German Heavy Armored Cars

I’m sure I’ve mentioned in my reviews before that even as a kid I loved the mechanized weapons and transportation the Nazis used during World War II.

Although the Nazis were the bad guys they still had some of the most interesting and advanced military paraphernalia, weapons and transports during the war.

In author David Doyle’s Legends of Warfare Ground German Heavy Armored Cars the author examines the various armored car models Sd.Kfz, 231, 232, 233, 263 and 234 in World War II.

Schiffer Military/Publishing’s small hardbound book is filled with archival black and white and color photos of the various WWII vehicles along with full specs, the history of each type of vehicle, full descriptions and historical significance.

It is amazing how advanced the vehicles were considering they were manufactured 80+ years ago!

World War II, military and vehicle hobbyists and enthusiasts are all sure to enjoy this book.

"Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." — Luke 17:33

Diamond Previews, December 2023

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

LED Tracing Pad

While my wife was shopping a the local T.J. Maxx I popped into the local Five Below.

I stopped by the art supply department and my eyes immediately spotted the Digital Essentials’ USB Powered LED Tracing Pad.

For a mere five bucks I purchased a 5.8 inch by 8.3 inch Tracing Pad that delivers plenty of light.

Light tables/tracing pads tend to cost big bucks but this little LED Tracing Pad is perfect for whenever you need to trace artwork or photos.

It provides plenty of light and its thin and light design makes it easy to store in a laptop bag or in a drawer..

It’s as simple as plug and use!

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'" — Mark 10:27

25th Anniversary Rarity Collection Booster Box

Konami’s new Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game 25th Anniversary Rarity Collection is a real treasure!

Has there ever been a time in your life that you wished you could find a hidden treasure?

Imagine the excitement of unearthing a fabulous fortune of precious items-items that everyone wish they had.

Well look no further because Konami’s Rarity Collection Booster Box is the treasure you’re looking for!

This spectacular all-foil Set with 79 of the game’s most popular Cards, each available in 7 different Rarities, including 2 brand-new Rarities is a real treasure. Just look at what you get:

• Super Rares
• Ultra Rares
• Secret Rares
• Quarter Century Secret Rares
• Platinum Secret Rares
• New “Prismatic” style Collector’s Rares
• New “Prismatic” style Ultimate Rare with a raised 3D varnish effect

Just like precious jewels of gold watch your Rarities Cards sparkle, shine, and gleam. You’ll be the envy of every Duelist!

Each Box contains 24 Packs of 5 random Cards.

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." — Jeremiah 33:3

How?

Have you ever wondered why some individuals excel?

Why is that some people absolutely knock it out of the park when in comes to science, math, sports, art, music and other professions and pursuits?

The other day I was crusin' the Web looking at some comic book artists' work.  For the sake of brevity I'll pick out one particular artist: John Byrne.

John got his start professionally in comic books back in the mid-1970s.  From there he soon found himself one of the most sought after artists in the comic book industry.

After drawing some second-tier titles he soon graduated to the larger titles such as The Fantastic Four, Superman, Woman Woman and so forth.

Not only did he draw the various books but he wrote them, usually inked them and more often than not lettered them.

The man was a comic book creating machine!

While it's true that his comic book art is seldom seen in comic books anymore John is anything but idle.  He still produces plenty of art-primarily for himself.

My point is--how in the world could he produce so much art and stories of such high caliber?  Take a  look at some of his art commissions?  Incredible.

His imagination and story-telling knows no bounds.  Why? Obviously he's talented, but it's more than that.

He's a creative genius, plain and simple.

How can one person have so much talent?  Hard work?  Consistency?  Determination?  A superior memory?  Probably all of those combined and more.

Personally I'm a little jealous.  I can draw, but not at John's scale.  I have a pretty good imagination-but not equal to the level of his story-telling talent or scope.

As I said before, there are many talented people out there-especially when it comes to visual art.  What's their secret?

If someone finds out, let me know.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10

Marvel Graphic Novel The Death Of Captain Marvel

Artist/writer Jim Starlin ended his run of Captain Marvel in the most dramatic fashion possible-the death of the character.

Back in the late 1960s Marvel Comics introduced a Kree soldier by the name of Mar-Vell.  After a few years he was transformed into the cosmic powered Captain Marvel.

His most memorable run was written and drawn by Jim Starlin.

Jim made the character his own with wild cosmic adventures and with some truly unique characters that both helped and hunted Captain Marvel.

In one issue Captain Marvel faced off against a villain who could literally blow himself up.

Unbeknownst to Captain Marvel (and his swapped dimensional partner Rick Jones) when the villain (Nitro) exploded he also detonated a nearby canister of toxic chemicals.  

As a result Captain Marvel was exposed to it and contracted cancer-a cancer that was killing him.  Since Rick was in another dimension the poison did not effect him.

Marvel’s greatest adversary was Thanos who was transformed into a statue of stone.

Without going into too much detail the story centered around Captain Marvel tying up a few loose ends, saying goodbye to friends-including Rick, his fellow space travelers and The Avengers.

The story was also a farewell to his fans.  Inevitably Marvel died at the end of the story.  Surprisingly Thanos, who worshiped Death, led Marvel to his final reward and rest.

Although they were bitter enemies Thanos had a great deal of respect for Marvel.  Together the two adversaries, with assistance from Death herself, entered the light and were gone.

The Death Of Captain Marvel marked a milestone for Marvel Comics.  Besides the death of Jean Grey, the death of Captain Marvel demonstrated even superheroes could die and that Death was an ever-present entity in the Marvel Universe. 

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

Secondary Action Heroes Of Golden Age Comics

Most everyone has heard of the popular superheroes first introduced during the Golden Age of comic books starting with Superman and winding down in the early 1950s.

Golden Age superheroes were especially popular during World War Ii.

Heroes like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Hawkman, Spectre, Green Lantern and others were big hits with kids and G.I.s alike,

Unfortunately during the mid-1950s comic books in general came under attack. Superhero and Horror, Crime and Fantasy/Science Fiction/Supernatural comic books were especially hard hit.

But, during the heydays of the Golden Age there were literally dozens of second and third tier Action/Western, etc. heroes that were equally popular although not as as enduring as the aforementioned major super/action heroes.

In Secondary Action Heroes Of Golden Age Comics, by writer Lou Mougin and McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, those secondary action hero/heroines are given their due.

Jungle heroes and heroines, science fiction good guys and gals, Western lawmen, crime stoppers and more are carefully and lovingly examined complete with art, history, stats and much more.

Many of the characters stemmed from film and TV adaptations, were original creations or copied from existing genres.

For a fascinating history lesson about the unsung action heroes from the Golden Age of comic books, this is the book for you.

"As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart." — Proverbs 27:19

USB Laptop Light

I love gadgets and at Dollar Tree I find all sorts of fun goodies.

My latest acquisition is e-circuit’s USB Laptop Light.

This handy little device pops into your laptop’s (or any computer) USB post and BINGO! you have instant light.

The flexible designed light boasts 14 Bright LED equal to 60 Lumens.

It makes for a handy little device when you need some extra light while working on your laptop or computer..

The LEDs are housed behind a slick and slim translucent white teardrop of plastic attached at the end of the flexible rod. 

 It measures about one foot long, which is plenty long enough to poke over your laptop screen or light the keyboard of your computer. 

 And it only costs $1,25!

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

George Lazenby As James Bond

He gave it his best shot.  Australian male model George Lazenby was hungry to play the role of James Bond after Sean Connery left the James Bond film series.

Lazenby even went so far as to have his suit made at the same tailor that Sean Connery used and to have his hair cut in the same style as Sean.

George somehow managed to secure the role and even though he had no acting experience he did manage to cobble through the film.

There was no doubt George was athletic, handsome and determined to succeed.  Unfortunately his ego got in the way, he took some bad advice and after one film he left the series.  

It was probably just as well-most critics and moviegoers did not particularly care for him as Bond.

I believe if he had stuck with it and polished his acting chops he would have made a fine successor to Sean Connery-especially as he got older.

Sideshow Collectibles created a 12-inch fully articulated collectible figure of George Lazenby as James Bond from the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

The figure comes packaged in a flip lid box with a full color reproduction of the film’s poster on its front, photos and text from and bout the film and George and an interior plastic cocoon that is molded to fit the figure and accessories.

Additional plastic wires secure the figure and a clear plastic sheet covers the cocoon, figure and accessories to prevent scuffing and damage.

Included with the figure is a circular On Her Majesty’s Secret Service base and plastic covered support wire for posing and supporting the figure.

The figure’s hands are preset to hold the weapon and accessories included with no slippage.

Posing the figure works well as the articulation points (swivel, ball and socket, hinge) are snug enough to keep the figure in any pose and the clothing does not bind or fold unnaturally when the figure is positioned.

Bond comes dressed in a dark blue ski slicker with a drawstring waist, high chest pockets, a high collar, strap sleeves around the wrists and a longer than usual length to guard against the cold.

The figure wears back gloves with silver snaps, loose fitting dark blue trousers that cinch at the ankles over the high top, fully laced black boots.

Accessories include a collapsible machine gun with an open frame stock, extended black ammo clip (that works), a small handgun (a Walther PPK) and a narrow shoulder strap for the machine gun.

Details on the weapons are accurate, to scale and nicely done-especially the air-cooled machine gun barrel and working clip.

The features of the figure look just like Lazenby with his wide face, cleft chin, deep set determined eyes and slightly large ears hidden by short sideburns.

It’s a nicely done figure. It’s too bad George Lazenby never made more than one Bond film-other figures may have been produced.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” — 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Central Perk Coffee Co. Coffee Mug

Get ready to get caffeinated courtesy of the Central Perk Coffee Co. with its brand new, two-tone Boston Coffee Mug complete with the company’s colorful logo and Boston lobster image.

The exclusive logo is being revealed initially at the Boston location. Other new merchandise with also feature the new logo, including apparel, kitchenware and more! You can also purchase the company’s six original coffee blends available: ground, whole bean and compostable capsules

Purchase the mug and merchandise at the Newbury Street coffee shop and online at CentralPerk.com.

Add the coffee cup, merchandise and coffee to your Christmas shopping list.

Your family and friends who are coffee lovers are sure to thank you.

OK, it's official.  This is now my favorite mug.  I love the size, weight and especially the two-tone coloring: off-white in the interior and solid matt black for the exterior with glossy logos.

Coffee, tea, cocoa: whatever beverage I want to drink, this is the mug I choose!

All Central Perk Coffee Co. offerings adhere to sustainable sourcing, production, and packaging practices that prioritize responsible environmental stewardship.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." — Psalm 73:26

Encyclopedia Of Demons

I believe in demons, devils, demi-gods, and other supernatural entities.

As a Christian I am well aware of Satan and his demons. They have infiltrated and entrenched themselves all around the world throughout the ages.

I believe nothing good comes from demon-worship no matter how benign they may appear. Mess with the supernatural and you’re dealing with trouble!

“Know your enemy.” is good advice especially when it comes to supernatural sources.

Author Theresa Bane’s Encyclopedia Of Demons In World Religions and Cultures, published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, is an excellent reference tool.

Demons and devils have been around as long as mankind. Some religions revere them, most fear them. In this exhaustive volume demons prevalent in religions and mythology are listed in alphabetical order with full descriptions of their powers, history and origins.

Over three thousand listings make this softbound book one of the most comprehensive examinations of demons, devils and fallen angels ever compiled.

Believe and beware!

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

The Flash

Of all of the recent CW Network DC Comics superhero TV shows, The Flash has the distinction of being the longest running.

When the superhero craze was at the top of its game the CW broadcast Arrow, Black Lightning, Stargirl, Batwoman, Legends of Tomorrow, Naomi, Lucifer and Supergirl.

The Flash crossed over with several of the series in the Crisis On Infinite Earths story line.

Grant Gustin player Barry Allen, a police forensic scientist who is haunted by his mother’s murder and his father’s wrongful imprisonment.

One day while working in his lab Barry was struck by lighting that bathed him in chemicals and empowered him with super speed linked to the Speed Force.

Using his newly acquired powers Barry teamed up with some fellow scientists, friends and eventually a secret government agency to fight crime, both human and superhuman.

Along the way he met aliens and evil Flashes, traveled to alternate universes and thought time and fought alongside other DC superheroes against super villains (including his Rogue's Gallery) and battled to save reality.

The show was packed with lots of action, plenty of cool sets, included fantastic weapons and super scientific gadgets and some of the best allies and adversaries ever brought to the small screen.

The costumes were extremely well made and paid homage to their comic book counterparts. Compelling storylines (many crossing over to the other CW DC comic book series) with lots of twist and turns kept viewers glued to their seats.

In my opinion it was one of the best superhero adaptations ever made for TV.

Look for lot of Easter eggs and surprise cameos.

All nine seasons of The Flash (blu-ray) come in a boxed set courtesy of Warner Bros./Discovery and also includes lots of featurettes, deleted scenes, gag reels and so much more. Hurry up and buy the set before they all are gone in a flash!

"I can do all these things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13

Universal Horrors

One Hollywood studio was responsible for introducing the masses to classic monsters and original horrors beginning in early 1931.

Universal Studios brought to life such horrors as Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman and dozens of other demonic denizens of the night.

The revised and updated book: Universal Horrors The Studio’s Classic Films 1931-1946, by authors Tim Weaver, Michael and John Brunas and published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, is a critical survey of the classic chiller films.

Eighty six films were produced during that period and included the classics I just mentioned along with The Creeper, The Mummy, The Invisible Man and other films of that genre.

Film coverage includes cast lists, credits, storylines, production history and insider information, analysis, cast and crew commentaries all accompanied with photos.

It’s absolutely intriguing, fascinating, informative and a real treat to anyone who loves classic horror films.

The second edition of the book is jam-packed with so much information it’s hard to take it all in.

Thoroughly researched and organized the book lists the movies by the years they were released. Be sure to check out the appendixes and glossary.

"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

Barbie

Who would have ever imagined that a 12-inch plastic doll of a fashionably dressed woman would wind up being a worldwide phenomenon and result in a merchandising mecca?

When Ruth Handler created Barbie, ( the fashion queen) in 1959 I’m sure she had no inkling as to how popular the toy would become with girls.

Over the decades Barbie has changed with the times, with new outfits, new vocations, a stellar diverse cast of supporting characters (her ‘kinda- boyfriend Ken), acquired a huge selection of vehicles, play sets and accessories and starred in several animated features.

Finally Barbie gets her own live action film (starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken) courtesy of Warner Bros./Discovery.

The Barbie Blu-ray/Digital Code package also includes six featurettes.

In the film Barbie suffers from an identity crisis. She begins to show signs of depression, physical changes and questions her very existence.

Barbie and Ken leave Barbieland, (where Kens hangout at the beach, Barbies (both old and new) have a plethora of careers) and travel to the real world.

While there she faces off against Mattel Toy executives, and the harsh reality of humanity, as does Ken.

Returning home Ken convinces other Kens to dominate the Barbies, Barbie rallies against them with her fellow Barbies and eventually peace is restored albeit both Barbies and Kens have transformed into individuals and not pre-programmed children’s toys.

The movie is funny-really funny and often tackles real social norms and attitudes.

She’s beautiful, fashionable, fabulous, funny and no one you want to mess with.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." — Isaiah 40:31

U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947, An Illustrated Reference

Air power extravaganza!

There’s something about military aircraft that fascinates me, draws me in and gives me a thrill.

Maybe its the weapons or the sheer power they exude.

Whatever the reasons, I love ‘em.

U.S Army Aircraft Since 1947, An Illustrated Reference (through 1997), published by Schiffer Publishing and written and researched by author Stephen Harding, feeds my aeronautic passion.

As a young man one of my all-time favorite hobbies was buying and assembling military aircraft model kits. I had them all, including many seen in this book.

This deluxe hardbound book lists, in alphabetical order, each of the different aircraft used by the Army.

These include small and large prop planes, jets, helicopters, hovercraft, experimental models, prototypes and some really oddball contraptions.

Included is a gallery of black and white and color photos and full specs for each aircraft, years of operation and other pertinent technical and historical information.

Think of this book as an encyclopedia about aircraft,

It’s extremely well researched, written in plain and easy to understand text and packs in a lot of information.

If you love aircraft, especially Army aircraft, this is the perfect book for you or any military history buff.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." — Proverbs 3:3-4

Age Of Overlord

A new age dawns!

Age of Overlord, is the latest core Booster for the Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game from Konami.

Combine the best from the past, present and future to go over the top! Nothing can stop you has as you pick the best Cards throughout the ages!

Just look at what you get:

• Discover the ancient secrets of brand-new themes.
• Unlock the untapped potential of themes from the past with new Cards,
• Supreme King Z-ARC is back in a brand-new form.
• There are also new “Supreme King” Pendulum Monsters.
• New Spell and Trap Cards.
• New Cards that work with Visas Starfrost.
• New monsters that can be Special Summoned from the Graveyard.

Age of Overlord includes 25 Quarter Century Secret Rares to represent 25 years of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG!

The Age of Overlord Booster Set contains 100 Cards:

• 10 Secret Rares
• 14 Ultra Rares
• 26 Super Rares
• 49 Commons

Twenty four of these Cards are also available as Quarter Century Secret Rares and 1 special Card is ONLY available as a Quarter Century Secret Rare.

"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins." — Proverbs 10:12