The Best Board Games of 2019…(ish)

I have shocking news for everyone:  gaming has taken over my life.  Actually, podcasting has taken over my life.  But gaming has taken over my free time.  This might not sound like a shock to many you — after all, haven’t I been crowing about board games for about five years now?  Well, I’m happy to …

“It’s About Tom” — The Official Countess LuAnn Mario Maker 2 Tribute Level Walkthrough

In life, I have two loves. Well, actually I have many loves, but for the purpose of a snappy introduction, I’ll limit it to just two: Nintendo and The Real Housewives of New York. For many years these passions have lived in separate, perhaps decaying parts of my brain, but I’m happy to announce that …

The Truth About Beverly Beach

Recently on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, fashion magnate and occasional British person Dorit Kemsley launched her new swimwear line, curiously named Beverly Beach by Dorit (né NAVA). It’s a bold new direction for Ms. Kemsley, who has previously lit sartorial circles aflame with such iconic looks as The Golden Bird Poop and Purple …

REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NYC PHOTOCAP: Season 8 So Far

Real Housewives of New York is by far my favorite iteration of Bravo’s venerable Real Housewives franchise. There’s no better collection of lunatic, neurotic, self-involved, and generally hilarious women on the network, perhaps even TV in general. The latest season of the show continues its tradition of petty squabbles and sharp-tongued blow-outs, and since I …

ADVENTURES IN GAME TIME: Iki Edition

I may be an unabashed board game nerd these days, but it’s only because there are so many fun games out there. Truly — it’s a problem. An embarrassment of riches. Just when I think I can ebb the purchasing, another great one comes down the pike, the latest being Iki — a Japanese “game of Edo …

ADVENTURES IN GAME TIME: Orléans Edition

Back in June of 2015, when I was six months into my burgeoning board game obsession/addiction, I learned that a game called Orléans had been nominated for Kennerspiel De Jahres. In gaming parlance, it’s the equivalent of receiving an Oscar nod. Well, sort of. The Spiel de Jahres is actually the award reserved for game …

A Bunch of Board Games You Should Play

A year ago, my friend and former blog partner Joe (a.k.a. J-Unit) had a bachelor party up in Lake Tahoe. It was a pretty fun bro weekend full of beer pong, barbecuing, and a forest fire (unrelated to the barbecuing). With the area full of smoke, we spent a lot of time indoors, and thankfully …

BANTER BLENDER #109: Emmys Noms, Caitlyn Jenner’s Speech, LA Complex, and Fiasco

New episode is up! Finally!! Angie Thomas and I chat about Emmy nominations, Caitlyn Jenner’s ESPY speech, transgender stuff, and the overlooked series, “LA Complex.” There’s also chatter about the games Fiasco and Viticulture as well as the cinematic experience known as The DUFF. Come listen!

BANTER BLENDER #104: Measles, Bruce Jenner, ‘American Sniper,’ and Bagels

This week on “The Banter Blender,” Angie Thomas (“All the Way”) joins Ben to chat about the usual grab bag of topics: the measles outbreak in CA, Bruce Jenner’s possibly trans journey, the controversy surrounding American Sniper, and, of course, the best bagels in Los Angeles. Come listen! And remember to like the podcast on …

WATCH WHAT CRAPPENS #163: Drama on the Menu at Sur

This week Ronnie Karam (trashtalktv.com) and Ben Mandelker (The Banter Blender) go to town on the crazy drama of “Vanderpump Rules.” From the Miami stalker to Lisa’s scolding, it’s nearly a full hour of ridicule. Then it’s on to Beverly Hills and Atlanta for more mockery. Along the way, there’s talk of Top Chef, Best …