Television Tuesday: Real Houswives of Rhode Island Seems Quirky Enough to Validate Its Existence

There have been a number of, "Real Housewives," shows that have lasted for a long time, or come and gone. Some locations and casts just seem more ripe for drama and mayhem than others. Beverly Hills keeps chugging along while the District of Columbia gets a single (mostly forgotten) season. Salt Lake City is a treat of absurdities, but a show set in Dubai just kind of ran out of steam. The programs can result in spin-offs and create big names like NeNe Leakes and  Bethenny Frankel, or bring in people who already are pretty well-known as a draw (Kandi Burruss, Lisa Rinna, Lisa Vanderpump). The latest addition to the franchise uses an entire (albeit tiny) state. Yep, I'm talking about, "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island." Thankfully, the first episode established enough interesting stuff for me to want to keep tuning in, and the second episode kept me engaged as well!

Rhode Island is a small state, and as a result, everyone who is someone seems to know all the gossip about everyone else. This leads to drama, and I like my Housewives shows to have drama. These programs live or die on a good cast, however, and this is a strange enough mix that I'm vibing with it. To name some interesting folks, we've got the oldest cast member, Liz, who isn't shy about her age or the fact that, "Somewhere down the line," she and her husband, Gerry, determined they are vaguely related. I'm not sure why she shares that with viewers, but the woman seems to lack a filter, and I dig that. Jo-Ellen strikes me as someone who will smile to your face while she brutally stabs you--but not in your back--directly in your chest, while still eerily smiling. She's terrifying and engaging television. Kelsey has a boyfriend who has another girlfriend in a different state...but it's okay, as she's got her own second guy too? 

Ashely has gone from, "Bachelor," to, "Housewives," franchises.

Oh, and Ashley Iaconetti of, "Bachelor/Bachelor in Paradise," fame is here as a lure for fans of that franchise, living with her husband she met on, "Paradise," as he is a Rhode Island native. She's fresh to the state and overwhelmed by everyone (a bit like us viewers diving-in to this new locale). I didn't name everyone, but those four of the seven (eight if you count Doloroes from the, "New Jersey," show who is hanging around too at a Summer house as she knows Liz) have been the most intriguing to me/seem the most likely to bring us the spectacle/circus viewers of these shows want. Enough of the cast seems to like and hate each other that when you put them all in the same space, it brings the same result as vinegar and baking soda, a big ol' mess. That's why I watch these shows, however, and as long as, "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island," can draw viewers in, they and I will keep watching.

I'm Down for a (Good) New Star Fox Game

I played a lot of, "Star Fox 64," back in my youth. I loved that game and with the help of my friends and various strategy guides (the internet wasn't much of a thing yet) found a lot of secrets and cool stuff tucked away in various corners of game. There have been other Star Fox titles since then, but that has a special place in my heart. Hence, we hadn't heard much about Star Fox for quite some time and suddenly an explosion of news about the fella popped up recently. People deduced (and Nintendo confirmed) that he would appear in the upcoming (and now released), "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," plus a well-known leaker of reliable Nintendo news said 2026 would see the release of a remastered, "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," as well as brand-new, "Star Fox," game. Will it be funny yet also have an epic story? Could it just play it safe? We don't know, but if it can be even half as good as the N64 classic, I'd personally be willing to give it a chance!

Today is Easter and We're Also Mid-Passover for 2026

Today is Easter for 2026. The date always is changing due to how every year the lunar calendar impacts it--yes, the Moon affects Easter, funnily enough (gotta love those pagan roots in Christianity). We are also in the middle of Passover. Basically, it has been a busy past week for anyone Christian or Jewish! I hope everyone has a good holiday if they observe either!

A, "Hellraiser," Comic Omnibus Has Been Announced

Rejoice, fans of horror and BDSM-style leather clothing, an omnibus collection has been announced for previous"Hellraiser," comics published by BOOM! Studios a chunk of years ago. It is titled, 'Hellraiser Omnibus Volume 1," as more will presumably be coming. As per the official news that BOOM! released to the website Bloody Disgusting, "This upcoming omnibus assembles the complete 2011 Hellraiser #1-20 comic series and the Hellraiser Annual #1, all created under Clive Barker’s close guidance and creative oversight." I've never been a huge Hellraiser fan or hater, so I'd probably check this out as it sounds like they at least nailed (no pun intended) the vibe of the original (and best) movie with those comics, and any extra material will be cool too. I do wonder who owns the rights to the, "Hellraiser," comics from the 80s and 90s that have lots of fans as well, because those could be snazzy to collect in a big hardcover. In the meantime, this first volume is due in November and it'll be fun for the old BOOM! comics that have been long out of print to now be in a large snazzy tome. 

A Just-Announced Absolute Batman Miniature Game Got Me Thinking...

"Absolute Batman," has been a juggernaut in terms of sales, rave reviews, and otherwise being a great series along with many of the, "Absolute," series. I imagine DC is eager to make money on tie-in opportunities, so it made sense when I saw Monolith Board Games has an official crowdfunding campaign for, "Gotham City Chronicles Season 4," and this expansion for their miniatures game is all about Absolute Batman. Frankly, I'm astounded we haven't seen more merch tied in with the, "Absolute," line. There is a smattering of announced figures or such....and that's it? We need some cartoons, games, breakfast cereals, and Upper Deck has the DC Comics trading card license but has been fumbling it--they could essentially print money with an, "Absolute," card set. I know stuff can take time to plan out and make (think about how everyone wanted Baby Yoda/Grogu stuff when he first appeared, but it took a bit to make official items as he'd been a secret for so long), but the Absolute line has been a big hit for over a year now. Give us some cool stuff!

My point is, corporations generally don't leave money on the table and I'm shocked we aren't seeing more, "Absolute," stuff for sale. Perhaps DC is showing remarkable restraint in the same manner they've been letting the Absolute series organically grow and slowly start to crossover or acknowledge each other. I just know I'm totally ready for a cool, "Absolute Universe," video-game if anybody wants to make an official one or even just a cool mod.

"Avengers: Armageddon," #1 Will Come With Promotional, "Magic the Gathering," Card

Here is some interesting marketing synergy. Marvel has partnered with Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast for assorted, "Magic the Gathering," promotions and is now bringing it in directly to the comics. You see, the first printing of the first issue of, "Avengers: Armageddon," kicks off an event series (written by Chip Zdarsky with art by  Frank Alpizar and Delio Diaz) and will have a special card that you can--I assume--use in your Magic games. I know almost nothing about, "Magic: The Gathering," as friends have tried to get me into it, but I always told them I spend enough hours and funds on my current hobbies not to need a new timesink and money pit. That said, I did play the virtual card game,"Hearthstone," some years ago, and when I was a wee lad, and only 151 Pokémon existed, I played that trading card game. Hence, I have some familiarity with trading card games and know Magic is a big one.

This promotion makes me wonder if the goal is more to get comic fans into Magic (nah) or to encourage Magic fans to try some Marvel comics (likely). I'm leaning more towards the latter as it is clever to have the card accompany the debut of a big new event. I could imagine someone who is really into, "Magic: The Gathering," buying the issue mainly for the card, but reading the comic and wanting to follow along with at least this latest big happening in the Marvel continuity (it helps Zdarsky is among the few writers at Marvel putting out stuff in the, "Main," Universe that I like and don't find drab along with Jed MacKay's work on Moon Knight). I could see the result being short-term success for the debut, but I wonder if there will be interest in the follow-up issues, depending on whether gamers read the actual issue. We shall see!

It's April First. Continue to Believe Nothing You See/Read/Hear Online (or Anywhere)

When I was a young child, April Fool's Day held a certain whimsy for me. With the rise of the internet and pranks as we know them being less lighthearted and more terrible, however, the day holds less appeal. I know many of us already don't believe anything we see/read/hear in this age of misinformation, so continue doing so on this day, where falsehoods are purposely posted as jokes. I previously made a post about pranks to be sure you do not do under any circumstances (fake pregnancies, fake deaths, and so forth) and would encourage you to only do a, "Prank," that is harmless and possibly even--dare I say--nice. Tell someone you forgot to bring them a coffee, only to reveal you got them a coffee and a pastry, for example. My point is, carefully gauge the truth of any information you take in tomorrow, and don't be a jerk either. Basically, good advice for any day of the year.

Television Tuesday: "Love Overboard," is Silly, Sloppy, and Great Fun

Last week, Hulu dropped all nine episodes of its newest reality show "Love Overboard." Hosted by Gabby Windey (of former, "Bachelor/Bachelorette," and, "The Traitors," fame), the show is a bit like if, "Love Island," got mashed-up with a Netflix show from some years ago, "Surviving Paradise." A bunch of young and horny singles pair up on a mega yacht with the twist that official couples can be, "Topside," living in luxury, but anyone single or who fails to win challenges to earn a place topside (even if they have somebody they are vibing with) is stuck in the downside. The downside is essentially like another show known as, "Below Deck," with cramped quarters, chores such as cleaning, and a lot less luxury. It is a weird mish-mash of concepts, but it works! 

There is twisted fun to watching contestants such as Bella absolutely lose their mind at the idea of having to clean a toilet or witnessing as couples that seem as solid as granite crumble remarkably fast when new contestants known as, "Shipwreckers," join in on the fun. Oh, and did I mention that when someone is kicked off the show, they fall down off a plank into the ocean water below (don't worry, producers pull them out onto a smaller boat), because it is absurd and hilarious.

As with many of these dating-focused reality shows, a lot of viewer enjoyment comes from just how messy everyone can be. People become strangely clingy to each other in a matter of hours, as if they were a long-time item, arguments break out over who is more in love, and you already know there is grainy night-vision footage of folks getting up to smooches (and more) after dark. Plus, the added desire of being in the comfy topside does indeed motivate certain people to feign interest in one member of topside couples in the hopes of getting into a spacious room with delicious grub provided, too.

It helps with, "Love Overboard," that nobody is too obnoxious (Andrew is just annoying enough to be hilarious in how detached from reality he is, such as when he has a full-blown hissy fit over a bad haircut), and some contestants are downright endearing and sweet. It's a zany concept with a great cast, and I adored the resulting nine episodes. Will the couples last long? You already know the answer with this genre, but since when has that mattered with these dating shows? We're here to have some raunchy fun and giggle as people make rash decisions in the name of romance...plus getting a room with a window. Turn on Hulu, turn off your brain, and get prepared to have a good time.

5 out of 5 Stars.

Music Mondays: When the Remix is Bigger Than the Original Tune

Generally, a remix isn't bigger than the original song. It can become a huge hit as well, but bigger? That said, it can happen. This thought occurred to me when I heard the really catchy song, "Stateside + Zara Larsson," by the artist PinkPantheress. The original song was, "Stateside," and it has had a number of remixes made with different artists. That said, I heard the remix with Larsson joining on the tune first, and having listened to all versions--including the OG--I like the remix the most! It appears many agree with me as while, "Stateside," was good, this remix just sounds better!

This seems to happen a lot with songs that were maybe slower or quieter and with a remix getting louder/busier/wilder. You've got, "I Took a Pill in Ibiza," and its dance remix that blew up. The recent, "Yukon," song by Justin Bieber got a good degree more airplay when its minimalist singing and guitar had some trippy electronic beats added. Hell, the "Macarena," is best known by those in the United States for its version with English lyrics and a faster tempo.

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson in the remix music video.

Changing a beat isn't the only aspect to make a remix gain even more traction than the original tune, of course. You often see in rap a remix bringing in another music artist, and that can play a major role. From the, "Touch It Remix," with Busta Rhymes and friends to Fabulous and the, "Throw it in the Bag Remix," which incorporated The Dream and Drake to immense success, those are just two examples that popped in my head right away of many. In the late 90's and early 2000's it felt like every rap song had a remix--sometimes to its benefit and other times to little note, but helped give everyone options for which version of a song had the rappers they liked listening to the most!

From the version of, "Summertime Sadness," most recognize to the, "Ignition (Remix)," there are occasions where the remix overshadows the first iteration of a song. That isn't a bad thing, by any means, as sometimes the second/third/whatever time is a charm! I just find it interesting when such a thing happens, and I thank PinkPanteress and Zara Larsson for their tune making me think about all this.

Clarkson Saw the Easter Bunny at the Saint Louis Carousel!

Last year, we went to an awesome event held by Gallia Wealth Management Group. It was at one of Clarkson's favorite places, the Saint Louis Carousel in Faust Park. It happened again this year, and we attended and had fun! Gibson was tired and stayed home to rest with Samii, but Clarkson loved riding the Carousel and seeing the Easter Bunny.  As with last year, the event was geared towards families with members who have assorted disabilities or special needs, with lots of great accommodations for any disability.  There were snacks, goodie bags, activities, and a number of folks were having a ball with the unlimited Carousel rides.

I also chatted with the head of GWMG, John Gallia, and plan to follow up about one of their services focused on assisting with Chartered Special Needs Consultants ( to plan out future financial aspects for loved ones with disabilities). I really appreciate his agency throwing this awesome event and encourage my fellow STL residents to check Gallia Wealth Management Group out!