Handcrafted Bicycles

I am an avid bicyclist. I’ve ridden bikes since I was about five years old. I love the freedom a bicycle offers and the speed and the distance one can go on a bike in a relatively short period of time.

Currently I ride my Schwinn Copeland hybrid bicycle twice a week on treks averaging between 15 to 20 miles. The rest of the week I take short treks around 3 to 5 miles. I enjoy every minute.

I’ve never owned a really expensive bicycle. I’m more of a Walmart, Target and sports shop sort of bicycle guy. Still, I've checked out each bike I’ve purchased and all of them have provided me years of riding pleasure.

I wish I could afford an expensive, hand-crafted bicycle. But, it is what it is.

I can dream can’t I?

While looking through Schiffer Publishing’s recent catalog I spotted Schiffer’s new book by Christine Elliott and David Jablonka: Handcrafted Bicycles: Builders, Frame Design,And Inspiration.

I immediately contacted Schiffer and they were kind enough to send me a review copy.

Wow! I am in bicycle heaven! The deluxe hardbound book is filled with full-color photos of handcrafted bicycles from all over the globe.

Each bike (or bikes) spotlighted by different companies are a work(s) of art. They are stunning examples of industrial design.

Seats, frames, brakes, wheels, tires, baskets, accessories and some clever innovations combine to dazzle the eye, please the senses and elevate the urge to own one of these incredible bikes.

Thirty two master builders from around the globe share their expertise, story and their designs. Incredible!

If you are a bicycle lover such as myself then you have got to pick up a copy of this book. Believe me, you will not be disappointed and just as enthralled as me by the beautiful bicycles showcased throughout the book.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Space Shuttle And Base

Our grandson and I love to build and do things together. I try my best to pick out projects that are challenging for him so to develop his motor skills, dexterity and cognitive, critical thinking and strategy capabilities.

When I spotted Rokr’s DIY Mechanical Models Space Shuttle Space Exploration kit (designed by Robotime) at a Level Five difficulty, 14 years and older kit with its Dynamic Space Shuttle Base, I thought it would be perfect for us to do as a joint project.

He’s only eight years old but with my help, a little determination, teamwork, sweat equity and patience I know we can have fun putting it together.

This is to be a long process.  We get to see our grandson a couple times a week so he and I will be doing a little bit of building the Space Shuttle at a time.

And that's OK.  It will be help him with his critical thinking skills and best of all we get to spend time together.  Win, win! 

Our grandson just had a look at the Space Shuttle kit and he is absolutely out of his mind with excitement.

He loves outer space and rocket ships. He’s also excited about building the kit with his grandpa. He’s coming over tomorrow to spend the night and as soon as he arrives he wants to get started.

The Space Shuttle and Launch Base come in a clear-plastic sealed, heavy, card-stock, lidded box with a color photo of the complete Space Shuttle and Launch Base on its cover.

Inside the box is a very comprehensive and easy to understand Assembly Instructions Pamphlet.

Several large and small wooden part sheets are included. All the various pop-out parts are numbered to correspond to the numbers in the Assembly Instructions Pamphlet.

Parts pop out with a slight push. I suggest using a small, flat-head screwdriver to push out the parts-particularly the smaller parts.

I like the push-in, slide-over tabs on the larger pieces.  It makes it easier to attach small parts later.

I also recommend having a pair of tweezers, some liquid glue and an Xacto knife to use alongside the small Phillips head screwdriver, and finger nail clippers provided with the kit.

Other parts include a plastic part sheet, plastic pieces, screws, metal rods, electrical and lighting components and a couple of small motors. The smaller poly-bagged Ziploc bags are in a vacuum-formed plastic, pocketed cradle.

I’ve built model kits, put together puzzles, tackled Legos and Lincoln Logs and even attempted to figure out the intricacies of an Erector Set.

I’ve had limited success. I’m not the best at putting things together. Not so with the Rokr’s DIY Mechanical Models Space Shuttle Space Exploration kit.

Rokr makes it so easy. The instructions have easy to follow part numbers and schematics on assembling the different parts to the Space Shuttle kit, As amateurish as I am when it comes to electronics, wiring and electricity--assembling and placing the lights and motors looks easy to do.

What's really impressive is the Space Shuttle is the light array and how with the touch of a button the Space Shuttle moves into position, tilts up and down as if preparing for take-off.  Here are some other features:

• Three Coaxial Triaxal Robotic Arms rotate
• Elevation Rail
• Clustered Thrusters
• Seven Deck Terminal
• 3D Launch Base
• The control tower yellow lights flash six times to simulate a final countdown
• Simulated launch with LED flames
• Intricate parts and paint application

If you’d like to see a photo gallery of the retro 1980s Space Shuttle and Base at 1:420 Scale just follow these links and while you’re there check out the video, specs and the other great kits Rokr has available.

https://www.rokronline.com/products/rokr-space-shuttle-mechanical-wooden-3d-puzzle-kit-lka02

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajmczsxMKFg

Rokr kits make great gifts, wonderful teaching and STEM learning tools and fun family projects.

I cannot overstate the quality of this kit. The design, color selection, packaging, ease of assembly and overall value for all that it contains and involves are top-rated. 

How Rokr can pack so much quality and quantity into a box for a surprisingly low price is astounding!

It is a kit well worth purchasing and sharing.

Proverbs 3:6 - In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Manga For Dummies 2nd Edition

I’m a little behind the times when it comes to Manga. Sure, I know what Manga is and I understand that Manga of all genres has skyrocketed in popularity all over the globe.

But, I've never delved in the history and production of Manga.

Manga art has even changed the way Western comic books are drawn and written. It’s ironic that Manga came about when the Japanese discovered American comic books while Japan was being rebuilt after World War II.

The Japanese have always had the knack for telling stories using pictures. Manga is an extension of that updated for modern times.

In Manga For Dummies, written and illustrated by Kensuke Okabayashi and published by Wiley Brands, readers and Manga fans get more than a book containing the history of Manga-much more.

The book delves into the different genres of Manga and who reads Manga based on age, gender, interest and profession.

Learn how to select the right tools to draw Manga, how to develop a story, human anatomy, perspective, creating mechas, different character types and even how to go about getting your Manga published.

Consider the book a master class on Manga creation, history and how the business works.

Manga has conquered the world of ‘comic books’ and 'graphic novels'. It has expanded into merchandising, Anime inspired by Manga and produced superstars of the art-form.

It’s like having a miniature art studio in a book complete with helpful advice on how to make your own Manga a success.

James 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man

Webhead versus the Man of Steel?!  How is that even possible?  What if Spider-Man acquired powers similar to Superman's?

When the fists fly Superman is surprised by Spider-Man’s new powers that rival his own.

Why have the heroes of DC Comics and Marvel Comics got into a slugfest?

Doctor Octopus, Lex Luthor, Mary Jane Watson and Lois Lane make their appearances.

What is it with super villains and their giant rampaging machines?

Superman gets called to action when a giant robot rampages through the streets of metropolis.  Superman manages to stop the machine but not before its pilot Lex Luthor escapes, travels to some frozen wastelands and activates another monster machine.

This time Superman destroys the machine and saves Lex from drowning.  Off to prison he goes!

Meanwhile Spider-Man goes one-on-one with Doc Ock’s giant mechanical octopus and then a giant blimp.

Like Lex Luthor Doc Ock finds himself about to drown and Spider-Man saves him.  He too goes to prison.

It just so happens both baddies are in the same jail.  Lex Luthor activates some hidden electronics on his person and breaks out Doc Ock too.  

They conspire to stop both Superman and Spider-Man.

As expected they manage to get Supes and Spidey fighting each other to distract them away from their own nefarious plans.  You can guess the outcome.

The new larger format of the publication allowed artist Ross Andru to kick things up a notch with huge vistas and lots of details in Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man.  It’s a classic!

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Think Biblically

The Bible states that what a man believes himself to be, he is. It is only through the grace, guidance and patience of God that any man can be truly transformed.

Imperfect as we are, God helps us transform bit by bit into the image and person he created us to be. It is a long process and on this mortal plan we will never fully achieve it. Still, God is with us and changes us-if we let Him.

The old saying goes, “I might not be perfect but at least I’m better than I was yesterday!”

What is the Christian life? What does it mean to be a Christian? Are the scriptures accurate? Are they inspired? Are they literal?

In Think Biblical Second Edition, from Crossway Books, several biblical scholars provide essays about the foundation of the Christian faith. I learned a lot-all of which strengthened my faith. John MaCarthur and Abner Chou edit the essays.

In the essays the foundations of the Christian faith are examined, how they pertain to today’s society and are to be applied to a Christian’s life.

Essays also look at how the world perceives the scriptures, how its truths have been distorted, changed and ignored and unfortunately how many churches have strayed from the Bible’s truths.

The various authors offer guidance as how to recover a Christian worldview.

As Christians we are part of the body of Christ. Christ being the head. In order for a body to function properly it must have proper nourishment, care and its various parts cooperating and working toward a common goal.

We all are given spiritual gifts to use toward the furtherance of the gospel. As each part of a physical body suffers pain when one part hurts we too must support one another, heal and work together to honor God and always, always give him the glory.

Just a few of the many subjects covered in the book include hermeneutics, creation sin, masculinity, femininity, music, mental illness, science, education, economics and so many more.

Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Cathy’s Flower House

Several months ago I accompanied my wife to a strip mall. While she visited several clothing stores I spotted a Michael’s and decided to look around.

I’d been to Michael’s before. One of my favorite things to do is to immediately go to the model kit isle and then to the miniatures isle.

In the miniatures isle are small packs of plastic animals along with slightly larger, unwrapped creatures that are sold separately.

I also like looking at the small bags of miniatures used to furnish doll houses. Furniture, accessories, wall-hangings, appliances and such fill the entire side of the isle on a large pegboard.

As I was leaving the miniature isle I spotted something I had never seen before.

A large, clear-plastic acetate box divided into six sections contained an array of fully-furnished (in miniature) themed rooms and small store fronts.

Intrigued I took a closer look and was amazed at the amount of detail of the small objects in each of the small kits. Superbly crafted and painted small appliances, books, plants, furniture, windows and lights all combined to make scaled down versions of fully decked out rooms and stores.

Wow! I love miniatures. Ever since I was a kid I marveled at plastic model sets, toy soldiers with full military equipment, die-cast cars and vehicles and the like amazed me with their intricacies and details.

Who made these small rooms and business miniatures? I spotted the name Rolife and immediately wrote the name down on a piece a paper I keep in my wallet.

I decided to contact the company in the hopes that I might review some its products.

Fortunately for me I was contacted and several of the kits were provided for review.

The first kit I want to review is Cathy’s Flower House.

Both my wife and I come come from a long line of farmers. Our ancestors came from Tennessee and Kentucky. Both my wife’s parents and mine were born and raised on working farms.

While neither my wife and I are farmers our daughter is an avid plant lover and grows her own edible and decoration plants in her small greenhouse, back yard and inside on a multi-shelf plant display.

She provides us with a lot of vegetables and small decorative plants.

Rolife’s Cathy’s Flower House DIY Miniature is an amazing miniature greenhouse loaded with all sorts of cool plants and objects.

Since our daughter loves plants so much I decided to split the Flower House build with her. She agreed.

Here are few observations. Since our daughter’s hands are so much smaller than mine she had no difficulty putting pieces together. I, on the other hand, was able to put the larger pieces together but when it came to smaller pieces I used the tweezers supplied with the Flower House kit. A small screw driver was also provided. They were really helpful.

When it came to using the small adhesive strips, again I had a little difficulty using them, my daughter did not. Instead I decided to use liquid glue used for model kits. It worked perfectly-no problem.

Opening the slip-covered, flip-lid box I was immediately impressed as to how organized the contents were. Bags were labeled for certain parts-mostly the molded pieces and all the wood cut-out part sheets had their own letter and number with numbered pieces on each sheet.

Using the directions it was easy to identify the pieces, follow the construction instructions, use adhesive, combine fabric and various accessory attachments and build using the clear Flower House windows, etc.

A small flat-head screwdriver was useful for poking out parts and scissors and a Xacto knife came in handy.

Think of the Flower House kit as a model kit on steroids with pre-painted pieces and super-realistic in a small scale.

Furniture, containers, plant pots, wiring, lighting and building construction were a breeze.

A few suggestions: take your time, don’t rush, follow the instructions carefully, pay attention to details in each piece-constructed or complete-and above all-enjoy the process. There’s no need to hurry-patience is the key.

It’s alright to goof up like dropping pieces, accidentally fudging a part or forgetting to use a part. It’s all a part of the learning process.

After a few goofs you’ll get the hang of it. Trust me-I did and I’m very pleased with the results.

Above everything else look at what you’ve accomplished and the incredible miniature Flower House you’ve constructed.

Check out the random-sized pieces of tile base, the wooden slat entryway, two-frame wooden door with windows and lattice work that actually opens and closes, the garden door sign, the large potted palm on the left of the door, the bucket and wooden grate containing a plant and flower, two stacked flower pots, a shovel, a wooden wagon wheel and an old, shaggy broom.

Inside the Flower House is a cornucopia of plants in various colored and shaped vases, a birdhouse, several shelves, a small single drawer dresser of blue, several art easels with paintings, art supplies, walls decorated with plants and art, a large blue rear door with a window, a variated wooden slat floor, dozens of books-both open and closed, fabric boxes, hanging plants, shipping boxes, a bench and upper roof beams.

Don’t forget the garden tools, small rugs, water can, a small blue basket, packing bags, a wall hook and a water spigot with a hose.

Back outside on the side of the building is a plant-in a pot, hanging roof vines and in the rear a cleverly hidden wooden compartment for the battery box.

Did I mention the Flower House has lights? Wow!

Marvel at the colors, textures, attention to detail, the perfect scaling and the sheer joy of looking at and enjoying this marvelous miniature masterpiece.

My daughter loves it and plans to place it among her plants.

1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

So You’re Living In A Fantasy World

I’m a big fan of fantasy, science fiction, comic books and all things make-believe.

It’s very easy for me to slip into another world, time and place in my mind. Ask my wife, she knows.

What if you could travel to a fantasy world? How would you survive? What dangers would there be? How would you fit in? Would you be there for an epic quest? Will lives be at stake-including your own?

Just because it’s a fantasy world doesn’t mean all your troubles and tribulations will cease. There’s no guarantee you’ll succeed and be a hero. But, what if you could?

In So You’re Living In a Fantasy World-How To Survive And Thrive, author Josiah Lebowitz and McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers offer some sage advice when it comes to acclimating yourself to a fantasy world.

By analyzing the accounts of heroes who have traveled to fantasy worlds and somehow managed to survive and return, the book teaches how to survive, supply, train, prepare and succeed in your new environment.

Are you ready? Using So You’re Living In A Fantasy World as your guide your chances of survival increases by a large percentage.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Gallery Bookstore

I love books. I love their smell, feel and look. I am a voracious reader-I have been as long as I can recall.

I read books and magazines of all genres: fiction and non-fiction. Take a look at my Blog’s Book section and you’ll see what I mean.

My man-cave is packed with books. Our walk-in library closet is filled with books. Closets are jammed full. We have a bookcase filled with kids’ books for our grand-kids, Shoot, I even have books in our garage! Books, books, books!

Needless to say I frequent a lot of bookstores, libraries and yard sales and estate sales looking for books.

If I hadn’t chosen to make graphic design my career I truly believe I would have opened my own bookstore. Shelves would have be filled with musty and old books, books would be stacked on the floor and both the basement and attic would contain books.

When I saw that Cutebee makes a miniature Gallery Bookstore DIY Miniature House I immediately contacted the company in hopes of getting a review sample. And I did! Here’s what I have to say about this incredible bookstore miniature.

The box the bookstore comes in features a full-color photo of the completed bookstore on its cover. The slip-cover covers a box with flaps containing all of the pieces.

Several flats of pop-out, pre-cut (I’m assuming they were cut by laser) pressed-wood pieces-all of which are numbered for easy assembly, are in the box.

Also included in the box is a sheet of clear-plastic cutouts for the windows, a battery box with two attachments of lights, instruction and stickers.

My advice is to remove the items so you can examine the various cut-out sheets and their number designations.

If you’re a klutz like myself and all thumbs I suggest you have a pair of tweezers and a small flathead screwdriver on hand. A little glue wouldn’t hurt.

The tweezers are for handling the small pieces and it’s best to use the small flat-head screwdriver so you can gently pop-out the pieces.

All of pieces are numbered and are just as colorful and detailed as depicted on the front of the box.

I had a little problem putting the pieces together. A couple of the pieces presented a bit of a problem simply because my hands are large. Klutz that I am I managed to slightly damage a few fastener tabs but a little glue and the problem was fixed. No fault of pieces-it’s just that my fingers are large and the pieces are small.

My best of advice is to take your time. Follow the instructions and carefully put the pieces together. Some may take a little persuading but they snap together tightly-again the tweezers come in handy.

It’s exciting seeing the various pieces come together to form larger objects. Patience pays off. I especially like the various shelves, books, art and plants that fill the store’s interior space.

The small cube buiding is a light green color on the exterior with ornate window treaments on all the windows and door.

The foundation looks like stone and mason and the flat it sits on appears to look like variated gray tile with grout.

Window treatments have elaborate green scrolling around them.

The left, full-glass pane window has various objects displayed in it such as paintings, books, a globe and clock all sitting on small wooden shelves.

The store front window has a full-pane with five small curved windows at its top.  A small sign decoration hangs from the upper left.  Above the window is a large Gallery Bookstore sign with side and top decorations.

It has curved top door with five upper small window panels and a larger nine panel window section, large ornate hinges and a door latch that works. 

The right of the store has a large nine-panel window with eight upper window panes also with a curved top.

The back of the store is plain with a large pot, paintbrush, pen, scroll and book painting in its center.  A cleverly designed paint pallette rear hatch opens an accordian cut panel for easy access to the battery pack.

Inside the store is an abundance of books, bric-a-brac, small plants, books on table tops and easels, a clock, a bookshelf, a large, spindle-leg desk with a lamp, clock, an art pot with brushes and various writing utensils.

A large vertical display spindle with hanging bags, a painting slated container, a set of stairs with railings with books all set against a rear wall decorated with paintings, a left side wall hanging and hanging lights and art make up the entire contents. Twin lights illuminate the interior.

The entire building sits on the tiled platform. In front, on the tile, are plants, paintings on easels, a Roman bust and in a slated paint display case and a large multi-pane period street lamp.

Take a moment to look at the details, coloring and layout design-all are amazing! 

Putting it together was a challenge, although a welcome one. I caught myself having to go back and correct a few things-mainly because of missing a step or rushing through. Most of my mistakes were just plain silly: forgetting to put on some stickers, not securely parts properly or completely screwing up.

Again no fault of the bookstore itself or the quality or pieces -just my own goof-ups. Fortunately fixing things was easy and the finale product looks awesome!

The instructions were extremely well designed and corresponding numbers on the parts and instructions made finding and identifying pieces a breeze.

The lighting really spotlights the bookstore giving it a warm ambiance one associates with quaint, cozy bookstores. You can almost see the book dust and smell the books. I love it!

It was a fun build with satisfying results. If you like model kits, puzzles or any hobby that challenges your concentration, dexterity and motor skills I recommend you get any of Cutebee’s miniature storefronts.

Assembly required.  Fourteen years old and up.

I took my time-not rushing and it paid off. The bookstore is a small masterpiece displayed on a bookshelf along with my books-lots of books!

James 1:4

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

The Raven Dark Hero From White Knight To Villain 1

Super powers come at a price. That’s what Kouki Suou discovered when something fierce awakens inside of him.

He soon realizes that often that those who are sworn to protect others may be a threat themselves. Kouki finds himself becoming the very thing he fears.

Time to put on my reading right to left, back to front Manga glasses as I look through Titan Comics’ The Raven Dark Hero From White Knight To Villain 1.

Printed in black and white, the digest-size Manga packs a big punch with lots of action sequences, plenty of angst, lots on introspective thoughts and a fascinating story that delves deeply on what it means to be a hero tight-roping the line between good and evil.

Desiring and acquiring special powers is not all it’s cracked up to be as Kouki discovers you might not like what you ask for.

Only when he is attacked and ‘killed’ do his ‘gifts’ manifest themselves-starting with fast-healing and blinding speed.

He decides he doesn’t wish to be a member of the heroes (Specialists) organization and to fight crime on his own. The problem is the ‘good’ guys won’t take no for an answer and the bad guys (Firz) want him for their side.

As his powers multiply each time he ‘dies’, his personality begins to alter-but will it be for the good or the bad?

Created by Tonkye, illustrated by Akira Mitsuya with characters created by Sinsora, The Raven Dark Hero Form White Night To Villain 1 is a hold-your-breath, what-happens-next Manga that is sure please both Manga and Comic book fans.

Deuteronomy 20:4 - For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Ultimate Anime

Anime--Japanese animation, has practically taken over the field of animation. Incredible and intricate sequences of images, amazing vistas, highly-detailed machinery, haunting images and impressive effects have made Anime a favorite all over the world.

While Anime can be simple and less detailed like many TV animation shows, there are incredible Anime classics that have revolutionized animation and garnered fans across the globe. 

In Ultimate Anime author Joe O’Connell and Thames & Hudson have compiled the 100 Essential Anime Films And Series in a beautiful, oversize, hardbound book brimming with color images.

I’m guilty. I was one of those American animation snobs that poo-pooed Japanese Anime. At one time I considered it a low form of animation and not worthy of my time.

I always associated Anime with the low-budget limited animation TV shows like Speed Racer, Simba, etc.

It wasn’t until I watched such Anime classics like Akira, Ghost In The Shell, Howell’s Moving Castle, My Friend Totoro and other amazing Anime films that I finally had my eyes opened.

What a revelation! I was blown away with the attention to detail, incredible story-telling and the imagination behind each film. Soon I found myself watching Anime TV shows, more films and even delving into Anime’s printed counterpart: Manga.

In Ultimate Anime 100 Essential Films And Series are spotlighted. and here’s what’s amazing. Did you know that there are Anime for practically ever subject you can imagine?

Sports, Romance, Mystery, Horror, Cooking, Science Fiction-there are limitless genre’s explored. Sure some are a little crude, but many are brilliant and even when sub-titled are excellent views.

Do yourself a favor, take a chance and watch Anime. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I highly recommend Ultimate Anime, a stellar guide to the world of Japanese animation. Each selected film or series is examined fully accompanied by full-color photos of key scenes and characters.

It’s a huge deluxe, hardbound book that any Anime fan will be proud to have in their collection.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Solomon Kane The Serpent Ring

Conan-that’s the Cimmerian barbarian author Robert E. Howard is most famous for creating.

But, Howard is also responsible for one of the most unique, conflicted and mysterious heroes ever to grace the printed page.

His name is Solomon Kane, a devout Puritan who vanquishes evil by whatever means possible. He is ruthless in his fervor viewing the world as only black and white with no gray areas.

He is conflicted, haunted by his own frailties and failings, yet doggedly determined to whip out evil by any mean necessary using his abilities and expertise with a wide array of weapons.

Dressed in black, possessing a strict code of honor and loyal to the church and country Solomon Kane is a complicated man-both

He's ruthless and gentle, kind and cruel, sympathetic and condemning and deadly to any who embrace evil.

Serving in the Queen’s navy, Solomon takes part in the plunder of goods from other nation’s ships. (Some call it piracy.) On one such ship he reluctantly kills a man whom makes him promise to deliver an artifact to his family.

Being a man of honor Solomon does so and soon finds himself entrenched in a quest to find a mystical ring, fight a legion of serpent worshipers and shape-shifters and struggle to come out alive.

Writer and artist Patrick Zircher tuns in a spectacular piece of work that really captures the essence of Solomon Kane. An intriguing story, stellar art and beautiful coloring all combine to make this Titan Comics’ trade paper back compilation of the four-issues of The Serpent Ring a winner!

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Electronics For Dummies 3rd Edition

When it comes to anything remotely related to electronics I am a novice and completely lost.

Sure, I can turn on a TV, use a record player, manage to open a refrigerator door, change a light-bulb and even replace a wall switch.

But, if you’re talking about actually understanding wiring, watts, voltage, circuit boards and the like I am totally in the dark.

I want to learn about electronics. It sounds fascinating and useful. But, I could never find a single resource that breaks it all down so I can understand it-until now.

Wiley Brand’s Electronics For Dummies 3^rd Edition written by Cathleen Shamieh, simplifies electronics so even an old dude like myself with no electronics training or knowledge can understand electronics.

More than just a bunch of terms, diagrams and technical jargon this book also includes lessons on how to make different electronics projects with a fairly simple selection of tools.

I learned all about resistors, capacitors, semiconductors, currents and how to read and understand electronic symbols and diagrams and safety tips.

Simple to understand instructions and information makes it easy to grasp what electronics are all about. I’ll never look at a circuit board, light switch, electronic component and home appliances the same way ever again.

Matthew 21:22 - And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Daredevil The First 60 Years

I’m giving away my age but when I was 11 years old in 1964 Daredevil premiered. Being a Marvel Zombie I (of course) bought the first issue.

I read it and wasn’t really sure what I thought of it. A blind superhero? How? Why? Would it work?

As I continued buying the series I came to realize just how special Daredevil was/is.

This is a guy who as a young man saved a pedestrian from a runaway delivery truck. Inside the truck were barrels of radioactive waste. 

Struck by the truck young Matt Murdock was bathed in the liquid from the barrels and goes blind. Later he discovered that although blind that all of his other senses had been magnified to unbelievable levels.

He developed a radar sense-his senses were so attuned that he could even hear heartbeats. Smell, taste, touch and hearing were all heightened.

As an adult he became a lawyer and decided to use his abilities to fight crime as Daredevil. Donning a black, red and yellow outfit (later all red) Matt fought crime on the street level and back alleys. He honed his physical body and using his athletic and acrobatic skills and along with his heightened senses fights crime.

At first he came off as second tier Spider-Man complete with quips and gyrating gymnastics. But, as the character matured I began to see a more complicated character-one with a unique set of problems, abilities and interesting cast of characters.

Titan Comics/Magazines presents the ultimate guide to the history of Daredevil complete with character bios, key events, comics, creators, allies, enemies and culture in its Daredevil: TheFirst 60 Years hardback book/magazine.

Brimming with incredible art, a chronological time line and all sorts of Daredevil trivia and facts it is a must-have for any comic book fan.

Artwork from different decades are spotlighted from the likes of Gene Colan, Frank Miller and many more. Don’t miss it!

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Ygor, Dracula and The Invisible Man

When Sideshow Collectibles, then Sideshow Toys, first began producing collectible figures it was of the 9-inch fully articulated type.

The first wave of figures were toys fashioned after the classic Universal Studios movie monsters made famous in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

Three of the figures: Ygor, Dracula and The Invisible Man are the subjects of my review in this article.

As with all of Sideshow’s 9-inch figures the details are incredible.

Actor Bela Lugosi is primarily associated with the ficitonal character he created for the Silver Screen: Dracula.

But, he also played several other Universal Monsters movie characters, one which was Ygor in the film Son Of Frankenstein.

Lugosi was barely recognizable as the character and Sideshow Toys (Collectibles) captured his altered likeness to perfection.

The Ygor figure wears a long sleeve, green, loose fitting shirt with laces instead of buttons down the front.

Over it he wears a full body brown apron with two shoulder straps.

His twisted, contorted body prods the shirt around the shoulders and right arm.

Under the apron he wears a pair of dark brown pants.  He also wears a pair of dark brown wingtip shoes.

Around his waist is a wide brown belt with an oversize buckle and riveted hardback piece of leather to hold his tools that includes large pincher/pliers and straight handle scissors.

Also included is a rope wrapped wooden torch and a special stone pedestal to stand the figure on.

Ygor's face is slightly puffy with a heavy brow and small beady eyes, a misshapen mouth with oversize incisors and dark brown hair than covers most of his ears and a full brown beard.

His hands look gnarled with their long fingers and are positioned to hold any of his accessories.

His apron is made of real cloth, wrinkle and fold sculpt work looks realistic and color separation and variation is clean and lifelike.

Of the three figures The Invisible Man is the most detailed and elaborate, especially where it concerns the sculpt and coloring.

The Invisible Man’s head is wrapped in bandages and he wears a pair of wraparound shades.

His neck is covered by a large white scarf that tucks into a burgundy with deep yellow and blue checkered lapel, cuffs and waist belt, black tipped twin pockets, a chest pocket housecoat with a white handkerchief.

He wears a pair of light blue pajamas with cuffs that have wide blue and red vertical strips.

A pair of black loafers and white gloves makes up the rest of his wardrobe.

Included with the figure are three notebooks: two brown and on a deep green, a clear plastic pop-on head and a base that emulates a wood and marble floor.  A small tab sticks out that the figure’s foot can pop on to for stability.

The coloring application is amazing on the figure especially its wardrobe a subtle variation of pigments on the bandages and clothing folds.

The Dracula figure is the spitting image of Bela Lugosi, albeit in miniature.

Dracula’s slicked back black hair, dead white skin, heavy black eyebrows, deep and dark eyes, line face and sinister grin are all present.

The figure wears a white shirt with a button down collar, a white bowtie, a red cloth hanging silver medallion, a white with light gray strip vest, a formal two-tone black evening coat, loose black trousers and laced, black leather shoes.  

In is coat pocket is a white handkerchief.

Dracula’s aged hands are posed much like the movie version: one slightly closed, the other with finger pointing.

Included with the figure is a stone base with stand assist tab, a Dracula nameplate, a real cloth black cape with gray interior and a cape drawstring.

A large black bat with its wings open and clear plastic stick for holding it completes the set.

All of the figure come in standalone/hanging display container with clear plastic figure and accessory cocoons and full view clear plastic fronts. 

Romans 8:15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

World Religions All-In-One For Dummies

I’m a Christian. I make no apologies for or bones about it.

That being said I realize that there are other religions in the world-despite the fact that I don’t believe in any of them save for Judaism.

I have respect for people of all faiths. Each individual has to make up their own mind about what they believe and accept the consequences. That’s called personal responsibility. 

I am curious as to what other religions are all about. What is their history? What are their traditions, practices and the like?

Do they all believe in God? What god or gods? What is required to be a member of a particular religion? That’s just a few of the questions I have.

In World Religions All-In-One For Dummies, written by the experts at Wiley Brand, the seven main religions in the world are examined. Consider the book as seven books in one!

The histories, practices, traditions, practices and much more is explained of Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Mormonism are explained in simple terms.

Discover how some of aspects of each religion are similar, their differences, do’s and don’ts, the afterlife, how long each religion has been around and other aspects.

Whatever your religious persuasion it doesn’t hurt to know and try to understand what people of different religions believe in and practice.

I developed a better understanding, comprehension and knowledge of each religion.

Too often people of a particular religion, whatever it is, don’t take the time to gain knowledge about other religions.

While I have my own personal belief the book has opened my eyes to what others perceive as truth so that I can better empathize and appreciate their point of view.

Knowledge is a good thing and this book provides a great resource for learning.

Luke 1:37 - For with God nothing shall be impossible.