Duelist Nexus

Nexus: a connection or link between things, persons, or events especially that is or is part of a chain of causation.

Are you feeling a little left out? Is there a sense of not belonging, of isolation?

What would you say if I told you there’s a way to ‘link-up” and connect with other YGO gamers and become part of a gaming community?

Does the thought of being a part of something big-something spectacular sound good?

If so, I have the perfect solution: Konami’s Shonen Jump Trading Card Game Duelist Nexus.

Join in, become a part of the action and get ready to game, play and win!

Duelist Nexus guarantees one Foil Card in every nine Card Foil Pack with 24 Packs per Box.

Look at what you get:

• New Cards inspired by Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, from the anime series’
• A brand-new 3000 ATK Link-1 Link Monster.
  A new type of Grenosaurus plus Evolsaurs that can evolve into a mighty Rank 6 Evolzar!
• New Cards for Decks introduced in Cyberstorm Access.
• Introduces the first new monster Link Strike! Illusion Monsters.
• 100-card Set
• 50 Commons
• 26 Super Rares
• 14 Ultra Rares
• 10 Secret Rares

 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." — 1 John 5:14

Secret London

Ever since my son and his wife visited London, England and told me about their great time there I’ve wanted to visit it.

To walk the streets of London, visit Piccadilly Square, ride the giant Ferris wheel and tour the museums are things I’ve dreamt of doing.

But more than that I want to get to know the locals. I want to eat at small restaurants and pubs, walk through residential areas and see areas few tourists ever venture to.

If you’re like me and want to avoid the big city tourist attractions and to really get to know London and its people then the Secret London An Unusual Guide by authors Rachel Howard and Bill Nash, along with Jonglez Publishing, offers the perfect solution.

This small softbound paperback book is jammed packed with information and pictures about some of the quirky oddities, historical locations, museums, eateries and other lesser known and visited attractions most tourists never see.

Visit the House of Dreams, scout out places the famous people go, go monster hunting in Trafalgar Square, climb up a bell tower and explore the backstreets, tucked away historical sites, hidden gems and strange and fascinating oddities.

London has so much to offer, with hidden treasures and an exciting locations to explore.

So, take a taxi, jump on a shuttle or just backpack it and have a jolly good time.

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." — Psalm 4:8

Mera Queen of Atlantis

DC Comics Aquaman seems to get all the attention but Mera (his wife) is every bit as formidable as the King of the Seven Seas.

The Tonner Mera Queen Of Atlantis figure comes in a special, black display box with the DC Stars logo.

Inside the figure is secure in the box with silk ribbon tie downs and foam rubber.  Accessories are in separate Ziploc bags and packets of silicon chips keep the moisture out of the box preventing damage to the figure.

A sheet of tissue paper gate-folds over the figure for protection.  A special circular base and wire support are also inside.

If you’ve seen the Justice League and/or the Aquaman movies then you’ve seen Mera as she was portrayed in the films.

The Tonner Mera looks very similar with her long, wavy red hair, fair complexion, piercing blue eyes and full red lips.

Her features are delicate, as are her hands and feet.  Coloration of the figure varies slightly giving the impression of real fleshtones.

The fully articulated figure is easy to remove from its clothing and equally as easy to put the clothing on (including the shoes and hairpiece) with no bunching or unsightly wrinkles.

Mera’s costume is probably one of the most complex attires of any of the DC Stars figures.

Mera comes dressed in a form-fitted gown with low neckline, bare shoulders and long sleeves ending at her wrists.

The fabric is green and by the clever use of sequences and gossamer cloth it looks like fabric created out of deep green sea itself.

Variegated dark and light greens in strips and segments are iridescent and showcase the Mera’s figure.

The gown flares at the knees segmenting out into solid areas of green and sequence.  The gown hides her high back green high heel shoes.

Mera also comes with a tiara/crown consisting of starfish and seashells.

Once placed on her head her long red hair cascades down over her shoulders and mingled with the gown’s fabric makes them look as if the are one piece.

The amount of effort and work it took to create the gown is amazing.  Literally made up of hundreds of circular green sequences the gown shimmers in the light much like when sunshine filters through sea water.

It’s a beautiful figure complemented by its amazing wardrobe.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." — Psalm 19:14

It Happened Right Here America’s Pop Culture Landmarks

The United States is the land of pop culture. TV, movies, books, celebrities, collectibles, locations, etc. have an irresistible draw to Americans.

We love our movie stars, TV personalities-so much so that we want to know where they live, their personal lives, etc.

We also can’t resist visiting sites seen in movies and TV shows from restaurants, towns and more.

And it doesn’t have to be all about celebrities, TV or movies. Historical sites, locations where important events occurred and all things historical draw us in.

In It Happened Right Here America’s Pop Culture Landmarks, by author Chris Epting and publisher Santa Monica Press LLC, pop culture fever and addiction is tackled head on.

Check out the info bits and photos that detail historical, first time, celebrity, movie/TV sites, crime scenes and so much more.

It’s a veritable cornucopia of pop culture gotta sees.

If you love trivia, little known facts, fun stuff and pop culture phenomenon then this is the book for you! 

"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" — 1 Corinthians 4:7

Secret Florence

Ahhh! Florence-city of romance and the Renaissance. Florence is a city in Central Italy and the capital city of the Tuscany region.

As an artist and graphic designer Florence Italy draws me to its majestic cathedrals, amazing museums and historical places. Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and boasts some of the most important historical and artistic locations in the world.

Secret Florence, published by Jonglez Publishing and written by Niccolo Rinaldi and Paola Maresca explores the hidden treasures within the city, visits the back streets and alleys, spotlights artistic treasures few tourists even know exist and introduces readers to the people and places of the famed city.

Just a few of the surprises you will discover are a prison church, where Christian hermits originated, artistic masterpieces, carefully manicured gardens, majestic palaces, wineries, a Templar statue and other little known locations.

Mingle with the residents, eat where they eat, visits places locals frequent and meld into the magic that is Italy.

Secret Florence is explored in a compact, fact filled, color photo packed guide to one of the most enchanting cities in the entire world.

"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

Doom Patrol #1

It seemed oddly fitting that one-time Marvel Comics' Uncanny X-Men penciller John Byrne would turn his talents toward DC Comics’ Doom Patrol.

For decades the conversation and controversy about both groups was which one came first since they are so similar.

As usual John Byrne turned out a stellar script full of surprises and dynamic art.

The first issue took up where The Doom Patrol/JLA crossover started.

Having fought a horde of vampires and their master The Doom Patrol and The Justice League were in for a surprise when they discovered that remnants of the bloodsuckers still exist.

To make matters worse the vampires had taken over the bodies of some super beings and threatened to annihilate both The Justice league and The Doom Patrol.

Things go from bad to worse when Negative Man’s spectral energy being is possessed and seemingly killed Jonn J’onzz, The Martian Manhunter.

Leave it to John Byrne to create one heck of a cliffhanger ending.

While his run on The Doom Patrol lasted less than 20 issues it was memorable for its re-imagining of the characters and its all out action.

It was about this time when John started to lose favor with both DC Comics and Marvel Comics.

He managed to burn too many bridges and not long after The Doom Patrol John’s work would disappear in mainstream comics and shifted to smaller press projects from IDW and Dark Horse primarily.

Nowadays John primarily makes his living off of art sales.

Recently his self-published extension of The X-Men series he posted on his website generated some excitement with fans.

Possibly John may be dong a series from Marvel Comics if Marvel and he can come to an agreement.  I wonder what Joe Quesada has to say about it?

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." — Psalm 4:8

Secret Prague

Prague the capital of the Czech Republic is considered one of the most beautiful cities ever seen at night. The city lights illuminates ornate cathedrals and buildings. The vista of city is displayed in all of its glory.

Come celebrate with the people of Prague, enjoy their food, roam the city and discover the secrets hidden almost behind every bend in the streets.

Author Martin Stejskal and Jonglez Publishing present Secret Prague, a small soft paperback that is your guide to local places and people.

Filled with photos and highly detailed text that delve into the magnificent city and its many wonders.

Filled with Art Nouveau masterpieces, steeped in alchemy history, Jewish traditions and a spectacular pet cemetery Prague will surprise those that venture deep within its neighborhoods, city streets, small shops and restaurants to meet its friendly citizens.

Prague is a repository of great art, impressive architecture, awe-inspiring religious cathedrals and statuary and much more.

Venture into the heart of the city, get acquainted with the locals and discover the many tucked away sights.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." — 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

 

Babylon 5 The Road Home

Thirty years ago! It’s hard to believe but the stellar science fiction TV series Babylon 5 hit the airways three decades ago.

The popular TV show forever changed the genre of TV science fiction with its engrossing scripts, diverse characters (both human and alien) and its intense setting aboard a giant spaceship that was inhabited by aliens from across the universe.

I remember when the series first aired and there was somewhat of a controversy.

There was a conflict between Babylon 5 and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Both series took place aboard spaceships/stations, were steeped in political intrigue and conflict amongst numerous alien species.

Babylon 5 

producers and creators were upset by the obvious similarities between the series. Warner Bros. and Paramount Studios faced off as accusations heated up. Eventually the conflict was resolved and both series went on to long runs and success.

I've included a link to an article explaining the whole situation: https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2020/01/29/exploring-the-babylon-5-vs-deep-space-nine-plagiarism-allegations/

Warner Bros./Discovery presents the 30^th Anniversary release of a new computer animated original movie: Babylon 5 The Road Home with voices supplied by the original cast.

The Babylon 5 The Road Home 4K/UltraHD/Blu-ray/Digital Code Combo Pack features amazing computer generated animation with impressive special effects, a powerful soundtrack and well-defined characters and sequences.

Babylon 5 Commander John Sheridan and his wife are leaving the station as he assumes his new title of President.

While attending a new energy generation plant about to go on line he is exposed to tachyon rays that triggers a reaction hurtling him through time and space.

As he travels through time, alternate worlds and realities his condition worsens. To make matters worse the frequency of the traveling intensifies.

If he doesn’t find a solution the entire universe--reality will cease to exist.

What is the only power that can save him and will he discover it in time?

It’s an exciting, action packed, intense sequences of events reuniting the many much loved characters from the Babylon 5 TV series.

Extras include a commentary, and a featurette. 

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." — Proverbs 11:25

SS United States

I love being an American. There’s no better place in the world to live than in The United States.

And there’s no better way to celebrate the good ol’ USA than with a Flagship named after her: the SS United States.

Authors James K. Rindfleish, F. Samuel Bauer and Stanton R. Daywalt, along with Schiffer Publishing have collaborated to publish the beautiful hardbound book: SS United States An OperationalGuide To America’s Flagship.

I have never witnessed such a thorough, comprehensive and informative examination of any ship before. It’s absolutely amazing?

From stem to stern, fore and aft, starboard to port, lower to upper decks and every place in between the ship is examined to the finest detail.

The complete history of the ship is chronicled accompanied by vintage photos, memorabilia, schismatics, promotional material and documents.

I’m not a Navy guy and I don’t know a lot about ships but this book piqued my interest.

It’s a fascinating read with history, engineering, nautical and more laid out and written in easy to understand language for the layman.

I loved looking at the archival photos, old promotional material, checklists, specs, rooms, furnishings and other accouterments of the ship.

Ship dining menus, personnel lists, stations and other important information about the workings of the ship are also included

I felt as if I were one its passengers standing on deck taking in the sea.

Luxury accommodations, excellent food and service were the norm. One could not help but feel like royalty aboard one of the finest ships ever to set sail.

It’s more than just the history of the ship it's the history of a specil period of the United States.

"For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." — Hosea 6:6

Battles Of Legend Monstrous Revenge

What could possibly be worse than monsters? Monsters looking for revenge, that’s what!

Monsters have a nasty habit of showing up when you least expect them. In this Set they come in all shapes and sizes and most of them with a bad attitude.

Do you avoid them, use them or pit them against you foes? Do you have what it take to squelch monsters hellbent on revenge?

Battles of Legend: Monstrous Revenge introduces 52 new Cards plus a bunch of returning favorites!

Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game continues to celebrate its 25^th Anniversary with Battles Of Legend Monstrous Revenge.

The all-foil Booster Set tells a tale of knights, dragons, ghosts, and serpents. Just look at what you get:

• Cards for many different Decks seen in the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga and anime series.
• Each Box contains 24 Packs of 5 random Cards with one Foil Card per Deck.
• The first Booster Set to celebrate its 25^th Anniversary with Quarter Century Secret Rares.
• The Battles of Legend: Monstrous Revenge Booster Set contains:

• 40 Secret Rares
• 62 Ultra Rares

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." — Romans 8:26

Creating Back To The Future The Musical

One of my all-time favorite movie trilogies is Back To The Future. The others are the original Star Wars Trilogy and the Indiana Jones Trilogy.

Who can forget the incredible adventures of Marty McFly and ‘Doc’ Brown as they traverse time starting with 1955, to 2015 to 1885?

Filled with adventure, danger, humor and more than its fair share of surprises the Back To The Future Trilogy still resonates with movie goers today.

Writer Michael Klastorin and Abrams Books present Creating The Back To The Future The Musical a glorious and colorful hardbound book.

Bob Gale provides an introduction and director of all three films, Robert Zemeckis, writes the afterword with a foreword by Roger Bart.

How do you translate a hit movie to the stage and make it work? This book goes into great detail on just how it was done.

First there’s adapting the script, selecting a cast and recreating the classic scenes to fit on a stage, including the Delorean!

Visual effects were a must and just like the films they are incredible and impressive.

The entire script is broken down, including the musical numbers and each member of the stellar cast is spotlighted along with the production crew, director, producer and others.

Witness the construction of the various stage pieces, costume selections and the songs, musical numbers and so much more.

It’s a blast from the past using today’s cutting edge technology, a brand new cast, clever staging and best of all the blessing of the original cast and crew from the movie.

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." — Romans 8:26

 

Legend Of Blue Eyes White Dragon

Old blue eyes is back and it ain’t Frank Sinatra-unless he has scales, wings and breaths flame.

Konami invites you to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! the Trading Card Game with its Legend Of Blue Eyes White Dragon Legendary Collection Set.

Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon was:

• The first Booster Set.
• Introduced famous cards like Exodia the Forbidden One, Spell Cards like Pot of Greed and Raigeki.
• This printing features both Secret Rares from the Set.

So, what are you waiting for? Quit ‘dragon’ing your rear end around and take ‘flight’. Put a little ‘fire’ in your step. You’re no lounge lizard. You’ve got a dragon to tame, defeat or avoid. The choice is yours-win or lose.

Each Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon Booster Box contains 24 Packs consisting of 9 random Cards each, one of which is a Rare Card.

The Set contains 126 Cards:

• 2 Secret Rares
• 10 Ultra Rares
• 10 Super Rares
• 22 Rares
• 82 Commons

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

Secret Amsterdam

The Venice of The North describes Amsterdam, Netherlands for its many bridges.

Organized, inviting, friendly and classic-all describe the city and its people. Steeped in culture and the arts Amsterdam is well known for its impressive architecture, beautiful canals and waterways, spectacular parks and pubic places and its fine food and drink.

But, why settle for the standard tourist fare when with a little initiative and with the help of a guide you find hidden gems and attractions?

Secret Amsterdam, written by Marjolijn Van Eys and Delphine Mousseau and published by Jonglez Publishing, offers a local guide to Ansterdam people and places.

Walk along the waterways, dine at a small mom and pop restauranst, grab a snack of fish and fries, chat with the locals (surprise they also speak English), check out the shops, marvel at the impressive museums and enjoy the smooth running public transportation and emaculate city.

Thirsty? Discover where cognac was invited, check out and esoteric library, ski in the heart of the town, marvel at a floating neighborhood and take part in a ‘boat-in’.

Get away from the crowds, visit well hidden locations, see and do what locals do and immerse yourself in the ‘feel’ of the city.

Amsterdam is both conventional and unconventional. It’s easy to settle in yet there are some surprises. Revel in the differences and broaden your horizons.

Filled with fascinating text and color photos Secret Amsterdam is the perfect guide to The Venice Of The North.

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." — 1 John 4:16

Metal Raiders

“I like smoke and lightnin'
Heavy metal thunder
Racing with the wind
And the feeling that I'm under”

It may not be part of a song courtesy of Steppenwolf but Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game (part of the Legendary Collection) Metal Raiders can belt out some serious metal mayhem!

How do you defend against metallic marauders? It’s time to ‘steel’ yourself, get the ‘lead’ out and go for the ‘gold’. Show a little ‘brass’ in your sass, ‘iron’ in your spine and ‘uranium’ in your cranium!

It’s time to see who winds up in the scrap yard!

• As part of its 25^th Anniversary Collection Metal Raiders reintroduces gamers to some classic YGO that includes:
• Incredibly powerful Trap Cards such as Yugi’s Mirror Force, Horn of Heaven, Magic Jammer, Seven Tools of the Bandit and Solemn Judgment!
• Heavy Storm also made its debuted in this Set!
• Two Secret Rares are included in the Set.

Each Metal Raiders Booster Box contains 24 packs consisting of 9 random Cards each one of which is a Rare Card.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." — 1 Chronicles 16:34

The VW Bus History Of A Passion

When I was a teenager attending high school one of my best friends had a mid-1960s VW Bus cargo van with no side windows and a sliding side door.

In the winter we would drive it to the school parking lot that usually froze over. Once there we’d slide around pulling donuts and figure eights. A few times we almost tipped it over. It was great fun.

VW Buses were the stuff of the 1960’s hippy movement. Any teenager worth their weight in salt has a beat-up VW Bus, usually painted in psychedelic colors and peace signs. It was a babe magnet!

In The VW Bus History Of A Passion book, by author Jorg Hajt and published by Schiffer Publishing, the history of the beloved VW Bus is laid out accompanied by archival photos-black and white and in color.

Talk about bringing back some fond memories!

What made (makes) the VW Bus so beloved is the versatility of the vehicle. From cargo van to camper, to pick-up to family transportation and everything in between the VW Bus is awesome!

Early VW Buses, especially early models with multiple windows, demand high prices. Fixed up and back on the road some of the vehicles can demand six to seen figures! Wow!

What a fascinating book. I never knew that was so much to know about this beloved vehicle.

Beside an impressive history the book also contains technical information and tips on buying.

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life." — Psalm 143:8

Invasion Of Chaos

Do you feel confused? Perplexed? Slightly out of sorts? Does your life seem a little chaotic? Well, things are just about ready to get interesting!

Konami’s Shonen Jump Trading Card Game Invasion Of Chaos release from its Legendary Collection celebrating 25 years of YGO may seem confusing but it’s all a part of the game.

• Invasion of Chaos unleashes a variety of powerful cards that includes:
• LIGHT and DARK Attribute monsters: Black Luster Soldier, Chaos Emperor Dragon and Dark Magician of Chaos! Secret Rares from the Set.

The 25^th Anniversary Edition Invasion of Chaos Booster Box contains 24 Packs consisting of 9 Cards that includes 1 Rare Card per Pack.

The complete Invasion of Chaos Booster Set is 112 cards:

• 73 Commons
  
• 17 Rares
• 10 Super Rares
• 10 Ultra Rares
• 2 Secret Rares

The question is: Do you get caught up in the chaos or do you use it to your advantage?

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." — Hebrews 11:1