WAMA Hemp Underwear

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WAMA Hemp Underwear

Underwear… The final frontier!

Or at least sometimes that’s what it feels like to me. Seems like it’s next to impossible to find underwear that fits right, wears well, and looks good.

Today, to further my Quest for Undies, I’m reviewing Hemp Underwear from WAMA.
WAMA Hemp Underwear
I’ll be honest: I don’t have any other hemp fabric clothing, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Would it be like wearing rope or burlap?!?!?

Disclaimer: WAMA reached out to me to try their underwear. Very nice folks, btw.

Ok, on to the important things:

Fit:
WAMA Hemp Underwear
To test out the fit and feel, I got 3 different models: Large Boxer/Brief (pictured), XL Boxer/Brief, XL Trunks. (I didn’t get the plain boxers because I prefer a bit more support).
I’m about a 34″ waist. The sizing on their site put me at either a Large or XL size, which is why I chose both. They’re actually both a pretty good fit. The Large is snug without being binding, whereas the XL hugs without feeling like it will fall off.
Both the Large and XL sizes seem to keep my package well wrapped, if you know what I mean.
Between the Boxer/Brief ad the Trunks, I’d have to say I prefer the Boxer/Briefs. The trunks have a shorter leg which just isn’t as comfy for me. YMMV

Fabric:
WAMA underwear is made from: 53% Hemp, 44% Organic Cotton, 3% Spandex.
My first impression was that the fabric felt cooling to the touch, and was softer than plain cotton, but with a good amount of support.
Overall, very comfortable. Plus, I like their choice of colors.

Laundry:
WAMA Hemp Underwear
WAMA laundry instructions say it needs Cold water wash, Low Dry. So, it gets washed on the delicate cycle. First wash I did, it looks fresh and new. I will see how it fares after a few months and post an update then.

Pricing:
The pricing for the ones I bought was $28 (USD) each. While that’s higher than I normally pay ($18-$22), I do have to say it is a quality product. And sometimes, you get what you pay for. Watch for their sales if you want to pay a bit less.

Conclusion:
By comparison to past underwear I’ve worn WAMA is a bit more silky than the all cotton ones. But unlike some of the silkier underwear I’ve tried, it still provides excellent support.
WAMA Underwear is a quality product at a premium price. In the end, it’s covering your end… so something of high quality is a luxury worth the money. Joe’s Dump Approved!

For more information, please visit their site at:
WAMA Underwear

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Cumber Words

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Cumber Words

Benedict Cumberbatch Cucumber Patch

I was in Cumberland, Maryland watching a Benedict Cumberbatch movie, alternating between noshing on a cucumber sandwich and tugging at my cumberbund when a cumbersome thought encumbered my cranium: How many Cumber words are there? Should I include names? Sure! Why not!

Cumber Words:
cumber, cumbers, cucumber, cumbered, cumberer, encumber, incumber,
cucumbers, cumberers, cumbering, encumbers, incumbers,
cumberbund, cumbersome, encumbered, incumbered,
cumberbunds, disencumber, encumbering, incumbering,
cumbersomely, disencumbers, unencumbered,
disencumbered,
cumbersomeness, disencumbering

Cumber Names:
Cumber, Cumberbach, Cumberback, Cumberbatch, Cumberbath, Cumberbeach, Cumberbeer, Cumberbirch, Cumberfatch, Cumberford, Cumberla, Cumberlage, Cumberlain, Cumberlan, Cumberland, Cumberlander, Cumberlatch, Cumberledge, Cumberlege, Cumberley, Cumberlidge, Cumberlige, Cumberlin, Cumberlitch, Cumberlodge, Cumberlow, Cumberlye, Cumbermack, Cumbernorth, Cumberpach, Cumberparth, Cumberpatch, Cumbers, Cumbersworth, Cumbert, Cumberth, Cumberton, Cumberworke, Cumberworth

Bonus! Click here for more about the Cumber Family Name!

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Spain: Witness Protection Program

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Spain: Witness Protection Program

Since I’ve been in Spain, I’ve uncovered a deep plot to relocate mascots from the USA. I suspect the CIA is involved, in cooperation with local Spanish government officials.

For decades, the USA and Spain have been hiding mascots in their Witness Protection Program. Joe’s Dump blows the lid on this exclusive story!

The evidence is sparse, but here’s what I have so far…

Mr. Clean aka “Don Limpio

Mr. Clean

Mr. Clean

Don Limpio

Don Limpio

This guy’s pretty bold. Same line of work, same look. I’m surprised he hasn’t been apprehended yet, but it seems his record is squeaky clean. To his credit, he’s changed a bunch of times: aka “Mr. Proper” aka “Maestro Limpio” aka “Mastro Lindo” aka “Meister Proper” aka “Pan Proper” aka “Mister Proper” aka “M. Net” aka “Monsieur Propre”

Laughing Cow aka “La Vaca Que Ríe

Laughing Cow

Laughing Cow

La Vaca Que Ríe

La Vaca Que Ríe

You’d be laughing too if you got to be pampered like this cow. A little hard to spot, but I think she got a nose job with the relocation.

Spongebob Squarepants aka “Bob Esponja

Spongebob Squarepants

Spongebob Squarepants

Bob Esponja

Bob Esponja

Evidence is a bit sketchy. Could only find an artist’s rendering on SBSP.

Buzz “Honeynut” Bee aka “(Abeja) Miel Pops

Buzz "Honeynut" Bee

Buzz “Honeynut” Bee

(Abeja) Miel Pops

(Abeja) Miel Pops

Easily the best disguise of the bunch. Plastic surgery, new outfit, plus… glasses. Even moved from one company to another. Top notch work by the operatives on this one.

Conclusion:
… I’m not sure where this rabbit hole will eventually lead, but if you tell anyone I told you, I’ll deny everything.

You’ve been warned.

— José Basurero

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Sappy Songs List

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Sappy Songs List

Just a list of Sappy Songs… Feel free to comment and add your own 😉

  • I can’t smile without you
  • I can’t live if living is without you
  • I’ll never smile again
  • I’ll never fall in love again
  • I can’t go for that
  • I can’t stop loving you
  • I can’t tell you why
  • I can’t fight this feeling anymore
  • I can’t help myself

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Commercial Intelligence

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Commercial Intelligence

Top things I learned from watching TV Commercials:

  • Making a sandwich is as difficult as getting a medical degree
  • Men don’t know about laxatives, and can’t read boxes
  • People need cars with auto-brakes because they can’t focus with their kids in the car
  • 6 is greater than 1
  • Frying pans can withstand fire
  • Stubborn belly fat can be eliminated by drinking shakes
  • Nothing is forever: (restaurant shrimp special) “It’s endless, but it won’t last forever!”

PLUS! As a follow up to my “Commercial Broken” post (see below), all of the commercials I found fault with have been removed from YouTube. Coincidence? I think not!

Commercial Broken


 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Compound Words That Aren’t

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Compound Words That Aren’t

The Cambridge Dictionary defines “Compound Words” as follows:

Compound words
A compound word is two or more words linked together to produce a word with a new meaning:
tooth + brush = toothbrush eco + friendly = eco-friendly animal + lover = animal lover

However, there are some words that could be Compound Words… but aren’t.

Some examples are:

  • Furrow: (Fur + Row) a straight line of hair on an otherwise hairless area
  • Pigeon: (Pig + Eon) a really long time for a large pink farm animal
  • Legion: (Leg + Ion) one or more charged particles in a lower limb
  • Parking: (Par + King) when a person does really well at golf
  • Cooking: (Coo + King) the most powerful bird in the city

Can you come up with more examples?

If so, comment below and I’ll add them!

Cheers,
Joe

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Living through the Pandemic by San San Lee

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Living Through The Pandemic: A Journal


by San San Lee

Over the last year, my wife has written some insightful articles about the pandemic for the South Pasadena newspaper. Below you will find excerpts of each, from most recent to earliest, along with a link to read the full articles.

Living in a Loop
by San San Lee (pub. Feb 18, 2021)

The last 12 months have felt like a bad reality show, thanks to the onset of Covid-19, denials of its existence and gravity, quarantine, reopening, restriction, and shut-down cycles, topped off with the drama of the 2020 election. And now, just as we thought the end was in sight after a new administration and two approved vaccines, the discovery of the new variants has placed us in “A Race Against Time.” Vaccine shortage is real, and as more contagious variants emerge, current vaccines may lose their effectiveness. Reaching herd immunity and returning to “normalcy” appears as elusive and complicated as ever.

Click here for the full article…

Acceptance, Anticipation, and Hope
by San San Lee (pub. Dec 19, 2020)

This holiday season is particularly difficult. Being away during a pandemic has reintroduced the emotional wounds of my past. The loneliness and isolation from my childhood and the years abroad have follow me here. Even so, these holidays will need to be spent like other days during the COVID-19 era – staying put and distant from people. I am letting go of my traditions in exchange for something far more precious: a future, for myself and others.

Click here for the full article…

Coping with Uncertainty, an Unintended Gift
by San San Lee (pub. Dec 3, 2020)

From the lockdown and even after the reopening in May, we self-isolated in LA. We kept things in a holding pattern to maintain some “normalcy.” The virus was spreading and the inconsistent governmental responses left much to be desired. While we managed to adjust, it was far from ideal. I felt unsafe given the resistance to masks and other measures, not to mention the harsh political rhetoric.

Click here for the full article…

Corona Yo-Yo or Moderation
by San San Lee (pub. July 22, 2020)

As I live through the pandemic, I see a similar struggle. It was easier when the “rules” were clear, much like the weight loss rules. In March, the lockdown required us to stay at home, limit our contact with others, wash our hands, wear face coverings, and maintain social distancing. We reduced the infection rate and the curve flattened. We waited for the reopening, hoping that the lockdown would be short-lived and our lives would go back to “normal.”

Click here for the full article…

Reopening – A Good Time for Paranoia
by San San Lee (pub. July 9, 2020)

While my workload is much less than the pre-pandemic level, I’ve been able to work from home. With the stay-at-home order and its restrictions, and more importantly, the dedication of essential workers, I’ve had the luxury to “hide out” from the virus in the safety of my home. That will change as things open. The reopening does not mean the virus is gone or that it has lost its contagious might. Life may become more precarious. Without the restrictions, we are no longer as protected and isolated from the virus. Reopening would mean more exposure to others, and therefore, the virus.

Click here for the full article…

I Can’t Go Home Anymore
by San San Lee (pub. May 14, 2020)

“I want things to be normal again and just go back to the way they were.” That’s how I felt as the coronavirus spread and cases of death rose, followed by stay at home orders, business closures, job losses and changes to our lives. As things have begun to reopen and resumption of “normal” life begins, I’ve been reflecting. I keep on coming back to the same question – what does “normal” mean? What does “going back” mean, especially given what has happened?

Click here for the full article…

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Nail Clippers from Tokyo

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Nail Clippers from Tokyo

While traveling in Tokyo, I learned a valuable business lesson from a little store in the hotel… all while buying nail clippers.

This was many years ago when my wife and I were vacationing in Tokyo. While I was thinking back on the trip, I realized that one memory stood out.

One evening in our hotel room, my wife tasked me with going downstairs to buy some nail clippers. Seems we hadn’t brought any in our bags (it was allowed back then).

So, there I was, with only the most basic of Japanese language skills… on my own! After making my way downstairs, I found the tiny little in-hotel store. They had all the essentials that a traveler would need: toothpaste, band-aids, aspirin, etc. I couldn’t seem to find the nail clippers.

I walked up to the counter. An older woman sat patiently behind it. We had a short conversation… without words. Finally! My years of pantomime were useful!

She pointed to where the nail clippers were, and I retrieved a nice pink one for my wife.

When I went up to pay, I expected that the woman would just run my card, give me a receipt, and I’d take the clippers and go.

That is not what happened.

After ringing up the bill and giving me the receipt, she carefully took the packaged clippers and wrapped them – very neatly – in a nice paper. She then put this into a small bag, along with some hand-folded paper origami cranes (my wife later told me they were for luck). Then, she folded over the top of the bag and put a small bit of tape on it.

When she handed it to me, I knew enough to bow slightly and say “domo arigatou gozaimasu” and left the store to go back to my room.

It was a short, simple interaction, yet when I think back, there was a lot of meaning to unpack from it.

Here are a few of the lessons I learned that can apply to many businesses:

  • Be kind
  • Know your job
  • Be Helpful
  • Exceed Expectations
  • Have Good Intentions

In the end, it’s these things that people, and your customers, will remember.

The nail clippers were common.

The woman who sold them to me was special.

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Multi-Syllable Job Title

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Do you have a Multi-Syllable Job Title?

C’mon! They’re all the rage!

Here’s just a few examples I’ve heard on recent commercials:

  • Registered Nurse Case Manager
  • Certified Financial Planner Professional
  • Non Attorney Spokesperson
  • Knowledgeable Licensed Agent Producer
  • Friendly Knowledgeable Money-Saving Representative

My new title is:
Certifiable Executive Vocalization Engineering Professional!

… and you are???

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Off-White Privilege

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Off-White Privilege

If you’ve ever seen me, you might have mistaken me for a white guy.
I’m not. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t benefited from the way I appear.

For the record, I’m almost 100% Lebanese. Olive skinned, albeit on the light side.

The US census doesn’t even have an option for Middle Eastern people. We’re just lumped into “white”. (click for this related LA Times article)

It’s both a curse and a blessing. On one hand, it means we’re not counted, and our heritage doesn’t count. On the other hand, we get some, if not all, of the “white privilege” that comes with the whitewashed title. If a cop pulls me over, my biggest worry is having to pay a ticket… not whether I’ll survive the encounter.

Growing up, my family were the dark people on the block. It was a mostly Polish neighborhood, so we kind of stuck out. My father and brother had darker skin than I did. But I was often chided about my school lunch (“Are you eating cigars” – no… they’re stuffed grape leaves; “What’s that glop?” – it’s lentils and rice) Occasionally, I was called racially based names if someone knew my family was Middle Eastern.

Still, for me, that was normal. I learned to ignore the comments. Or come back with jabs of my own. That’s how I adapted. But, others who look “less white” have a much harder road to travel. I know this for a fact because my wife is of Asian descent, and she is a lawyer. Based solely on our appearances, people have assumed that I am the lawyer and she is the actor. More often than not, she is treated differently than I am – could be a race, male/female, or a combo platter thing, but the observable differences in treatment are pronounced enough that I’ve taken note.

Based on my childhood and my observations, I have some thoughts and feelings about this.

I find myself torn when issues of race or gender discrimination come up. Do I say I understand? Or is it assumed that because I look white I don’t have a clue? Am I allowed to opine on relevant issues like casting actors in roles that aren’t a perfect match for their race? Or is that out-of-bounds because I’m not “one of them”?

In the end, I don’t have “the answer”. But then, nobody really does. However, our opinions should all matter. We should be able to at least have a civil conversation about topics like race and gender without being thrown into a category, along with all the assumptions that go along with it. After all, isn’t that the heart of racism and sexism?

I truly hope we find our way to a place where none of these distinctions matter. Where we can all just be who we are – and more importantly, be kind and decent human beings.

Be good to each other,
Joe

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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