A Fairy Tale (For Real!)

Once upon a time … just kidding. I’m not telling that kind of a fairy tale. I am going to give a product shout out to Kamtron security cameras. At the recommendation of my brother I purchased 5. Two outdoor wireless stationary cameras and 3 rotating movable cameras. It was watching his demo on his smartphone that convinced me that I needed it too. Truth be told, my little nanny cam Minion that I got on Black Friday 2 years ago finally died. It wasn’t very fancy and I think it was only $40, but it was pretty handy watching the front door so I would know when my packages were delivered. So anyway, I had this one set up for outside as it uses a lithium ion battery so you can put it anywhere. The app is super easy to use and I also put it on my iPad. I can also get notifications on my phone anytime the motion sensor is triggered. The days of waiting for Amazon, UPS and USPS are over. I can also use it as an intercom, so when someone is at the front door I can tell them to hang on a sec, or let them know that it is unlocked and come on in.
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So a long time ago I put a bunch of artificial flowers in the window-well for the window in the mancave. (it is a basement window if you are wondering). Anything was better than the boring steel grey color. I thought it made it a little more cheerful. What I didn’t realize is I accidentally created a fairy garden, and a home base for thousands of fairies. With my brand new cameras they also have a really cool nighttime infrared feature. So they can see in the dark. They also can see things that the ordinary eye can’t see. At first I thought there were like a thousand fireflies outside. So I went upstairs, turned on the light and it was completely dark and empty. No fire flies. No bugs. It was quiet. I went back downstairs and the “bugs” were everywhere. So I put my iPhone on a stand and recorded a slow-motion, and that is when I discovered they weren’t bugs. They were invisible “fairies”. I also witnessed a glowing orb-like ball that appeared the night of the supermoon. It was invisible to my naked eye, but clear as fire in the camera. I am positive THAT was a UFO. There also was a dark glowing “orb” the size of the moon that reminded me of the evil eye in Lord of the Rings. Also, you could not see that with the naked eye. And tonight I watched as another glowing ball appeared out of no where and then shot up into the sky lightening fast. I am pretty sure that these magical creatures do not want to be seen. Just like ghosts don’t want to be seen. I also have witnessed orbs flying around the mancave. I always knew there was spiritual energy around me, and now I have actual proof.

And in case you forgot, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. So be sure you do something extra nice for mom this year. If you ARE a mom, just go buy something frivolous and unnecessary. You’re worth it. Evidently fairy gardens are a real thing, so I will be enhancing mine in the coming days.

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What Does “Aaron” Think?

The first time I can remember someone wanting to know MY opinion on a topic was back when I was a product manager in a marketing group working in Boulder Colorado. It was for a company you might know, GE. General Electric. Yep, the light bulb company. “We bring good things to life.” Cute little slogan right? I was only there for a year or so but it taught me everything I needed to know about the distribution chain and logistics. The year was 1999, and if you all remember, everyone thought the world would go into chaos with Y2K. What a joke that was.

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Anyway, I was in a marketing group of about a dozen people, and crazy thing I was the highest paid of them all. I found that out years later how my director had to go to bat to justify my salary. Hey, the power of negotiation is huge. In one of the many meetings I was required to participate in, my counterpart, the other product manager was not doing so hot, so the director asked what were my thoughts on the situation. I looked up from my Palm pilot (I know right?) and said they wouldn’t like my answer as I have a totally different take and perspective as a former IT, Windows NT network administrator. I was the guy who usually sat in silence listening to everyone else argue. Why join a pointless discussion if no one really listened? Well, my director listened, and for the first time in my life, someone actually took my recommendation and did something with it. Yep, it was me who started new marketing initiatives generating new revenue. When you prove you can make a company money, save them money, OR prevent potential litigation, you get noticed.

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In many positions I would spearhead a newsletter. I’ve always been a writer, and sending out communications on a timely basis has always been my thing. It’s funny, a lot of my readers actually know me personally. Many of them say they can actually hear my voice in their head when they read my words. Like in a movie … a letter on the screen is all of the sudden thoughts and sentences in your ear. When Sex and the City was on air I thought how cool would was Carrie Bradshaw? She had a sex column in New York City that made her semi-famous. I always wondered what writers were paid at a newspaper. Well, we all know that newspapers don’t really exist anymore. Most newspapers are all online subscription websites now. My blog/website is sort of like that but without the monthly cost. I did have a reader tell me he would be pissed if I started charging for articles/blogs. Don’t worry, I’m not going to do that. There are other starving artists who need your money before I do. Just like Ben Shapiro, I’m just another news commentary out in the big world wide web. But actually I’m mostly on people’s smartphones, … in their email. If you’ve been a long time subscriber then you should have over 90 different blogs that I have written. And since most blogs are at least 500 words or more, it would take hours and hours to read them all. I personally have only written some, and never read them. I have only read my book once, and that was when it was written. Many parents have read it so many times they can quote lines from it. Crazy right? I will have to sit down and read it before I can write a sequel. I was contemplating recording it and putting each chapter online on YouTube. I can’t be sued for reading my own book. But if I read say, Harry Potter, I think Warner Brothers would be after me for copyright. I actually had a reader ask/request that I read the book since it is easier to listen than to read. Most of my readers/fans get their info from me via the blog and not my other social media outlets. Facebook and Instagram are a joke with their stupid algorithms. Back in the day when the business page was new, I would post a picture or something and thousands of people would like it. Now, … nothing. Seriously if you go and look at the really old posts and the current ones you would be disgusted at the lack of likes. So it is better to just use my platform where I know people are reading my thoughts.  I am willing to bet there are a lot of kids who would love to see/hear me read my book. I’ll think it over and we will see what happens. I’ll ask my nephews and see what they think.

Mortal Kombat released on HBO Max and at the theaters yesterday, and I have to say I really liked it. I loved the final kill scenes … flawless victory. If you ever watched any of the movies you will like this one. But if you are not into fantasy fighting and killing you won’t like it. It is Aaron Approved!

 

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Murder in the Oklahoma Express Lane

Evidently some republicans are not happy with the George Floyd verdict and have taken it upon themselves to pass some shitty new law, HB 1674, that allows motorists to run down and murder anyone who is at a protest or riot. WTF, right? Nope, not kidding and you can consult the “Google” to verify it yourself. So, … who usually protests? Well lately it has been the BLM Black LIVES Matter crowd. But those aren’t just black people protesting. I have to say that I am just appalled at the evil behind this bill. Surely the President or congress will intervene. Who needs to use a knee when you can just slam on the gas and run down everyone you hate and have no repercussions. Wow. Just wow. Fucking douche bag politicians. I curse you fuckers. I am pretty sure those bible banging assholes know that one of the ten commandments is thou shall not kill. We ALL know that. It is like common knowledge. If Georgia is getting heat from major corporations for a simple water voting bill/law, I can’t even imagine what the fall out from this is going to be. Well, sit back, get some snacks, wait and watch for the next round of the republican shit show.

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And if you think that “maybe” there are two sides of the George Floyd story, you might be slightly entertained by Ben Shapiro’s highly opinionated review of the trial/outcome. My viewpoint “Thou shall not kill”. Let me ask this question, “What happened to just detaining a perp with handcuffs?” Subject is in custody and is no harm to anyone. Why the excessive force and violence? Because … ex-cop bully Derek was/is a racist hater. He would have never done that to a white supremacist. Do you know what they do to cops in prison? Sorry, ex-cops in prison. I hope they put him in the same prison with the convicts HE personally put away. I wonder, will he get the Jeffrey Epstein VIP treatment, or will they keep him confined for his own protection?

 

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Self Defense

So let me ask you this question, “If you were attacked, by one person, like a fist fight, how or what would you do to defend yourself?” Do you carry any weapons? Keys? Mace? Perhaps even a pocket knife or even maybe a gun? Most people don’t carry a weapon, but with the way things are going these days it might be more than we think. When I was a kid my parents enrolled my twin brother and myself into a dojo to learn karate. They thought that we might get picked on since we were Asian and smaller than kids our own age. Yep, they were right. Fortunately for us, 2 against 1 usually wins. They did not anticipate us using it on each other. Remember the movie “The Karate Kid”? Super old movie, but a good one. I think there was even a spin off that is on Netflix. One swift punch in the bread basket will shut someone up real fast. And then while he is bent over gasping for breath, a knee to the chin will finish him off. Remember that when you are confronted in a fight.
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Depending on that situation, … the one where you were attacked, what would you do? Pull out your gun? Run? Whip out your Swiss Army knife and prepare for battle? Oh wait… some people might pull out their smartphone and record it or go LIVE. If you are being attacked by a police officer I am pretty sure I would do a livestream, on my business page, YouTube app, SnapChat, Instagram AND TikTok all at the same time. I think that if you say “Hey Siri I am being pulled over” it actually activates the video recorder. As we all know, you can be pulled over for almost anything and be doing nothing wrong and die for it. Scary world we live in. Or should I say, scary world we die in.  So if you weren’t online or connected yesterday, then you wouldn’t have been dominated by the George Floyd murder trial. All jurors voted guilty and the world celebrated. Yay. One down a thousand more to go. We still have to see what the sentence will be. Will the “system” slap him on the wrists and let him out in 5 for good behavior? Remember in 13 Reasons Why, when the rapist got off easy because he was white and rich? As long as the world sees us as colored people, we have to do things to ensure our safety. When I am pulled over I always tell the officer I am a children’s author. If they are going to stereotype me, do it right.

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On a side note, Vudu.com is having a sale on television series in HDX. I scored Nikita (a assassin show like Point of No Return) and Glee. The entire series for Glee was only $35! It is normally like, $375, so that is a no brainer. Hey I was in the swing choir in high school so I can totally relate to all the high school drama.  I still think the first season was the best. And sometimes the cover artist does it better than the original. [Not sponsored by anyone so no endorsements from any company]

AND I saw nothing on the Columbine shooting yesterday. Sometimes people forget. Loving thoughts prayers and healing to those affected by a mass shooting. I use Reiki, so I am sending those healing energies as well.

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Sephora, Ulta, or Discount Store

If you have ever walked into a Sephora or an Ulta store you know that it is full of highly priced beauty products. Women (and now men) spend thousands of dollars in these stores, all with the goal in mind of looking pretty, or younger. As you glance around the store, almost all the customers are pretty and the salespeople look like they walked out of a magazine. After all, if you are selling beauty products then it should look like you are using them. I used to think that these two stores were basically the same store, selling the same products. But after doing a lot of research, and shopping I have come to a clear decision on which one I like best. AND since a lot of people wonder what I think, telling them where I shop can be advantageous. After all, as one friend said, I have already done all the leg work of doing the research.
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Now if you don’t care about your looks, getting old, or attempting to be somewhat attractive to the eye, then you might just be a straight male republican. Hahahaha. Seriously, my twin brother doesn’t have a skincare routine, and he doesn’t even wash his face at night. And he wonders why I look younger. Kim Kardashian doesn’t just wake up looking gorgeous. So the difference in the stores, from which I can tell, deal with the kinds of brands each of them carry. As you may know, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of brands and products. How do you decide on which ones to spend your hard earned cash? You do want to look amazing for the rest of your life and you can’t do that without some help. As I told a friend, in all honesty, if someone is exfoliating, using a serum, moisturizer and spf, he/she is going to look good. Not knocking any brand, so if you got it at Target or at Sephora, something is better than nothing.
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Sephora is more high end and is going to carry more expensive brands. Ulta will have middle of the line, and maybe some luxury brands. Target, Walmart, Dollar Store all have make up and skincare but they may not be the highest quality. Of course, if/when you find a brand you love, you can buy directly from their website. BUT if you want to make life easier, you can buy online from Sephora and get free shipping, free products, and tons of free samples. They have a $35 minimum to get some of the samples, but if shipping is free, I just make multiple orders and get all the samples. They know what I am doing and combine them all into one box. Twice a year they have a beauty insider event. You give them your email and they track your purchases and then you get a special discount event. So that super expensive _____ that you wanted, you can get it on sale. Some of the skincare products are really pricey, so getting samples of those products is a bonus. If you aren’t signed up, head over there now and the next event for 10% off is this week. I am addicted to “Sunday Riley” skincare, which they sell on Sephora and Ulta. But you don’t get a discount or free shipping at Ulta.

Go pamper yourself with some skincare products. When your skin/face looks good, you feel good. And let’s be honest, no one gives a hoot how tan your face looks. You can use make up bronzing to give you a healthy beautiful glow without damaging your skin. I like to use Natasha Denona’s contouring powder to enhance my dark skin tan.

(I was not paid to endorse any of these companies). Sephora, Sunday Riley & Natasha Denona are “Aaron Approved”. 
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Life is short. Pamper yourself.

As a seasoned veteran in the sales arena, one of my favorite techniques to  manipulate customers was the “pamper yourself” technique. I don’t think I invented it, but I never – I repeat never – have ever seen another sales person use it effectively on a prospect. So what exactly IS this magical technique that I would apply ever so carefully? Well, first of all, buying and selling is a relationship activity. Anyone who is paid an actual commission, and no base salary understand how important it is to really connect with that prospect. Depending on what you are selling and who you are selling it to can make a huge difference. Sure anyone can “close” a sale, but can you maximize your new friend to spend twice as much? I can.

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So I think  my favorite place that I used this was working in the jewelry store. I wasn’t REALLY on commission but I had an aggressive sales goal that meant I could not rely on impulse purchases to get there. I sold over $200k in my first month. And that is a heck of a lot of diamonds. And we all know that a “No thanks, I’m just looking” really means, “Hey salesman, convince me to buy something I totally don’t need, but really want.” Don’t you just love a challenge? Yeah, me too. I think “Oh, it is ON.” First of all, no one just browses when they really want to buy. Oh sure we would all LOVE to have whatever and just buy it. Guess what? Some people have a shitload of money and a grand here or there doesn’t even budge the needle on the stress level scale. So ask your prospect a simple question that will get the wheels turning. “When was the last time you spoiled yourself or bought something nice?” Good one huh? For some reason it is a simple question that people don’t ask enough, of their prospects, new customers, loyal patrons, friends and family. I actually had a salesman who worked for me when I ran a Cingular store and he used to say “Treat yourself.” And he would sell more accessories than anyone. Nifty trick. Like a $130 bluetooth headset was an ice cream cone or something. Now obviously if you sell something like insurance, you probably won’t get the same results.

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My other closing sales line was “I usually buy what I want since my significant other is not a mind reader and if I hate doing returns/exchanges.” That usually got a good laugh. Or maybe the “Hi, I’m fucking awesome and no one gives me a holiday or special day.” Sometimes people just need someone to approve of their expensive purchase and say it is okay to actually spend money on yourself. I do it all the time. Every day is a celebration when you don’t have kids (to pay for things), a mortgage, a car payment or student loans right? With the current state of … the world, I guess you could say “Hey I am spending money on me because I was screwed out of every holiday/celebration/wedding/birthday because of COVID. Think of all the money you would have spent on gifts and airline tickets alone! There are literally millions of people who got a stimulus check that weren’t directly affected, but who wouldn’t take free money right? We all want to win the lottery. Some people act like this small check of $1400 is like a winning scratch ticket. Funny right? My dentist took mine and it wasn’t enough. There is such a big push on affordable healthcare but no one gives a shit about our teeth. Love my dentist but I feel like I am financing a car. I’m afraid to go in for a cleaning as it always ends up being more than just a cleaning. Sure, I need some new laser procedure for my gums. No, it is not free and not covered by insurance.

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And the trial for the murder of George Floyd is fucking ridiculous. He was murdered. End of story. Terminate his killer. Congressman Matt Gaetz is a disgusting pedophile (which hasn’t been stated anywhere in the media) and should be imprisoned. I guess since he isn’t the president and doesn’t need 60 votes to convict him, he is gonna get it. I’m sure Liz Cheny is laughing her ass off now. I told you they turn on each other. White republican … sorry white entitled republican. Karma is a bitch and in one of my future books, the karma angels are going to finally have their day in the spotlight.

Go buy something nice, cool or awesome for yourself. There are millions who saved for a rainy day and never got to spend it. I’ve been buying expensive face masks on Ipsy that tighten my skin and make me look even younger. I’ll be 48 in July but I still get carded at every casino and bar. My favorite mask is by Generation Clay, the pink clay one. And since you know I don’t take bribes, I am not sponsored by them or anyone. If you try it, get the one on Amazon, it is cheaper.

 

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The J&J 1 Shot “shot”


May be an image of one or more people April Fools Day for me was a life saving day. So at the request of some readers, here is an update that I got my shot and I am not going to die. Yes, I would be really sad if I got COVID and died too. While some people in Colorado are having difficulty finding the vaccine, it is even harder to get your hand on the 1 shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. It literally is the luck of the draw. When I got to Kaiser to get my shot, they had all 3 different vaccines, and fortunately for me, my nurse had 1 dose left and it just happened to be J&J. The cool thing was all of the syringes were already loaded with the vaccine. So all those videos you see of the vaccine in the little jars, didn’t apply to J&J. I didn’t ask, but I am assuming they did not want to waste any of the vaccine like some places have been doing. I’m really not into a lot of selfies, and you’ll see my Instagram has them sporadically. At the request of a friend, here is me taken, just yesterday. Yeah, I know I don’t wear my hair down like my profile picture, and I usually wear my glasses these days. I know, with my visor on you can’t even tell that I’m Asian Gandolf.

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I took a picture of my COVID card so I will always have it. I am guessing at some point I will have to prove that I have had the shot. Although since I have Kaiser, it should show up in my test history. Thumbs up to Kaiser for being so efficient and organized. They had all the cards labeled in advance and when you get your shot, they peel the sticker off the vaccine and put it on your card so it is presented nice and neat. From my understanding, Kaiser is only giving shots to their own patients. You can’t just walk in and request an appointment. The general public still need to go to the official website and try to score an appointment. Kaiser was able to prioritize patients as they have their medical records and know who really needs the vaccine first. My shoulder is pretty meaty so I didn’t feel anything and there was no after effects or pain.  If you are waiting your turn, “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

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Where is the Zack Snyder review? Dude, … the movie is 4 hours long. The first time through I had to sit in awe realizing it was a different movie, same story. Like, how many times can they tell the story of ____ (pick any Disney movie)? I need to watch the movie again to actually enjoy it and then critique it. But if you are waiting, I can tell you that it is “Aaron Approved” and if you like super heroes then you need to watch it. For all you Catholics, it’s Good Friday and your last day to eat fish. Although I love fish. Crab legs all you can eat. I’m down. The Lodge Casino in Blackhawk has all you can eat, but they have to serve your plate rather than grabbing a potentially infected pair of tongs.

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Why white people hate black people so much.

It is in the genes. They can’t help it. Their great great great great grandfather was a slave owner. Damn. Actually, what I am getting at is the reason voting is so important. Fun little fact, long long ago when the blacks were freed from slavery, they were not technically considered citizens, and they certainly could not vote. Back then, the white people made it a law that you could only vote if you were a property owner. Well, you can imagine how many of those there were.

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I don’t need to go down the long list of ways that the white man has been evil to all other races. Shall I even go into American Indians? Damn. Pulling all the punches today. Let’s talk about the thousands and thousands of massacres that happened on this semi-great nation. It’s not just black people that white people try to control. It is anyone who is not like them. And even within their own — they hate and kill each other for no real justifiable reason. If the Indians has semi automatic weapons instead of bows and arrows, would this even BE the United STATES of America? Or would each of us be in an Indian named territory? I think someone needs to write a sci-fi back in time thriller that shows that scenario.

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Democrats are quick to blame guns for deaths. But let’s be real. More people die in car crashes because of stupid mistakes and shitty tires. Holy crap you should have seen all the accidents with a tiny bit of snow. Does anyone go after tire manufactures for not creating better tires? Somewhere along the lines of history man thought he was better than others.

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Slavery is not new in American history. Slaves in Egypt. Slaves in Asia. Sad, but it is true. Even today there are people who are working for pennies an hour/day, for hard work. What if … that negative energy of “hate” actually stimulates the virus somehow? The virus feeds on energy, and it probably doesn’t care or distinguish between good energy and bad energy. Feelings are energy too. Perhaps that is why we pray when someone is sick. Sending them positive energy to fight the negative.

And Godzilla vs. King King releases today, on a Wednesday in theaters and HBO Max. I saw it, loved all the priors, even Skull Island. This one sort of let me down. A big movie like this you would have thought they would have cast some famous actors, or some eye candy to keep you slightly entertained. Meh. If you have HBO Max, watch it. If you were going to the theater, you may feel like me in the end. And since I suffer from West Nile virus I am on the priority list to get my shot tomorrow for COVID. Thank God. The angels are looking out for me. Namaste friends.

 

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The Trump Tax Cut?

So if you were blithely unaware, a few years ago Trump gave billion dollar corporation tax cuts, with the hope and fantasy that the trickle down effect would impact everyone. Well, I am a shareholder for Best Buy, who also got a big tax cut. Did employees get any of that money? Did the shareholders get a dividend that I wasn’t aware of? That’s right, the answer is no. The fucking greedy bastards kept it all for themselves. Oh sure, some tenured Walmart employees got a bone thrown at them, like hey, good work, we just saved billions, here’s a penny for your thoughts, which don’t count. Because history repeats itself and as long as anyone can remember the rich people are favored and the poor people are treated like second class citizens. Well it looks like the corporate rate of 21% is increasing to 28%, and when you are a big company like apple, Google, Walmart, AT&T or Best Buy, that percentage comes to millions. So yes, the federal government will be able to finance some of those stimulus checks, but as a negative repercussion, those retailers and companies will increase prices. I just got a message that my Disney+ was going up by a couple of bucks. I guess those premier releases (Mulan, Onward) haven’t been as profitable and with limited attendance at their parks, they need some cash.
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It really is sad that republicans in Georgia are also being sabotaged by their own party. As I said the other day, the republicans have woken a sleeping giant, and now they are going to have a really hard time putting it back to sleep. If you didn’t know, Georgia passed a law making it illegal to give someone water while standing in line to vote. WTF. Right? Where the hell was MY water when I was standing in line to vote? hahahaha. Just kidding. I vote by mail, just like the millions of others in Colorado. And while OUR voting rights are not being attacked, our virus here is, and starting this week EVERYONE will be eligible to get a vaccination shot. Wow. And I didn’t inquire with anyone, but I am pretty sure they are not going to require a drivers license or proof of citizenship to get the shot. Yeah, we aren’t assholes here. I had to say it. And if you didn’t know it, baseball opens this week here in Denver with the Colorado Rockies allowing 21,000 people to attend in person. If you are over 18 you can get the 1 shot Johnson & Johnson. Yay us for us old people.

 

Disney+ released a new series. All I see are these stupid Captain America memes. Yep, waiting til episode 6 launches then I’ll watch the falcon. I’m currently into Titans, a DC spin off of Batman, focused on the sidekick, Nightwing, who is not a nice guy. So far, I really like it. Superman & Lois airs tonight, and while I thought I would really like it, I’m just not that into it. They are focused on the supertwins who have no real powers, alternate timelines, … way too many variables to actually focus on a real plot. So far it is just a “meh” from me.

 

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Boulder Kings Sooper Shooting

Tragedy strikes the small mountain town nestled in the foothills of the rocky mountains yesterday as a killer runs rampant in a Kings Soopers grocery store killing 10 people in cold blood, including a Boulder police officer. Names of the victims have not been released yet, as families have not all been contacted. The killer was apprehended and taken into custody. The gunman’s weapon of death was an automatic weapon, an AR-15. As of now, no motive has been uncovered. The name of the shooter also has not been released yet. He is a white male approximate 30-40’s, dark hair with a beard. When he was taken into custody he was shirtless, had no pants on, and his leg was red with blood. So Columbine, Aurora Theaters, Thornton Walmart, and Boulder Kings Sooper. Boulder is most known for their infamous Labor Day “Boulder Bolder” marathon.

So last week it was spas in Atlanta, and this week grocery store in Boulder. When I said sit back and watch the fireworks, I wasn’t kidding!

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