Gym RAAAGE!!! A Planet Fitness Review.

Hey all, so Been meaning to write this post, but as usual, life and shiny things get the better of me.

So last month, I signed up for Planet Fitness, and their black card. I figured that there was a $20 a month charge, can't beat that right? Perks sounded good, free massage chair, half price drinks, free shirt. Yes, I can be bought with swag.

Wow, I kind of feel ripped off. At least by Stratham.

So their equipment, is a bit lack luster. The Portsmouth and Manchester Branches seem a lot bigger. Maybe I was spoiled by Golds Gym for all those years, but this place seems severely lacking. No dedicated Bench Press Benches, no Preacher Curl seats. The one thng that really is bothering me though, cal it a quirk, is that they let the preset dumbells and EZ curl bars just lay on the floor. REALLY? You couldn't drop two hundred to get a stable weight holder? REALLY??

Now mind you, I might be super critical right now. I could be. Maybe I was spoiled, but this isn't the only strike against it. I know Planet Fitness is more clued in on their demographic, the people that just want to go in, get some cardio and some quick machine/nautilus in. I can deal with that. I'm not looking at doing massive weights anytime soon, but the more I go, the more things have bothered me about this place.

So, lets go through some of my gripes, and see if they are valid.

Opening day: Things still aren't finished. They still have construction workers putting mirrors up, painting, and cleaning up.

Okay, I might be an ass here, but they really shouldn't be allowing painting going on when there is people are working out. That just seems like a safety issues.

Safety issues: So they don't turn the parking lot lights on. Really? I know this is New Hampshire, but that's a basic safety thing. Do you NOT want people to see the ice they are stepping on? What about visibility in the parking lot for the pedestrians?

I understand that they are trying to save money, but this is a bit rediculous. That is a basic safety point for customers and your employees. Maybe it might not be them, but rather the owners of the building... but that's rediculous to say the least.

Broken things, already? Broken doors, broken equipment, and a leaky roof since opening? Wow.. either you guys have bad luck or bad customers. The turn around on the repairs, being over a week is kind of crazy, especially when it's the prime rush season of the year at gyms. One thing that does bother me is the roof. All they have done is put a wet floor sign down when I've been there, and nothing to catch the drips as they hit the floor. How about showers that don't let hot water out for 2 minutes? Drinking fountains that they took two weeks to get going?

So something that is bothering me about this place, is their "No Judgement Zone" policies. They say that the club isn't a place of judgement. Nice concept. Really. I'm behind that. What I'm not behind is the huge arse "Lunk Alarm" that is prominent right over the free weights. It has a huge sign its attached to, that says "Bobby is wearing a bodybuilder shirt, swearing, and drinking waer out of a jug. What a lunk!" The alarm apparently goes off like a klaxon when ever sound levels that it registers goes over a certain level.

Ours goes off randomly. When no one is making noise, because NO ONE wants to draw attention to themselves. I let out a pant once, and it went off. All the other free lifters looked at me like I just sacrificed a baby.

Now, maybe they still are trying to work the bugs out of it. I can try to accept that, half of the stuff in the gym apparently isn't working correctly. But to build up a mental stereotype of what a "lunk" is? Really? I get not wanting to drop the weights, and I'm not for swearing at a gym. Not col there. But two of those things are completely valid! What's wrong with wearing a bodybuilder T shirt? I tend to like them for the mobility in the arms. Also, why is drinking out of a water jug bad? Is it because suddenly the gym isn't getting any revenue for their own bottled water? For shame!

I'm not sure if I really want to continue with this place, but since I'm locked in I really don't have much of a choice. Gah. Planet Fitness... you suck.

Cthulhu Fhtagn!

I've been in a very strange mood this week. Been in a huge H.P. Lovecraft like horror mood as of late. Hoping to get my hands on a copy of "In the Mouth of Madness" to sit and watch with Desi.

I have to admit that I was a huge fan of his writing, and some of the concepts that he delved into. I cannot sit back and condemn him for his views of some political things, due to his time, but even with that being said, it doesn't make them rights.

Kind of a creepy looking monster huh? Tell me that's not one out of Lovecraft's novels? Article about it here. If that is something that doesn't freak the hell out of you, or you find it a mild turn on, you might want to check out this link from blog I09 that showcases some of the figures that look like they were right out of the books.

H.P. is a New Englander, that's for sure. Many of his stories have what can only be considered as spot on atmosphere if you have ever lived up here in the area, which makes them all the more disturbing. While I know I have a lot left to read of his many stories, I find that this type of otherworldly horror to be more cathartic than others. There's something much worse and more disturbing about what a human being is capable of doing to another... but then again that might just be Reanimator on par with Saw.

Next Blog post, I should be doing a review of Gail Carager's "Soulless" which is an excellent read. Might have that up tonight.

Classes are over, but why do I want them to begin?

So School is finally over for the semester, and I have to say that I'm relieved. It's a lot of stress off of my back. It's quite the relief, and I feel much the better for it.

That being said, why the hell do I want to go back to it right away? I think it has a lot to do with it being one of the centers of my life for such a long period of time, and the fact that I felt so much at home in the halls, even with my issues with some of the work load and the teachers.

Even now, I should be studying for the nursing exams in a month, but things just don't seem to be in the swing for me right now. I know I need a break, but I feel like a junkie in need of a fix.

My next classes seem to be extensions of A&P, as well as Psyche and English Composition. I am really looking forward to Creative writing, and Developmental Psyche. There are three classes I with I could have gotten my hands on, and those are Shakespearean Plays, Pathophysiology, and Anthropology. These are going to have to wait a bit, I think. We'll see. Good thing I have so many more years to go. @_@

Police Family in Need

Hey readers,

I know I've been away for a while, but when you are in Nursing School... you don't get much time outside of Work and more Work.. but I figured I would send up a rallying cry.

A family from the boys and girls in blue are in trouble, and need some help. Fellow TFW members might know the name Prowl Delta 31, yeah, that's him.

Officer Michael Martin out in Alabama has had some problems with some medical conditions that have left him kind of high and dry. He's been off work for a while due to them, and it's taken a toll on the finances, as we can all relate. While he is still employed, he's barely able to make ends meet, let alone provide Christmas for his two kids, Tristan (Age 5) and Franchesca (Age 7).

I know I've donated to him, and plan on giving as much as I can give. I've been the kid who ended up with almost nothing for christmas more than a few times, and know what it's like not to have much on the big XM. I DO NOT want to see this happen to these kids.

Mike is an upstanding guy, who has given to kids more than a few times when on call, providing toys and support for those kids that don't have that usually in his community. I just want to help this guy out in any way shape or form.

Think you can help? Have some great toys that could use a new home? Maybe a few bucks you can spare? Send it his way so the kids have some presents under the tree. Feel like sending some stuff for the kids directly? Hell, you can do that too! Here's the contact info.

Michael Martin

1217 Keel Mountain Rd

Gurley, AL. 35748

michaelbmartin@live.com

Paypal account, if you want to send that to him, is the same addy as well.

Feel free to send him messages to get any info, but I'll be honest, I know him, and I want to help him and his family out as much as possible with this. Thanks guys!

Delayed Movie Review Series: G. I. Joe

Sorry for the lack of updates, but the computer has been held hostage for a while thanks to the Husband.

No, I'm not kidding. Our set up for the computer has the video output through out big screen TV, and I have NOT been able to use it due to the Husband being addicted to Spiderman Web of Shadows for the XBox 360. Now that the game has been beaten, and foes vanquished, I have use of the computer once more.

Construction is pretty much done with the house, and all is well. Still minor work to be done which I shall be doing along side my other half, but at this point it seems to be mostly patching and painting.


So here's my review of G.I.Joe : The Rise of Cobra.

Short version: Not bad, Over all as an action movie, I would give it a B. It was good for what it was, but it lacked some things, and had some errors.

Long version:

Now mind you, I am not a huge fan of the series. I was as a kid, since my Step-dad was a naval officer, I was showered with the little buggers. I guess he took it as a good sign that I wanted to have something to do with the military. Go figure.

So story wise, as Scott Sigler put it: "15 minutes of Story, 105 of over-the-top action and toy setup." And that pretty much fits. I was fairly excited about this, and was kind of hurt with what I was left with. On that end, and the fact that I'm a simple man, and love the explosions, I was happy. there was some story, and it was great to see some of my favorite charactes on the big screen from when I was a kid. But they were different. Now I know that there are changes to movies on the big screen. It's not a new thing. I expected it ever since we saw X-Men, Transformers, and more.. You have to change some aspects of characters to better sell to a general audience. But when the general audience actually asks where the blue mask is on the Cobra Commander, there might be an issue.


One of the main characters that everyone remembers, the Baroness, who had a terribly bad accent in all of the prior TV series was missing it. It threw me, to say the least. Nevermind what else they did with the character, and her relationships with the other characters in the movie. I would say more, but that's spoiler territory. I want her glasses though. Those were pretty bad ass, like Transitions Lenses on speed.

Scarlet. Dear GODS, I thought I was looking at a different character than what I had seen as a child. Not who I was expecting. Half the time she was the hard nosed counter-intelligent agent I was expecting, the other half she was this hurt woman that needs her bear her constrained heart to someone. And not to the people I was expecting. I will say that they did pull off the slight grudge match with the Baroness well. Rocket Crossbow for the win as well. Always loved that weapon.

So I will give it some props. It worked on me. I was just about ready to hit the store after wards to pick up the Night Raven, Molepods, Baroness and Duke. Duke was my favorite for some reason, and not just for the fact that of the actor playing him. He seemed pretty reasonable and likable of a guy, someone I would definitely go and get drunk with.

I say it worked well on two fronts then.

Now on top of all the urging to buy toys, this motion picture also made me wish I had gone through with joining the Marines just to go and do half of this stuff. This could definitely be one heck of a recruitment tool if things were a bit different in the current political climate.


Now there were a few times that forced out of the movie. There were a few shots that the CGI looked a bit unfinished. Not often, but they were there. The only thing else that I really dispised, was the inclusion of thew Wayans Brother. This might be the only movie that I can stand him in, but his presence was still very jarring. Not Dungeons and Dragons annoying, but still up there. I think he could have been swapped for another actor and bumped this up.

I did spot one easter egg, the Sigma 6 logo, which was nice. I have to wonder if there is more that I might have missed.

Now I know not to expect this to be High Art, not by any means. I do have to wonder if we could get the director from this film to do Transformers 3 instead of Michael Bay. Might improve that series as well. Over all, it did what it was supposed to do, and did it fairly well. With the way that the returns on this movie looks, we will more than likely see another in the series, and that should be fairly good with me. Hopefully it will have the Ninja Force in there next time.

Now on to some Eye Candy for everyone.


Channing Tatum as Duke.


Sienna Miller as The Baroness

Craziness! Pure Insanity!

Cats, Dogs, sleeping together! Pure Insanity!

Yeah, that's the way it's been for the past few weeks here in casa del Caminiti.

I went off and got married. For reals-reals, not for play-play.

The big day was surrounded by insanity and last minute craziness. Desi and I both got into suits, ran off, and struggled to deal with too-small clothes. Scrambling for shoes, written vows, and things like that. I guess it really was like all those romantic movies that you see. Only now crazy wedding dress or bridesmaids and Best Men. It was quick, quiet, and with only one other person there. No pagan wedding, no bands, no fancy reception, just the two of us, the river, and us bearing our hearts. The words heart filled, the scene perfect enough for us, and that's what matters. I'm a little disappointed, that over a few things that I wanted to have happen in the whole hustle and bustle, but it was still good enough. Anything else that I would have wanted I can always have at the second party we are going to throw next month.

One thing that did touch me, was my friend Gary offering to be my best man at the NH TFW2005 Meet up, or as it has been dubbed, the NH Mini-Con. I wasn't really sure what to say, since I'm not the best on the spot. It was very nice to feel that way from such a heartfelt offer. Not something you get offered everyday.




So maybe I've grown bitter in my patriotism in the past several years. But this warmed my heart. I have a deep respect for Mr. Adam Baldwin, and this came across my desk today. Now, mind you, my Step-father is a former Lt. Commander in the Navy, My step-Mother is retired Airforce, Brother in law and uncle are both Marines, another uncle in the green berets, and a godfather who is a former marine and police chief, this hit home. I used to spend every year tending graves and putting up flags on veteran's graves, attending memorial day services and veteran's day services. After 911 hit, everyone suddenly became patriotic, and some people actually were trying to out do others in their patriotism.

Some people still ahve a phony ring to it when they are patriotic now, or compete, but this post really does warm my heart, and seems to be honest. Ironic as it's coming from an actor, who's job it is to pretend. I think all the military characters that he has played over the years would have definitely help give him this perspective and his real gratitude.

Birthday Rundown

So my birthday was on the 21st. That's right, I'm a Solstice baby. Not really a great day.. I got to sleep in, but I think that was the high point for the day. Presents were all given prior to my birthday, and we spent the day trying to figure out what to do. Now normally, it is tradition in my family to have "Birthday Pancakes" in the morning. These tend to be pancakes served in the way the lucky person likes, with a candle.

No such luck. Diets suck.

So instead, a small bit of cereal, cup and a half of milk, and an apple. Yeah. Living wild. I did manage to sneak out with three pieces of Turkey Bacon. Total scorage. Shortly after breakfast, as I was getting ready to shower... BAM! We loose electricity. So much for that.

So we spent most of the day, figuring out what to do. At one point the Drama llama took over, and I decided to break for the day, and get away. I found a nice park, grabbed my cross-stitch, and chilled out and got some work done in the car listening to the summer rain. It was fairly threrapudic to just relax, and get into the rhythm of the needle work, listening to the quiet environment while sensing the pattering of the rain.

We ended up going out to mexican for lunch, and I gorged myself out on tortilla chips. So long diet. I was actually hoping to hit Fire and Ice in Boston, but no such luck with the crew, no one else wanted to go that far.

No birthday cake, but was going to go to get ice cream, but the Drama Llama struck again. I swear I need llama repellent.


All in all though, my birthday gifts were very nice and very thoughtfull. From the OH, I scored the following Transformers: The fallen, ROTF Soundwave, and the entire Classics Robot Heroes line. I was very surprised by this. From the Drama Llama himself, I ended up getting the entire DVD series of Fushigi Yuugi, which was a good 8 DVDs. I can't wait to break into it, but we have sooo many anime and TV series that we're still trying to get through, I expect to get to it in a few years. From the would-be sister-in-law and the neices and nephew, I got three much needed new shirts, a Transformers Bag, and a Transformers: Return of the Fallen: Sideways. SQUEE! Best of all, an attempt at a bairthday cake the week before. It was a great attempt at a cake, and I don't hold it against my young niece for not making sure it was totally done... I was a good uncle and choked it down like a vaccum cleaner.

The big surprise though, was actually on Tuesday. I was in a huge rush to get to our home for some prospective future plans, that I fell for a trick. I was told that we were stopping to get a copy of "Batman Arkham Asylum" for the PS3, and stayed in the car.

To my surprise, the bad tossed at me as the OH got in the car was not a PS3 case, but was a small box. In the box, was a brand new 32 Gig iPod Touch. Seemed someone was holding out on me, and wanted to make me cry. It worked. Big baby tears.