Polaris Post

Ever wonder where Santa gets and sends his mail and packages? Wonder no longer. Rolife’s Polaris Post is you one-stop place for the best in Christmas delivery.

Just look at this adorable pitched roof cabin with its gable, red shingle roof, ornate weather vane, Polaris Post and Merry Christmas signs, the side porch filled with presents, a red side door that opens and closes and its open front with its wooden slat floor extends out with a large wooden table where Santa prepares his lists and gifts.

There’s a drop off red mailbox, Christmas decor, two Christmas trees, lights, shelves full of presents, a side bookcase, a large clock with moving hands, an upper casement with railings, shutters, a banner, bells and much more Christmas decor.

The conveyer belt moves distributing presents on the side porch, Santa rocks in his chair and the whole place lights up.

At first I felt a little intimidated by the complexity of this kit with all of its moving parts.

But after looking over the instructions and following them to the letter construction is moving along. There are a lot of small parts. Thank God for tweezers (included) and the Phillips-head screwdriver (also included) made adjusting the electrical components easy. Batteries are not included.

Besides the Instructions several other pamphlets are included and the kit comes with a few slats, stickers and folded paper pieces (mostly gifts). Those seem to give me the most trouble. I definitely have to use tweezers.

The base is the easiest part to assemble. Furniture is a little challenging and there are a lot small parts. The frame of the house, door and porch are large enough and heavily tabbed that assembly is solid and secure.

Products and other items like the streamers, knick knacks and Christmas decor are basically assemble and place.

The kit comes in the Rolife’s standard Christmas type box with photos and specs. The kit is suggested for those 14 years old an older to assemble, consists of 434 pieces, has LED lights and requires some coordination, critical thinking and dexterity to assemble.

The Polaris Post kit bumps up to Rolife’s Reindeer Express kit to create a beautifully diorama.

For more photos and a video of the Polaris Post click here. To see what else Rolife has to offer click here and don’t forget to look at Robotime’s other products by clicking here.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Darkest Before Dawn The Tides Of War Book 2

World War II: the Pacific-four young friends recently commissioned from the U.S. Navy Academy are given their assignments.

In the novel Darkest Before Dawn The Tides Of War Book 2 written by George Wallace and Don Keith and published by Severn River Publishing, Alistair becomes a reluctant leader when his boat is sunk and he and his crew are stranded on a remote tropical island and thrust into a guerrilla warfare conflict.

Stan, one of the four, is injured and soon finds himself knee-deep in espionage and desperately trying to decipher a Japanese naval code.

Fred and Brad are assigned to submarines and attempt to thwart the enemy’s advance.

Four young men from divergent backgrounds face the enemy head-on and learn to adapt, survive and face death.

Besides focusing on Allied troops the book also includes some eye-opening insights into the mind of their Japanese enemy.

I came away with a better understanding of the motivation, social pressures and norms of Japanese military mind. While I don’t agree with the Japanese’s declaration of war on the U.S I now recognize what drove them to do so.

It’s too easy to make an enemy evil. It quite another thing to recognize their humanity and to put a face to them.

I found it very enlightening when it came to military terms and jargon. While military terms are used they are explained in a manner any non-military person reading this book can understand. It made the story much more ‘people’ focused instead of tripping over military babble few understand.

Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The October Faction

Sometimes trying to forget the past and moving on is not the easiest thing to do. Sure you may want to start over but what about the other people in your past, family or friends that know who and what you were before you decided to make such a life changing decisions?

Retired monster hunter Fredrick gave it his best shot but his kids have other ideas. They want to join their father in his former family business. Even his old associate wonders why he retired, took a teaching job and put aside his supernatural pursuits.

His ex-wife certainly didn’t.

Author Steve Niles and artist Damien Worm delve into the depths of death, the dead, vengeful ghosts and all sorts of Stygian monstrosities in the IDW Classic Collection The October Faction.

Talk about a creepy oversize trade paperback. Collecting all of The October Faction mini-series and specials into one, thick graphic novel, the massive tome ramps up the horror and Stygian depths factors up a few notches.

The story is lean, mean, right to the point and provides just enough creepy juice to keep you thirsty for more.

The art is somber, dark, moody and really captures the supernatural with its dark shades, shadows and glimpses of the undead, creatures of the night and other supernatural forces.

If you’re up for a good scare be sure to check it out. I guarantee you’ll never look at shadows, darkness, old houses, cemeteries and the night quite the same way again.

It is one ‘boo’tiful piece of work.

Proverbs 29:15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Atlas Comics Library No. 10: Sports Action

After World War II our military came home there were a lot of changes. One change was that superhero comic books had lost their luster because most featured stories of superhero conflicts with JapaNazi.

People were tired of the war and wanted to move on.

Comic book publishers noticed a decline in the sales of their superhero comics and decided to diversify.

Soon comic books of all genres started appearing on magazine racks. Romance, Westerns, Detective, Crime, Funny Animals, Horror, Science Fiction and Sports, plus others.

Martin Goodman, the owner/publisher of Atlas Publications/Comics based his comic book lines on trends. Whatever was selling best he would churn out large numbers of said genres hoping to cash in.

One of Atlas’s most popular titles was Sports Action and (you guessed it) it centered on sports of all sorts.

Fantagraphics deluxe hardbound book: Atlas Comics Library No. 10: Sports Action, contains reprints of the rare 14 issues of Atlas Comics Sports Action/Sports Stars issues.

Featuring Allen Anderson cover paintings, Sports Action spotlighted the high-power, dramatic stories of sports legends such as Knute Rockne, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jackie Robinson and others.

Look for early artwork by comic book legends Syd Shores, John Severin, Bob Brown, Bill Everett, Gene Colan, George Tuska and other pencillers many that went on to illustrate stories when Atlas Comics changed its name to Marvel Comics and premiered its ground-breaking new series of superhero comic books.

Not only does the book include the legendary sports stories but it begins with a look at Atlas’s pre-comic book sports titles and strips along with other non-Atlas titles.

It’s an insightful and informative look at the history of sports publications with lots of cover reproductions.

I got a real kick out of looking at the art and trying to identify the early artwork of the now legendary artists. Even back then their styles started to shine through.

Atlas Comics Library No. 10: Sports Action is a huge book over one-inch thick and beautifully bound. The book is a ‘must-have’ for any sports enthusiast.

Psalms 34:4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Hollow World

Ellis Rogers is dying, the victim of a terminal illness.

For his entire life he has never taken a chance at anything. He’s always played it safe-until now.

He constructs a time machine in a desperate gamble to find a cure for his illness. What he discovers is far more than he ever imagined or faced before.

He successfully travels to the future but further than expected.

Once there he discovers a world that looks somewhat familiar but there are striking differences-there are no genders, in fact everyone looks almost identical and none have reproductive organs. There is no want, no jobs, no real social structure, religion, sickness or death-unless by accident.

Unfortunately there is one thing that is present, something the 21^st Century has an abundance of--murder!

But why? In a near perfect Utopian society (or some believe) why would murder, deception and a lust for power exist?

It’s up to Rogers to find out. Along with his new friend he discovers that the future and the past are about to clash and he may be the only hope the future has.

Can he survive long enough to stop what may be a distaster?

This book had me guessing all the way through and I enjoyed every moment.

Discover a future unlike any version you have read about before in author Michael J. Sullivan’s book Hollow World from Tachyon Publications.

1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Building A Survival Kit

Wouldn’t it be nice if a small, foldable and waterproof guide filled with information, tips and color photos about surviving in the wild were available?

Surprise! There is such a guide called Building A Survival Kit A Pathfinder Outdoor Survival Guide from Waterford Press.

This handy little guide is jam-packed with all the information you need to survive in the wilderness by providing a guide on how to make the perfect, compact survival kit.

Inside the fold-out guide are sections on how to build a kit, survival essentials, selecting cutting tools, making combustion devices, how to seek cover, suggestions for containers, proper cordage, why a bandanna is important, the need for cargo tape, a candling device, a compass and a canvas needle.

Also learn all about the 10 C’s For Survival and how to use a little common sense.

I plan on keeping it with me while I ride my bike, hiking and on long trips. It’s best to be prepared and this little, compact and handy guide is perfect.

Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Star Trek The Edges Of The Final Frontier

To me, the most frustrating thing about the original Star Trek TV series featuring Captain Kirk and his crew was the TV show only lasted three years, when it should have lasted five years as told in the opening monologue.

There were a lot of Star Trek stories that needed to be told as they were originally written, an episode that should have had a sequel and the history of the conflict between The Klingons and The Federation.

In Star Trek The Edges Of The Universe, published by IDW, these are all addressed from a bevy of writers and artists.

Discover what the classic TV episode, The City On The Edge Of Forever, was originally was supposed to be like as written by Harlan Ellison.

Whatever happened to Gary Seven of Assignment: Earth? This collection answers that question.

And in several tales the history of The Federation’s and The Klingon Empire’s hostility began, escalated and eventually resulted in working together evolved is also covered.

If you are a fan of the original Star Trek TV series and have wanted answers of what may have happened had its original mission continued this is the book for you.

Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Agatha Christie A World Of Mystery

I believe that writer Agatha Christie is one of the best if not the best, mystery/murder novelists of all time.

Imagine a literary world without such characters as Miss Marple or Hercules Poirot.

Christie set the standards by which all modern murder/mystery thrillers must match.

But as an amazing author was she was she was so much more.

The large hardbound book: Agatha Christie A World Of Mystery, from Rizzoli/Electra and edited by Lucy Rowland and Martin Edwards, with a foreword by Sir Kenneth Branagh, delves deeply into the fascinating life of Agatha Christie.

Writing was only one of her talents and interests. She loved music, the theater, gardening, knitting any many more pursuits.

The book covers the whole spectrum of her life, her love, her passions, residents, habits, passions and her life through the decades.

Archival photos, book cover reproductions, play placards, TV and movie set photos and other memorabilia fill the pages.

Her life was as mysterious in some respects as her writing. Her uncanny ability to plot and write complex plots made her a force to be reckoned with.

My mom loved reading her novels as did I but not as many as she. I’ve enjoyed her TV and movie novel adaptations and I especially loved reading and looking through this book.

Isaiah 53:5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Music Box - Fireside Music Night

Over my long life in many of the places I’ve lived there have been fireplaces.

I remember as a child, when I had children of my own and now my grandchildren, the fireplaces were and are decorated with stockings filled with little toys and goodies and on the fireplace mantles Christmas cards were/are displayed along with garland and other Christmas decorations.

A Christmas tree would stand (not too close near by). The house we live in now the fireplace is not used but the traditions still hold true.

Rolife’s Music Box-Fireside Music Night brings back so many memories with its garland and ribbon decorated fireplace, cozy flame, jolly Santa Claus, presents, small Christmas tree, filled stockings and three adorable Teddy Bears decked out in their Christmas finest and musical instruments.

The little brick fireplace with its red mantle, fancy hearth and turning handle flickers and glows!

Yes, you heard right, Turn the handle and listen to the Christmas music, watch the inner fireplace twirl and thrill as the Teddy Bears play their musical instruments.

Usually whenever I review a Rolife kit I talk about the various stages I go through to assemble the kit. That’s all fine and good. But, in this review I’d like to take a slightly different approach. I’d like to talk about how I approach buildiing a kit. In this case the Music Box - Fireside Music Night.

Here’s how I start. I look over the box to see if there is any information that might be slightly different than on most Rolife kits. Seems pretty standard: material used, age range, approximate time to assemble, how many pieces, some cautionary text and photos.

The next thing I do is make sure all the pieces are in the kit. (They are.) This involves opening sealed packages and bags. I look over the instructions and compare parts to pages.

Next I check as too how elaborate or complex the lighting set up is. (Batteries are not included.) Looks pretty standard for this kit-nothing too complicated.

Then I decide what tools I may need to have on hand to assemble the kit. A Phillips-head screwdriver and tweezers are included. I like to keep a magnifying device (my eyesight is not what it used to), a Flathead screwdriver, a pointed tool, a strong light and liquid glue and a brush just in case I break a tab or part. I tend to be clumsy. Thank God for glue!

Tweezers come in real handy for small parts and for peeling away stickers. I usually have a little difficulty with the folded paper products as they are small and my hands are big.

Finally I look to see if there might be some assembly that might prove to be a little difficult and critical.

In the case of the Music Box - Fireside Music Night I see three things. First up is the handle and mechanism. Special care has to be taken to make sure it is secure, tightly assembled and works smoothly.

Next are the Teddy Bears that move. Again whenever moving parts are concerned it takes a little more patience and care to make sure the mechanisms work and the parts are secure.

The rotating fireplace inner piece where Santa disappears and returns can present a problem. Since it is an interior piece it’s best to make especially sure that are the parts are secure, there are no obstructions and it rotates smoothly. The fire light takes a light touch.

Also, I like to refer to the video on Rolife’s website so I can see how the mechanisms are supposed to work. Also, examining the close-up photos on the website page lets me examine little details that I need to keep in mind while assembling the kit.

I check the kit web page, look at the Rolife’s website for other similar kits and then move over to Rolife’s mother company website: Robotime, to see if there are other kits I’m interested in.

I hope this provides some helpful advice. This is what works for me. You may have your own way of assembling Rolife kits. To each their own. The important things are to have fun, to take your time and to enjoy the process.

Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Comics At The Movies

Most of today’s generation’s encounters with superheroes, comic book or comic strip characters are at the movies or on TV.

Few read comic books regularly and know of the ‘true’ origins and characters of comic strips and books, not the gender swapped, politically correct and altered story-line versions prevalent today.

Comic strip and book characters have populated movies almost since the dawn of the media.

Comics At The Movies by James Chapman and published by Reaktion Books, examines comic strip and comic book movies from Flash Gordon to The Avengers: Endgame.

The oversize, hardbound book delves deeply into the subject of primarily American comic strips and comic books over the decades. Both are reflections of their times.

Mass entertainment and the hope of making a buck contributed to the rise of comic strips and comic books and since both were and are so popular it is only natural that movies would adapt them to the Silver Screen

Comic strips and comic books movies also mirror the times when they were made.

Politics, society, war, crime, changing norms, technology and other changes and rebirths appear in movies. Comics strips and books deal with the same subjects. They and movies are connected at the hip.

This book looks at different trends, characters, events and much more in both print and on the screen. It’s more than just comics at the movies it’s about how society has changed, morphed and survived over the years.

It contains lots of information on the history of comic strips and comic books as well as the movie adaptions.

Comics At The Movies is a well-rounded, thought-out and executed piece of work that provides a welcome critical look at each medium.

Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Stardriven Gateway and Stardriven Gateway Invasion

Stardriven Gateway

Space-the past, the present or the future? Who really knows? You are the captain of a starship. Your crew follows your orders as you travel the cosmos. You decide what each crewman’s assignment and post is.

The crew’s fate is in your hands. It is a demanding position and requires your full focus. Travel to new worlds, complete missions and gain galactic influence as you face new challenges, environments, beings and situations.

The Starship Simulator game pits you and your crew against clever adversaries.

You control the game where Gravity Drives create huge excesses of power shared by civilizations across the galaxy. But there are those whole seek control of a mysterious Gateway. Can you stop them? What obstacles stand in your way and is your crew ready for any conflict?

Gather your crew of specialists, set out on missions on various regions and worlds and prepare to encounter things and places beyond your wildest imagination.

I am a huge Star Trek fan and this game reminds me so much of my favorite TV franchise.

Join the captains and crews as they compete across seven episodes, activate a manned station, match skills, recuperate, put together Gateway teams, recruit and promote crews and crew members, engage in combat and outfit and upgrade their ship.

Inside the huge game box is everything you need to begin your galactic adventure. Included are 26 system Tiles, 1 Gateway Tile, 9 Ship Miniatures, 12 Outpost miniatures, 4 Player Boards, 8 Scenario Cards, 76 mission Cards, 62 Crew Cards, 24 Anomaly Cards, 24 Ship Upgrades, 24 Objective Cards, 12 Automa Cards, 46 Dice, 2 Ship Cards, 4 Reference Cards, 60 Reputation Tokens, 48 Damage Tokens, 42 Exploration etc. Tokens, 8 Wooden Cubes and 1 Rulebook.

I really like the way this game is designed. For lack of a better descriptive word I call it outer spacey. It looks like something out of science fiction movies or TV shows. The small tokens and ships, etc, really add to the realism of the game.

Designed to play for those 14 years old and older it is made for 1 to 4 players and takes about 90 minutes to play. Stardriven Gateway is by Todd Walsh and Mike Gnade and made by Rock ManorGames. 

Stardriven Gateway Invasion

In Stardriven Gate Invasion A Cooperative Expansion you face an enemy who shows no mercy, exists for conquering and spreads terror across the galaxy.

The enemy: Warbound, spreads death and destruction across the galaxy. Gamers need to pool their defenses and persuade the Council Worlds not to allow themselves to fall into chaos.

Out of nowhere a Dread Nautiloid emerges from the Interstellar Gateway and launches Manta Drones beginning a full-fledged invasion.

Your assignment is to protect the outposts and destroy the invaders.

They must be stopped before Warbound drill into planet cores and destroy the planets.

The Expansion adds 3 scenarios all requiring cooperation to save the Council Worlds.

Included in the Invasion Expansion are 1 Dread Nautilod Miniature, 4 Manta Drone Miniatures, 5 Drill Miniatures, 5 Countdown Dice, 5 Outpost Miniatures, 18 Mission Cards, 12 Dreadnought Anomaly Cars, 24 Coop Objective Cards, 12 Warbound Cards, 1 Threat Level Card, 12 Invasion Cards, 8 Warbound Goal Cards, 2 Ship Cards, 12 Terror Tokens and 1 Rulebook.

Do you and your crew have what it takes to thwart the invasion of the Warbound?

Space is a cold and unforgiving mistress. Do you embrace and face an enemy like none you’ve ever faced before? Do have what it takes to be Stardriven?

Stardriven Gateway Invasion is by Todd Walsh and Mike Gnade and made by Rock Manor Games.

1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Answering Speech

How do we as mere mortal human beings talk to God? First off to do so it is vitally important that you get saved. However God does hear the prayer of the unsaved asking him to save them.

All other ‘conversations’ with God are achieved through the power of prayer as a believer.

Speaking of my own experience I can testify while God does not speak to me in an actual voice he does guide me along as I listen to the ‘still small voice’ of the Holy Spirit.

But, be warned. Satan will try to masquerade himself as the ‘voice’ of God in an attempt to make you feel false guilt, prod you to do thing thigs contrary to the scriptures and to get you to sin.

While he cannot physically make you sin. To sin is of your own choice. He will try to influence to sin. Very sneaky!

One point I found especially intriguing that the author brought up is prayer should not be so much about what we want-and that’s OK, but rather the end results of prayers being answered is that God should always get the praise.

God is not a genie or a wish fulfiller. He is sovereign. He already knows what we need and want before we even ask. So why ask? Prayer results should always edify God regardless of the outcome.

In author Daniel J. Brendsel’s book Answering Speech: The Life Of  Prayer As Response To God, published by Crossway, he gives some great advice, backed by scripture, on how to pray and what prayer consists of.

I enjoyed reading the book-it was an answer to prayer.

Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Highlander Connor MacLeod

I've not a Highlander movie or TV fan.  However, Sideshow Collectibles produced a series of three impressive Highlander 12-inch, fully articulated figures.

The Connor MacLeod figure is the most impressive of the three figures.

The figure comes packaged in a flip-lid display box with an internal plastic cocoon for holding the figure with accessories.  A clear plastic sheet covers the figure and accessories for protection and viewing.

The box is decorated with Highlander photos and ancient Runic symbols.  On the inside cover is a description of both the figure and the Highlander history.

Accessories include a Highlander sword with a long, curved, single edge blade, a runic decorated handle and carved pommel.  There is also a small dagger with a black handle, a green bottle of spirits with an aged label and a book entitled ‘A Metallurgical History Of Ancient Sword Making’ by Brenda J. Wyatt.

A special Highlander circular base and support wire allow the figure to stand and pose.

The head sculpt is nicely done with tonal variations in color and realistic looking hair strands despite the fact the hair is molded in plastic.

Connor’s face has well defined features especially the blue eyes, straight nose and mouth area.

The face looks a little full with the chin rounded and the cheekbones smooth but well defined.

The figure’s hands are positioned to hold the weapons and accessories.  There is no slippage or difficulty putting the weapons or accessories in the figure’s hands.

Their grip is firm yet offering little resistance when placing the objects in and out of their grip.

Connor’s attire consists of a tan trench coat with a wide collar, a  belt with buckle, twin pockets and a double row of buttons.

Underneath he wears a light brown leather jacket and a light blue long-sleeved shirt with a button down collar under it.

His pants are light blue denim and he comes with white socks and white tennis shoes with red side accents.

Buttons and stitching are to scale and the clothing movies smoothly and evenly over the body with no stress points or bunching.

It is a remarkable ensemble of clothing--very modern and impressive with its realistic look and scaling.

Articulation of the figure consists of ball and sockets, swivels and hinges-all of which move smoothly, are cleverly hidden and never bind or move stiffly.

Overall it’s an impressive figure, impeccably dressed and accompanied by some well-done weapons and accessories.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Moomin Bingo

Bingo. It’s not the sort of game you would think families or kids would play. At least not in my memory.

When I was a kid (more than few decades ago) my mom would drag me along to various Bingo Halls in such locations as churches, civic centers, the VFW and other ‘old folk’ locations.

We would sit there as an ‘old person’ would spin some ping-pong balls with letters (or numbers) on them in a round metal cage.

After a spin or two they would take out one ball and call out the letter or number.

If players had the right letter or number on their Bingo Card(s) they would place a red dot, or mark it with a marker on the coinciding number or letter on their little sheet of paper. If they were able to fill a whole line up they would yell, ‘Bingo!’ and win a prize or money. Boring!

Never fear Thames & Hudson has bumped up the fun factor with its Moomin Bingo game that the whole family can play.

Finn Tove Jansson’s lovable and quirky characters take the place of Bingo pieces and boards in this delightful new Moomin Bingo game set from Thames & Hudson.

Consisting of 160 counters, 6 double-sided player cards, 48 Moomin Tokens, a game board and Moomin Guide with full character descriptions and art, the Moomin Bingo set comes in a large and colorful game box with illustrations on all sides.

Now that’s the kind of Bingo I’m talking about! Numbers? Letters? Who needs them when Moomin characters take their places?

Romans 15:13Now 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.

Casey Jones

Who would have ever of thought that a hockey mask wearing, baseball brandishing loner would become a favorite character in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe?

Casey Jones is his name and he’s back! after being nearly killed Casey is slowly recovering both physically and mentally.

Despite his injuries he’s anxious to get back on the streets especially since a new drug called Nostrum has hit the streets.

Criminals are using the derivative of the ooze that created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and transforming into human/beast hybrids.

Chaos rules and Ludovic is responsible. The villain hates Casey and wants him dead. But he didn’t count on his friends the TMNT.

It’s all-out action, fisticuffs and martial arts all combined to an exciting tale hockey mask and bats and all. Swing batter! Casey is back!

Author Alex Paknadel and three artists come out swinging with a brand new Casey Jones tale courtesy of IDW Publishing. Grab the Casey Jones softbound graphic novel collecting the 6-issue mini-series.

Jeremiah 17:14Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.