Big Nate Code Red!

Have you ever met a kid while you were in grade school that seemed like a magnet for trouble?

For some strange reason they always managed to say the wrong thing, act the wrong way and generally question everything.

In the case of Nate God had a sense of humor when he created him.

In Big Nate Code Red! by Lincoln Pierce and publisher Andrews McMeel sixth-grader Nate Wright is one such student.

He has this uncanny knack to make the wrong comments and assumptions, baffle his teacher, frustrate his principal, completely confuse his parents and bewilder his friends-those that can tolerate him.

Join Nate in his latest adventures as he takes on the world, causes chaos and still manages to endear himself to others.

Nate takes on gossip, succumbs to spring fever and due to his hi-jink becomes a Prank Day legend. If I didn’t know better Nate is the perfect mirror of myself when I was in grade school and almost a clone on my son when he attended school.

Although the art is simple, clean and uncluttered the pacing, clever dialogue and quirky observations bring the characters to life each with their own unique personality.

Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Justice Leagues

Mention the initials JLA and any comic book collector worth their weight in comic books knows it stands for Justice League of America.

Makes sense right?

Not necessarily.  In the early 2000s DC Comics came up with a 6-part JLA mini-series consisting of individual books with names like JL?, Justice League of Amazons, Justice League of Atlantis, Justice League of Arkham, Justice League of Aliens and JLA.

Someone or something has caused the Justice League to forget they are a team.  The various members of the team sense something is wrong and they create their own versions of the Justice League.

A mysterious alien contacts and contracts Green Lantern's mega-brain adversary Hector Hammond to cause the members of the Justice League of America to forget there ever was a League.

Hector goes along with the plan until he discovers what the alien is really up to.

Hector plants subtle hints into each member of the League causing them to form their own psuedo-Leagues.

As new attempts are created to take over the earth each League responds in kind.

Eventually the real Justice League of America reforms as Hector’s had hoped.  The villain turns into a hero.

The series offers teams that are a reflection of each of the founding members of the Justice League: Wonder Woman with Amazons, Aquaman with Atlantis, Batman with his Arkham Rogue’s Gallery, Superman with Aliens and finally the reunited team, including those already mentioned: Martian Manhunter, The Flash and Green Lantern.

It’s a powerful 6-part saga that contains everything a superhero comic book fan could ever want.

John 16:33These 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.

Hollywood Behind The Lens

Have you ever wondered how Hollywood got its start? How did it progress from silent films, to 1930s and 1940s classics, to big screen 1950s CinemaScope extravaganzas, to gritty and intimate 1960s and 1970s films, the 1980s special effect blockbusters then to the 1990s to 2020s mega-billion dollar, box office juggernauts?

How did Hollywood transition to TV? Who were the actresses, actors, directors, supporting cast and production people who were responsible for the film industry?

So much has been lost: film reels, costumes, scripts, sets, promotional material-the list is staggering.

But what if I told you there is a place that much of the film and TV memorabilia is safely stored and preserved?

That place is The Bison Archives.

Authors Marc Wanamaker and Steven Bingen along with Globe Pequot/Lyons Press present Hollywood Behind The Lens oversize hardbound book complete (with a dust cover) that contains hundreds of photos of many of the objects mentioned earlier.

Learn how Hollywood got its start and how it has progressed over the decades. It is an absolutely stunning book filled with photos complemented by fascinating text explaining all about Hollywood, its celebrities, movies and culture.

2 Thessalonians 3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Pandora’s Box

Picture a world where crime, hate, sickness and war did not exist. Mankind lived in a paradise. Everyone worked together for the greater good. People cared for one another and selfishness was a foreign concept.

Now imagine a box-but not just any box. In that box everything evil and destructive resided. One day the box was opened and humanity and the world were forever changed. 

Every evil, vile, disgusting, destructive and loathsome thing imaginable was released. It spread and affected everything and everyone. Murder, lust, theft and every bad thing there was infected the whole world.

Thames & Hudson presents Pandora’s Box The Card Game, created by Jen Russell, where players compete to see who will be the last to survive the onslaught of evil creatures, curses and catastrophes.

Can you survive and bring Hope to the world?

The Game comes with 54 Cards, takes 20 minutes+ to play and can be played by 2 to 5 gamers ages 7 years old and up.

Included with the boxed Game is a Game Booklet. It, along with Game Cards (wrapped in a black strip of paper) rest in the heavy paperstock Box decorated with mystical creature and gods illustrations by Jesus Sotes. Inside the Cards and Booklet are held securely in place by a heavy paperstock deep insert.

It’s a fast and furious Game as the fate of humanity weighs in the balance and Hope is the only solution.

For mortals with a god complex.

Leviticus 22:31Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.

What Do I Want?

First and foremost I want my family and friends to get saved. Next, I want to serve God in whatever capacity he sees fit. Third, I want my life to have meaning.

I want to love more, forgive more, be thankful more and especially love God more.

As a old curmudgeon who loves to collect I’ve often asked what do I want to find to complete my collection bucket list? So here goes:

I want to have all of Marvel/DC and other comic book publishers Bronze Age and Silver Age comics books. A few Golden Age comic books would be nice too.

I’d love to find all of the original series Star Trek collectibles I had as a teenager-trust me, there were a lot.

The original Star Wars toys, play-sets and vehicles would be nice.

Other movie and TV/movie memorabilia I would like to have include Lost In Space, The Wild, Wild West, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, James Bond and The Batman TV series.

Several DVD collections I would like to own include all of Canon, Mannix, The original Hawaii 50, Barnaby Jones, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, Have Gun-Will Travel, Lost In Space, Murder She Wrote, Simon and Simon, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Time Tunnel, Land Of The Giants, Beretta, Ironsides series, the original cast Star Trek movies, The Teen Titans first animated TV series and The Legion of Superheroes animated TV series

Several books I’m looking for are Taschen’s DC Bronze Age and its giant DC book, TwoMorrow’s 1940’s and 1990s comic book history, Mike Benton’s Horror book, DK’s releases of pop culture and comic book history.

Of course I need comic book supplies, a few bookcases and oh-I’d love to get a steady supply of Hot Toys and Sideshow 12-inch figures, the Toy Biz Marvel figures, old model kits, toys, diecast, magazines, 1960s and 1970s singer/songwriter albums and trading cards.

Since my blog now has a readership of over 200,000 a month, not counting my Linked-In, Facebook, X and Goodreads sites, I’d like to expand my blog to review even more merchandise-of all types.

Sure, I know it’s a big ‘wish list’, but I figure why not dream big?

Don’t get me wrong I already have a respectable collection. Still a few more goodies would be great.

I appreciate all the publishers and manufacturers that support my blog and especially my readers. 

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

 

Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Bookakasha Books Volume One

Have you ever passed up the opportunity for something big and kicked yourself later for your mistake? I have-a number of times.

It was in the mid-1980s. I was picking up my weekly stash at my local comic book store. Before I payed the cashier I decided to peruse the shelves for anything interesting.

There wasn’t much. But, I did spot a rather odd book, not particularly well drawn and printed in black and white.

The book was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Eastman and Laird-their tribute to artist/writer Frank Miller’s runs on Daredevil and Ronin.

"How silly!" I thought and passed it up. Big mistake! Not long after the series kicked into high gear especially after Playmates Toys picked up the toy license and backed an animated series. It was a huge hit and the early issues of TMNT soon skyrocketed in price.

I have a few early issues-but...oh well.

IDW Publishing presents the Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Bookakasha Books Volume One trade paperback collecting the never published before stories of Panini’s TMNT magazine-a collection compiled from issues 1-32 based on the 2012 animated TMNT series.

What a unique vision of the TMNT. The art style is a combination comic book/animation, fast-paced, very colorful and fun to read.

A lot of new characters are introduced and of course the humor is over the top.

This oversize trade paper back is a real must-have for TMNT fans. Add it to the fact that some of the stories never saw print in the United States and you have a real treat on your hands.

2 Timothy 2:1 - Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Financial Literacy Essentials For Dummies

I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to finances I am no expert. Sure I can check my account balances, use a credit card, check my credit rating, purchase CDs and pay bills-the normal stuff.

But when you’re talking about investments, insuring my assets, consulting a financial advisor, figuring out taxes and things that require a little more financial expertise. I am at a loss.  My wife is the financial wizard.

Thank goodness for Wiley Brand’s Financial Literacy Essentials For Dummies written by Eric Tyson, MBA, part of its Learning Made Easy series.

This small softbound book has everything you need to understand the ins and out, pitfalls, sound advice and clarity of financial Literacy.

The text is clear, concise and easy to understand even for a financial dunce like myself. Trust me, this book is a keeper!

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Happy Meals Kitchen

If you love a touch of nostalgia then the Rolife's Super Creator Happy Meals Kitchen is for you.  Model kit makers, miniature collectors and craft fans will all want this down-home kitchen that is complete with miniature appliances, furniture, food and kitchen accessories.

It's the perfect project for the entire family.  This do-it-yourself kit can be assembled by children as young as eight years old with some adult guidance.  

At only 152 pieces the entire Happy Meals Kitchen will take approxiately three to four hours to assemble.  Simple to understand instructions make it easy to put together.

It's a great way to teach kids patience, eye-to-hand coordination, perseverance and how to follow instructions.  They'll come away with a great sense of accomplishment once the kit is completed.

Back in the days when I was a young boy and teenager I’d often visit my friends’ homes (and they mine) and share a meal. My brothers and their families and other relatives would get together during the holidays or on a visit and sit down for a meal.

The men knew to keep out of the kitchen while the women cooked up their specialties. Mom was known for her fried chicken, my sisters-in-laws had their own family favorites and when visiting friends I wasn’t sure what they would be serving.

All of the meals had a one thing in common. They were all fixed in small, efficient and quaint kitchens.

Counter space was at a minimum, round-corner refrigerators with freezers somehow managed to keep food cold-as much as it could hold. Whether the stoves were gas or electric they all looked the same: pastel or 1970s garish yellow, green, orange or blue. They all had four burners, large dials and a huge oven.

Sometimes there would be microwave oven, not the sleek small ones of today-but big hulking units that made lots of noise and had simple controls.

Very rarely did people call out for food or cook pre-made processed food. Most food was fresh, selected from stores’ produce isles or butchers. Canned vegetables were used sparingly and junk or trash food was seldom eaten.

I miss those simple and compact kitchens. Small as they were a lot of good meals were prepared in them.

In Rolife’s Super Creator Happy Meals Kitchen the nostalgic look of these kitchens is captured perfectly.

Take a look at he wooden slat floor, green metal three-tier serving cart with wheels filled with goodies, the small preparation table with a single wooden chair with a green cushion, the checker board sink floor mat and cream colored walls with white wood trim.

The two walls kit includes an apron and towel wall hook mount, a window with four panes of glass backed by an outdoor scene, a small silver sink with faucet, a sponge, a dish washing fluid bottle and next to it a small metal basket with lettuce ready to be rinsed.

A double-door cabinet sits below the sink. The small table I mentioned is complete with bread, glassware and dish full of food. A white and orange checker bag sits next to it.

Next to the sink on the L-shaped counter top is a small white microwave oven with a metal pot with a wooden handle sitting on its top. A bottle of ketchup sits next to it.

The adjacent wall has a two-shelf and single alcove cabinet with glass doors and is filled with foodstuffs and cups. Below it is a black kitchen utensil bar with hooks and sponge, a spoon and a ladle. A row of white tile lines the wall.

Drawers and cupboards open with various boxed and jar goods such as peanut butter, mixed seasoning and other paper containers that can be folded and assembled.

The two-burner stove is cream colored with four dials, an oven, a storage drawer, a black top with a pot, a pan and a utensil on its top. The oven door lights up revealing food cooking and the bottom drawer is filled with containers.

Such detail! Parts fit together easily using tabs. Colors pop, plastic kitchen utensils, furniture and accessories look exactly like their larger counterparts-it’s a perfect set-up.

The small refrigerator/freezer is pastel yellow with silver handles with a small outdoor painting on the wall above it. It opens to reveal food, glass shelves, ice trays and beverages.

The box the kit comes in features a full-color photo of the Kitchen on its front with information and small photos on its back. It is a simple lidded box that is easy to open.

Inside the kit are instructions, eleven bags containing various PVC parts, furniture, miniature utensils, foods, silverware, pots, pans stickers, flats and LED lighting parts.

Included with the Kitchen is a pair of tweezers. I also recommend you use an X-Acto knife and blades, a small Flathead screwdriver for popping out parts, a magnifying stand or glass, a pointed tool and glue (if necessary).

Read over the instructions carefully, check to make sure all the parts are there, take your time and carefully assemble the parts (numbered coinciding with the illustrated instructions) only as you need them.

What a wonderful slice of nostalgia! I can practically smell the home-cooked meals my family and friends prepared. Time went slower back then and was not so frantic. People took the time to get together to enjoy a meal as a family or friends.

It was more than just eating. It was a time of socializing, catching up on the news and enjoying each others’ company.

For photos and a video of the Happy Meals Kitchen click here. For the Rolife website click here and to see Robotime's other products click here.

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.

Milk & Mocha Comics Collection Our Little Happiness

Those lovable and cuddly bears Milk and Mocha are back in the latest collection of their adventures.

Join them as they share their adventures, deal with day-to-day events, manage to stay positive and prove that opposites do attract.

Milk & Mocha Comics Collection Our Little Happiness by Melani Sie and publisher Andrews McMeel present the small hardback book containing the adventures of those lovable bears, their little friends and how they met each other.

The Internet’s favorite bear duo bring on warm and fuzzy feelings and share their relatable moments. Also included are two pages of stickers.

Such adorable characters, the soft colors, minimalist illustrations and quiet yet poignant observations and moments can’t help but grab your heart strings.

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

Troubleshooting PCs For Dummies

I use computers-a lot. Knowing how they work is a completely different subject.

Sure-I can do basic things like hooking up peripherals, downloading software, using some diagnostic tools, basic troubleshooting and the like. 

 

But, to tear into a PC, build one, fix one or understand and diagnose one-forget it!

It would be nice to understand how a PC works considering that I’m using one everyday. Unfortunately I never took a computer class-no time.

But, now that I’m retired it seems like a good time to dust off the old brain and tackle something new.

That’s why I’m glad that Wiley Brand released its Troubleshooting PCs For Dummies by Dan Gookin.

I can use all the help I can get and this book offers a ton of advice, direction and information my dusty old brain can manage.

It teaches how to diagnosis hardware and software issues, how to resolve problems, make old hardware run like it’s new, fixing startup and shutdown problems, navigating Windows, viruses, malware, etc. protection, storage and memory, network connection, speeding up processing time, peripheral and printer problem solving, dealing with system glitches and dozens of other inside and outside PC challenges.

Time to test the old brain cells and see what I can learn. This is a handy book to keep around and reference whenever there is a problem. I’ll always have it within reach.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Nanobag

Everyone needs a large bag at some time or another. Whether it’s going to the beach to carry your towel, googles and sun screen, on a trip to the grocery store where you need a bag to for your purchases or to haul around some books for school, camping supplies or a laptop-a bag is a must.

Fabric bags and backpacks tend to be bulky, made of thick fabric and less than sturdy and durable. Plus, they’re big!

What would you say if I told that you can have a bag that is crafted from premium fabric that is soft, thin, extremely durable, environmentally friendly and can fit in your pocket with no folding!?

It’s true! Nanobags can be folded up so small they can fit in your pocket! Made of super-soft, ultralight, diamond rip-stop nylon that can be folded in your pocket, in or out of its bag, and with minimal air pockets.

Better yet Nanobags carry up to 66 pounds, are as thin as half the width of a human hair, have double-stitched piping and bartack-reinforcements on key points and they are super-durable.

Each Nanobag comes in a drawstring bag that is attached to the bag so you never have to worry about misplacing your carrying bag. Nanobags come in various colors and designs.

For every Nanobag sold, a tree will be planted in conjunction with with Eden People + Planet.

Nanobag was kind enough to send me three examples of their Nanobags to review. They are:

Standard Black

This is the workhorse of the Nanobags. The Standard Black Nanobag is perfect for taking to the store to carry your groceries or small product purchases.

Weighing in at 9.0 ounces the 19 liter Nanobag Standard bag is ultra-light, rugged enough to carry almost anything and large enough to tote around a considerable amount of stuff.

I plan on keeping it in our car so whenever my wife and I go shopping it will be handy.

It’s soft nylon fabric and large twin tri-layered handles for carrying by hand or over the shoulder are very comfortable.

Sling Psychedelic

My daughter went absolutely bonkers when I gave her Nanobag’s Sling Psychedelic bag. 

With its tri-layered oversize handle it’s perfect for wearing over her shoulder or across her body. 

She showed it off to her frnds and they plan on buyng their own.

The 19 liter, .90 ounce Nanobag Sling colors are brilliant and eye-pleasing. It reminds me of the wild 1960s when I was a teenager.

Daypack Stars

The Nanobag Daypack is perfect for me to use on my bike. I also plan on using it when we go hiking this summer in Tennessee. It provides 16 liters of space, weighs 1.15 ounces and its YKK zipper keeps its contents safe and sound.

This is the perfect backpack. It’s twin tri-layered handles slip easily over my shoulders and the soft fabric feels great against my back. It’s sturdy enough to carry most of my necessary, short hike camping essentials.

All of the Nanobags are easy to store, durable, soft and are of the highest quality and make great gifts. For more photos and videos of the various Nanobags’ visit the Nanobag website by clicking here.

Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..."

Godzilla Here There Be Aliens

The time-1945. The place-the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

World War II drags on and the Japanese refuse to surrender. President Truman approved dropping two atomic bombs on the cities killing thousands, severely injuring others and destroying the cities.

Not long after more died from radiation poisoning and later still many of the babies born after the bombings were deformed, crippled and severely mentally and physically challenged.

The Japanese surrendered and the Japanese population was in shock. To some extent they still are. How does one cope with a such disastrous event?

In the 1950s at the dawn of the Nuclear Age Japanese film makers translated and represented their fear of anything atomic into a landmark movie starring a giant lizard  with devastating atomic breath that had been created by radiation.

The creature rampaged through Tokyo killing and destroying. So was born Godzilla the King Of The Monsters.

In IDW Publishing’s new one-shot hardbound graphic novel: Godzilla Here There Be Aliens, by Frank Tiera and Angel Hernandez, Godzilla makes his appearance when earth is invaded.

Millennia ago an alien armada arrived on earth to colonize it. Earth’s dominate species at the time: the Simian, managed to send the aliens packing.

Defeated but determined to make earth their own they vowed to return one day.

Thousands of years later the aliens sent sleeper agents to earth disguised as humans. Once they determined the time was right to invade earth the again they sent their fleet of ships.

This time however they also brought their own giant monsters: alien Kaiju.

Fortunately for humanity the Simians still existed, also disguised as humans. Earth also had its own Kaiju, including Godzilla.

Can humanity, with the aid of the Simians and Kaiju, hope to defeat the aliens and will Godzilla prove to be the deciding factor?

Get ready for a Godzilla tale like no other as the creative team introduces a whole new facet to the legend of Godzilla. It’s non-stop action, intrigue, subterfuge and danger as Godzilla confronts the alien hoard with earth’s fate in the balance.

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Diamond T620 Box Van

I love classic trucks-especially from the 1940s to the 1960s.

There’s something about their bulky design, heavy bumpers, exposed wheel wells and overall construction that are classic.

Those were the days where trucks were trucks and not luxury vehicles driven by people that never use them for their intended purposes.

So many truck owners never see a scratch or a bit of dirt tarnish their vehicle.

The Box Van comes in a custom slip lid box with a plastic cocoon holding the truck and several of its components snuggly in place.  A clear plastic cover fits over the cocoon allowing for viewing and additional protection.

As with all Corgi diecast the Box Van is extremely detailed right down to the lettering on its sides and paint scheme.  It really is a remarkable example of miniature design.  A Limited Edition Certificate is under the vacuum-formed cocoon.

The body is paint is bright yellow on the upper cab and cargo area.  A deep green covers the front wheel wells, windshield wipers, grill and bumper and the lower cargo area and rear area.

Chrome lights, roof lights, hood decoration, side mirrors, bumper extensions and inner wheel caps make the entire body pop.  The top of the cargo area is painted silver added to the chrome effect.

The cab has a windshield and four-side mirrors.

Large, side-mounted mirrors come separately along with large chrome horns and are attached to the truck.

The doors and hood are sealed and the undercarriage is green with full details and a silver muffler.

Two rubber tires are on the front, four are on the back.

It’s an extremely detailed miniature truck and accurate to its time period.  Paint application is clean, crisp and evenly applied.

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

Mutts The Little Things

Do dogs and cats think like humans? Do they ponder life? Worry? Joke? Make observations?

Earl the dog and Mooch the cat share their remarkable lives as they navigate the world around them.

Share their moments as they relate to their friends, contend with humans, encounter other animals, philosophy, keep things simple, stay positive and offer unconditional love.

Join Mutts creator/writer/artist Patrick McDonnell and Andrews McMeel Publishing in Mutts The Little Things as they share the canine and feline adventures and observations of Earl and Jules as they seize each and every moment and demonstrate just how wonderful life really is.

I especially like when they play around with word balloons, dialogue, etc.  Talk about breaking the fourth wall!

Simple line drawings-reminiscent of the classic Krazy Kat comic strip capture the expression and subtle and frenetic moments perfectly. I love the muted colors, minimal line work and to-the-point text.

Earl reinds me out litle dog Lilly Bear that passed away back iin auust.  She was sweet and lovable and seemed to understand everythig we talked about.  If dogs go to Heaven I'll be anxious to see her when I get there.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

You Can Change

Everyone at one time in their life find themselves wishing to change. They can be physical changes, health choices, emotional realignment or personal situations.

We’ve all tried. We’ve all failed. Mainly because we try too hard, give up too easily and become over-whelmed.

Changes are not easy-at least as far as human endeavors are concerned.

True change comes from within and dependence on God.

Humans are fragile and fickle. We say one thing and do another. It’s easy to make New Year’s resolutions and within two weeks we’re right back where we started from.

You Can Change 2^nd Edition by author Tim Chester and book publisher Crossway offers a practical, workbook-style guide that helps you through a change project starting at one area of your life that you want to change.

By following the format of a guiding question and reading truths from God’s word the Bible you learn to reflect, address you individual struggle, draw closer to God and meet your goal.

Look for lots of advice, loads of scripture reference and  support. Change is possible but only if you trust God and follow his scripture guidance.

Psalms 121:1-8 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.