Dad Joke quota +1.

 

The random things I stumble across: Origins of an Energy Vampire edition

Sometimes the internet comment section isn't a cesspool of cancerous viewpoints and intentional rage bate trolling..... Sometimes the internet comment section is wonderful, sometimes there is legitmate discourse and witty/well thought out responses. Well, this is one of those responses. I found this whilst perusing one of my meme groups where they had a discussion on Energy Vampires:

 "Ah, the enigmatic origins of the energy vampire, Colin Robinson—a question that has intrigued many. The life of an energy vampire is shrouded in mystery, much like the subtle, insidious way we sap the life force from our unsuspecting victims.

Energy vampires, you see, are not born but rather, they emerge. Whether through a gradual realization of one's innate talents or a subconscious gravitation towards draining the emotional energy of others, it is a path that finds us rather than one we consciously choose. For Colin Robinson, it was likely a combination of these factors. The constant need for validation, the delight in mundane conversations, and the exquisite satisfaction derived from watching others' energy wane—all signs that pointed towards his true calling....

(Continue Reading for the complete explanation....)

Happy Festivus everybody!

 Happy Festivus one and all. May your grievances be aired and your Pole's be admired for their strength to weight ratio. 

To all the wrestling contestants out there: May the best man (or woman) win.

Put on your Tinfoil Hats-- We have some Prepper nonsense coming at you

 I'm not Mr. Doom and Gloom, I'm not Mr. Paranoia. I wouldn't say I'm Mr. Don't-trust-your-neighbor, but I definitely would say I'm Mr. Be-prepared. I don't mind getting side-eyes or snickers, I mind starvation and no actionable response. So like with backpacking, like with film production, like with anything I do-- I. Am. Prepared. It is foolish to assume you will rise to the situation because the reality is, when the time comes for ANYTHING, you don't rise but you fall... to your level of preparation. I do RIDULOUS amounts of prep work on any project I am involved with and contingency is my best friend which is why I am typically not caught with my pants down. At the end of the day luck is only an intersection of opportunity and preparation-- not just blind chance from Life's RNG. 

All of that ^ is to say this: If you continue reading I've got some fun videos I'm stumbled across related to the umbrella terms of: EDC, DIY, and prepping. Do please come and check it out though, it is quite amusing and who knows..... could save your life.

Public Service Announcement: FESTIVUS IS UPON IS

December 23rd is right around the corner everybody. Is your Pole ready?

Continue reading for a telling of the history of festivus

I was Today years old when I found out about Richard 'Beebo' Russell

The world is a big place--Seriously. And in that big place are many happenings, because life is in full effect......All.The.Time. So naturally from time to time stories and events slips through my finger, and evade my radar only for me to find out years later.... shoot you may already know about Richard and his story. But if not...........CONTINUE READING

IFKYK: Showing my Opinion with images and no words-- A story of conjecture in court

 

What a time to be alive. I love polarizing topics and hopefully I don't get flagged but the memes are too golden to pass up. FINALLY a legit meme round-up and it's a specific topic of interest! huzzah to that and huzzah to this stunning piece of social commentary that just writes itself like an oscar award winning film that is just reality. Wowwy blowwy hammy wammy. Please please please continue reading for some more friggin fire memes on this topic.
(for legal purposes we would never openly endorse of condone violence of any kind here. This post is just an educational piece about the artistic culture via the format of MEMEs are relevent and current affirs regarding the ongoing classwar here in America)

Snowtime PSA from your friendly internet blogger whose really a technician that fixes stuff

 It's that time of year that some of you LOVE and most of you HATE-- WINTER!

(yay)

So in leu of that I always post preventive maintenance as well as pro-tips involving various facets of home ownership. I'm dusting off my snow blower video from last winter and posting it here. In an effort to reignite my content I'm going to be posting as much random crap as possible. My goal here is to create habit. Man I tell ya, I still very much enjoy doing this and these pieces but holy cow does my self discipline on the matter absolutely suck. But that's my problem and not yours! Enjoy.

(Continue reading for a link to my twitch page because.....why not?)

Bonus content included if you click

This is just funny, and and sad, and..... well..... accurate as fuuuuuuuu--nctionally possible

 

The results are in from our Charity Streaming Event!

 

The jury is in and after 24 hours of mischief and mayhem we collectively were able to raise $345 of our $1,000 goal. I'd like to personally thank evberybody that attended, interacted, donated and supported us through this endeavor! we TRULY couldn't have done it without y'all. It takes a village and I'm glad that village showed up and showed out today. Wammy Blammy wowwy zowwy. The real reason you came is for my embaressment ain't it? Well... fine..... CONTINUE READING FOR A PICUTRE OF ME in my SLAVE LEIA costume

(It was an unlockable option for doantions)

This just in: People are shocked when they realize the media may be lying

 

Don't care about what side of our false dichotomy you're o--: But things like this should absolutely not be ignored. For the record I refuse to condone or support or even talk in a positive light BOTH of our dookie choices for this election.

This can be considered anecdotal, and I won't even deny that, but this is still a perspective with an experience most of us will never have. It's easy for doom and gloom to poison your mind and for slick media to influence and sway public opinion but sometimes people are pleasantly surprised. I've said this before and I'll say it again, most people are good-- most people aren't malicious. Most people, in fact, just want a pleasant life that is filled with self prescribed meaning and strong relationships with themselves, their community, the world, their families etc. Hating ideas and not people is a good way to humanize in the end.

Upcoming Charity Stream Announcement!

 EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Dakk Janiels to don SLAVE LEIA costume for charity

That's right folks you heard it correctly, I am--Correction WE ARE, doing another 24 hour charity stream for the Non-Profit EXTRA LIFE Sat Nov 2nd to Sun Nov 3rd. Show support by joining us for the event running from 7pm-7pm EST (well 6pm on Sunday because DST). 

Continue reading to know more

Y'know, Something always has bothered me about the ending to Quantum Leap

Quatum Leap..... It's uh..... Well, it's unique. It's quirky blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and drama puts it into a niche category amongst it's T.V. sit-com counterparts but it's place in television history is unmistakable and it's ending is often considered disappointing. I'm from the camp that it low-key is kind of brilliant and maybe I'm grasping at straws but I feel like the writer's layered the S H I --nevermind, out of it. A while ago I finally put into words my feelings on the matter. Continue reading to hear thoughts and opinions on a completely irrelevant and random TV show ending from 30 years ago

"Well Gee that's kinda neat": A dad's guide to randomly cool projects

 I would like to start off by saying, this is INCREDIBLY random. I mean TECHNICALLY speaking a majority of the nonsense I post falls into that category here but this is... I guess especially the case here? IDK, I just work here (sometimes).

....ok, well maybe not. In fact technically this perfectly aligns with the style and gumption that I have always done (which is post stuff I think is interesting OR memes OR my fun adventures), but it has come to my attention that I have unmistakably and undeniably gravitated away from that (I mean c'mon, when was the last time I did a MEME round-up? (...I'm too busy $-!t posting them on my FB these days). But here are a few articles realllllll quick I'd like to share that involve DIY ethics. It's only three, nothing ot break the bank OR string you along though......continue reading to enjoy some sweet sweet guilty pleasures

Backpacking trip 2024: The Porcupine Mountains (a recap)

It’s been almost a month since I took my annual backpacking trip with my cousin, Father’s Day is coming up, and my baby girl is graduating kindergarten….. Life is good. On that note: 

Posting a shortcut to all the pages for each day of the trip. Separating the videos and pics too. 

Super happy and grateful to be able to share these with you. Continue reading for the links

The Pre-journey Journey

The Journey Begins (Sort of)

Day 6: the long and winding road (after backpacking our last stretch that is…) (PHOTOS)

Headed back to the beautiful LAKE IN THE CLOUDS, only this time we are approaching from the opposite side. Got some real gems here, tons of majestic and natural beauty. Bittersweet that the trip is ending but had a blast the whole time. This is another successful adventure in the books.

Day 6: bittersweet endings

Day 5 photos (in no particular arrangement)

 

Day 5: No working title

A continuation of Day 5 as we chill, it rains, and the day passes. Very fortunate to have taken this trip and this path. Super grateful for the tradition of backpacking every year with my cousin Bryan. I am privileged to have see the sights and made the memories

Day 5: Big Carp river trail

 

 

Day 5 was exciting. We were rested and ready from lay over day, our trip was backtracking so it was a place we had already been through (swampy and flooded out), and we had to re-cross our bridgeless river area. Rain was in the forecast so we made haste! Luckily it held out, we were able to find camp and make it as well as gather wood before getting blasted. Also made a hot fire that withstood the downpour. It was a night of reflection for sure, and we tried to stay up for the northern lights. Unfortunately it got cloudy around midnight and we tried to hold out but we not able to see aurora borealis.

Make sure to check out the story after we crossed in river!

Day 4: Photos in no particular arrangement

Not much to explain here....had a lazy day, explored the local area of our campsite, took a day hike to a very underwhelming waterfall, visited Lake Superior, got firewood, listened to music, got wasted, and relaxed. Lot so music and definitely pigging out on trail snacks...YUM!

Day 4: Our Bs day. colloquially known as F#&k off day (aka Lay over day)

More from our lazy day including our impromptu day hike. Good times

Day 4: a Time Lapsed sunset of Superior

This one is pretty Self explanatory.....set up my camera and caught the sunset (which took FOREVER to disappear over the horizon)

 

Day 4: The most hype event in all of the forrest

Game of thrones? Star Wars? Shogun?

All pale in comparison to the number one show all across the forest.....

Day 4: What's in store?

 

A little rhyme scheme coming your way.....ya see, I rhymed 4 with store (take that EMINEM). Come join us as we navigate the lazy lay over day and recoup

Day 3: Photos in no particular arrangement

Captured ALOT of good footage today. Wonderful sunsets and good ambiance if you ask me. Check out the pics! 

Day 3: The end of our journey to Lake Superior. and the fruits of its labor

Honestly today was the day we saw more people on the trail than any other day. Obviously at the time we didn't know that, and I'm writing this part in hindsight from my cozy computer chair several days later.....BUUUUT this was the spot we chose after MUCH deliberation. Since the place was filling up we needed to tread lightly, technically did not have reservations here so the last thing we wanted to do was make camp and then get booted out by folks who did it right and paid for a site. The winds of fortune blew our way though and we found a nice secluded site atop a hill. The hill totally killed the cool superior winds for the most part, so we just got set up and found PLENTY of firewood. I had to do some engineering on our firepit to make it radiate heat better but that was our biggest hurdle and after the last two days or hiking and the soar feet setting in I aint mad about that.... CONTINUE READING for more.

Never too old for a good Pun. I hope geologists don't take this humor for granite

 

Day 3: The Superior Way

Starting this part off at 8:40. Is that late or early for your backpacking? Honestly, depending on circumstances.... it can go both ways. Got a fun day planned ahead. Defintiely DID NOT ANTICIPATE the cold superior winds. Originally we wanted to sleep super close to shore but impending hypothermia totally shot that idea down. I wanna hike not freeze to death! On the plus side, we crossed this super sketchy log I'm calling the AMERICAN GLADIATOR bridge. CONTINUE READING to follow us and we reach Lake Superior

Backpacking Basics: the Trail Toilet

 Before leaving the Lake in the Clouds sites we came across only what we could assume was the last civilized toilet of our journey. Sadly that proved to be true cuz it was cat holes from here on out. Here’s a little insider knowledge though... CONTINUE READING for the crash course

Day 2 Photos in no particular arrangement

This was definitely our most challenging day. You'll often find the first few days (at least for me) are where we build in the easier hikes. Sometimes it possible and sometimes it is not but if you think about it.... Your packs are at their heaviest and your body is getting acclimated to the minutia of backpacking for several hours. As times goes on you eat food and use your disposable materials so packs get lighter (or in my case things get burned in the fire haha). Today we had elevation, a sight-seeing destination, some back-tracking, semi difficult terrain and max mileage so all of that together put some work on my aging body (plus I'm not in peak physical shape as my counterparts so there's that). IT was a b eautfiul hike nonetheless, we started early and strogn because our last weather report indicated midday rain and our goal was to put in as much distance as possible before that point. Day ended up with super minimal drizzling towards the last hour or two but nothing substantial or catastrophic. We hit government peak and the storm clouds rolled in at the tail end of our lunch, overall we were super fortunate. Continue reading for more, PLUS a bonus picture of my nude chest (sorry in advance:-) )

Day 2: a two part adventure

Day two was an interesting day (I suppose each day was interesting in its own right). Had another big day ahead of us. Made the hike from Lake in the clouds to Government Peak and then land in Mirror Lake for some beautiful shoreside camping. Had a lovely view and a clear canopy for stargazing. Before our day got started though we took a little aside, the map we got of the Porcupine Mountains indicated a historic mine not far from our Day 1 campsite. Naturally before we rolled on outta there we had to find it…… oh boy and we did. The weather forecast was constantly changing but before we lost signal we downloaded the “current forecast” and it indicated we would have rain in our future….

Day two was the hardest day of the hike, it had the longest distance traveling with packs and the biggest changes in elevation. So we were preparing to hike at least half of the day in rain gear. 8-9miles depending on if you go by the map vs. The trail heads/markers. MIRROR LAKE HERE WE COME!

Click to read more!

Day 1 photos in no particular arrangement

I think for the photos I'm going to say as little as possible unless there is needed context or a good story behind them. A picture is worth a thousand words as they say!

Day 1: our one-shot Day Adventure

 Had a really easy day today,when all was said and done we ended up doing like 10 miles. Since we explored the ridge and peaks by LAKE OF THE CLOUDS, we left our backpacks at the car in the overlook parking lot. After completing about 90% of our mileage for the day we got our packs and proceeded to descend into the lake below. We scouted the area for the best site prior (which was nice) so wr just set up camp off the beaten path. Twas nice. Perfect night outside. Perfect day. Nice little warmup and intro for our bodies as well. After setting up camp and exploring we got firewood and just chilled until midnight. No cell signal so I couldn’t call my daughter :-(

CONTINUE READING for more!

10:31am-- officially kickstarted our backpacking trip

The Title says it all. Really can't explain more haha, click CONTINUE READING for more!

WE are about to kick this party off like WHOA

Day 1: a wee bit more driving. (are we there yet?)

Just a little Check-in/ update. The place we stayed was cozy and nice. No bedbugs or shady happenings so THAT'S A PLUS. Honestly this little spot has mad WHITMORE LAKE vibes and I'm not mad about it

Reaching the Mackinac Bridge juuuust in time

I'm going to be throwing in these Jumps to the individuals posts so I'm not overly congesting the VLOG/BLOG timeline with multiple photos and/or vids. So please please please click CONTINUE READING for more on each one!

Update #1- boring a$$ driving

Doing our Long stretch of driving currently...It can be tedious but it is necessary. All good things take time. Plus it's a chance to catch up with my cous on the happenings. As we get older we see each other less and less, so it's important that we keep this tradition going. ALMOST 10 YEARS OF CRAZY BACKPACKING annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnyways, here's some random pics cuz I'm riding shotgun and passing the time

Sunday May 5th: The journey begins

 

FCBD is a success

 Got to hit up 3 local comic shops, have some free cake, meet some nice folks and acquire free comics. Special Bonus points because Amelia got her Encanto comic! Alls that left to do is read some comics and binge some Star Wars. 

MAY THE 4th BE WITH YOU. Always

Alert Alert: Free Comic Book Day this Saturday (May 4th)

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https://www.twitch.tv/dakkattackjaniels