Cruisin'

For the next week, the Cavebabbling family is off to Alaska on a big boat. Glacier Bay, here we come! I'm told we will be able to pet moose right off the side of the ship, so we can't wait. We didn't even realize they could swim that fast, so obviously, we have a lot to learn.

Mascot Smackdown: Cap'n Crunch

He sailed into our lives in 1963, wearing a big blue coat. He's commander of the SS Guppy, and stays crunchy in milk. It's Cap'n "The Big" Crunch!

Weapons: Big Ass Sword, Mega Moustache, White Tights

Special Power: Chew of Doom: When desperate, the Cap'n munches a handful of cereal from his box. The incredible crunching sends out waves of sound, which blow over his enemies.

Mascot Smackdown: Mr. Peanut

Born deep in the American south in 1916, this pugnacious pugilist still refuses to crack. He may be a gentleman, but people say he’s nuts. Give it up for… Mr. Peanut!

Weapons: Cane, Monocle

Special Power: Magna-Blast: Mr. Peanut’s monocle is a powerful magnifying lens, which he uses to focus the Sun’s rays, and reduce his enemies to cinders.

Mascot Smackdown: Jolly Green Giant

Born in 1928, this ancient fighter is hulkier than the Hulk. Best known for teaming up with Little Green Sprout for double-smackdown delights, it's the Jolly Green Giant!

Weapons: Fists, Incredibly Short Leaf Tunic

Secret Power: Sprout Spear- When in desperate need, Jolly Green Giant throws Little Sprout like a spear.

Cavebabble Episode 30: Terminator Timeline

If you're reading this, you are part of the resistance. Tonight, we discuss the timeline of all four Terminator films. Warning! Our babble contains spoilers... and one of us may not be human. This episode is brought to you by Titanium Endoskeletons.

Mascot Smackdown: Umbrella Girl

She first went out in the rain in 1914, and has never come back inside. She’s tough, she’s salty, and she’s here! Bring on the Morton Salt Umbrella Girl!

Weapons: Umbrella, Salt, Incredibly Short Dress (ISD)

Secret Power: Salty Wounds- Whenever an opponent is hurt, Umbrella Girl pours salt in the wound, making it hundreds of times worse.

Mascot Smackdown: Poppin' Fresh

Bursting from an oven in 1965, this fighter has what it takes to make some serious dough. He takes a pokin’, and keeps on chokin’. It's Poppin' Fresh, the Pillsbury Dough Boy! 

Weapons: Chef’s Cap, Bandanna of Doom

Secret Power: Dough Mama Slam- When poked in the tummy, Poppin’ Fresh giggles, and then unleashes a powerful dough flip, which crushes the air from opponents, and makes them want to cry to mama.

Mascot Smackdown: Tony the Tiger

Born in 1952, he's spent his entire life studying the sweet science. His rage burns as red as his bandana. In Mexico, he's known as El Tigre Toño... Give a roar for Tony the Tiger. Heeee's Grrreeaatt!

Weapons: Claws, Teeth, Sugar

Special Attack: Sugar Rush- Tony pounds down an entire box of Frosted Flakes, gaining an instant sugar rush of gigantic proportions.

Cavebabble Episode 29: Mascot Smackdown

If Tony the Tiger fought Donkey Kong, who would come out on top? It's time for a mascot smackdown! Amber and I have each chosen ten company and video game mascots to represent us in the ring. Only one of us will claim the prize, so place your bets! This episode is brought to you by Wrinkles, the Mascot of Life.

Does it Hurt? Only When I Laugh

Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. Amber and I just "recorded" our latest episode, and had more fun than we've had in some time... Only to realize at the end that I'd failed to click the record button. She's off to a graduation party now, and I'm sitting here with no podcast to edit. Aaaarrghh! Hopefully, I'll have one up tomorrow.

Cavebabble Episode 28: Star Trekking Wolverines

Spoiler alert! Tonight we cover one of our favorite topics- Star Trek. We've seen the new movie, and can't wait to babble about it. Along the way, we also review X-Men Origins: Wolverine. So, snap on your rubber ears, and pull up a chair! This week's episode is brought to you by Dead Dads.

Only 300 Hours of Gameplay? What a Rip Off!

Most everyone knows that I've been up to my mutated head in Fallout 3 for the last two months. I stopped playing the main quest at the mid-point, so that I could take time to explore the entire map, and pick up a few side quests. I've since finished the main quest, refused to end the game, and reloaded a save point just before the final showdown. Now, I'm wandering the wastelands with my companion dog, refusing to end the game, and enjoying every second of it. I can't wait to pick up the latest expansion pack.

Why do I mention all this? Well, tonight it struck me that between this game and Oblivion, Bethesda Softworks has managed to suck up nearly 300 hours of my life. Sheez! Obviously, they've created the perfect Eric formula.

For anyone about to hit the wastelands of Fallout 3, here are my recommendations: Sniper rifle from afar, Chinese assault rifle at mid-range, combat shotgun for close encounters. Hey, it worked for Hicks in Aliens.

Countdown to Kirk

The reviews of Star Trek both encourage and frighten me. On one hand, it looks like everyone loves it. On the other hand, it's creating a hype in my head that can't possibly be realized. No movie is that good. At least not that I've seen in some time. I think I liked it better when I had no expectations!

Wolverine Stops Podcast- Earth is Safe

We've decided not to podcast today. We have heavy colds, and both our voices are shot. No one appreciates croaking, sniffling audio, do they? We weren't complete bums, though. The family went to see Wolverine. I'm sure that part of next week's show will cover our experience, as well as the new Star Trek flick. I'm excited about that one, as well as the new Terminator (even if it is PG-13... Grrr).