Bond Villains...The Book Of...Cars & Vehicles

It’s hard to believe that James Bond has been around over 60 years on film beginning with Doctor No.  In that time the character has developed a style, an interesting story, lots of excitement, a bevy of topnotch villains and driven a plethora of cool cars and vehicles.

Back in 2010 DK Books published released a number of small hardbound books celebrating the films of James Bond.

Each book contained black and white archival photos from the various James Bond films up until that point in time.

The Book Of Bond explores the life of James Bond and is much more personal than the other books in the series.

Readers learn about his style, his story and the exciting assignments he went on. Informative text provides concise and to the point information about every aspect of the superspy’s life.

In Bond Villains the bad guys are given their due.  Evil Genius, henchmen and their master plans are all detailed including their inevitable demise.  Look for Doctor No, Goldfinger and other memorable madmen.

Where would James Bond be without his fabulous cars, amazing vehicle and breakneck chases?

In Bond Cars & Vehicles readers travel along with Bond on all of his exciting and dangerous assignments.

I have three of the four books in the set by Alastair Dougal, Bond Girls is the one book I’m missing.

Psalm 118:24 (NIV) “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

Babe Ruth

Without a doubt Babe Ruth was one of the best baseball players in professional sports.  To commemorate his legend McFarlane Toys created a special Babe Ruth New York Yankees Cooperstown Collection Collector’s Edition 6-inch figure.

Although McFarlane Toys still produces the occasional professional sports action figures there was a time in the early 2000s when things were much different.

Todd McFarlane is a huge professional sports fan so it’s easy to understand why he chose to produce sport figures through his toy company.

At one time McFarlane Toy produced a plethora of sports figures that included baseball, football, basketball and hockey.

Figures included single carded figure, collectible boxed figures, figure sets, miniature full teams and more.

The McFarlane Toys Babe Ruth figure comes in a small, flip-open front lid display box with Babe Ruth figure photos on the front and sides and photos of other Cooperstown figures on he back.

On the inside of the lid is a short bio of Ruth and his career.  Encased behind a clear plastic viewing panels is the Ruth figure housed in a form-fitting plastic cocoon.

Ruth is clothed in a classic New York Yankees uniform with striped pants and shirt, small blue cap and knee stockings, low cut shoes and belt.

Included with the figure are a bat and a home base base that the figure attaches too.

The figure is posed as if striking a ball.

The figure’s features capture the look of Ruth and the sculpt work displays every wrinkle and fold in his uniform.

Paint application is first-rate with precise uniform lines, subtle tonal changes to the figure’s skin, texturing on the bat and base and the figure’s shoes, belt and stockings.

It's a striking figure the really captures the New York Yankees #3.

Job 19:25 (NKJV) “For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;”

Guardhouse Sentry Premium Toploader 3" x 4"

Trading cards are big business.  Sports or non-sports trading cards collectors take great pride in their collections and are very protective of their rare and valuable cards.

It’s important to have the proper protection for such cards.

That’s why Transline Supply Company has created its Guardhouse Sentry Premium Toploader 3" x 4" card sleeves.

Here's the link:
https://www.guardhouseholders.com/guardhouse-un-sentry-3x4-premium-toploader-20pt-cards-66 8397.aspx

Its durable and clear toploader sleeves make protection for trading cards safe and secure.

With their easy load tops with a slight lip in the back the toploader sleeves make sliding cards in and out easy and trouble free-no bumped edges or misalignments.

The 25 Pack comes in a plastic bag with an easy to open and close flap.

Card specs are:

OD: 102.7 x 76.6 mm
Thickness: Back 0.5mm/Front 0.4mm
Opening for 20 pt cards
Ultra-clear

While I am not a sports card collector I do have a rather large collection of autographed, special and rare non-sports cards.  Most are stored in plastic card boxes and sleeve pages.  I plan on taking my most valuable cards and placing them in the Sentry Premium Toploaders.

With their high quality construction, semi-flexible and easy to insert card design I’ll feel much more secure as to the safety and preservation of my prized cards. 

Psalm 19:1 (NKJV) “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Comics Scene Special #1

Long before the Internet was a thing, comic book collectors depended on magazines to get the latest news.

One of the premiere comic book themed magazines back in the 1980s was Comics Scene from Starlog.

Actor Christopher Reeves as Superman takes center stage on the cover of Comics Scene Special #1.

Inside John Byrne's Superman reboot is examined, the latest X-Men shenanigans are explored and Frank Miller introduces Lone Wolf and Cub.

See how the wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson was fairing and the Grey Hulk origin was revealed.

Other news included the Teenage Mutant ninja Turtles, Mike Grell’s Jon Sable, Mike Baron’s Punisher, Archie Goodwin, Cerebus, the Watchmen film, Stan Lee’s past, Will Eisner’s spirit, the live action Flintstones film, Jonny Quest, Adam West and much more.

It was a jam-packed issue all about comic book news in 1987.

1 Peter 5:6  (KJV) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”

Glamour Road

There was a time in America that cars (from all the manufacturers) were little more than cookie cutter copies of each other.  Truthfully, it’s hard to tell a Ford from a Chevy from a Chrysler to foreign cars.

While today’s cars are fuel efficient, aerodynamic, packed with extras including lots of safety feature and other goodies, cars manufactured in America in the 1940s to the 1970s had a certain style of their own.

When you bought a car back then it was easy to differentiate from a Ford, Chevy, etc.

Lots of chrome, fins, long bodies, big trunks, plenty of legroom, fancy interiors and a comfortable ride were what you expected in a car back then.  

Forget about gas mileage and the cost of fuel or maintenance, Americans longed for the open road, driving in style and most importantly: looking luxurious as they did so.

During the 1940s to the 1970s a curious phenomenon came about.

Car manufacturers took note that more and more women were entering the workplace, suburbia was on the rise and fashions, along with new gadgets around the house were all the rage.

What better way to sell more cars, especially to women, than by making cars more fashion centered, sleekly designed, luxurious and yes: glamorous?

In Glamorous Road, by Jeff Stork and Tom Dolle and published by Schiffer Books, readers learn all about the color, fashion, style and the mid-century automobile.

Pages are packed with archival photos, promotional material and examples of color swatches, fabric selections and the accessories that made designing autos for women so profitable.

Each of the major American car manufactures had their luxury models and all are showcased in retro-style complete with ads, historical text, interior and exterior photo shoots with gorgeous models in fabulous gowns and dresses and famous celebrities and much more.

Travel back in time when automobiles were more than just a means of transportation.  They were symbols of prestige, social status, fashion, glamour and were an intrical part of any modern home’s color, style and fashion. 

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

The Essential Bond

From Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan The Essential Bond book examines each and every facet of the James Bond world.

Bond started out in books by author Ian Fleming.  His first screen appearance was on a TV anthology series adaptation of Casino Royale.  

James was renamed Jimmy and he was an American.

It is remarkable that the stories of a British secret agent could generate so much fan fervor and loyalty.  For someone who is supposed to be undercover spy James Bond has had more worldwide exposure than most public figures.

While different actors have imbued James with a variety of personality traits he is, despite his glamorous surroundings and accouterments, a licensed assassin.

In the James Bond books by Ian Fleming, James is tough, resilient, resourceful and deadly.

The Essential Bond The Unauthorized Guide To The World Of 007, by Lee Pfeiffer and Dave Worrall and published by Harper Entertainment, features photos of Connery and Brosnan on its cover.

Each authorized Bond movie from Dr. No to Tomorrow Never Dies is given full coverage.

Besides a complete movie breakdown each film expose mentions the production and cast, behind-the-scenes occurrences, marketing, gadgets, locations, box office draws and much more

Black and white photos from each film, candid shots and merchandise and collectibles are also showcased.

Look for posters, product tie-ins, a list of the 007 film personnel, behind the scenes tidbit, the literary James Bond, other spy movies and the unofficial Bond films.

It’s a jam-packed book 007 extravaganza that is filled with 007 facts and more.

Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” 

My Brother Richard

Richard Bicknell, my half brother, passed away just over a month ago.  He was the last of my siblings.  He lived to be 80 years old, beating both of my other half brothers, Dallas and Jim, who passed away at 78 years old.

We used to kid about it.  He was bound and determined to reach 80.

Their wives also passed away, leaving only my nephews and nieces and their children.

I moved away from Michigan in 1973 and have been living in Florida since then, with a brief two-years spent in Texas.

Richard was the closest to me in age.  I’m 69.  Over the past 15 years or so we’d grown especially close.  I visited him several times over the years. The last time was not quite two years ago.

While visiting we talked about our lives, families, faith and final destination.

Rich was saved, as am I. We agreed that that when our time came we wanted no big fanfare-just a simple family goodbye and cremation.  

Rich told me not to attend his funeral, as he preferred to say his goodbye in person.  Somehow I knew that the last time I saw him, it would be the last. I believe he did too.

His family gave him a memorial. I did not attend, per his wishes.

His eldest son, Rick, contacted me and told me that they sold his father’s house and was in the process of going through his things.

He told me that my brother wanted to make sure that I received a few items from him that I would appreciate.  Just like Rich to think of others first.  This review/tribute is about him and the items he sent.

Rich knew I was a big Star Trek fan.  He made sure my nephew would send me two pewter Star Trek Enterprises: one from the original series and one from Enterprise.  Also included was a small original series plastic Enterprise and large Enterprise in a snow glob that lights up.

Both of the pewter Enterprises come on swinging displays with sound chips of quotes from each series.

I won’t take the time to go into a great deal of detail about the miniature ships other than to say they are accurate to the ships and are pretty cool to look at.

I have them displayed in a place of honor in my mancave.

My nephew also sent me a framed picture of my three brothers and three of just Rich along with his voter I.D. Card.

I miss my brothers.  Rich was the last and I couldn’t have asked for a better brother or friend.  We kept in touch over the years and called each other almost every week.

This last year was pretty rough.  His health declined and I know he was in a great deal of pain.  I’m so glad that he was saved and now resides in heaven with his savior and is reunited with his two brothers, mom and other relatives and friends.

This is not good-bye, rather it’s “I’ll see you later.”

Love you Rich and thanks for being there.  

John 14:6 (NKJV) “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Toyer and Skullboy

 

Are you ready for a little skullduggery?  I am and there’s no bones about it!

Get ready for some skeletal shenanigans with Toy2R’s The Mighty Skullboy Army from Dark Horse and Toyer 8-Inch Diamond Previews Exclusive Vinyl Figure.

It’s rib-tickling funny bone fun.

The Mighty Skullboy Army comes packaged in a decorative small rectangular box with clear plastic front viewing panel.

Inside Skullboy leers out with his two large black eyes with white iris.

His bony white head is bald with a black nose, no ears and large teeth.

He wears a black bowtie, cream colored jacket with two buttons, a white shirt, cream pants and black boots with cream soles.

The figures stands with hands on its hips with a look of indignity on its face.  

Toyer 8-Inch Diamond Previews Exclusive Vinyl Figure also comes in a small rectangular box with clear viewing panel.  It head is a skull with large sharp upper jaw teeth (there is no lower jaw) and solid black eye holes and nose.

His entire body is white including his griper hands and toeless feet.

He wears a pair of blue overalls with three white buttons, belt loops and pocket.

Included with figure is an aqua colored cell phone with light green buttons.

Both figures are vinyl, smooth with no rough edges, nicely colored with clean crisp paint lines with no slopover and downright adorable.

Job 19:25 (NKJV) “For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;”

Marvel Collectors’ Item Classics #1

Have you ever found yourself wanting some of the early Marvel Comics?  Most are far out of range when it comes to price.  Have you seen what early Marvel Comics are going for!?

Way back in 1965 Stan lee realized that finding, let alone affording, classic Marvel Comics would soon prove to be difficult and expensive.

How right he was!

Since back in 1965 comic books were primarily found on magazine racks, the chances of finding early issues after the magazines were switched out was nearly impossible.

So, the ever-loving’ Marvel Bullpen decided to reprint many of the early classic Marvel stories.

It was a great deal with four complete tales for a mere 25 cents.

In issue #1 of the King-Size Bulletin Book Marvel Comic book fans got reprints of The Fantastic Four #2, The Amazing Spider-Man #3, Tales To Astonish #36 and Journey Into Mystery #97.

I can remember having each of the issues back in the 1960s.  Of course back then comic books were a disposable form of entertainment.  No one thought they would become the high price collectibles they are today.

I recently traded a toy for issue #1 of Marvel Collectors’ Item Classic and it was fun looking through the old stories.

Ironically issue #1 is now considered a collectible and sells for around $35 for a near mint Raw copy and a whooping $110 for a near mint Slabbed copy.  Unbelievable!

Colossians 3:23 (KJV) “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;’

Upcoming!! Diamond Previews, April 2022

Crisis On Infinite Earths #2

The DC Comic Books Universe was forever altered and redefined in the massive maxi-series Crisis On Infinite Earths back in the mid-1980s.

Marv Wolfman wrote the epic and who else but the artist known for group book: George Perez drew it.

Issue #2 of the series may not be as well known as issues #7 and #8 (the death of Supergirl and the Flash) but it is important nonetheless.

George provided a spectacular cover as always and his interior was some of the finest he’s ever done.

He is well known for his group comic books and Crisis On Infinite Earths pushed his talent to the edge.

While the first issue of the maxi-series was printed in a new experimental technique that left the colors washed out and blurry the second issue and the remaining issues were printed in the traditional way.

Issue #2 delved into the disruption of time in the multi-universe. The Monitor explained the threat of the Anti-Monitor, the Flash warned Batman and The Great disaster, Lyra followed the Monitor’s instruction, the baby Lex Luthor was discovered and Harbinger came face to face with the Psycho Pirate.

Heroes and villains from all the alternate Earths converged as the forces of the anti-Monitor readied for the arrival of their master‘s arrival.

It’s a jam-packed issue filled with dozens of characters from all times and dimensions.

Remarkably George was able to give each character an individual look not just physically but by the way their bodies moved and posed.

Get ready, for the party is about begin!

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Rick And Morty The Complete Seasons 1-5

Five, count them, five whole seasons of Rick And Morty the animated TV series starring a genius, alcoholic grandpa and his naive, gullible grandson.

But they’re not your ordinary grandpa and grandson-they are the time-traveling, space-faring, dimension hoping, duo that go on some the wildest, most outrageous, dangerous, hilarious and mind-blowing adventures ever imagined.

Join Rick And Morty through five full seasons of episodes that are definitively not meant for kids and liberally spiced with foul language and questionable antics and uncensored content.

Space monsters, evil doppelgangers, alien races, and more greet you in each episode.   Rick and Morty are joined by their dysfunctional family, weird friends and crazy creatures as they manage to mess up the universe, time, space and just about anything else they can get their hands on.

Warner Bros. presents the entire five season collection with it’s Adult Swim Blu-ray/Digital Code Rick and Morty Complete Season 1-5.

Extras include an exclusive poster, commentaries, deleted scenes, featurettes and more.  Reality just got a boot in the rear!

Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”

Marvel Universe

Back in 2020 Marvel Comics released a free magazine dubbed Marvel Universe.  It showcases some of the new titles expected to be released that year.

Each title ties into the Empyre! storyline.

Look for character conceptual designs, weapon schematics, Empyre art, a gallery of classic Marvel Comics that led up to Empyre, an Empyre Checklist and spotlights on each Marvel title tied into the Empyre storyline.

Free preview art from various titles are shred as well as other goodies. 

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Hidden Arsenal: Chapter 1

Over ten years!  That’s how long it’s been since Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Hidden Arsenal began. In Hidden Arsenal: Chapter 1 historic Cards from the first four Hidden Arsenal sets can be obtained, but like they’ve never been seen before!

Gamers can learn the history and story behind Hidden Arsenal.

Just look at some of the goodies you get:

Freezing Chains with even more “Ice Barrier” Cards.
New “Fabled” Cards that were featured in Blazing Vortex!
“Dragunity” cards from the Hidden Arsenal era.

Each Hidden Arsenal: Chapter 1 Box contains:

1 Secret Rare Card
6 Duel Terminal Technology Ultra Rare Cards
2 Duel Terminal Technology Common Cards
28 Standard Common Cards
1 Hidden Arsenal Storyline Insert
1 Special Collectible Dice

1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Jessica Priest & Mr. Obersmith

Beauty and the beast.  It’s a term many people are familiar with.  But in the case of McFarlane Toys’ Jessica Priest & Mr. Obersmith action figures it’s no tale of unrequited love or a Disney animated movie.

In this case beauty is far more deadly than any beast, especially when the beast is a slave to the beauty.

As part of McFarlane Toys Curse Of The Spawn series of toys the Jessica Priest & Mr. Obersmith two figure set is an amazing bit of sculpting, design and paint application.

Mr., Obersmith (the beast) swivels at the waist and has an arm span over 9-inch wide.

Jessica comes dressed in shredded gray fabric that covers her chest, inner shoulders, waist and hip area.  Shreds of cloth cling to her legs and arms, forearms, thighs, ankles and upper feet.

She has red hair, blue eyes, deep red lips and earthen decorations around her eyes.  Several bloody cuts are all over her body.  Included with Jessica is a handgun with scope, barrel extension and elongated clip.  

She can also hold a long real metal chain that attaches to Mr. Obersmith's spiked neck collar.

The Mr. Obersmith figure is a huge, partially articulated and primarily light brown in color.

It’s face look like a twisted hairless and earless dog with huge teeth jutting from and through its jaws.  

The skin of the creature is stretched and pulled over its jutting skeletal structure.  It is so thin that the muscle strands can be seen along with large patches of cluttered circular patches of skin.

Both arms are long and have bone protrusions from the elbows, clawed three finger hands and are articulated at the shoulders and wrists.

The creature is bent over making the huge bony spikes that jut from its spin clearly visible.  Articulation is at its waist.

The spikes continue to the back of its hips.

Its tremendously powerful and muscled legs bend at the knees.  Articulation is at the hip joints.

The lower legs look more animal than human with their unusual turn back at the heel and long clawed and three toe feet.

Color variation is nicely done with lighter and darker patches of brown and a light application of black that looks wiped away producing deep grooves in the creatures wrinkled skin.

The figures come displayed in a a form fitting clear plastic cocoon inside a fully open plastic bubble on a card that can be both hung and set flat for display.

1 John 4:8 (NIV)”Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Fantasy & Science Fiction #760, March/April 2022

 

The Day The Earth Stood Still: Gort

To me the breakaway star of the classic 1950s (and modern remake) science fiction movie The Day The Earth Stood Still, was Gort the Robot.

How cool is a giant robot that can emit killer destructive beams from its eyes and destroy tanks, weapons and anything else it sets its sight on?

Gort stood about seven feet tall and was solid metal with his only distinctive feature being his eye visor that rose to reveal his energy emitting eyes.

The Gort Rocket USA figure comes packaged in a 1950s style box with large graphics, huge type and slightly toned down color as produced by printing presses at that time.  

They all combine to give the flip lid box with securing tab a very retro, classic look.

Inside the inside front panel of the lid has a short description of Gort with a small illustration of him coming out of the flying saucer.  The Gort figure is secured in two piece form-fitting plastic cocoon and can be clearly seen behind a single clear plastic panel

The figure comes with a wind up key that inserts in the figure’s side.  A few turns and once placed on a flat surface the figure walks.

The Gort figure is made of metal, is silver in color and looks like a slightly down-scaled replica of the famous robot.

Like its movie’s namesake the toy has straight legs and arms, a huge chest and an equally large head.

A flip up visor reveals the transparent death ray emitter of its eyes.  A simple turn causes the visor to lower or rise.

The Gort figure reminds me of the post war Japanese toys so popular in the 1950s and early 1960s-right down to the clipped seams and sectional pieces.

On the back of the box is schematic of Gort as seen from all sides.

Psalm 118:24 (NIV) “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

It’s Time To Take a Stand

I’ve always been a very compliant person.  I never caused waves, avoided conflict and pretty much shied away from any hard decisions.

No more.  Today I made a terrible mistake. I sluffed off my responsibility as a husband and a father and shifted the responsibility (and blame) onto my wife for an incident I should have handled.

It was wrong and after apologizing to my wife I came to the conclusion (prompted by God I'm sure) to stop with the wimpiness and take a stand and state my mind, regardless of the consequences.

It’s something I have to do if I want to live with myself and to ever have an iota of self-respect.  I owe it to my family, friends and especially to God to do so.

So here goes.  It’s time to state a few of my beefs come hell or high water.

I detest the whole Wokeness and political correctness agendas foisted upon society.  Just because I disagree with some people does not mean I am a racist, homophobic or believe myself better than others.  I can no more change other people’s beliefs than they can change mine.

I believe the people in charge of our Federal Government; specifically the president, vice president and many of their associates are woefully unprepared, unqualified and inept at their jobs.  They seem totally out of touch with average American citizens and their needs and concerns.

It’s almost like common sense has flown out the window.  Does the Federal Government even know what a balanced budget is and that you don’t spend more than you make?  

Inflation is out of hand.  The cost of living is destroying families.  When are we going to see politicians address the real issues instead of their own political agendas?  Compromise is not a bad word.

I apologize to no one for my Conservative views.  I respect other people’s views and I expect to be respected in turn.  I certainly don’t hate people for their views or lifestyles.  I agree to disagree-period.

I am a senior citizen, male, white American and quite frankly I’m fed up with being blamed for everything.  Everyone screams about his or her rights.  What about mine?  Am I not allowed to state my views?  What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

I am a Christian. I love God, my family, my country and others--even those that consider themselves my enemy.  I don’t want anyone to spend eternity in hell.  God loves them just as much as he loves me-period.

No one better mess with my family or friends-you won’t like the outcome.

As far as my blog and other social media sites go:

I am fed up with companies refusing to send review samples and instead expect me to review their products from press releases, photos, PDFs or streaming videos.

Would you ask a food critic to review food from a photo?

I’ve been reviewing products for 30 years.  I have the volumes of reviews to prove it-thousands of reviews-both printed and online.

I absolutely loath most YouTube review sites-especially those about pop culture collectibles.  Most only talk about the ‘hottest’ products and their worth.  And it’s not just YouTube-Facebook, Twitter and other sites are just as guilty.

Few (very few) get into the meat and bones of any particular product.

Enough with the, “Golly, gee, isn’t that a cool product?”  I’m not interested in seeing pretty pictures-I want to know the content, context and substance of a product.

Why is that most YouTube review sites that offer little more than fluff get all of the attention and products to review?  Large traffic numbers do not necessarily mean the content is being viewed. Trust me when I say that numbers can be faked-there are apps and programs that will do just that.

I’ve been writing reviews a long time as I previously stated.  You would think with all those years under my belt I’d get a little respect. 

And another thing, how do certain individuals get off expecting to be paid because they show videos of their daily lives?  Talk about living vicariously through someone else!

So, the bottom line is, if you are a publisher, studio or manufacturer and if you want to see reviews of your products-send products.  Don’t expect me to promote your products if you’re not willing to send products to me.

I love writing reviews. Obviously, I’ve been doing it for decades.  Has it ever occurred to anyone that longevity and experience counts for something?

If you want a review that dissects your product, tells consumers what to expect and includes some personal observations from my years of experience (I’m 69 years old) then I’m the guy to provide it.

I appreciate those companies that do send product.  You're what keeps me going.  I offer any and all manufacturers, companies and publishers the opportunity to have their products reviewed honestly, thoroughly and professionally  It’s up to you.

The Posh: Planner Undated Monthly/Weekly Calendar

I have to say that The Posh Planner Updated Monthly Calendar from Andrews McMeel Publishing is the perfect planner for me.

For one thing, there are no pre-printed dates-just days!  I know that sounds odd, but I am already using a planner with dates.  

When the Posh Planner came in I was pleasantly surprised that it had no dates.  That means I can use it when my other planner is filled.

There's nothing worse than a planner or calendar that has dates out of date.

Designed for the more serious minded professional (that’s me) it has a study and heavy paper stock cover and a subdued floral design with pink foil accents-very subtle.

The spiral bound trendy planner (with a convenient pocket and reinforced monthly tabs) is the perfect organizational tool featuring customizable 12 monthly spreads and 52 weekly pages.

I love it!  It’s the perfect size, rugged, easy to use and organize, attractive and a great planner for setting goals, notes, things to do, big ideas, contacts, celebrations, anniversaries, habit trackers and it includes stickers and a removable product tab.  

1 Corinthians 15:55 (NIV) “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

Showcase 94 #1 The Joker

You know wherever the Joker shows up there is bound to be trouble. In DC Comics' Showcase 94 #1 The Joker (The New Gods, Gunfire) is no exception.  

Several stories make up the collection.  One features the Joker in a slightly different origin tale.

Gunfire fights a villainess with ultimate power on her mind and Metro and Orion of The New Gods star in a tale of the Wall of Souls.

Kevin Nowlan provides the outrageous Joker cover.

Joe White wakes up from a fever dream in an strange alien city.  In his dream he was the Joker battling against the Batman.

The dreams get worse and after waking up from another horrible nightmare he decides to take on the persona of the Joker.  Later he encounters the real monstrous Joker and a different sort of Batman.

Metron observes as Orion is beguiled by a golden skin beauty who tricks him into taking her place on the Wall of Souls only to have him escape and find herself forever trapped.

The Oblivion Front is hell bent on revenge and Gunfire faces as foe as powerful and resourceful as himself.

Three different tales-all of them spotlight individual DC characters in unusual situations.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Lieutenant Eddie Rickenbacker

There are heroes and then there are legendary heroes. Lieutenant Eddie Rickenbacker was one such legendary hero.

During World War I Rickenbacker distinguished himself with his bravery, command decisions and dedication to his duty and men.

It was during WWI that technology made war even more horrible and destructive.

Taking place during the height of the Industrial Age much of the war was waged using new technology.

Machine guns, tanks, flamethrowers, mines, hand grenades and mustard gas were just a few of the new ways to kill enemy soldiers in masse.

Traditional mounted infantry and outdated weapons were soon replaced with more advanced and deadly killing machines and methods.

Often men would stake out for months in trenches separated by killing fields as troops fought back and forth over the same plot of land only to wind up no further advanced than when they first started.

Unlike most of  his officer contemporaries Eddie Rickenbacker did not come from a wealthy or affluent family.  He was a true blue collar worker and he approached his military service without the pomp and circumstance of his fellow officers.

He started out as a chauffeur of an officer and managed to convince his superior to let him join the new Air Force.

In a short amount of time he gained his wings and became a pilot.

His aerial combat became the stuff of legends and his willingness to get the job done, his loyalty to his men and his perseverance in the most difficult of situations made him one the war’s greatest heroes.

Sideshow Collectibles created a 12-iinch fully articulated figure of Eddie Rickenbacker a number of years ago as part of its Bayonets & Barbed Wire Collectible Figure line.

The figure comes in Sideshow’s standard flip lid box with archival photos of Eddie on its cover against a WWI battlefield background.

Additional full color photos of the enclosed figure are on the sides and back.

A bio of Eddie accompanies the two figures of Eddie on the back while a short history of the war and his involvement text piece is on the inside of the flip lid.

The figure and accessories are displayed behind a clear plastic panel and are held in place by a clear plastic cocoon and plastic strap.

A circular base and wire stand are included for posing the figure.

A piece of tissue paper covers the clear panel to prevent scrubbing.

Accessories and clothing includes:

US Officer’s Tunic With Officer Bars and Pilot’s Wings (with multiple pockets and fold-over flaps with buttons and cuffed collar also with buttons and buttons down the front)

US Officer’s Breaches (upper large legs sections with double thickness reinforced knee patches and tapered cuffs that fit in the green leg wrappings)
 
US Officer’s Trenchcoat (light tan with two front flap pockets, cinch belt with buckle and large collar)

US Officer’s Belt (brown leather with a gold buckle and shoulder strap)

Scarf (white silk)

Overseas Cap (tapered with fold up sides)

US Officer’s Map Case (tan burlap with twin snaps)

Map (extremely detailed topographical map on light tan paper)

All of the accessories are highly detailed and historically correct in their recreation.

Eddie’s hands are gloved and preset for holding the various objects.

The figure’s facial features look exactly like Rickenbacker with his short-cropped brown hair, heavy eyebrows, bright blue eyes, sharp long nose and broad smile with pearly white teeth.  Facial coloration is varied to emulate actual flesh tones.

It’s an impressive historically accurate figure loaded with details.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Television Shows That Changed Our Lives

There are TV shows and then there are THE TV shows.

What do I mean by that?

Literally thousands of TVs shows have come and gone over the decades on American TV.

But, there is a handful that changed how we saw TV.  Comedies, Mysteries, Science Fiction and several other genres that remain in our consciousness sometimes decades after they’ve gone off the air.

The book breaks down the series by decades and also focuses on fads during those decades such as big shoulders in women's attire or the nostalgia of the 1950s, etc.

Each of the shows are given a photos and text examination of its stars, major storylines and the impact they had on the viewing audience and society.

There are Crowd Pleasers, Game Changers, Cult Classics, Fashion, Guilty Pleasures, Moments, That's So ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s and My, My, My Generation Sections.

Loaded with black and white and color photos the magazine travels the decades in a delightful excursion down TV Memory Lane with Television Shows That Changed Our Lives courtesy of People Specials. 

Psalm 91:11 (NKJV) ^“For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.”

Buffy Summers

When Sideshow Toys (Collectibles) first acquired the Buffy The Vampire Slayer 12-inch action figure license the figures were housed in clear plastic front and side display boxes.

This is the original Buffy as seen in the TV series-not the vampire version or other versions.

This is Buffy in all of her vampire hunting glory.

Buffy’s face has multi-hue paint application giving the facial features a more natural look.  

Sculpting of the face from Buffy’s large blue eyes, small straight nose, slightly pursed lips and long blond hair drawn back over her shoulders are perfect matches to the real Buffy as seen on TV.

The figure is delicate and small with a slight build, pres-positioned hands and long legs.

It wears a black leather rain slicker/jacket with a large collar, twin vertical side pockets and cuff less sleeves.  Buffy also wears a blue/gray collarless shirt, black skinny jeans and black short top boots.  She has a silver ring on her left middle finger.

Included with the figure is a cobblestone base on a sandy section of soil with small protrusions that fit into the bottom of the figure’s feet so it can stand.

Two wooden stakes, an ancient wooden crossbow with string, metal tipped arrow and leather strap and a large wooden bound Vampyre book are also included.

Details on the accessories are crisp and sell done-especially the crossbow with its handle, bow and trigger mechanism.

Overall it is an excellent figure with some pretty impressive extras.

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The Matrix Resurrections

Keanu Reeves and his fellow cast members from the original The Matrix film trilogy return in The Matrix Resurrections now on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code from Warner Bros.

Reality versus illusion-that’s the dichotomy of The Matrix.

The Matrix fans know what the original films were about and a final resolution was accomplished-or was it?

What happens when the original The Matrix rebels regain their memories and discover that it is now 60 years later and that they are very much a part of the new The Matrix created to aid humans and to keep the original Matrix captive?

Unfortunately there are still those programs who wish to resurrect the old The Matrix and so it up to Neo (Reeves) and his reunited rebels (and an old enemy) to stop it.

With a plethora of twists and turns, unexpected events and a truly mind-blowing script The Matrix Resurrections continues The Matrix franchise and sets the established storyline on its computer generated ear.

Some critics claim that Resurrections has crippled the original Trilogy.  But when reality and illusion clash nothing is set in stone.

Also included are several special features.

James 2:26 (NKJV) “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Doc Frankenstein #1

Have you ever came across a comic book that was firing on all cylinders: the writing, art, coloring and content clicked.  Consisting of a completely unique work the comic book looks as if it had everything going for it and yet (sadly) it was cancelled.

Doc Frankenstein from BurlyMan Comics was one such comic book series.

Horror and movie fans are familiar with the Frankenstein story by Mary Shelley.

In the comic book Doctor Frankenstein brings back to life a hodgepodge of human parts.

The reborn monster is tormented and angry with his creator.  Ultimately Doctor Frankenstein dies at the monster’s hand.

Despondent, broken and alone the monster wanders off into the frozen wastelands and disappears.  End of story-or so it seems.

In Doc Frankenstein the Frankenstein monsters saves a young Eskimo girl from a bloodthirsty Abominable Snowman.

The Eskimo villagers treat him as a hero and at that moment the monster finds his true purpose-to protect the weak and innocent and to fight evil in all it various forms.

As time passes he becomes an Old West lawman.  After shooting the son of a notorious outlaw seeking revenge for his father’s death Doc Frankenstein reevaluates his purpose and from then to now he intensifies his fight against danger and injustice but with a more compassionate attitude.

If that were only true to those who believe he is an abomination.  A certain worldwide church zealous in their mission to stop him and his kind launch an all-out attack on the peaceful mega-city he has created over the decades.

And that's just the first issue.

Geof Darrow and artist Steve Skroce created the series (Skroce drew it) and The Wachowski brothers (remember them as the creatures and directors of Matrix?) wrote it.

It some of Skroce’s best work.  Lavishly illustrated and colored the series only lasted a few issues but are well worth picking them up if you can find them.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Adventure Time Distant Lands

The Adventure Time gang is back in four spectacular adventures.

In BMO, BMO’s trip to Mars is interrupted when an extraterrestrial bumps his spaceship off course and lands him on a mysterious space station.  Exploring the space station BMO realizes something is wrong and enlisting the aid of Y5 the rabbit they manage to save the day and the station.

In Obsidian, Glassboy finds himself on a quest to find a legendary hero after a dragon breaks free from under the Glass Kingdom.  Marceline the Vampire Queen and Princess Bubblegun join Glassboy and his new friends to stop the dragon.

Finn returns and recruits some old friends, rivals and his brother to stop a snake-headed tyrant.  But will his brother help one last time in Together Again?

Peppermint Butler starts all over at Wizard School.  But when events cast suspicions on him he must master the mystic arts to prove his innocence in Wizard City.

Adventure Times Distant Lands, an HBOMax original and from Warner Bros. arrives on Blu-ray.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”