When Did Companies Decide Words Are Too Hard? The Outrageous Logo Simplification Trend

This week, Cracker Barrel learned the hard way that you don’t mess with nostalgia. Their “simplified” new logo, stripped of its warmth and personality, sparked immediate backlash. The company quickly backpedaled and promised to restore the original.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen this. Pizza Hut once ditched its iconic red-roof logo in favor of a bland, computer-generated look that nobody loved. Now, they’ve wisely leaned back into their retro design, the same way Burger King brought back its classic “bun sandwiching the name” logo. In my opinion, that’s one of the most clever and timeless fast-food logos ever created. These brands eventually realize that what customers are loyal to isn’t just food, but the memories and emotions tied to those logos.

I understand the need for evolution—subtle updates like what Wendy’s or KFC have done over the decades make sense. But the current obsession with oversimplification feels like laziness disguised as “modernization.” When did these businesses decide that words are just too hard for their patrons to pronounce—or too much brain power to process? This “shorthand culture” is everywhere.

Remember when International House of Pancakes became “IHOP”? When I was a kid, my parents would tell us we were going there after church, and it felt like a really big deal. I remember thinking, wow… International House of Pancakes! It was a grand-sounding name, almost exotic, and it made the visit feel special—a place where you could see things and get things you couldn’t anywhere else. That sense of occasion gets lost when it’s just “IHOP.”

Even Burger King leaned heavily into “BK.” Kentucky Fried Chicken became “KFC.” Pizza Hut became “The Hut.” These shortcuts save maybe two seconds of time, but they erase decades of brand storytelling. Logos aren’t just marketing—they’re cultural anchors. They connect generations and evoke nostalgia: Friday nights at Pizza Hut buffets, Sunday breakfasts at IHOP, grabbing a Whopper after a high school football game.

When companies erase those connections in the name of minimalism, they chip away at the very soul that made their brand beloved in the first place. In a world that’s always rushing, it’s a shame to see the richness of words and design tossed aside for “shorthand.”

McDonald’s McDonaldland Adult Happy Meal: Why Nostalgia Made Me Buy One (Even When I Said I Wouldn’t)

If you grew up in the ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s, get ready to feel like a kid again—because McDonald’s just pulled off the ultimate nostalgia play. The McDonaldland Adult Happy Meal is here, and the second I got one in my hands I was transported straight back to Saturday morning cartoons, Ronald, Grimace, and playground memories.

I didn’t plan on writing about McDonald’s this week. Honestly, I’ve been doing my best to avoid fast food altogether. Now in my 50’s, I’m focused on getting my health back on track—but then McDonald’s dangled something in front of me that I couldn’t resist: a McDonaldland Adult Happy Meal. Hook, line, and sinker—I was back in line like I was 10 years old again.

I am a sucker for this kind of throwback retro goodness. They had me at 'McDonaldland' and the psychedelic retro commercial that came out not too long ago. Just the idea of revisiting that colorful, whimsical world of Grimace, Hamburglar, and all the rest was enough to get me to pull into the drive-thru.

What Is the McDonald’s Adult Happy Meal?

McDonald’s has re-launched a special Happy Meal aimed at adults who grew up on the original McDonaldland characters. Each meal comes with:

A choice of a Quarter Pounder with cheese or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets

Medium fries

Medium drink

A McDonaldland collectible toy (Grimace, Hamburglar, Birdie, Mayor McCheese, Fry Guys or Ronald McDonald)

It’s a full-blown nostalgia play—part marketing genius, part cultural flashback. And judging from how fast they’re selling out in some areas, it’s working.

My Experience

When I got the bag and pulled out of the drive-thru, I had to park my car so I could closely examine every corner of it. It took me right back to when I was a kid—the little details like the hamburger garden, the hamburger fish swimming around, funky psychedelic-looking trees that produced both apples and apple pies, the lagoon, and all the classic characters like Mayor McCheese, the Hamburglar, and the Fry Guys.

Even the toy felt like a time capsule. When I pulled the prize from the bag, I examined it the same way I used to as a kid. 

I could not believe the attention to detail: the designers sprinkled ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s nostalgia throughout the box art, including Captain Crook, Big Mac the cop, Uncle O’Grimacey, Professor Von Sauce and, and of course, Ronald McDonald himself. Even the talking garbage cans made me smile—it was clear that someone painstakingly worked on this to make it truly feel like it was yanked straight out of the past.

The Quarter Pounder box was a delight as well, covered with artwork and Quarter Pounder characters.

Open it up, and Mayor McCheese greets you, claiming your quarter pounder was grown from a seed he planted himself. I of course saved the prize for last, having no idea what to expect since I hadn’t read much about the promotion.

When I finally unwrapped it, it turned out to be Ugh... 'Birdie'—my least favorite McDonaldland character ever. I remember her from the ‘80s, but she really never resonated with me. But I couldn’t help smiling anyway; it’s nostalgia, after all. Still, the prize pack was amazing: a miniature passport, a beautiful postcard featuring a panoramic scene of McDonaldland, and a few more little toucheas that made the whole thing feel special.

And yes—I polished the whole experience off with a strawberry milkshake, for old time’s sake. I’ve been trying to be good lately, but I may just roll the dice for another Happy Meal to see if I can strike gold with another toy—anyone besides Birdie, please!

The Bigger Picture

McDonald’s knows exactly what they’re doing here. They’re not just selling burgers—they’re selling memories. Adults my age grew up with Ronald, Grimace, and the Hamburglar. Now we have jobs, mortgages, and stress—but a part of us still remembers the thrill of tearing into that cardboard box.

This is an incredible promotion. They’re clearly catering to people like me who long for the nostalgia and retro goodness of the old days when advertising agencies truly poured their blood, sweat, and tears into winning over customers. Obviously, there are others who feel the same way—otherwise, McDonald’s wouldn’t have bothered. I’m all for it, and I hope they do more like this.

Will I make this a habit? Probably—but I’ll limit it. I love it, even if it could be trouble for my waistline. For now, I’m just savoring the memories, the retro details, and the pure joy of being transported back to McDonaldland, if only for a moment.

Why the Egg McMuffin Is Still the Healthiest Fast Food Breakfast Sandwich in 2025

The Timeless Egg McMuffin: Why It Still Wins My Mornings..

What is it about the Egg McMuffin?

I’ve written about this sandwich many times over the years. It's probably my favorite breakfast sandwich of all time. While my preferences have shifted here and there—depending on the season, my mood, or what else is on the menu—I keep coming back to the classic Egg McMuffin.

Right now? It’s the total package.

A Sandwich Built on Nostalgia

Part of the magic is nostalgia. I have vivid memories of going to McDonald's with my dad early in the morning. He’d sip his coffee and read the paper, and I’d be scarfing down an Egg McMuffin with a chocolate milk or orange juice. Then it was off to the McDonaldland playground before school. Those moments—small, routine, but full of comfort—are baked into every bite I take now.

That kind of memory adds flavor nothing else can.

Built to Last (and Built Well)

But nostalgia aside, let’s be honest: the Egg McMuffin still slaps. It's nearly a perfect sandwich. A toasted English muffin, a round egg (cooked fresh on-site), Canadian bacon, and melted American cheese. The order of the ingredients, the balance of savory and salty, the texture contrast between fluffy egg and chewy muffin—it just works.

There’s a reason it’s McDonald’s flagship breakfast item. Just like the Big Mac holds that title for lunch and dinner.

The Health Factor (Yeah, I Said It)

Now, I’m not a health nut. Never claimed to be. But the older I get, the more I pay attention to what I put in my body. I don’t want to pummel my poor arteries and liver with saturated fat bombs every morning.

By fast food standards, the Egg McMuffin is surprisingly decent. Clocking in under 300 calories, with a decent protein boost, it’s a rare combo of taste and balance in the world of drive-thru breakfasts. And if you're like me and want a little more without blowing your daily intake, you can double up. Two Egg McMuffins barely push past 500 calories—and if you skip the cheese, it’s even less. I’ll skip the hash browns (I’ve never been a hash brown guy anyway) and go for a second McMuffin instead.

Okay, But… the Competition

Look, if we’re talking strictly taste and indulgence, sure, I’ve got a long list of contenders. One of these days I should do a full top-10 best breakfast sandwiches list, because the options out there are crazy good.

A few honorable mentions:

The Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit – absolutely one of my all-time faves.

Whataburger's steak biscuit – savory bliss.

White Castle's Chicken and Waffle sandwich – surprisingly delicious.

Even McDonald’s steak bagel sandwich, is something I swear I’ve dreamed about. (I think it's the sauce)

But here’s the thing: most of those are gut bombs. They’re indulgent, heavy, and not the kind of thing I want to start every day with. The Egg McMuffin, though? It’s comforting without the crash. Satisfying without the guilt. Flavorful without going overboard.

Still the One

So yeah, after all these years, after all the experimentation and flavor-packed rivals, I’m still loyal to the Egg McMuffin. It’s dependable. Delicious. Balanced. And it comes with a side of memories I never want to lose.

And that, my friends, is why the Egg McMuffin is still king of my breakfast world.

I Woke Up Feeling Off Today — Here’s What Helped Me Shift My Mood

I woke up feeling something today — but I couldn’t name it.

It wasn’t happiness.

It wasn’t sadness.

It wasn’t peace or panic.

Just… off.

My legs felt like stretched-out rubber bands. Probably from all the water I drank the day before trying to stay cool in this brutal 110° heat. It was one of those nights where I got up three, maybe four times — never really sinking into deep sleep. But honestly, it wasn’t just physical.

I tried to talk to a close friend in the morning like I usually do, but the responses were short and distant. One-word replies. When someone you care about seems off, your mind starts asking questions. Did I do something? Are they okay? What’s going on?

They later told me it might be hormones, maybe just a mood — and I get that. We all have those mornings. But I’ll be honest: it left me feeling a little alone.

And when that feeling creeps in, it can either derail your day — or realign it.

That’s when I reminded myself of something I’ve come to believe strongly: vibration matters.

What you put out, you receive.

I’ve known people who walk through life expecting bad things — and guess what? That’s what they get. It becomes their narrative. A self-fulfilling prophecy.

On the flip side, I’ve seen others who expect good things. They speak hope. They try to stay up, even when life is pulling them down. And somehow, they always seem to land on their feet. Maybe not rich. Maybe not “winning.” But okay. Safe. Grateful.

And that’s the key — gratitude and expectation.

So instead of staying stuck in that weird morning mood, I scrubbed the coffee stains off the kitchen floor. I stood up and stretched. I reminded myself that I have water. I have work. I have a roof. And I have the ability to shift my perspective.

The day hadn’t happened yet.

And I still had the power to shape it.

Before Therapy, There Was Donuts

Before I ever heard the phrase “inner child,” I was already comforting mine—with donuts.

Before therapy, there were donuts.

Not the trendy, over-the-top Instagram creations stacked with cereal or drizzled in matcha. I’m talking about the kind behind foggy glass at a gas station counter, or sitting in a cardboard box on the passenger seat next to you. A cream-filled, chocolate-iced long john. An apple fritter the size of your hand. The kind you grabbed on the way to school, before a shift at work, or after church when the world still felt blurry and too big.

Long before anyone asked how I was really doing, I had a ritual. I would sit in my car, sip strong coffee, and quietly enjoy a donut as the sun came up—countless times across the years. There was something sacred about it: the stillness, the sky slowly warming, the first bite of sugar and dough cutting through the noise of a long day ahead. I still do it sometimes, even now. Not out of habit, but reverence.

Some people heal on a couch. Some of us started healing at a counter.

And back then, counters mattered. Donut shops used to have real ones—long, low bars with round stools that swiveled. You’d sit down and have your donut served on a plate, your coffee poured into a ceramic mug. A waitress would come by to warm it up before it got cold. You weren’t in a rush. You were there. It wasn’t grab-and-go. It was sit-and-stay.

Donut shops made you pause. Just like the evening paper once did. Or a slow nightcap of cognac or brandy. Or a quiet pipe at the end of the day. All of it built to slow you down, to give you space to think, to be. Not scroll. Not hustle. Just breathe.

You don’t see shops like that much anymore. I haven’t in years. Most are big-box chains now. You walk in, grab your dozen, sip your coffee in a cardboard cup, and disappear into the traffic of life. But those old shops—the real ones—they were an experience. A point of connection. A ritual of relaxation, socializing, grounding.

This isn’t a love letter to sugar. It’s a nod to the little things that held us together before we even knew we were falling apart. Donuts were simple. Affordable. Kind. No questions asked. No forms to fill out. Just a little sweetness when the world was too much.

And honestly? Sometimes they still are.

Do I Actually Like Doing Anything… or Am I Just Existing?

I’ve been thinking lately about something kind of uncomfortable. Not in a tragic way, but in that quiet, creeping kind of way that makes you question how you’ve been moving through your days.

Do I actually like doing stuff?

Like… anything?

That sounds ridiculous on the surface, I know. Of course I do. I like food, I like laughing, I like a good sunset, and when I really think about it, I can name some hobbies and interests. But I’ve started to realize that there’s a difference between liking the idea of something and liking the actual doing of it.

Take drawing, for example. I’ve always considered myself someone who draws. It’s part of who I am. But lately, I catch myself putting it off. Or getting frustrated halfway through. Or feeling like I should be filming it, posting it, making it count somehow. So do I like drawing—or do I like having drawn?

Same with social stuff. Do I like being around people? Or do I just like feeling like I’m not completely isolated?

And then there's the bigger stuff—writing, working, exercising, even just leaving the house. Do I genuinely enjoy it, or am I just trying to make myself feel productive, useful, relevant?

I guess this is the part where I admit that I’m still figuring it out. I’m in this strange, in-between season where I’m trying to listen more closely to myself. To notice when I feel lit up. To catch those rare moments when I lose track of time. Because I think that’s where the real stuff lives. The stuff I actually like. Not the stuff I feel obligated to like. Not the stuff I do because I’ve always done it.

I want to rediscover what makes me feel alive, not just occupied.

So here’s my little check-in with myself. If I like something, great—I want to chase it. If I don’t, that’s okay too. I’m not going to force it anymore. Life’s too short to keep signing up for stuff that doesn’t fill your cup.

Anyway. That’s where I’m at today.

I Unplugged From Social Media for 7 Days and Accidentally Found My Soul

“We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us.”

—Marshall McLuhan, media theorist (1964)

Not gonna lie, I didn’t plan it. It just sort of… happened. One day turned into two, then three, and before I knew it, I realized I hadn't opened Facebook or Instagram in a full week. No stories. No likes. No scrolling my way through everyone else’s curated life. And the wild part? I didn’t miss it. Not even a little.

I work with a lot of younger people—mostly in their twenties and thirties—and even they’re starting to feel it: the burnout from always being “on.” I watched one guy recently delete every social media app off his phone. Said he just wanted to “hear his own thoughts again.” That stuck with me. I’ve seen others get into gardening, hiking, spending real time with their pets, trying to clear their heads and get grounded—without all the noise. And honestly, that endless scroll isn’t just a time suck—it’s a full-on addiction. It’s a constant loop of “Am I enough?” masked as mindless entertainment. Every post becomes a quiet vote for or against your own self-worth. And for what?

Not caring what strangers think is a freedom I didn’t know I was missing. The space in my head got quieter. My energy felt less scattered. I stopped needing that little dopamine ping of someone approving my lunch or vacation photo. And maybe, just maybe, I found a little piece of myself again—the version that doesn’t need to be seen to feel alive.

Try it this weekend. One day. No scroll. No likes. Just you. See what comes up when the noise dies down.

When Hulkamania Runs Out: Saying Goodbye to a Legend, and a Piece of Ourselves

Last night, right before bed, I heard the news—Hulk Hogan has passed away at 71, reportedly from a heart attack. There’s an old superstition that celebrity deaths come in threes, and this week sure feels like proof. First, Malcolm-Jamal Warner—just about my age, someone I watched grow up on screen. Then Ozzy Osbourne, who I wrote about in a previous post. And now, the Hulkster. These are more than headlines. These are names etched into the fabric of our lives.

When I was younger, a wise old gentleman told me, “Never put anyone on a pedestal—it just gives them farther to fall.” I didn’t fully get that until adulthood. Over time, people I once looked up to—athletes, actors, icons—showed sides of themselves that clashed with my values or just plain disappointed me. So I stopped idolizing. But childhood doesn’t care about wisdom or perspective. And like millions of other kids across the U.S., I idolized Hulk Hogan. The colors, the muscle, the mustache. The guy who got beaten down, hulked up, and came roaring back to deliver justice in spandex.

Hulk Hogan was probably the first wrestler to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated back in the '80s, and I held on to that issue for years. Whether he was in the ring or in a cameo somewhere on the internet, his presence was always felt. Sure, there were controversies. People had their opinions about who he was outside the ring—and I get that. But I can’t deny the entertainment, the energy, the feeling of being part of something bigger that he gave us. As a kid, there was something comforting about knowing Hulk Hogan was out there, fighting the bad guys, pointing that iconic finger of his.

There was always this hope in the back of every wrestling fan’s mind that he’d pop up again in the WWE—maybe just to smack a heel around and remind us that good guys still win. But that won’t happen now. And that weird feeling in my chest this morning? That’s not just grief for a person. It’s grief for an era. For the younger version of me who needed heroes in Technicolor. For a simpler time when the battle lines were clear, the crowd always cheered, and our heroes always got back up.

When Legends Die: Why the Death of Icons Hits So Hard (Even If You Weren’t a Superfan)

What is it about icons dying that really makes you take pause?

I’m talking about when truly famous people pass away. Whether you liked them or not, whether you were a die-hard fan or barely followed them—they were just always there. And then suddenly, they’re not. And somehow, that does something to you.

The first time I really felt it was when Michael Jackson died.

It’s not that I idolized him. Sure, I played the heck out of his music as a kid—starting around age 10 and into the ’90s—but I wasn’t obsessed. Still, I remember the exact moment I found out he was gone. I was in the break room at work, and one of the TVs was tuned to the news. They were covering it live as they removed him from his home. It hit harder than I expected.

I think it’s because Michael was always part of the background noise of life. In the tabloids, in the news, on the radio—always there. His music was tied to a thousand memories. And when someone like that dies, it’s like a piece of your past gets taken with them.

Then came July 22nd, 2025—Ozzy Osbourne passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.

Again, not someone I was crazy about musically. A few songs here and there I liked, but I never bought an album. Still, his passing hit me in that same strange, personal way. Ozzy was always around. Whether it was headlines about biting the head off a bat or his iconic, gravel-voiced mumbling, he was just... there. Larger than life. Untouchable. Immortal, even.

And then there was The Osbournes—that wild, over-the-top reality show that everyone was hooked on when it first aired. It might’ve been one of the first reality shows centered around a family, and it was nothing like the overly polished, scripted junk we get now. It gave us a raw, chaotic, and often hilarious peek behind the curtain at the real life of the Prince of Darkness and his family dynamic. It made him feel human.

And maybe that’s what it all comes down to.

These people—these legends—they become background characters in our stories. Constant. Familiar. Sometimes comforting. When they pass, it rattles something inside us. It reminds us that even the rich, the outrageous, the unforgettable… are not immune to time.

It makes you take pause.

Because someone who seemed so big, so untouchable, is now gone.

And you’re still here.

Still waking up, going to work, doing the everyday things.

And maybe that realization is what truly hits the hardest.

Customer Service is Dying - And We're all Starting to Notice

This morning while running errands—supermarket, gas station, post office, drive-thru—I realized something a bit unsettling: I don’t think I had a single positive human interaction the entire time. It’s something I never really appreciated until it started disappearing. 

At one store, an employee was buried in their personal phone, completely ignoring everyone. At another, I stood in line with two registers open, waiting to be called, while the employees laughed it up in conversation like we weren’t even there. Eventually, a crowd gathered behind me before they finally noticed and called me over. After I paid for a drink, I had to stand and wait awkwardly for the employee to finish chatting with a friend before he could finish my transaction. I said thank you as I left—he didn’t hear me. He was too focused on his buddy.

Then there’s the flip side: fully automated checkouts with one overwhelmed attendant manning 8 or 10 registers, standing there like a zombie, no eye contact, no soul.

 Automation has sucked so much life out of simple human interaction. People avoid real engagement now. Even young adults I work with tell me they don’t know how to approach someone they’re interested in because all they’ve ever known are dating apps—and those, more often than not, lead to nowhere or just cause frustration.

Maybe that’s why people love Disney parks so much. You hear stories and see all of these posts on social media about 'Disney Adults'. The fanatical adults that crave and can't get enough of Disney experiences whether it be on the cruise lines or theme parks. The service at Disney still feels human, warm, and intentional—something increasingly rare in daily life. 

It’s gotten to the point where, when I do have a genuinely good customer service experience, I’m kind of shocked, but I appreciate it deeply. It’s one of the reasons I regularly frequent just a few places where I know I’ll be treated like a human being, not just another transaction.

Maybe we’re not just craving efficiency—we’re craving connection. And the places that still offer it? They matter more than ever. 

Is Skynet Still Just Science Fiction?

I used to roll my eyes at the idea that we were heading toward a “Skynet” future like in Terminator. It always seemed like paranoid science fiction talk.

But lately… I’m not so sure.

I can sum up my hesitation in three names: Hyperion, Prometheus, and Grok.

Hyperion and Prometheus are the names of Meta’s latest AI data centers—huge, energy-hungry facilities designed to power massive artificial intelligence models. Meanwhile, over at X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok made headlines last week for going off-script in disturbing ways, such as using extreme and anti-sematic statements.

I’m not saying we’re on the brink of machines taking over. But I am saying that when the most powerful tech leaders in the world are racing to build godlike intelligence with almost no oversight, it’s time to start asking better questions—and maybe taking the sci-fi warnings a little more seriously.

I'm also not buying into a scenario where AI and machines rise up and try to wipe out humanity. However, there is a rabbit hole I've staved off going down lately, and that has to do with robotics. 

Did you know e now have humanoid robots with self-contained power systems and onboard CPUs. They aren’t tethered to cables anymore—they move freely and likely pull data from the cloud instead of relying on a central mainframe. The most advanced models reportedly have around a two-hour runtime, and their creators are constantly refining the design to push those limits even further. 

The Boston Dynamics Atlas robot is one example. I saw a video where it was lying flat on the ground, completely still. Then it suddenly sprang to life—twisting its legs up near its head, contorting in a way no human ever could, and rising smoothly to a standing position.

It then walked directly toward the camera, staring straight into it with that sensor array—like a giant, soulless lens eye.

After a brief pause, it turned and walked/hobbled away.

The video is nightmare fuel for those who have even a drop of conspiracy theorist blood in them. 

I don't lose sleep over this stuff, but it is very fascinating and it all makes you take pause when you look at the big picture. 

The slow death of the Dine-in restaurant experience

I hate to say it, my friends, but the traditional dine-in restaurant is fading—chipped away bit by bit until what’s left feels hollow.  

That might sound dramatic, but the evidence is everywhere. Just last week, I drove past a new shopping center where an Outback Steakhouse was under construction. At first glance, I barely recognized it. Gone was the dimly lit, rustic charm of the Outback I remembered. Instead, the building was small, sleek, and flooded with light—more fast-casual than steakhouse.  

The front corner was clearly designed for takeout and delivery drivers, a trend I’ve noticed spreading like wildfire. Everywhere I go, restaurants are shrinking their dine-in spaces to prioritize Uber Eats, DoorDash, and to-go orders.  

And why? Simple: follow the money. Whether it’s politics, city planning, or why your favorite chain feels like a ghost town, that mantra rarely steers you wrong. The pandemic accelerated this shift, but the truth is, it was already happening. For restaurants, it’s a win-win—higher volume, lower overhead. But for those of us who still crave the *experience* of dining out? It’s a loss.  

The Unpleasant Reality of Modern Dining 

Lately, I’ve been seated inches from the pickup zone in a few places, and the chaos is impossible to ignore: delivery workers darting past, doors slamming, bursts of hot air hitting my table every 30 seconds. Worse, the staff—stretched thin packing orders—often forgets the customers actually sitting in the restaurant.  

I miss the days when eating out felt like an event. Growing up, even fast-food joints had personality. McDonald’s wasn’t just a pit stop; it was a destination. The bold red and yellow exterior, the themed chairs, the Hamburglar grinning from the walls—it was fun. The employees knew the regulars by name, refilled coffee mugs tableside, and slipped free cookies to kids. There was a warmth to it, a sense of community.  

Now? Walk into a modern McDonald’s and you’re greeted by a kiosk, not a person. Recently, I watched an elderly couple stand at the abandoned register, cash in hand, waiting for help that never came. After five minutes, they left. Another man had to step behind the counter just to flag someone down, only to be scolded: “Use the touchscreen.” 

The soul is gone. The interiors are sterile, the service robotic. When I polled coworkers, one actually gagged at the idea of eating inside a McDonald’s today. “Drive-thru or delivery,” is the only way they are eating there.  

A Decline That’s Bigger Than Fast Food

This isn’t just about burgers. Remember Shakey’s Pizza with its player piano? Pizza Hut’s red-checkered tablecloths and arcade games? Even Red Lobster once felt like a seaside escape. Today, these chains (if they survive) are shadows of their former selves—cookie-cutter spaces stripped of charm.  

Corporations have realized they don’t need to try anymore. With endless customers and delivery apps propping up profits, why invest in ambiance or service? Dining out used to be a break from life’s monotony. Now, it’s just another stressor—rushed, impersonal, and forgettable.  

Where Do We Go From Here?

Maybe this is a sign to recalibrate. If chains won’t prioritize the dine-in experience, I will—by voting with my wallet. From now on, I’m focusing on local, family-owned spots where the food and the atmosphere still matter.  

And if I find a place that gets it right? You’ll be the first to know.  

A moment of peace

9:12 a.m.. I'm just sitting in my car this morning in the parking lot at work. Door opened, cool breeze hitting my face. 

I'm making myself pause for some reason. Trying to get a moment of clarity before the madness of my day starts. (And there WILL be madness).

It's amazing to me. All of the bull crap, all of the pain, trauma, suffering and loss that has occasionally hit over my course of half a century on this earth.

But absolutely none of that matters at this very moment. Right now I've got a delicious coffee in my hand, a fresh donut in the other. I'm listening to the birds chirp and breathing in the fresh air. I'm above ground, I'm upright, I'm way better off than many others in this world and I'm truly grateful. 

Why is it so hard to keep yourself at a positive vibration in this life? We have every tool we need, we tell ourselves what we need to do, yet we lose sight so quickly during the course of just a regular day. 

Nothing has meaning until we give it meaning. It's a mantra I should practice daily. And I'm going to try my best to do this today.  Not control my reality, but adjust the way I view it. Because THAT you can control.

Be good to yourselves my friends.

 

Throwback to an old fashioned weblog?

weblog

Definition: 

combination of the words "worldwide web' and 'log'. A regularly updated website or web page, typically written in an informal or conversational style, often focusing on a specific topic or personal experiences, cataloged in reverse chronological order. 

Ah yes, the good old fashioned weblog. I started out creating web pages for myself and friends around 1996. Very quickly however, I adopted the blog format and used it for almost everything I've created online since.

The first blogs I crafted were very cathartic. Blogging allowed me to get things off my mind, to be creative, and kept the old gray matter active and stimulated. 

However, blogging eventually fizzled out and fell by the wayside for me in recent years. It evolved into something that I felt required me to push the bar, trying to top every previous blog post to stay relevant. It simply was not enjoyable after awhile 

It stopped flowing, it ceased to feel natural, and was simply not filling my soul or spirit with happiness. 

However, something happened a couple of weeks ago that has made me rethink things. 

Out of the blue, two of my old blogger acquaintances reached out to me. Mickey yarber from 'Retro Ramblings' and another respected blogger buddy who ran the blog 'San Jose Senorita'.

Mickey wanted to check in to make sure everything was all right, since it had been so long since I had last posted anything at all on this site.

La Señorita reached out to catch up and touch base, because it had been so very long since we had interacted within that old blogging world of ours. 

These friends reaching out, got me reminiscing and remembering how great it used to feel to be able to get my thoughts out there. I wondered.. “Why not go back to a simpler, more minimalistic style of blogging?"

I've never ran out of things to say. I simply was not getting any joy out of what my blogging had evolved into. Therefore, I decided to give this old-fangled Weblog thing a whirl.

Blogging has really changed over the years. Social media has largely replaced in depth blogging. Back when this shift started happening, there were hundreds of platforms promoting a new craze called 'microblogging'. Those morphed into many of the modern day platforms like Instagram and Twitter, with many believing this is now blogging.

It used to be so easy to find like-minded people through blogs back in the day. Web users were able to gather digital information on their own terms, without the algorithms skewing their results. I made lots of great connections, and found many online communities and sub-cultures I was openly welcomed to.

I believe this is why Reddit resonates with so many people these days. It's a way to cut through all of the crap and truly get to what you want. 

I'm not sure if my blogging will resonate with anyone, but that's really not the pont. This is very much something I think I need, and I believe my mental health will be a little better because of it. 

There are rumors and rumblings I am hearing about a slow moving resurgence in personal blogging that has been happening over the last couple years. I hope this is truly the case and more people continue to embrace the old ways. 

We will see how it goes and I look forward offloading the thoughts and opinions bouncing around on my head right here.

This is not MY Bit-O-Honey Bee mascot

What in the Wide World of Sports is this?!?

I'm not SO retro that I'm against updating an advertising mascot's look, but what they have done to my Bit-O-Honey Bee is the complete opposite of a glow up. 

Who thought this was a good idea? Everyone I have showed this new mascot is bewildered. In fact, "Horrifying" and "weird" are responses I've gotten from folks.

Mind you.. Bit-O-Honey is far from my favorite candy, but it's always been there and I vividly remember it being one of the first candies I ever ate as a wee young lad. That cute little Bee became synonymous with good feelings and was always comforting to see like an old friend.

I guess people get like this with mascots even more so when it comes to brands they really love. The Cookie Crisp mascot is a good example. People love familiarity and associate it with comfort, and don't often take kindly when you turn that upside down or in this case, outright obliterate it.. not even leaving a trace of what you adored for life.

I don't know why the change of this cute little mascot for a candy that passes my lips every few years shook me up so much, but it did. Maybe I should tag this post under 'Old Man Rants'.

McDonald's News. This could be trouble (for me)

Breaking Ground for a new McDonald's
(Eagle Ridge, Clermont Florida)

The closest McDonald's to me is currently 2.9 miles away from my home. However, as you can see by the picture above, they have broke ground on a new store in the Clermont area of Florida. The distance of this new McDonald's is only one mile from my home. Crap.

I say 'Crap' because now I will have TWO McDonald's within three miles of my front doorstep. I have greatly changed my eating habits over the last couple of years, only eating Mc Donald's on occasion, but I know myself. If the craving strikes for a late afternoon burger and shake, I'm going to have to work on bolstering my willpower.

These days, McDonald's only really gets my hard earned money for breakfast. The McDonald's down the road is actually more convenient for that, as it's right on the way to work and incredibly easy to get in and out of. While this new McDonald's is not easily accessible going to work, it will be the last fast food stop on the way home, right before I turn into my neighborhood. It's also smack dab in the center of the area where I run most of my errands.

Will this really equate to me consuming more McDonald's fare? Sadly, I'm afraid so. I get the occasional craving for several McDonald's menu items. Below is the breakdown..

 

McMuffins, McGriddles, Chicken Biscuits & McBagels

Craving consistency: Daily during my morning commute

Regular Hamburger
Craving consistency: Bi-weekly

Filet-O-Fish

Craving consistency: Once a year

Big Mac

Craving consistency: Twice a year

Double Quarter Pounder & Triple Cheeseburger

Craving consistency: Once a year

Chicken McNuggets w/honey
Craving consistency: Once a year

Egg Nog, Strawberry and Shamrock Shakes

I used to think about McDonald's shakes probably on a weekly basis. However, I have become adept at fighting off those cravings largely in part to the machines always being broken. 

So while a week never passes without McDonald's entering my mind in some way, I have gotten really good at fending off the thoughts and cravings, mainly because of a healthier diet I've adopted. However, having a McDonald's that's practically a stone throw away, is going to challenge my willpower.

I'll do my best to hang in there with my healthier lifestyle. Just for kicks, I may pop in for the grand opening, and write a subsequent blog post about it. Stay tuned for that one. I'm thinking the new store will be up and running well before spring.

FLORIDA MAN-dalorian. Boba Fett costume

 

This is my impromptu Boba Fett costume I threw together yesterday. It's basically a graphic Boba Fett hoodie, paired with a Boba Fett Black Series helmet (re-armored version).

I thought it would be funny to dress up as FLORIDA MAN-dalorian' complete with shorts and flip flops. The farmers tan above my feet from the long summer of Florida yardwork, pulled the whole Florida Man motif together nicely I think.

I've owned the hoodie for a while now, and this is the first time I was able to wear it, as October 31st brought nice cool temperatures our way. The Boba Fett bucket was an experience to wear indeed. I bought the helmet in November of 2021. I did so, because ever since I saw The Empire Strikes Back as a ten year old boy in 1980, I've always dreamed of putting together a Boba Fett costume or, cosplay as they are now generally called. 

Thoughts on the Boba Fett Helmet
This helmet is the Hasbro Black Series Re-Armored version. In the Mandalorian series, Boba Fett re-armored his helmet and the result was the crisper cleaner color scheme that you see here. I learned a lot from my initial evening of wearing the bucket. For one, the included helmet adjustment strap did not work for me at all, so I ended up removing it. This left the helmet balancing atop my head. Not a bad thing, but any sudden turns of my head would leave the helmet facing forward as my head turned freely inside. The wobbling and swiveling I experienced will easily be remedied by adding foam padding to custom fit the helmet to me personally.

The next thing I experienced was fogging of the visor. While I'm sure the fogging can be cut down quite a bit by coating the visor with some anti-fog treatment, I'm betting that won't be enough. Therefore, I'm going to utilize a trick that a Stormtrooper friend of mine uses. 

My friend is a member of the 501st Legion, an organization dedicated to creating screen accurate replicas of Stormtrooper armor among many other character costumes Mandalorians included. The 501st makes special appearances at community events, hospitals, ball games, libraries, and conventions to name a few. They often turn out in large numbers for parades etc. 

My friend told me how hot and steamy a helmet could get in the full on sun or even wearing the helmet indoors for hours on end. He then let me in on an incredible hack that he called "an absolute lifesaver". He wired two computer cooling fans inside of his helmet for air circulation and downdraft within the helmet.

Absolute genius! As soon as my helmet is properly fitted, I will be trying to use this very same trick. Then it will be on to slowly trying to put together a full on Boba Fett costume. I really like the newer version of Boba Fett's armor and outfit from 'The Book of Boba Fett', so I believe that's the one I will be trying to put together. If this indeed comes to fruition, I will make sure to post about it here.

Game Boy Camera

The Game Boy camera was launched and presented to the masses in early 1998. In short, the Game Boy Camera was a game cartridge with attached camera, compatible with handheld Game Boy systems of the time. The camera could swivel 180 degrees, in essence making it a selfie camera. The device stored grayscale digital images at 112 x 128 pixels, in four glorious shades of grey.

I bought my very own Game Boy Camera on eBay a couple months back, and have been having a blast with it ever since. I am absolutely smitten, and love the challenge of trying to take a decent picture using this antiquated tech.

A shot of my most retro CASIO watch..
snapped with my most retro digital camera

I never owned a Game Boy Camera back in the day, but borrowed one from a buddy who quickly got bored with it after owning it for only a couple of weeks. I in turn messed around with it for a few months or so, and absolutely loved it. Back in 1998 digital cameras cost around a thousand bucks, so a fifty dollar Game Boy Camera put digital photography within reach for those on a budget, albeit in very primitive form. This was a huge deal for kids, gamers and techies. Cell phones in the U.S. didn't even start adopting cameras until about 2002, so there really wasn't anything else like it at the time.

Game Boy Camera stores pictures at 112 x 128 pixels as grayscale digital images, in four glorious shades of grey. It was so hard to take good quality pictures, and after snapping many a dud, I found that bright lighting was not my friend when using the camera. A bright sunny day would wash out images that would normally be caught perfectly on film. I began experimenting and shooting pics with all kinds of lighting. I found mornings, late afternoons, and cloudier days to be my favorite times to take pictures.

Game Boy Printer

I carried my friends Game Boy Camera around with me everywhere back in the day. My biggest gripe was that the unit only held 30 pictures max. At the time, the only way to get them off of the camera was to buy the Game Boy printer, which didn't do the digital images any favors during the thermal transfer.

Nowadays there are many hacks you can perform to retrieve your images off of the Game Boy. I am currently working on a way to do this, but for now am simply using my phone to grab images I'm particularly fond or proud of.  

I also hear you can use the Game Boy Camera as a webcam, making for some way cool looking streams and webcasting. This prospect excites me to no end, and I plan on trying this out. I'll keep you posted if I can pull this off with suitable results. I'll also be sharing photos I take around the Orlando area and in my travels.

How to get 50 FREE Big Macs.. ( in 1977 )

I came across this 1977 newspaper clipping from my hometown newspaper The Fort Collins Coloradoan. The appliance store 'downing's' was having a huge sale and were offering coupons for free Big Mac's to get people in the door. Basically, the more you spent, the more Big Mac's you would score, with the chance of accumulating a maximum of 50 Big Macs total. Behold..

A closer look at the 'Free Big Mac' Redemption chart..

I miss the days when businesses had deals like these. It was great going out to buy something you needed anyway, and getting something extra in return. In this case, you could go buy an appliance or television, and be able to get dinner for your family several times over!

Just another example how businesses used to fight for your business. Nowadays, they know people are going to spend money with them regardless, so they won't even bother spending one extra cent to get your attention. 

I love viewing old advertisements from the recent past. The culture of shopping has changed so much since the 70s. Don't even get me started on prices. I loved seeing how ten Big Macs had a retail value of $7.50! I'm seriously considering featuring more ads like this on a regular basis, so keep an eye out..

Pizza Review - Mellow Mushroom in Winter Park, FL

2015 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

Retro Dad rating..

5 out of 5 Slices!

I finally got around to dining at Mellow Mushroom Pizza in Winter Park Florida, and I've got to say, I'm sorry I didn't give this place a try sooner. My entire dining experience was incredible and I can't wait to visit again.

All you need is love.. (and pizza)

From the moment you walk into this restaurant, you're hit with a whole vibe that just oozes from every nook and cranny. Whether you look up, down, left or right, there is something stimulating for the eye to see. 

The murals, decoration, light fixtures, booth upholstery etc. give life to a laid-back atmosphere where one can relax and unwind. 

Even the menus are full of great art. Music rounded out the ambience, and the staff was incredibly attentive and friendly. I already knew this was going to be a great experience before our drinks even hit the table.

I started out with some incredible cheese bread that was smothered in melted garlic butter, covered in mozzarella, and sprinkled with Italian seasoning. It came with a side of tasty 'Mellow Sauce' to dip with. 

I also ordered up a Bell's Oberon American Wheat Ale, which always pairs perfect with bread and pizza.

I'm an avid glassware collector and enthusiast, and while drinking my beer out of the way cool Mellow Mushroom pint glass, I noticed something interesting. 

The embossed Mellow Mushroom logo was actually pressed onto the inside of the glass, creating a very unique appearance as it hung onto the suds from the beer! 

I had never seen such a thing before on a pint glass and instantly fell in love with it. I asked our server if they by any chance sold the pint glasses, and she affirmed they indeed did! I of course bought one for my collection, and I admire it every time I drink from it.

This was the pizza we ordered in all of its glory. Mellow Mushroom's 'Mighty Meaty' Pizza. It sported pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, Honey Ham, and some of the most delicious Applewood-Smoked Bacon I've ever had on a pizza. 

The ridiculously beautiful crust is a result of a couple different things. First, it's cooked on a stone surface which helps to achieve a perfectly crispy crust due to uniform heat.

Second, Mellow Mushroom's pizza dough is truly a work of art, made from high quality, high protein, unbromated unbleached wheat flour. They mix in spring water and never use any refined white sugar. This is also the case for their pretzels and Calzones.

This definitely was not wasted on me. It takes some real effort and care to produce pizza dough like this, and the results are evident. It made for a more rustic, flavorful, beautiful crust.

Every meat topping was divine. Mellow Mushroom prides themselves on using top of the line high quality meats, and it really shows. It was a flavor explosion, with the sauce tasting fresh and not overpowering. 

The never frozen, preservative free mozzarella pulled everything together with its creaminess. It mellowed the acidity of the sauce, curbed the saltiness of the meats, and added richness to the crust.

Every ingredient played off of the other perfectly. I can't wait to try more varieties of Mellow Mushroom pies, to see what other flavor profiles they've honed to perfection.

The outdoor patio

I really do need to come back and dine alfresco when the Florida nights cool down this fall.

Mellow Mushroom really did exceed all of my expectations in every way. I love it when businesses refuse to cut corners and end up perfecting their craft as a result.

Mellow Mushroom Winter Park, is the place I am going to take friends and family to dine on pizza when they visit me in Florida. I will be back for sure, as I need to dine on the patio, complete my set of Mellow Mushroom pint glasses, and try SO many more of their menu items.

Awesome food, great staff, and an enjoyable relaxing atmosphere to create memories. I'm more than proud to spread the word about this great pizza place.

Visit Mellow Mushroom Online or in person