Media Diary February 16 - 22: Recaps of a Star Wars Flop and a Bad WCW Nitro

This is the week I finally will dig into reviewing 2025 releases. We're already two months into the year, so I'll have some catching up to do. But here are things I found time to watch, listen to, read, and play.

What I Watched:

The Rough History of Solo: A Star Wars Story by Isenahrt Productions: Probably one of the most significant movies of the past decade considering it completely shifted LucasFilm's entire strategy going forward. It is a large reason we haven't had a Star Wars movie in years. 

The Decline of Walgreens. . . What Happened? by Company Man: We don't have Walgreens in Canada, but my guess is they are an American version of Shopper's Drug Mart. 

Captain America Brave New World Pitch Meeting by Ryan George: Watching the Pitch Meeting of a movie you still haven't seen is tight!

You Really Thought I'd Let You Go Alone? by Ryan George: I laughed ridiculously loud after this one. It is a hilarious play on the whole friends come alongside the hero at the last minute trope in adventure/action movies. 

One Piece: I've now been introduced to Sniper King, and my world is better for it.

What I Read:

Captain America Offer More of the Same by Nathan Rabin: MCU is in a creative rut, and Rabin explores how this movie is fine but indistinguishable from what came before. 

1440 Daily Digest February 16: A special Sunday edition that explores the history of marriage and looks at how it has evolved through many countries and cultures. 

You're Lying to Yourself by Mark Manson: It is a quick look at the daily lies we tell ourselves, and the importance of being honest with what we need and what is happening,. 

1440 Daily Digest February 17: Uplifting news like wars, cult killings, and never-ending cold.

The Smark Rant for Monday Nitro - 10.09.00 by Scott Keith: I revel in Scott's pain as he suffers through the dying days of WCW so I never have to. . . again. 

1440 Daily Digets February 19: Ukraine being pushed out of their own peace talks is more uncomfortable and disheartening news, but research in the new complex language gene found in some animals is fascinating. 

1440 Daily Digest February 20: News continues to be dispiriting with more major figures doing awful things and the world imploding. But hey, it was Rihanna's birthday!

1440 Daily Diget February 21: I am reminded this is an American newsletter when the news of the Canadian team beating the American in a hockey championship is buried in the middle with a mere sentence or two mentions. 

The Priveledge & Cowardice of Refusing to Take a Side by Gene Radcliffe: An insightful piece about how all art is political and creators must be aware of the message they are spreading. 

1440 Daily Digest February 23: There have been and will be a lot of elections right now.

What I Listened to:

Music Man Soundtrack: There will be a lot of that in the coming months.

ASMR Relaxing Piercing Cafe by ASMR Latte: I probably will never actually get my ears pierced, but it would also never be as relaxing as this.

What I Played:

Super Mario Party: Played a full game that stretched over two days, and to no one's surprise Everett won. I came in last, which also surprised very few.

Queens: My very delightful 2-minute mind game before I start the day.

CrossClimb: I obviously have to play a daily word game. I'm a writer!