Category: Reviews

Having a blog means having an opinion. This category groups reviews of technology, concerts, books, food – essentially all things consumable.

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Big Win for my Friends: Zulip Enabled Mobile Push Notifications

I’m celebrating a small-but-mighty milestone for my open source technology projects: Zulip has classified it as a Community project — which means we can use the official mobile push notifications service and actually get alerts on iOS/Android like a “real” team chat.

Why this matters (more than it should)

Our community chat isn’t just “a place to talk” — it’s where ideas get captured, plans get made, and inside jokes become lore. The problem with many self-hosted setups is that mobile notifications can be tricky: Apple and Google’s push notification systems aren’t designed for every independent server in the world to send pushes directly to the same app. Zulip solves this with its Mobile Push Notification Service (sometimes called the push notification “bouncer”), which securely forwards notifications to the Zulip mobile apps.

In plain terms: friends and family can actually stay in the loop without needing to keep the app open, and without missing messages that matter.

What we’re using: Zulip (and why I love it)

Zulip is built for organized communication — not just an endless scroll. Topics + threads make it ridiculously easy to follow multiple conversations without losing context. It’s the rare chat tool that works equally well for real-time chatter and async, “catch up later” communication.

Also: Zulip is 100% open-source, actively developed, and it’s very clear the team cares about building something sustainable and community-aligned. I haven’t been a fan of all of the drama with discord and as a parent, I am being more intentional about where my child is spending their time digitally.

A quick shoutout to Zulip for supporting community projects

Getting recognized as a Community project is a big deal for small groups. It’s Zulip putting its money where its mouth is supporting worthy communities and helping self-hosters get a first-class experience.

If you’re building an open-source community, a volunteer group, a research collaboration, or even just a well-run community space that needs structure: it’s worth checking out what Zulip offers and what you might qualify for.

Acknowledgement (per Zulip’s guidelines)

Zulip asks sponsored organizations (and anyone expressing appreciation) to help others discover Zulip by linking to their website. I’m happy to do that — because Zulip is a great tool and the staff have been so nice!



Zulip logo

Zulip

Zulip is an organized team chat app designed for efficient communication.

If you’re curious: how mobile push works for self-hosted Zulip (high level)

For self-hosted servers, enabling push notifications generally involves registering your server with Zulip’s Mobile Push Notification Service and ensuring your organization is on the right plan (paid or eligible free Community).

Once it’s enabled, users may need to log out and back into the mobile app to start receiving pushes.

Closing thoughts

I’m genuinely excited about this. Push notifications seem like a small feature, but they’re the difference between “a cool chat server” and “a living community space that people actually stay connected to.”

Big thanks to the Zulip team and community — and if you’re building something that needs structured communication, give Zulip a look.

https://zulip.com

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Replica AEW International Championship Belt Review

Introduction

Here is a review of the AEW International Championship Belt that I purchased from Great Custom Belts.

Rather than jumping straight into belt nerdery, I spend time on the belt’s origins. The International Championship has one of those “beautiful design / confusing booking” situations that breaks my heart.

Why the AEW International Championship Was Created

The AEW International Championship was a title that represented a broader world of wrestling. A belt that feels bigger than a single promotion. The concept was rooted in the idea of an international, traveling championship—one that could move between wrestlers and even promotions.

It wasn’t just another belt to fill TV time. It was designed to symbolize the excitement of wrestling that crosses borders.

The bigger question I explore:

Has the AEW International Championship actually become a true “traveling belt”??

There have been moments where the title feels like it’s living that mission with high-profile matches and a “workhorse championship” vibe. But there are also stretches where the belt’s identity can feel less clear than it should for something with such strong symbolism built into the design.

My Thoughts on the Belt Design

This belt is simply gorgeous. The international theme is obvious the moment you see it.

  • Global symbolism: the flags and international styling give it a unique identity
  • Visual balance: it looks detailed without feeling cluttered
  • Presence: it has that “main event trophy” energy even as a secondary title

Why I Purchased This Belt (It’s Not Just a Collectible)

I usually buy belts as trophies for personal achievements. Many of the belts in my collection are tied to milestones—especially health and weight goals.

This belt represents something different: travel. For me, this AEW International Championship belt is a celebration of all the places I’ve been—and all the travel I hope to do in the near future.

That personal meaning is what makes this purchase feel special. It’s not just “another belt.” It’s a trophy for experiences—past and future.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the AEW International Championship is a beautiful title design with a sometimes complicated TV history. But the concept behind it—global, traveling, open-world wrestling energy—is something I genuinely love.

This replica captures the look and feel of that concept, and Great Custom Belts did solid work bringing it to life.

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WWE “Big Eagle” Championship Belt Review

What is the “Big Eagle” Belt?

I’m reviewing a replica WWE/WWF “Big Eagle” Championship belt—one of the most iconic title designs from the late 1990s and a defining symbol of the Attitude Era.

Even if you’re not a hardcore belt collector, there’s a good chance you’ve seen this design a thousand times. It’s the championship belt that feels instantly connected to a specific moment in WWE history—big stars, big crowds, and an era that still gets referenced constantly.

A Quick History: From the Winged Eagle to the Big Eagle

The “Big Eagle” championship belt was introduced after Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Shawn Michaels (HBK) at WrestleMania. The previous championship design—the classic Winged Eagle—was retired the following night, and Austin was presented with the updated belt featuring the blue strap.

First Impressions: Bigger and Heavier Than I Expected

One thing that surprised me immediately is how different this belt feels in person compared to photos. This replica is bigger and heavier than I expected, and the scale of the plates really stands out when it’s in your hands.

In the video, I do a close-up look at the belt and talk through the details that pop in real life—especially the way the main plate presents itself. Whether you’re a collector or just a fan who appreciates classic designs, it’s the kind of belt that looks “important” the moment you see it.

What I Like About This Replica

Overall, I’m impressed with how this replica captures the feel of the era. A few highlights:

  • Presence: the belt has a big, bold look that photographs don’t fully capture
  • Weight: it feels substantial and “premium” in hand
  • Details: there are interesting elements on the plates that become more noticeable up close

Design Questions (And a Lion Mystery)

One of the fun parts of this video is comparing the “Big Eagle” design to modern WWE belts and asking some collector-type questions about design decisions.

For example: why is there a lion on so many WWE championship belts?

Once you start noticing it, it feels like lions show up everywhere across different title generations. Is it symbolism? A design tradition? Just something WWE’s designers love? I dig into this a bit and compare the older belt aesthetic to today’s more logo-forward designs.

Why I Bought It (Timing Was Too Perfect)

A major reason I finally pulled the trigger was the timing. WWE Shop ran a massive holiday sale right around the same time my son started talking about how cool the “Big Eagle” belt is—literally just a few days before.

It was weirdly perfect timing. Between the sale, the nostalgia, and my son’s excitement, it felt like I had to go for it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of the Attitude Era, a belt collector, or someone who appreciates classic WWE/WWF championship designs, the “Big Eagle” belt is still one of the best-looking titles they’ve ever produced. This replica has real presence, feels substantial, and makes for a great display piece—especially if you grew up watching that era.

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Replica WWF European Championship Belt Review

I’m taking a close look at a custom replica WWF European Championship Belt that I recently added to my collection. This belt was made by Great Custom Belts in Pakistan — the same belt maker who previously created my TNA Digital Media Championship replica.

The European Championship has always been one of those titles that quietly stood out. It may not have been the main event belt, but its design, history, and connection to the late-1990s / early-2000s WWF era make it a favorite among collectors.

For this version, I specifically requested the green leather strap, which was used during the later years of the belt before it was retired in the early 2000s.

A Brief History of the WWF European Championship

The WWF European Championship debuted in 1997 and quickly became a fixture of the Attitude Era midcard. While it didn’t always receive the same spotlight as the Intercontinental or World titles, it featured a unique design and was held by a wide range of talented performers.

The belt went through a few visual variations during its run, including strap color changes — which is what inspired my decision to go with the green strap for this replica.

Why I Ordered This Belt

I wanted a European Championship replica that reflected the later-era look of the title, especially the green strap version that’s rarely seen in modern reproductions. Since this belt isn’t readily available through official shops, going the custom route made the most sense.

Based on my previous experience with Great Custom Belts, I felt comfortable placing another order — and overall, I’m glad I did.

Close-Up Review: What I Like

After spending time with the belt and filming detailed close-ups, here are the aspects I really enjoy:

  • The color work on the plates — vibrant and visually accurate
  • The green leather strap, which gives the belt a unique look
  • The overall design of the European Championship plates
  • Solid craftsmanship for a custom replica

The green strap in particular really helps this belt stand out in a collection, especially next to more traditional black-strapped titles.

Things That Could Be Better

No replica is perfect, and I try to be honest in every review. A few things I would change if I could:

  • The belt is a bit too long for my personal preference
  • I would have liked deeper plate detail and etching
  • I think the “World Wrestling Federation” text would pop more if it were painted white

These are mostly personal preference items, but they’re worth mentioning for collectors who are considering a similar custom order.

Another Positive Experience with Great Custom Belts

This was my second custom belt from Great Custom Belts, and once again, the experience was solid. Communication was clear, the belt arrived as requested, and the final product matched what we discussed.

If you’re looking for a replica or custom championship belt that isn’t available through official WWE shops, I would absolutely recommend checking them out.

Additional Belt Resources & Creators

If you’re interested in championship belt history and high-quality belt content, I also recommend the following creators, who do a great job showcasing and preserving classic designs:

Stephen Hammer:
https://www.youtube.com/@STEPHENHAMMER

Serg More:
https://www.youtube.com/@Serg_More

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m very happy with this replica WWF European Championship Belt. It captures the spirit of the original, the green strap gives it a distinctive look, and it fills a gap in my collection that official replicas don’t currently cover.

If you’re a wrestling belt collector, fan of classic WWF championships, or someone exploring custom replica options, I hope this review helps you decide whether a belt like this is right for you.

Let me know your thoughts: Would you go with the green strap, or do you prefer the traditional black version?

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Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box Review: Ben’s Snack Comeback

If you’ve watched this channel before, you might remember that Ben used to do Bokksu snack box reviews pretty regularly. After a long break, his enthusiasm for Japanese snacks has officially returned — and the timing couldn’t be better.

With the news that our family (including my cousin Ryan) is heading to Japan in 2026, Ben’s interest in Japanese food, culture, and snacks has been completely re-energized. The Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box turned out to be the perfect way to kick things off again.

This post pairs with our video review, where Ben and Ryan taste, react, and share their honest thoughts on this seasonal box.

What’s Inside the Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box?

Each Bokksu box highlights regional Japanese snacks with a seasonal theme, and Fall 2025 leaned into flavors that might surprise Western snack fans.

Instead of heavy pumpkin spice or cinnamon notes, this box focused on:

  • 🍠 Sweet potato flavors (the clear star of the box)

  • 🍎 Apple accents

  • 🍊 Citrus elements

  • 🍬 A mix of sweet and lightly savory textures

If you’re expecting fall flavors to mirror American autumn snacks, this box is a great reminder that Japanese seasonal flavors follow a different (and often more subtle) approach.

Taste Test Reactions: Hits, Misses, and Surprises

Ben and Ryan worked their way through the box, discussing:

  • Which sweet potato snacks stood out

  • Which flavor combinations were unexpected

  • How Japanese fall snacks differ from what we’re used to in the U.S.

Some snacks were immediate favorites, while others sparked debate — which is half the fun of a Bokksu box. Trying unfamiliar flavors is what makes these reviews interesting, especially when reactions are honest and unscripted.

Bonus Round: Extra Japanese Snacks from Ryan

At the end of the video, Ryan surprised us by bringing along additional Japanese snacks that weren’t part of the Bokksu box. This turned into an impromptu bonus tasting session and added some variety to the review.

These extra snacks also gave us a small preview of the kinds of treats we’ll eventually be hunting down in Japan during our 2026 trip.

Why This Bokksu Review Feels Special

This wasn’t just another snack review.

It marked:

  • Ben’s return to Bokksu videos

  • Renewed excitement around Japanese culture

  • The beginning of food-focused prep for Japan 2026

  • A fun, low-pressure family moment captured on video

Sometimes a simple box of snacks can reconnect old interests and spark new ones — and this one definitely did.

Watch the Video & Join the Conversation

If you haven’t watched the video yet, be sure to check it out to see Ben and Ryan’s full reactions.

👀 We’d love your input:

  • Which snacks looked good to you?

  • Which ones would you want to try?

  • Are there Japanese snacks we should track down next?

Drop your thoughts in the comments on the video — we genuinely enjoy hearing from viewers and often turn suggestions into future reviews.

Looking Ahead to Japan 2026 🇯🇵

This Bokksu review is just the beginning. As we get closer to our Japan 2026 trip, expect more snack reviews, food experiments, and Japan-inspired content along the way.

If you enjoy Japanese snacks, family reviews, and real reactions, stay tuned — there’s a lot more coming.

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Leather Field Jacket – 9 Month Patina Update & Care Tips

Introduction

Back in March 2025, I reviewed the Master Supply Company Field Jacket in Natural Leather — a beautifully made piece with classic style and tons of character. One viewer recently asked the perfect question: “How does it look now?”

So here we are, 9 months later with a full patina update, close-up footage, and some answers about how natural leather ages over time. Spoiler: this jacket looks even better than it did in March. Natural leather is supposed to evolve, and the way this piece has deepened and developed a richer golden tone has been incredibly fun to watch.

I also share the care recommendations I got directly from Master Supply Company, along with some insight into their leather conditioner — including how I’ve been using it on several other items around the house.

The 9-Month Patina: What’s Changed?

One of the biggest appeals of natural leather is how uniquely it ages. No two jackets will develop the same patina, and your lifestyle leaves its own fingerprints (literally) on the hide. After 9 months of wear, here’s what I’ve noticed:

  • A warmer, golden patina across the body of the jacket
  • Increased depth and vintage character developing on high-wear areas
  • Creasing around the elbows and shoulders giving it a lived-in feel
  • Darker tones beginning to appear around the cuffs and pockets

I filmed close-ups in the video so you can really see the texture, color shift, and the early stages of the aging process. Natural leather doesn’t rush — it builds personality slowly, and this jacket is right on track.

How I’ve Been Caring for the Jacket

Short version? I actually haven’t conditioned it yet.

But I wanted to make sure I was doing things correctly, so I reached out to Josh at Master Supply Company to ask how their natural leather ages and whether their leather conditioner is safe to use on this specific jacket.

His answer: Yes, their conditioner is perfectly safe — and no, it won’t dramatically change the color.

This was great news, since I’ve already been using the same conditioner on several other leather items around the house with excellent results. It absorbs cleanly, doesn’t leave residue, and doesn’t alter the appearance in any unwanted way.

For reference, here are the links to the exact items I’m discussing:

Master Supply Co. Field Jacket (Natural Leather):
https://mastersupply.co/collections/natural-leather-collection/products/field-jacket-natural

Leather Conditioners:
https://mastersupply.co/collections/leather-conditioners

I’ll likely condition the jacket sometime in the next few months and do a follow-up video when I do, but so far the leather has aged beautifully on its own without intervention.

Why Natural Leather Patina is So Rewarding

Unlike pre-finished leather, natural hides start out lighter and evolve with exposure to sunlight, movement, and daily use. That means:

  • Your jacket slowly darkens into a richer tan
  • Wear patterns appear where you bend and stretch
  • The leather softens over time without losing structure
  • No two jackets become the same — it’s truly unique to you

For many people, this aging process is the entire point. You’re not just wearing a jacket — you’re creating something with character.

Final Thoughts (9 Months Later)


(Original Video)

I loved this jacket in March, and I still love it now. The construction has held up perfectly, the leather feels even better as it breaks in, and the patina development has been beautiful to watch.

I also appreciate the engagement from viewers. A simple question — “How does it look now?” — turned into a full update video and this blog post. So keep the questions coming! I’ll keep sharing updates as the jacket continues to age.

If you enjoy natural leather, patina journeys, or gear updates, stay tuned. The 18-month check-in is definitely happening.

Shop the Products Mentioned

Master Supply Company Field Jacket (Natural Leather):
https://mastersupply.co/collections/natural-leather-collection/products/field-jacket-natural

Master Supply Co. Leather Conditioners:
https://mastersupply.co/collections/leather-conditioners