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.

 

Rolife DIY Music Box- Sakura Dreamy Tour

My mom used to have an old music box that was also a jewelry box. Every time she opened the lid a little ballerina would pop out and begin to twirl accompanied by music. I thought it was cool.

With today’s modern technology and electronics music boxes have evolved into some truly astounding mechanical and musical marvels.

Rolife’s DIY Music Box Sakura Dreamy Tour is more than just a music box. First off it looks like a small portable radio with knobs and rabbit ear antenna.

The entire assembly comes in a heavy-gauge cardboard box with a flip-lid with tabs. A slip-on sleeve covers most of the box. The sleeve has a full-color photo of the Music Box Sakura Dreamy Tour on its front with an age appropriate symbol (14+), numbers of parts (283), a lighting symbol, no glue necessary (although I always keep some on hand) and a DIY symbol.

On the back of the sleeve are more specs, photos, material used (MDF board, Paper) and an electronic diagram for the lights, music and train mechanism.

Inside the box are a sizable selection of slats, sandpaper, stickers, colorful paper pop-outs, two bags of electronic components, a flathead screwdriver, a bag for the antenna, base and framework, a reset plastic sleeve with alcove holding the motor, music box and more framework parts, a Product Safety Instruction booklet, an Icon Illustration guide and instruction manual.

The Music Box Sakura Dreamy Tour screen is actual a 3D depiction of a street car, on rails, traversing a circular cherry tree lined lane. Turn on the mechanism using the switch on the front, turn up the pleasant music and the little street can traverses the train in a circle passing by the cherry trees in the center. It’s very pastoral with the various trees and landscape all around it backed up by a blue sky in the background. Very clever.

The 3D kit when assembled looks like a small pink (with legs) radio with an on and off button and volume control. It also has antenna made of metal mounted on a beige circular base.  A small open viewing area can be seen from the top.

The front of the radio, framed in green, is a scene of a small cable car surrounded by cherry blossom trees, The trolley is green and yellow with an overhead storage rack, doors and two sets of blue trimmed, eight-pane windows, twin front windows, and handrails. The trolley sets on train tracks.

The track curves to the right past a three-level platform where a cherry blossom tree, roped off areas and a yellow and black warning stand.

In front of trolley to its left is a signal light shining red, fenced off flowers and two more trees. In the background there is blue sky, rolling hills and more trees.

It’s a remarkably realistic looking scene that tricks the eyes to see distances on almost a flat surface.

Parts pop out of the various slats, edges are clean and crisp, colors pop and assembly is easy if you follow the numbered parts instructions, use only the parts as you need them in the assembly process and are be careful not to lose any small parts.

I suggest having tweezers, and X-Acto blade and handle, a small flathead screwdriver, some sort of magnifying device, liquid glue and a pointed tool for small parts. Take your time, review the kit contents and enjoy the process.

The Music Box Sakura Dreamy Tour is a little more complicated than most Rolife kits so carefully follow the instructions especially when it comes to the music, motor and lighting specifications.

Full photos of the Sakura Music Box along with a video can be seen by clicking here. Other products by Rolife can be seen here and other products by Robotime can be viewed by clicking here.

Prepare yourself for delightful trip accompanied by music in a charming recreation of a trolley car journey among the cherry trees.

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.

Glamour, Gidgets, And The Girl Next Door

As the youngest of four brothers I was pretty much raised as a only child by the time I was five years old. All of my brothers had married and moved out. My father died when I was four and my mother, an invalid, managed to feed and shelter us with only the money from Social Security and Aid To Dependent Children. We were poor, but not destitute.

Having no father figure I tended to watch a lot of TV especially in the 1950s, 1960s and a smidgen in the 1970s.

Many of my views on the world derived on what I saw on TV-including what constituted a woman.

I adored many of the women on TV at that time-they were all my ‘dream girl’. It didn’t matter if they were demure, devilish or delightfully different.

I wasn’t alone in my views. During those decades women were often stereotypical and didn’t really change much until the 1970s. There were a few exceptions-but not many.

In Glamour, Gidgets, And The Girl Next Door by author Herbie J. Pilato and Taylor Trade Publishing/Rowman & Littlefield, readers are invited to look at television’s iconic women from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

They’re all here: Sally Field, Goldie Hawn, Elinor Donahue, Patty Duke, Donna Douglas, Barbara Feldon, Julie Newmar and dozens more in this delightful romp down Memory Lane stopping along the way to revisit some of TV’s classic series.

Each show they starred in, their careers, family life, facts and so much more fun information is contained in this wonderful nostalgic examination of some of the most glamorous female TVs stars of all time.

This book brings back so many memories and with the full-color photos of most of the female stars this small hardbound book is a real treasure trove of TV shows at their best.

Luke 23:43 - And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Legendary Modern Decks 2026 1st Edition

What’s rectangular and black with varnished black highlights and silver images? Why Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Legendary Modern Decks 1^st Edition of course! Duh!

Legends live in this brand new Deck Set that is sure to have every YGO gamer rushing to the store to grab a Box.

This Set packs some serious punch as three Legends live again in a no-holds barred battle for the supremacy of the YGO game battleground!

Just look what you get:

• Three new Legendary Decks: Sky Strikers, X-Sabers and Misurugi.
• New Sky Striker Ace – Camellia, Prototype Sky Engage Zero!
• Combine Mitsurugi with other themes like “Fiendsmith”, “Ryzeal”, “Orcust”, and more Three complete, ready-to-play Decks, each with 55 Cards .
• 1 Secret Rare, 6 Ultra Rares, 48 Commons.
• A bonus 56th Card.
  A bonus chance to upgrade to Starlight Rare.
• Tournament-ready.
• Doubles and triples of critical Cards.
• Multiples of staple Cards that go great in any Deck.
• Contains 168 cards:
• 3 Secret Rares
• 18 Ultra Rares
• 144 Common
• 3 bonus Secret Rares

Let the Legends show you how it's done!

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.