Baking Kitchen

Back when I was a young teenager the mother of my brother’s wife came to live with us. She and my mother were good friends and being two old ladies with limited funds between them they thought it wise to share expenses.

At the time my mother and I were on government aid and each month we would receive government surplus food.

Mrs. Nolan, my brother’s wife’s mom, was an excellent cook and baker.

Many a day I would come home from school or work and Mrs. Nolan would have performed her magic in the kitchen using the surplus food.

Her dinner rolls were to die for and her pies, cakes and other baked goodies made every meal a treat. I am a sucker for good baked goods.

Rolife’s Baking Kitchen kit reminds me of the kitchen Mrs. Nolan used to cook her meals at. 

The kit consists of 359 pieces and is best suited for those 14 years old an older to build. It should take about three hours to build. There are a lot of small pieces so take your time and be sure to follow the Instructions to the letter.

First things first. Take a moment to look over the slip-sheet on the flip lid kit box. You’ll discover some interesting specs like materials used in the kit: plywood, paper and plastic.

Like all of Rolife’s kits be sure to have tweezers (included in this kit), a pointed tool, a strong light, a magnifying device, liquid glue and a brush, both a Phillips Head screwdriver (included also) and a Flathead screwdriver for poking out pieces (especially the wooden furniture slats) and a lot of patience when assembling the Baking Kitchen.

I like to familiarize myself with any kit by first looking at the photos on the kit’s box. It gives me a good feel as to what to expect and what the final kit should look like.

Once I opened the kit I checked to make sure all the parts were there, familiarized myself with lighting (it can be a little tricky) and made sure I had all the tools I needed.

A good trick to remember is when building a kit if you get interrupted and are away from you kit build be sure to put all the pieces you currently have on your well-lit working surface into the part bags. It’s easy to loose parts if you are not careful.

You can imagine how many times I get called away.  Writing a blog is time-consuming, especially when trying to review as many products as I do. So you can see being organized and careful can really pay off.

I like to work on a white or light surface table or tray pushed up against a wall in order to make losing parts minimal. Those that do fall usually fall in my lap.

Speaking of parts-did you know you can take Rolife’s kits apart fairly easily-except for the stickers of course. Should you want to give a kit to someone to build they can start from scratch or you can rebuild the kit yourself. It’s great for dexterity, concentration, tool manipulation and eye-to-hand coordination.

I started the kit out by first tackling the smaller furniture-specifically the table and chair. Some parts were small so I used tweezers. They snapped together easily.

Larger furniture took a little more effort because there was a lot of pop-out wooden parts from slats. Following the numbering on the Instructions made it easy.

I then went on to build a few appliances like the refrigerator and mixer and sorted through the various 3D printed small objects like plates, food items, etc.

It’s important to build the kit in the exact order the Instructions illustrate. By following the bag and part numbers the kit goes together fairly easily. I have a slight vision problem so I used a magnifying glass when necessary and since my hand nimbleness is not what it used to be I used tweezers and an X-Acto knife (especially for stickers). It made peeling them and the adhesive strips off their sheets much easier.

I didn’t need any glue but it doesn’t hurt to have some on hand. Accidents do happen.

The kit contained several bags filled with parts, a sealed package of slats and larger furniture parts, sticker sheets, folded paper product sheets, Instructions, a Material List, Product Safety Instructions and an Icon Illustration Sheet.

Check out the interior of Rolife’s Baking Kitchen. Can’t you just smell and almost taste the baked goodies?

I love the way the kitchen is laid out-especially the slanted multi-pane window on its right wall.

The deep brown wooden lower cabinet that wraps around in a ‘L’ shape accompanied by the three cabinets above it really gives the kitchen a cozy, down-home feel.

The cabinet have several items behind its glass windows, dishes sit vertical in the wooden slots while teacups sit on the shelf above and the two door upper cabinets contains all sorts of kitchen goodies.. I especially like the checkered sign on its doors and look at all the brass fittings!

The counter top is packed with foodstuffs, a bread box, a tray, a mixer and on its back-splash tiled wall hangs breadboards, towels and even a heart-shaped little sign.

Lower cabinets are filled with more cooking and baking items and the multi-drawer cream colored island table with its thick wooden top holds cheeses, fruit, mixing bowls and a scale. Take a peek in the drawers and shelves-more goodies!

The checkerboard floor complements the cabinetry and a well placed cocoa flavor shopping bag sets off the whole assemble.

Take a good look at the overhead fancy light-shade and curtained window, homespun framed signs and yellow wooden chair next to the old-timey refrigerator.

There is so much to take in-so much detail! Every part of the kit is perfectly in scale, looks exactly like its larger counterpart and shows off the amount of detail work, craftsmanship and talent it took to design and package such a kit.

Check out the photos and a video of the Baking Kitchen. Rolife has a wide range of kits and look over Robotime’s other kits.  Click on the highlighted text and look at each.

The build was fun, a challenge to my dexterity and patience and a pleasant journey down Memory Lane.

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

Favorites and Unappreciated Classics

I’m 73 years old. I’ve been reading comic books since I was five years old. I’ve collected, sold collections and collected more comic books than I can count.

I’ve whittled my collection down to those titles I enjoy the most. But, there are a few comic books in my collection I consider unappreciated classics.

Any comic book collector worth their salt knows all about ‘key’ comic books. Most are priced far out of range for average collectors.

More and more people are getting into the hobby-mostly for the wrong reason-cash, dinero, mullah-it all comes down to greed.

But what about reading comic books? Over the years I’ve had my favorites-most of which are not on the ‘hot’ list.

They are great comics. The art and stories mesh perfectly and leave lasting impressions-at least to me they do.

I’d like to share those comic books. I intend to do so by using cover art and a short explanation as to why I think that those particular comic books are vastly unappreciated and underestimated.

I plan to do this in stages-a few issues at a time over however long it takes.

I’d like to start out with 10 independent smaller comic book publishers’ titles.

First up is Doc Frankenstein that takes a different approach to the Frankenstein monster. In this case he’s a good guy that fights evil backed by fellow warriors. Great story and art by Steve Skroce and The Wachowski Brothers from Burlyman Entertainment

Shaolin Cowboy featured Geof Darrow’s martial arts cowboy that engages in some of the most detailed, gory, incredible and visually stunning fights imaginable-published by Burlyman Entertainment.  The fight sequence where he takes down a huge assembly of 'bounty hunters' out for his blood is amazing

Doomsday #1 from Charlton Comics was a post apocalyptic series that John Byrne both wrote and drew before he made the jump to Marvel Comics.  Published in the mid-1970s the art by Byrne already reflected his unique style.

Steed & Mrs. Peel adapted the classic, clever, ground-breaking and quirky British TV spy series The Avengers to the printed comic book page from Boom! Studios.

Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip was adapted to a comic book series from Kaboom! Studios containing several short tales by various writers and artists. The best adaptation of Peanuts to comics ever achieved.  The subtle wit, heart warming and often poignant observations from the Peanuts gang are all there.  What a delight.

Elementals, both written and drawn by Bill Willingham, featured a superhero group that derive their powers from the four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. They face-off against The Destroyers. Published by Comico. The series pre-dated Willingham's DC work.

Another Comico title: The Gumby’s Summer Special one-shot, brought everyone’s clay animation figure and his sidekick Pokey to comics courtesy of Art Adams. This one-shot has everything from pirates, to spacemen to monsters and more!  Adam's work shines.

Yet another Comico title, Space Ghost, by Steve Rude, brings back the specter of space to comic books. It’s like watching the Saturday morning animated TV show in print. All of Space Ghost’s deadliest enemies appear.  Rude really captured the look and tempo of the animated series.

Art Adams adapts The Creature From The Black Lagoon movie to comics. Published by Dark Horse Comics, the one-shot faithfully translated the film to print made even more amazing by Art Adams’ art.  Some of his best work.

Comic book artist Art Adams presents his love letter to Godzilla, the king of all monsters courtesy of Dark Horse Comics. The one-shot pits Godzilla against the resurrected god Gekido-Jin. Wow!  Adams was/is a huge Godzilla fan.

While I’m talking about comic books I’d like to approach the subject of comic book storage and protection.

I’ve been a comic book collector for a loooong time. I’ve heard all the stories about changing out your comic book bags and boards every five years or so, submitting books for grading and comic book boxes.

Here’s the lowdown. I have comic books stored in the same bags and boards for 40+ years. None of them stick to the plastic, nor do the bags stick to each other.

I’ve stored comic books with no bags or boards stacked on top of each other with alternating spines. No problem.

I keep my comic books in beat up old comic book boxes (they new ones cost too much for cardboard-get serious!) I store my comic book boxes in a cool dry place away from sunlight. The comic books are like they were purchased yesterday-no problem.

Sure most of the boxes are acid free but I also store my comics in plastic totes, regular boxes and in steel filing cabinets. No problems whatsoever.

It’s all a sham to get you to spend all your money on supplies. Use common sense.

As for grading. Forget modern issues. Sure if you have a comic book worth thousands of dollars you may want to have it graded. But here’s the kicker. For example, if you have comic book that is worth $5,000 raw and get it graded let's say as a 9.2 according to the ‘experts’ that book is now worth in excess of $25,000.

Here’s the problem. If you remove it from its plastic protective case it plummets back down to $5,000. So, is the book worth $25,000 slabbed or is the plastic slab worth the additional $20,000?

Who decides? What makes the graders experts?. Let me tell you of a grading incident I encountered a few years ago.

A good friend had a book graded. It came back as a 9.8. I took a look at it and I immediately spotted that the cover was printed crooked and part of the cover image was cut off. What?!

Who is really making money on old comic books? The graders, that’s who. The more ‘expensive’ a comic book is the more it costs to grade it. What a racket.

What about signatures? Grading companies decide if a signature is legit if they witness the signing? What if you have a book that was signed before the grading companies started verifying signatures? Does that mean the signature is illegitimate? Again, who decides?

Here’s another point. Let’s say you have an Avengers #1. You get it graded and slabbed. Whose to say that the slabbed book you receive back is nothing more than a Avengers #1 cover wrapped around and Archie Comic book?

Now comic books have all sorts of grade and condition types? Who comes up with this stuff?

Here’s another point. Again let’s pretend you have a slabbed comic book that is priced at $600. You go to sell it at a comic book shop. If you’re lucky the shop may offer you 25% of its value. You go to sell it online and after you pay the fees, settle for a lower price and ship it you may come away with $200. Are you kidding me?!

OK, one more rant. How is that Silver and Bronze Age comic books (especially keys) have skyrocketed in value? Do yourself a favor and before you purchase a comic book that’s expensive go online and see how many copies of that book is on sale on E-bay or some other selling site. Look at the sold prices.

Give me a break! There is no way realistically that a Silver Age comic book that sold for $300 a mere five years ago would all of a sudden jump to $30,000!

It’s all about greed-nothing more, nothing less. I'm on a budget. I'm retired.  There is no way I could afford to buy what some comic books are selling for.  In my opinion the price hikes are driving collectors out of the market.  Investors are taking over the hobby.

My advice is to buy what you like, read it, use sensible storage practices and quit blowing your money on outrageous costly supplies, expensive grading and unrealistic prices.

Most of the people who are online touting certain books want you to buy from them. It’s called business and they are trying to sell you something. Many times a ‘retailer’ has an overstock of a particular book and by parading it as a ‘key’ issue they hope to rack in some more money.

Variant covers-forget it-the interior art is the same as a regular issue. I’ve seen boxes and boxes of variant comic books for sale in shops for cover price after the 'got-to-have-it' heat wears off.

I’ve visited some comic book shops that have books on their walls that are $5 comic books at best and they’re asking upward of $50. Get educated. Do your homework, avoid the hype and enjoy the hobby. Don’t get caught up in the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) mentality. Rant over.

Hebrews 4:12For 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.

Home Time XII Days

When I taught high school graphic design and drawing over ten years ago each year I would encounter a student (sometimes more) that suddenly would blossom and absolutely astound me with their unique talent and vision.

It was amazing. That’s the exact same feeling I felt after reading and looking at creator Campbell Whyte’s Home Time XII Days from IDW Publishing.

A tight group of friends gather at their last day of school before moving on the high school.

Each share their dreams and ambitions. They are both excited and frightened about the future.

It’s their last summer to get together before going back to school.

It was to be a time of hanging out, sleepovers, playing games and enjoying their short period of freedom.

If only it were that simple.

Suddenly they find themselves thrust into a strange land of fantasy and magic when they fall into a stream.

Throughout this impressive and massive piece of literary work each member in the group of friends embarks on strange adventures-so subtle and not so subtly mirroring their individual plans for the future.

Home Time XII Days is an incredible and impressive piece of work. The writing is poignant, the art style changes to match each phase and changeover and the sheer volume of imaginative illustrations and preponderance of amazing concepts is astounding.

I predict that Home Time XII Days is destined to become a classic. Beautifully designed, illustrated and printed and bound the oversize square-bound graphic novel is an amazing body of work.

Be sure to check out the early concept art.

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.

Foraging For Wild Edible Foods

Try to imagine yourself out in the middle of nowhere or in unfamiliar territory. No supplies, no shelter, no water and no food. What do you do?

With a little education, tenacity and knowledge you could survive. Shelter can be built, water found, a fire started and food foraged.

When it comes to foraging food in the wild you need a guide and Waterford Press’s Foraging For Wild Edible Foods Second Edition is the perfect solution.

The A Pocket Naturalist Guide is a colorful, fold-out, laminated guide that is the perfect folding guide to sustainable practices & harvesting techniques.

The portable pamphlet contains sections on Safety, Berries & Fruits, Nuts, Leaves, Shoots & Aboveground Parts, Roots, Tubers & Underground Parts and Mushrooms.

The color illustrations make it easy to spot each edible plant, contains nutrition fact and tells where to find each plant.

It’s easy-to-use, small enough to carry on your person, in a purse, a glove compartment or in a backpack. I plan on putting mine in a book on survival I carry in our car.

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

Archie #1

When I was a teenager many, many, many years ago (we’re talking the 1960s) I always enjoyed reading Archie Comics.

It was no mystery as to why. I was a teenager, Archie and his friends were teenagers, I had teenage problems and situations, they did too, I had girl problems, so did Archie, Jughead and Reggie-in other worlds Archie and his gang spoke the same language and had the same teenage angst as I did.

By the 1960s Archie Comics had moved away from the goodie-two-shoes and pablum formula that the books featured in the 1940s and 1950s.

Archie and his buddies wore cloths teenagers wore, they belonged in a Rock and Roll band (remember The Archies and their hit Sugar, Sugar?) and they even dabbled in the superhero genre, befriended a witch and were similar to The Scooby Gang in the Scooby Doo animated TV show.

Archie drove a dilapidated car-so did I, Betty and Veronica had a crush on him (I never had THAT problem) and he also had a sneaky nemesis (Reggie) just like every awkward teenage boy had someone-usual a jock or bully that harassed him.

Over the decades Archie had fallen somewhat out of favor. Not too long ago a new interest was shown in the series when Riverdale became a TV show. Archie Comics took on a darker aspect and the art was updated.

That was then. It’s cooled off since then.

But, Archie Comics fans rejoice! Oni Press and Archie Comics have joined forces to create a whole new take on Archie and his pals starting off with Archie #1, then Sabrina #1 and Archie In Hell #1.

In Archie #1 the creative team of Ben H. Winters, Fabio Moon and Jason Wordie bring back everyone’s favorite red-head teenage boy in an exciting new series.

In issue #1 Archie thinks he has his act together only to discover he’s dreaming,

Later Archie finds himself the reluctant star in several student movies. Jughead hangs out to eat the catering food.

Jughead starts having food withdrawals when Pop’s Shop closes so Pop can attend his daughter’s wedding.

I love it! The art is amazing, the colors pop, the characters have been updated but still retain their individual quirky personalities and Archie still manages to find himself in the middle of---everything.

It’s like reading the classic Archie series but updated, made more relevant and even more fun!  Even better the new titles have a wide selection of covers-pick the ones you like.

James 1:5-8
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

Visions Of A Very Vintage Christmas

Growing up in Michigan in a small town during the 1950s and 1960s I had my share of amazing Christmases.

I remember going to my brother’s in-laws house where they had a huge Christmas tree decked out in bubbling icicle lights, tinsel and a huge variety of Christmas ornaments all covered by white angel hair fake snow.

At our house we always decorated a blue spruce tree with its tiny acorns where my mom would hide small gifts in its branches for the grandkids to find.

The entire town was decorated with plastic Santa Clauses, reindeer and nativity scenes, lights of all colors that twinkled and other over-the-top Christmas decorations. It was a good time to be a kid.

Visions Of A Vintage Christmas, by Bob Richter and publisher Globe Pequot, brings back Christmas memories from years gone past in a delightful hardbound book spotlighting nostalgic decorating all throughout the house.

The author presents a heartfelt tribute to his own Christmas past and provides a trip down Christmas Memory Lane both with text and photos.

Everything imaginable associated with past Christmas decor is included such as decorations, trees, family photographs, table decorations, candles, garland, Santas, tinsel, crafts and any and everything that decorated each room in the house.

What a wonderful holiday tribute!

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.

Puzzle Hero Greek Myths

I have always been fascinated by the ancient Greek culture. Delving into the past of the ancient civilization I discovered that our own democracy/republic in the United States owes a great deal to the Greeks. 

Greek art, specifically sculpture, architecture, painting, pottery were thousands of years ahead of anything Europe was doing at the time. in fact when the Romans ruled they copied much of the Greek’s art.

In Puzzle Hero Greek Myths, by Catherine Ard and Maria Surducan and publisher Thames & Hudson, readers will solve mazes, crack codes and untangle riddles in this oversize hardbound book filled with color illustrations.

Do you have what it takes to solve the puzzles set before you created from the mythology of ancient Greece?

Find out as you gather clues, solve cryptic riddles and learn all about the Greek gods and mystical beings.

Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Compendium Vol. Two

Never fear! If you were unable to purchase issues 51 through 100 of IDW’s/Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series I have the perfect solution.

IDW Publishing presents it HUGE (almost two inches thick), softbound Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Compendium Vol. Two containing all of the aforementioned issues-all in one spot!

Such a deal! All the action, drama, danger, humor, fantastic art, exciting stories and spectacular art, coloring and high-quality publication specs.

I gotta say when I lifted this Compendium I felt as if I was doing my strength exercising.

It is massive and containing 50 issues in one volume it is much, much less expensive than buying each individual issue.

Several writers and artist provided their skills in this colorful volume that contains not only interior art pages but cover reproductions as well.

Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Dr. Dreadmoor’s Castle

When I requested a reviewer sample of Lemax’s Dr. Dreadmoor’s Castle Spooky Town Halloween table decoration I based my request on a small photo of the castle.

At that time larger photographs were not available. I received the review sample and all I can say is, “Wow!’ There is no better word that I can use to describe just how impressive Dr. Dreadmoor’s Castle is.

There is so much going on with the castle: lighting, action, music and lots to look at.

It’s night, there’s a storm brewing, lightning flashes and there in the deep shadows you spot a building.

It’s a castle. It’s huge stone walls seem to beckon you to come closer. You walk up to the huge door and cautiously knock. Will someone or something answer?

It is a humongous castle! The castle sits on a segmented stone base that blends into the smaller stone masonry of the castle. Pumpkins, a skeleton and ooze populate the lower level.

Speaking of the stones that make up the castle. There is such a large variety and so many! Cobblestones, flat fascia stones, rough hewn tower stones with restraining metal bands, step stones and raw, unaltered foundation stones-some boulders. The castle sits upon a precipice of stone that the castle nestles into.

There are balconies, walkways, spiraling stairs with short railings, huge entry stone stairs, small stone-framed, multi-pane windows and doorways (I count 20).

A massive set of doors of wood with metal hinges is open revealing the crouched pumpkin on wooden legs and draped with vines. When the set is turned on the double door swings open and then shut as the pumpkin man comes from within. Above the door way is a light. Twin lights illuminate the heavy metal and wood, ten-pane windows on each side of the door.

Just right of the right window on the side of the castle is an alcove where a large electrical panel can be seen. It is filled with gauges and buttons along with power lines. A huge broken glass canister sits next to it, green ooze seeps from under it on to the stone floor.

The large second level of the castle has two mechanized and electrified transporter mechanisms with a large fly and a mad scientist in each. When activated the man and fly switch places in the heavy brass and metal transporter canisters as the triple blue light flicker.

In the middle of the castle is a large barred opening where two yellow eyes peer out, next to them is a chalkboard with schematics and calculations. Light flicker making the eyes look like they are opening and shutting-creepy! Above the eyes is an extended balcony where Dr. Dreadmoor’s library can be seen illuminated by lights.

Traveling upward in the middle of the high castle is another large opening covered by a gable roof. Three small round towers with four-pane windows decorate the upper portion.

On top of the heavy shingle roof is a platform with electrodes and wiring leading to a table holding a mummy-wrapped monster waiting for its next jolt of electricity. Turning on the power the monster is lowered and raised beneath two large metal doors that open and close.

To its right is a glass enclosed container of metal with green ooze inside. It is lit up. An eerie purple light fills in the gaps. Inside is a strange alien-like creature captured in the container’s ooze.

The chamber sits on a high tower. Part of the tower’s lower section is broken away. revealing a series of translucent tower conductors that glow.

Other features of the multi-tower unit include small vegetation and vines scattered on and about the castle. Decorative posters are near the entry way, a large centipede crawls on one of the windows. the roofs of the towers are purple wood and slat, Igor sits on the balcony on the left of the castle adjusting a glowing blue electrode, all the windows glow from inner lights, several spotlights are arranged around the entryways, a human skeleton sits next to main entryway sign, next to the sign is a Keep Out sign, the main door has large metal hinges and twin door knockers and metal railing sits beside the opening doors that reveal the mummy wrapped monster on the roof.

The units comes securely packed and strapped in a two-section form-fitted cardboard container inside a flip-lid box decorated with photos of the castle on all side. It’s an impressive Halloween display that kids, family, friends and visitors are sure to love.

The craftsmanship and imagination that went into the design of the castle is astounding. Graphic designers, artists, craftsmen, sculptors, package designers and printers-all of them did outstanding jobs creating and packaging the castle.

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.

Space Trek

Mankind has speculated and wondered about space as far back as ancient times.

For thousands of years man has peered into the night sky and imagined, “What’s out there?’

What if man could travel to the stars? What would be the benefits? Is it possible to travel to distant planets and survive? What would we find? Is there life out there?

These are just a few of the questions posed.

In Space Trek The Endless Migration authors Jerome Clayton Glenn and George S. Robinson examine what man has accomplished is space so far-from the early space capsules, to the Space shuttle, space stations, the journey to the Moon and the preparations to travel to Mars.

Is it possible? What is the cost both financially and socially? Will mankind also take conflict to the stars?

All are viable questions and need to be answered. The book, published by Stackpole Classics /The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc., provides some speculation, facts, photos and art examining the future of space travel and its lasting effects on mankind.

Deuteronomy 31:6Be 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.

Lion Trio 4

Three Mystery/Crime/Detective books for the price of one! Such a deal!

There is something alluring and compelling about the old Mystery/Crime/Detective books from the 1940s and 1950s.

The stories were real gut-wrenchers. There was no soft-peddling. There were bad guys and good guys-no blurring of the line between.

Sure, many followed a pretty set formula but if an author was good enough and if they really knew their chops they could use the formula to their advantage.

In Stark House Noir Classics' Lion Trio 4 three tales of Passion, Crime and Mystery set within the 1940s and 1950s grab you by the throat and won’t let go until you finish each tale.

In Act Of Violence, by Basil Heatter, ex-resistant fighter during World War II Tony has settled in New England with Eva.

Employed as ski instructor he has settled into his new profession but he still has a feeling of unease because he knows his past has made him a marked man.

He knows it, accepts it and expects his peaceful life to end violently one day-that is until he meets Lee, her brother and discovers a new reason to survive.

In Naked In The Dark by Paul Conant, the main character of the book is a little off-settling. Jim Stetson is a member of a movement that is dedicated to radical change. Eventually the group hopes to take over. Unfortunately a rival group has plans of their own and part of that plan is to see Jim dead.

They send their best ‘agents’ after him-all female. One-by-one they try to seduce him, persuade him or kill him. Will he survive the deadliest threat of all-seduction?

In My Gun, her Body by author Jeff Bogar, on a visit to a Florida town Jeff Bogar hopes to meet up with his old friend Mike McCullum-the only problem is-he’s nowhere to be found.

What Jeff does find is an abduction, a beating and near death.

He survives with a lust for revenge-with the help of Dinah. But is she a friend or a foe? Does her association with a local thug have anything to do with Mike’s disappearance?

Three tales-three tales of Intrigue, Suspense and Mystery. It’s good old-fashioned Crime and Mystery all wrapped up in a trio of stories. Embrace the dark and mysterious world of Crime Noir-there’s no telling what you might find in the shadows.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Star Trek Voyager Homecoming

After a long trip, a vacation, a business trip or an extended stay away from home it’s always a comfort to come home to familiar surroundings, friends and family.

Seven years-seven long years and the crew of Voyager, under the command of Captain Janeway, have come home after being trapped in the Delta Quadrant.

Voyager has arrived and most of the crew has left except for the command crew.

Just as they are about to disembark All of Voyager’s systems are taken over. The ship is hijacked along with her remaining crew. Masquerading as humans several Species 8472 have shanghaied the ship and crew in order to take Voyager back to the fluid universe of their species for judgment and preparations to invade Earth.

It’s up to Janeway and her crew to figure out how to stop the invasion and return home.

With the help of some unlikely comrades the Voyager crew face-off against Species 8472 in an all-out attempt to stop the invasion and return home.

Star Trek Voyager Homecoming, written by Susan Bridges and Tilly Bridges and artist Angel Hernandez, along with IDW Publishing, present the last exciting adventure for the crew of Voyager in a trade paperback collection of the 5-part mini-series.

It’s an exciting and unexpected, but perfectly logical, story of the returning crew of Voyager. With its compelling story, stellar art and gallery of covers it’s a Star Trek treat.

Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Dig!

Grab your shovel, dust off your compass, pack your bags and get ready to go on some high adventures to find and match long-lost treasures in Thames & Hudson boxed book/game Dig!

It’s up to gamers to reunite lost ancient treasures with their rightful owners.

Each player is given the chance to match two halves of ancient artifacts. But, as with all attempts to find hidden and lost treasures there are hidden dangers. Are you brave enough to accept the challenge and will you survive?

The boxed game/book includes three stacks of cards, a fold-out ancient treasure fact sheet and maybe, just maybe, a bit of luck. For ages five years old and up.

The entire game/book package is nicely designed with great art, easy-to-understand instructions and some challenging game play. Createdby by Eleni Kalorkoti.

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

Illustrated Catalogue Of Drawing Instruments

I love visiting art supply, office and craft stores to look at all the different types of drawing instruments for sale. 

Pencils, pens, compass sets, protractors, T-squares, triangles, templates-you name it-I can’t get enough of them.

Author John L. Lyles, RA’s and Astragal Press’s Illustrated Catalogue Of Drawing Instruments is jam-packed with photos and information about architect’s and engineer’s drawing instruments.

Besides being a full-color, photos guide the book also provides prices, manufacture information and much more.

I just love looking through its pages and examining all the drawing instruments that are both familiar and unfamiliar to me. There are so many items!

Marvel at the details, craftsmanship, engineering and manufacturing skill it took to create such accurate and precise drawing instruments.

You can’t help but be amazed at the sheer talent and precision that went into each piece.

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

Sakura Pavilion

I’ve always wanted to visit a Japanese pavilion-especially a pavilion surrounded by cherry trees in full bloom.

I’m not sure why. Maybe its the romanticism. Or perhaps the opportunity to visit another country and observe long-held traditions and a chance to visit the past.

Regardless, I think it would be so cool to walk up its steps, marvel at the incredible architecture and soak up the ambiance.

I can imagine myself under the shade of the pavilion’s overhanging roof, view some ancient ritual and smell the cherry blossoms.

Just look at the Rolife Sakura Pavilion’s setting among the twin, cherry blossom trees. Picture yourself walking on the upper or lower floor decks and marveling at the curved roofs, ancient steps, walkway railings and shuttered windows,

Examine the intricate details on the roof beams, floor slats, doorways and windows and the four-leg pedestal the pavilion rests upon.

Just feel the ancient spirits of the place and the centuries old traditions and rituals held within its walls.

It seems every time I look at any Rolife Kit once completed I keep finding more details. I am amazed at the attention to detail, 3D printing, color application, laser die-cutting and print quality.

Like with all of Rolife’s Kits be sure to have tweezers, a flat-head screwdriver, a pointed tool, a strong light, a magnifying device, liquid glue and a brush, an X-Acto knife and a lot of patience when assembling the Pavilion.

The Sakura Pavilion kit comes in a small box with a full-color photo of the Pavilion on its front. On the back of the box are recommendations and specs.

The kit is recommended for those 14 years old and older, consists of 235 pieces, requires no glue and should take about three hours to complete.

Inside the box are eight wooden slats in varying colors (browns and reddis, orange), Product Safety Instructions, an Icon Illustrations sheet and an Instruction sheet.

The Instruction sheet reminds me of the maps I used to get at garage stations. It folds out to a large size and like the maps presents a challenge to fold back to a smaller size. Boy, does that bring back memories!

The entire kit consists of wood and the various pieces that pop-out easily from their slats. Just follow the Instructions and never remove more parts than you need.

I suggest using a flat-head screwdriver to pop-out parts and tweezers to manipulate the smaller pieces.

The kit goes together easily but does require time, good eye-to-hand coordination and dexterity. I needed to use a magnifying glass for the smaller parts.

All the parts are numbered by slats and individual parts coinciding with the Instructions.

I started to build the kit and decided to wait until when my grand-kids come over so they can help me with it. Good family time.

Being as the kit consists of just wooden part slats it will be easier for them to help build it. Too many varying parts and they get confused. It should be fun.

For more photos and a video of the Pavilion click here. For other kits by Rolife click here and to see Robotime’s other kits by clicking here.

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