Marvel X-Men For Dummies

The latest release from Wiley Brand’s Marvel Comics series of Dummies book is Marvel X-Men For Dummies.

Before I begin the review I’d like to encourage readers to pick-up all of Wiley Brand’s Marvel Comics For Dummies series.

They are excellent. Whether you are new to Marvel Comics or an old codger like myself that has been reading and collecting them for ages this series of book delves heavily into each Marvel Comics title, their history, villain, heroes and more.

X-Men had an odd genesis. When Marvel introduced first The Fantastic Four and then The Avengers they were instant and huge hits.

Martin Goodman, then owner of Marvel Comics, told then editor-in-chief Stan Lee to come up with another superhero group.

Since Stan had already created heroes and villain who either obtained their powers through science or a freak accident or were born with them and used them from youth Stan decided , “What if individuals manifested their super powers once they reached their teenage years?”

Thus was born The X-Men-sort-of. Actually Stan wanted to call them The Mutants but Goodman didn’t like the name so Stan came up with The X-Men for their ‘X’tra’ mutated genes (caused by the use of atomic energy and weapons) and named after their founder Charles Xavier.

The title launched and it received a lukewarm reception even though Stan wrote it and Jack Kirby drew it. The X-Men would flounder along for a few years and almost got canceled.

Eventually it consisted of reprints of previous issues-until Giant Size X-Men #1 came out and a new breed of X-Men was introduced consisting of new members Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus and Thunderbird, Banshee and Sunfire.

Eventually the team consisted of Cyclops, Marvel Girl (later Phoenix), Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler and Colossus. The rest is history.

My favorite eras of The X-Men were drawn by Jack Kirby, Neal Adams, Jim Steranko, John Byrne and Jim Lee. To me writer Chris Claremont was the best writer on the series. The X-Men have transitioned over the years, spawned several series and specials and continues to be one of Marvel Comics biggest sellers.

In Marvel X-Men For Dummies, written by Troy Brownfield, each and every period of The X-Men’s long tenure is examined along with limited series, off-shot series and much more.

Learn all about the history of the various X-Men teams, their characters, villains, adventures, epics, tragedies, triumphs and evolution of the team and their offshoots.

Full color color and interior art filled the pages accompanied by detailed and fact-filled text. It’s ‘X’citing, ‘X’hilerating and ‘X’Cellent!

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

DIY Miniature House | Sakura O Kimono Shop

I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture and tradition. It all started when I saw the James Bond movie: You Only Live Twice. It was the first time I saw the people and places of Japan in color and in a modern setting. Before that I had only seen them in grainy black and white photos taken during and after World War II.

There was something alluring and magnetic about the Japanese people-unlike any group of people I had witnessed in the United States. There was a certain nobility-a pride-a cultural and traditional presence.

I started reading up on the history of Japan and became interested in Japanese garments- especially the Kimono. The Kimono are elegant, simple and attention grabbing.

When Cutebee sent me its DIY Miniature House Sakura O Kimono Shop (part of its City Walk Series) I was delighted. At last I could see, build and display a real piece of Japanese culture and tradition complete with Japanese script and architecture.

The Miniature House Sakura O Kimono Shop comes packaged in a heavy cardboard, flip-lid box with fold-in tabs. Covering the entire box is a slipcase featuring a full-color cover photo of the Miniature House Sakura O Kimono Shop, smaller versions of the photos are on the right and left sides along with other small photos of other Cutebee Dollhouses accompanied by full specifications.

The kit is recommended for those eight years old an older and is made of MDF board, paper, stickers and wire.

It is a great kit for kids because it encourages STEM and Critical Thinkgs Skills.  It aids children with eye-hand coordination, planning, visual recognition and patience.

Six boards with numbered parts (matching the enclosed instruction pamphlet's part numbers) come with a sticker sheet and a sealed battery box with wires. The boards are shrink-wrapped with clear plastic and all of the components fit neatly into the box.

I recommend looking over the instruction pamphlet first in order to familiarize yourself with its contents and suggestions.

Start by checking out the battery pack and wires to make sure the lights work.

Carefully follow the instructions and pop out the pieces to use them as you need them. A pair of tweezers, an Xacto knife, a small flathead screwdriver (for gentle pushing out the pieces from their boards) and liquid glue (just in case you break a piece-which is highly unlikely as the pieces are pretty rugged).

Each board features full-color components and the pieces are easy to remove. Take your time.

It’s a remarkable wooden DIY Dollhouse kit with its tile roofs, bamboo slates and shelves, ornate building fascia designs on the front and door (that opens) with open front and sides for easy viewing of the stores' contents.

Inside are multiple shelves and Kimono hangers complete with multi-color Kimonos. The shop comes with a cabinet with small selves complete with various shop objects such as cache of fabric tools, magazines, a tie mannequin, and a small two-drawer chest. Three small drawers and several shelves hold books, bottles and other ephemera.

Above the chest is a horizontal rack of Kimono fabric. Other counters hold Kimonos-all folded. A large vertical mirror is included along with a chair and table with a small round mirror, hanging fabric, hanging lamps and several rolls of spooled thread. Hanging from the ceiling are several Kimonos.

Outside on the left of building is a blooming cherry tree. A side display window has a small six-pane window above it. The front features a store sign in Japanese, several plants in a planter, a small shrine, a board with Japanese symbols and two Kimono hanging on three legged stands.

The building sits on a multi-gray stone foundation. The right side of the building has a large multi-panel window with a small window above it with a flower box and a hidden switch to turn on the lights.

The back of the building houses the battery pack that is accessed through a small panel with a latch.

All of the various components and objects assemble to make the charming Sakura O Kimono Shop to pop with bright colors, colorful displays and traditional design all highlighted by the lighting.

This is a wonderful kit for younger children and goes together fairly quickly with no fuss or problems. It looks wonderful on a bookcase, shelf or table.

I highly recommend Cutebee’s other Dollhouse kits and merchandise. Click this link to visit Cutebee’s website and click here to see a video of the Sakura O Kimono Shop Dollhouse Kit.  Click here for photos.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Pippa And The Singing Tree

Let me start off by saying the art and prose by P.J. Lynch and Kristyn Getty are absolutely wonderful in their book Pippa And The Singing Tree published by Crossway.

As a fellow artist and graphiic designer I am impressed with art  I love the colors, the figure compositions and how each illustration embodies emotion and joy. 

It's a beautiful, small and thin hardbound book wrapped in a fully-illustrated dust jacket accented with gold type-stunning!

What a wonderful celebration of the creativity and love of God. Join the song of praise with Pippa and her tree.

Follow young Pippa as she celebrates creation under a big tree through the seasons.

Discover how the power and majesty of God is reflected in the tree and the creatures and land around it.

The illustrations and writing amplify and celebrate all of God’s wonderful creation and his willingness to share it all with us.

It’s very uplifting book that children are sure to enjoy and most importantly come away with the truth that God loves them, cares for them and wishes to share all that he is and has created with them.

Be sure to share the information in the 'For Families' section at the back of the book.  It's a great tool for sharing the gospel and God's salvation plan.

My grandkids are sure to love this book. What a wonderful way to share God’s love with them.

2 Timothy 2:1 - Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Kowloon Walled City 2049 Book Nook

The place: a narrow, cobblestone back-alley in the city of Hong Kong. The year is 2049. You maneuver yourself around the crowd of people walking down the alley in both directions. You bump into and walk around the crowd and manage to make your way down the dingy, wet alleyway.

Above you neon lights flicker and flash illuminating the dark and hidden niches. Small shops and entryways are on each side. The flashing lights momentarily reveal the faces of the people around you-some old, some young, some peering at you while others look away.

You smell the dampness in the air, body odors sweet and foul, food being cooked, smoke, trash and some smells you are unfamiliar with. 

Sounds emanate all around you: music, laughter, talking, a baby’s cry, small animals, the hum of the lights and signs and the traffic nearby.

Every corner of the alleyway is filled with hole-in-the wall shops selling legal and illegal goods.  There are also small apartments. Shopkeepers and individuals encourage you to buy their wares. Signs advertise goods, services and events. Dark windows reveal shadowy glimpses of figures and plants. Cloths and wires hang overhead.

You see shingled overhangs, balconies with rails, merchandise, screens, electronics, a dilapidated pinball machine and visible sections of roofs.

It all feels claustrophobic and disturbing and yet somehow compelling. You senses are overloaded. You wish you could gather all that you’ve seen, felt, smelt, heard and touched and wrap it all up in a small box and take it home to experience it later.

Thanks to Anavrin’s Kowloon Walled City 2049 Book Nook you can. The miniature Kowloon Walled City is set in a dystopian not-to-distant future packed in a futuristic vertical box.

While the original Walled City site no longer exists its presence is still felt in the echoes of Hong Kong’s urban challenges.

You can envision clandestine and notorious niches with their faulty plumbing, hidden stories, unsanitary foodstuffs, drugs and crush of humanity.

The Kowloon Walled City 2048 Book Nook boxed kit has everything you need to create what I’ve described-minus the people, noise, smells and questionable commerce of course.

Once completed the little corner of Kowloon comes neatly packed in a narrow vertical box with a clear protective dust cover to keeps its contents clean and dust free.

The entire assemble comes in a heavy, cardboard, flip-lid (with flaps) box with its components safely tucked in a sectioned plastic insert.

A slip-cover slides over the box with color photos of the city on its front and back. The kit is recommended for those 14 years and older and is made primarily of plywood, MDF board, plastic and paper.

Inside is an extremely detailed Instruction pamphlet filled with sequentially numbered photos complete with coinciding part numbers as listed on the parts sheets in the box.

Follow the instructions and in no time (4 to 6 hours) the 195-piece Kowloon Walled City will be proudly displayed on your bookcase, counter-top, at your home, office or wherever you wish.

A clear, sealed plastic assembly packet contains wooden pop-out part sheets, a mirror and tinted plastic sheets.

Parts are easily removed from the sheets using the included auxiliary tool (I also use a small fathead screwdriver). Tweezers are provided along with adhesive sheets, color stickers with script and images, shingles, signs, photos, acrylic light signs (pulsing, flashing and transparent), tapes, steps, a large stick, silver metal marbles, clothing, a frosted rod, small plants, girders, an icecream dispenser, sodas, grass and a vine, electric cables and a battery box (batteries are not included.)

I suggest using the enclosed glue if necessary and an Xacto knife and a magnifying glass if your eyesight is a little weak.  Use a small flathead screwdriver to pock the pieces from the boards.  

The important thing is to take your time, carefully assemble the parts, check the wiring and assemble in the order as specified in the instructions. Start by laying out the wires to the battery box first.

Some of the parts are very small and it’s best to detach them one at a time as to not loose any. Large parts have tabs and fit together snugly.

It’s an easy kit to assemble if you take your time, follow the instructions and enjoy the experience.

I always like to begin building a kit by looking through the instructions and familiarizing myself with all its componets.  Next I check out all the wiring and lighting and finally start assembling pieces one step at a time.  

I plan on working on the Kowloon Walled City 2049 Book Nook over the holidays. Again, I’m in no hurry-that’s part of the fun.

The parts are laser cut, printed in clear and clean colors and are thick and durable. Don’t rush! Anavrin includes some extra small and fragile parts just in case you damage or loose some. Talk about planning ahead!

It's amazing how the designers at Anavrin added so many details to the street making it look old and worn with rusted metal, grimy and worn spots, clutter and the clever use of a mirror and forced perspective to make the street appear longer than it actually is.

The kit contans 235 pieces, is two-star (out of five) difficullty rated and takes three to five hours to assemble.

Follow this link to view a video of the Walled City. It really spotlights the colors and lighting. Check out the photos too. 

This link is to the Anavrin website so you can check out the other great kits Anavrin makes.

Excellent quality, a clever design, packed with details and a great value--all good reasons to purchase the Kowloon Walled City 2049 Book Nook!

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Material Wonder

Architect and interior designer Fiona Lynch has re-imagined what rooms are all about. No longer cold, utilitarian and humdrum her rooms exude the poetic, complexity and are inviting.

Isn’t it amazing that an individual can simple use such things like stone, plastic, wood, metal and cloth to create incredible rooms?

Even more amazing is designing rooms that exude  certain attitudes, functions and individuality.

That’s exactly what Fiona Lynch showcases in the new book from Thames & Hudson: Material Wonder The Interiors Of Fiona Lynch.

I’m awestruck, amazed, delighted and inspired by the color photos enclosed and motivated by the accompanying text.

The book invites readers to delve into the mind of one of the world's greatest interior designer.  It's fascinating.

What an amazing book! I absolutely love the room designs no matter the type of material, furnishings, lighting and theme used.

I wish I had the money, talent and time to create such incredible rooms in our house.  Perhaps someday.

Are you ready to design your own room? Use the book as a guide, inspiration and reference. Then you too can boast of your room’s Material Wonder.

Romans 8:25 - But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Kid Explorers: The Goonies: Mouth, Data and Mikey

The smart alex, the adventurer and the brain-that’s the best way to desctibe Mouth, Mikey and Data from the film The Goonies.

Mezco Toys created a series of action figures and items celebrating the movie.  

I’ve picked out three characters from the film: Mikey, Mouth and Data.

Mikey, Mouth and Data (and the other Goonies articulated figures) come packaged in hanger/shelf, clear plastic packages with a custom The Goonies background included and an oversize Copper Key image and The Goonies logo.

The first series of Goonies figures by Mezco include Sloth, Chunk, Data, Mouth and Mikey.  

Other figures were to be produced, but none were released.  Supposedly a pirate ship was released.  A giant Sloth figure did see release.  None of the female or adult characters had figures.

The Data figure is my favorite of the three.  There was something endearing and funny about a small Asian boy who dreamed of being James Bond and he had the gadgets to prove it.

Data comes with is green trenchcoat with hidden gadgets and various patches, his yellow backpack, telescoping boxer glove (Bully Buster), extra hand with spring loaded chopping jaws (Pinchers OF Peril) attached to a spare hand, custom belt buckle, chest mounted utility belt, weird candle (stick of dynamite) and a dart with a sucker end (Sticky Dart).

The figure’s face looks exactly like the young actor that portrayed him and the coloration and sculpt work on both the clothing and the figure are clean, crisp, detailed and exact copies of the movie versions.

Data wears blue jeans, his white tennis (Slick Shoes). He comes with barnacle covered section of pirate ship deck.

Like Data the Mouth figure looks exactly like the young actor who played hi.  Sculpt and paintwork are perfect, as is the articulation.

Mouth comes dressed in a light blue jacket, black t-shirt, dark blue trousers and black tennis shoes with white trim and soles.

Included with the Mouth figure are a saber, a lantern with handle, a hairbrush and two clutters of jewels and coins.  Mouth comes with a base covered with pirate treasure.

Mikey is dressed in black jacket and slacks, a gray shirt and white tennis shoes with black side accents.

Included with the figure is the copper bones, the pirate treasure directional coin, the pirate map, a bag of marbles/jewels, one spare head holding a breather and a rock base with a large boulder with a rope booby trap.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

The Mattel Archive

I admit it. I’m a big kid. I still love toys. At one time in the earlier days of my blog I used to get cases of toys from various manufacturers to review.

As toy prices escalated and more and more ‘websites’ (of questionable authenticity and reputation), began requesting toy review samples my supply of review samples almost dried up.

Once in a while I get a few review samples. I mostly post reviews of toys I already have.

Over the years I’ve downsized my collection considerably and stopped buying toys because they are getting too expensive even for small action figures.

One of my biggest and earliest toy review samples supporters was Mattel Toys. I used to get literally cases of toys from the company to review including Hot Wheels. Sadly those days are over.

But, I still love Mattel Toys and I understand the business end of things.

In Rizzoli’s/Universe’s new deluxe hardbound book The Mattel Archives readers are invited to travel back through the decades to Mattel’s humble beginning.

Discover how the company grew, introduced revolutionary products like Barbie, expanded its toy-line, changed with the times, acquired new properties and smaller companies, incorporated technology and boldly stepped into the future.

Enjoy looking at the old catalogs, photos and advertising images of Mattel Toys from the past to the present.

Printed on non-gloss paper the book’s images look somewhat dated adding to the nostalgia appeal.

I remember so many of the toys and the thrill of getting some of them on my birthday and Christmas, sharing and playing with my toys with my friends and anticipating the holiday new toy releases each year.

What a wonderful journey back in time made even more enjoyable by the vintage images and photos, accompanying text and even the smell of the ink on the paper.

Soak it up and enjoy a step back to your childhood and the excitement you felt when looking at the toys Mattel produced.

Barbie, He-Man, Fischer Price, Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket, Mega Blocks, Thomas The Train and hundreds of other toys, games, diecast, dolls and more are included. Let’s play!

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Corner Bookstore

My book addiction began way back in 1958 when I was hospitalized for dehydration. I was in the hospital for one week.

During that week when my mother came to visit me she always brought comic books that she bought at the Goodwill and Salvation Army for two for one nickle.

Less that a year later I was back in the hospital. This time for tonsillitis. I had my tonsils removed and again was in the hospital for a week. Mom faithfully brought me comic books each day.

Beside comic books I loved reading kids books and publications and once I got to be nine or ten years old I got hooked on science fiction and devoured books by H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. As I grew older so did my taste in books. I read constantly.

I remember my mom would get mad at me because I spent my lunch money on books at the Scholastic Bookstore at school.

Once in Jr. high and high school and also working after school I bought a steady stream of books of all genres. I’ve never stopped reading.

When I spotted Rolife’s DIV Miniature House Corner Bookstore I just had to have it. Rolife was kind enough to send me a review sample.

The kit reminds me of the many mom and pop bookstores I’ve frequented over the years. Such fond memories.

I'm excited to be building the Corner Bookstore.  It is very much a 'me' project.  I want it to be perfect-so I'm taking my time to finish it.  I plan on placing it among my library of books.  That way I can visit my favorite bookstore anytime I like.

The Corner Bookstore kit comes in a slip-case, flip-lid box. Numbered part sheets, numbered part bags, stickers, paper cutouts, transparent sheets, tubing, tape, eyelets, a grid sheet, electrical components, glue strips and other goodies are easy to identify and correspond to the numbers in the simple to follow instruction manual.

Tweezers comes with the kit. I recommend also having a flat head screwdriver to pop-out pre-cut pieces, an Xacto knife, glue, a pair of scissors and a good dose of patience and perseverance.

I just started the kit build and I estimate a good solid two to three days of work to complete it. I plan on taking my time, striving for few mistakes and once finished displaying the Corner Bookstore among my mancave’s books.

This kit is made for those 14 years old or older.

Having previously built Rolife’s Cathy’s Flower House and describing its external and internal components I’d thought I’d try a different review approach with the Corner Bookstore kit.

As a retired graphic designer and marketing professional and later a teacher of the same I wanted to examine just what went into the creation of the Corner Bookstore miniature.

I’ll start with the packaging.

The Corner Bookstore components come packaged in a sealed, rectangular box made of heavy-gauge cardboard, die-cut and folded to make a sturdy flip-lid, side-insert box that holds securely the inner components.

A full, paper slip-cover secures the box. The slip cover has a large color photo of the completed Corner Bookstore on its cover with small photos on its sides and back. On the back are product specs.

Inside the box are the various color-coded, numbered and Ziploc poly-bagged, plastic, wooden and metal parts and objects.

A material sheet, a part sheet, full-color instruction manuals, components, wooden sheets with laser cutout parts, plastic accessories-such as room decor (pots, plants, etc.), individual cut-out parts, sticker sheets, paper cut-outs and so forth I mentioned previously fill the box.

Each and every component is carefully designed paying particular attention to textures and color, packaging, individual part design, assembly and ease of assembly.

Cut-out parts are easily detached from the various wooden slats with little or no edge clean-up. Parts fit together tightly and being made about an 1/8^th of an inch thick and the parts are durable enough not to break or splinter. Part tabs pop into place.

With smaller parts you just have to take your time assembling them. This is where the tweezers come in handy. Adhesives strips, clear pieces, textured components, etc. fit and work perfectly.

When I examine the entire package and imagine the 
amount of talent, design expertise (by Robotime: https://www.robotimeonline.com), manual and mechanical construction and assembly of the various parts and packaging I am amazed that the cost of the product is as affordable as it is.

It took a tremendous amount of effort, coordination and cooperation to assemble the Corner Bookstore kit. I am impressed.

If you go online and follow the link: https://www.rolifeonline.com/products/rolife-corner-bookstore-diy-miniature-house-kit-dg164, it will take you to Rolife’s Corner Bookstore page where you can view a gallery of photos of the interior and exterior of the Corner Bookstore. There is also an assembly video and lots of information about the Corner Bookstore.

I suggest you look at the other merchandise on the Rolife website: https://www.rolifeonline.com/

I can’t wait to finish my Corner Bookstore kit and show it off to my family and friends. It’s an amazing miniature, packed with lots of detail, color, clever design and little goodies to look at.

Psalms 34:4 - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Star Wars Women Of The Galaxy

Men and women are equal. Not the same-but equal. Men and women both have strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to talent, brain-power, physical ability and drive-they are equal. Men overall may be a stronger, but women are more graceful.

They are different too, but their differences make both sexes unique. One is not better than the other.

That’s the way both sexes have always been portrayed in the Star Wars Universe. Whether being a Jedi, leader, politician, pilot or other occupations women in the Star Wars Universe have always been portrayed as strong, independent, capable and above all a power to be reckoned with-whether on the side of good or bad.

Chronicle Books, author Amy Ratcliffe and various female artists, portray and chronicle the lives and histories of dozens of Women Of The Star Wars Galaxy.

The deluxe softbound book, with a foreword by Kathleen Kennedy, has been updated and expanded and features beautiful illustrations and paintings and captivating text culminating in a heartfelt tribute to the women of Star Wars.

There was so much I learned from this book about the powerful females both common and uncommon that populate the Star Wars Universe.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Adventure Into Fear With The Man Called Morbius..The Living Vampire #20

Celebrate the third appearance of Spider-Man’s bloodsucking adversary in Adventure Into Fear With The Man Called Morbius..The Living Vampire #20 from Marvel Comics.

Morbius, when he was human, had a rare blood disease.  Using a serum concocted from he blood of vampire bats, he injects himself only to be transformed in a bloodthirsty, fanged, dead white skin living vampire.

He must walk the line between his almost unquenchable lust for blood and his human spirit.

Writer Mike Frederich and artist Paul Gulacy tell the tale as Morbius submits to mind control and is sent to kill a completely unexpected individual.

Los Angeles; Michael Morbius cannot squelch his thirst for blood any longer.  He attacks a young woman who just spent an evening with her friends.

He manages to quench his thirst and leaves the girl alive.  He flees before his bloodlust causes him to feed again-killing the girl.

As the sun rises he searches and finds a place of refuge where he can sleep and regain his strength.

His sleep is interrupted by the arrival of two holy men.

For some odd reason he doesn’t attack them but instead follows them back to their dwelling with the promise they will help him.

They use their scientific expertise to try to cure him--unsuccessfully.

Succumbing to his bloodlust Morbius attacks only to be stopped by the black magic of one of the holy men.

One holy man is taken by surprise never realizing his friend is a devil worshipper.

Enthralled by the magic the occultist instructs him to kill his friend in order to keep his secret safe and so that he might set his final plan into place-the murder of an innocent.

OK, OK I know this story is full of convenience coincidences.  I men really Morbius just happens to encounter two holy men (who are scientists) with the promise of a cure.

Still the art by Paul Gulacy makes the whole story worthwhile and after all it is the first issue of Morbius’s own series.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Handcrafted Bicycles

I am an avid bicyclist. I’ve ridden bikes since I was about five years old. I love the freedom a bicycle offers and the speed and the distance one can go on a bike in a relatively short period of time.

Currently I ride my Schwinn Copeland hybrid bicycle twice a week on treks averaging between 15 to 20 miles. The rest of the week I take short treks around 3 to 5 miles. I enjoy every minute.

I’ve never owned a really expensive bicycle. I’m more of a Walmart, Target and sports shop sort of bicycle guy. Still, I've checked out each bike I’ve purchased and all of them have provided me years of riding pleasure.

I wish I could afford an expensive, hand-crafted bicycle. But, it is what it is.

I can dream can’t I?

While looking through Schiffer Publishing’s recent catalog I spotted Schiffer’s new book by Christine Elliott and David Jablonka: Handcrafted Bicycles: Builders, Frame Design,And Inspiration.

I immediately contacted Schiffer and they were kind enough to send me a review copy.

Wow! I am in bicycle heaven! The deluxe hardbound book is filled with full-color photos of handcrafted bicycles from all over the globe.

Each bike (or bikes) spotlighted by different companies are a work(s) of art. They are stunning examples of industrial design.

Seats, frames, brakes, wheels, tires, baskets, accessories and some clever innovations combine to dazzle the eye, please the senses and elevate the urge to own one of these incredible bikes.

Thirty two master builders from around the globe share their expertise, story and their designs. Incredible!

If you are a bicycle lover such as myself then you have got to pick up a copy of this book. Believe me, you will not be disappointed and just as enthralled as me by the beautiful bicycles showcased throughout the book.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Space Shuttle And Base

Our grandson and I love to build and do things together. I try my best to pick out projects that are challenging for him so to develop his motor skills, dexterity and cognitive, critical thinking and strategy capabilities.

When I spotted Rokr’s DIY Mechanical Models Space Shuttle Space Exploration kit (designed by Robotime) at a Level Five difficulty, 14 years and older kit with its Dynamic Space Shuttle Base, I thought it would be perfect for us to do as a joint project.

He’s only eight years old but with my help, a little determination, teamwork, sweat equity and patience I know we can have fun putting it together.

This is to be a long process.  We get to see our grandson a couple times a week so he and I will be doing a little bit of building the Space Shuttle at a time.

And that's OK.  It will be help him with his critical thinking skills and best of all we get to spend time together.  Win, win! 

Our grandson just had a look at the Space Shuttle kit and he is absolutely out of his mind with excitement.

He loves outer space and rocket ships. He’s also excited about building the kit with his grandpa. He’s coming over tomorrow to spend the night and as soon as he arrives he wants to get started.

The Space Shuttle and Launch Base come in a clear-plastic sealed, heavy, card-stock, lidded box with a color photo of the complete Space Shuttle and Launch Base on its cover.

Inside the box is a very comprehensive and easy to understand Assembly Instructions Pamphlet.

Several large and small wooden part sheets are included. All the various pop-out parts are numbered to correspond to the numbers in the Assembly Instructions Pamphlet.

Parts pop out with a slight push. I suggest using a small, flat-head screwdriver to push out the parts-particularly the smaller parts.

I like the push-in, slide-over tabs on the larger pieces.  It makes it easier to attach small parts later.

I also recommend having a pair of tweezers, some liquid glue and an Xacto knife to use alongside the small Phillips head screwdriver, and finger nail clippers provided with the kit.

Other parts include a plastic part sheet, plastic pieces, screws, metal rods, electrical and lighting components and a couple of small motors. The smaller poly-bagged Ziploc bags are in a vacuum-formed plastic, pocketed cradle.

I’ve built model kits, put together puzzles, tackled Legos and Lincoln Logs and even attempted to figure out the intricacies of an Erector Set.

I’ve had limited success. I’m not the best at putting things together. Not so with the Rokr’s DIY Mechanical Models Space Shuttle Space Exploration kit.

Rokr makes it so easy. The instructions have easy to follow part numbers and schematics on assembling the different parts to the Space Shuttle kit, As amateurish as I am when it comes to electronics, wiring and electricity--assembling and placing the lights and motors looks easy to do.

What's really impressive is the Space Shuttle is the light array and how with the touch of a button the Space Shuttle moves into position, tilts up and down as if preparing for take-off.  Here are some other features:

• Three Coaxial Triaxal Robotic Arms rotate
• Elevation Rail
• Clustered Thrusters
• Seven Deck Terminal
• 3D Launch Base
• The control tower yellow lights flash six times to simulate a final countdown
• Simulated launch with LED flames
• Intricate parts and paint application

If you’d like to see a photo gallery of the retro 1980s Space Shuttle and Base at 1:420 Scale just follow these links and while you’re there check out the video, specs and the other great kits Rokr has available.

https://www.rokronline.com/products/rokr-space-shuttle-mechanical-wooden-3d-puzzle-kit-lka02

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajmczsxMKFg

Rokr kits make great gifts, wonderful teaching and STEM learning tools and fun family projects.

I cannot overstate the quality of this kit. The design, color selection, packaging, ease of assembly and overall value for all that it contains and involves are top-rated. 

How Rokr can pack so much quality and quantity into a box for a surprisingly low price is astounding!

It is a kit well worth purchasing and sharing.

Proverbs 3:6 - In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Manga For Dummies 2nd Edition

I’m a little behind the times when it comes to Manga. Sure, I know what Manga is and I understand that Manga of all genres has skyrocketed in popularity all over the globe.

But, I've never delved in the history and production of Manga.

Manga art has even changed the way Western comic books are drawn and written. It’s ironic that Manga came about when the Japanese discovered American comic books while Japan was being rebuilt after World War II.

The Japanese have always had the knack for telling stories using pictures. Manga is an extension of that updated for modern times.

In Manga For Dummies, written and illustrated by Kensuke Okabayashi and published by Wiley Brands, readers and Manga fans get more than a book containing the history of Manga-much more.

The book delves into the different genres of Manga and who reads Manga based on age, gender, interest and profession.

Learn how to select the right tools to draw Manga, how to develop a story, human anatomy, perspective, creating mechas, different character types and even how to go about getting your Manga published.

Consider the book a master class on Manga creation, history and how the business works.

Manga has conquered the world of ‘comic books’ and 'graphic novels'. It has expanded into merchandising, Anime inspired by Manga and produced superstars of the art-form.

It’s like having a miniature art studio in a book complete with helpful advice on how to make your own Manga a success.

James 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man

Webhead versus the Man of Steel?!  How is that even possible?  What if Spider-Man acquired powers similar to Superman's?

When the fists fly Superman is surprised by Spider-Man’s new powers that rival his own.

Why have the heroes of DC Comics and Marvel Comics got into a slugfest?

Doctor Octopus, Lex Luthor, Mary Jane Watson and Lois Lane make their appearances.

What is it with super villains and their giant rampaging machines?

Superman gets called to action when a giant robot rampages through the streets of metropolis.  Superman manages to stop the machine but not before its pilot Lex Luthor escapes, travels to some frozen wastelands and activates another monster machine.

This time Superman destroys the machine and saves Lex from drowning.  Off to prison he goes!

Meanwhile Spider-Man goes one-on-one with Doc Ock’s giant mechanical octopus and then a giant blimp.

Like Lex Luthor Doc Ock finds himself about to drown and Spider-Man saves him.  He too goes to prison.

It just so happens both baddies are in the same jail.  Lex Luthor activates some hidden electronics on his person and breaks out Doc Ock too.  

They conspire to stop both Superman and Spider-Man.

As expected they manage to get Supes and Spidey fighting each other to distract them away from their own nefarious plans.  You can guess the outcome.

The new larger format of the publication allowed artist Ross Andru to kick things up a notch with huge vistas and lots of details in Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man.  It’s a classic!

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.