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Six Unanswered Questions from Psych

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My wife decided to do some work in her sewing studio yesterday evening and since a trip to Noodles & Company meant I didn't need to make dinner, I found myself watching some reruns of Psych while waiting for her to get home. The show, as always, was entertaining, even though I've seen every episode multiple times and know who the killer is ahead of time. However, as I watched, I realized there were some things that were left unanswered by the series and the three (so far) movies that followed. Here are six of those unanswered questions: Why did Shawn ( James Roday Rodriguez ) pretend to be a psychic in the first place? OK, in addition to it being the whole premise of the show, the series did sort of answer this question in the pilot. What I mean by this though is, of all the explanations he could have given to avoid being arrested by Carlton Lassiter ( Timothy Omundson ), why choose that one? It seems like explaining he had a heightened sense of observation that had been h...
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Movie Review: Artists and Models (1955)

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Synopsis: Rick Todd is a struggling artist who lives with his friend, Eugene Fullstack, an aspiring children's book writer who can't keep a job because of his obsession with comic books. Eugene is especially a fan of Bat Lady, which he later learns are written by his neighbor, Abigail Parker and inspired by her friend, Bessie. When a recently fired Abigail grows tired of the demand for violence, she recruits a willing Eugene in her efforts to speak out against the industry. What they don't know is Rick has been publishing comics based on a character from Eugene's nightmares, something that catches the attention of spies interested in a secret formula described in those stories. Who's in it? The movie stars Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Shirley MacLaine, Dorothy Malone and Eddie Mayehoff. Review: I have had Artists and Models in my movie library for several months but have been reluctant to watch it because I've honestly never been a bit Jerry Lewis fan. However...
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Movie Review: Murder Mystery 2 (2023)

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Synopsis: After solving a series of murders while on a European vacation, Nick and Audrey Spitz attempt to start their own private detective agency only to have it struggle and put a strain on their marriage. When their wealthy friend, the Maharajah Vikram, invites them to his wedding on a private island, they see it as an opportunity to take a much-needed break. However, when Vik is kidnapped and his bodyguard, Lou, is murdered during the ceremony they find themselves in the middle of another investigation while also avoiding authorities because they are being framed. Who's in it? The movie stars Adam Sandler , Jennifer Aniston , Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent and Adeel Akhtar. Review: Even though I enjoyed Murder Mystery much more than expected, I just never seemed to get around to watching Murder Mystery 2. I finally decided to correct that today and it turned out to be a good decision. The plot, first and foremost, was a solid mystery. The person who kidnapped Vik (...
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Movie Review: Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)

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Synopsis: Batman and Batgirl are at odds when the ambitious nephew of a powerful mob boss takes interest in her and Batman fears it will put his partner in an unnecessary amount of danger. Later, Batman's nemesis, the Joker, escapes Arkham Asylum and kidnaps Commissioner Gordon forcing the masked vigilante to track down his friend and possibly fight in a duel to the death with the insane clown. Who's in it? The animated movie uses voices from Mark Hamill , Kevin Conroy, Ray Wise , Tara Strong and John DiMaggio. Review: I took the afternoon off today and while having lunch, looked for something to watch. I have not seen any of the Batman animated movies, other than some of the crossovers with Scooby Doo and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles so, since Batman: The Killing Joke was available, I figured I'd give it a try. It turned out not to be at all what I was expecting, and I mean that in a good way. I had heard this and other Batman animated films described as "a...
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Book Review: Plato and the Tyrant by James Romm (2025)

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Synopsis: Known as one of history's most influential philosophers, Plato's writings have been a cornerstone of Western governments and culture, including his  Republic, which had an influence on the United States' government. This non-fiction book explores Plato's relationship with two Syracuse monarchs, both named Dionysius, and how that relationship (and imprisonment) shaped his best-known work while also help bring down the monarchy. Review: When I came across Plato and the Tyrant at my library, I was intrigued. I knew of the philosopher and his influence on modern literature and governments but didn't know a whole lot about the relationship that helped influence his influential masterpiece. After reading the book, I was not disappointed. I think the thing that caught my attention most was the father/son duo of Dionysius the Elder and Dionysius the Younger and how that dynasty came into power as a monarchy when the rest of Ancient Greece was practicing some for...
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Because I'm 51 (A Birthday Poem)

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 I was born in the 70s And who became who I am in the 80s and 90s. I'm now old enough To say I lived in six decades and two separate centuries. I'm getting too old to deal with the daily grind But not old enough to retire. Because I'm 51 And there is still a lot of responsibilities required. I outlasted rotary phones and dial-up internet. I carry scars from Challenger and 9/11. I've reached a point in my life where "sleeping in"  Is any time past 7. I was part of the last generation that had to wait until Saturday morning to watch cartoons. And one of the last that needed to go outside to play if we wanted to have fun. I don't shake my fist at clouds yet, but I don't like people being on my lawn. All because I'm 51. I always know when we're going to get rain, Thanks to knees that tell the weather. And while today's music and movies aren't necessarily bad They ones from my day were so much better. My metabolism already gave up on me; my ...
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Movie Review: The Book Club Murders (2024)

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Synopsis: Ever since high school student Lauren McClain went missing, Natalie Johnston has been plagued by rumors her now-deceased husband had something to do with it. With her 15-year-old daughter, Gwen, choosing to return to school, Natalie attempts to get her life back on track and joins a book club. Soon after, a mysterious writer begins sending out letters exposing people's darkest secrets then later seemingly takes things a step further by murdering members of the book club. Natalie becomes especially concerned when Gwen receives a letter accusing her of helping her father murder Lauren.  Who's in it? The movie stars Brittany Underwood, Eva Igo, Nicole Weber, Julia Zook and Mike Bredon. Review: I've had The Book Club Murders on my watch list for several weeks and, after seeing it is about to leave Netflix, I decided to finally watch it. It ended up being an entertaining watch. The thing I liked most about this movie is, while I (correctly) had my suspicions about ...
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