.jpgPurdue Bell Tower!The renowned Purdue Bell Tower, their most visible landmark.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/neil-armstrong-statue-150-years.jpgNeil Armstrong statue!Why did my wife want to go to college for her birthday? To see Neil Armstrong.2020-04-04T03:44:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/04/03/lafayette-vignettes-part-6-of-6-the-birthday-menu/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/baci-prosciutto.jpgBaci & Prosciutto!Baci & Prosciutto -- cute little pasta purses with caramelized leeks in a romano cream sauce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/italian-chocolate-cake.jpgItalian chocolate cake!A simple, towering Italian chocolate cake for me at the end.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ice-cream.jpgice cream!She tore into her dessert before I could catch a "before" photo. Ice cream. obvs. I want to say spumoni, but either that's wrong or she ate all the telltale parts first.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/butternut-squash-ravioli.jpgbutternut squash ravioli!Anne's repast of choice was butternut squash ravioli, a fitting autumn selection.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/giant-casks.jpggiant casks!Giant casks in the dining room. I tweeted this photo and made a Sideways joke, but no one cared.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/spageddies.jpgSpageddie's!Yep, that's me trying to get phone distractions out of my system before entering.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/la-scalia.jpgLa Scalia!Sunshine glinted upon their neon OPEN sign and, for one brief moment, gave us false hope that they were actually open. Not cool, sun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/artichoke-tart.jpgartichoke tart!Anne had the artichoke tart, the same dish I'd tried last time.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quintessential-quiche.jpgQuintessential Quiche!The Quintessential Quiche at Eggshell Bistro in Carmel -- topped with fresh herbs and filled with applewood bacon, caramelized leeks, roasted tomato, and Comté cheese on a multigrain crust. I think that's the one. It's been a few months.2020-04-04T03:42:11+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/07/24/birthday-quest-2018-part-1-of-6-garfields-of-dreams/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/garfield-upland-solo.jpgGarfield Upland!"Scream for Ice Cream Garfield", because ice cream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/anne-nyt.jpgAnne NYT!Anne poses for her eventual New York Times article titled "In This Faraway Small Town, One Voter Absolutely Doesn't Want to Talk About That Horrid Election".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/toffee-sundae.jpgtoffee sundae?Caveat: many of their sundaes are soft-serve. We enjoyed nonetheless.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/menu-from-long-ago.jpgmenu from long ago!Peruse the menu of yesteryear and weep at the prices. Theoretically we could've gone back in time and bought one of everything.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ivanhoes.jpgIvanhoe's!Behind this plain facade: TWO HUNDRED DESSERTS. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ivanhoes-marquee.jpgIvanhoe's marquee!At first glance, an ordinary street in any small town.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/wood-carved-bear.jpgwood-carved bear!Random surprise wood-carved bear in someone's yard along our way out of town.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/sewer-payments.jpgsewer payments.There's also a library drop-box that used to be a USPS mailbox.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/garfield-matthews.jpgGarfield @ Matthews!"Gone Fishin' Garfield"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/latte.jpgLatte!Latte art: a sign of quality to us middle-class bumpkins.2020-04-04T02:41:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/24/the-last-new-comics-day/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/new-comics-03-25-2020.jpgNew Comics 03-25-2020!New releases on my pull list for the week of March 25, 2020, a date I can hopefully forget someday.2020-03-25T03:53:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/22/communion-in-a-crunch/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/home-communion.jpgHome Communion!All items readily available at your local grocer, appearing on no one's hoarding list.2020-03-23T01:43:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/19/the-interim-normal/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/library-books.jpglibrary books!Food wasn't the only item on Anne's temporary-doomsday prep list.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/gas-station.jpggas station!Admittedly the premium parking has been a nice perk, not to mention the ludicrous gas prices.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/parking-garage.jpgParking Garage!My employers' parking garage, every day and every hour this week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/meijer-meatless.jpgMeijer meatless!The meat section at our nearby Meijer. Humanity's lust for animal flesh is at an all-time high.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/workspace.jpgworkspace!This is basically how I imagine a lot of CEO workspaces look at the moment.2020-03-20T16:28:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/09/onward-the-brotherhood-of-the-traveling-pants/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/onward.jpgOnward!Are they elves? Goblins? Bugbears? Kobolds? Smurfs? I have no idea.2020-03-09T04:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/03/04/20-pilots-down-a-special-graze-watching-weekend/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/queen-sono-2.jpgQueen Sono!Bond? Bond who? Pearl Thusi and Loyiso Madinga in the action-spy series <em>Queen Sono</em>, which premiered on Netflix last Friday.2020-03-04T20:59:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/29/my-2020-reading-stacks-3/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/reading-stack-2020-3.jpgReading Stack 2020 3!Three books edited under the same guiding principle: for fans, by fans.2020-03-06T02:41:16+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/27/the-delaware-problem/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cerebus.jpgCerebus!Sixteen volumes reprinting all 300 issues of Dave Sim's <em>Cerebus</em>. I will never reread the entire saga, especially not the last 100+ issues...but dare I split it up?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pixar-collection.jpgPixar Collection!Once upon a time Pixar was so bulletproof that I aspired to a complete collection as each new film was released. You'll note there are now intentional gaps as well as one pretender that speaks to why there are gaps.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/hi-im-in-delaware.jpgHi I'm in Delaware!Sometimes it's okay not to own a complete set. I have the first <em>Wayne's World</em>, but not the second one.2020-02-27T05:42:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/23/yes-theres-a-message-after-the-birds-of-prey-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/birds-of-prey.jpgBirds of Prey!They gleefully went for an R rating, but their spoof of Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" actually puts more clothing on the central figure.2020-04-03T08:05:21+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/20/r-i-p-indiana-beach-1926-2020/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/white-tiger.jpgWhite Tiger!"Please don't stuff me into a wood chipper or send me to a rundown Six Flags! Noooooooo!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/me-on-ferris-wheel.jpgMe on Ferris Wheel!Your humble narrator with his old Canon PowerShot. Photo by my wife Anne, who took over half these photos, many of which we've never shared online before/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ferris-wheel-view-lake-shafer-better.jpgFerris Wheel View Lake Shafer Better!Lakeside recreation as seen from the comfort of the Ferris wheel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ferris-wheel-view-lake-shafer-1.jpgFerris Wheel View Lake Shafer!An alternative Batman '66 view of that bridge.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/zipline.jpgZipline!For impatient travelers: a zipline!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/campground-bridge.jpgCampground Bridge!A bridge spanning Lake Shafer, connecting various activities with or without rides.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/shelter-chicken.jpgShelter Chicken!Company picnics have their attractive features. didn't count the big tubs of "Shelter Chicken" among them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/this-horse-closed.jpgThis Horse Closed.Some carousel horses had to be put out to pasture long ago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/mini-golf.jpgmini-golf!We have four photos remaining from our 2007 visit -- two of my son playing miniature golf, two of him playing video games.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fountain.jpgFountain!Happy fountain over by the miniature golf course.2020-02-21T04:58:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/19/the-best-i-could-do-on-twitter-so-far/2020-02-19T05:33:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/15/valentines-the-day-after/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/brisket-waffles.jpgBrisket and Waffles!Anne's breakfast of beef brisket and waffles, served with a side of hot honey 'n' miso lime butter, and topped with a fried egg.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/lox-home-fries.jpgLox Home Fries!My meal of choice: Lox Home Fries -- potatoes, cured salmon, pickled red onion, avocado crema, and salsa roja topped with a fried egg.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/curated-clutter.jpgCurated Clutter!Mandatory backdrop of curated clutter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/care-dont-care.jpgCare Don't Care!Mass Ave has art everywhere you look, from murals to protests to subtle flourishes embedded in the cityscape.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/artisan-bakery.jpgArtisan Bakery!These baked goods are actually the end of the story, but when you invoke the word "Valentine", it's hard to put off the sugar till later.2020-02-16T01:27:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/14/my-2020-reading-stacks-2-the-horror-and-heroism-of-becoming-superman/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/becoming-superman.jpgBecoming Superman!A recommended read all throughout, from the introduction by onetime Babylon 5 writer Neil Gaiman to all the other words not written by Gaiman.2020-02-14T05:00:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/10/mcc-live-tweeting-oscars-2020/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/oscars.jpgOscars!Them statuettes.2020-02-14T01:37:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/06/the-mcc-2020-oscar-nominated-animated-short-film-revue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/maestro.jpgMaestro!Several notches above that stupid old Budweiser ad I never liked.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/hors-piste.jpgHors Piste!The Three Stooges in "Slope Dopes"!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/bird-and-the-whale.jpgBird and the Whale!Don't expect a sequel series on Nick Jr. anytime soon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kitbull.jpgKitbull!Not exactly in the neighborhood of Garfield and Odie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sister-1.jpgSister!Awkward Family Photos, warm fuzzy edition.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/memorable.jpgMemorable!When this man peers into your soul, does he see Cubism or Dadaism?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/dcera.jpgDcera!Another father/daughter dust-up, but this time it's over feathers, not hair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/hair-love.jpgHair Love!This white guy and his retreating hairline kinda wish we had her tonsorial problems.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/henrietta-bulkowski-1.jpgHenrietta Bulkowski!A wish for wings that work.2020-02-07T04:36:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/05/the-mcc-2020-oscar-nominated-live-action-short-film-revue/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/saria.jpgSaria!These girls are not here to complain about poor choices in the cafeteria vending machines.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/brotherhood.jpgBrotherhood!Is Dad ruining a family reunion or striking a blow against terrorism? The answer might surprise you!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sister.jpgA Sister!In Delphine Girard's <em>A Sister</em>, Veerle Baetens is <em>not</em> here to sell you auto insurance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/neighbors-window.jpgThe Neighbors Window!It's no fun when your arguments about the drawbacks of middle age get in the way of your daily Peeping Tom sessions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nefta-football-club-1.jpgNefta Football Club!From <em>Nefta Football Club</em>, following in the footsteps of Francis the Talking Mule and Disney's <em>Gus</em>.2020-02-05T05:02:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/02/02/video-scorecard-21-oscar-hopeful-mini-documentaries-2020/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/skateboard-in-a-warzone.jpgSkateboard in a Warzone!Now I kinda want skateboarding lessons too.2020-02-02T19:56:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/31/mcc-home-video-scorecard-20-oscar-hopeful-documentaries-2020/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honeyland.jpgHoneyland!In a fairer world, the stars of Honeyland would be dividing up this year's Oscars like this, not honeycombs.2020-02-02T18:35:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/29/my-2020-reading-stacks-1/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20200129_224346.jpgAnyone!In a world where fingerprints only tell you which hands did the murdering, but <em>not</em> who wielded them...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20200110_213138.jpgLibrary Books!Our first two books, brought to you by our local library. LIBRARIES: Ordering Stuff We Might Not Buy Ourselves Since Sometime B.C.!2020-02-14T01:38:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/27/my-2019-reading-stacks-4-our-dismal-double-date-with-heathcliff-and-catherine/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/wuthering-heights.jpgWuthering Heights!I imagine the book designer going to the publisher in tears: "I'm sorry, but there isn't a single scene worth illustrating on the front cover. Can U just photograph the contact paper in my grandma's pantry?"2020-01-30T02:46:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/28/comics-update-my-current-lineup-and-2019-pros-and-cons/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tie-fighter-2-5.jpgTIE Fighter 2-5!Ending on a visual high note: the <em>TIE FIghter</em> miniseries, a transmedia tie-in to a novel I'll never read, was largely wasted on me, but the painted covers by Tommy Lee Edwards were among the year's best.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/teen-titans-jail.jpgTeen Titans jail!This excerpt from <em>Deathstroke</em> #42 nearly became an entry about how jails run by superheroes tend to have deplorable living conditions. Whether in this page or in early seasons of <em>The Flash</em>, do shackled villains have to go to the bathroom in their costumes? Who feeds them? (Art by Carlo Pagulayan, Norm Rapmund and/or Jason Paz, and Jeromy Cox.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/beasts-of-burden-covers.jpgBeasts of Burden covers!Interlocking covers from <em>Beasts of Burden: The Presence of Others</em> painted by Jill Thompson.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/outpost-zero.jpgOutpost Zero!What's wrong with this picture? I missed one issue. ONE. Is it worth buying directly from the publisher and paying extra for shipping? Or can I just move on?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/greetings-from-indiana.jpgGreetings from Indiana!One of the ads for <em>Undiscovered Country</em> featured my own home state! I was so excited, I nearly gave it its own MCC entry. Instead I'm sharing it way down here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/excalibur-1-2019-variant.jpgExcalibur #1 2019 variant!My least favorite cover of 2019 was a variant that had nothing whatsoever to do with the inner contents. Nothing against artists Mark Bagley, John Dell, or Israel Silva, but good luck figuring out why this was slapped on <em>Excalibur</em> #1.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/comics-2019.jpgComics 2019!Nearly all my 2019 purchases, sorted in alphabetical piles from A to Y.2020-01-28T12:02:43+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/25/ford-v-ferrari-the-little-best-picture-nominee-that-could/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ford-v-ferrari.jpgFord v Ferrari!Stars of the hot new motion picture White Men Can't Brake.2020-01-25T05:21:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/22/old-guy-with-a-ps3-year-5-results/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/borderlands-handsome-jack.jpgBorderlands Handsome Jack!One day I'll have to murder Handsome Jack after he turns into an intergalactic madman, but in our shared past he's just tipped me $22 for saving his life. What a guy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dead-space-b.jpgDead Space!Savoring those moments when I could just stop, breathe, and watch in-game TV.2020-01-22T05:18:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/02/13/old-guy-with-a-ps3-year-4-results/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/red-dead-redemption.jpgRed Dead Redemption!This throwaway exchange in the original <em>Red Dead Redemption</em> turned into foreshadowing for me. Not cool, grizzled frontier helper guy.2020-01-21T03:24:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/20/mcc-home-video-scorecard-19-the-oscars-2020-best-picture-home-game/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/marriage-story.jpgMarriage Story!I was tempted to caption it myself, but...nah. Another time.2020-01-20T05:08:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/16/best-cds-of-2019-according-to-an-old-guy-who-bought-4/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20200115_211301.jpg2019 compact discs!Biggest trends of 2019 in album covers in my outlier dimension: no names, no faces, and lots of black.2020-01-17T12:55:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2018/01/11/my-2017-in-books-and-graphic-novels-part-2-of-2/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/games-guggenheim.jpgGames @ Guggenheim!One of my favorite pages of comic art this year, from New Teen Titans: Games. Jericho faces bad guys at Manhattan's Guggenheim Museum, whose unique design Perez incorporated into the page design.2020-01-17T04:00:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/09/jojo-rabbit-your-knife-is-calling/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/jojo-rabbit.jpgJojo Rabbit!Near the end of the war when the Fatherland began running low on father figures, you had to make do with what was rationed to you.2020-01-14T03:47:36+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/31/little-women-what-is-it-like-being-a-woman-in-old-timey-arts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/little-women.jpgLittle Women!You can have your Charlie's Angels. I'm here for the March matriarchy.2020-01-14T03:47:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/02/yes-theres-a-scene-during-the-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sharon-tate.jpgSharon Tate!Sharon Tate, ready for her first comic-con invitation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood.jpgOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood!Meet Rick and Cliff. Or call them by their bro-couple name, Riff.2020-01-14T03:46:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/08/joker-the-day-the-clown-cried-and-people-died/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/joker.jpgJoker!Toys and statues now available on Etsy and eBay! For other versions, check your local comic shops, big-box stores, Barnes & Noble toy sections, or good ol' Amazon! Buy Joker stuff wherever you shop, work or bank!2020-01-14T03:46:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/08/parasite-scenes-from-the-class-struggle-in-south-korea/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/parasite.jpgParasite!Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Truth is in the ear of the gullible.2020-01-14T03:46:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/13/1917-the-marathon-of-battle/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/1917.jpg1917!Our young heroes navigate the long walk to the Oscars, fraught with snipers, barbed wire, raging rapids, and <em>Joker</em> fans.2020-01-14T12:20:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/12/uncut-gems-baubles-balls-bets-beats-and-beatings/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/uncut-gems.jpgUncut Gems!"Howard Ratner sent away to Africa / For a gem to pay for Hanukkah...!"2020-01-12T20:14:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/09/my-2019-reading-stacks-7-the-season-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/bookshelf-total-2019.jpgBookshelf Total 2019!The total 2019 bookshelf, minus a few library books.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/carrie-fisher-comics.jpgCarrie Fisher comics!Okay, fine, <em>one</em> excerpt: Alisa Kwitney shares the impact Carrie Fisher had on her life, and on countless others'. Art by Alain Mauricet and Hi-Fi Studios.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/stack-7-best.jpgStack 7 Best!A few of my year's highlights.2020-01-10T04:28:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/07/my-2019-reading-stacks-6-the-penultimate-pile/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gnomon-hardcover.jpgGnomon hardcover!The midway point of this entry is brought to you by Gnomon and the number 4.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/c2e2-graphic-novels.jpgC2E2 Graphic Novels!Some art samples, if you will.2020-01-08T04:35:06+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/04/my-2019-at-the-movies-part-1-of-2-everything-below-the-top-ten/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ad-astra.jpgAd Astra!"If you're watching this, it means I've fled to Neptune rather than star in one more godawful Men in Black sequel."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cliff-booth.jpgCliff Booth!Y'know what would've been awesome? <em>Ad Astra</em> starring Cliff Booth.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/it-2.jpgIT 2!"Derry's hottest club is called AAAARRGGH and it has <em>everything</em>: balloons, hate crimes, man-spiders, and seafookies. That's that thing where fortune cookies are stuffed with midget sea monsters."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/joker.jpgJoker!Self-reflection time: how many times a day do you make this face while checking social media? And yet you keep scrolling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-wick-3.jpgJohn Wick 3!For Your Oscar Consideration: Best Movie Doggos of 2019.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/glass.jpgJames McAvoy!James McAvoy gave his all in three different films, all consigned to this half of the list. Better luck next year...2020-01-06T04:25:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/05/my-2019-at-the-movies-part-2-of-2-the-top-ten/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mysterio.jpgMysterio!"...is Mr. Music okay?"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/parasite.jpgParasite!Folding pizza boxes is a crappy way to make a buck, but at least they didn't make them dress like the Noid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/knives-out.jpgKnives Out!Happy final birthday, Harlan Thrombey!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/the-farewell.jpgThe Farewell!Okay, who wants to tell Grandma that Awkwafina won a Golden Globe and she didn't?2020-01-06T04:24:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2020/01/01/midlife-crisis-crossover-2019-in-review-the-hermits-hunt-for-happiness-in-hiding/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cube-notes.jpgCube notes!8/27: Atlanta's Center for Puppetry Arts preserved documents from the making of Jim Henson's The Cube. A reminder that even the most brilliant artists have their misfires.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lost-in-space-merch.jpgLost in Space merch!9/21: A selection of classic <em>Lost in Space</em> merchandise on display at CIncinnati Comic Expo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20191030_161306.jpgParasite poster!10/30: Poster for Bong Joon-Ho's <em>Parasite</em> as it played at Keystone Art Cinema in Indianapolis.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/toy-story-cake.jpgToy Story Cake!8/26: A Toy Story cake featuring a headless Sheriff Woody -- presumably not the creator's intent -- exhibited at the Indiana State Fair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/pollocks-signature.jpgPollock's signature!5/25: Closeup of Jackson Pollock's signature on <em>Greyed Rainbow</em>, on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20190924_103457.jpgIndianapolis fire!9/24: Downtown view of a west-side Indianapolis house fire in the late morning https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/at-at-diorama.jpgAT-AT diorama!4/13: An AT-AT diorama at Star Wars Celebration Chicago.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20191113_170059.jpgTaika Waititi boy!11/13: Kanopy presents Taika Waititi costarring in his 2010 film <em>Boy</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/c2e2-dc-booth.jpgC2E2 DC booth!3/22: The back of the DC Comics booth at C2E2 2019.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cnn-tour-2.jpgCNN Tour 2!8/26: An unused souvenir photo from our tour of CNN Studios in Atlanta. The rain is fake. The 2019 mood is real. 2020-01-02T00:16:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/03/the-lighthouse-didst-thou-see-the-great-white-light/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lighthouse-spookity.jpgLighthouse! Spookity!Our cast gazes upon the fickle ocean while behind them lurks the watchful eye of Steampunk Robot Sauron.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lighthouse.jpgThe Lighthouse!Normally I feel like simply using a movie poster as a lead image for a review is taking the easy way out, but I find this one utterly mesmerizing and can't let it go.2020-01-01T21:13:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/27/my-2019-reading-stacks-5/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/flaming-carrot.jpgFlaming Carrot!From those halcyon days when black-and-white comics were an acceptable artistic choice and everyone loved using Frankenstein. Art by Bob Burden.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mage-v.1.jpgMage v.1!Not quite a Round Table. Art by Matt Wagner, Sam Kieth, Jeromy Cox and/or James Rochelle.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/crime-books.jpgCrime Books!Mystery! Guns! Danger! Crime! More guns!2019-12-28T04:50:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/24/merry-christmas-from-mcc-2/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191224_083757-1.jpgMerry Christmas!Considerably sized Christmas tree live from the heart of downtown Indianapolis.2019-12-24T19:55:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/22/star-wars-episode-ix-the-rise-of-skywalker-the-third-series-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/episode-9-friends.jpgEpisode 9 friends!In reviewing the trailers, this moment sticks out as the biggest one I don't recall appearing anywhere in the finished film. Corrections welcome.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/episode-9-rey.jpgEpisode 9 Rey!Rey, a drop of golden sun.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/episode-9-duo.jpgEpisode 9 duo!Not a hoax! Not a dream! Not an imaginary story! (Well, not <em>exactly</em> a dream, anyway.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/episode-9-wreckage.jpgEpisode 9 wreckage!Our cast ponders life after Episode VIII's messy deconstruction.2019-12-23T01:04:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2015/03/14/the-alderaanian-glitter-bomber-strikes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_7287-glitter-me-1.jpgCarrie Fisher glittering!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_7289-glitter-me-2.jpgGlitter!What Carrie Fisher did to me. I got off light compared to some of her critics after <em>The Force Awakens</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_0153-come-to-me.jpgCARRIE FISHER COMPELS YOU!The most intimidating command issued to me all year: General Leia Organa yelling, "COME HERE, PHOTOGRAPHER." What happened next was my most memorable moment of 2015.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_0152-glitter-anne.jpgCarrie Fisher Glittering!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_7285-autographing.jpgCarrie Fisher Autographing!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_7280-face-touching.jpgCarrie Fisher Face-Touching!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_7290-glitter-me-3.jpgCarrie Fisher Glitter!I know nothing about winning awards, but there was that time Carrie Fisher turned me into one.2019-12-22T01:39:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/20/doctor-sleep-terms-of-psychic-warfare/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/doctor-sleep.jpgDoctor Sleep!"After that night, I could never watch <em>The Tonight Show</em> again."2019-12-20T05:03:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/17/yes-theres-a-deleted-musical-number-during-the-midway-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/midway-2.jpgMidway 2!Once more, with feeling: EXPLOSIONS!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/midway-3.jpgMidway!Ed Skrein and a lost castaway from Anchors Aweigh.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/midway.jpgMidway!Once again the world is saved thanks to EXPLOSIONS!2019-12-17T06:12:33+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/15/knives-out-benoit-blanc-and-the-secrets-of-the-spoiled-socialites/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/knives-out.jpgKnives Out!Three professionals want to know who killed Christopher Plummer and whether Kevin Spacey had an alibi.2019-12-15T05:38:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/13/the-cws-crisis-on-infinite-earths-midterm-report/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/crisis-poster.jpgCrisis Poster!Shows will live! Shows will die! And The CW's Arrowverse will never be the same!2019-12-13T05:15:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/09/rene-auberjonois-1940-2019/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/zimg_4575_zps3083f640.jpgRene Auberjonois!On stage here in Indy, patiently tolerating questions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/shimerman-auberjonois.jpgShimerman Auberjonois!Us with the late actor, plus his dear friend and fellow Star Trek vet Armin Shimerman.2019-12-09T12:45:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/08/caroll-spinney-1933-2019/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/big-bird-close-up.jpgBig Bird Close-Up!R.I.P., you lovable giant among us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/oscar-the-grouch.jpgOscar the Grouch!Previously unshared alternate take of Oscar the Grouch from that same wonderful museum.2019-12-08T19:29:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/07/yes-theres-a-scene-after-the-frozen-ii-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/frozen-ii.jpgFrozen II!The band reunites for the sophomore follow-up to their bestselling self-titled debut album.2019-12-08T04:02:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/06/mcc-home-video-scorecard-18-temporarily-free-hbo-presents-watchmen/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/looking-glass-2.jpgLooking Glass!Evildoers gaze upon Tim Blake Nelson and despair.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/rorschachs.jpgRorschachs!The closed-captioning can't decide if they're called the Seventh Kavalry or the Seventh Kalvary. There's definitely a K.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sister-night-2.jpgSister Night!Sister Night and the tea. 2019-12-06T05:10:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/12/03/mcc-home-video-scorecard-17-my-thanksgiving-letdown-with-baby-yoda/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mando-baby-1.jpgMando + Baby!"Hello. Wondering, probably you are, into this mess how got I..."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mandalorian.jpgMandalorian!This reminds me: I still haven't watched that new Comcast commercial where Elliott and E.T. reunite and sell out.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/baby-yoda.jpgBaby Yoda!An excerpt from the first time we tried watching The Mandalorian under the worst circumstances. We are now retconning that waste of time out of our personal timeline.2019-12-04T03:46:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/29/my-just-barely-black-friday-2019/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/victrola-dot-com.jpgVictrola Dot Com!Naturally I test-drove it with a couple of Christmas albums. Frankly, I have no idea when or where we got this one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/black-friday-blu-rays.jpgBlack Friday Blu-rays!Widows for $6, Aquaman for $7, Endgame for $8, and Far from Home for $10.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/kohls-pillows.jpgKohl's Pillows!Wheeling down the aisles at Kohl's with my tiny cart piled high.2019-11-30T03:34:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/26/our-2019-road-trip-part-31-the-season-finale-outtakes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/the-end.jpgThe End!The last word from an old-timey Coke film. Catch the wave! Coke!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/downtown-nashville.jpgdowntown Nashville!DAY EIGHT: Downtown Nashville on our way home.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/curie-and-epicurus.jpgCurie and Epicurus!Race for the Cures: Madame Marie Curie with her face hidden and the philosopher Epicurus, onetime star of two DC graphic novels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/spartans-iv.jpgSpartans IV!Still more Spartans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/xerxes-and-spartans.jpgXerxes and Spartans!DAY SEVEN: Xerxes and Spartans in the Dragon Con cosplay parade. I Instagrammed this shot, but never really came back and revisited my shots of strolling Spartans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/coke-sign.jpgCoke sign!Alternate shot of the Coke sign down the street from our hotel, better lit but segueing between messages.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/haydari.jpgHaydari!The Haydari (read: Turkish yogurt dip) from our dinner at Truva.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/vulture-and-tower.jpgvulture and tower!DAY FOUR: A vulture flies around the broadcast tower atop Stone Mountain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/vampire-diaries.jpgVampire Diaries!Bonus items in the Carter Museum's Hollywood exhibit include props from <em>The Vampire Diaries</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cap-carter.jpgCap + Carter!Souvenirs from good times when Captain America got along with the American government.2019-11-27T04:35:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/26/our-2019-road-trip-part-30-puppet-outtake-island/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/glob.jpgGlob!The Glob, a one-time nemesis for Gumby and Pokey.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/golden-turtle.jpgGolden Turtle!A Golden Turtle from their collection of Vietnamese water puppets.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/horse-marionette.jpghorse marionette!Possibly the coolest horse marionette I've ever seen. (Sorry, Bullseye.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/carol-channing-not.jpgCarol Channing?Two puppets that were hanging out next to Wayland Flowers' Madame. I didn't get details, but the one on the right bears a supernatural resemblance to Carol Channing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/punchs-stage.jpgPunch's Stage!Stage and players from ye olde misadventures of Punch.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dark-crystal-ball.jpgDark Crystal ball!The entryway upon our arrival Tuesday morning, while preparations were underway for that Thursday evening's gala, the "Dark Crystal Ball".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gich.jpgGich!The star and his MacGuffin from a 2016 Dark Crystal fan film called "Gich and the Sky Stone".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/toad-and-feather-cricket.jpgToad and Feather Cricket!From the <em>Dark Crystal</em> exhibit, a Toad and a Feather Cricket.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/jim-henson-quote.jpgJim Henson quote!Obligatory Jim Henson inspirational quote.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/muppet-stained-glass.jpgMuppet stained glass!Muppets and Mupeteers in stained glass.2019-11-26T05:50:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/16/our-2019-road-trip-part-24-dragon-con-cosplay-parade-special-bonus-encore/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/blastoise.jpgBlastoise!Blastoise!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pink-bender.jpgPink Bender!Pink Bender from an alt-universe <em>Futurama</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/groot.jpgGroot!Groot, dressed from that time someone in comics thought it made total sense for space renegades to wear matching military uniforms.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pepper-potts.jpgPepper Potts!Pepper Potts with an Arc Reactor in her bouquet.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/catwoman-and-cheetah.jpgCatwoman and Cheetah!Catwoman and Cheetah.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/skeptics.jpgskeptics!Historians and history buffs representing real-life pioneers for the D*C Skeptics track.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/horrible-and-spaceballs.jpgHorrible and Speed Racer!Dr. Horrible and Speed Racer, members of the Seed & Seed Marching Abominable band.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/vision-plus.jpgVision Plus!The Vision, polka-dotted Wonder Woman, and X-Men charter member the Angel in his old X-Factor costume.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/wheres-wakanda.jpgWhere's Wakanda?Black Superman (take THAT, IDris Elba), Joker, and, well, Where's Wakanda?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cinderella-fairies.jpgCinderella fairies!Fauna,Flora, and Merryweather, the fairy godmothers from Disney's Cinderella.2019-11-26T05:19:59+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/22/our-2019-road-trip-part-29-the-last-outpost/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/take-home-pies.jpgtake-home pies!The fried pies later proved to be everything we'd hoped. Peach pie for Anne, apple pie for me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/brisket-browns-fritters.jpgbrisket browns fritters!Southern hospitality strikes for the last time on this vacation with brisket, corn fritters, and hash browns topped with cheese, peppers and mushrooms.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/catfish.jpgcatfish!For Anne, the fried catfish and mashed potatoes, because you can't go wrong with a classic or take another fifty minutes to cook it, which they blessedly didn't.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/smokehouse-sauces.jpgSmokehouse sauces!The barbecue sauce options at our table. Parental guidance suggested.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gift-shop.jpggift shop!Amenities include a deeply authentic General Store that puts to shame the corporate fakery behind too many Cracker Barrel anterooms.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cutting-board.jpgcutting board!Cutting board offers big promises.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/willie-nelson.jpgWillie Nelson?Possibly the base of a Willie Nelson totem pole.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/wall-of-sound-2.jpgWall of Sound 2!More wall, more sounds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/wall-of-sound.jpgWall of Sound!A sort of Wall of Sound with autographs and tributes to the stars of country music and Christian rock.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/welcome-to-the-smokehouse.jpgWelcome to the Smoke House!Right this way to more wood carvings and food, in that order.2019-11-22T16:31:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/20/our-2019-road-trip-part-28-at-the-mountains-of-fitness/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sherman-and-horse.jpgSherman and Horse!Sherman himself. It would be awesome if his horse were named Mister Peabody, but I fear it isn't so.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/kennesaw-house-hotel-brick.jpgKennesaw House Hotel brick!A brick from the Kennesaw House Hotel, where INSERThttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/scorched-earth-quote.jpgscorched-earth quote!Big-mood quote from a general and Gettysburg veteran who later oversaw the surrender of Savannah.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/old-atlanta-map.jpgold Atlanta map!A map of Atlanta from the era. Most of these streets remain unchanged, though a few names have been swapped out. Among the few holdovers was Ellis Street, which wasn't far from our hotel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cannon.jpgthe cannon!The cannon! The cannon! The cannon!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/weapons.jpgweapons!Sample weaponry, the display where all male museum visitors tend to flock.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/soldier-camp.jpgsoldier camp!A typical soldier's camp.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/jefferson-davis.jpgJefferson Davis.Faces of the Civil War. Up front is CSA President Jefferson Davis.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/confederate-flag.jpgConfederate flag.The later, more familiar Confederate flag.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/flags.jpgConfederate Flags.At left, an early version o the Confederacy's first flag, the ol' "Stars and Bars". At right, INSERT2019-11-21T03:47:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/18/our-2019-road-trip-part-27-times-to-make-the-doughnuts/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sublime-options.jpgSublime options!Mandatory racks and racks of sugary awesomeness in myriad varieties.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sublime-donuts.jpgSublime donuts!Anne's donut duo: strawberry and cream, Kit-Kat. My tasty trifecta: A-Town Mocha, Chocolate Banana Fritter, and white chocolate peach fritter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sublime-pillows.jpgSublime pillows!Cozy furniture with donut decor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sublime-mural.jpgSublime mural!Sublime mural obscured by lighting.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sublime-sign.jpgSublime sign!Mandatory racks and racks of sugary awesomeness in myriad varieties.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sublime-doughnuts.jpgSublime Doughnuts!Strip malls are a common nesting ground for donut makers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sublime-scooters.jpgSublime scooters!Another folding sign. Scooters everywhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/revolution-choices.jpgRevolution choices!Mandatory racks and racks of sugary awesomeness in myriad varieties.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/donut-sign.jpgdonut sign!Li'l folding chalkboard sidewalk signs: a sure signifier of quality quaintness.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/revolution-doughnuts.jpgRevolution Doughnuts!Housed in one of those little storefronts that surely used to be three other artisan businesses in times past.2019-11-18T15:59:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/17/our-2019-road-trip-part-26-hearts-in-atlanta/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/skyview-purple.jpgSkyview purple!The Skyview Atlanta Ferris wheel between blinks as night faded to black, we faded into sleep, and the end of vacation loomed near.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mercedes-benz-stadium.jpgMercedes Benz Stadium!Farther west, Mercedes-Benz Stadium waits either for the Falcons or their soccer team to hold their next games.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/atlanta-sundown.jpgAtlanta sundown!Sundown after Dragon Con, as seen from our room.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/no-cruising-zone.jpgNO CRUISING ZONE!Based on the noise levels outside our windows on Friday and Saturday night, this "NO CRUISING ZONE" has all the authority of a security guard at a roller skating rink.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/music-mural.jpgMusic Mural!Musical mural across the street from one of our breakfast stops.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/coca-cola-sign.jpgCoca-Cola sign!Scintillating digital ad for The World of Coca-Cola, down the street from our hotel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/airport-torch.jpgAirport torch!An Olympic torch not far from the Capitol, different from the one we saw when we first arrived in town.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/two-headed-snake.jpgtwo-headed snake!If you loved the two-headed calf at the Georgia State Capitol, you may also enjoy their two-headed snake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/bat-pinball-2.jpgBat-Pinball!Bonus closeup of the awesome Batman pinball machine at My Parents' Basement.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mlk-clippings.jpgMLK Clippings.Photos and newspaper clippings at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.2019-11-18T03:17:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/17/our-2019-road-trip-part-25-dining-with-dragons/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/chicken-shawarma.jpgchicken shawarma!Mine mine MINE: chicken shawarma with a side of quinoa made with sauteed zucchini and squash, plus a side of tahini. Come for the Avengers references, stay for the Turkish spices.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/rosemary-chicken.jpgrosemary chicken!For Anne, the rosemary chicken in "secret spices" and a side of...I think she had the eggplant ratatouille?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/yami-yami-haul.jpgYami Yami haul!My modest results, better and cheaper than Panda Express.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/yami-yami.jpgYami Yami!The line began here and continued into our lead photo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/great-wraps.jpgGreat Wraps!Great Wraps. Mostly harmless. Bacon-egg-cheese sandwiches are tough to screw up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/beer-boxes.jpgbeer boxes!Anne and I found one (1) open table next to CVS, where we had a non-scenic view of D*C weekender fuel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/plantains.jpgplantains!My side order of sweet plantains. More now, please. Can someone mail me some?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/benis-cubano.jpgBeni's Cubano!You can see a few of the thousands of fans already in Atlanta and communing before the big event.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/yami-yami-sign.jpgYami Yami line!Food courts: America's unsung heroes in times when we need convenience most..2019-11-17T20:08:10+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/05/dragon-con-2019-photos-8-ultimate-final-cosplay-parade-climax-endgame-finale/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/marriott-carpet-thor.jpgMarriott Carpet Thor!Converts to the Cult include Marriott Carpet Thor and, trying to elude our roving eye, Captain Malcolm Reynolds in a Marriott Carpet bonnet. WE SEE YOU, MAL.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/marriott-carpet-cheerleaders.jpgMarriott Carpet cheerleaders!Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Cult of Marriott Carpet cheerleaders!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/marriott-carpet-truck.jpgMarriott Carpet truck!The cult of Marriott Carpet have a truck. Someone paid Earth money to do this on purpose. Such is the power of its hypnotic allure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/marriott-carpet-cult.jpgMarriott Carpet Cult!Hogwarts wizards give way to the Cult of Marriott Carpet, who have a shocking number of products online.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lakeside-high-school-marching-band.jpgLakeside High School marching band!Uniforms, not costumes: the very real Lakeside High School marching band. Anne did the same in high school and took a few more pics like this in case anyone asks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/netherworld-float.jpgNetherworld float!Downtown Atlanta's skybridge collection makes parade floats height-prohibitive, but Netherworld Haunted House made it work.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/blues-brothers-car.jpgBlues Brothers car!A Blues Brothers car, from a rare example of an R-rated film that Anne has seen and I haven't.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jake-the-snake-roberts.jpgJake The Snake Roberts!Among the non-costumed celebs in the parade was famed wrestler Jake "The Snake" Roberts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dragon-con-over-40.jpgDragon Con Over 40!More folks from Dragon Con Over 40, which I bet is ten times more fun than the AARP.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dragon-con-over-40-banner.jpgDragon Con Over 40 banner!Had we known "Dragon Con Over 40" was a thing, I would've gladly paid admission dues.2019-11-17T02:48:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/14/our-2019-road-trip-part-22-international-southern-hospitality/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lamb-shish-kebab.jpgLamb shish kebab!Lamb shish kebab served with salad and rice. Sometimes simple elegance is absolutely fine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/beef-flatbread.jpgbeef flatbread!I have it in my notes as "beef flatbread", though I'm reminded of Ben Wyatt's calzones. In a good way!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sigara-borek.jpgSigara Borek!No, not spring rolls again, but Sigara Borek -- feta cheese and herbs rolled up in phyllo dough like cigars.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/truva.jpgTruva!Truva downtown. They opened a second Atlanta location earlier this year.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/burgermeister-meisterburger.jpgBurgermeister Meisterburger!For the fans of Rankin-Bass' <em>Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town</em> (major thanks to Anne for reminding me), behold the Burgermeister Meisterburger: a burger topped with a grilled bratwurst, bacon, onions and beer cheese. Served with German potato salad as an obvious side and a welcome change of pace from fries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/village-corner-inside.jpgVillage Corner!Their dining room wasn't too packed upon our somewhat late arrival.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/village-corner.jpgVillage Corner!Themed architecture that reminds me of the Oktoberfest-ish restaurant they used to have inside Kings Island.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dipped-fortune-cookies.jpgdipped fortune cookies!Second dessert! Chocolate dipped fortune cookies. Mine said, "Soon, a visitor shall delight you."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/raspberry-sherbet-cookie.jpgraspberry sherbet + cookie!For Anne, raspberry sherbet topped with an almond "surprise" cookie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lychee-nuts.jpglychee nuts!For me, dessert was lychee nuts on ice. I'd never touched lychee before, but I've seen <em>Chopped</em> chefs struggle to shell them. 11/10 would definitely order again regardless of the chef's tension level.2020-01-30T10:51:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/16/our-2019-road-trip-part-23-one-last-constitutional-before-the-convention/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/bell-dolphin-statue.jpgbell-dolphin statue!This book-laden bell-dolphin was the last statue we saw before we flipped our mental switches from "road trip" to "comic con". I understand there are other dolphins around the city, but they were no longer our concern.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ty-window.jpgTy window!On Thursday it was more cutesy collectibles. On Friday this was our gateway to Artists Alley and the con's official exhibit hall.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ty-column.jpgTy column!On the side nearest the con, ads were plastered all over for the wonderful world of Ty and whatever mutant animals they're now selling instead of Beanie Babies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/americasmart-2.jpgAmericasMart 2!To our right, AmericasMart 2, on the side facing away from the D*C hotels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/americasmart-3.jpgAmericasMart 3!To our left was AmericasMart Building 3, unused by the con. Cool staircase, though.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/atl-souvenirs.jpgATL souvenirs!Or we could've just bought some peaches to remember Atlanta by, but those have a slightly shorter shelf life.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/centennial-olympic-park.jpgCentennial Olympic Park!The far side of Centennial Olympic Park, that's less about remembering the Olympics and more about being a basic happy city park.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/aquarium-crane.jpgaquarium crane!Also not appearing in this miniseries: the Georgia Aquarium, which was among the priciest spots in town and under construction for new additions we can perhaps see on some future visit. And, to be honest, we've done aquariums.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/college-football-hall-of-fame.jpgCollege Football Hall of Fame!Special features in the vicinity that have nothing to do with us include the College Football Hall of Fame, which was constructed from a giant football someone hollowed out with a backhoe.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/streetcar-inside.jpgStreetcar Inside!Streetcar: the inside story. Whatever the cause for the long wait, it wasn't due to heavy crowds.2019-11-16T19:22:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/15/tom-spurgeon-1968-2019/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/tom-spurgeon.jpgTom Spurgeon!Our least worst photo of the esteemed gentleman, moderating a panel at CXC 2017.2019-11-16T03:50:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/11/our-2019-road-trip-part-21-a-limited-whos-who-in-georgia-history/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mlk-painting.jpgMLK painting!Civil rights scorecard update: this painting makes two tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we found on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol, compared to the zero (0) we found on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/governor-willie-lumpkin.jpgGovernor Willie Lumpkin!Governor Wilson Lumpkin (1837-1840) oversaw the ongoing push to remove the Creek and the Cherokee from their homelands to make way for white folks. He also shares a name with the Fantastic Four's mailman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/americas-largest-legislative-black-caucus.jpgAmerica's Largest Legislative Black Caucus!A 2011 salute to that time in 1868 when thirty-three black men (24 of them ministers) were elected to the Georgia General Assembly at once.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/general-lee-to-the-rear.jpgGeneral Lee to the Rear...On the side of Gordon's horse's base was the only nod I could find to Robert E. Lee -- a bas-relief depiction of the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lady-liberty.jpgLady Liberty!Small-scale Lady Liberty replicas are a common sight around government institutions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mississippian-chief.jpgMississippian Chief!Various natural history artifacts include this statue of a Mississippian Chief, which has apparently experienced issues with grabby patrons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mary-lattimer-mclendon.jpgMary Latimer McLendon!Mary Latimer McLendon was one of Georgia's leading suffragettes, but this 1923 memorial fountain was commissioned by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in honor of her other biggest passion, helping people realize alcohol sucks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/john-marshall-slaton.jpgJohn Marshall Slaton...John M. Slaton held numerous offices but is best (infamously) known for commuting the death sentence of a Jewish laborer named Leo Frank, who was (possibly wrongly) convicted of a teenage girl's murder. In response to the commutation, Frank was abducted and lynched, and Slaton fled the state fearing for his life.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/benjamin-harvey-hill.jpgBenjamin Harvey Hill!Benjamin Harvey Hill served in the U.S. Senate, in the House, and in the Confederate Senate. He was against secession but stuck by his state through thick and thin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/eugene-talmadge.jpgEugene Talmadge!Eugene Talmadge was once involved in a "hog price manipulation scheme", declared martial law at least twice when he couldn't get his way, and once bragged about having read <em>Mein Kampf</em> seven times.2019-11-14T05:04:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/10/our-2019-road-trip-part-20-under-the-dome-georgia-edition/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/carter-the-dog.jpgCarter the dog?Possibly the meanest piece of anti-Jimmy Carter campaign souvenirs we saw this week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/era-memorabilia.jpgERA memorabilia!Remember the Equal Rights Amendment that was a thing back in 1972? As of today, Georgia remains one of 13 states that have never ratified it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/georgia-on-my-mind.jpgGeorgia on My Mind!Sheet music for Ray Charles' 1960 cover of Hoagy Carmichael's 1930 hit "Georgia on My Mind", now the official Georgia State Song. (Charles' version was also once sampled in a rap song.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/100-millionth-us-telephone.jpg100 millionth US telephone!In honor of their 100th millionth US telephone installed in 1967 AT&T sent gold phones as gifts to all fifty U.S. governors at the time. This one belonged to Georgia Governor Lester Maddox, once a restaurateur who closed up his business for good rather than desegregate in compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/two-headed-calf.jpgtwo-headed calf!This two-headed calf is reportedly one of the more popular pieces on display. Apparently this is Georgia's answer to Li'l Sebastian.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ballot-box.jpgballot box!An old-fashioned ballot box. Back in the day, hacking them required more primitive schemes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/prohibition-pen.jpgProhibition pen!With this pen, Governor Hoke Smith signed off on Georgia's first statewide Prohibition bill in 1907. The aforementioned Governor Harris would sign more sweeping Prohibition restrictions into law a decade later.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/women-lawyer-pen.jpgWomen Lawyer pen!Whit this pen, Governor Nathaniel E. Harris signed a bill into law at long last granting women the right to practice law in Georgia in the Year of Our Lord 1916.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/richmond-hussars-flag.jpgRichmond Hussars flag!Flag once carried by the RIchmond Hussars, a cavalry unit dating back to the early 19th century. Odds are this was retired early into the Civil War.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ga-capitol-paintings-on-levels.jpgGA Capitol paintings on levels!Paintings and more fun with architecture.2019-11-11T04:22:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/11/05/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-thor-ragnarok-end-credits/2019-11-05T04:23:08+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/04/our-2019-road-trip-part-19-the-hobbyists-shopping-interlude/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/criminal-records.jpgCriminal Records!Target acquired: a record shop!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/junkmans-daughter.jpgJunkman's Daughter!We surely looked more out of place than anyone around us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/little-five-points.jpgLittle Five Points!Eye-popping visuals everywhere around us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/under-bridge-mural.jpgUnder Bridge Mural!Another mural, this one under the bridge and featuring no famous IPs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hi-street-light-box.jpgHI street-light box!Random acts of local creativity include this bit of HI art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/waffle-house-museum.jpgWaffle House Museum!Alas, Waffle House Museum tours are available by appointment only. To us that phrase means "basically closed to the public" and we usually skip such attractions.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/waffle-house-museum-sign.jpgWaffle House Museum sign!This way to the Waffle House Museum! Your chance to tour the world's very first Waffle House, which opened in 1955.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/star-wars-pinball.jpgStar Wars Pinball!...naturally.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/munster-ball.jpgMunster-Ball!Remember the Munsters, who have yet to star in their own neutered big-screen mediocrity.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/bat-pinball.jpgBat-Pinball!HOLY FLIPPING FRENZY, BATMAN!2019-11-05T04:03:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/11/01/our-2019-road-trip-part-18-eighty-stories-over-georgia/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mountain-riders.jpgmountain riders!Eventually we waited in line for the next Skyride back down to If-Only-the-South-Had-Won-the-War Land.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/aerial-tram.jpgaerial tram!More trams came and went as we wandered around and took twice as many photos as you see here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cables-and-rocks.jpgcables and rocks!More trees. Big cables. Much rocks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/broadcast-tower.jpgbroadcast tower!Broadcast tower for a few local TV and radio concerns.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mountain-truck.jpgmountain truck!Also unexpectedly in the area: this truck. I saw no sign of roads anywhere, but the guy clearly didn't sneak it aboard the Skyride.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/vulture.jpgVulture!Also live and in person: this is a vulture, right? Anne spotted it flying laps around, and followed it for several minutes until it landed for a bit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mountain-people.jpgmountain people!Speaking of humans: most visitors gathered over to the west and northwest, probably at the end of the hiking path.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/trash-and-strata.jpgtrash and strata!Behind that wall, you can either admire the sediment strata or make a face at the human litter. Or why not both?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/copse-and-cubbyhole.jpgcopse and cubbyhole!A copse in front of a cubbyhole and an obviously man-made wall of rocks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/mountain-trees.jpgmountain trees!Assorted trees poke out here and there.2019-11-02T02:39:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/31/halloween-stats-2019-into-the-valley-of-death-rode-the-14/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/me.jpgMe!I tried. If any costumed orphans had shown up tonight, they totally could've had handfuls of this stuff, but nooooooo.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danville-scarecrows.jpgDanville scarecrows!Flashback to a much nicer day, two weekends ago when we were checking out scarecrows in Danville.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/halloween-decor.jpgHalloween Decor!Some of our yard decor. I really need to stock up on some new gear, though.2019-11-01T01:16:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/30/our-2019-road-trip-part-17-the-stone-faced-sentinels-of-slavery-and-secession/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/confederates-closeup.jpgConfederates closeup!Better closeup of details lovingly rendered and fully funded. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/cablecars-passing.jpgcablecars passing!Passing the other, counterweight tram along the way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/stone-mountain-fountains.jpgStone Mountain fountains!As we, our friendly driver, and no one else rode upward, we got a better view of the Confederates, the picturesque fountains below, and the immaculate grounds.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/up-stone-mountain.jpgUp Stone Mountain!The view toward the summit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/smashed-penny-machine.jpgSmashed Penny Machine!Smashed penny machine fulfills Anne's real primary objective here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/skyride-plaza.jpgSkyride Plaza!Single-file, folks, single-file.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/stone-mountain-pumpkin.jpgStone Mountain pumpkin!Free-range teaser pumpkin.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/stone-mountain-halloween.jpgStone Mountain Halloween!Coming soon: the Stone Mountain Halloween section! (No, I didn't intentionally time this chapter for the holiday, but here we are anyway.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/history-of-stone-mountain.jpgHistory of Stone Mountain...Would you like to know more? Press any button for further international indoctrination.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/stone-mountain.jpgStone Mountain...Ladies and gentlemen, the heroes of the Confederate States of America.2019-10-31T03:28:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/27/a-series-of-scarecrows-on-a-small-town-square/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fearless-girl.jpgFearless Girl!Whether bronze or straw, "Fearless Girl" stands firm.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/wizard-of-oz.jpgWizard of Oz!We've seen Wizard of Oz scarecrows before, but lugging in an entire A/C unit just to crush the Wicked Witch of the East is next-level scarecrowing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mister-rogers.jpgMister Rogers!Even more beloved: Mister Rogers! Look closely and you can see they even included his puppets!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/rich-uncle-pennybags.jpgRich Uncle Pennybags!Rich Uncle Pennybags, the most trusted billionaire in America. Take THAT, Warren Buffett.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nutcracker.jpgNutcracker!If it's almost Halloween, that means it's time to advertise Christmas stuff!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/republican-newspaper.jpgRepublican newspaper Danville!Danville is the rare town that still has its own independent newspaper/ They're so hardcore, they don't even have a website or social media presence. Nevertheless they persist.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pie-chaser.jpgPie Chaser!I'd never heard of the Hoosier Pie Trail, but now we have ideas for our next several road trips.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/frankensteins-scarecrow.jpgFrankenstein's Scarecrow!This is of course Frankenstein's Scarecrow because well actually Frankenstein was the farmer's name.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/super-legal-beagle.jpgSuper Legal Beagle!A cute doggie plus a groany pun equals the kind of reliable combination usually reserved for Hallmark cards.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/barn-wood-pumpkins.jpgbarn wood pumpkins!Pumpkins by artisans who make all their merchandise -- furniture, knickknacks, et al. -- out of wood from torn-down old barns.2019-10-28T02:28:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/25/our-2019-road-trip-part-16-the-park-and-the-church-of-mlk/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mlk-wall-quote.jpgMLK wall quote!...and yes, there's a quote.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/sanctuary-rear.jpgEbenezer Baptist Church!The pews are just pews., exact same measurements as any other, except in these seats sat those who knew the Kings, heard the Kings, worshiped with the Kings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/stained-glass.jpgstained glass!Stained glass windows, naturally.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/jesus-glass-art.jpgJesus glass art!Up on the wall above it all.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/altar.jpgaltar and pulpit!Altar and pulpit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/church-inside.jpgchurch inside!Where the Kings who served the one true King spoke.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ebenezer-baptist-church.jpgEbenezer Baptist Church.Our view of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church as we walked from the King Center. We, um, may have failed to actually walk around and look at the <em>front</em> of it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/flowers-and-poem.jpgflowers and poem!A garden is decorated with poems written by local schoolchildren.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/behold.jpgBehold!Features around the park grounds include <em>Behold</em>, a 1990 statue by Patrick Morelli, unveiled by Coretta Scott King herself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/cross-wreath.jpgCross Wreath.Apropos of his faith, a cross-shaped wreath to accompany the wagon.2019-10-26T02:06:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/24/our-2019-road-trip-part-15-a-history-of-nonviolence/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/eternal-flame-closeup.jpgEternal Flame closeup!Better view of the fire that burns brightly and never goes out.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/eternal-flame-quote.jpgEternal Flame + quote.Like the gravesite of John F. Kennedy in DC, the Kings' site has its own eternal flame.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coretta-scott-king-quotes.jpgCoretta Scott King quotes!Other touches around the Center grounds include the writ-large words of Mrs. King, no slouch in the inspirational department herself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/isaiah-1-18.jpgIsaiah 1-18!Shout-out to one of the great verses in Scripture about sitting down and talking things through.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mlk-quilt-squares.jpgMLK quilt squares!King's life and works have plenty of memorable quotes and iconography to work with.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kiddie-quilt.jpgkiddie quilt!Beyond awards organizations, Dr. King has also received honors from millions of students and other admirers. One example of an outpouring of love: this quilt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nonviolent-peace-prize.jpgNonviolent Peace Prize!The King Center in turn has its own award it bestows every year to appropriate qualifiers, the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mlk-grammy.jpgMLK Grammy!Also posthumous: Grammy Award Winner Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who won in 1971 for his speech "Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/presidential-medal-of-freedom.jpgPresidential Medal of Freedom.In 1977 President Jimmy Carter awarded King a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nobel-peace-prize-1964.jpgNobel Peace Prize 1964!King's efforts and leadership won him the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. In his speech he name-checked Gandhi and his tools of "the weapons of truth, soul force, non-injury, and courage."2019-10-25T03:10:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/21/mcc-live-tweeting-that-final-trailer-for-star-wars-episode-ix-the-rise-of-skywalker/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/threepio.jpgThreepio!Threepio jacked in Matrix-style, trying to be among the first 300 to see the new trailer and get misty-eyed.2019-10-22T03:22:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/18/our-2019-road-trip-part-13-peanuts-to-president-to-peacemaker/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/peanuts-to-president.jpgPeanuts to President!a few events were recounted, surely tongue-in-cheek, in this board game...which at best maybe told half his story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/international-observer-badges.jpgInternational Observer badges!In their 80s, Jimmy and Rosalynn wore these badges as International Observers monitoring 2009 elections in Lebanon.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/grammy.jpgGrammy!Nobody ever talks about Three-Time Grammy Award Winner Jimmy Carter. This one was his first, in 2007 for the audiobook version of <em>Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/gates-award-2006.jpgGates Award 2006!The good works performed by his nonprofit, the Carter Center, in the realm of disease treatment and eradication in third-world countries earned him this 2006 Gates Award for Global Health from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nobel-peace-prize-2002.jpgNobel Peace Prize 2002!Carter's Nobel Peace Prize, won in 2002 after criticizing the Bush administration's post-9/11 war plans. His acceptance speech touched on his opposition to the death penalty.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/presidential-medals-of-freedom.jpgPresidential Medals of Freedom!After Carter bestowed numerous Presidential Medals of Freedom during his term, he and Rosalynn received their own in 1999 from President Bill Clinton.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/crown-of-st.-stephen.jpgCrown of St. Stephen!The original Crown of St. Stephen had rested upon the head of every king of Hungary since the 12th century until after World War II, when it was transported for safekeeping from the Russians. Carter ordered its return in 1978 at a point when the Cold War had calmed down a tad. 20 years later he was rewarded with this replica keepsake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/peace-shield.jpgPeace Shield!"The Peace Shield" was a gift to Carter from the Egyptian General Association for the Preservation of the Qur'an.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/gold-box.jpgGold Box!This gold box was a 1978 gift from the Shah of Iran. Grim tidings in his homeland would eventually help doom Carter's lackluster 1980 Presidential campaign.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ostrich-egg.jpgostrich egg!This ostrich egg covered with rhinestones and lace, sits atop a musical base that plays "Hail to the Chief".2019-10-19T03:59:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/16/downton-abbey-for-fans-and-country/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/downton-abbey.jpgDownton Abbey!Perhaps a bit smaller than stately Wayne Manor, but it'll have to do.2019-10-17T03:28:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/14/our-2019-road-trip-part-12-put-your-hand-inside-the-puppet-head/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/crow-and-servo.jpgCrow and Servo!The Center's headliners of my heart: Crow T. Robot and Tom Servo from Mystery Science Theater 3000. Anyone who knows me closely could've guessed.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mr.-rogers-merch.jpgMr. Rogers merch!The Center has one of the most tempting gift shops I've ever walked into on vacation. Relevant merch options include Mister Rogers, whose wide array of puppet friends we visited last year in Pittsburgh.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/corpse-bride.jpgCorpse Bride!Also in stop-motion, VIncent and Emily from Tim Burton's Corpse Bride.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mufasa.jpgMufasa!For contrast, here's Mufasa. Other versions are coming soon to Disney+, I presume.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/scar.jpgScar!We saw The Lion King on Broadway on our 2011 road trip and vividly remember the show's complicated, bedazzling puppet work as well as the face of Scar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/gumby.jpgGumby!Gumby! Art Clokey's low-key Claymation classic, this one is from 1962.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/madame.jpgMadame!Madame! She and her ventriloquist Wayland Flowers frequented 1970s variety shows and were practically regulars on The Hollywood Squares.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/karetao.jpgKaretao!Faithful recreations of Karetao, puppets of the Maori of New Zealand.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/indonesian-puppets.jpgIndonesian puppets!From 20th-century Indonesia, these were labeled Satria Gongdrong, Buta ("ogre"), and Rahwana.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mua-roi-nuoc.jpgMua Roi Nuoc!Múa Rối Nước -- Vietnamese water puppetry, once performed in 11th-century village ponds.2019-10-15T22:50:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/13/our-2019-road-trip-part-11-master-of-muppets/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/1969-sesame-street.jpg1969 Sesame Street!Though I always preferred <em>The Muppet Show </em>, Sesame Street remains the colossus of Jim Henson legacies, an integral part of many childhoods till it relocated in 2016 to HBO, which I still don't have to this day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/krystals-sandwich.jpgKrystals sandwich!In recent years Jim Henson Productions has given us a fantastic comeback film, its pretty okay sequel, the ABC revival I skipped, and a 2016 ad campaign for Krystals starring this living chicken sandwich.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dog-city.jpgDog City!After Henson's death in 1990, one of his Jim Henson Hour movies, Dog City, was turned into a Fox Kids series for two seasons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/sir-didymus.jpgSir Didymus!Sir Didymus, antagonist turned ally in 1987's <em>Labyrinth</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fraggle-rock.jpgFraggle Rock!Fraggle Rock (1983-1987) originally aired on HBO, which made it too expensive for my family at the time, but it had its fan base.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/storyteller-dog.jpgStoryteller Dog!This dog (and his controls) come from the short-lived 1987 British series Jim Henson's Storyteller, which later aired in America as part of The Jim Henson Hour.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/garthim.jpgGarthim!In addition to the dedicated temporary exhibit, 1982's <em>The Dark Crystal</em> is also part of the main collection via this Garthim and a few other creatures.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mayor-fox-and-gretchen.jpgMayor Fox and Gretchen!Other works from Henson and his talented crew include the 1977 Canadian TV special <em>Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas</em>, represented here by Mayor Fox and his wife Gretchen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/rainbow-connection-stained-glass.jpgRainbow Connection stained glass!Decorative flourishes around the Center include a stained glass tribute to Kermit's big musical number from The Muppet Movie, "The Rainbow Connection", the greatest banjo recording in world history.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/robin-and-miss-kitty.jpgRobin and Miss Kitty!Kermit's nephew Robin and the obscure Miss Kitty.2019-10-14T03:55:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/28/the-road-to-dragon-con-the-dark-crystal-puppet-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/jen.jpgJen!Jen, one of the easiest kinds of characters to remember: a main one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/urac-the-scribe.jpgUrAc the Scribe!UrAc the Scribe, sort of a local, wizened stenographer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/aughra.jpgAughra!Aughra, bringer of science and wisdom.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pod-people.jpgPod People!Two of the many oppressed Pod People, a name that took on new significance many years later on Mystery Science Theater 3000.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/not-ewok.jpgnot Ewok?Same problem here, where my only note to myself is "not Ewok". I welcome any and all polite corrections in the comments because I like learning new things and remembering older thingshttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hero-puppet.jpghero puppet?Full disclosure: I haven't watched the film in a good 35 years or more, when I saw it on cable TV at my cousins' house. So I forget some character names such as this one's, which also escaped my notetaking process at the museum.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dark-crystal-comics.jpgDark Crystal Comics!Examples of various Dark Crystal tie-in comics produced in recent times. Not included is Marvel's original 2-issue adaptation by David Anthony Kraft and Bret Blevins (which I might still have).https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mystic-maquette.jpgMystic maquette!Not a puppet, but a maquette of one of the Mystics made during pre-production.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/skeksis-head.jpgSkeksis head!Anyone who thinks working for the Jim Henson Company was an easy job has never seen a puppet with this many intricate controls for one creature head alone.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/landstrider-head.jpgLandstrider head!A head from one of the Landstriders, those stilt-legged riding beasts.2019-10-14T00:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/10/our-2019-road-trip-part-10-know-your-rights/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/robert-woodruff.jpgRobert Woodruff!Shout-out to Coca-Cola president Robert Woodruff for that time he wielded his considerable power to take a stand on MLK's behalf.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/the-problem-we-all-live-with.jpgThe Problem We All Live With.The 1960s even turned Amercana's own Normal Rockwell serious and relevant, as in his 1963 work <em>The Problem We All Live With</em>. (This is a replica; the original is in his official museum in Massachusetts.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/oppression-chocolate.jpgoppression chocolate.A selection of tables show off imported products made in other countries using oppressive worker conditions and/or outright slave labor, such as this chocolate that was of course not sold by your favorite chocolate company but by some other similar dudes but eviller.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/lobby-mural.jpglobby mural.The mural in the lobby, tying the whole place together.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/great-firewall.jpgGreat Firewall...To the right of that previous list stands another learning opportunity about the guys who recently costarred in an outstanding episode of <em>South Park</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/government-censorship-of-online-advocacy.jpggovernment censorship of online advocacy!Immediately concerning to anyone reading this entry on a technological device: summary of methods used by regime to shape, bend, twist, control, dominate, eliminate, and otherwise dictate online life according to their immoral whims.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/current-dictators.jpgCurrent Dictators!"Current Dictators": a handy if not necessarily comprehensive field guide to present-day non-benign regimes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kinds-of-rights.jpgkinds of rights.Larger displays break down some of the more commonly invoked rights individually.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/eleanor-roosevelt.jpgEleanor Roosevelt!Among the cornerstones of negotiating human rights worldwide is the U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted December 10, 1948. Here, speaker Eleanor Roosevelt holds up the Spanish-language version.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bull-connor-door.jpgBull Connor Door!Related image: the office door of Birmingham segregationist Bull Connor -- dark, unhinged, no longer in anyone's way.2019-10-11T13:57:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/06/our-2019-road-trip-part-9-soda-pop-art-productions/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coca-cola-picnic-partners.jpgCoca-Cola Picnic Partners!This painting was the center of a "Picnic Partners" campaign that ran somewhere between 1943 and 1953 (sources seem to vary). Kids, if you don't get this image, be sure to ask a grown-up what a "picnic" was.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-paintings.jpgCoke paintings!Another room contained a wall of Coke paintings. The one at the bottom was a Christmas card prototype.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-art-bottles-line.jpgCoke art bottles line!An entire row of giant Coke art bottles loomed over the Coca-Cola Polar Bear's photo backdrop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/500-reward.jpg500 reward!One room devoted to the secret formula had its walls covered in conspiracy-theory messages about the fierce competition to deconstruct and imitate it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/big-art-coke-bottle.jpgbig art Coke bottle!...many of them next to windows whose backlighting made for frustratingly dark, shots.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/big-coke-art-bottle.jpgbig Coke art bottle!A selection of super-sized Coke bottles painted with imaginative forms are scattered throughout the World of Coca-Cola's many rooms.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/cokemobile.jpgCokemobile!Quickly, old chum, to the Cokemobile!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-toys.jpgCoke toys!Grown-ups told you not to play with your food, but Coke toys technically let you play with your drinks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-machine-elsewhere.jpgCoke machine elsewhere!A Coke machine not from 'round these parts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-machines.jpgCoke machines!Ye olde-tyme Coke machines, in use long before they needed a separate hole to accept dollar bills.2019-10-06T18:15:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/06/our-2019-road-trip-part-8-celebrities-love-coke/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/paul-newman-coke.jpgPaul Newman Coke!Frankly, if we send Paul Newman to your store and you still can't sell any Coke, then what you've got there is a failure to communicate.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/max-headroom-new-coke.jpgMax Headroom New Coke!My generation has fond nostalgia for the pretend-A.I. character Max Headroom and his assorted TV antics. We're less fond of that time he shilled for New Coke.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/olympic-torches.jpgOlympic torches!Coke has been a major sponsor of the Olympics since 1928. These are some of the actual Olympic torches that were carried on long relays before the opening ceremonies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-santa-montage.jpgCoke Santa montage!SANTA! IT'S SANTA! OMG THE REAL SANTA CLAUS LOVES COCA-COLA! AAAAAAAAAHHH!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/jewels-guitar.jpgJewel's guitar!When the company introduced Tab Energy in 2006, promotional tie-ins included "lounge" concerts at various radio stations across America. Jewel performed at one and then signed this guitar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dasani-fest-guitar.jpgDasani Fest Guitar!Musical events sponsored by Coke have included at least one Elton John tour and the 2005 Dasani Fest in St. Louis, whence came this guitar autographed by Kelly Clarkson, Gavin DeGraw, Joss Stone, Atlanta musician Michael Tolcher, and the guys from Better Than Ezra.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/gandhi-oscar.jpgGandhi Oscar!From 1982 to 1989 the Coca-Cola Company owned Columbia Pictures, during which time they won Best Picture for <em>Gandhi</em>. This is an authorized duplicate of the actual Oscar handed to producer/director Sir Richard Attenborough.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/wallace-beery.jpgWallace Beery!Academy Award Winner Wallace Beery was far back enough to have worked with Buster Keaton, Mary Pickford, and child star Dean Stockwell. (I've only seen him in the Best Picture winner <em>Grand Hotel</em>.) Lupe Velez dates back to the days of cabaret and vaudeville. They have one other thing in common: the Wikipedia summaries of their respective controversies are very, very lengthy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/eddie-fisher-and-red-grange.jpgEddie Fisher and Red Grange!Other past Coke pitchmen include Red Grange from the Chicago Bears and Carrie Fisher's dad.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mean-joe-greene-ad.jpgMean Joe Greene ad!If you're too young to know what I'm talking about, there's a display case showing the commercial on a loop, or of course there's always YouTube.2019-10-06T12:03:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/01/our-2019-road-trip-part-6-this-is-cnn/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nia-malika-henderson-lobby.jpgNia-Malika Henderson!While we ate, CNN senior political pundit Nia-Malika Henderson expounded on the day's mishaps and/or ramifications.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/burgerfi.jpgBurgerFi!My BurgerFi-branded sandwich was called the "CEO" -- a Wagyu/brisket double burger topped with Swiss cheese, truffle aioli, and candied tomato bacon jam. Anne had a plain burger, what we like to call a "Ron Swanson".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/weather-demo.jpgweather demo!Our tour guide mimics a TV meteorology performance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/news-desk.jpgnews desk!A sample news desk, complete with TelePrompter demonstration.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/director-control-panel.jpgdirector control panel!In the official welcoming room, a director's control panel demonstrates the number of screens and camera angles that can be viewed at once. At left, the President of France tries not to roll his eyes at America while speaking.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/escalator-into-earth.jpgEscalator into Earth!Journey into the center of the Earth, with headline news at fixed points zipping past on our left.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dolphin-statue.jpgdolphin statue!One of 47 dolphin statues erected around Atlanta in 2011 as a promotion for their aquarium.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dc-comics-merch.jpgDC Comics merch!DC Comics gets a smattering of representation. Actual DC comics do not.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/rick-and-morty-merch.jpgRick and Morty merch!A <em>Rick and Morty</em> corner section for the discerning Adult Swim devotee.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cartoon-network-25-years.jpgCartoon Network 25 years!Now celebrating 25 years of animation. They've come a long way since their early years of nonstop Hanna Barbera reruns.2019-10-06T02:51:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/05/our-2019-road-trip-part-7-silly-yonkers-and-the-coca-cola-factory/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/polar-bear-lazytime.jpgpolar bear lazytime!Clear evidence of the Coca-Cola Polar Bear phoning in his performance when he's not getting paid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/advertising-litter.jpgadvertising litter!A salute to the iconic Coke bottle design, so distinct that even when smashed on the ground in grocery parking lots by delinquent teens, its litter counts as guerrilla advertising.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bibo-candy-pine-nut.jpgBibo Candy Pine-Nut!I couldn't possibly try every drink because all those ounces really add up and many of them were gross to me, but my favorite was Bibo Candy Pine-Nut, a product in South Africa that I'm now annoyed to learn was discontinued ages ago and available nowhere in America but here.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/tasting-station-asia.jpgtasting station Asia!The part everyone looks forward to most: a room where you can try free samples of dozens of different Coca-Cola Company products from around the world.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/in-search-of-the-secret-formula-3-d.jpgIn Search of the Secret Formula 4-D!A theater holds screening of a nine-minute short film called <em>n Search of the Secret Formula 4-D</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-bubble-death.jpgCoke bubble death!We'll show off more exhibits in the next chapter, but here's a video simulation of how it might look if you were dissolved in a vat of fizzy bubbles.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-soda-jerk-counter.jpgCoke soda jerk counter!Old-fashioned soda jerk counter, later supplantedin history by vending machines and gas stations.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mixing-guy-statue.jpgmixing guy statue!Primitive formulating from halcyon days when the work had to be done by trained alchemists.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/robot-bottler.jpgrobot bottler!Robot bottler of the sort that took jobs away from Laverne and Shirley.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/coke-blender.jpgCoke blender!Where the magic happens and the water, carbon dioxide, chemicals, acids, spices, fruits and/or vegetables are fused into the longtime arch-nemesis of dentistry.2019-10-07T11:08:12+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/10/03/ad-astra-per-verba-omnium/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ad-astra.jpgAd Astra!If his space soliloquies mend just one broken father/son relationship out there, then they were worth it. Did they, though?2019-10-04T03:14:17+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/27/our-2019-road-trip-part-5-it-was-the-summer-of-96/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/plaque.jpgplaque!The Atlanta Olympics: Never Forget.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/georgia-aquarium.jpgGeorgia Aquarium!The Georgia Aquarium was on our "maybe" list all week long but was ultimately cut. Their admission fees were among the highest of anyplace on our list and, to be honest, we've seen aquariums.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/book-sculpture.jpgbook sculpture!Book sculpture across from the northeast corner, in front of the Children's Museum of Atlanta.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/state-farm-arena.jpgState Farm Arena!State Farm Arena, home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. I'd honestly never heard of them before I looked up State Farm Arena tonight.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/skyview-atlanta.jpgSkyview Atlanta!Special features neighboring the park include Skyview Atlanta, the Ferris wheel we ultimately skipped. https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/scooters-everywhere.jpgscooters everywhere!Once again, scooters everywhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/centennial-pool.jpgCentennial Pool!Gentle pool near the previous quilt, on the opposite end of the park from the Fountain of Rings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/quilt-of-olympic-spirit.jpgQuilt of Olympic Spirit!The Quilt of Olympic Spirit is less a square patchwork and more a collection of stones bearing the names of all participating athletes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/quilt-of-nations.jpgQuilt of Nations!Above rather than below, the Quilt of Nations is a canopy comprising the flags of that year's 197 participating countries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/quilt-of-origins.jpgQuilt of Origins!Not far away is the Quilt of Origins and attached sculpture, celebrating the Olympics as a historic institution.2019-09-27T04:30:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/23/our-2019-road-trip-part-4-piquant-platters-at-pittypats-porch/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/peach-cobbler.jpgpeach cobbler!The piece de la resistance: Georgia peach cobbler topped with cinnamon ice cream.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ribeye.jpgribeye!Later we both thought it was funny that we came all this way for southern cooking and what does Anne order? A ribeye.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/muffins.jpgMuffins!Cute, tiny breads made while you gawk.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/pecan-coated-catfish-fingers.jpgpecan coated catfish fingers!Because we drastically, comically underestimated the course sizes, we ordered an appetizer of pecan coated catfish fingers. One of the best bites of our entire week.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/savannah-crab-cakes.jpgSavannah crab cakes!My dinner: Savannah crab cakes atop a roasted red pepper and tomato sauce, with grits and sauteed vegetables.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bread-basket.jpgbread basket!Also, there's a bread basket. Muffins! Cornbread! Tiny rolls! Carb carb carby-carb carbs!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/salad.jpgsalad!And this was just the salad bar, free with the entrees.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/scarlett-ohara.jpgScarlett O'Hara!Painting of Vivien Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara in the dining room. One day I'm sure this movie will be remade as a $300 million Civil War epic with Scarlett played by some former Disney Channel diva.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/pittypats-porch-sign.jpgPittypat's Porch sign!This way to Southern-fried , Southern-breaded goodness.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fried-chicken.jpgfried chicken!If this is the South, there must be fried chicken, and it must be the greatest.2019-09-24T03:28:50+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/22/aron-eisenberg-1969-2019/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eisenberg-autograph-1.jpgEisenberg autograph!A souvenir from Anne's files, a moment from happier times.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nog-live.jpgNog Live!Eisenberg performing as Nog in a sketch with Max Grodenchik at Starbase Indy 2014.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/aron-eisenberg-2014.jpgAron Eisenberg 2014!Eisenberg on stage at Starbase Indy 2014.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/aron-eisenberg-2001.jpgAron Eisenberg 2001!The first time we met Aron Eisenberg, back in November 2001 when 35mm cameras and their flashes were still a thing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ferengi-family.jpgMax Grodenchik and Aron Eisenberg!Us doing Ferengi jazz hands with Max Grodenchik and Aron Eisenberg at Starbase Indy 2014.2019-09-23T22:05:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/21/our-cincinnati-comic-expo-2019-photo-gallery/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/firefly-dvd.jpgFirefly DVD!Slightly devalued in one respect: in a fit of premature excitement I accidentally put my thumbprint right in the middle of Jewel Staite's not-yet-dried autograph. I was horrified at the time, but such a flaw makes it even more personalized and on some levels is apropos of the show itself.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/this-looks-bad.jpgThis Looks Bad!Three buttons and comics-inspired art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hocus-pocus-winifred.jpgHocus Pocus Winifred!Possibly our Best of Show: Bette Midler's Winifred from <em>Hocus Pocus</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hufflepuffpool.jpgHufflepuffpool!The MCC Department of Mandatory Deadpool Cosplay Variants presents...Hufflepuffpool?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/7th-doctor.jpg7th Doctor!The 7th Doctor was one of two Doctor Who fans who kept us company in line while we all waited for the hall to open for the day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/alice-in-wonderland-cast.jpgAlice in Wonderland cast!<em>Alice in Wonderland</em> group cosplay. When Anne took a few seconds too long to finish, the Queen shouted, "OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!"https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/holy-grail-cast.jpgHoly Grail cast!The cast of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. They brought their own coconuts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/star-wars-group-cosplay.jpgStar Wars group cosplay!Star Wars group cosplay. Bonus points for Lando.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dancing-stormtrooper.jpgdancing Stormtrooper!A dancing Stormtrooper who believes in the old adage, "Boogie like the Emperor isn't watching."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bespin-leia.jpgBespin Leia!Princess Leia's Bespin dress, a variant rarely seen in cosplay.2019-09-22T11:38:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/20/our-2019-road-trip-part-3-welcome-to-atlanta/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/atlanta-skyline-night.jpgAtlanta skyline night!Yes, the view improved at nighttime.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/westin-atlanta.jpgWestin Atlanta!To our right side, that shiny Westin preens like the proud, distinct landmark it is. Down and to the right is the Marriott Marquis, a.k.a. the heart of Dragon Con.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/atlanta-skyline-left.jpgAtlanta skyline left!The view to our left, with Centennial Tower hogging center stage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/emerging.jpgEmerging!Also nearby is <em>Emerging</em>, a 1981 work by local artist Mark Smith.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/arrow-in-sphere.jpgGerman sundial!Near the plaza is a German sundial, a gift from West Germany in 1983 in honor of local German heritage.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/andrew-young-obelisk.jpgAndrew Young Obelisk!Like his statue, the Andrew Young Obelisk (Curtis Patterson, 2008) and the surrounding circle represented a $1.5 million addition to this very small park.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/andrew-young-statue.jpgAndrew Young statue!The Andrew Young statue at the plaza, a 2008 work by John Paul Harris.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/residence-inn-by-marriott.jpgResidence Inn!Temporary home sweet home. Scooters everywhere.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/atlanta-downtown.jpgAtlanta downtown!A fuller view of Atlanta downtown, where we spent most of the next six days.You can see Suntrust Plaza at far left, and the spire of the Westin in the center.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/i-75-intro.jpgI-75 intro!Past the Appalachians, he southern skyline flattened for a time until skyscrapers began to emerge on our left.2019-09-21T03:40:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/17/our-2019-road-trip-part-2-the-chickamauga-saga/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-man-who-punched-jefferson-davis.jpgThe Man Who Punched Jefferson Davis!The best merchandise in the gift shop.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/deer-roadside.jpgdeer roadside!Also, we saw two deer! Anne only caught one on camera, though.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hay-bales.jpghay bales!Some private residences remain on and near the grounds. Nearby hay bales offer rural ambiance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/snodgrass-house.jpgSnodgrass House!Chickamauga effectively ended near the Snodgrass House, from whence Union forces retreated. They absconded to Chattanooga and spent a couple months regrouping.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/brotherton-house.jpgBrotherton House!Other markers include the Brotherton House, on the spot where Union forces found themselves divided in two during Chickamauga.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/infantry-relief.jpginfantry relief!I missed the state credit for this infantryman.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/minnesota-trio.jpgMinnesota trio!The 2nd Minnesota monument drew a large crowd for its 1895 dedication.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/wisconsin-cavalry.jpgWisconsin cavalry!...and their cavalry gets a horse, of course.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/wisconsin-flag-bearer.jpgWisconsin flag bearer!Wisconsin contributed five regiments and three cavalries. The 10th regiment gets a flag...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/iowa-monument.jpgIowa monument!Even before we entered the park, a monument to an Iowa regiment assured us we were heading in the right direction.2019-09-19T15:13:19+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/16/our-2019-road-trip-part-1-southern-accents/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/welcome-to-tenneesee-again.jpgWelcome to Tenneesee again!This was the second "Welcome to Tenneesee" we saw that day. Borders are funny things sometimes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/runaway-truck-ramp.jpgrunaway truck ramp!Ditto the runaway truck ramps, a roadside safety precaution for any semis that begin to lose control on the steep downhill grades and need a heavy dose of instant friction.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/mountain-and-river.jpgmountain and river!Soon the Appalachian Mountains and their pretty waterways were upon us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nissan-stadium.jpgNissan Stadium!Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL's own Tennessee Titans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kid-rocks-honky-tonk.jpgKid Rock's Big Honky Tonk!Spotted from minimum safe distance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bojangles.jpgBojangles!Throwin' away my social media influencer cred, y'all!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dinosaur-world.jpgDinosaur World!It wouldn't be an I-65 cruise through Kentucky without briefly goggling at our old friend Dinosaur World, which we visited back in 2007.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/discover-space-with-snoopy.jpgDiscover Space with Snoopy!NASA and space program attractions have been major guest stars in our past vacations to the South. This time it's merely here for tangential cameos such as these nifty Snoopy Happy Meal toys.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/welcome-to-kentucky.jpgWelcome to Kentucky!The toll bridge across the Ohio River into Louisville. Definitely not the last time Dr. King's good name will appear in this miniseries.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bojangles-chicken-sandwich.jpgBojangles chicken sandwich!Bojangles fires shots at the great internet chicken sandwich war with their new Cajun Filet Biscuit, a spicy patty topped with pimento cheese.2019-09-17T03:30:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/15/a-donut-run-on-the-way-back-from-turkey-run/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/wheel-house-counter-donut.jpgWheel House counter donut!That name again: DONUTS! Thank you.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hubcaps.jpgHubcaps!Hubcap collection for the car aficionado, with a hint of garage door track for accent.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/donuts-car.jpgDonuts car!Comfy chairs, rustic grille.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/donuts-decor.jpgDonuts decor!We didn't try the coffee on this visit because I already had a drink out in the car, but I noted four (4) sugar-free syrup options, which is at least twice what many coffee bars feebly offer.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/wheel-house-donuts.jpgWheel House Donuts!Cleverly disguised as an ordinary family dwelling. But we saw through their cunning deception.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ostghay-iderray.jpgOstGhay Iderray!...or the ghostly, riderish apparition floating above, all spirited and with a vengeance.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/thirty-six-cycle.jpgThirty-Six Cycle!Just look for the motorcycle statue on the corner across from their town hall...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/donuts.jpgDonuts!Clockwise from top left: chocolate/Reese's Pieces; chocolate/Cinnamon Toast Crunch; caramel/sea salt; and caramel/peanut.2019-09-16T01:44:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/02/dragon-con-2019-photos-1-the-stars-our-destination/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/legends-of-tomorrow-ii.jpgLegends of Tomorrow!Jes Macallan, Nick Zano and Tala Ashe from The CW's <em>Legends of Tomorrow</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/harvey-guillen.jpgHarvey Guillen!Harvey Guillen, bringing the passion and raising the bar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/emma-dumont.jpgEmma Dumont!Emma Dumont from Fox's X-Men spin-off <em>The Gifted</em>. Dressed to the nines as Polaris, she's one of the very few actors we've ever seen grace a con in costume.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/black-lightning-cast.jpgBlack Lightning cast!From the cast of The CW's Black Lightning: Jordan Calloway, James Remar, star Cress Williams, and Christine Adams.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/db-woodside.jpgDB Woodside!DB Woodside from TV's <em>24</em> and Netflix's <em>Lucifer</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/garrett-wang.jpgGarrett Wang!Garrett Wang from <em>Star Trek: Voyager</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/v-cast.jpgV cast!Jane Badler and Marc Singer from the original <em>V</em>, one of Anne's all-time favorite TV SF tales.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/freema-agyeman.jpgFreema Agyeman!Us with Freema Agyeman, a.k.a. Martha Jones from <em>Doctor Who</em>, one of the few companions we hadn't met. Thanks, Dragon Con!2019-09-13T04:18:20+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/02/dragon-con-2019-photos-2-cosplay-on-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lucy-and-ethel.jpgLucy and Ethel!Lucy and Ethel and the vexatious chocolate conveyor from the classic I Love Lucy episode "Job Switching".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/frederick-douglass.jpgFrederick Douglass!Frederick Douglass, one of several historical cosplayers. MCC readers may recall we visited his gravesite in Rochester, NY, on last year's road trip.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/league-of-legends.jpgLeague of Legends!Fans supporting the MOBA game League of Legends.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dune-sandworm.jpgDune sandworm!Dune sandworm, possibly with a better budget than David Lynch had.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/warhead-and-gamora.jpgWarhead and Gamora!Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Gamora bearing the banner for D*C's Diversity in Speculative Fiction & Literature track.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nicolas-cage-fury.jpgNicolas Cage Fury!Nicolas Cage IS Nick Fury!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nick-fury-tesseract.jpgNick Fury + Tesseract!Nick Fury reveals the Tesseract. Usually he's terrible at sharing intel, but he trusts these parade watchers to keep a secret.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/peggy-carter.jpgPeggy Carter!Peggy Carter and the boys from the war front.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kid-loki.jpgKid Loki!Kid Loki from Marvel's top-notch Journey Into Mystery and Jane Foster, Thor.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zack-snyder-nightmare-prophecy-batman.jpgZack Snyder nightmare prophecy Batman!Zack Snyder nightmare prophecy Batman also says hi to kids!2019-09-13T04:18:02+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/03/dragon-con-2019-photos-4-still-more-cosplay-on-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/luke-ozzy-osgood.jpgLuke Ozzy OsgoodLuke Skywalker and his blue milk, the one substance in the universe that Ozzy Osbourne has never chugged by the barrel. Also, Ozzy meets Osgood! Osgood, Ozzy. Ozzy, Osgood.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/pink-vader.jpgPink Vader!Darth Fuchsia asking how YOU doin'.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ice-cream-sandcrawler.jpgIce cream sandcrawler!Ice cream Sandcrawler! Jawas from a planet made of burning hot sand decide to sell frozen treats for a living.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dancing-artoo.jpgDancing Artoo!Dancing Artoo!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sith-lord.jpgSith Lord!I feel like I've seen this Sith Lord before (maybe in comics?), but memory fails me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/twilek-society.jpgTwi'lek Society!The Twi'lek Society was one of many very specific fan groups joining the festivities.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/marriott-carpettrooper.jpgMarriott Carpettrooper!The distinctive carpet in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis is a beloved Dragon Con running gag, evinced in the parade by several cosplayers such as this Shagtrooper.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/stormtroopers.jpgStormtroopers!The only time we've had cosplay parades here in Indianapolis was at Star Wars Celebration 2002 and/or 2005 (I forget which), when it was mostly Stormtroopers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/c-3po.jpgC-3PO!C-3PO riding with the local chapter of the 501st Legion.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/old-luke-skywalker-ozzy.jpgOld Luke Skywalker + Ozzy!Old Luke Skywalker and his blue milk, the one substance in the universe that Ozzy Osbourne has never overdone.2019-09-13T04:17:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/04/dragon-con-2019-photos-5-still-more-cosplay-on-parade-continued/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/resident-evil-claire.jpgResident Evil Claire!Claire from the Resident Evil universe, on guard because no place is totally immune to zombie outbreaks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/resident-evil-cast.jpgResident Evil cast!Representation from Resident Evil beyond just the Umbrella Corporation, who pop up at some of our Midwest cons.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/maybe-not-overwatch.jpgmaybe not Overwatch?I thought these were also Overwatch but I'm seeing a Yuna from Final Fantasy X at far right, so maybe not all of them?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/overwatch.jpgOverwatch!<em>Overwatch</em> is beyond my bailiwick, but I'm fairly certain this is some of them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dragon-age.jpgDragon Age!If I've kept my notes straight, these should be Dragon Age warriors.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/halo-soldiers.jpgHALO soldiers!Back to video games with a platoon of HALO soldiers.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/game-of-thrones-happy-dude.jpgGame of Thrones happy dude!All I know about this very happy GoT dude is he expended tremendous energy to excite the crowd and get a loud response out of us. I appreciate that in a parade.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ned-stark.jpgNed Stark!The complete Ned Stark, I believe. Some reassembly required.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/arya-stark-list.jpgArya Stark + List!Arya Stark and her updated list.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/white-walker-daeny-jon.jpgWhite Walker Daeny Jon!A White Walker, another Daenerys, and Jon Snow the Know-Nothing.2019-09-13T04:17:26+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/05/dragon-con-2019-photos-6-still-more-cosplay-on-parade-continued-yet-again/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ghostbuster-giant-yellow-head.jpgRick & Morty Ghostbuster!I imagine <em>Rick & Morty</em> fans will super-love this very special Ghostbuster, whose name I just looked up and now I regret everything.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ghostbusters-jeep.jpgGhostbusters jeep!Also good for Halloween: Ghostbusters with their own "flying" ghost.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/netherworld-haunted-house.jpgNetherworld Haunted House!Monsters repping for Netherworld Haunted House, a local Halloween staple out in nearby Stone Mountain.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dragon-leading.jpgdragon!Sample dragon, because Dragon Con.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/puppetry-track.jpgPuppetry track!The D*C Puppetry track, bringing good characters to life.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/shazam.jpgShazam!Shazam! *boom*https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/seed-and-feed-horns.jpgSeed and Feed horns!Brass and woodwinds from the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable, featuring Poison Ivy, Harley Quinns, Dr. Horrible, et al.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cosplay-of-gilead.jpgCosplay of Gilead!Cosplay of Gilead on behalf of <em>The Handmaid's Tale</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/spartans.jpgSpartans!A few more Spartans, slowing adding up to the correct number.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hermes-and-spartans.jpgHermes and Spartans!Hermes and a few of the 300 Spartans.2019-09-13T04:17:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/05/dragon-con-2019-photos-7-deadpool-presents-the-deadpool-cosplay-parade-starring-deadpool/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chefpool.jpgChefpool!Chefpool! Finishing with a *chef's kiss*https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/popool.jpgPopool!Orange T-Rexpools, Popool, and more Pokepool!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/300pool-and-ashpool.jpg300pool and Ashpool!300pool and Ashpool. Groovy.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/karatepool.jpgKaratepool!Karatepool!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/marriott-carpetpool.jpgMarriott Carpetpool!Marriott Carpetpool. I was not kidding.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/rubbier-duckiepool.jpgRubbier-Duckiepool!Rubbier Duckiepool, you're the one! You make X-films lots of fun!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/pikachu-n-pool.jpgPikachu n Pool!Pikachu 'n' 'Pool, two Ryan Reynoldses for the price of one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/animepool.jpgAnimepool!A sort of Animepool with giant-sized Koffing mug.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cousin-eddiepool.jpgCousin Eddiepool!Cousin Eddiepool in <em>National Lampoon's Dragon Con Vacation</em>https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fairypool.jpgFairypool!Either Fairypool or Balletpool.2019-09-13T04:16:48+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/06/dragon-con-2019-photos-9-no-parades-just-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/elton-john.jpgElton John!Elton John, star of stage and screen!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/svengoolie.jpgSvengoolie!We've seen the real Svengoolie a couple times at C2E2 in Chicago, so it's actually disorienting to see someone who's <em>not</em> him.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/larry-bird.jpgLarry Bird!Ladies and gentlemen, Indiana hometown legend Larry Bird from the Boston Celtics!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lex-luthor.jpgLex Luthor!Lex Luthor in his "Rebirth" Superman armor. DC Comics continuity comes at you fast.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/suzy-and-sam.jpgSuzy and Sam!Suzy and Sam from Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. (She's a raven.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/shazam-1.jpgShazam!Shazam! *boooom*https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/maria-rambeau.jpgMaria Rambeau!Maria Rambeau, costar of Marvel's Captain Marvel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/j.-jonah-jameson.jpgJ. Jonah Jameson!J. Jonah Jameson on the prowl for MORE PICTURES OF SPIDER-MAN.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hercules.jpgHercules!As far as Marvel Comics characters I still need to see in their Cinematic Universe, the incredible Hercules is in my top 5.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/barney-rubble.jpgBarney Rubble!Barney Rubble, who parties a little heartier when Fred isn't around hogging all the kegs.2019-09-13T04:16:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/06/dragon-con-2019-photos-10-of-12-last-call-for-cosplay/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/pennywise.jpgPennywise!...and one last return to Dragon Con. Here endeth the Pennywise clipfest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/pbs-group-cosplay.jpgPBS group cosplay!Bob Davross was also the centerpiece of this magnificent PBS group cosplay. Featured players include Carmen Sandiego, Waldo, another Bob Ross, four Mister Rogers (two of whom are Avengers), and the wonderful whimsy of Reading Rainbow.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bob-davross.jpgBob Davross!<em>Doctor Who</em> meets peaceful landscapes in the mashup world of Bob Davross. Revenge is a dish best served with happy little trees painted on it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/spidey-from-asm-259.jpgSpidey from ASM 258!Peter Parker, the amazing Bag-Man in a one-shot moment from <em>Amazing Spider-Man</em> #258. Long story if you don't know it, but the short version is this was all Venom's fault. And partly the Human Torch's.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/michael-scott-fun-runners.jpgMichael Scott Fun Runners!Stray participants from Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race for the Cure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/dr.-eggman.jpgDr. Eggman!The nefarious Dr. Eggman from the world of Sonic the Hedgehog, suspiciously hanging out on the streets one day as we walked back to our hotel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/visitor-guards.jpgVisitor guards!A cadre of Visitor guards standing by at the Jane Badler/Marc Singer V panel on Friday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/splinter.jpgSplinter!Splinter, on sabbatical from teaching Turtles tricks.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tabitha.jpgTabitha!Tabitha the evil Fairy Godmother from The CW's <em>Legends of Tomorrow</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/thundra.jpgThundra!Thundra, an otherdimensional Marvel '70s hero, choking a dude out while her creator Roy Thomas stands by and laughs.2019-09-13T04:15:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/10/dragon-con-2019-photos-11-of-12-the-dragons-lairs/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bb-8.jpgBB-8!BB-8 enjoying some room to roll around. It was the last time we ever saw the Marriott this sparse.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/black-order.jpgBlack Order!My order was a Black Order -- i.e., a dark chocolate smoothie. The perfect endgame for our Dragon Con day zero.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/caribou-coffee-flavors.jpgCaribou Coffee flavors!Geek-themed coffee-bar flavors. Bonus points for the tongue.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/caribou-ii.jpgCaribou sign!Convicted magic felon Sirius Black welcomes you to Caribou!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tunnel.jpgtunnel!One of the Skybridges we learned to traverse. Multiple times, as it worked out.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hyatt-elevators.jpgHyatt elevators!I haven't been inside downtown Indy's Hyatt Regency in years, but they had glass elevators like this that fascinated me as a kid.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hyatt-centerpiece.jpgFlora Raris!The Hyatt's lobby centerpiece is a 1975 sculpture by Richard Lippold, a 120-foot-tall titan called <em>Flora Raris</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/marriott-inside.jpgMarriott Atrium!The Marriott's Atrium Level, a phrase which here means "fourth floor". Their floors had names instead of numbers, which of course I had to memorize for our survival.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hyatt-and-marriott.jpgHyatt and Marriott!At left is the part of the Hyatt that's sleekest but hardest to spot from a distance because of all the other skyscrapers. At right is the Marriott, which was large and distinct enough that I'd been using it as our "true north" lighthouse all week long whenever I lost my bearings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/scooter-grass-pile.jpgscooter grass pile!Scooters. Everywhere, all over town, scooters were lined up on sidewalks or tripped over in discard piles. Atlanta and Indy have that in common, too.2019-09-13T04:15:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/03/dragon-con-2019-photos-3-more-cosplay-on-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/futurama-santa.jpgFuturama Santa!Also from Futurama: Robot Santa, suppressing his murderous urges for once.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zoidberg-and-leela.jpgZoidberg and Leela!Zoidberg and Leela, ready to deliver.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jamie-and-dr.-evil.jpgJamie and Dr. Evil!Jamie Hyneman from <em>Mythbusters</em> and Dr. Evil.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/shipwreck-and-gi-joe.jpgShipwreck and GI Joe!Shipwreck leading G.I. Joe into action. YO, JOE and whatnot.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/buckaroo-banzai.jpgBuckaroo Banzai!Selections from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, which I've been procrastinating for decades.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/spy-vs.-spy.jpgSpy vs. Spy!Spy vs. Spy. R.I.P. MAD Magazine.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/predators.jpgPredators!Predators and Special Forces, a bipartisan marching squad.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/shredder-and-bebop.jpgShredder and Bebop!Shredder and Bebop, who could've been the opening act if they'd bothered to learn their own instruments.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/rockin-tmnt.jpgrockin TMNT!That time the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles did the "Coming Out of Their Shells" Tour and rocked your hometown live.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jennifer-future-biff.jpgJennifer + Future Biff!Jennifer in the DeLorean, with Griff Tannen lagging behind.2019-09-13T04:15:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/13/dragon-con-2019-photos-12-of-12-who-else-we-saw-what-else-we-did/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/yoda-sandwich-board.jpgYoda sandwich board!The last geek-themed signage we saw on the way back to our hotel, at a high-end Mexican restaurant whose business-casual dress code meant we couldn't eat there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/it-chapter-2.jpgIT CHAPTER 2!No, I am not ready to let go our our Dragon Con memories or souvenirs yet, thanks for asking.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/stan-lee-standee-and-me.jpgStan Lee standee and me!For comparison's sake, me with an actual Stan Lee cardboard standee, instead of a living simulation of one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/comics-loot.jpgcomics loot!The final loot pile at the end.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/j.m.-dematteis.jpgJ.M. DeMatteis!J.M. DeMatteis! A writer in the biz since at least the '80s. His name appears throughout my collection.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/andy-brase.jpgAndy Brase!Andy Brase! A meticulous cover artist whose work has graced the Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and more. (Note the cool Sandman shirt.)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bob-burden.jpgBob Burden!Bob Burden! His signature creation the Flaming Carrot was one of the first offbeat works I found the very first comic shop I walked into a comic shop back in 1985. You might recall the 1999 film based on his hero-team called Mystery Men.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/georges-jeanty.jpgGeorges Jeanty!Georges Jeanty! Artist of quite a bit of the post-T comics seasons of <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>, in addition to some X-Men and a creator-owned book with screenwriter John Ridley called The American Way.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/americasmart-2-screen.jpgAmericasMart 2 screen!Riding the escalator up AmericasMart 2. Bellatrix welcomes you!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/marc-singer.jpgMArc Singer!Singer preferred to stand in front of the table to answer questions.2019-09-13T04:13:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/08/our-first-day-trying-the-new-indygo-red-line-which-sucked/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/red-line-anne.jpgRed Line Anne!My wife Anne hanging out in the bikers' wing because there was no room for us anywhere else aboard.2019-09-09T11:03:30+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/09/07/our-horrorhound-indianapolis-2019-photo-album/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/georgies-boat.jpgGeorgie's boat!The only question left over for <em>IT Chapter 3</em> in my mind is, whatever happened to Georgie's paper boat? Another HorrorHound Indy 2019 souvenir.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ronald-mcdonald-and-hamburglar.jpgRonald McDonald and Hamburglar!Ronald McDonald and Hamburglar, hosting the children's costume contest.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/rorschach.jpgRorschach!Rorschach, apropos of the guest list.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jigsaw-and-friends.jpgBilly the Puppet!Billy the Puppet from the <em>Saw series and friends. I began to type "Beetlejuice and Lydia", but if someone could teach an old captioner their actual character names, I'd totally appreciate it.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jason-and-michael.jpgJason and Michael!Mandatory Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers. No slashers, no con.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/frankenstein.jpgFrankenstein!Frankenstein's monster. To him "fire" is a four-letter word, but "love" isn't.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/real-pumpkin.jpgReal Pumpkin!When asked if he was the Great Pumpkin, he snarled, "I'm the REAL Pumpkin!" Fair enough.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jack-skellington-and-sally.jpgJack Skellington and Sally!Sally and grimdark Jack Skellington.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/artoo.jpgArtoo!Noted horror icon R2-D2. We also saw a Green Power Ranger on the premises.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/teen-wolf-statue.jpgTeen Wolf statue!A row of uncredited statues included the star of the original Teen Wolf.2019-09-08T02:04:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/31/three-thoughts-after-our-first-dragon-con/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/blue-card-button.jpgBlue Card Button!A new button for my con bag. A kind gesture from another fan.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dctv.jpgDCTV!While waiting for panels to start, attendees can enjoy preshow entertainment courtesy of the eminently enjoyable Dragon Con TV.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dc-banner.jpgDragon Con Banner!The start of Atlanta's annual Dragon Con parade. Zillions more photos to come once I figure out some way to narrow them down the best hundred or so.2019-09-01T02:59:09+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/27/the-road-to-dragon-con-hollywood-comes-to-georgia/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/stranger-things-stuff.jpgStranger Things stuff!Like many movies and shows, Stranger Things is filmed in Georgia but pretends it's set elsewhere. Not that we here in Indiana, where the show pretends it takes place, are BITTER or anything.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ryan-gosling-first-man.jpgRyan Gosling First Man!Astronaut suit from First Man autographed by wearer Ryan Gosling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pitch-perfect-3.jpgPitch Perfect 3!One of Anna Kendrick's outfits from Pitch Perfect 3. At left you can kinda see one of Taraji P. Henson's outfits from Hidden Figures.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/rock-badge.jpgRock Badge!This ID and badge entitled Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to stomp anyone and everyone with impunity on the set of The Fate of the Furious.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/black-ukulele-hart-hat-jumanji.jpgBlack Ukulele Hart Hat JumanjiProps from last year's Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle include a ukulele signed by Jack Black and Kevin Hart's hat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/madea-dress.jpgMadea dress!This entire exhibit would be an incomplete sham without Tyler Perry's Madea.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pudding-and-hat.jpgPudding and Hat!Nods to dearly missed teammates include Carl's giant can of chocolate pudding and Glenn's hat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/daryl-dixon-gear.jpgWalking Dead!One of the most celebrated Georgia productions, AMC's The Walking Dead is thoroughly represent by props such as Daryl Dixon's motorcycle and crossbow.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/atlanta-placard.jpgAtlanta placard!Georgia film stats adorn a placard for FX's amazing Atlanta.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/marvel-studios.jpgMarvel Studios!True story: certain works filmed partly or entirely in Georgia have earned cumulative billions in international box office. Not all of that was from Fried Green Tomatoes.2019-08-28T00:26:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/24/the-road-to-dragon-con-20-years-of-road-trips-2-lifetimes-of-geek-culture/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/20190816_204306.jpgV shirt!Anne very proud of the new outfit she bought for the occasion.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dragon-con-wardrobe.jpgDragon Con wardrobe!This is no fashion blog, but sometimes I am faced with critical wardrobe choices.2019-08-25T02:55:28+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/24/our-dark-summertime-binge-hbos-chernobyl/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chernobyl-3.jpgChernobyl!Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson, and Jared Harris handling the truth.2019-08-27T01:13:55+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/21/our-dark-summertime-binge-chopped-season-one/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chopped-s.1.jpgChopped season 1!Aphrodisiac or poison? YOU make the call!2019-08-22T11:34:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/19/our-dark-summertime-binge-seven-black-mirror-shards/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/black-mirror.jpgBlack Mirror!Toby Kebbell watching his own lifelong YouTube channel inside his artificial second eyelids in a <em>Black Mirror</em> oldie.2019-08-20T01:37:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/16/our-dark-summertime-binge-hulus-light-as-a-feather/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/light-as-a-feather.jpgLight as a Feather!DEATH FROM ABOVE! OR AT LEAST SCARINESS!2019-08-17T02:19:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/06/indiana-state-fair-2019-photos-part-1-of-6-our-year-in-food/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/blue-raspberry-lemon-twister.jpgBlue Raspberry Lemon Twister!Me playing spokesman for a Taste of the Fair drink: a Blue Raspberry Lemon Twister. I downed it in two minutes flat. Very hot day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/strawberry-dole-whip.jpgStrawberry Dole Whip!After the Relleno de Papa, my last morsel of the day was one of the fair's $2 Tuesday specials: a squirt of Strawberry Dole Whip soft-serve. That hit the spot before we took our leave.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/duck-fat-fries.jpgduck fat fries!Their biggest Taste of the Fair option was poutine made with those same fries, but we were denied. They'd run out of gravy and had to wait on a new batch to warm up. The fries alone were grade-A, but I lament what extra credit they could've earned.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/duck-fries-stand.jpgduck fries stand!Over on the Midway we found what promised the sort of high-end elegance that Chopped judges love: fries cooked in duck fat.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/gator-bites-stand.jpgGator Bites stand!We didn't stop at the eye-catching Gator Bites stand a few spots west of Gobble Gobble, but if I could go back to the fair and have an actual full meal at any one place, they'd be a prime contender.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/rollin-mac-daddy-eggroll.jpgRollin Mac Daddy Egg Roll!Down at the Gobble Gobble booth by the Department of Natural Resources Building, the new Rollin Mac Daddy Egg Rolls were stuff with barbecue turkey and mac-'n'-cheese, and served with a tangy BBQ sauce. They were hot enough to burn the roof of my mouth, but I forgave them.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/bison-hush-puppies.jpgbison hush puppies!The seasoned sour cream sauce was a perfect match for these as well as for Anne's eggrolls.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fried-food-stand.jpgfried food stand!The fair's undisputed champion of fried foods, which did not have the superfood I was looking for and therefore got none of our money. That'll show 'em.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/amsterdam-pancake.jpgAmsterdam Pancake!That was fun to see, but we went a more savory direction with their Amsterdam Pancake -- spinach, goat cheese, garlic oik, and pine nuts. Because when you find a place serving a dish with pine nuts in it for under twenty bucks, you say yes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pancake-making.jpgPancake Making!Watching them assemble their "Taste of the Fair" option, the Super Hero USA All the Way Pancake -- topped with red strawberries, white whipped cream, and blueberries.2019-08-13T23:31:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/07/indiana-state-fair-2019-photos-part-2-of-6-the-heroes-theme/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/avengers-cake.jpgAvengers cake!Meanwhile at the 4-H Centennial Hall, this Avengers cake caught my eye and wouldn't let go. (This won't be the last cake you see in this miniseries...)https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/real-heroes-cake.jpgreal heroes cake!Over at the Indiana Arts Building (formerly the Home & Family Arts Building when I was a kid), a pretty cool cake celebrates some of the more down-to-earth heroes within the theme's scope.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/bumblebee.jpgBumblebee!On the north end of the fairgrounds, a Bumblebee cosplayer entertained kids and parents.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/super-farmer.jpgsuper farmer!The fruit-'n'-vegetable competition sections had their own superhero guardian.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cheese-sculpture-2019.jpgcheese sculpture 2019!Also a work in progress was the State Fair's official cheese sculpture, naturally superhero-themed. This should be finished later into the fair's run, which ends August 18th.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lego-batman-sentry.jpgLego Batman Sentry!In a side room, Lego Batman presided over a superhero diorama that appeared to be a work in progress.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wonder-woman-puzzle.jpgWonder Woman puzzle!Among the activity and puzzle are scavenger-hunt prompts, such as this one for Wonder Woman hat might've raised my eyebrows a little less if they'd used the classic term "bracelets" or even the more accurate "bracers".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cardboard-superman.jpgcardboard Superman!Superman has wisdom to share with all, not mere catchphrases. It's still weird seeing their New 52 costumes on ancillary products.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cardboard-flash.jpgCardboard Flash!The Flash offers words of encouragement because his catchphrase reveals his secret identity: "My name is Barry Allen and I'm the fastest man alive!" This would be a stupid thing to yell in a fight. He might as well pass out copies of his driver's license to every bad guy...which, really, is very nearly what he does in every other episode of his TV show.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cardboard-black-panther.jpgcardboard Black Panther!Cinematic superstar Black Panther follows suit,...which is cool, though now that I overthink about it, shouting "Wakanda forever!" is a bit like having Captain America charging into battle yelling "USA! USA! USA!" or Captain Marvel singing, "Hip hip hooray for the whole Milky Way!"2019-08-13T23:31:14+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/08/indiana-state-fair-2019-photos-part-3-of-6-the-marvel-dc-can-ematic-universe/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-groot.jpgCAN Groot!He is Groot! Made entirely of canned mushrooms. The fact that not everything lends itself to punning is, I guess, the morel of the story.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-hulk.jpgCAN Hulk!HO HO HO. Green giant!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-iron-man.jpgCAN Iron Man!Lord knows Tony Stark has gotten more than his share of "tin can" jokes in 50+ years of comics.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-thor.jpgCAN Thor!Thor with a cape made of gravy packets, apropos of his <em>Avengers: Endgame</em> barfly bod.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-spidey.jpgCAN Spidey!Spider-Can, Spider-Can, does whatever a grocer can. Hanging out near Avengers Endcap.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-wonder-woman.jpgCAN Wonder Woman!A rare context in which it's okay to check out Wonder Woman's cans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-superman.jpgCAN Superman!SuperCAN something Metaltropolishttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-batman.jpgCAN Batman!I am vengeance! I am the night! I am BATCAN!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/can-black-panther.jpgCAN Black Panther!Black CANther welcomes you to WaCANda, homeland of King TIN'Challa. (Look, <em>I</em> didn't start it..)2019-08-13T23:31:00+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/09/indiana-state-fair-2019-photos-part-4-of-6-cake-bosses/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/rubiks-cube.jpgRubiks Cube!Rubiks Cake is to be snacked upon, not solved.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hocus-pocus.jpgHocus Pocus!I've never seen <em>Hocus Pocus</em>. This one's clearly for the fans out there.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/rite-of-spring-cake.jpgRite of Spring cake!Volcano and dinosaur diorama, but edibles instead of science fair project. I'm reminded of <em>Fantasia</em> and like to think this is "Rite of Spring Cake".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/motley-crue.jpgMotley Crue!My brother-in-law would love this Motley Crue cake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/bouquet.jpgbouquet!Bouquet-shaped cake. Couldn't tell if it contained actual floral notes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/garden-topsoil.jpggarden topsoil!Cake shaped like garden topsoil, guaranteed to taste better than mud pies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/travel-cake.jpgtravel cake!A cake celebrating travel really speaks to me.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/friends-other-side.jpgFriends other side!Friends: the cake: the other side!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/friends.jpgFriends!Friends: the cake!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/winnie-the-pooh.jpgWinnie-the-Pooh!Winnie-the-Pooh cake, but they had to settle for a fake beehive instead of a real one.2019-08-13T23:30:45+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/10/indiana-state-fair-2019-photos-part-5-of-6-the-art-of-the-fair/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lego-bb-8-and-porg.jpgLego BB-8 and Porg!Lego BB-8 and Lego Porg!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lego-hogwarts.jpgLego Hogwarts!The four founders of Lego Hogwarts.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lego-boombox.jpgLego boombox!As always, Legos were in the house. Kids, ask your mom or dad what a "boom box" was.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nascar-via-pollock.jpgNASCAR via Pollock?NASCAR via Pollock.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/general-lee-censored.jpgGeneral Lee censored!The General Lee but censored, like that one version of <em>E.T.</em> where the Feds' guns were all digitally erased.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/blue-line-flag.jpgBlue Line flag...A "Blue Line flag" made of bullets and casings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/caskart.jpgCaskart!They call it...Caskart! They tuned a casket into a go-kart with 12-hp engine and "flamethrower exhaust".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/army-men-flag.jpgArmy men flag!American flag composed entirely of red, white and blue Army men.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/tractor-tire-wreath.jpgtractor tire wreath!Tractor tire Christmas wreath. The hard part is finding a door large enough to hang it on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/baler.jpgbaler!For anyone who ever wondered why Michael Scott always wanted to play with the baler down in the warehouse.2019-08-13T23:30:32+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/11/indiana-state-fair-2019-photos-part-6-of-6-random-acts-of-state-fairing/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/indy.jpgINDY!The intent is to effect a military stance and spell out "INDY", but to me this actually appears pronounced "ANNNDY".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fans.jpgfans!Always a treat to spend time with fans.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/frog-who-would-go-a-wooing.jpgFrog Who Would Go A-Wooing!Curated and/or restored antiques in the Indiana Arts Building included this old copy of <em>Frog Who Would Go A-Wooing</em>, which taught kids about the joys of barhopping and catcalling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/tractor-shuttle-view.jpgtractor shuttle view!We indulged in a tractor shuttle ride to the far northeast corner of the fairgrounds just for Bison Hush Puppies.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/olde-tyme-police-car.jpgolde-tyme police car!The superhero exhibit in the Harvest Pavilion included a few hero-based vintage vehicles such as this olde-tyme police car.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mini-eva.jpgMini-Eva!Mini-Eva advertising another adjacent product.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/eva-mozes-kor-ad-1.jpgEva Mozes Kor ad!Our local PBS station had a large space devoted to promoting future programming involving Eva Mozes Kor, a Holocaust survivor who passed away recently and <a href="https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2015/10/12/an-afternoon-with-the-woman-who-forgave-josef-mengele/">whose Terre Haute museum we visited four years ago</a>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/i-vote.jpgI VOTE!A booth recruiting new voters allowed for us registered folks to show off. Sometimes we help change the world. Sometimes we try our best nevertheless.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cow-parts.jpgcow parts!Where Did My Best Dinners Come From: An Illustrated Cow Atlas.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/3-pound-tomato.jpg3-pound tomato!A 3-pound tomato, perfect for throwing at a political rally.2019-08-13T23:30:13+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/11/indiana-state-fair-2019-encore-2-fair-2-food/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/day-of-the-dead-cake.jpgDay of the Dead cake!Fans of the great <em>Coco</em> may also love this Day of the Dead cake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/donut-cake.jpgdonut cake!I've never cared for cake donuts, but I can totally get behind donut cake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hero-cake.jpghero cake!We found a few more cakes in the basement of the Indiana Arts Building, including another fancy superhero cake.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cheese-sculpture.jpgcheese sculpture!The annual cheese sculpture, this time superhero-themed, is officially finished.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/giant-veggie-contest.jpggiant veggie contest!Tuesday's selection of giant veggies were like peas compared to Saturday's official giant-foods throwdown, when foodstuffs got <em>real</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brisket-sandwich.jpgbrisket sandwich!Meanwhile, Anne remains a fan of the classics and satisfied herself with a brisket sandwich. Nothing wrong with that.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/trifecta-hero-dreamsicle.jpgTrifecta Hero Dreamsicle!...but the insides of this tall drink were billed as a shake-up, slushy, and vanilla shake all in one. Freshly squeezed lemons, limes, and orange juice mingle with French vanilla cream and some kind of syrup to permeate the different texture levels.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dreamsicle-inside.jpgDreamsicle inside!My final "Taste of the Fair" sampling of the day doesn't photograph distinctly. On top, the Trifecta Hero Dreamsicle resembles an average frozen drink...https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/caramel-coffee-milkshake.jpgcaramel coffee milkshake!Sold alongside the hash browns at the Dairy Bar was their new caramel coffee milkshake, a welcome relief for anyone tired of the old chocolate-vanilla-strawberry shake monopoly.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hoosier-hometown-hash.jpgHoosier Hometown Hash!The Hoosier Hometown Hash is a simple concept I'm surprised no one's tried sooner: four cheeses sandwiched between two hash browns. I'd've preferred my hash browns a bit crispier, as these were underdone and possibly fried in too-cool oil that couldn't reheat quickly enough to keep up with demand..2019-08-13T23:29:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/12/indiana-state-fair-2019-encore-another-ace-art-assemblage/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/thanos.jpgThanos!What if Disney™ but fabulously fatal.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/boba-fett.jpgBoba Fett!What if Disney™ but more fabulous.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lion-king-and-captain-marvel.jpgLion King and Captain Marvel!Adventures in Disney™ blockbusters.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/baby-groot.jpgBaby Groot!I am Groot!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/st-nicks-kangaroo-canoe.jpgSt Nick's Kangaroo Canoe!...buh?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/i-want-apples.jpgI Want Apples!A declaration of principle in the eternal struggle between fate and free will.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/simpsons-gothic.jpgSimpsons Gothic!Homer and Marge as a familiar pastiche, doubly fun after our visit to see the original in Chicago back in May.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cornfield-skull-house-knight.jpgcornfield skull house knight!Another work of strong fantasy contrasts from the not-King-Shark painter.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shark-soldier.jpgshark soldier!Another Best of Show winner, which would make a great cover if DC ever gave King Shark his own series.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/best-of-show-2-fer.jpgBest of Show 2-fer!Among the show's Best of Show purple-ribbon winners. The one at left is indeed a painting, not a photo.2019-08-13T23:29:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/13/indiana-state-fair-2019-encore-last-day-last-call/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/tickets.jpgTickets!Since we're old and rarely do rides, Midway tickets are a reminder of good times past, our childhood gateway to State Fair adventure.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/iron-man-banner.jpgIron Man banner!Iron Man greets us on the way in shortly before 9 a.m.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/skylift-tractor.jpgskylift tractor!Our <em>Aerial America</em> view of one of the ubiquitous tractor shuttles. At left is Da Portable Rican, who sold us that fantastic Relleno de Papa on Tuesday.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/skylift-dairy-bar.jpgskylift Dairy Bar!Our <em>Aerial America</em> view of the popular Dairy Bar before lines swamped it for the rest of the day.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/skylift-view.jpgskylift view!For the first time in years, we rode a ride together! The Sleep Number Skyride (yay confusing corporate branding) carried passengers 35 feet above fair level for some 1400 feet down Main Street.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/isp-rc-k-9.jpgISP RC K-9!An officer at the Indiana State Police booth amused kids with this RC K-9 that talked and played "Who Let the Dogs Out?", a more unnerving sound than any siren.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/agritourism-warning-label.jpgagritourism warning label!Agritourism warning label. Consult your doctor if you experience any harmful side effects from farm life.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/piggies.jpgpiggies!Non-feral piggies, happy not to have to share a pen with 28 to 48 siblings.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chickens.jpgchickens!We tend to skip the animal barns, but a selection of small farm livestock were on display in the open air and a bit more bearable.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shoups-country-black-pig.jpgShoup's Country black pig!Saturday brought in a number of local food sellers in tents, one of whom brought this giant pig statue with, um, working pig hose.2019-08-13T23:28:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/06/memo-from-the-mcc-errors-omissions-department/2019-08-06T10:41:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/04/our-dark-summertime-binge-netflixs-the-last-czars/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/last-czars.jpgLast Czars!Rasputin (Ben Cartwright) and Alexandra (Susanna Herbert) from the Netflix miniseries <em>The Last Czars</em>.2019-08-05T03:42:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/04/my-2019-reading-stacks-3/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/american-born-chinese.jpgAmerican Born Chinese!Racism: ruining classroom experiences since nearly forever. Art by Gene Luen Yang and Lark Pien.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/outcast.jpgOutcast!Sometimes the old ways are still the best ways. Art by .2019-08-04T04:37:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/08/01/gen-con-2009-the-lost-photo-parade/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bat-villains.jpgBat-Villains!Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na BAT-VILLAINS! And thus we conclude with one last blast of nostalgia.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sailor-moon-and-friend.jpgSailor Moon and Friend!Sailor Moon and her plus-one.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/predator-friends.jpgPredator & Friends!A Predator, Dr. Steel, and...this other dude?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/munchkin.jpgMunchkin!I knew the work of Dork Tower creator John Kovalic long before Munchkin became a popular game.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mario-luigi.jpgMario & Luigi!If you're looking at half these pics like "Who ARE these people?" please enjoy this brief retreat to the familiarity of Mario and Luigi.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ichigo.jpgIchigo!Ichigo from Bleach.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cosplay-dancers.jpgCosplay Dancers!Hallway dance number starring Sora and Rikku from Kingdom Hearts, Sakura from Naruto, and one mystery guest because I'm old and don't recognize every anime ever.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/amaterasu.jpgAmaterasu!Amaterasu, the vulpine Japanese sun god from the PS2 game <em>Okami.</em> https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tifa-halloweentown-sora.jpgTifa & Halloweentown Sora!Me braking for Final Fantasy part 2: Tifa from FFVII and Sora in his Halloween Town costume from Kingdom Hearts 2.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rikku-auron.jpgRikku & Auron!Me braking for Final Fantasy, part 1: Rikku & Auron from FFX.2019-08-01T04:02:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2013/08/18/gencon-2013-photos-part-4-of-6-free-roaming-costumes-super-heroes-and-animation/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/spy-vs.-spy.jpgSpy vs. Spy![orientation fixed in 2019]2019-08-01T02:35:29+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2013/08/18/gencon-2013-photos-part-3-of-6-still-more-costume-contest-last-call/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/usopp.jpgUsopp![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/scarecrow.jpgScarecrow![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/rumpelstiltskin.jpgRumpelstiltskin![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/rogue.jpgRogue![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/kamina.jpgKamina![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/janice-rand.jpgJanice Rand![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/daenerys.jpgDaenerys![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/azula.jpgAzula![orientation fixed in 2019]2019-08-01T02:32:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2013/08/18/gencon-2013-photos-part-2-of-6-more-from-the-costume-contest-game-characters/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/skull-kid.jpgSkull Kid![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/rathalos.jpgRathalos![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pyro-with-lollichop.jpgPyro with Lollichop![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/proto-man.jpgProto Man![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lady-aiyana.jpgLady Aiyana![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/fang-the-dragoon.jpgFang the Dragoon![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dark-brotherhood-assassin.jpgDark Brotherhood Assassin![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avacyn.jpgAvacyn![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/altair.jpgAltair![orientation fixed in 2019]2019-08-01T02:23:18+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2013/08/18/gencon-2013-photos-part-1-of-6-costume-contest-winners/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/who-harkness.jpgWho & Harkness![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/vash-the-stampede.jpgVash the Stampede![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/vanellope.jpgPrincess Vanellope von Schweetz![orientation fixed in 2019]https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/deathstroke.jpgDeathstroke the Terminator![orientation fixed in 2019]2019-08-01T02:12:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/29/2-hours-of-jazz-40-minutes-of-animals-indy-zoo-revue-10/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/lemur-baby.jpglemur baby!Two of the lemurs have had twins this year, one set barely a month old upon our visit. Very cute and definitely not taller than us.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/lemur-stick.jpglemur + stick!Sideshow Bob vs. Rakes: A Dramatic Reenactment.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ring-tailed-lemurs.jpgring-tailed lemurs!Showing off those ringed tails like bosses.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/elephant-faraway.jpgelephant faraway!Our zoo prides itself on its participation and advancements in elephant reproduction research.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cheetah-paranoid.jpgcheetah paranoid!A cheetah paranoid that someone, somewhere might be using its face as a punchline.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/greater-kudu.jpggreater kudu!Among the numerous African animals on hand, the greater kudu may be the least common sight at the zoos we've visited in other states.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/lion.jpglion!As usual, the lions lounged around thinking, "Yep, I'm kind of a big deal here."https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/duck-in-mud.jpgduck in mud!Not a zoo animal, but a duck (with duckling in tow on her other side away from us) hanging out in the rhinos' mud pit.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/guinea-baboons.jpgGuinea baboons!Guinea baboons posing for the cover of their next album.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/white-rhino.jpgwhite rhino!Nice day for a...white rhino.2019-07-29T04:12:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2017/10/30/halloween-at-the-zoo-indy-zoo-revue-9/2019-07-29T03:26:23+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/26/the-farewell-grandmas-not-run-over-by-the-pain-dear/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/billi.jpgBilli!Me at every dental appointment.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/nai-nai.jpgNai Nai!Would <em>you</em> want to be the one to blab and ruin this movie's jovial dinner parties?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/farewell-family.jpgFarewell Family!Family photos: hundreds of bucks. Honoring your family before they become your "ancestors": priceless.2019-07-27T01:58:04+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/24/men-in-black-international-in-praise-of-pawny/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pawny.jpgPawny!Normally I mock this sort of blatantly for-the-kids walking Happy Meal toy of a character, but...honestly, he won the movie.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pawny-2.jpgPawny!Pawny gives his film debut one thumb way up!2019-07-25T03:51:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2012/06/14/men-in-black-3-the-casual-relaxed-viewers-prometheus/2019-07-25T00:43:27+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/23/veronica-mars-season-4-part-of-our-dark-summertime-binge/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/jk-simmons.jpgJK Simmons!He ain't here for more pictures of Spider-Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/keith-mars.jpgKeith Mars!"Mind if I solve some cases too, or should I stop ignoring those offers for a Just Shoot Me reunion?https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/veronica-mars.jpgVeronica Mars!Are you there, God? It's me, the annoying tiny blonde one.2019-07-30T00:50:49+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/19/my-2019-reading-stacks-2/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/valiant-high.jpgValiant High!Besides Christopher Priest, Kibblesmith is the only writer I trust with Quantum and Woody. Art by Derek Charm and David Baron.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/form-of-a-question.jpgForm of a Question!The thrill of victory in front of a celebrity and an audience of millions. Art by Kate Kasenow, Jenna Ayoub with Ilara Catalani, and Laura Langston.2019-07-20T02:51:44+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/17/not-put-asunder-15-years-and-counting/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tiramisu.jpgTiramisu!While Anne kept her dessert modest with a small bowl of strawberry waffle crunch ice cream, I went with old-fashioned tiramisu. Because capping off the evening with excessive sugar seemed apropos in the presence of such a sweet lady.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/medallions-lobster-risotto.jpgMedallions & Lobster Risotto!For me: beef tenderloin medallions atop an asparagus-lobster risotto with li'l roasted tomatoes and some parmesan flourishes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/linguini.jpgLinguini!For Anne, the Linguini Charbonos -- shrimp, scallops, crab, and spinach in a roasted red pepper cream sauce.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/heart-walk-2010.jpgHeart Walk 2010!File photo of us from 2010, when we were doing the occasional miles-long charity walk.2019-07-18T02:08:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/16/my-2019-reading-stacks-1/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tragedy-series.jpgTragedy Series!Sample vexing frustrations. Art by Ben Dewey.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/annes-books.jpgAnne's books!So far this year's list includes three library books and two loaners from my wife, pictured above.2019-07-17T02:54:46+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/28/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-9-picasso-and-the-surreal/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/tune-and-also-the-words.jpgThe Tune and Also the Words!Rather, Magritte's world-famous catchphrase is "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" from his 1929 classic <em>The Treachery of Images</em>. However, this is not <em>This is Not a Pipe</em>. This is one of at least half a dozen other pipe-themed paintings of his, a 1964 self-ripoff with the on-the-nose title of <em>The Tune and Also the Words</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/time-transfixed.jpgTime Transfixed!Rene Magritte is the second greatest Belgian in world history right after Audrey Hepburn (sorry-not-sorry, Van Damme) and known for such outlandish fare as 1938's <em>Time Transfixed</em>. It could've been more famous, but its secret catchphrase "A choo-choo just charged outta my chimney!" never caught on.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/walking-man-ii.jpgWalking Man II!Giacometti was known more for his sculptures than for his paintings, such as 1960's <em>Walking Man II</em>. Obviously in the movie version this would be played by Doug Jones.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/isaku-yanaihara.jpgIsaku Yanaihara!Alberto Giacometti, <em>Isaku Yanaihara</em>, 1956. This portrait of a Japanese philosophy professor reminds me of modern artists such as Ben Templesmith and Dave McKean.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/magnetic-mountain.jpgMagnetic Mountain!Swiss-born Kurt Seligmann was among the first artists to abandon Europe for NYC during WWII, where he eventually taught at Brooklyn College and wrought a tale of origami amok in 1948's <em>Magnetic Mountain</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/spanish-physician.jpgSpanish Physician!Max Ernst, <em>Spanish Physician</em>, 1940. How the German-born Dadaist found time to paint the tribulations of the Bark People boggles the mind, given that he had moved to France, then fled to Spain, was at one point captured by the Gestapo, then ultimately became one of many European artists who sought refuge from World War II in America.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/yves-tanguy-untitled.jpgYves Tanguy Untitled!Yves Tanguy Untitled, 1940, around the time he'd moved from his native France to America. I look upon this and think <em>Toy Story Apocalypse</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/painting-summer-1936.jpgPainting summer 1936!Joan Miro, <em>Painting</em> 1936. Miro described his efforts as an attempt to "assassinate" the standard concept of what a painting is. This reminds me of, and perhaps helps explain, every Don Herzfeldt cartoon I've seen.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/inventions-of-the-monsters.jpgInventions of the Monsters!<em>Inventions of the Monsters</em>, 1937. The NSFW league of psychotropic hags at left would be far more distressing if I weren't busy screaming OMG SOMEONE PLEASE PUT OUT THAT POOR BURNING GIRAFFE? I DON'T CARE IF HE KEEPS SAYING "This is fine!" PUT HIM OUT!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/visions-of-eternity.jpgVisions of Eternity!<em>Visions of Eternity</em>, 1936-37. Feel the despair when Inque from <em>Batman Beyond</em> realizes her two magic beans are duds.2019-07-15T02:44:40+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/23/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-6-monet-growing-on-trees/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/monet-signature.jpgMonet signature!An enlarged snippet from <em>Argenteuil</em> with li'l Jean and his papa's distinctive signature.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/artists-house-at-argenteuil.jpgArtist's House at Argenteuil!To confuse anyone who's not bothering to read the captions, we double-back to end with one last Monet piece. <em>The Artist's House at Argenteuil</em> once again stars his wife Camille and features their son Jean.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-crystal-palace.jpgThe Crystal Palace!The only work we captured by Camille Pissarro, his 1871 <em>The Crystal Palace</em> captured everyday French life on the right. On the left is the eponymous structure, an architectural extravagance that burned down in 1936.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/two-sisters-on-the-terrace.jpgTwo Sisters (On the Terrace)!<em>Two Sisters (On the Terrace)</em>, 1881. His most crowded-around work was among a lot of over 100 paintings bequeathed to the Institute upon the previous owner's passing in 1932.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/woman-at-the-piano.jpgWoman at the Piano!<em>Woman at the Piano</em>, 1875-76. Thus we begin to catch on to his "women engaged in their pursuits" motif.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/young-woman-sewing.jpgYoung Woman Sewing!<em>Young Woman Sewing</em>, also 1879.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/seascape.jpgSeascape!<em>Seascape</em>, 1879.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/irises.jpgIrises!Irises, 1914-17. Like water lilies, another preoccupation of his that spawned multiple variations on a theme.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/houses-of-parliament.jpgHouses of Parliament London!Houses of Parliament, London; 1900-01. One of 19 such paintings of the same subject, virtually the same perspective, but with different color schemes. Years before Warhol made side-by-side reproduction cool.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/petite-creuse-river.jpgPetite Creuse River!The Petite Creuse River, 1889. Purple mountains' majesty and whatnot.2019-07-15T02:44:24+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/07/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-4-two-americans-abroad/2019-07-15T02:43:31+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/14/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-spider-man-far-from-home-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mysterio.jpgMysterio!Beware the wrath of the Crystal Baller!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/spider-man-far-from-home.jpgSpider-Man Far from Home!And now my paychecks are thiiiis big!2019-07-14T18:08:01+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/11/your-handy-lion-king-2019-review-bingo-card/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/lion-king-bingo.jpgLion King Review Bingo!For my next trick, I shall create a "Many Moods of CG Simba" T-shirt with 25 adjectives and 25 copies of that same photo.2019-07-12T03:43:07+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/10/random-spoiler-y-thoughts-on-stranger-things-season-3/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/stranger-things.jpgStranger Things!Scoops Troop: they sling ice cream, do maths, <em>and</em> fight Commies. As you do.2019-07-10T04:03:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/06/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-11-caveat-sculptor/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/eternal-springtime.jpgEternal Springtime!<em>Eternal Springtime</em>, 1884, cast ca. 1910-1929., give or take a bunch of years Though Rodin's works were frequently criticized while he was still alive, the Musée Rodin's website confirms this sensual salute to passionate lovemaking was "very successful" and has been cast numerous times. Because fans love it when artists play their favorite hits.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/adam.jpgAdam!<em>Adam</em>, cast in 1924 from the 1881 original. Based in part on Michelangelo's version of Adam on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, but with tweaks inspired by other works about the First Man.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/burgher-of-calais.jpgJean d'Aire!A Burgher of Calais (Jean d'Aire), either 1887 or 1889 (the placard and their website differ). Depicting a specific moment in the Hundred Years War, this was the first Rodin to be acquired by an American museum.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/leda.jpgLeda!Leda, 1st or 2nd century AD, a different take from Brancusi's version.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/head-of-hercules.jpghead of Hercules!Head of Hercules, 1st century AD. Note the Nemean Lion headgear.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pan.jpgPan!Pan, 1st century AD with 17th-century restorations. It's interesting to know art restoration wasn't a 20th-century invention.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/young-dionysos.jpgYoung Dionysos!Young Dionysos, 100 BC - 100 AD. I hate just going with wide date ranges, but sometimes that's the best art historians can do.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/satyr-holding-a-wineskin.jpgSatyr Holding a Wineskin!Satyr Holding a Wineskin, 1st century AD, restored circa 18th century.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/young-satyr.jpgYoung Satyr!Young Satyr Wearing a Theater Mask of Silenos, 1st century AD, restored 1628.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pelican.jpgPelican!Emmanuel Fremiet, <em>Pelican</em>, 1896.2019-07-07T02:32:47+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/05/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-2-the-old-modern-americans/2019-07-07T02:32:15+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/06/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-3-georgia-on-her-mind/2019-07-07T02:31:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/08/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-5-ye-olde-tyme-america/2019-07-07T02:31:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/16/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-6-very-contemporary/2025-01-27T09:45:37+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/23/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-8-posting-post-impressionist-impressions/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/kid-pointillist.jpgKid Pointillist!COMPUTER, ENHANCE IMAGE: kid tries to hide from pointillism behind Mama's skirt.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/van-gogh-self-potrait.jpgVan Gogh Self-Potrait!One of van Gogh's dozens of self-portraits, this one in 1887 inspired by Seurat's big deal up there. This definitely resembles Tony Curran from the Doctor Who episode "Vincent and the Doctor".https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/bedroom-detail.jpgBedroom detail!Furniture details from that bedroom. The AIC had the honor of displaying all three versions together as a temporary exhibit in 2016.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/bedroom.jpgThe Bedroom!In 1889's <em>The Bedroom</em>, van Gogh claimed Japanese influence, though froma different direction than did.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/drinkers.jpgDrinkers!To answer your question from several captions, yes, they did indeed have some van Gogh. 1890's <em>The Drinkers,/em> is an homage to or ripoff of Honore Daumier's 1850 composition <em>Physiology of the Drinker: The Four Ages</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/elegant-woman-at-the-elysee-montmartre.jpgElegant Woman at the Elysee Montmartre!Louis Anquetin, An Elegant Woman at the Elysee Montmartre, 1888. Another look at Parisian nightlife a la his friend Toulouse-Lautrec.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/window-overlooking-the-woods.jpgWindow Overlooking the Woods!Edouard Vuillard; <em>Landscape: Window Overlooking the Woods</em>; 1899. Another epic-sized work like Seurat's, this one influenced by Japanese art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/girl-by-the-window-detail.jpgGirl by the Window detail!COMPUTER, ENHANCE IMAGE: that girl and that window.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/girl-by-the-window.jpgGirl by the Window!Edvard Munch, <em>The Girl by the Window</em>, 1893. The Norwegian artist painted this the same year as another work that went on to become his #1 hit single, <em>The Scream</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hibuscius-tree.jpgHibuscius Tree!Gauguin, <em>te Burao (The Hibiscus Tree)</em>, 1891. Gauguin's own rise to fame sadly occurred postmortem.2019-07-07T02:30:38+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/30/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-10-the-last-of-the-famous-international/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/figure-with-meat.jpgFigure with Meat!Francis Bacon, <em>Figure with Meat</em>, 1954. The Irishman's savage satire of a famous Papal painting has a special place in pop culture: in Tim Burton's Batman it's the only work in the Gotham City Museum that Jack Nicholson's Joker refuses to let his henchmen deface.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/nuclear-i.jpgNuclear I, CH!Laszlo Moholy-Nagy; <em>Nuclear I, CH</em>; 1943. The Hungarian Constructivist who once taught at the original Bauhaus in Germany would later move to Chicago and become an integral part of another collegiate institution in town.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/brancusi-3.jpgBrancusi 3!Three sculptures by Romania's influential Constantin Brancusi: <em>White Negress II</em>, 1928; <em>Leda</em>, ca. 1920 (inspired by the Greek myth); and <em>Golden Bird</em>, 1919-20.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/white-crucifixion.jpgWhite Crucifixion!1938's <em>White Crucifixion</em> was Chagall's attempt to alert the world beyond Europe about Jewish persecution as it was happening in all its early horrors, before things got even worse.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/praying-jew.jpgPraying Jew!Marc Chagall, <em>The Praying Jew</em>, 1923. Chagall hailed from a shtetl in what is now Belarus, and explored Hasidic Judaism in his works even as he later leaned toward Cubism.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/broken-and-restored-multiplication.jpgBroken and Restored Multiplication!Suzanne Duchamp, <em>Broken and Restored Multiplication</em>, 1918-19. Dadaism has fascinated me ever since the movement factored into the best college seminar I ever took. Sadly, Ms. Duchamp tends to be overshadowed in art history by her older brother Marcel.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/lorette-with-cup-of-coffee.jpgLorette with Cup of Coffee!Henri Matisse, <em>Laurette with Cup of Coffee</em>, 1916-17. Representing for the Fauvists with simple shapes and bold colors. And yes, this is right-side-up.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/harlequin-and-three-pierrots.jpgHarlequin and Three Pierrots!Albert Bloch, <em>Harlequin and Three Pierrots</em>, 1914. Like Sargent and Cassatt, Bloch was an American who found his calling in Europe. Here he crosses World War I with Commedia dell'Arte, which I first learned about from an episode of <em>Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip</em>.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/festival-in-montmartre.jpgFestival in Montmartre!Gino Severini, <em>Festival in Montmartre</em>, 1913. Hailing from the Futurist movement, the Italian's motifs embraced modern technology and speed lines, effectively making him a forefather of manga.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/waterfall.jpgThe Waterfall!Henri Rousseau, <em>The Waterfall</em>, 1910. The French artists is generally grouped with his Post-Impressionist peers, though this is a bit more primitive than what we saw in their dedicated galleries.2019-07-07T02:30:05+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/06/our-art-institute-of-chicago-tour-gallery-12-an-omnibus-of-outtakes/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/art-to-go.jpgArt to Go!Patrons interested in bringing home some of the museum's more famous paintings will find them replicated in multiple formats in the two gift shops. See all the beloved classics turned into modern Pop Art!https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/twelve-jackies.jpgTwelve Jackies!Bookending the chapter with one more Andy Warhol -- 1964's memorable <em>Twelve Jackies</em>, using a photo taken at her husband's funeral.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/woman-iii.jpgWoman III!One last Lichtenstein for the road: <em>Woman III</em>, 1982. Painted after his detour from Pop Art into Abstract Expressionism, and yet based on the works of de Kooning.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/foot-medication.jpgArtist's Studio: "Foot Medication"!Lichtenstein again. <em>Artist's Studio: "Foot Medication"</em>, 1974. Based on Matisse's 1911 work <em>The Red Studio</em>. The upper-left image is based on Lichtenstein's own 1962 piece <em>Foot Medication</em>. Hence the title-within-a-title for the art-within-art.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ohhh...alright....jpgOhhh...Alright...!Roy Lichtenstein, <em>Ohhh...Alright...,</em> 1964. Based on a panel from <em>Secret Hearts</em> #88, June 1963, whose contributing artists included John Romita, Mike Sekowsky, and Bernard Sachs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/greyed-rainbow.jpgGreyed Rainbow!Jackson Pollock, <em>Greyed Rainbow</em>, 1953. The rainbow has colors, but they're all Easter eggs.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/house-beautiful-iii.jpgHouse Beautiful!More Rosler, more remixing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/house-beautiful-ii.jpgHouse Beautiful!We previously shared one of Martha Rosler's pieces from her 10-part photo-mashup series <em>House Beautiful: Bringing the War Home</em>. Here's another, differently unsettling.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/boy.jpgBoy!Charles Ray, <em>Boy</em>, 1992. Not to be confused with another piece of his called <em>Boy with Frog</em>, this one is relatively amphibian-less.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dekooning-untitled.jpgde Kooning Untitled!Another de Kooning from 1948-1949, untitled and presumably more affordable.2019-07-07T02:27:42+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/04/with-wishes-for-a-happy-and-or-restful-fourth-of-july/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/george-washington.jpgGeorge Washington!Red, white and blue. Coonskin cap. Candy machine Americana.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/uncle-sams-haircut.jpgGeorge Washington!Like Superman, nobody thinks about the fact that Uncle Sam's hair grows the same as anyone else's.2019-07-04T17:36:25+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/07/02/dark-phoenix-x-huming-and-x-amining-the-end-of-the-ex-series/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/x-men-blues.jpgX-Men Blues!I guess that's why they call them the Blues.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dark-phoenix.jpgDark Phoenix!The all-new Firestar from a grim-and-gritty <em>Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends</em>.2019-07-03T03:03:53+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/26/yes-there-are-scenes-during-and-after-the-toy-story-4-end-credits/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/toy-story-4.jpgToy Story 4!Utensil friend and me! Utensil friend and me! When your aunt makes her chili, or you're eating cole slaw at KFC...2019-06-27T03:30:35+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2012/08/03/2012-road-trip-photos-4-between-topeka-and-denver-buffalo-bill-black-copters-and-megavangogh/2019-06-23T21:58:54+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/21/the-dead-dont-die-but-they-may-be-the-last-ones-here-to-turn-out-the-lights/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/sheriffs-dont-die.jpgSheriffs Don't Die!Your local sheriffs scrambling to fathom the zombie menace in a film that could also be called The Living Don't Live. Ooh, paradoxes.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/tilda-swinton-dont-die.jpgTilda Swinton Don't Die!Tilda Swinton's version of Galadriel is low-key and kick-butt.2019-06-22T01:16:39+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/17/memorial-day-weekend-in-chicago-a-birthday-intermission/https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/chicago-skyline.jpgChicago skyline!While we're on the category of "photos we took apart from the museum", here's our view of downtown Chicago from Lake Shore Drive on the way in. An easy drive on this clear Saturday morning, with a lovely woman at my side taking the photo so I could concentrate on driving and not crashing.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/state-st.-clear.jpgState Street Chicago!A rare moment of State Street devoid of traffic in daylight.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/dumptruck-cordons.jpgDumptruck CordonsBy the time we finished and headed back to the museum, the parade route was all clear. Dumptruck cordons remained, waiting to be driven back to work.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/apple-strudel.jpgapple strudel!With very little room left, we split an apple strudel filled with Granny Smith apples, pecans, and golden raisins, topped with caramel and powdered sugar.https://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/wiener-schnitzel.jpgWiener Schnitzel!For Anne: Wiener Schnitzel with a side of creamed spinach. Useless trivia: I first heard the term "Wiener Schnitzel" as a kid in a Huckleberry Hound cartoon.2019-06-18T03:07:57+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/14/kid-dungeon-masters-neighborhood-reign-nostalgic-confession-inspired-by-die/2019-10-23T13:57:22+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/11/shrimp-n-grits-and-a-biscuit-burger-brunch/2019-06-12T03:56:58+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/05/27/sundown-at-fair-oaks-farms/2022-07-24T11:18:56+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.com/2019/06/02/words-of-advice-from-a-two-time-college-dropout/2019-06-02T18:50:03+00:00monthlyhttps://midlifecrisiscrossover.comdaily1.02026-04-03T02:48:13+00:00