Ironman

Stan Lee, along with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, created a comic book universe filled with superheroes endowed with incredible powers.

Marvel Comics' Peter Parker was given incredible spider powers when bitten by a radioactive spider. Donald Blake found a cane in a cave when pursued by alien invaders. He struck the cane and became the Mighty Thor. The X-Men were born with incredible powers that manifested themselves at puberty.

Frail and weak Steve Rogers became a super-soldier after being injected with a serum and bombarded by energy rays. Matt Murdock gained super-senses when he was struck by a barrel filled with radioactive waste. He lost his sight but his other senses were super-elevated.

Doctor Stephen Strange’s hands were mangled in an accident. He searched for a cure and became The Master Of The Mystic Arts: Doctor Strange. Hank Pym invented a serum that shrinks things. He used it to became Antman.

Doctor Bruce Banner was bombarded by Gamma rays and became the Green Goliath: The Incredible Hulk. Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm were given super-human abilities when their spaceship was bombarded by cosmic rays.

All of the aforementioned Marvel characters gained super powers and used them to fight evil. All faced challenges, tragedies and trials.

But, Stan Lee wanted a character that would be the most unlikely of heroes.

So, he introduced billionaire, playboy and military industrialist Tony Stark who supplied advanced weapons to the US military.

While on tour in Vietnam his party was attacked. Tony’s heart was severely injured by an explosion and he was captured by the Viet Cong.

While there he and another captured scientist were forced to make weapons for the Viet Cong.

The other scientist assisted Tony in creating a device that kept Tony’s heart functioning. They also secretly built a suit of mechanized armor in order to escape. The other scientist sacrificed his life in order for Tony to have enough time to make the armor functional.

Then and there Tony decided to use his armor to fight evil. Later he would abandon making weapons and instead concentrate on more useful devices.

In Titan Comics Ironman The First 60 Years, part of Titan’s Comics/Creator/Allies/Enemies/Culture series of hardback books, the complete Iron’s/Tony Stark’s run of comics is covered.

Full-color interior and cover art spanning every decade along with complete with bottom-of-pages visual timelines look at every aspect of ol’ Shellhead’s existence.

Inside the book you’ll discover the origin of Ironman, his cast of characters and the story-lines that shaped and evolved the character.

Readers will witness his early struggles with a damaged heart, Tony Stark’s alcohol addiction, the may suits of Ironman armor and Tony giving up the mantle of Ironman and passing it on and reclaiming it.

Watch as Ironman/Tony Stark faces all sorts of foes both superhuman, corporate and government.

See those that have followed in Tony’s footsteps donning their own armor-both friend and foe.

Witness his membership in The Avengers, an alternate version of Ironman in the Ultimate Universe, his clashes with fellow heroes, his heartbreaks, triumphs, trials and best of all the gallery of artists who have made Ironman the hero that he is.

Very concise and highly informative text lead you along culminating to a full-gallery of Tony Stark’s variations of his Ironman armor-both updated and/or designed for specific purposes.

It is remarkable that so much information and art about Ironman is contained in this compact hardback book.

Psalms 28:7 - The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

A Convenient Parallel Dimension

Ghostbusters-the most successful and highest grossing horror comedy film of all time.

But, did you know making the movie was not easy? In fact, it almost didn’t get made.

Originally John Belushi and Eddie Murphy were slated to play two of the lead rolls and because of copyright problems the movie almost was not called Ghostbusters.

In A Convenient Parallel Dimension, by author James Greene, Jr. and Lyons Press, the whole history of the franchise is examined and traced.

The original Ghostbusters spawned a sequel, a revised movie with a female cast, an animated TV show and two updated movies with a whole new casts and appearances by most of the original cast.  It also spawned a merchandizing bonanza.

This books delves into all of the ins and outs of developing, writing, casting, financing, filming, special effects, music and all of the myriad stages of making films.

A full-color photo insert in the middle of the hardbound book shows the cast and sets in front of and behind the camera.

If you're a fan of the Ghostbusters franchise this is the book you want: thorough, complete, fascinating, in-depth and just plan fun to read.

John 14:2 - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Magic For Dummies

Magic! No, I’m not referring to the kind of magic you see in movies, TV and in books. There is nothing mystical about this kind of magic. No supernatural forces, black magic or the like.

No, the type of magic I’m referring to is slight of hand, illusion and trickery.

I’ve had a few friends over the years that were good at magic. They could pull some real brain-twisters. Just how did they do their tricks?

Well, I intend to find out and a good place to start is author David Pogue’s and Wiley Brands’ book: Magic For Dummies 2nd Edition.

What a cool book!

In a mere five minutes readers can learn their first trick.

Enjoy the thrill of showing off, messing with peoples’ minds, phone tricks, online magical wonders, group tricks, sleight of hand, card tricks and lots more.

It’s a fun hobby and using this book and by following its step-by-step instructions you can learn and perform 75 entertaining and mind-bending tricks. It’s---dare I say it? Magic!

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

Cozy Living Lounge

Although our house does not have a lounge our living room substitutes for one just fine.

There’s nothing better than to kick back, to put your feet up, grab a book or magazine, munch on a snack, drink some coffee and look out the window as the world passes by.

Imagine yourself kicking back in Rolife’s Super Creator Cozy Living Lounge.

Picture yourself sitting on the orange/brown couch with its four cushions, looking at your laptop on the retro two-level wooden coffee table and adjusting the sleek overhead lamp. The wide-slat wooden floor matches perfectly with the furnishing.

The muted stripped walls give a feeling of comfort. Look at the various framed art and photos on the walls and the four-shelf bookcase packed with books and a cardboard box.

More books are on the coffee table that sits on a six circle black and white rug setting right next to a shopping bag and short squat yellow and a orange foot stool.

Listen to music coming from you record player on its stand complete with a coffee machine accompanied by cups, a water jug, a small plastic basket all placed against a shuttered twelve pane window looking out over the neighborhood.

Relax, take in the quiet, read your favorite book, sip some coffee, listen to your favorite music and watch the neighborhood outside as the day turns into night.

Where does this idealistic Living Lounge exist? It started out in the imaginations of the designers and artists at Robotime.

They, along with a talented crew of engineers, machinists, fabricators, 3D artists, graphic designers and printers, created Rolife’s Super Creator Cozy Living Lounge DIY Kit.

Designed for ages eight and up, comprising of 114 pieces, LED lights included and made of ABS, PVC and Paper, the kit comes in a simple lidded box decorated with color photos of the lounge on all sides. Additional product information is on the back of the box.

Inside kit makers will find several, clear plastic bags containing various paper, plastic objects (3D printed), floor and wall flats, stickers, a screwdriver, lighting fixtures, an Instructions pamphlet and a huge cache of little goodies that duplicate the look of various Lounge fixtures, objects and furniture.

Additional tools that you may need include and X-Acto knife, a small Flathead screwdriver for popping out parts, a magnifying glass, glue, a pointed tool and patience.

Like all good things the Cozy Living Lounge takes time to assemble and believe me it is worth it!

Before you start look over the Instructions carefully, check for missing parts, review the electrical set-up and then take out only the numbered parts as you need them and carefully assemble them.

You will be amazed by the details, colors, scaled accuracy and the final product.

To display your Lounge you can also purchase some dust protection clear, plastic sheets and if you have other Super Creator kits you can join them together to make a full house!

For photos and a video of the Cozy Living Lounge click here. For the Rolife website click here and to see Robotime’s other products click here.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Space Journal

I am fortunate in that I grew up in a time when the space race between the United States and the USSR was in full swing.

I remember the flight of Sputnik, the first man in space, the first space walk, the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space missions, the space shuttles, the International Space Station, man on the moon and more.

It was a wonderful time to be young. There was a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air. Everyone pulled together and celebrated man’s accomplishments in space.

Mankind’s fascination with space and ‘out there’ has been around for centuries starting with notable historical figures such as Galileo, early rocket pioneers, early science fiction writers by the likes of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, TV shows, movies, merchandise and a staggering amount of fiction and non-fiction stories and studies.

In author Dallas Campbell’s and Thames & Hudson’s wonderful new hardbound book: Space Journal Art, Science And Cosmic Exploration. Mankind’s Journey: both imaginative and real journeys are explored.

Join the celebration of space exploration complete with newspaper and magazine clippings, archival photographs, art, graphs, documents and other memorabilia in this delightful and fascinating exploration and study of space, space pioneers, authors, journalists, technicians, scientists and space agencies.

Come along as the author invites you to travel to the stars and beyond.

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.

 

Rarity Collection V

Yu-Gi-Oh! The Trading Card Game from Konami is a big hit with gamers. Like all Trading Card gamers most relish the thought of acquiring rare YGO Rare Cards from the series. Some fetch a considerable amount of cash-not that most YGO players would sell them.

What if I told you that one Box contains five Packs with five Foil Cards each-not just any Cards, but Rare, Ultra-Rare and Starlight Rare?

Would you be interested! Would it get your heart pumping? Is it really real?

I’m here to tell you that Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Rarity Collection V is a fact. It’s real! It’s no illusion!

Five All-Foil Packs come per Box: one of which is either Ultra Rare or one of two special variant Starlight Rares art styles like you’ve never seen before. The other four Cards in the Packs come from YGO’s most popular Cards.

So what are sitting around for? Hurry, get out and buy your Box(es) today before they’re all gone!

Ephesians 4:29 - Let 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.

Ticket To Ride Railway To Destiny

One of great joys I had as a young man was riding a train in Michigan. There is nothing quite like a train ride. It’s exhilarating.

Based on the hit board game Ticket To Ride, the small softbound book written by Adrienne Krass with illustrations by David Miles and published by Andrews McMeel Publishers: Alan R. Moon’sTicket To Ride Railway To Destiny starts with Teddy trapped on a high-speed train to New Orleans.

Follow Teddy on his cross-country journey across North America with no cellphone and a mysterious puppy in his backpack.

When 12-year old Teddy boards the wrong train he finds himself in a high-speed adventure complete with spies, intrigue and danger!

Along the way he encounters a wild selection of characters all after the ‘asset’ Teddy carries. He doesn’t know who to trust and no way to escape.

It’s a fast-as-a-bullet, adventure filled with thrills, danger, mystery, intrigue, a who’s who of characters and who, what, when and where.

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

Fan Phenomena James Bond

The most famous super spy in the world, James Bond, has often been imitated but never equaled. Five actors have portrayed him on the silver screen in the ‘approved’ James Bond films.

A movie parody had a bevy of James Bonds, Sean Connery appeared in a non-cannon Bond film and Bond appeared one time (as an American) in an anthology TV movie back in the 1950s.

Editor Claire Hines and Intellect Books and the University of Chicago Press, have compiled a selection of essays from a wide variety of writer/fans that look at the many aspects of the spy with a license to kill in Fan Phenomena James Bond.

The essays look at the complexity of Bond, his lifestyle, Bond fan works, a comparison of the actors who have portrayed him over the last 60 years, the art, the women of Bond, his gadgets and every conceivable thing about Bond imaginable.

Q would be proud! Best of all there are plenty of full-color artwork and photos, references and a few words from the cast and crew of the Bond films.

Nobody does it better and this book is not just for your eyes only.  Bond-James Bond.

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

The Last Ronin II Re-Evolution The Covers

Just when I think the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have conquered almost every media: comic books, toys, animation, movies, TV shows, etc. those feisty amphibians take on a whole new genre and make it their own.

The Last Ronin became a runaway best-seller in the comic book world with its gritty art, take no prisoners story and more than its fair share of surprises.

TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, along with publisher IDW Publishing pulled out all the stops and, based on a story by Eastman and Laird and released a sequel: The Last Ronin II Re-Evolution: a five-part mini-series story that took place 15 years after the original mini- series, that both shocked and delighted TMNT fans.

Besides the killer story and art the series boasted some spectacular variant covers by some of the industry's top artistic talents such as Laird and Eastman, Ryan Browne, Raymond Gay, Gavin Smith and many more.

The Last Ronin II Re-Evolution The Covers hardbound book pages are packed with full-color art. Single page, double-page spreads and five panel spreads comprise 115 pieces of cover art from the mini-series. It is beautiful! It truly is a stunning hardbound book collection any TMNT fan will want to own.

Print production is top notch with high-definition images, brilliant colors, great page layouts, tight binding and first-rate paper selection. With its widely divergent art styles each and every page is a real treat.

TMNT do it again! They’ve conquered the hardbound cover illustrations compilation collections. Cowabunga!

Ecclesiastes 12:7 - Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Yum Yum Burgers

Rolife’s Super Creator series is a big hit. These small, easy-to-assemble and colorful kits are perfect for anyone eight years old and older.

Better yet each kit can be protected by dust proof transparent sheets and assembled with other Super Creator kits to make a full house!

What is it about hamburgers that practically everyone loves? Is it the meat? The buns, the condiments or all the extras like onions, tomatoes, relish and just about anything else anyone wants to add to them?

The sky is the limit!

Rolife’s Super Creator Yum Yum Burgers is a fast food burger joint with all the little extras you expect.

Just look at the brick and tiled walls, menu signs with their bold graphics, the old circular wall clock, the Yum Yum Burger signs, a red and white upholstered seat, a white table on twin black legs, a red and white padded chair with steel legs, a delivery bag, burgers, chicken, drinks, fries, a two-shelf display with glass windows displaying more food, a cooler, the soft drink dispenser, condiments, the food tray, a cash register, a wooden top counter, the black and white checkered floor and other little goodies.

The kit comes in a simple, easy-to-open, slip lid with color photos on the front of the lid and full specs on the back including age range, materials used, tips for displaying, expanding the kit with other kits and display protection.

Look over the illustrated and numbered instructions and check to make sure that all the parts are included. 

Follow the instructions step-by-step, review the lighting set-up, use the tweezers for small parts and be sure to have a magnifying device, a pointed tool, a Flathead screwdriver for popping out tabbed parts, extra lighting if needed and glue just in case you break a part.

Enjoy the process, select the parts you need for one section at a time and above all be patient. Appreciate the colors, the craftsmanship and the creativity it took to make such a kit and for those who were responsible for its packaging, assembly of parts, printing and manufacturing.

Discover how the past is remembered in the present with this wonderful up-to-date burger joint.

Hear the sizzle of burgers, the smell of the fries, taste the chicken, drink a soda, grab a dessert and sit back and enjoy a fast food meal like no other.

Patiently put together each part, marvel at your completed Yum Yum Burger kit and feel the satisfaction and pride of a job well-done.

Inside the box you’ll find everything you need to complete your Yum Yum Burgers restaurant.

Nine, sealed, clear plastic bags hold most of the components for the restaurant including furniture, foods, equipment, the overhead lamp and electrical hook-up and the like. Three, flat sealed bags hold the floor and wall slats, stickers and paper folds.

Can you almost taste the burgers and fries? I sure can!

For photos and a video of the Yum Yum Burgers click here. For the Rolife website click here and to see Robotime’s other products click here.

Psalms 126:5 - They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Batman And The Classics

Batman as serious literature? It’s not as far-fetched as it seems.

For decades Batman (both in his own title and Detective Comics) has tackled all sorts of social issues and deep psychological dilemmas. How much more deep and disturbing can you get than Batman’s origin and his bizarre Rogue’s Gallery of Villains?

In Batman And The Classics author Michael D. Nichols and McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers examine the echoes of mythology, literature and philosophy in the (Batman) comics and films.

Batman is a character of many faces: detective, troubled vigilante, father figure, leader, master of deception, a man conflicted and torn between justice and vengeance and so much more.

In this fascinating book some of Batman’s most famous cases are compared to the themes in classic literature stories and characters. It’s a unique perspective on the Dark Knight and sheds a whole new light on the persona of the world’s greatest detective.

John 14:2 - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Project Pegasus

One of the most overlooked Marvel Comics epics occurred in the Bronze Age series of Marvel Two-In-One comic books starring the Thing.

Issues 53-58 chronicled an adventure that is still sending ripples through the Marvel Universe to this day.

George Perez and John Byrne shared the cover and interior art for the saga.

Where else do you get the Thing, Deathlok, Nuklo, Wundarr, Nth Man, Thundra, Screaming Mimi, Titania, Poundcakes, Letha, Solarr, Giant-Man, Aquarian and Quasar all in one epic?

Project Pegasus is a secret government research facility that houses advanced technology and super beings of imaginable power.

It’s main purpose is to explore and utilize alternate energy sources.

The facility hopes to benefit mankind with its research and tap into the powers of its occupants.

Far from a conventional jail the facility is more focused on helping the individuals despite the fact they some are criminals. 

That's all fine and good except there are certain individuals out there who want what Project Pegasus has for their own benefit.

One such ‘organization’ has attempted on several occasions to disrupt and infiltrate the facility by whatever means possible.

Finally they succeed and unintentionally unleash an individual with extremely devastating powers that are so lethal they may very well destroy all life.

The Thing, along with other super-powered individuals, attempt to stop the melee.  As a result much of the facility is destroyed, some individuals get hurt or killed and eventually the threat is contained.

One of the results of the incident brings about the birth of a new benevolent powerful individual.

Project Pegasus is mentioned sporadically in various Marvel Comics, which is surprising in how groundbreaking and potentially beneficial it is.

Since its introduction in the late 1970s it does crop up in conversations and ‘incidents’ but no major storyline has occurred in over four decades.

Given Marvel’s tendency to bring up past projects and update them for the current comic book readership it would not surprise me in the least that Project Pegasus will be popping up soon in some major world shaking crossover event.

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.

YouTube Channels For Dummies

Nearly 15 years ago I attempted to host a YouTube channel. It was slow going and to tell you the truth I had no idea what I was doing. After a few episodes I got rid of it.

With so much buzz about YouTube nowadays I’m considering (mind you-considering) starting a new YouTube channel consisting of reviews and commentaries.

But, much like before I have no idea what to do.

Along comes authors Rob Ciampa's, Matt Ciampa's, Rich Murphy's and Jackie Swansburg Paulino's and Wiley Brand's YouTube Channels For Dummies 3rd Edition and I see a spark of hope.

This book has it all and it’s written in manner that even an old analog raised and digital age wannabe can understand.

WOW! Imagine-me going digital!

The book goes into great detail about filming and editing, how to grow a channel, getting paid to do so, promotion, and so much more.

There are whole sections on navigation, developing a strategy, AI, how to properly edit videos, adding sound and music and special effects, setting up for success, studio set-up, lighting, sound-it boggles the mind-at least it does mine.

With this book in hand I may just attempt to go video-imagine me a vlogger!

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

Legendary Carbon Steel Dragon Knife

Have you ever held a perfectly balanced knife with a razor sharp edge, molded Pakawood handle with bronze rivet, bronze pommel and a molded bronze dragon head bolster that wraps around the heel?

I have, it is Japaknives Legendary Carbon Steel Dragon Chef Knife and it is a beauty!

Included with the knife is a stitched leather sheath with wrap-around snap strap and a twin riveted belt loop.

My wife took one look at this knife and claimed it! Who am I to argue with her? Happy wife, happy life.

I absolutely love the feel of the knife. The wooden handle conforms perfectly to my hand and the balance is spot-on.

 

The weight is balanced and the large heel gives a real feel of stability as does the bolster. It’s has an easy grip, secure feel and allows smooth and easy positioning.

The carbon steel blade, with pitted upper spin, gives the knife a classic look while still retaining its modern design. The knife is solid, nicely balanced, sharp and just the right weight.

I tried the single sheet of paper test on it and it sliced through the paper with no drag or ragged edges.

The dragon head bolster with its open maw and teeth, scaled face and fierce eyes gives the knife the look of an Japanese archaic weapon.

It is a limited edition piece with its dragon head that symbolizes balance, freedom and good luck.

Made in American, it has a Lifetime Warranty with Samurai Guarantee

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Prayer

Prayer-in my opinion is the most powerful thing in a Christian’s life.

Prayer is more than asking for things. It’s primary reason is to praise God.

Personally I’ve discovered that praising God always comes first. Personal prayers about needs, people, etc. follow.

Often we make prayer too difficult and formal. Prayer is simply talking to God. He is our father and like our earthly father he wants to hear from us, share our triumphs and sorrows, answer questions and help us.

In author Courtney Reissig’s and Crossway’s Prayer book good solid advice and insight explain, how to pray, what to pray for, the blessings of prayer, to pray for things specifically and purposely, how to pray for others and most importantly of all how to wait for God, thank him and refer to the scripture about prayer.

It’s a small, softbound book with lots of important insights and information contained in its pages.

Like prayer it is short, to the point and provides answers. 

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