Next Weekend Has Two Cool Shows in the Region

Fun stuff happens in this bi-state area!

Much of next week and the weekend will have Comic-Con International/San Diego Comic-Con in the news. A lot of folks will be traveling there and enjoying what is (usually) the biggest comic/television/movie/pop-culture event of the year. However, if you're going to be around my neck of the woods, two cool comic events are happening on the 25th and then the 26th that I'd recommend checking out.

On July 25th, the awesome folks over at Bigfoot Comics and Collectibles will be doing the Airbase Treasure Chest Event. It'll have comics, coins, and all kinds of collectibles. The American Legion Mascoutah will be holding it as the above flyer illustrates. This is the first time it has been held, and it looks to be a lot of fun! I'm not sure I'll be able to make it out there due to some other family obligations, but I'd encourage anyone able to get over ot Mascoutah to head on over.

July 26th will mark the latest Spector Club show. This one is always a fantastic event to find cool comics, and it is continuing to be held at its spacious and very nice new location, the American-Czech Center at 4690 Lansdowne. If you're able to attend both shows or even just one of these, you're sure to have quite a fun time next weekend. It illustrates how you don't have to go all the way to San Diego in July to find some stellar comic shows--even though it might be fun to go out there someday if I can get anyone to cover my travel and lodging expenses to do a write-up!

Missouri Cut Funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, A Program That Helps Children Learn to Read

In a move that would make even a despicable movie super-villain gasp and say, "Wow, that's just evil," the state of Missouri and its many idiotic legislators (not all, but many) have a new budget that cuts a lot of things that help people. I guess when you need to spend so much time trying to re-outlaw abortion, you only have a moment to consider how Dolly Parton's Imagination Library should be safe from budget cuts.

In an email that is worded in a manner much more politely than I'd have written to folks, "In 2023, the State of Missouri and The Dollywood Foundation formed a partnership to fully fund the Imagination Library statewide, so that every eligible child in Missouri could receive free books at home. That partnership grew quickly. Today, nearly 170,000 Missouri children receive a book from Dolly each month. The current state budget includes a significant reduction in funding for this program, driven by decisions made at the state legislature and the governor's office. Because of that reduction, the program will close to new enrollments on July 1, 2026. If your child is already enrolled, books will continue arriving until the funds run out. We expect that to happen within 4 to 6 months." I would have tweaked the last sentence to go, "We expect that to happen within 4 to 6 months because these jokers in the Missouri Senate and House would rather cut funding for students and drive us off a budget cliff with a moronic scheme to eliminate income tax (thereby leading to jacked-up sales taxes) than invest in programs people agree are good."

Seriously, teaching children to read isn't controversial. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library works with state governments to send a book to children every month that they can read and treasure. Some households can't afford to buy books, and even getting transportation (or having the time) to go to a local library can be difficult. Something everyone likes is going to be cut in the name of things almost nobody wants, like the usual tax cuts for rich folks, or hours that could be spent legislating being wasted on creating new amendments designed to wreck our citizen-led initiative petition voting process (for real, this August's Amendment 4 sucks). I know some things are controversial when it comes to getting them funded, but helping children achieve literacy shouldn't be sacrificed in the name of other pork barrel politics.

Later May Links and News of Interest

June is drawing near, but before the conclusion of this month, I shall share some pieces of news and such that I found interesting. Let us proceed...

In one of countless examples of the Missouri legislature ignoring the will of the people, our congress has taken the face our state voted for safe and legal abortion in 2024 with Amendment 3 and want to trick everyone with a new, "Amendment 3," designed to steal reproductive rights away yet again. The fact they used the same number and everything is particularly sneaky/sleazy.

With a strong creative team (including Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey, Andy Kubert and more) behind the upcoming comic, "Terminal," it definetely has piqued my interest more than your usual, "New superhero universe,"-type story. Comics Beat did an interview about the series I enjoyed reading.

The new James Bond video-game focused on the character in his younger years, "007 First Light," is getting a lot of glowing reviews. I'd be interested in renting it and (hopefully) having a good time.

"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu," made over 100 million dollars in its opening weekend, but that is also the smallest opening ever for a Star Wars flick. Hence, people who love Star Wars can say how it is still a huge success with all that cash and those who hate Star Wars can say it is somehow a flop. Honestly, sometimes Star Wars fans equally love and hate the whole franchise.

Uber spent a lot of money on AI tech for various purposes and even the CEO isn't sure there was much cost-effectiveness despite how some folk swear by ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini to a surreal degree. I find AI handy for doing some math or figuring out the name of song I vaguely recall the lyrics for, but I wouldn't trust it with the success of my megacorporation.

Finally, I was sad to see the end of, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." It was hilarious he popped-up a day later on Michigan Public Access and CBS is apparently already trying to ignore the fact he ever existed at their network. Honestly, with his show gone and the unending rumors of Gayle King being fired or demoted in the future, I could have basically zero reason to even watch CBS until the premiere of, "Big Brother," in July. I hope whatever gig Colbert lands in the future he find happiness!

Why Aren't Shows About Missouri Filmed Here?

Another year, another show/movie/whatever that involves Missouri, but wasn't filmed here. Saint Louis is an interesting place, and the new program, "DTF Saint Louis," is getting rave reviews...but it was filmed in Georgia. Why is so little that involves Missouri actually filmed on location, though? As with most things, it comes down to money.

One of our local news stations had an article discussing how, "Georgia’s tax program, put into place nearly 20 years ago, has helped make the state one of the nation’s busiest filming spots." You see, Missouri has an 8 million dollar cap on its film tax credit program to offset expenses in the hope that the money that is spent by a production makes more than is credited. Georgia...has no cap. A one-off film or indie production can benefit from filming in Missouri, but a major show or movie is going to quickly find it a lot more appealing to film in Atlanta or any other Georgia location (Atlanta itself is starting to rival Hollywood, California, for being the go-to place for flicks or shows).

People might be saying, "Get rid of the tax cap, then, and perhaps more companies will come, and that'll make more money than would've even been lost!" Well, Georgia has a 20-year-or-so head start and, "Once a state builds a defined group of crew members, soundstages, production facilities, and networks like Georgia has, it becomes even harder for other states to catch up to them. Productions often choose locations not only for tax breaks, but also for predictable practices and planning." You see, Missouri let the cap expire in 2013...but brought it back in 2023. I imagine a big studio would be hesitant to put millions into a new big ol' location with such unpredictability, and that's okay! I mean, I support things that make lots of money paying taxes. Too often, the rich skate by and pay less than they should. The cap both makes sense and is a hassle for that reason. As it stands, things won't change too much in Missouri for making movies or shows, and while we may be the subject of many programs, they won't be made here, I guess. That isn't to say Saint Louis lacks creativity or art, by any means, we just aren't the next Hollywood or Atlanta. I mean, at least the incredible story of John O'Leary, "Soul on Fire," had parts filmed here. He's a fascinating person, and that's cool!

"The Hero Complex," in Saint Peters is a Cool Spot!

I had a friend who knows I like comics mention to me that they had visited a cool place and they thought I would like it, so I went there today. Called, "The Hero Complex," it is in Saint Peters and a really neat place! I stopped by today, right as they were opening, and was impressed by their mix of being both an arcade and a comic shop. 

The arcade had a lot of cool options and a prize booth for once you're done playing. I didn't play any games today, but I did see some folks enjoying themselves. In the comic store section, there are tons of cool pieces of decor, a variety of new releases for sale, some back-issues, trades/hardcovers, toys, and more! There was a nice little section of kids' comics and books, as well, for little ones--a nice touch. 

The employees were incredibly friendly and eager to answer any questions I had about whether various issues were in stock. I had a lot of fun browsing around and checking, "The Hero Complex," out. If you're ever near 100 Jungermann Road in Saint Peters, I would recommend visiting their store/arcade as you'll have a great time!

Missouri is the Midwest, Why Say Otherwise?

Missouri is a part of the Midwest, right? Why do some say otherwise? We're smack-dab in the heart of America. We border some Southern states and Northern states. Back in the Civil War, Missouri sided with the Union and was important beforehand with the Missouri Compromise (which obviously failed, hence the war). We have the Saint Louis Arch, which we know as the gateway to the West. Now, the Bootheel has some Southern flavor to it, but the overall State isn't the South. Politically, Missouri has, at times, been a bit of a mish-mash of politics. The rise of Trump and MAGA resulted in the overall state skewing more to the right-wing, but it still has shifted left at times, like voting for abortion rights and workers' rights as recently as the 2024 election (with our GOP-led Congress and Governor working hard to undo the people's will). 

We have some unique food items that aren't, "North," or, "South," so much as, "Interesting." Gooey butter cake, Provel cheese on pizza, and toasted ravioli are all beloved around Missouri (and in the case of Provel cheese, hated most other places). We aren't the South, although when I took my now-wife and then-girlfriend, Samii, to upstate New York to meet family and friends years ago, everyone did ask her where her Southern accent was. Then again, New York is so far North I've heard people there claim Ohio is Southern...so yeah. In closing, Missouri is in the Midwest, obviously. Also, it is pronounced, "Missour-E and not Missour-Uh," although in the aforementioned Bootheel, you will hear the latter more than the former.

I Sampled Bold Spoon Creamery and Loved it!

As you all are aware, I love ice cream and I enjoy foods with unique flavors. Hence, I get excited anytime I can try some ice cream featuring flavors that you don't usually see. This is how I happened upon Bold Spoon Creamery and gave some of their pints a taste. I was out with Clarkson and saw the cooler with some intriguing-sounding tastes. I got three pints and over a period of days (I'm trying to not eat too many sweets at once, after all) tried Bold Spoon Creamery out. Let's discuss what I ate...

Brown Butter with Miso Caramel

This one was lovely. A sweet and warm brown butter is calmly complemented by a more salty miso to create a beautiful balance. The contrast reminded me of how I enjoy chocolate-covered potato chips, to give an example of another nice yin-and-yang in flavors. I'd rate this a 4 out of 5 Stars.

Brie with Spiced Honey

The brie flavor was heavenly, and I enjoyed the honey mixed with it, but I will admit the spice definitely had more of a kick than I expected. I don't usually plan to have my ice cream be spicy, but the base of the brie worked well with the acidic heat in the honey. I quite liked it, even if I didn't love it. This rates a still-very-tasty 3.5 out of 5 Stars.

Lavender Vanilla

Now, here's one I did love. The floral lavender was just light enough to leave an impression without overpowering the vanilla bean. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I'd be finishing the whole pint in one sitting. Out of the three flavors I tried (and there are many more that look superb), this was my favorite. Easily 5 out of 5 Stars.

Bold Spoon Creamery can be found at multiple locations or purchased wholesale. I know I want to go buy some more and try the other flavors--I'm sure they're incredibly tasty too!

Exit 11 Coffee is a Great Local Chain!

I was driving around the Saint Peters region for some errands and noticed a coffee stand. I have never seen it before and that intrigued me as a person who loves coffee. I pulled up and discovered it was called, "Exit 11 Coffee." They informed me this location had been here for about 2 years--why I had not ever, "Seen," it is beyond me, but I'm glad I stopped there as they were really snazzy!

With seven different drive-through locations around Missouri, Exit 11 has an assortment of coffees, tasty flavored teas (they can be iced or slushy-style), and a good deal of food items as an all-day breakfast. I wasn't hungry or I would've tried a cinnamon roll--I'll go back soon for one. I did, however, try a RAVE Energy Tea known as the, "Nervous Breakdown." It was a lovely blend of fruity flavors including blackberry, lime, raspberry and strawberry; I dug it. I also had an Americano and it was perfect in terms of not being too bitter or too light. It was smooth and tasty.

I am pleased to have discovered Exit 11 Coffee and will be going back there anytime I am near one of their locations. I encourage you to check them out online and if you live in Missouri/find yourself traveling through here you should visit a stop!

America Made a Choice Yesterday.

Yesterday was November 5th, 2024. America made a choice. More than half of this nation decided it was okay with a man who is a racist, rapist, and raging narcissist becoming President one more. A man convicted of 34 felonies and who would not be able to work in a number of jobs or cast a vote in many states has been chosen to lead the USA. I can almost excuse the people who voted for Trump in 2016 as we didn't know how bad things would get. Then they got bad. After Trump lost his attempt to be reelected an actual coup happened at the Capitol that he rooted for. Despite January 6th, despite the felonies, despite all of it, Trump ran again, won his primary, and proved that maybe America isn't better than this.

We aren't better for our women who have had their reproductive rights under attack due to Trump's first Presidency that allowed him to appoint a Supreme Court that undid Roe V Wade. We aren't better for our citizens of color or migrant workers who just want a piece of the American dream. We definitely aren't better to our LGBTQ+ residents--especially those who are Transgender and seem to constantly be used as a scary prop by conservatives despite being regular people who just want to live their lives. We are not a Nation trying to do better, we are one that is going back to some dark and twisted times. Enough of the country heard Trump and liked what he said that he won. They don't care if his empty promises of filling their pockets also meant taking away their rights--at least, not as long as, "The right people are hurt," as the saying goes. It's the return of a monster, and the only thing different is this time he's even angrier and has a new VP.

Ah yes, Trump has a new Vice President because his last one (Mike Pence) followed the rules of the Constitution after Trump lost to Biden. This angered Trump and his supporters who said Mike Pence should be hanged. Now Trump has a critic-turned-lapdog in the form of J.D. Vance. Trump has a Senate reclaimed by the GOP too. Don't think that just because a number of states have voted to give people abortion rights (one of the few silver linings last night was my State of Missouri voted in favor of that) the Federal government will avoid pushing through a National ban while drunk on power. They said they wouldn't, but since when has Trump and the GOP been honest?

If you voted for Donald Trump this time around I hope you are prepared for the consequences of your actions. Kamala Harris represented some peace and stability, and Trump represented unpredictable and dangerous mayhem. I don't know what kind of dark days are ahead, but come January of 2025 things are going to get quite worse. I've lost a lot of faith in this Nation for choosing to go backward into hate instead of forward into progress. I'm mourning what I thought my country could be, but clearly isn't, in other words. America got the President it apparently deserved in the end, and that's crushing to witness.

They Officially Start Demolishing the Chesterfield Mall on October 15th

I've written about the Chesterfield Mall in our region and how I'm sad it will soon be no more. It was struggling a bit before the COVID-19 pandemic, and ever since then had been mortally wounded and limping along with a small number of stores left as a bit of a last stand. Long-gestating plans to demolish the Mall and build a big mixed-use area of shopping, businesses, and apartments/condos finally were approved and the Mall officially closes on August 31st, 2024. My favorite Vintage Stock location is at the Chesterfield Mall and their last day is July 28th, 2024. A number of shops that were still in the Mall have left or are making plans to relocate. The aforementioned Vintage Stock is just shutting down and that has me really disappointed in corporate for not finding a new spot nearby so that all the employees I adore there could relocate. The day is now in the books for when they begin to tear the Mall down and it will be October 15th.

Once it is mid-October it all starts coming down. After six months we will be left with a crater and construction will begin anew on Downtown Chesterfield or whatever the final name ends up being. I appreciate that whatever comes next could be pretty cool, but I'm still bummed the Chesterfield Mall will only exist before too long as a memory. I and others will miss it.

My Letter Was Published in the, "Missouri Conservationist," June Issue!

A recent issue of the, "Missouri Conservationist," discussed how if you see what seems to be an abandoned baby animal or injured adult one the best thing you can do is leave it alone. Messing with wildlife, no matter how good your intentions, is generally a bad idea as these creatures are rarely truly, "Alone," despite how things may appear. I enjoyed the article and it got me thinking about another time when people unfortunately can bug wildlife--when they want to take a picture for social media. It seems too often folks will think it is a good idea to walk up to a wild animal that could be hurt by them (or even attack them) for the sake of a good picture. I wrote to the magazine and they published my letter in the most recent June 2024 issue! Take a look:

You can read all issues of the, "Missouri Conservationist," for free online if you would like. I always enjoy the fun articles and great pictures. Plus, free virtual or in-person classes are always listed. I attended one via the internet previously about identifying wild mushrooms so you know which are safe to eat or not--it was fun! I am excited my letter is in this latest issue and thank the, "Missouri Conservationist," for publishing the thoughts I shared with them!

Go Play! in Chesterfield is Immense Fun!

I enjoy taking our children to fun things for kids because I want them to be happy and it is a good way to burn all the extra energy the youth seem to have. Clarkson is six and loves any kind of play place/play zone where he can run, jump, climb, and so forth. I had heard from some friends about a new such location that had opened up called, "Go Play!" Located in the Chesterfield Valley, I decided to take Clarkson today to Go Play! while Samii and Gibson stayed home in the warm house due to it getting even colder than this morning and Gibson needed a nap. 

Go Play! has two time slots you can book and then come and go as you please during said time window. We did the 8AM-1PM and arrived around 11AM so that Clarkson would have a good two hours to play. He had a ton of fun! The space is really open and nice. There are plenty of places outside the play area itself to relax or have a snack (they provide free coffee and plenty of concessions). Everything felt really clean and employees were often going around sweeping up gravel from the pit (more on that in a minute) or wiping down the climbing structures. 

There really was quite a lot to choose from in the main play area or the side room for smaller children. From slides and ball pits to trampolines, a mini rock wall, those spider-web things you climb up/down in, things to roll balls, light-up toys, and more, this space was loaded with things for kiddos to enjoy! 

Clarkson has always been a huge fan of jumping and sliding so his favorite activity was doing the trampoline area, going up in the tower to come down the big slide, going back to the trampolines, up the tower to slide down, and so forth. When he would get tired of running or jumping he would chill in the gravel pit and scoop the pieces a bit in a zen manner that he appeared to enjoy as well.

Go Play! is a wonderful addition to the region and provides another fantastic resource for parents wanting to take their kids someplace fun. The play zone was really fun, the free coffee was lovely, and the employees were all wonderful; when I mentioned how Clarkson has Autism Spectrum Disorder and could potentially try to run out (which you have to go past the front desk to enter or exit) they said they'd keep him from doing so if he tried that--he didn't as he was so enthralled with the play space, but better safe than sorry!

You can book your timeslot at Go Play! in advance via their website or simply show up to play, but I'd recommend booking ahead as they can reach their maximum capacity (they try to make sure it doesn't get too crowded) on gross days where it is more fun to be inside.

The Chesterfield Mall Will be Replaced. I'm Kind of Bummed About It

The Chesterfield Mall is one of the malls out here in the Saint Louis region. It is well past its glory days when it had lots of stores. It is a bit of a ghost with just some fantastic stores left in it including an awesome Vintage Stock, my friends at Grape's Games, a Cheesecake Factory, and some other neat establishments. Plans had been in the works for some time to either alter the Mall or outright tear it down and build new stuff in its place. Well, as of this week, a huge plan to demolish the Chesterfield Mall and create a mixed-use space with offices, housing, and commercial businesses has been approved. It will be a two-billion-dollar development and create an urban city center within Chesterfield. This sounds neat, but I'm kind of bummed about it.

I loved the Chesterfield Mall when it was more so in what could be considered its prime. The place was full of stores and restaurants, it had a carousel you could ride, and was just really fun. Then as happened with many malls it just started losing businesses and when COVID-19 hit that made everything even worse. I hope the businesses that are currently within the Chesterfield Mall will be able to relocate nearby or into the new development at some point. I especially love the good folks at the Chesterfield Vintage Stock and want it to have a location somehow. I guess we'll see what happens when we get into late 2024 and the actual demolishing and building of new stuff begins.

The Missouri Family Health Council Has Launched Their Free EC Project

The Missouri Family Health Council is a nonprofit in the state of--where else?--Missouri. They are dedicated to ensuring every Missourian has access to affordable healthcare and health education, including sexual health. They lead The Right Time Initiative which, "...seeks to empower every Missourian to take control of their own health by improving information about, and reducing barriers to, contraceptive services. The initiative provides free or low-cost birth control to all who need it, while addressing the persistent health disparities in unintended pregnancy and among marginalized populations." Recently, the MFHC launched the Free EC Project.

With reproductive rights being rolled back in numerous states (Missouri included) it is important to remember that emergency contraception (AKA Plan B) is still legal. The MFHC has partnered with a number of health centers and community partners to distribute free emergency contraception kits. At no cost to those who request them, a person will receive (confidentially) individually-packaged kits containing two doses of levonorgestrel emergency contraception (an over-the-counter medication that as I said is also known as Plan B), safer sex supplies (e.g. condoms and lube), sexual health education and consent resources, and connections to healthcare providers who can see individuals for affordable prices regardless of if they have insurance or lack it. 

As someone who worked in Public Health and has specifically worked in Sexual Health, I think this is a fantastic program to help people who otherwise might be too nervous to go publically buy EC (or could face danger in some form if they do), can't afford it, or have whatever reason for needing emergency contraception. Even in a state such as Missouri--which has extremely regressive policies regarding sexual health, gender-affirming care, and more as the list goes on--it shows how important the work is of an organization such as the Missouri Family Health Council. 

If you want to learn more or happen to live in Missouri and need free EC you can check out this link. Should you want to support the MFHC in any fashion you can learn how at this link too. I applaud them for their tireless work!

Missouri's Attorney General Has Basically Made it Illegal to be Transgender

Update: A Missouri judge has temporarily blocked the rule from going into effect. Hopefully, it can be struck down soon.

The right-wing politicians were going after gender-affirming care for those under 18. They said it was about protecting, "Confused kids," and that they'd never dream of trying to prevent adults from making healthcare decisions. If someone were over 18 of course they could get care to have their body match their gender. I and others said that was a lie and saying they were, "Protecting the children," as an excuse would lead to the persecution of Trans adults. Well, the Missouri Attorney General, Andrew Bailey, has made it so that anyone who isn't already receiving gender-affirming care will have to jump through a ton of hoops to get hormones, surgery, etc. The rule goes into place this week. They'll have to have years of documentation, be able to prove they don't have depression or autism (because apparently having autism means you can't also be Trans) and give up any medical privacy to get the care they need. It is basically illegal in Missouri to be Transgender, and that's not hyperbole. 

If someone is already getting care they are exempt from these new rules, in theory, but it is only a matter of time before further attempts are made to persecute anyone who is Trans and trying to do anything to affirm their gender. This rule will most likely be challenged and struck down because folks have pointed out that even a cisgender woman getting a breast implant could count as gender-affirming care and fall under these bogus rules. Still, in the meantime, a bunch of children and adults will suffer. The hateful Conservatives who claim to want personal liberty for everyone will continue to strip Transgender individuals of any rights and then they'll continue their quest and go after anyone who falls under the LGBTQ+ umbrella (it astounds me to see some Gay Men and Women essentially shrug with indifference at what is happening to our Trans friends as if they aren't next in the political crosshairs). It's a mess and I'm disgusted with many politicians in our State and will work with others to make sure Andrew Bailey is kicked out of office as soon as his position can be voted upon again. It saddens me that until this rule is struck down or he's gone so many people will suffer due to this man's hatred. It stinks, simple as that.

Midterm Elections Are Today, Let's Vote!

The midterm elections are today and in a lot of America, a variety of big races, amendments, and so forth are happening. Everyone who reads the blog knows my political leanings and who I'm hoping wins in various states/districts/etc. This post isn't about that so much as just encouraging folks to vote (assuming they are eligible to do so) and make sure they vote the way they feel will best represent them and benefit our nation. 

Here in my area of Missouri, we have a Senate and House race, various judges, and a number of amendments including a recreational cannabis bill that has split a number of opinions--it was a big ballot. Anyways, get out there and vote!

Two Great Comic Shops You Should Visit in Belleville, Illinois

I live in the Saint Louis region but right across the river is the state of Illinois. Over in that nearby region is Belleville, and within that town, there are two comic shops that are worth a visit! They are Bigfoot Comics and Collectibles & Cosmic Comics Games and Collectibles. In the past, I met people from both shops at different comic events in the area and thought I would share how their stores are great whether you live in Illinois or don't mind a drive across the river from Missouri.

Bigfoot Comics and Collectibles

I'm friends with the owner of Bigfoot Comics and Collectibles, John Chaffee. I met him years ago through the ToyMan Show and have enjoyed visiting his store on a number of occasions. It is utterly packed to the brim with comics, toys, and other fantastic collectibles. I've heard some people who step into the shop describe it as, "Sensory overload," but in a good way. The store is full of older comics, newer comics, and tons of other cool stuff. Whether you're looking for cheap floppies to enjoy reading or rarer and high-end titles, Bigfoot Comics and Collectibles is a fantastic place to spend some hours digging for snazzy stuff.

Cosmic Comics Games and Collectibles

I met the folks behind Cosmic Comics Games and Collectibles previously at a Quad Con. I told them I would try to get to their store and now I've been able to visit it! At CCGC they get in a variety of new titles that come out weekly and have a good assortment of back-issues to dig through. Their store also has vinyl records for sale--something which I appreciate as a music lover. If you're looking for the newest comic releases or other fun stuff, give them a visit at Cosmic Comics Games and Collectibles!

Time For an Article About How Wendy's Has Made Me Angry

I will never eat at the Wendy's near our house ever again. I will still eat at other Wendy's restaurants, but the one near our home has angered me to an absurd degree that I'm going full-on Karen, as the kids say. You see, I may live in one of the safest cities in Missouri, but I feel outright robbed by that Wendy's. I tried to handle everything in a respectable manner without going online and complaining as us David's apparently like to do, but all other options are exhausted and I shall use my very public platform to discuss how a fast food restaurant did me wrong.

It was April 19th of 2022 and I went to the Wendy's located at 14799 Manchester Road. I had ordered in the Wendy's app so that my order would hopefully have zero chance of being messed up. When I arrived there at 6:45 PM the line was crazy-long. That was okay, I know stores are short on staff so it is important to be patient. I waited in the drive-thru line (nobody was allowed inside the location and it was drive-thru only) and got to the order box. I told them my order and was informed I needed to pull up a bit so they could bring it to me when it was ready. After waiting some more my food was brought out. I had ordered two drinks and a Frosty. I was only given one drink and a Frosty but before I could say anything the employees had run back inside. It was 7:35 PM or so by this point and the store was set to close at 8PM so I just shrugged and figured that would be the only mistake, perhaps. I was wrong.

I got home and my wife's nuggets were missing, my chicken sandwich was totally wrong, and the drink that we did get was not even correct. Half the order was incorrect or missing. At this point, Wendy's was closed so I figured I would go the next day to tell them what happened and they'd be happy to fix everything. I was soon to learn that I was wrong yet again.

The next day I went to Wendy's after I dropped Clarkson off at school. I drove up to the order window and told them how I had placed an order in the app, came to get it, and that a big chunk was wrong. I said I could show them the app if they had any questions. They asked if it was a Doordash order and I explained that no, it was me in the app. They asked if I had gone back to the store yesterday or called. I clarified the store had already closed by then. I was told that because I hadn't made the problem known yesterday or called even if the store was already closed, I was out of luck. I was surprised to hear this because you know who fixes problems near our house if something is wrong? Basically any other fast food store near us. If I go to the McDonald's near our home at 15204 Manchester Road and inform them an item was forgotten or messed up, they offer to replace it or give me a gift card. I always have the receipt, but they say it is all good if I offer to give it to them--they just help me. Wendy's did the opposite.

I did some Googling and eventually found the number to call Wendy's hotline. I called and after holding for some time got a human. I explained everything that had happened so far to them. They said they could refund me the value of the items in the app or could inform the general manager at that specific Wendy's so that the manager could call and talk with me. I said I'd be happy to talk with the manager so I could discuss with them what had gone wrong and how things could be improved in the future. It has been a number of days and no manager has called from that Wendy's. 

I can only conclude that whoever is running the Wendy's near my house doesn't care that a customer is upset. They didn't know this customer had a blog that attracts a significant number of readers every month who enjoy pop-culture ramblings. They also didn't know that I'm perturbed enough to call out this specific Wendy's and then tweet the corporate account so they can be aware of how disappointing this specific location is. As I said, I'll still eat at Wendy's but don't expect to ever see me at that location closest to our house ever again. I'm far too petty, and I will admit that. I would still encourage people to eat at Wendy's restaurants that are near them, but if you're ever in my area and see this specific Wendy's, just keep driving up the street to the McDonald's is what I'd suggest.

I Visited, "Just Heroes! Comics and Collectibles," and it Was Fantastic

I try to stay updated about any stores in my region that stock comics so I'll occasionally ask around or check the internet for any shops. Through my Googling the other day I discovered that in July of 2021 (so a bit under a year ago) a new shop had opened up known as, "Just Heroes! Comics and Collectibles." I went and checked them out yesterday. I had a great time browsing, chatting with the owners, and buying some comics! Owned by Juan Dixon, he originally had an online storefront, then expanded into an antique mall before last year when he opened the brick-and-mortar store!

The shop has a bunch of the latest action figures, statues, apparel, Funk Pops, and other cool collectibles. There is also the, "Comic Cave," which I loved digging through for a variety of great comics. When it comes to comics Dixon has an extensive selection of back-issues, keeping everything in stock from notable key issues to an ample supply of dollar bin items and everything in-between.

Found at 733 Rue St Francois in Florissant, Missouri at zip code 63031, "Just Heroes! Comics and Collectibles," is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed Mondays. They offer a 15%, "Hero Discount," to all active and retired military personnel (with a valid ID showing as such). I'd recommend visiting their store in person or buying from them online. I know I'll be back in the near future so that I can get more awesome stuff!

I Love the, "Nuts and Candy," Store Here in Ballwin!

I always like to spotlight local places I enjoy as a chunk of my readers are in the Saint Louis region where I live. One store I've been enjoying going to is, "Nuts and Candy," which, as its name implies, sells a variety of delicious roasted nuts and domestic as well as imported candies. They're at 14632 Manchester Road here in Ballwin and I always love stopping by. 

The seasoning on the assorted nuts is always amazing, the variety of candy and chocolates is mouth-watering, and everyone who works there is so incredibly nice. If you're ever in Ballwin and need some nuts or candy I'd 100% recommend visiting!