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Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Beware Of Traptrix

Yu-Gi-Oh! gamers be careful, be very careful-it could be a trap or worse yet a trick.

Worst of all it’s a Traptrix.

Konami’s newest Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Structure Deck Beware Of Traptrix is guaranteed to keep gamers on their toes, minds alert and ready for anything-and I mean anything!

They may look cute, cuddly and harmless but one step too close and you’re lunch-literally!

Plants and insects have a taste for flesh. Only the Traptrix Monsters’ Hole Trap Cards can stop the carnivorous mini-monsters from dueling. And then it’s feast time as the hunters becomes the prey-time to chow down!

It’s duel, trap, trick and feast in Beware Of Traptrix.

Look at what you get in the Structure Deck: Beware Of Traptrix Set:

  • 5 Ultra Rares
  • 3 Super Rares
  • 38 Commons
  • 1 Double-sided Deluxe Game Mat/Dueling Guide
"Throw all your anxiety onto Him, because He cares about you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Special Effects In Films And Television

The title says it all! Digital, optical and practical effects have come a long way in the movie and TV industries.

Looking back over the decades when special effects were first introduced they were crude, cheap and almost comical.

Not any more. Special effects have become such a critical part of the movie and TV industries that even in films and TV shows audiences would not expect special effects, they are present-form digital backgrounds, explosions, etc.

In Special Effects In Films and Television, by Jake Hamilton and published by DK Books, the secrets behind special effects are exposed starting from their infancy.

Before any special effects are created for film or TV the stories that are told must be first planned out.

From there the special effects wizards do their magic.

Every type of special effect is covered in the book form camera effects, matte painting, blue/green screens, space, stop motion animation, audio animatronics, miniatures, make up, flight, computer generated and more are covered in detail complemented by full color art and photos.

As special effects become more sophisticated what can movie and TV viewers expect in the future-virtual characters?

The possibilities are endless. soon the line between reality and make believe will almost be completely irradiated.

 "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." — Psalm 56:3

Thursday, February 23, 2023

American Rivals Of James Bond

When the James Bond movie Dr. No, hit movie theaters in the United States in 1962, it was an instant hit. 

Add that to the fact that Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels were President John Kennedy’s favorite series of books and James Bond’s popularity skyrocketed.

It seemed like James Bond was everywhere: toys, liquors, fashion, watches, cologne’s-every imaginable type of merchandise.

Never one to let a fad go to waste, American TV and film makers-along with manufacturers, jumped on the ‘spy’ phenomenon and produced a variety of products.

Besides popularizing some British imports such as The Saint, The Champions, Secret Agent Man and especially The Avengers, American film and TV included such properties as:

  • I, Spy
  • The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
  • Mission; Impossible
  • Blue Light
  • Get Smart
  • The Wild, Wild West and many more

America spy films included:

  • Matt Helm
  • Nick Carter
  • Our Man Flint and others.

At the time The United States and The Soviet Union were engaged in a Cold War. Nuclear annihilation was a real possibility. Spying was rampant from both sides.

Author Graham Andrews’ new book: American Rivals Of James Bond, published by McFarland & Company, Inc, Publishers, examines in great detail the United States spy phenomenon of the 1960s.

The book delves into the history of the spy genre long before the 1960s surge in popularity and looks at the creators and minds behind the espionage thrillers.

The author also provides a bit of a history lesson on real spy escapades over the centuries, pulp and magazine adventures pre-1960, a look at the lives of both Ian Fleming and James Bond and so much more.

I’m huge fan of spy TV shows and movies, books, merchandise, etc.

I found the book to be fascinating, jam-packed with interesting facts and tidbits and an enjoyable read.

There’s so much information included, painstakingly researched and presented in a fun to read format.

So much of the 1960s spy craze I remember fondly and it’s was fun reading all the insider information and behind-the-scenes events about popular America spy TV shows and movies.

"When I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me." — Micah 7:8

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Been There, Done That


One of the biggest challenges I've discovered as I've grown older is dealing with boredom.

Let me elaborate.

After so many decades of life things tend to get routine and if not careful they can become boring.

Each day tends to be like every other day. Get up, dress, eat, tend to chores around the house, shop, come home, watch TV, read a book, maybe go for a walk, watch some more TV and go to bed.

Day after day after day. It's easy to get caught up in a mundane routine.

While I don't pretend to know everything certain activities can get tedious and repetitive. Reading for example.

After reading so many mysteries, westerns and other forms of fictional literature you start to notice a pattern. You find yourself skipping though pages and nine times out ten you never finish a book because you've already figured out what will happen.

The same thing goes for TV shows and movies.

Conversations become a chore. Mostly because you're tired of hearing other peoples' same old stories, as well as your own.  It's too easy to get a one track mind. You get tired of your own voice.

Exercise, travel, family, friends, social activities, entertainment, etc. can all take a hit and become commonplace and repetitive.

But, knowing this there is a way (or ways) to stay active and alive. Here are just few examples:

  • Break your routine. Change your day-to-day activities.  Sleep late, get up early, exercise in the morning instead of the evening. Read more non-fiction books. Challenge your mind to learn new things.
  • Don't be afraid of changes. Accept them, enjoy them and move on. Shake things up a bit. Reject regrets.
  • Meet new people, travel to places you've never been before and do things you never imagined.
  • Go back to school-earn a degree. Get a part-time job.  Volunteer for a cause you believe in.
  • Learn new things. Take up music or dance lessons. Try new activities. Go to an opera. Take in a play. Slow down, enjoy each moment. Get tired, work hard, play hard.
  • After all, you're older. You have nothing to prove. Take up art. Start writing. Begin a journal. Document your life for future generations to read. Downsize. Don't hold onto 'things'.  Impulse buy once in awhile. 
  • Try a new wardrobe. Get in shape. Try new foods. Challenge yourself. Push yourself. Love more. Give more. Live more.
  • You only have one life-enjoy it. Be kind, trust people, attend church or a club. Get to know people you normally wouldn't hang out with. Don't act your age. Laugh. Cherish every moment.
  • Let people know you care about them. Help a friend. Buy someone lunch. Give a gift.
  • Stand up for what you believe.  Never be afraid. No one is better than you and you're no better than anyone else.  We're all equal in God's eyes. Forgive others. Forgive yourself.
  • Take the time to really listen, see, feel. Take in the aromas of life. Taste and eat food you've never eaten before.
  • If you're not into professional sports, give them a try-you may like them. Make the library you're second home.  Read, read, read. Learn all you can. Keep moving. If you don't use it, you lose it.
  • Appreciate your talents and strengths. Don't worry about what you can't do. Appreciate other people's talents and gifts.
  • Your body may be getting older but your spirit is still young. Face it, we are little more than dirt or ashes in the wind.
  • Get dirty and make an 'ash' of yourself. Learn to laugh at yourself. Forget the past, don't dread the future, embrace now.
  • Love God, your family, your friends and strangers. Learn to see the value of every human life.
  • Don't gossip. tell the truth even though sometimes it hurts.  See yourself for who you are. Never pretend to be someone you're not. Admit your mistakes, apologize if you're in the wrong.
  • Dare to be yourself. It doesn't matter if no one else likes what your like. You have no need to apologize.
  • Appreciate what others enjoy. Give them some space and slack.

I could go on.  It's too easy to get in a rut, especially when you get older. 

I'm 70 years old.  

One of my favorite sayings is, "I may be getting older, but at least I'm immature."

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Magazine: Upcoming!! Diamond Previews, March 2023

 




"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." — 2 Timothy 1:7

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Be Prepared--Life Is Short


This last January I turned 70 years old. My wife is one year younger than me. We’ve been married for 44 wonderful years.

We have two kids, their spouses and two grand children: one boy and one girl.

Both my wife and I are in good health. We exercise, watch what we eat and get plenty of rest.

We’ve had a couple of health issues but nothing serious: I had some cancer on my right ear and my wife has had some respiratory concerns.

Other than that we‘re fit with the usual aches and pains associated with age along with the signs of getting old.

We’ve always been frugal and wise with our money and property. We’ve paid off our house, car and other expenses.

My wife is the financier in our family and she makes sure the monthly bills are paid.

We’ve set up our final estate making sure our kids will split up our property and funds. Final funeral arrangements are made-both of us are to be cremated.

Since my wife takes care of the bills and finances I’ve made a list for myself on where our money is, expenses, etc.

I’m the tech guy, so I made another list of passwords, computer procedures, etc. for my wife.

Our son, the oldest, knows where our important papers are, where our money is and what our final wishes are.

It’s not been easy preparing these things. No one likes to think about their own death, let alone preparing for it. But it must be done, death is a part of life. No one escapes it. We all grow old and die eventually.

As healthy as my wife and I are all it takes is a blood-clot, fall or other accident or medical condition and our whole lives could change, even death.

Both my wife and I are saved. We know we will spend eternity with our savior Jesus Christ. He has supplied all our needs and more.

We pray everyday for the saving salvation of our children and grand children.

As to my collectibles. I’ve already started weening down the collection beginning with selling off most of my trading cards and pulling boxes of books from my library which I am selling.

Next up is my toys and finally my comic books. Hopefully I’ll have most of it gone before I die.

Should I die first I don’t want my wife and kids having to deal with the stuff. If all of it isn’t sold off before I die my son promised me to make sure it is taken care off.

Other than a few items My kids and grand kids want I plan on liquidating my collection.

As they say, “You can’t take it with you.”

I hope to be around for a few more years along with my wife. We both want to see our grand kids grow up, graduate high school and start their lives and careers.

With God’s grace and his permission we’ll be allowed to do so.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8

 

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Photon Hypernova


It’s time to kick it into overdrive! Aim toward the galactic chaos and get ready to rumble with some high-speed, energy-packed game play with Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Photon Hypernova!

It’s out of this world! Just look at what you get in the 100 Card Set:

  • New Cards for Kite Tenjo’s “Photon” and “Galaxy” strategies from Yu-Gi-Oh!
  • New “Chaos” monsters! New Tuner monsters that will help you unleash a massive multi-attacking, monster banishing, Synchro Monster powerhouse.
  • New Cards to complement the “Scareclaw,” “Tearlaments,” and “Kashtira” strategies from Dimension Force, Power of the Elements, and Darkwing Blast!
  • New cards that take the best of the past and upgrade them to the present!

It’s fast, it’s dangerous! It’s challenging and it’s all yours in the new Booster Set containing:

  • 50 Commons
  • 26 Super Rares
  • 14 Ultra Rare
  • 10 Secret Rares

Nine Cards come per Pack with 24 Packs per Box. 

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." — 2 Timothy 1:7

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Times Certainly Have Changed-But Is It For The Better?


A lot has changed since I first started writing reviews over 30 years ago.

I began writing just comic book reviews and soon expanded into writing reviews about pop culture items and then added consumer products.

Long ago the majority of contacts I had with publishers and manufacturers were by mail and some e-mail.

The internet was just coming into use and most companies did not have a website.

Although my review readership was less than 10,000, I mailed a physical newsletter out to the companies and distributed the newsletters to shops and businesses.

Review items arrived almost on a daily basis and I was very busy writing reviews.

As the internet began to take hold and social media became common place the amount of review items dwindled considerably.

Companies began to cut back on samples and many sent only PDF's or photos, along with press releases expecting me to review their products.

Honestly, how could I possibly be expected to review products from photos?

When YouTube arrived more and more people began to post video reviews of products.  The majority of the reviews were amateur at best and failed to go into any amount of detail about said products other than the usual fanboy gushing over a toy, comic book, etc.

More and more sites turned to collecting and how much objects were worth.

I do not consider myself a video reviewer.  I find most video reviews lacking in any kind of solid, nuts and bolts, tire-kicking kind of content.  Most are superficial.

Unfortunately many publishers and manufacturers are content to have their products showcased on YouTube never realizing that few people make the decision to buy a product simply from watching a video.

Most consumers want to dig into the guts of a product, examining its quality, how much bang for a buck they get and product specs.

It's a sad state of affairs when a legitimate review blog, such as mine, that has been around for decades and offers more than the 'fad of the week' review, is pushed aside and grouped with 'smaller' review sites.

A word of wisdom to publishers and manufacturers.  Just because a site boasts huge audience numbers does not make it so.  There are many ways to fabricate numbers making it appear a site is getting more views than it actually is.

I love writing reviews.  I wish I had more support from publishers and manufacturers.  My reviews offer good solid examinations of products-regardless of what they are.

I hope things turn around. 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." — Colossians 3:23-24

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Dark Magician Girl Goodies


What better way to upgrade your Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game from Konami than with cool game accessories and Card protection and storage?

Why play on a plain table or flat surface when you can dress up your game play with a Dark Magician Girl Game Mat?

The full-size soft, cushioned Game Mat measures out a whooping 24 inches wide by 14 inches high,

Beautifully decorated with a colorful Dark Magician Girl illustration and white on black, iridescent linear drawings the Play Mat cushions your game play and makes Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Cards last longer and look awesome!

Protect your YGO Cards in Tournament Level Dark Magician Girl Sleeves.

Play, protect and pack them away in the Dark Magician Girl Card Case that holds over 70 Cards. It’s bright, sturdy and is decorated in full color and iridescent color accents.

What’s sleek, slim, attractive, decked out in cool colors and iridescent accents and loves to cuddle and protect your YGO Cards?

No, I’m not talking about the Dark Magician Girl!

But, I am describing the Dark Magician Girl 9-Pocket Duelist Portfolio that holds 180 Cards front and back.

What better way to display and protect your precious YGO Cards than in this custom made Duelist Portfolio with anti-slip pockets?

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord." — Psalm 150:6

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Justice League Dark #23.1

It had to happen! Whenever the dark forces arise The Creeper can’t be far behind.

This is not your Silver Age of DC Comics Steve Ditko Creeper. This is a bring the dead back to life demon Creeper who relishes his power and nobody better get in his way!

In this special The Justice League Dark #23.1 issue the legend of The Creeper comes to life.

After millennium being trapped in the Soul Sword The Demon is free to roam the earth and possess human bodies.

It’s long confinement in the sword has given it a new purpose. Once considered a force for pure evil The Creeper sets out on a new quest-to ride the world of true evil-especially the evil perpetrated by other demons.

Existing on the fringe of good and evil The Creeper has no qualms about how its completes its new mission. It is a demon after all. It’s current human host is Jack Ryder.

Touches of its old desires surface now and then making the creeper a dangerous foe. Often it is hard to differentiate The Creeper from the evil it hunts.

The The Justice League Dark #23.1 was part of DC Comics Forever Evil event that featured key DC Villains on regular monthly titles printed wit beautiful and colorful lenticular covers. 

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." — John 15:12-13

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Batman Bat-Signal

It lights up the city of Gotham’s sky at night.

Criminals of all sort quake in the boots as the bright circle of light with a bat silhouette sends out its signal.

It is the Bat-Signal and when it shines Batman--The Dark Knight can’t be far behind.

The small hardbound book from Running Press delves into the genesis of Batman and his famous Bat-Signal.

Using interior and cover art from Batman and Detective issue the book follows the evolution of the Bat-Signal, how it’s changed over the decades and just how important it is to the legend of the Dark Knight.

Filled with color art, interesting history tidbits and cleverly designed the book is a very informative and fun read Batman fans are sure to appreciate. 

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." — 2 Timothy 1:7

Sunday, February 5, 2023

James Bond 007 50 Years Of Movie Posters


James Bond is a cinema powerhouse.  Bond is known all over the world and has played at movie theaters from pole to pole.

DK Books created a James Bond 007 50 Years Of Movie Posters book to commemorate Bond’s cinema history.

It all started with Dr. No and culminates through Skyfall that commemorated the 50th Film Anniversary of the James Bond franchise.

For those of you who weren’t round pre-Internet and social media what I’m about to say may seem a little foreign to you.

When movies came out they were promoted mainly via print and word of mouth.

Large posters, marquees, movie theater placards, newspaper and magazine ads and other printed material were the main promotional avenues for movies.

The hardbound book is crammed with so many poster and promotional images that it’s a wonder they all fit within its pages.

As I’ve mentioned several times before in various reviews I am a huge James Bond fan.  Sean Connery is by far my favorite actor playing the role with Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan coming in close seconds.

I also like Timothy Dalton’s take on the character.  I only wish that he had done more films.  Roger Moore was far too silly and George Lazenby-well..his acting speaks for itself.

The very first James Bond films I saw at the movies was Goldfinger.  From that point on I saw every Bond film at the movies.  Dr.No and From Russia, With Love I caught on network TV.

I have all the Bond films on Blu-ray/DVD even the ‘unofficial’ Never Say Never.  Forget the David Niven comedic Casino Royale-it’s a farce and I have no desire to sit through it.

It’s important to note that actor Sean Connery was a little known commodity prior to Dr. No.  He was chosen for the part by the director and groomed by him to be the sophisticated gentleman spy, even to the point of having his cloths tailor made.

Dr. No was a big hit in England and Europe and when shown in the United States it got a big bump in popularity because John Kennedy, who was president at the time, stated in a public interview he enjoyed the James Bond books.

Dr. No was made for a modest fund and when From Russia, With Love was produced its budget was at least three times that of the first Bond film.  Goldfinger followed with an even bigger budget, as did Thunderball and You Only live twice.

Connery left the Bond series, Lazenby followed, then Connery once again, then Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and finally the last actor to play Bond: Daniel Craig.

The book includes reproductions of all the printed promotional material for all of the Bond films up until the time of the book’s publication.

It’s bulging with print reproductions from all over the world and includes some informative text clips along with each piece.

The oversize hardbound book includes a picture of Connery as Bond with a beautiful woman on its cover and Roger Moore on the back with an equally striking female.

James Bond 50 Years Of Movie Posters is a delightful excursion through the Bond film legacy.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9

Friday, February 3, 2023

Journey Into Mystery With The Mighty Thor #119

Journey Into Mystery With The Mighty Thor #119 on of Thor's greatest foes: The Destroyer, was spotlighted.

How do you against fight a giant metallic killing machine whose sole purpose was to destroy you? That’s the situation Thor found himself in when once again he was pitted against The Destroyer.

The metallic monstrosity’s sole purpose was to destroy Thor.

Back when Marvel Comics premiered (it was Timely Comics before Stan Lee introduced The Fantastic Four and The Marvel Age of Comics) the publisher was restricted to putting out only eight titles per month.

It’s distributor (owned by the same company that owned DC Comics) placed the restrictions on Marvel Comics so it would not take away readers from DC Comics.

Nonetheless Marvel Comics began selling like hotcakes which placed Stan Lee in a precarious position.

How could he publish comic book stories starring his blossoming popular hero cast?

The solution was to take his anthology comic books and split them into two stories-one each for Marvel's most popular characters-the exception being Journey Into Mystery title.

Lee and Kirby introduced Thor in Tales Of Mystery and soon dedicated the entire comic book to Thor renaming it: Tales Of Mystery With The Mighty Thor.

Soon Thor would get his own sell-named title once the distribution problem was straightened out.

In the Journey Of Mystery Thor tales Stan Lee and especially artist Jack Kirby let their imaginations run wild.

It was during this period (and in The Fantastic Four) that Kirby refined his art style, introducing such things as the Kirby Krackle, fantastic machines, awe-inspiring landscapes and alien worlds and incredible creature and character designs.

In Journey Into Mystery With The Mighty Thor #119, Kirby delivered some incredible art featuring Loki, Odin, Asgard, Thor and The Destroyer and backed it all up with a spectacular Tales Of Asgard second story. Thor’s battle against the destroyer alone was worth the price of admission.

In the follow-up Tales Of Asgard The Warriors Three are introduced: Hogun, Fandal and Volstagg. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23