Category Archives: Travel

Travel

Driving My ‘Cheap’ Porsche Boxster Across America! [Part 1]

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In this episode (part 1 of the adventure), I drive from New York to Colorado, via Chicago and Omaha… before running into some issues in the Rocky Mountains.

The 2002 Porsche Boxster S is like that friend who shows up to a casual dinner party wearing a tailored suit—effortlessly cool and unapologetically classy. With its mid-engine layout and 3.2-liter flat-six engine, this car was a statement that Porsche didn’t just reserve its best engineering for the 911. It pumps out 250 horsepower, which in 2002 felt like a mini rocket on wheels. The Boxster S hugs the road like it’s trying to give it a romantic embrace, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution. Driving it feels like an experience—no, an event—where every curve is an invitation to push a little harder.

Inside, it’s quintessentially Porsche: minimalist but refined, with all the buttons and knobs you need and none of the ones you don’t. The soft top is ready to drop at a moment’s notice, letting you hear that sweet engine note in full stereo. The car’s design has aged well—its sleek, rounded body still turns heads even as it gets mistaken for more recent models. The Boxster S isn’t just a sports car; it’s a declaration that sometimes, the road is best enjoyed with a little wind in your hair and a flat-six engine singing behind you.

Featured, Travel

PAX West Hightlights – New GAMES I’m excited for! (Nintendo, Atari, Indies)

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Highlights from PAX West in Seattle. Lots of new games from Nintendo, Atari, Capcom, etc… plus indie games and more. –> WATCH >> https://youtu.be/Sz5eN4JTZwI

PAX West in Seattle is like Comic-Con’s geeky cousin who’s into video games, Dungeons & Dragons, and has way too many Funko Pops but somehow still manages to be cooler than you. As you step into the expo, you’re greeted by a sea of flannel shirts, obscure gaming references, and more LED lights than your average spaceship. It’s the only place where arguing about the best Final Fantasy game can last for hours and somehow, both sides are still wrong. And don’t get me started on the cosplay—there’s everything from a near-perfect Master Chief to a Pikachu that looks like it’s seen some things.

Navigating the expo hall is like leveling up in a video game—each booth is a mini-boss encounter, from indie developers pitching their latest pixel-art platformers to massive companies showing off shiny new tech. If you’re lucky, you’ll leave with enough swag to build a small nerd shrine, though the real loot is the random stickers, pins, and tote bags you’ll find months later in your backpack. By the end, you’re emotionally exhausted, a little poorer, but filled with enough gaming news, demos, and nerdy conversation to last you until the next PAX (or at least until you finish your current Steam backlog…in 2035).

Travel, Metal Jesus Likes

The Immortal John Hancock in Brazil!

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The Immortal John Hancock got the honor to attend Retrocon in São Paulo, Brazil and had a blast!

São Paulo, Brazil, is like the over-caffeinated cousin at the family reunion—loud, bustling, full of energy, and impossible to ignore. It’s a city that never sleeps because it’s too busy figuring out how to squeeze 24 hours’ worth of activity into every 12-hour day.

First off, São Paulo is enormous. If you think your daily commute is long, imagine traversing a city that seems to have its own gravitational pull, sucking in everything and everyone within a 50-mile radius. You could probably fit several European countries in there and still have room for a football match.

The traffic is a whole adventure in itself. Navigating São Paulo’s streets is like playing a never-ending game of Tetris, where the blocks are other cars, buses, and the occasional motorcycle zipping by at warp speed. It’s the city where being “fashionably late” is a way of life because, honestly, there was no way you were getting there on time anyway.

But São Paulo is also a city of contrasts. One minute you’re walking past skyscrapers that make you feel like you’ve accidentally stumbled into a “Futurama” episode, and the next, you’re in a leafy neighborhood where time seems to have slowed down just long enough for you to enjoy a leisurely coffee—probably the strongest, richest brew you’ve ever tasted, because in São Paulo, coffee is not just a drink; it’s a lifestyle.

The food scene? It’s like the United Nations on a plate. You can eat your way around the world without ever leaving the city. From sushi to pizza, to Brazilian barbecue that’ll make you question your life choices, São Paulo has it all. Just be prepared to roll yourself home after indulging because portion control is clearly a foreign concept here.

And the people? Paulistanos are the kind of folks who can juggle a dozen different things at once while still managing to look effortlessly cool. They’re friendly, direct, and have a knack for making even the most chaotic day seem like just another Tuesday.

In a nutshell, São Paulo is a wild ride—a chaotic, vibrant, electrifying metropolis that’ll leave you breathless, a little bit lost, and definitely craving another shot of that amazing coffee.

Featured, Travel

VIDEO GAME HUNTING in Eastern Washington + PICKUPS

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LET’S GO!!! We take a 3 day road trip across the mountains into Eastern Washington revving up the engine and hitting the open road! We’re going to see some beautiful scenery, do some video game hunting, and at the end of the video I’ll share everything I picked up!

Eastern Washington is like the rebellious cousin of Western Washington—where rain is a myth, and sunshine is a lifestyle. It’s the part of the state where Seattleites go to get a tan and a sunburn in the same day. Picture this: rolling hills that look like someone took a crimping iron to the landscape, endless fields of wheat that make you want to run through them in slow motion, and a sky so big, it seems like it has aspirations of its own. And then there’s the Columbia River, winding its way through like a giant, scenic snake, probably plotting world domination in its spare time.

But let’s not forget the cities and towns, each with its own quirky charm. Spokane is the big shot around here, with a bustling downtown that tries its best to feel metropolitan but always has a little bit of that small-town charm. Pullman and its college town vibes make you feel young just by driving through, while Walla Walla is known for its wine—so much so that you might start speaking in grape metaphors after a visit. And then there’s the wildlife, like tumbleweeds that seem to have an actual agenda, and jackrabbits that appear out of nowhere, probably sent by some secret council of rabbits to monitor human activity. So, if you’re looking for a place where you can experience all four seasons in a single day and where “dry” is more than just a weather forecast, Eastern Washington is your kind of place.

Travel

10 Reasons why Midwest Gaming Classic is the Best Gaming Expo

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Midwest Gaming Classic is an annual tradition in Milwaukee, WI, that brings so many of us together. Here’s a quick look on why I love it so much.

Milwaukee, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, is a vibrant city renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic urban landscape. As the largest city in the state, Milwaukee offers a blend of industrial heritage and modern innovation, with iconic breweries like MillerCoors and Pabst Brewing Company reflecting its legacy as a brewing powerhouse. The city is also celebrated for its thriving arts scene, highlighted by institutions such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum, as well as a lively performing arts community. Visitors and locals alike enjoy exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods like the Third Ward and Brady Street, bustling with eclectic shops, trendy restaurants, and lively entertainment venues. With an array of festivals, including the world-famous Summerfest, and a strong sense of community pride, Milwaukee exudes a unique charm that captivates all who visit.

Featured, Travel

$100 Challenge at Portland Retro Gaming Expo + PICKUPS!

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Metal Jesus & Drunken Master Paul are at Portland Retro Gaming Expo w/ $100 each to buy 3 great games PLUS collectables. Who do YOU think had the better pickups at Portland Retro Gaming Expo?

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest known for its eclectic culture, lush greenery, and laid-back atmosphere. With a backdrop of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and the nearby Columbia River Gorge, Portland boasts a rich tapestry of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, the city embraces a thriving food scene highlighted by farm-to-table dining, a plethora of food carts offering global cuisines, and a fervent craft beer and coffee culture. Artistic expression flourishes in Portland, evident through its numerous galleries, street murals, and the iconic Portlandia statue. The city’s love for the outdoors is evident with its extensive network of parks, bike-friendly streets, and proximity to hiking trails and scenic vistas, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, Portland also grapples with challenges such as homelessness and urban development, which add complexity to its dynamic identity. Overall, Portland captures a blend of natural beauty, creativity, and a unique sense of community that draws both locals and visitors alike.

Travel

Evercade Panel at PRGE 2023 Portland Retro Gaming (Sean Cleaver, MetalJesusRocks, John Hancock & John Riggs)

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Sean Cleaver, MetalJesusRocks, John Hancock and John Riggs look at the Evercade, the variety of games, the rebirth of classic cartridge gaming, bringing back arcades and home computers, and the future of the ecosystem. This panel was recorded at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo Oct 13-15, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is an electrifying celebration of gaming nostalgia, drawing in enthusiasts and gamers alike from across the globe. Nestled in the heart of Portland, this annual extravaganza transforms the Oregon Convention Center into a haven for all things retro gaming. From classic arcade machines blinking in neon splendor to rows of vintage consoles displaying timeless favorites, the expo pulsates with an infectious energy, rekindling memories of bygone gaming eras. Attendees immerse themselves in a vibrant tapestry of tournaments, panels featuring industry veterans, and a bustling expo floor teeming with rare collectibles, merchandise, and passionate gamers swapping stories. The camaraderie among attendees, united by their love for retro games, fosters an atmosphere brimming with nostalgia, making the Portland Retro Gaming Expo an unmissable pilgrimage for gaming aficionados.