Saturday, January 31, 2015

Saturday Extras!

Welcome to Saturday Extras! where we give you the extra blogs that didn't fit into the normal ones. Yay!


Monday's prompt: What would you do if you woke up one morning to find yourself invisible? List 3 things you would want to do.


Melody Joy wrote:

1. Walk up to someone and slap them in the face, just to see what they would do.

2. Go to a store and either play the voice of reason or the devil’s advocate to influence their shopping decisions... and to freak them out.

3. Assuming that only my physical body would be invisible, I would go as many public places as I could just to say I’ve been to them naked.... ie: the mall, a sporting event, the middle of the road, and maybe a stage play.


Wednesday's picture prompt: Write a news article about this event. Describe the events that led up to this photograph, and what happened afterwards.



Pope Jon wrote:

Max was depressed.

Max went through with it.

(Sorry, but I had a really hard time coming up with anything for this day. I decided to go with some black comedy instead of something creative.)

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Friday, January 30, 2015

Friday Favorites - Trapped!

Today's prompt: What is your favorite store? Write about what you would do if you got trapped there overnight.



Dana Lee wrote:

I am an office supply junkie. I love office supplies and I always have more than I need. My favorite store is Office Depot. (Primarily because of its close proximity to my house.)

If I got stuck there overnight I would feel like I was in Heaven probably. First I would write (insert random various famous person names) was here in different locations throughout the store. I would probably open all of the post it notes and post various riddles throughout the store. The computers would have to be given new backgrounds. All of the technology would be tested out to its full potential.  I would color with the crayons and write letters to my friends on the stationary. Last but not least all of this activity would be recorded in a notebook which would then be taken home with me to reminisce on at a later date.


Melody Joy wrote:

I’m going to have to go with Walmart. They have everything there. If I got trapped inside Walmart overnight, I would probably start by eating my weight in my favorite fresh fruits, fancy cheeses, and ice cream. Then, I would head over to the toy section and go to town. I would ride a bike up and down the aisles of the store, conduct an orchestra of toys that make noises, pretend to be a pirate-Jedi with the swords, and see how high I could kick the bouncy balls. Then, I would head over to the household area and make the biggest fort ever out of stacks of storage bins. By then I’d probably have another snack or two, watch a movie on all dozen or so big screen TV’s, and then I’d make myself a bed in my epic fort of pillows and bean bag chairs... And pray that they don’t call the police when they find me in the morning.


Pope Jon wrote:

I think my favorite store would have to be Steam.

Assuming that being trapped there means I'm in virtual space, I would actually avoid most of my favorite games. I would probably find peaceful dating sim or sports game and stay there for the night so would be safe from medieval battles, hostile aliens, and all forms of the undead.

Not sure if I would try to sleep, as cyber space doesn't seem very comfortable. I wonder if I could bring anything back with me. If so, I'd probably find my way to a create a character, and make myself into some B.A. warrior so I could some back super ripped and with some magic abilities.

I suppose I would also see if I could find a way to put some big discounts on games I've yet to buy. Although, if I'm going to do that, I might as well just steal them... Now I realize that I would spend a good portion of the night struggling with the moral dilemma I just invented.


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Wacky Wednesday - Eggxtra! Eggxtra!

On the last Wednesday of every month, we will be having a special picture prompt! Here is the first of many.

Today's prompt: Write a news article about this event. Describe the events that led up to this photograph, and what happened afterwards.



Chuck C. wrote:

Scandal-Addled Ovum Humpty Dumpty Hits Rock Bottom.

It was a miracle. After his famed wall incident, culinary engineers did what horses and men were unable to. They put Humpty "Max" Dumpty back together again. This was, though, only the beginning of his journey. The group responsible for his reconstruction, calling themselves the EGGsperts, began traipsing Dumpty around the country on a promotion tour for their new chain of omelet shops. Soon though, as yesterday’s incident shows, the pressures of the road got to him.

At 9pm yesterday Dumpty was spotted shouting and threatening to jump. One witness reported that Dumpty went on a rather eloquent diatribe about the American Heart Association and there unfair bias against his kind. Another reported him characterizing vegans as “callow hippies in desperate need of a good manning up”. He also spoke of his veneration for the television character Ron Swanson, from the hit NBC show parks and recreation. Right as he was about to jump, his son, Thumpty Dumpty, talked him from the edge. He has now left the employ of the EGGsperts, and is spending time with his family.  


Melody Joy wrote:

Last Sunday morning, Max Carlton awoke to find his wife and two children abducted from their home. After several long days of searching, it was discovered that they had been made into a 3-egg omelet. Completely distraught over the loss of his family, Carlton ventured to the edge of the counter with the intention of ending his own life. While his close friends stood by and encouraged him not to make the leap, he chose to end his life on the kitchen floor rather than meet the same fate as his family. This is another example of a life that ended in pointless tragedy because of eating habits.


Dana Lee wrote:

Huckleson, Rhode Island- The lead singer of the band, Egger, quit without a moment's notice last night after their concert. Egger is best known for the song, "Stop in the name of shell." Max Egg has been fighting depression for the past two years and said the band was putting too much pressure on him. "I just want to be a normal egg," he said, "I can no longer be a hard boiled rock star." His bandmates Timmy and Tommy were afraid he would do something drastic when he stood at the end of the stage. Max jumped down to do one last crowd surf before he officially called it quits with his bandmates. Egger is currently looking for a new lead singer to join them for the remainder of the tour. If you are interested you can contact their manager, Carl Toast at 555-231-1343.




Monday, January 26, 2015

All About Me Monday - The Invisible Men (and Woman)

Today's prompt: What would you do if you woke up one morning to find yourself invisible? List 3 things you would want to do.


Dana Lee wrote:

I am sure there are a lot of things I would do if I were invisible. However, the list drastically shortens when I think of things that are moral. I would follow the code of WWHPD (What Would Harry Potter Do?) After all, he is the master of being invisible with his invisibility cloak.

1. I would visit the restricted section of the library. There are so many good books that I would like to read in this section. There is also a lot of information for me to obtain in these books that I feel all students should have access to

2. I would sneak into Hogsmeade and eat all the candy and sweets that my stomach can handle. I would probably drink about a ton of butterbeer. I mean, it is supposed to be the most amazing drink in the world, right?

3. Lastly, I would pull the ultimate prank on Fred and George who are the kings of pranks. I would have them believing that they are flying in space with no control over their bodies. They would also believe that objects are just floating in space for no apparent reason. (Of course I would have obtained the Maurder's map before completing this task.)


Pope Jon wrote:

Ideally, I would master the art of stealth, so as to not be heard or felt, and use my powers to reduce world suckage. I could be an extremely effective spy, smuggler, or even assassin.

The problem is, I would have to get used to running around naked, so most of my exploits would take place during summer. Plus I'd never be able to carry anything or move through water or snow without being easily detected.

Being invisible would prove to be far more curse than blessing, now that I think about it. Even if I'm completely naked, what if some dirt gets on me? Specifically, the bottom of my feet? People would see foot shaped bits of dirt moving around. Plus, it would be extremely difficult to not attract the attention of the media. The government would probably want to run tests on me. Would I become an unwilling agent for them?

Seriously, I don't really see much of an upside to this anymore...


Chuck C. wrote:

Wake up one morning, finding myself invisible? Oh what an adventure it would be.

1. The Troll: I have a co-worker that would rightly be called comically superstitious. My first task, as a newly invisible man, would be to drive said person into frantic insanity. I would first start with innocuous things like moving objects on her desk ever so slightly. Could it be a ghost? Or just a in her head? I would quickly escalate though, typing messages into her computer, whispering ominous phrases such as “help me” and “I see you, the real you” until she was driven mad.

2. Mr. Toilet: I would then hide in the bathroom (men’s bathroom, to avoid accusations of voyeurism). Whenever someone would use the facilities I would say things like “Dude...gotta get some more fiber in your diet” or “How would you feel if I urinated on you?” To someone struggling to get their business done I would, though, be encouraging: “Come on, buddy. I believe in you. You can get through this.”

3. The everyday: I would complete my day simply by doing my day to day tasks. The looks on my coworkers faces when they see a floating headset answering calls and assembling mail would be priceless. Also to prove wrong my roommate’s constant lament that “the dishes won’t do themselves” would, simply put, but the greatest thing one can do with such powers.


For more information on our blog, please read our welcome page by clicking here.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Saturday Extras!

Monday's prompt: What is your earliest memory?


Dana Lee wrote:

When I was younger my mom ran a daycare out of the house. About once a week we would all ride our bikes to what we called the cookie store. To this day I do not remember the actual name of the store, even though my mom told me about a million times. At the cookie store I always got wafer cookies because there were three separate flavors and I was able to get one of each.

On one day in particular, Barney was visiting the store so of course we had to go see him. I had it all in my head that I was going to sing the "I love you" song to him because that is what you do when you see Barney, right? When all was said and done I got nervous and did not sing. I was mad the whole way home. I probably got grounded when I got home for causing such commotion but I do not remember for sure.


Wednesday's prompt: Write a TV news spot about a jittery spider monkey who wins the lottery.

Chuck C. wrote:

“This is Action Channel 8 MNKY news, I'm Mary Supial, coming to you live from the Detroit zoo, where BoBo the monkey is absolutely ecstatic. Today he found out that the lottery ticket the staff here bought him is a winner. BoBo the monkey is now 100 million dollars richer. When I asked what he would get with his new found millions, he flung his poo in my face and screamed loudly. According the staff this means he will buy himself a banana farm and a life time supply of gogurt. According to the staff..it was his favorite.  Back to you John.”


Friday's prompt: What is your favorite song? Re-write a verse or a chorus to it.

Pope Jon wrote:

I find it difficult to pick one favorite song of all time, although there are many likely candidates. However, I have been listening to a song recently that I consider my current favorite, and I have actually already reworded the final chorus.

The song is about moving on from something old to something new, leaving behind pain and troubles, and holding true to one's self during it all.

The original chorus goes:

"It's time to begin, isn't it?
I get a little bit bigger, but then I'll admit
I'm just the same as I was
Now don't you understand
That I'm never changing who I am."

But I've changed the final chorus to add a sense of finality and confidence:

"It's time to begin, this is it!
I get a little bit bigger than this, I'll admit
I'm just the same as I ever was,
Now don't you understand
That I'm never going back again?"

It doesn't change the meaning of the song or even the spirit, but I feel like it adds variety and a stronger purpose as the song closes.


Friday, January 23, 2015

Favorite Friday - Song Parodies

What is your favorite song? Re-write a verse or a chorus to it.


Melody Joy wrote:

I have a lot of favorite songs, usually depending on my mood and the season. My current favorite song is “Lost in Paradise” by Evanescence, but that’s because it so accurately reflects my feelings, so I wouldn’t be able to change it. So, here is one of my favorite Christmas songs that I re-wrote to be about my mom’s cat, who has been declared a Grinch by my brother...

Evita the Grinch, to the tune of “The Grinch Song (You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch)

You’re a flat one, Evita the Grinch
You maybe are a cat
You’re as fluffy as a pillow
You’re as scary as a bat, Evita the Grinch
You’re a flat-faced Persian with a... funny red hat

(Author's note: Between the submission and posting dates, Evita was unfortunately put to sleep due to her failing health. While I initially hesitated to include this post because of that, I'm thankful for the opportunity to remember all the things we both loved and hated about her in a fun and positive light.)


Dana Lee wrote:

Ever since I was four "Paradise City" by Guns and Roses was my favorite song. I told my dad so and it has been our song ever since. If and when I get married that is the song we will dance to. Don't judge me.

Take me down
To the Detroit city
Where the grass is brown
And the boys are slutty
Take me home


Chuck C. wrote:

A gathering of hay bales
ready by sun rise
We climbed about the Wagon
We headed for the barn
Come bale the hay, come bale the hay, come bale the hay we me,
Come bale the hay, come bale the hay, come bale the hay we me
Come bale the hay, come bale the hay, come bale the hay we me
Come bale the hay, come bale the hay, come bale the hay we me
Come bale the hay, come bale the hay, come bale the hay we me
Come bale the hay, come bale the hay, lads


Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Wacky Wednesday - Lottery-Winning Monkeys

Write a TV news spot about a jittery spider monkey who wins the lottery.


Dana Lee wrote:

This just in from Djibouti, Africa! Franklin the spider monkey won the lottery jackpot of $134,431,354.99. Live from Djibouti with Franklin is our own Sally McSmittenson.
Sally: Hello Franklin, how are you today?
Franklin: goo faa goo toaf.
Sally: I see, and what will you do with your earnings?
Franklin: faa feaa geaas geaat


Sally: I see. Well you are obviously busy so back to you in the studio!


Pope Jon wrote:

"Up next, we have a unique little story out of Winchestertonfieldville, Iowa, where something big has happened to someone little, and it has them hooping and hollering. Over to our reporter on the scene, Brock Johnson. Brock?" Lisa Lyn Baxter smiled that T.V. anchor smile, pleasant but empty, and waits awkwardly for the camera to switch over.

After the obligatory pause, Brock seems to activate suddenly with his story.

"Thanks, Lisa," he says with a curt nod of his perfectly sculpted hair, "Here in Winchestertonfieldville, the small towns inhabitants are going ape-crazy over what's happened at the local corner store." B-Roll of the town's storefronts, traffic, and citizens shot from the neck down plays as Brock forces his way through more puns. "A local man, by the name of Barnabas Barnacle, has won Iowa Lottery's 'Hot Lotto Sizzler,' a prize of over 3.7 million dollars. But he's not alone. Someone else is trying to monkey their way into his money, by 'apeeling' for half."

Margary Whitaker is shown as she begins her interview, "My little Samson deserves the money just as much as Ol' Barny Barn." Samson picks at Margary's curly hair as she explains her side of the story, "Years ago he took a likin' to lotto tickets, and uses his own allowance to buy one every Sunday after church."

Margary is muted while Brock voices over, "But some of the other citizens are saying, 'You must be bananas!'"

Barnabas Barnicle is shown, his face beet red, "Just ain't right. No monkey should have my money. He's be happier pickin' flees than pickin' up my money!"

The shot returns to Brock, now with Samson sitting uneasily on his shoulder. Both seem uncomfortable with the arrangement, but Brock, ever the professional, forces out his final pun to wrap up the story, "As of right now the Iowa Lottery has not reached a decisive decision as to-"

Samson suddenly screeches directly into Brock's ear, effectively cutting him off. Brock dons an embarrassed smile and attempts to continue, but is cut off again. He soon gets into a screaming match with Samson, and Lisa Lyn is forced to take over.

The feed of Brock cut off, Lisa attempts to regain the studio's honor.

"Well, looks like Brock's busy monkeying around. When we return, an update on Kim Kardashian's latest shenanigans."


Melody Joy wrote:

“In other news, a spider monkey just won the lottery in Lima, Ohio. Apparently the owner, Mitchell Owens, takes his spider monkey to the convenience store with him every Saturday night to allow the little guy to play the lottery. He claims that the monkey, who is 7 years old and goes by the name of Bradley, has nervous breakdowns if he doesn’t make their weekly trip. So, Owens has been allowing Bradley to pick his own numbers in the Power Ball every week for the last 3 years, and as the Power Ball climbed to a record-breaking high this past week, this little spider monkey just got lucky. According to Owens, Bradley has plans on purchasing a new home for both of them with the winnings, as well as donating much of it to help spider monkey rescues across the globe.”


Monday, January 19, 2015

All About Me Monday - Early Memories

Today's prompt: What is your earliest memory?


Melody Joy wrote:

The earliest memory that I know is my own because it was such an insignificant event happened slightly before I turned 2 years old. I remember my parents were having a garage sale, and I remember being outside and seeing the tables filled with our stuff that they were trying to sell. What I remember most about it is that my dad was selling his motorcycle, and the neighbor’s son was coming over to look at it.


Chuck C. wrote:

I couldn't have been more than three or four years old. My family and I were living in a small apartment. I do not recall much from that time, but one night stands out quite vividly. My parents had taken me to bed, leaving me the requisite cup of apple juice that I could not sleep without. My room, as I recall, was actually quite large in comparison to my parents'. Both me and my sister inhabited the space, though at that age sibling rivalry was in its infancy.

I drank my juice quickly and without hesitation. Despite the normally sedative effect that apple juice had on me, sleep still eluded me. So, I did what any normal child that age would do: make the slip from my room and wander into my parents' room.

The door was already slightly ajar. Good. A quieter entrance means less likelihood that they'll wake up and make me go back to my lonely bed. I tip-toed over to their bed and sneakily slipped into bed. Its occupants stirred a bit but otherwise appeared undisturbed. I cuddled in and.... realized I needed more apple juice. I knew that if I asked cute enough my mother couldn't resist accommodating me.

I looked up and cooed, “Mommy, can you get me some more apple juice?” The beds occupants stirred a bit, awaking from their slumber. After what was likely a moment of orientating to the world of the awake, one of them spoke.

The deep, projecting voice of my grandfather, not my adoring mother, responded to my plea: “Yeah, buddy, I'll get you some apple juice.” I jumped out of bed and dashed into my room, hiding under my blankets.

Apparently, unbeknownst to me, my grandparents had come over after I had gone to bed and my parents let them sleep in their bed while they rode the couch. My mother soon came in and calmed me down, giving me another glass of my much-loved apple juice. I soon went to bed and slept like a small child.


Pope Jon wrote:

My earliest memory is the revelation that I had no memory.

I was around 4 or 5 years old, and naturally didn't remember much about the years past, but wasn't old enough to understand that this was normal. I was sitting in the back of my mother's car, and was suddenly distressed.

How did I get here? Why don't I remember what happened a year ago? I pondered frantically but silently. Something must be wrong with me. I can't even remember being born!

Over the years, I came to accept my strange memory loss, and have given up trying to recall just what happened throughout years 0-4.


Saturday, January 17, 2015

Saturday Extras!

We have decided to add an extra day just for you! Saturdays will now include the extra blog entries that weren't used during the week, so you get an extra response for every prompt every week!


Monday's Prompt: Write about a time when you got lost as a child. It could be you getting lost alone, or with your whole family.

Melody Joy wrote:

I can’t honestly remember getting lost as a child, either because I blocked such traumatic events from my memory or because I simply didn’t get lost because I stayed close to my parents out of fear of getting lost. But once I started driving and was venturing out on my own, I developed a reputation for getting lost.

One such time happened while I was working at a summer camp in the country. Having grown up in the city where everything is well-lit and most street names are easy to find, I had to do some adjusting. At the end of the summer, we had a “mandatory fun party” at the director’s house, who lived just a few minutes from camp.

I got there ok, taking the five or six turns on dirt roads with small street signs as directed. It was still light when I arrived. As I left, however, it was dark. And in the country with no street lights, it’s dark at night. I was also feeling a little overwhelmed emotionally as the end of the summer was coming to a close and all the people I had grown so close to were going back to their separate lives, so I wasn’t devoting my full attention to the turns.

Somehow, someway, I missed a turn or turned too soon.

It didn’t take me long to realize that I no longer knew where I was or where I even had to go in order to get back to anything familiar. I was an hour from the familiar streets of the city I had grown up in. At that point, I knew how to get from camp to Walmart and that was basically it.

I continued driving since I knew I would have an even harder time finding my way back to the director’s house at that point. I held back tears and started praying instead, wondering if I should stop at a random person’s house to ask for directions... There certainly weren’t any gas stations around to pop into for help.

When I had nearly gotten to a full panic, I saw a bit of light up ahead, and the light of several sets of headlights travelling parallel to me. I continued to drive forward eagerly, and found myself at one of the paved roads that I knew. Fortunately, I did have enough sense of direction at that point in my life to know which way to turn, and soon found my way back to camp.


Friday's Prompt: What is your favorite fast food place? Write a review of the restaurant or your favorite meal as though it was a 5-star, gourmet restaurant.

Dana Lee wrote:

I recently enjoyed at meal at Hardee's. This restaurant is few and far between in the state of Michigan. I heard rumors of a similar franchise called Carls' Jr. but I have yet to have the privilege of dining there.

The service at Hardee's is known as $6 service. They want you to know from the very start that this is the place to be. This is the place where you will eat the best burger and receive the best service. They are not very far off from achieving this goal.

I ate the famous $6 burger with their beer-battered onion rings. Everything in the store is made in the store. The only thing missing is the farm in the back in which they kill the cows.

The only thing missing in this restaurant is cleanliness. The tables were dirty, the bathrooms looked like they hadn't been clean all week, and the dumpster was overflowing. But who really needs a clean restaurant when you serve food that is that delicious?

Friday, January 16, 2015

Favorites Friday - Restaurant Reviews

Today's Prompt: What is your favorite fast food place? Write a review of the restaurant or your favorite meal as though it was a 5-star, gourmet restaurant.


Pope Jon wrote:

I must apologize before I begin, dear readers, by saying that the languages of man cannot sufficiently express what I felt after eating at Taco de Campana. While the word "eating" is an understatement, I fear every other word I can think of falls short as well. Feasting? Not good enough. Dining? No. Gormandize? Devour? Banquet? None of these comes close to what I experienced. For the remainder of my of my review, assume that the chosen words are completely beyond insufficient to accurately describe my journey.

First, I enter and immediately am overwhelmed with sights and sounds, pleasing to the senses. The establishment is crowded with patrons, unable to hide their own delight. Despite paying homage to hispanic cuisine, Taco de Campana attracts people of all backgrounds indiscriminately. This is what I learned immediately: there are none who can truly resist the temptation and delicacies that awaited me, and I intended to wait no longer. After deliberating for what seemed like ages, I finally ordered my food. (It feels insulting to call it "food," but I must reiterate that I cannot bring a just description without a divine dialect.)

Now, if the lovely atmosphere and deliberately appealing setting isn't enough to make one feel welcome, the saints responsible with the secrets of Taco de Campana's delicious menu will certainly do so. It seemed that the entire kitchen staff moved of one accord. They must've had artists creating the dishes, calligraphers writing orders delivered from musicians, and generals directing the chaotic masterpiece that it was. My meal was prepared in great haste, and yet the entire staff knew my name, and proclaimed it for the whole restaurant to hear. It was as if they were proud to have me there, and despite hearing countless others being summoned in a near identical fashion, I couldn't help but feel significant to those angels clad in slim, black uniforms.

While my meal was being prepared, I was able to select from a variety of exquisite beverages. Though some were standards for high society establishments that I frequent, Taco de Campana employs it's own secret drinks, exclusive to it's no doubt loyal customers. I had no other option but to try one. It was called Baha. I won't try to describe it, but as I consumed it, I pictured the tears of the gods flowing down my throat even as my own tears wet my cheeks in sheer ecstasy,

But the best was yet to come.

With my feast and my broth in hand, I sat comfortably, and wasted no time. Being a sophisticated man, I started my meal with my appetizer. I must say, my Burrito de Cinco Capa did more than appetize me. It gave me a lust for Taco de Campana that I both fear and pray will never be quenched. With cheese that will never belong to me; cream of a sour origin; rich, steamy beef; beans that have been fried multiple times; and an additional layer of cheese, this one finely shredded, the five layers each stepped up to the occasion, and assaulted my taste buds as one. My tongue scarcely survived the carnage of flavor that was unleashed upon it, and yet I knew I had to press on. I had two more courses to go.

For my entree, I choose a champion that had plenty of titles. Was it a Gordita? Sure. Was it fiery? You bet. Would one call it cheesy? Just like this joke, yes. El Gordita de Fuego de Crunch de Caso de Ultima de Fantastico de Terrorista. This monster was at my fingertips, and I was just crazy enough to say... bring it on. And it was brought. It was brought hard, and with a vengeance. I didn't know it at the time, but El Gordita de Fuego de Crunch de Caso de Ultima de Fantastico de Terrorista penetrated my soul. I don't know when: it could've been after I finished consumption of the titan, but I believe I was infested long before I even laid eyes on it. El Gordita de Fuego de Crunch de Caso de Ultima de Fantastico de Terrorista knew that I would come to challenge it long before I did, and El Gordita de Fuego de Crunch de Caso de Ultima de Fantastico de Terrorista had no understanding of honor or chivalry.

Utterly defeated, I could not remember the name of my dessert. I knew that it was pure, sweet, and powerful, but I new little else. It was golden and seemed frail, but that didn't matter to me. What mattered was that when I bite into the sweet, crispy exterior, I found peace. I no longer cared about being picked on as a child. Being dumped as a teenager, or overworked as an adult. Every disappointment, every embarrassment, every regret melted away instantly. The only thing in my mind was the name of my savior. La Empanada Manzana de Caramelo. I don't remember much after that first bite, but what I do remember is flashing lights, shouts, and lots of movement. When I came to, I was in a hospital. Apparently I had overloaded on the paradise that is Taco de Campana. I had been in a coma for three weeks in Taco de Campana's Flavor Overindulgence Center. Over the next month, I was given weaker and weaker grades of Baha via an IV until I was able to drink regular liquids again.

I'm writing this review from my hospital room. I will end this journey with a simple bit of advice: don't overindulge. Don't miss my meaning, though; indulgence is more than encouraged. It's demanded, as a matter of fact. If you consider yourself to be alive and have not tried Taco de Campana, reconsider your life immediately.

This will be my last review, as all other forms of nutrition have been soiled for me. I don't know if I am Taco de Campana's prisoner, slave, friend, or lover, but quite frankly, I don't care which it is. My heart, body, mind, and everything within me is Taco de Campana's now. I have no regrets, except not going sooner. Don't make the mistake I did: don't wait another second without rushing to Taco de Camana and pledging fealty.


Melody Joy wrote:

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the fine establishment of McDonald’s. The aromas from the fried foods greeted me as I stepped through the door which was opened for me by a husky gentlemen who was there with his two equally-husky children. It was an especially busy Saturday afternoon, so I had to wait in line for several minutes while the staff assisted the patrons in line in front of me.

Today, I chose two items from the menu which complemented each other well if you were educated enough to understand their symbiotic relationship. I ordered the McDouble and the McChicken from the menu and declined an order of fries as I am trying to watch my weight. I received my order after a brief 10-minute wait. I truly appreciate the time and effort the staff members clearly put into preparing my food for me.

I found the only table that had recently been cleared by the staff and sat down to enjoy my meal. First, I had to add the final touches to my meal. The McChicken had thick white lettuce and a simple white mayonnaise along with a deep-fried chicken-like patty delicately placed between a white flour hamburger bun. The McDouble featured two beef patties grilled to perfection in their own grease and topped with a slightly-melted piece of yellow American cheese, tangy yellow mustard, sweet ketchup, tart pickles, and diced onions. Pulling the McDouble apart, I placed the McChicken between the two meat patties that were dripping in grease and pressed the two sandwiches down until they were a manageable height.


Taking a bite of the McAwesome, my mouth filled with a conglomeration of tastes that combined into a pleasing fusion that is sure to satisfy the palette of any frequent McDonald’s patrons who are looking for something off-menu to enjoy whose level of deliciousness is exponentially more amazing than the total sum of its parts.


Chuck C. wrote:

The Waffle House

The brown and yellow decor was quite daring, an old school diner with a dash of gas station bathroom. The blindingly white florescent light created an ambiance fit only for a lovely evening out. We sat ourselves, as the sign in front of the door implored us. The pleather-covered seats were slightly sticky and the brown table had a red smudge near its edge of ambiguous origin. The obviously run-down waitress placed the plastic clad menus in front of us and walked away, not a word spoken. Good, I value my privacy. The images of perfect waffles, omelets, and breakfast meats blazed across the menu offered me and my lovely date great anticipation for the delight that was to come.

A good 10 minutes later the waitress returned. Through gnawing on a piece of gum she demanded our order. Right the chase, just how I like my service. I ordered two waffles and a mess hash browns. My date ordered the corn beef hash omelet. The cook was not 10 feet away from our table, hacking away at our food. The utter laze through which he was preparing our food told me he really knew what he was doing, and did not require using much energy to practice his craft.

Minutes later the waitress slide the delicacies in front of us, along with the slip indicating how much it would set me back. Again, the direct approach is refreshing. I and my date smiled at each other and dug in to our down home gourmet smorgasbord. My waffle was perfectly cooked: crispy brown on the outside and sublime interior. A heavy drench of imitation boysenberry syrup perfectly complimented the well crafted shingle of goodness. The hash browns were also perfection on a plate: perfectly shredded potatoes, browned to perfection, tossed with a healthy heap of canned mushrooms, onions, and well-cooked bacon. The symphony of flavors and textures offered a compelling view into the life of a traveling truck driver. According to my date the corn beef hash omelet was equally heavenly. Our trip to waffle house? Amazing. The combination of the homey décor, discreet service, and the faint air of cigarette smoke earns this restaurant a respectable 4 out of 5 stars.


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Wacky Wednesday - Scientist To Do List

Today's Prompt: Write a to-do list for a horrible inventor who ages 20 years in 1 day.

This week, we decided to combine our individual lists into one for you.


Dana Lee, Melody Joy, and Pope Jon wrote:

- Find a way to reverse the effects of my anti-aging potion.
- Buy more Preparation H.
- Buy stock in anti-aging cream.
- Buy rat food.
- Come up with a better system for feeding the rats that doesn't involve re-programming the feeder robot in between each animal.
- Do the laundry.
- Call Maybelline and convince them to give me a lifetime supply of anti-aging creams in exchange for inventing them a female robot to do all their commercials for them.
- Create perfect female robot to do Maybelline commercials.
- Sell aging-cream lotion to non-suspecting citizens of the world.
- Sell remains of potion to rich children or youngest siblings in cultures still committed to birthrights.
- Buy more Preparation H.
- Get an earlier sleep schedule: preferably in bed by 8 pm, awake by 4 am.
- Shut those neighborhood kids up.
- Fix the problems on the prototype self-propelled flying machine.
- Figure out the meaning of life.
- Figure out if age really brings wisdom.
- Convince colleagues that this was intentional.

- See if I can get a refund on that anti-aging cream.
- Find the receipt for that anti-aging cream.
- Research alternates to adult diapers.
- Prank video call everyone who bullied me in high school.
- Finish blueprint to the “make you feel like you’re upside down” goggles.
- Plan over the hill birthday party.... (Might as well because I already missed turning 50 as it is)
- Do more crossword puzzles.
- Let my wife know.

Monday, January 12, 2015

All About Me Monday - Lost Children

Today's Prompt: Write about a time when you got lost as a child. It could be you getting lost alone, or with your whole family.


Dana Lee wrote:

The first time I got lost that I remember, I was at the mall with my mom and sister. I was wearing a bright neon green shirt that had some sort of Looney Tunes character on it. It was probably Tweety Bird because I was loved Tweety Bird. This may all seem irrelevant but I promise it all ties in at the end.

My mom left my sister and I to go to a different store in the mall. We were old enough to be on as long as we were with each other. My sister left to go ask my mom something and before I knew it I was in this huge mall by myself. Okay, it wasn't really huge... it was just Macomb Mall, which is about the size of a Meijer.

Of course I went immediately to find security because I am very impulsive.  I was only with the guard for all of five minutes when my mom and sister saw me walking down towards the office. This is where my shirt comes in to play. It was bright... very bright, as I mentioned before. This being said, it is clear that my mom and sister could see me from a rather large distance.


I wish it was more of an exciting story with bad guys, gypsies, and wizards but that is all there is to it.


Chuck C. wrote:

An Early Christmas

Christmastime at the Twelve Oaks mall in Novi, Michigan is certainly a crazy time. Some would label it a Christmas wonderland full of people seeking out gifts to bless their loved ones in a wonderful time of year. Others would say it’s a anarchic everyone-for-yourself free-for-all, overrun with consumerist savages shopping at the behest of corporate advertisement.

As a young child of no more than three, I am sure I believed the former. I, of course, do not remember this incident, but it is indelible in my memory do to the many times my mother has regaled this tail. My parents, my sister, and I had made what I understand to be a rare trip to Christmas mecca in the dead of winter. We braved the white parking lot and crossed the threshold into a sea of Christmas decorations and milling consumers. We traveled through, going about our shopping.

At the center of the mall was quite possibly the most magnificent display my young eyes had ever seen. A mountain of neatly wrapped boxes in a myriad of Christmas colors. I was enamored and insisted on being taken to them. Of course my parents knew the presents were fake. I, of course, would have none of this and continued to insist I be brought there. Soon, after realizing I would not be brought there by my parents, I hatched a plan to get there myself.

I waited until my parents weren’t looking and I slipped away. Running as fast as I could with foot-long legs, I weaved my way through the crowds and found my prize. The mile-high stack of presents was right in front of me. I easily slipped under the ropes cordoning off the pile and went to town. I grabbed one and began shedding off the glistening wrapping paper, only to discover its contents were a hollow box. Undeterred, I grabbed another, and another, until I was sitting in a pile of opened fake presents.

By the time my frantic parents had found me, I had opened five boxes, and was attempting to open another. I do not know what the reaction of the mall staff was to this. I'd imagine it they were not all that keen on the idea, but having nearly lost their first-born son, I think my parents would have cared little either way. This early Christmas would be a tale that my mother would tell for years to come, especially any time we drove by the 12 Oaks Mall.


Pope Jon wrote:

It started out warm and dry with the darkness pressing in around me. The walls were endless as I clawed my way around, hoping desperately to find the exit. I could hear the laughter of my tormentor, and I decided to cry out for help once again.

"Help me! I'm lost!" I pleaded, desperate for sweet freedom. Freedom would mean I could breath freely, stand erect, and bask in the light of day as humans are meant to do.

My the tormentor just laughed and "encouraged" me to "just come out!"

Were it that simple. I thought bitterly, my mind horrified but refusing to panic.

As I continued to claw around aimlessly, I would see a way out, only to discover that it was just another trick of my feeble, 8 year old mind. I began to wonder if I'd ever escape as the labyrinth suffocated me in heat and fabric. I took time to pause and consider my options, but there didn't seem to be any other than what I'd tried already. My tormentor continued to laugh gleefully as my captor tortured me mercilessly.

Finally, at long last, I glimpsed the light of day, and with it, my liberation. Holding nothing back, I rushed for the exit, and was at last rid of my prison.

My mother watched as I emerged triumphantly with a gasp of breath, tears of laughter gathered in her cruel eyes.

"It's not funny," I pouted, with my hair standing strait up from a combination of static electricity and terror-induced rage.

I vowed to never go head-first into a sleeping bag again.

Friday, January 9, 2015

Friday Favorites - Personal Ads

Who is your favorite character from a young adult fiction novel? Write a personal ad for them.


Pope Jon wrote:


Single white bastard looking for wife or wench who is willing to remain a secret. I'm a Brother of the Night's Watch, so I can't provide you with any money or be with you for more than a few hours in the middle of a night. I'm extremely loyal and loving, and consider myself to be a family man. I love pets, specifically ones that will tear a man's throat out on their master's behalf, and am a firm believer of the old gods. I am a lover and a capable fighter, and love being spontaneous.

I can never openly acknowledge any relationships, but I hope to find someone who will be my lovely little secret. Send a raven with a message for "Lord Snow" to Castle Black if you're interested, and be sure to not speak of this ad in any detail.



Dana Lee wrote:

Luna Lovegood

Single white witch seeking single white wizard (Need not be mudblood)

I enjoy frolicking and riding on threstles. They are really kind creatures when you get to know them. I also enjoy finding extraordinary uses for ordinary items throughout the world. Looking for someone who is willing to explore the world with an open mind.


Chuck C. wrote:

Horace Slughorn

Age: 80

Occupation: Retired Potions Professor and Head of Slytherin House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hobbies: Reading and long walks through the forbidden forest.

About me: Some say that I am a bit of a shut-in, a washout, a has-been. It's been said that I "was" a good wizard in my day. Well, I think that's unfair. I still brew a mean polyjuice potion and when I throw parties, look out; they are slammin'.

Message me if: You love a man with experience and class, someone with wisdom to share.

Don't message me if: You were in Hufflepuff. Sorry; you're a bunch of pansies and you know it.