Friday, September 30, 2011

Figure Friday: Medieval Spawn

Not at all relevant in current superhero comics, actually far more outdated than the characters it opposed at the time in the mid- to late 90s. But it's easy to forget that at one point, Spawn was extremely popular, rightfully so. It was something a bit different than what the big two was producing. And for me personally, it was the character that kept me into comics during those difficult years as a teenager.


This is of course first and foremost a Figure Friday, featuring the toy version of Medieval Spawn, but I'd also like to share a few anecdotes on Spawn as a comic character too.
Read on!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

What is a bread? Baking the Impossible Bread

One of the most fun things you can do in a kitchen is to challenge yourself. I've mentioned it before, it doesn't have to be a big change, or a mighty challenge... but it can be.
I'm known for asking the following questions when I cook:
How hard can it be? and What's the worst thing that can happen? 
Remember that people have made bigger mistakes in the kitchen than you will ever make, and that if you're lucky, you may just stumble upon new tastes, new recipes, new dishes. If you haven't tasted it yet, it may potentially be your next favorite meal. Think about that.

Today I'm trying something entirely new. I'll take what is a tailor made, and very specific recipe, and I'm going to make something completely different with those exact ingredients. In the text that follows, you'll see me making a bread that shouldn't exist. In fact, even though it looks kind of cute, it's the worst bread I've tasted - and I've tasted some really awful stuff.


Read on if you want to find out what a bread really is, and how to make the impossible bread! 

Monday, September 26, 2011

Discoloration Part 1: The Rise of the Sun Gods

I can't really be mad at the sun. Mainly because I rarely get to see it. It's always clouded here and usually it's raining. So any sunlight is of course more than welcome.


But it's destroying my toys, slowly but surely.
Not a long read today, but a very ambitious promise.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Figure Friday: G.I.Joe Tomahawk

My first Figure Friday featured a G.I.Joe jet, and today, I'll take a look at another aircraft, namely the Tomhawk.
Released during the height of A Real American Hero in 1986, the Tomahawk is considered one of the greatest toys from the 80s.


Read on to find out exactly why...

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Fractal Soup

I stumble upon this vegetable from time to time on the web. It's a fascinating thing, for many reasons. You have all seen it before, but what some may not realize is that it's a great vegetable. It tastes good, it's very healthy and it can be used in many different ways.


Read on for a very simple recipe for soup that probably will impress most people.

Monday, September 19, 2011

The Color of Evil

Art studies tells us that the colors have certain attributes. It's called symbolism... There are traits, emotions, connotations associated with each color. For instance, green is youth, health, luck. Blue is harmony, peace, truth. White is purity, innocence. Purple is nobility, mystery. Red strength, passion, love. If there was a color of good it would have to be white or green. The symbolism is vague about this. But on the topic of what's evil, there's usually a consensus. Evil is black.


If you have heard something similar to this, someone has lied to you. Good thing you are here, to read the truth. To be shown the truth. Obviously, at this point you kinda have to read on for more...

Friday, September 16, 2011

Ocean Week: Playmobil Fishing Boat "Susanne"

For some reason, I feel Playmobil doesn't get the respect it deserves. Their models are incredibly detailed, and even though the figures are rather featureless and borderline creepy, the quality and play features of some Playmobil sets are fantastic.
Chance had me digging out an old Playmobil boat for this Figure Friday instead of the intended Lego set I promised.


Read on for a little write up on the Playmobil Fishing Boat named Susanne!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Ocean Week: The Monsters of the Sea

When you're in the ocean (and you have a fairly active imagination), even the smallest fish seems a bit scary. But when you think of it, we treat the ocean with far less respect than they did before.
Ever since man began creating tools, the ocean has been a place that gives life - and takes it.
Now, we just eat fish, make the occasional boat trip, and it's no big deal. If we do swim in the ocean, stuff like jellyfish and seaweed are a minor annoyance.
It's not like it used to be, when you had to make sacrifice to the gods so the Kraken wouldn't sink your ship. Or that you go through intense rituals to have good catch.
The ocean still inspires us, it still gives us great food. I guess we just take it for granted.


Read on for.. I'm not really sure what this, but read on anyway!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Ocean Week: Lego Photoshopping

First of all, I promised toys all week, and I'll definitely keep that promise. Secondly, I got inspired by the Eurobricks forum that currently has a "underwater month" - to do my own themed week. So it's Ocean Week here at Toys & Bacon, and I'll start off with some Lego.


Read on for a few anecdotes and enhanced pictures of Lego!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Figure Friday: The Black Knight

Plush dolls are weird. They are basically walking the border between the playable toy and the decorative stuffed toy. Not sure what I'm trying to point out, but I guess I mean that the intention of stuffed toys is that infants should have something soft to squeeze. While a doll/figure/toy is intended for kids with slightly more advanced motor skills.
But the last years, the original idea of the plush dolls have been turned around. Definitely still suitable for the youngest kids, but now collectors have also started to appreciate these simple toys. We've seen anything from plush superheroes and video game characters to plush literary and movie figures.
What's also interesting is that there seems to be a good amount of people making their own plush versions of known characters.
This is not a home-made toy. It's actually surprisingly well made, has some cool features and an amazing packaging. Pics, anecdotes and everything inside.
Yesterday was Thursday. Today is Figure Friday. And  the subject is Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail's Black Knight!  Read on for more!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Chocolate Omelet

I know, I know. Very little toys lately in Toys & Bacon. I'll make it up big time, starting Friday. All next week will be about toys or at least have something toy related.
Now you may have read my Monday topic on the cheese omelet. I claimed that omelet was a great place to start experimenting for two reasons: Omelet is extremely simple to make, and the egg is versatile and can take on the role of both dinner and dessert.
I also gave some unusual suggestions, among them was making a chocolate omelet. While not extremely creative, it can be an alternative to some that want to do something slightly different. And for you low-carb nuts out there, this is a viable option for dessert.

Read on for what is basically a pancake without flour!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Cheese Omelet

This is barely a recipe, but sometimes the best meals require no effort at all. And the simplest recipes can also be the most versatile.


Read on for a fun omelet and some ideas on making cooking more interesting.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Figure Friday: Shape Shifter Apocalypse

Weekends are fun. And here in Toys & Bacon, I'll start the weekend with a really wacky and fun action figure. In some ways it totally live up to the expectations, with a surprisingly suitable action feature. While at the same time being completely useless.


Read on for figure Friday on the Marvel universe shape shifting villain Apocalypse.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Toys and Bacon Blog Design

I'm still trying to figure out what looks best. Some had problem reading the gray font on the transparent background, so I went for the classic, but rather boring black on white background. And eggs.

I'm definitely not satisfied yet, but it will do for a little while longer like this. Work in progress.
Feel free to let me know how you want this blog to look like.